Computer | Components of Computers | Input/optput devices | Learn something new about computer

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Computer

Hello friend, I know you are searching for details of computers their peripherals and all everything about it. Some of you have also read too much about it, and found same stuff on every second websites. If you wanna learn in new way, yess you are at right place. Before we go let me introduce myself, I am Technical Vinayak and you are reading my blog powered blogger.

What is Computer 
We have read in earlier classes that computer is an electronic device that takes inputs from user process in as pr command and show an output to user.

Yes computer it's a very fanatic definition I have ever read in any book or on any blog. But I'm going to explain it to you. How computer takes input from user and what kinds of processing it does and how/what it give output?



When you read the generations of computers you will come to know that about the struggles of developing today's computer. We all have heard that Charls Babage is known as father of computer. He firstly made computer and then Lady Ada completed its programming after his death and launched it for public. The purpose of making a computer was not same what today's computer is. He just made it for the shake of calculating larger data in less time, but as per need of evolution other scientists came and keep evolute it and now we are able to perform a lot of tasks quickly. If you are willing to read generations of computer click on the link and there is written in detail.

Let's first talk about what are Input Output and processing devices and then we will discuss how they work and makes life easier.

Input Device
Computers peripheral device by which user can give data, information and commands to computer to perform any operation as per their will are called Input devices
Examples : 
 Keyboards  An Input device used to give information and command using keywords
 Mouse  An Input device used to give information and command using click signals 
 Light pen An Input device used to give information and command using touch sense 

Output Device
Computers peripheral device by which users can access to the output of the command they have given to computer. Output can be some graphics or some kind of audio clips or combination of both
Examples :
 Monitor  It is an output device which shows visual outputs 
 Speaker   It is an output device which provide users a sound outputs

Processing Device(CPU) 
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. Now we will discuss why CPU is named so? It is because when we give Input to computer to obtain an required output the entire processes goes inside the CPU. It is a unit of computer system which processes all the algorithm and command in center of Input and output channel.

CPU is further divided into three units :
  1. ALU : ALU stands for arithmetic logic unit. ALU is responsible for all the algorithm and function happens in computer. 
  2. CU : CU stands for control unit. Control unit controls all the function going on in Input output ALU or MU. Every thing is controlled by CU
  3. MU : MU stands for memory unit. After processing data sometime we need to save them for further access. All the data is saved inside the memory unit. They are also subdivided into two parts RAM & ROM.


Classifications of Computers 
Computers differ based on their data processing abilities. They are classified according to purpose, data handling and functionality.

Most people associate a personal computer (PC) with the phrase computer. A PC is a small and relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual use. PCs are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.

Personal computers at home can be used for a number of different applications including games, word processing, accounting and other tasks.

As per performance and functionalities computers and divided into follow types : 

Analog Computer 
 An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.

Digital Computer
 A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system


Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
 A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulations.

 On the basis of Size: Type of Computer

Super Computer 
The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.

The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.


 
Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.

Mini Computer 
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.

Micro Computer or Personal Computer
• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.

• Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.

• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.

Workstations
A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."


Hardware, Software and Firmware

Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer. This is also sometime called the machinery or the equipment of the computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse and the central processing unit. However, most of a computer's hardware cannot be seen; in other words, it is not an external element of the computer, but rather an internal one, surrounded by the computer's casing (tower). A computer's hardware is comprised of many different parts, but perhaps the most important of these is the motherboard. The motherboard is made up of even more parts that power and control the computer.

In contrast to software, hardware is a physical entity. Hardware and software are interconnected, without software, the hardware of a computer would have no function. However, without the creation of hardware to perform tasks directed by software via the central processing unit, software would be useless.

Hardware is limited to specifically designed tasks that are, taken independently, very simple. Software implements algorithms (problem solutions) that allow the computer to complete much more complex tasks.

Software
Software, commonly known as programs or apps, consists of all the instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task. These instructions come from a software developer in the form that will be accepted by the platform (operating system + CPU) that they are based on. For example, a program that is designed for the Windows operating system will only work for that specific operating system. Compatibility of software will vary as the design of the software and the operating system differ. Software that is designed for Windows XP may experience a compatibility issue when running under Windows 2000 or NT.

Software is capable of performing many tasks, as opposed to hardware which can only perform mechanical tasks that they are designed for. Software provides the means for accomplishing many different tasks with the same basic hardware. Practical computer systems divide software systems into two major classes:

System software: Helps run the computer hardware and computer system itself. System software includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools and more. System software is almost always pre-installed on your computer.
Application software: Allows users to accomplish one or more tasks. It includes word processing, web browsing and almost any other task for which you might install software. (Some application software is pre-installed on most computer systems.)
Software is generally created (written) in a high-level programming language, one that is (more or less) readable by people. These high-level instructions are converted into "machine language" instructions, represented in binary code, before the hardware can "run the code". When you install software, it is generally already in this machine language, binary, form.

Firmware
Firmware is a very specific, low-level program for the hardware that allows it to accomplish some specific task. Firmware programs are (relatively) permanent, i.e., difficult or impossible to change. From the higher-level view of software, firmware is just part of the hardware, although it provides some functionality beyond that of simple hardware.

Firmware is part of devices (or device components) such as a video card, sound card, disk drive and even the motherboard

Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers

Advantages of computer

Multitasking
Multitasking is one of the major advantage of computer. Person can perform multiple task, multiple operation, calculate numerical problems within few seconds. Computer can perform trillion of instructions per second.

Speed
Now computer is not just a calculating device. Now a day’s computer has very important role in human life. One of the main advantages of computer is its incredible speed, which helps human to complete their task in few seconds. All the operations can be performed very fast just because of its speed elsewise it takes a long time to perform the task.

Cost/ Stores huge amount of data
It is a low cost solution. Person can save huge data within a low budget. Centralized database of storing information is the major advantage that can reduce cost.

Accuracy
One of the root advantage of computer is that can perform not only calculations but also with accuracy.

Data Security
Protecting digital data is known as data security. Computer provide security from destructive forces and from unwanted action from unauthorized users like cyberattack or access attack.


 
Disadvantage of Computer
As we know advantage comes with disadvantage.

Virus and hacking attacks
Virus is a worm and hacking is simply an unauthorized access over computer for some illicit purpose. Virus is being transferred from email attachment, viewing an infected website advertisement, through removable device like USB etc. once virus is transferred in host computer it can infect file, overwrite the file etc.
For example: Huge portion of internet was going down including Twitter, Netflix, Reddit and CNN in October 2016 because the largest DDoS attack was launched on service provider DYN using IoT Botnet.

Online Cyber Crimes
Online cyber-crime means computer and network may have used in order to commit crime. Cyberstalking and Identity theft are the points which comes under online cyber-crimes. For example: one may get the access of the access to your shopping account like amazon account now that person will be able to know your personal details like debit card or credit card number which can be than misused.

Reduction in employment opportunity
Mainly past generation was not used of the computer or they have the knowledge of computer they faced a big problem when computer came in field. As we have seen in banking sector senior bank employees faced this problem when computer came to the banking sector.
Above were the main disadvantage of computer, no IQ, Dependency, No feeling, Break down are the basic disadvantages of computer

Curiosity never ends : if any question is there in your mind just Email me

Thanks for reading 



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