Fundamentals of Computer

A computer is an electronic device that takes data and provides correct results. To understand how a computer works, we must learn about hardware, software, algorithms, flowcharts, and number systems.

Fundamentals

Hardware

Hardware is that which is physically visible and touchable by a user.

Examples include:

  • Monitor
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • CPU
  • Printer
  • Hard Disk

Hardware has the functionality of input, processing, storage and output of information.

Hardware is divided into the following:

  • Input Devices - Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner.
  • Output Devices - Monitor, Printer, Speakers.
  • Processing Devices - CPU
  • Storage Devices - Pen drive, Hard disc.

Software

  • A set of instructions that directs the computer on what to do is called software.
  • It is not touchable, yet it manages hardware.

There are two main types:

1. System Software

  • Manages the operation of the computer.
  • Example: Operating System

2. Application Software

  • Assists users in certain actions.
  • Example: MS Word, Excel, and Browser.

Hardware and software work together to accomplish a task.

Algorithms

An algorithm is a process to solve a problem.

For example, determine the sum of two numbers:

  1. Start
  2. Enter first number
  3. Enter second number
  4. Add the numbers
  5. Display result
  6. Stop

Algorithms help in pre-planning a program.

Flowcharts

A flowchart is a chart that shows the process of an algorithm in symbols.

Logic can be easily understood through flowcharts.

Flowchart

Basic Symbols

  • Oval - Start/Stop
  • Rectangle - Process
  • Parallelogram - Input/Output
  • Diamond - Decision
  • Arrow - Flow line

Advanced Flowchart Symbols

In the 8th class, we also acquire advanced symbols:

  • Connector (Circle) – Connects two or more parts of a flowchart.
  • Off-page Connector – Links flowcharts to other pages.
  • Predefined Process - Refers to a set of instructions.
  • Document Symbol - Represents a document.

Complex programs are designed with the help of advanced symbols.

Introduction to Number Systems

Computers understand numbers in different ways.
They understand the binary system.

Types of Number Systems

Decimal System (Base 10)

Uses digits 0-9
Used in daily life

Binary System (Base 2)

Uses only 0 and 1
Used by computers

Octal System (Base 8)

Uses digits 0-7

Hexadecimal System (Base 16)

Uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F

Binary numbers are significant because computers operate on electrical signals (ON = 1, OFF = 0).

 

QUIZ FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER

1. The steps that are written by a student to get a solution to a problem are:

Start -> Insert two numbers -> Add numbers -> Display result -> Stop

What is the meaning of this series?

A) Hardware operation
B) Algorithm
C) Flowchart
D) Application program

Answer: B) Algorithm

2. These symbols are in order in a diagram:

Oval -> Parallelogram -> Rectangle -> Parallelogram -> Oval

What do you think this diagram is most probably about?

A) Hardware components
B) Flowchart of a program
C) Binary conversion
D) Storage process

Answer: B) Flowchart of a program

3. A flowchart contains a question that is asked, and a choice between two paths (Yes/No) is made with the help of a symbol. What symbol does this?

A) Rectangle
B) Diamond
C) Oval
D) Parallelogram

Answer: B) Diamond

4. A programmer will make a huge flowchart that is carried to a different page. What symbol would best relate the flowchart to the following page?

A) Connector
B) Off-page Connector
C) Document Symbol
D) Decision Symbol

Answer: B) Off-page Connector

5. The keyboard, CPU, monitor, and hard disc are computer parts that are used in performing a task. What is the overall meaning of this combination?

A) Software environment
B) Hardware system
C) Programming structure
D) Flowchart structure

Answer: B) Hardware system

6. A computer application enables an individual to write reports, create spreadsheets and even use the internet. What type of software are these programs?

A) System Software
B) Application Software
C) Firmware
D) Programming Software

Answer: B) Application Software.

7. Signals are fed into a computer with ON and OFF being 1 and 0, respectively. What number system is simply founded on this principle?

A) Decimal
B) Binary
C) Octal
D) Hexadecimal

Answer: B) Binary

8. A to F and 0 to 9 are used in a number system. Which system is this?

A) Binary
B) Octal
C) Decimal
D) Hexadecimal

Answer: D) Hexadecimal

9. A student breaks a big program into smaller parts, which are reused several times. What symbol in a flowchart is such a set of predefined instructions?

A) Decision Symbol
B) Connector
C) Predefined Process
D) Document Symbol

Answer: C) Predefined Process

10. What do you think is the appropriate combination of hardware function and device?

A) Input - Monitor
B) Output - Keyboard
C) Storage - Hard Disk
D) Processing - Scanner

Answer: C) Storage - Hard Disk