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Iqrash Awan
A World of Computers
Computers are everywhere; at work, at home and at school. Many of our daily
activities involve the use of computer. While some computers sit on top of a desk or on floor,
mobile computers and mobile devices are small enough to carry. Mobile devices, such as
many cell phones, often are classified as computers.
1. Communication:-
Computers are a primary means of local and global communication for billion of
people. Consumers use computers to correspond with business, employees with other
employees and customers, students with classmates and teachers, and family members
with other family members. In addition to sending text based messages, people use
computers to share pictures, drawings, music, etc.
2. Information:-
Through computers, society has instant access to information from around the globe.
All sort of news, weather report, sports score, maps, job listings, airline schedules, telephone
directory, and a lot of educational material are available on the internet. We can access
million of information through computers from anywhere in the world.
3. At Home:-
At Home people use computers to manage schedules, balance checkbooks, pay bills,
transfer funds or buy and sell stocks
(ii) Entertainment:-
People Spend hours of leisure time using a computer, they play games, listen to
music or radio broadcast, watch videos, read books, retouch photos and plan vacation.
4. At Workplace:-
5. At School:-
students instead of attending a class on campus take the entire classes directly from home
using a computer.
6. On the Road:-
On the road, mobile computers assist people to find their way using maps some
vehicles include navigation systems that provide direction, call for emergency services, and
track the vehicle if stolen.
Computer Literacy
Having a current knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses is known
as Computer Literacy, It is also known as Digital Literacy.
What is a Computer?
Definition of a Computer:-
Information:-
A lot of data when processed, conveys meaning and becomes useful to people is
called information.
A Computer System:-
An organized combinations of people, hardware, software, that collect, transform
(processes), store, presents, and disseminates (transmits) information to the users is called
a Computer System.
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. People
4. Information
Introduction to Computers
Iqrash Awan
5. Procedures
1. Hardware:-
A Computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known
as Hardware.
Hardware includes:-
i. Input Devices
ii. Output Devices
iii. Processing Devices
iv. A System Unit
v. Storage Devices
vi. Communications Devices
i. Input Devices:-
An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and
instructions into a computer.
Following are the six of the most widely used input devices:-
➢ Keyboard
➢ Mouse
➢ Microphone
➢ Scanner
➢ Digital Camera
➢ Web Cam
Keyboard:-
A computer keyboard contains keys that we press to enter data into the computer.
Mouse:-
A mouse is a small handheld device. With the help of a mouse we can control the
movement of a small symbol on the screen, called pointer, and make selections from the
screen.
Microphone:-
Scanner:-
A scanner convert printed material (such as plain text and pictures) into a form that
can be used by the computer.
Introduction to Computers
Iqrash Awan
Digital Camera:-
With a digital camera, we can take pictures and then transfer them to the computer.
Web Cam:-
A web cam is a video camera that allows us to create movies and take still pictures
electronically.
➢ Printer
➢ Monitor
➢ Speaker
➢ Portable Media Player
Printer:-
A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium
such as paper.
Monitor:-
Speaker:-
We can transfer audio, video, and digital images from a computer to a portable media
player and then listen to the audio, watch the video, or view the image on the media player.
A Central Processing Unit is a chip placed on the Motherboard that processes all the
tasks that are done by the computer.
Primary Memory:-
The role of the primary memory in processing is to store the instruction temporarily
i.e. only for the time being for which it is used, and then delete them after they have been
processed.
Motherboard:-
The circuitry of the system unit usually is part of or is connected to a circuit board
called the motherboard.
(i) Processor
(ii) Memory
(i) Processor:-
The processor is an electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic
instruction that operate the computer.
(ii) Memory:-
➢ Primary Memory
➢ Secondary Memory
Primary Memory:-
Secondary Memory:-
The type of memory that store data and instructions permanently for future use is
called Secondary Memory.
Introduction to Computers
Iqrash Awan
v. Storage Devices:-
Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use.
A USB Flash drive is a storage device that is small and lightweight enough to be
transported on a keychain or in a pocket.
Hard Disk:-
Hard Disk is another storage device that is enclosed in an airtight sealed case.
Compact Discs:-
Compact disks are flat, round shaped, portable metal discs. There are two types to
compact discs CDs and DVDs.
➢ Modem
➢ Cables
Modem:-
Modem is a widely used and most common communication device that coverts digital
signal to analogue and analogue signal to digital.
Cables:-
Cables are the communication devices through which data passes in form of electric
or light (in case of optical fibers) signals.
Introduction to Computers
Iqrash Awan
2. Software:-
Computer software, also called program, consists of a series of instructions that tells
the computer what to do and how to do it.
The user interface determines how we enter data and how information is displayed
the screen. We interact with the software using it user interface.
In graphical user interface we interact with the software using text, graphics, and
visual images such as icons.
Types of Software:-
1. System Software
2. Application Software
1. System Software:-
System Software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operation of
the computer and its devices.
➢ System software servers as the interface between the user, the application software,
and the computer’s hardware.
An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among
computer hardware devices.
➢ It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software.
➢ Examples of operating systems are Windows XP, Windows Vista (two of Microsoft’s
operating systems), or Mac OS X (Apple’s operating system).
➢ For example, we can use a utility program to transfer digital photos to a CD or DVD.
Introduction to Computers
Iqrash Awan
➢ Most operating systems include several utility programs for managing disk drives,
printers, and other devices and media.
2. Application Software:-
➢ Web Browser is widely used application software that allows users to access web
pages.
➢ Other popular application software includes word processing software, spreadsheet
software, database software, and presentation graphic software.
3. People
People (from the prospective of computer system) are those human beings that are
directly and/or indirectly involved in the usage of computer and computer applications.
1. Home Users
2. Small Office/Home Office Users
3. Mobile Users
4. Large Business Users
5. Power Users
1. Home Users:-
Home users use computer for different purposes that includes budgeting and
personal finance management, Web access, communications, and entertainment.
Small Office/Home Office users include any company with fewer than 50 employees,
as well as the self-employed who work for home.
➢ Small Office includes local law practices, accounting firms, travel agencies, and
florists.
➢ Small Office Users usually use a Desktop Computer or even a small network of
computers consisted on a few computers.
3. Mobile Users:-
Mobile Users are the ones that work on a computer while away from home.
➢ Mobile Users usually use Notebook Computer, Tablet PC; Internet enabled PDA,
Laptop Computer, or a Smart Phone.
➢ Examples of mobile users are sale representatives, real estate agents, insurance
agents, meter readers, journalists, consultants, students.
Introduction to Computers
Iqrash Awan
4. Power Users:-
Power Users are the technical people who use powerful computers.
➢ Enterprise Computing: Many large business companies use the words, Enterprise
Computing, to refer to the huge network of computers that meet their divers
computing needs.
➢ Large Business Users use Servers or Mainframe Computers.
4. Information:-
The Processed form of data is known as information
➢ Text
➢ Audio
➢ Video
➢ Graphics
➢ Animations
Text:-
Audio:-
GENERAL FORMATS: MP3, WMV, RA, AAC, AIFF, ASF, WAV, QT.
Video:-
Video consists of full-motion images that are played back at various speeds.
Graphics:-
Animations:-
One or more still images are combined and played in such a way that they seem to
be moving form an Animation.
5. Procedures:-
The rules, regulation, guidelines, that run a computer system are known as
Procedures.
➢ Operational Procedures
➢ Backup Procedures
➢ Security Procedures
Operational Procedures:-
Backup Procedures:-
Backup Procedures are used to restore the system if the system crashes down.
Security Procedures:-
Security Procedures are used to prevent the computers from an outside attack.
Categories of Computers
Following are the main categories of Computers:-
1. Personal Computers
2. Mobile Devices/Mobile Computers
3. Mainframes
4. Super-Computers
1. Personal Computers:-
Introduction to Computers
Iqrash Awan
A Personal Computer is a Computer that can perform all of its input, processing,
output, and storage activities by itself.
A Desktop Computer is the one that is designed such that the system unit, input
devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under the table or a desk.
➢ Laptop
➢ Tablet PC
Laptop Computer:-
A Laptop Computer is specially designed computer that can fit on a user’s lap.
Tablet PC:-
2. Mobile Computer:-
Mobile Computers are designed such that they can be carried anywhere by the user.
A Handheld Computer is designed such that it fits in one’s hand and be carried in
one’s pocket.
➢ Ultra Mobile PCs: Handheld Computers are sometimes referred to Ultra Mobile PCs.
➢ Many Handheld Computers communicate with other devices wirelessly.
(ii) PDA (Personal Digital Assistant):-
A PDA is a hand held device that provides personal organized functions such as a
calendar, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator, and a notepad.
A Smart Phone is an internet enabled phone that usually provides PDA capabilities.
3. Servers:-
A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network
and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.
➢ Servers can support from two to several thousand computers connected at the same
time.
4. Mainframes:-
A Super Computer is the fastest, most powerful computer – and the most expensive.