In this world, the ability and knowledge on how to use the Computer has become a vital and a must have skill upon every body nowdays. Every company and or any institution require a personnel with enough knowledge on how to use the Computer effectively and accurately since many tasks and other work activities rely on the use of Computers.
For instance, when you got employed, especially in a university campus or by a certain company, as an employee, you must know how to use the Microsoft Suite tools, since many works rely on the use of these software. For example, to organizing and entering data, you must use the Microsoft Excel, to create, editing, formatting and printing a document you must have the ability on how to use the Microsoft Word.
Not only in College campus or in a certain company, but also even in any area, one must have the knowledge of using the computer effectively. Even your smartphone is a computer, so you must know on how to fix some issues and even to your Pc at home.
Not everything to hire an IT expert, whilst some you can fixing it, and that is only by learning and discover some skills on you own.
We will covering the following;
- Introduction To The Computer; What is it
- How A Computer Works: The Basic Functions of a Computer System
- Main Features And Characteristics Of Computer
- Evolution and Generations of Computers
- Types Of Computers
- Computer Components And Its Resources
INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPUTER.
What is a Computer?
What the hell is CPU. Do you have brain, ( yes or no), If yes, that’s right. Even the computer it have a brain, and that is the CPU.
Central Processing Unit is the core of the computer functionalities. It controls the sequence of any operation within the computer logically. It is a very small silicon chip but with a complex electronic circuit. It gives commands to all parts of the computer system both input devices, output devices, storage devices and all other peripherals, and it works in processing the mathematical calculation for a certain computer function.
Central Processing Unit consists several sections including the Control Unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit, a Number of registers, the Program Counter with Instruction Decorder and Instruction Register, as well as the Process Status Register and an Accumulator.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU); This is the calculating device for the mathematical calculations for the computer. Arithmetic (A) dealing with the addition, substraction, multiplication, and division of data. Logic unit (LU) dealing with comparing, selecting, matching, sorting and merging.
MAIN FEATURES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER.
Speed; Computer must have a high speed as to processing the data and other inputs efficiently and in a high speed. A computer with a high speed helps in reducing time consuming upon the user, especially when working on a huge project. This factor plays a key role in time management.
Flexibility; The computer must be flexible as well as to give out clear and accurate Information.
Accuracy; This is the ability of a computer to give out clear and accurate results after the data is processed. All the results that are obtained after the data is processed are usually accurately.
Consistency; A computer also have a consistent. The processed results are usually come out as the user intended.
Storage Capacity; This is the ability of a computer to hold and storing the data and information. A good Computer must have enough storage in order for it to be able to store a large number of data. Now let’s see how a computer system works.
All the above are the main features and characteristics that any Computer must have as the good definition of a Computer come out throughout.
HOW A COMPUTER WORKS.
Generally a computer works in a logical sequence of operations during the processing of data as to get the information intended among a user’s intent. In order to get the information from the computer a user perform the following accordingly;
A user input data into the computer system. The computer processing the data as per instruction from the user. At the same time the computer memory stores all the information that are currently being processed. Finally, the results are sent into a useful output form known as information. Furthemore, the information collected after the whole process could then be stored by the means of storage devices for future uses. That is generally how a computer works. This bring us to the next context on the basic functions of the Computer.
Initially we see how the computer processing the input data until a useful form known as information. Now let’s look upon the basic functions of a computer.
Input; This is any data that entered into a computer. The input can be data, Programs, Commands and User response.
Storage; This is the ability of a computer to holding the any means of input including data, information for future use upon a user. The data can be stored by any means either by main storage or by backing storage.
Processing; the process where by the entered data is been processed simultaneously within the computer system into output form.
Output; this is where the data is processed into a common useful form known as information. The output can be in means of text, Graphics, audio, video.
Recap; the Input, Storage, Processing, and Output are the basic functions of the computer. This is because as a user to get information from the computer, firstly you must entering the data into the computer (input), then the computer will storing that data (storage), simultaneously the computer processing that data as per your instructions (processing), and hence the computer gives out the results (output). I think you got the picture am trying to paint now.
EVOLUTION AND GENERATION OF COMPUTERS.
The beginning of Computers in this world can be traced very backward since there was absence of high technology comparing to today world. During this period, different computers were discovered for a specific role with its own technology. For example if a certain computer is discovered for calculating then it will be used for that reason only comparing to today’s ones.
Also all computers and other computerized devices that were discoverable during this era where all analog. The first computer to be discovered was known as ABACUS. This was the calculating device that was discovered by Egyptian and people of the Republic of China.
Another computer discovered was known as Analytical Engine. This was discovered by a mathematician know n as Professor Charles Babbage. He is recognized as the father of computer since all the computers frame we used even todays are based on the frame of one he had discovered.
Aso the Mark 1 which was the Computer that was discovered in 1944 by a man known as Howard Aiken. Historically, it said to be the first computer to be empowered by the large Information Technology base known as IBM. put hyperlink.
Another Computer discovered was known as Leibniz. This was an analog computer that was discovered for performing arithmetic operations including division and multiplication.
There a lot of computers that were discovered during this period, but here I tried to explaining just a little bit about. You can learn more about on your own.
Now let’s look upon the different types of computer generations.
Aside the evolution of computers, there was emerging and discovering of different types of computers that were equipped and improved comparing to the old ones. So as the improvement begun to take place, Then there was some improvement even upon the computers and other resources related to. During that period, The computers were improved from analog and even to becoming digitally in terms of operating and other functionalities.
There are almost about 5 types of computer generation with some features as per each. Now let's talk through each after each.
1st Generation Computers
This was the mostly early generation of computers where by all computers and other computerized devices were processing analogically. The generation begun from 1946-1958. All computers during this generation had the same features including, They uses vacuum tubes, Computers were very large in size hence taking up a whole lab.
Also the computers were too expensive to operate and high skilled professionals were to be hired for controlling the whole systems. There was also high usage of electricity, so high voltage was needed for consumption. Even large AC were needed to operating the systems too.
2nd Generation Computers
The generation started from 1959-1964. During the beginning of this era, there was several improvement upon the computers compared to the first generation.
Computers had features including the, Application and using of transistors, Computers started to use transistors after the replacement of vacuum tubes from the first generation. Also Computer size was being reduced so there was at least a space for breathing within the spaces.
Computers were also become cheaper. Tapes were emerged including magnetic tapes , magnetic disks. Further more, there was a high improvement since the system software was discovered. The software discovered here was operating system. This software acted as intermediate between computer user and the whole computer system hence playing a key role in facilitating proper functionality of the Computer.
This generation started from 1964-1970. Here the use of transistors from the second generation was replaced by circuits. Storage capacity of computers had increased and the computer size reduced a bit.
The amount of electrical power needed to operating the systems continued to be small so power consumption was very low.
4th Generation Computers
This generation started from 1971 until the present nowadays. Here computers were very very developed until the use of micro processor was begun.
Also internet and network started to be applied and used in a variety of ways. There was also emerging of different and powerful Graphical user interfaces(GUI).
Further more, the Data storage becomes manipulated.
5th Generation Computers
This is the present generation that we use until now. Even your computer you are using now is falling under this generation. Generally, all computers in this generation are highly equipped.
Computers in this generation are using conductors, not only conductors but super conductors. For example in today world, there is development of AI, High intelligent robots, development of speech to write apps and what ever.
And that is how computers had evolved from generation to generation.
TYPES OF COMPUTERS.
Analog computers
Analog computer is a type of computer that process the data that is continuous in nature. Computers falling under this category are mainly used to performing and or monitoring specific tasks.
For instance they can be used to measure the amount of temperature, wind speed and direction, cloud atmospheric and even pressure.
Examples of analog computers including the Analogue oscilloscope, thermometer for measuring body temperature.
Also analog computing devices such as Barometer, Micrometer, Analog calculator for calculating arithmetic, Voltmeter for measuring electric amperes, and even analog clock.
Digital Computers
These are Computers that are capable of processing data that is discrete in nature. This type of computers encompasses all sub Computers based on the size they possessing.
Generally, this category encompasses the micro Computers, mini Computers, main frame Computers, super computers and mobile Computers within.
Mini Computers; Mini Computers are the digital Computers used for special purpose only. For example they are mainly used in specific tasks such as research and projects, by government agencies, etc.
Main frame Computers; These types of computers are large in size and are usually designated to occupying a special room that is both conditioned and wired. Mainly you can find these Computers in banks, airlines, train stations, in large harbours, in military base, etc.
Super computers; These Computers are mainly used by very large organizations in the world. They are widely used to performing heavy tasks and in solving too complex problems. This is because they are most powered and having a high storage capacity. For instance, you could found them with a storage capacity of about bronobyte or even geopbyte.
Large organizations such as NASA, IBM, Google uses widely this type of computers. This is because these type of computers have the high storage capacity comparing to other classes of computers. This is the unique characteristic that make these computers differ from other.
Mobile computers; These are all portable smartphones that we normally using. Even the mobile smartphones (Both the Android and iOS) are termed as computer, since they have a computerized system built in. Samsung, Apple, Nokia, Google pixel, OnePlus, Huawei are just brands. But both are categorized as mobile computers despite of the operating system they having.
Hybrid Computers
These are Computers that can processing both analog and digital data. Hybrid computers are the most expensive and high developed computers since they requiring a high skilled individual for monitoring.
Hybrid Computers can be divided into Large electronic, General purpose, and special purpose computers.
Large electronic hybrid Computers; This type of hybrid computer occupy a large space and it needs a lot of electrical supply in order to perform some operations. Also these computers have a high storage capacity and it is commonly used in huge operations.
General purpose hybrid Computers; These are hybrid computers that are used in running some operations generally. These computers can be applied to any task pertaining the use of computer but with heavy operation.
Special purpose hybrid computers; That are mainly used in places with indeed need of supervision such as those in large national hospitals, in forensics labs, etc.
Examples of Hybrid Computers including that is used in hospitals like; Magnetic resonance imaging machine, Ultrasound machine, Electrocardiogram machine used for monitoring and measuring patients with heart impairments, and Computerised Tomograph Scan machine (CT Scanner).
Also Forensics machine, that is used during the period of forenscing of patients, monitoring machine that are mainly used in measuring body temperature, heartbeat rate, and the Thermometer that measure BP, heartbeats , temperature and display results in form of degrees. All these machines are commonly found in large hospitals (especially mainly in National hospital to Region hospital).
Defense machine; This including the sensor bulbs that
detects any movement toward them. You can find this on some important stations, or in wealthiest apartment or even in fencing.
In gasoline fuel stations; You just tell the stationer how much litres you want, then he plugin the numbers and it do it for you. Accurately.
Digital clock; A digital clock uses electronic time base to displaying time in form of numeric.
2 in 1 PC; This is a class convertible laptop that have a detachable keyboard and removable screen.
COMPUTER COMPONENTS AND IT'S RESOURCES.
Computer component Refer to any physical or virtual component that available within a computer system.
The term Computer resources mainly encompasses all the computer software and hardware that are available in a computer system. For instance the valuable data such as passwords, documents, credentials and hardware such as hard drives, monitor, CPU are all what called the computer resources.
The components that made up a computer system are mainly Software and Hardware. All of that computer resources normally fall into this two components. For example a flash drive, mouse and keyboard are the computer hardware, but the operating system (OS), Microsoft word, Adobe Photoshop are the software, right. These two are what we are going to discuss a lot.
- COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer software is one of the common component that make
up the computer system. This is one of among the computer resources available
within the computer system.
Aside the computer hardware, the computer software are
mainly found within the computer system. In simple words, you can’t touch a
computer software. For example software including the Operating systems, Microsoft office, Anti-virus, and other things like that. Can you touch them, of course
not.
Generally, Computer software refer to a program designed for
the purpose of controlling the operation of the computer.
The computer software are mainly categorized into two types, Application software and system software.
Types of the Computer Software
Application software; That is any program designed to perform a specific role. For example Microsoft word,
Microsoft excel, Adobe apps, WinRAR, etc. All those are application software
since they perform a specific role.
System software; Which are all programs designed to help the computer to perform its function as intended. They including OS, Anti-virus, etc.
2. COMPUTER HARDWARE
Computer hardware, is where all computer hardware resources falling to. This term, computer hardware, encompasses all physical devices that make up the whole of a computer system.
Generally, all peripherals that is input devices, output devices, secondary storage and all communication devices make up the computer hardware. Peripherals are all devices that located outside the Central Processing Unit but they are controlled by it. All online devices (that are in use) or offline devices (not in use) are peripherals.
Types of Computer Hardware
Now let me break down all the categories of the computer hardware as I did at the computer software. Be carefully, here am going to explaining to you all categories of computer hardware.
Input devices; These are components of computer hardware that allows you to entering all types of input like data, programs, commands and a user response into a computer system. They send data into the CPU to be processed for further use. Input devices are simply the devices that are in use.
Input devices acts as an interface between external
environment and the computer. For example, you use the keyboard to type into
the computer, think you got me, right.
The input devices are further sub-divided into 4 forms which are data, program, command, and a user response.
Data, as a raw material that is unorganized waiting to be processed by the CPU. Data may including words, numbers, sounds, videos, etc.
Program, that is a string of instructions programmed that tells a computer how to perform a certain task. For example to process data into the information.
Command, which is the instruction that a user given to that program.
User response, your response to replying into the computer.
Example of input devices are monitor, plotter, keyboard, scanner, mouse, light pen, joystick, Bar code-reader, terminal, track, touch pad, printer, etc.
Output devices; These are devices that are not in use. Also is any data that already processed into simple and meaningful form known as information.
Output also can be either soft copy and or hard copy.
If the data is already processed but still inside the computer, for example a document, then that is called soft copy. But if that data then is printed out, then it will be called hard copy. For example printed paper, graphic, etc.
Furthermore, the output devices are further sub-divided into 4 forms which are;
Text, this is any output that is in form of text like numbers, words, and any other form of text you know.
Graphics, this is any output data that is in form of graphics such as drawings, pictures, vectors and even photograph.
Audio, any output in form of audio including music, any recorded sound and other audio signal.
Video, this is a type of output in form of playing such as a gif, animation and any kind of video you know.
Example of output are printed paper with numbers, graph charts, recorded music, exported video, etc.
Communication devices; These are all hardware devices that are mainly used in the process of communication. Communication is the sending and receiving of information from one person to another. It can also be the sending and receiving of data and other types of files between one computer system to another.
When data is transmitted from one computer system to another or form one user to another one, it is so called Data communication where as when information and other types of files are being transmitted from one computer to another, then it refer to as Computer communication.
Telecommunication
is the sending and receiving of data over a large distance. Here the data and informations are usually sent and received over a very large geographical area. For instance, the telecommunication can be either even from one country to another, or even from continent to continent. This helps in facilitating and improving the rate of information dissemination.
Example of communication devices including the Modem , multiplexor, ethernet cables, router, CRT, terminals, etc.
Secondary storage devices; These are all backing storage that are externally and we use them physically. Storage device is any physical material or a medium capable of holding and storing and holding any means of data for further use.
When it comes to computer storage devices, there is primary storage and secondary storage devices. Primary devices are mainly the Read only memory (ROM) and the Random access memory (RAM).
But here we are talking about the secondary devices since are all the external secondary storage that we normally using. These are all backing storage that we use them physically.
Example of secondary storage devices including all storage that we use physically like Magnetic storage (magnetic disks, magnetic tapes), Floppy disk, External Hard disks, Optical disks ( such as CD, CD-ROM, DVD, DVD-ROM), a Flash drive, and Memory card.
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