Fundamentals of Computer

A computer is an electronics-based device that works with data and generates significant results. To know the functioning of a computer, we need to know about the hardware, the software, the input and output devices, the multimedia, the memory, the storage devices, and the number system.

Fundalemtal

Hardware

Hardware can be defined as the physical parts of a computer that we can touch and see.

Examples include:

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

There are four key functions of hardware:

  • Input
  • Processing
  • Output
  • Storage

Software

'Software' refers to a collection of instructions that inform the computer on what to do. It controls the hardware.

There are two main types:

System Software

Controls the overall functioning of the computer.
Example: Operating System

Application Software

Helps users in carrying out certain tasks.
Examples: MS Word, MS Excel, Browser.

A combination of software and hardware performs tasks effectively.

Input and Output Devices

Input Devices

The data is input into the computer using input devices.

Examples:

  • Keyboard - type text
  • Mouse - select items
  • Scanner - copy documents
  • Microphone - record sound

Output Devices

Results are shown or presented to output devices.

Examples:

  • Monitor - displays text and images.
  • Printer - prints documents
  • Speakers - produce sound

Output devices are used to show the results, and input devices are used to send information to the computer.

Animation and Multimedia

'Multimedia' refers to the use of various media together.

It includes:

  • Text
  • Images
  • Audio
  • Video
  • Animation

Animation is the development of motion pictures out of still images.
It is applied to games, movies, ads and education.
Multimedia makes communication interesting and engaging.

Memory and Storage Devices

Memory and storage help in the storage of data and instructions.

Memory

Memory holds information which is in use by the computer.

Types:

  • RAM - Short-term memory (information gets lost when power is cut off)
  • ROM - Non-volatile memory (stores boot instructions)

Storage Devices

Data is stored in permanent storage devices.

Examples:

  • Hard Disk / SSD
  • Pen Drive
  • Memory Card
  • External Hard Drive

Storage helps to keep files secure even during the off time of the computer.

Number System

Computers operate in number systems.
The binary number system is the most significant one.

Binary Number System (Base 2)

Binary uses only two digits:

0 and 1

Computers can only read binary numbers since they are operated on an electrical signal (ON and OFF).

conversion of binary to decimal numbers

To convert binary to decimal:

Example: (1011)2

Step 1: Write place values (powers of 2).

1 × 23 = 8
0 × 22 = 0
1 × 21 = 2
1 × 20 = 1

Step 2: Add them

8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11

So, (1011)2 = (11)10

To convert a decimal to binary:

Example: 13

Step 1: Divide by 2 repeatedly

13 ÷ 2 = 6 remainder 1
6 ÷ 2 = 3 remainder 0
3 ÷ 2 = 1 remainder 1
1 ÷ 2 = 0 remainder 1

Step 2: Write bottom-to-top remainders.

1101

So, (13)10 = (1101)2

Quiz For Fundamentals Of Computer

1. What is the part of a computer that is used as the brain of the computer and does the processing?

A) Monitor
B) CPU
C) Keyboard
D) Printer

Answer: B) CPU

2. What is an example of system software?

A) MS Excel
B) Web Browser
C) Operating System
D) Media Player

Answer: C) Operating System

3. The user just types a report with the help of a keyboard and eventually prints the document with the help of a printer. What is the right answer to the question of what these devices are?

A) Both are input devices
B) Both are output devices
C) Keyboard input and printer output.
D) Printer: input, and keyboard: output.

Answer: C) Keyboard input and printer output.

4. Which of the following does not represent an example of application software?

A) MS Word
B) Linux
C) Spreadsheet software
D) Web browser

Answer: B) Linux

5. A computer game is a collection of still images that have been shown very quickly to create a moving character. What is the name of this technique?

A) Multimedia
B) Animation
C) Graphics rendering
D) Simulation

Answer: B) Animation

6. A student saves a project on a pen drive in order to ensure that the project is safe even when the computer is switched off. What kind of storage is being employed?

A) Primary memory
B) Temporary memory
C) Secondary storage
D) Cache memory

Answer: C) Secondary storage

7. What kind of memory has its information lost when the computer is turned off?

A) ROM
B) Hard Disk
C) RAM
D) SSD

Answer: C) RAM

8. Which of the following does not belong to multimedia?

A) Text
B) Video
C) Animation
D) Binary code

Answer: D) Binary code

9. Change the binary (1011)2 in decimal.

A) 10
B) 11
C) 12
D) 13

Answer: B) 11

10. Write the decimal number 1310 in binary form.

A) 1011
B) 1100
C) 1101
D) 1110

Answer: C) 1101