Basic Operations of Computers

Basic Operations of Computers

A Computer consists of four main components: Monitor, CPU, Keyboard and mouse. These components are inter dependent.

A Computer system has two main parts:

(a) Hardware

(b) Software

(a) Hardware:  These are the physical units of a computer system. These units constitute the hardware of a computer. A  Computer has following units: Input Unit, Processing unit, Output Unit, Memory Unit.

Input Unit:

The main input devices are keyboard and mouse. Some other devices are:

Scanner, Joystick, Web camera, Digital camera, OMR, OCR, BCR,MICR, Light pen, Mike

Processing Unit:

CPU- It stands for central processing unit. It is the heart of the computer and also brain of the computer. It performs all types of arithmetical, logical and graphical operations.

It   is classified into three parts.

ALU – It stands for Arithmetical and Logical Unit. It perform all types of Arithmetical and logical calculations.

CU-It stands for control unit. It is used to control all input and output data flow into computer.

AMU – It stands for memory unit. It is used to stored data or information into computer is used by computer itself. Memory Unit is Classifieds into two parts: Primary memory and Secondary memory.

Primary memory - Primary memory is the main memory of a computer system. It is capable of sending and receiving data at high speed. Primary memory is temporary in nature i.e. data stored in primary memory are lost when the computer is switched off and it is also known as volalite memory. Example- RAM (Random Access Memory).

Secondary Memory – Secondary memory is used to store data for a long duration. It is used to stored voluminous data permanently. So, it is also called permanent memory. Example- Hard disk and Flash drive.

Output Unit:

Those devices which are used to show data or information are called output devices.

Monitor- It is an output device which is used to show data or information on the screen.

Printer:

Dot Matrix Printer contains movable print heads with pins that strike the ribbon placing a dot on the paper with hundreds of dots forming images or text.

Inkjet Printer forms letters and images on the paper by spraying small streams of quick-drying ink.

Laser Printer uses laser technology to print images on the paper. These give the best quality output and are the most expensive.

Speaker- It is an output device that produces the sound generated by the computer system to listen sound effects of the system.

Plotter- This output device is used for making a large paper drawing .

LCD Projector – This output device is used to display video, images or computer data on a large screen. It projects an image onto the surface by passing light over an LCD panel. It is used while giving presentations.

(b) Software:

All the instructions for program store in the memory in the computer are called software.

Instructions- set of characters.

Program- set of instructions.

Software – set of programs.

Software is classified into two parts: System Software & Application Software

System Software – The set of program which are written to operate the system is called system software. Example- MS Dos, Windows, Machintosh etc. System sotware are of the three types

(a)    System control Software

(b)   System support Software

(c)    System development Software

Application Software – The set of program these are written solve the task to particular field or area. Example- MS Office, Tally, Foxpro, C, C++, Corel  draw etc.