What is Computer? | Parts of Computer and Uses

Computer - Fundamentals

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What Is a Computer?  

 

The computer is an electronic device/machine which can perform tasks very fast than humans, by getting the input from the user as a raw fact (data) and provides a piece of meaningful information as output after processing it under required functions and conditions provided by the user.

The computer has made a drastic change in today's world in getting the results fast and accurate as much as possible.

Computers have the following Characteristics :

• Automatic - After getting a job and instructions, a computer can work on it automatically.

• Speed - Computers work at a very fast speed.

• Accuracy - Computers provides accurate results with fast speed.

• Diligence - Computers work for a long time without getting bored.

• Versatility - Computers can do different types of work with the same efficiency.

• Power of Memorizing - Computers can store huge amounts of information for a long period of time.

• No I.Q. - Computers don't have their own decision making power.

• No Feelings - Computers are free from emotions, their judgment is on the basis of instructions given.

Computer Invention 

• Computer Inventor - Computer first invented by "Charles Babbage".

• Time of Invention - In the early 19th Century(The invented First mechanical computer).

Types of Computer

According to the demand of society (as much as fast and size should be less) and development in technologies computers are categories in the following types :

• Super Computer
• Mainframe Computer 
• Mini Computer
• Workstation
• Personal Computer (PC) 

Functions Of Computer

The computer system generally performs only three functions to get the user's job done :

Input - In this step/function computer system takes raw data by the user.

Processing - In this step taken raw data is being processed into a meaningful information.

Output - In this step that processed meaningful information is provided to the user who had raised the request.

A Block Diagram of Computer System.

Uses of Computer

In today's world, the Computer is probably used in all sectors to make their work easier and faster, which helps the people in getting their work on time.

There are some sectors listed below where computers are widely used :

 

• Banking - Computers are used in banks for Net banking, ATM Machines and latest UPI Transfers also work with the help of Computer Systems

• Business - Computers are used in these sectors for getting accurate statistics of Profit & Loss, Sells & Buy.

• Education - Computer-Based Education (CBE), E-Learning and Used in Libraries for maintaining Records. Computers used in Schools.

• Insurance - Used for maintaining Interests Due, Maturity, Date, and Bonus.

• Reservations - In Reservations Computer is used for Ticketing and for maintaining passenger lists.

• Marketing - Computers are used for Advertising and E-Commerce services like - Amazon, Flipkart, etc.

• Health Care - Computers are used in Hospitals and Public Health Care center to maintain Patient Lists and in medicine to maintain medicine stocks.

• Defense System - Computers are used to navigate missiles and track activities.

• Communication - Computers are used for communication purposes like - E-Mail, Social Networking, and Chatting.

• Engineering Designs - Computers are used for making Engineering Designs like - Construction Maps.

• Government - Computers are used in government authorities to maintain records of Citizens through Aadhar, PAN, VISA, and Voter ID.
  

Computer Hardware

All the physical components of a Computer System which performs a specific role according to user's need are known as Computer Hardware. 

Some of the Essential Parts of Computer are listed below :

• Monitor
• CPU
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Speakers
• Printers
• Joystick
• Track Ball, etc. 

  

Computer Software

Computer Software is an essential program that is must be needed for a Computer System to work properly with the help of Hardware.

Without a Software, a computer system is non-other than a Drum because the software provides required instructions to the computer hardware to function properly.

A set of instructions which performs a specific user defined task is known as "Program".

Computer Software is mainly divided into two categories :

• System Software
• Application Software

Difference between Desktop and Laptop

  Desktop :  

• Desktop computers are more powerful than Laptops.
• Desktop computers occupy more space to assemble.
• Desktop computers can not be carried anywhere, due to heavyweight and big in size.
• The desktop computer lacks some technical features which laptops have in an integrated form.
• Its components are available separately, which is have to assemble during use. 
• Desktop Computers have Disk-Drives, which helps in carrying data on CD and DVD.            

  Laptop :

• Laptop computers are also powerful but not as Desktop.
• Laptop computers occupy less space.
• Laptop computers can be easily carried in tours and travels.
• Laptop computers have integrated Graphics, WiFi, etc.
• Some Laptop computers lack Disk-Drives. 
• Laptops are easy to assemble because almost components are integrated into it by the manufacturer.