INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTERS
Computers are integral part of our everyday existence.
Literal meaning of computer is a device that can
calculate.
Modern computer can do a lot more than calculate.
Computer is an electronic device that receives input,
stores or processes the input as per user instructions and
provides output in desired format.
A computer is a machine made of devices that enable you
to enter data (input), process it (CPU), store it (memory)
& output the result.
Input – Process – Output Model

Input Process Output

Simplest Workflow of Computer

Computer input is called data

Output obtained after processing data, based on user’s
instructions is called information.
Raw facts and figures which can be processed using
arithmetic and logical operations to obtain information
are called data.
Process that can be applied to data are of two types:
 Arithmetic Operation
 Logical Operations
Input – Process – Output Model

Example:

Mango pulp
+ sugar Churning Mango shake
+milk

(Input) (Process) (Output)

Input – Process – Output Model

Arithmetic Logic Unit

Input Unit Control Unit Output Unit

Memory Unit

Block Diagram
Input – Process – Output Model

The basic parts of computer are:

1. Input Unit: Devices used to input data and instructions
2. Output Unit: Devices used to provide information to the
user in desired format
3. Control Unit: All devices or parts of computer interact
through the control unit.
4. Arithmetic Logic Unit: All arithmetic operations and
logical operations take place.
5. Memory: All input data, instructions and data interim to
the processes are stored in the memory. Memory is of
two types
 Primary Memory
 Secondary Memory
Input – Process – Output Model

 Control unit, arithmetic logic unit, and memory are

together called the central processing unit or CPU.
 Computer devices that we can see and touch are the
hardware components of a computer.
 Set of instructions or programs that make the computer
function using these hardware parts are called software.
Characteristic of Computers

1. Speed: Typically a computer can carry out 3-4 million

instructions per second
2. Accuracy: Computers exhibit a very high degree of
accuracy. Errors that may occur are usually due to human
errors.
3. Reliability: Computers can carry out same type of work
repeatedly without throwing up errors due to tiredness or
boredom.
4. Versatility: Computers can carry out a wide range of work
5. Storage Capacity: Computers can store a very large
amount of data at a fraction of cost of traditional storage
of files
Advantages of Using Computers

Some advantages that computer offer:

 Computers can do the same task repetitively with same

accuracy.
 Computers do not get tired or bored.
 Computers can take up routine tasks while releasing human
resource for more intelligent functions.
Disadvantages of Using Computers

Some disadvantages of computers:

 Computers have no intelligence

 Regular electric supply is necessary to make a computer
work
 Trained people required to work on computers
Parts of Computers

Hardware - refers to the parts of computer that you can

touch or feel. The CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer,
scanner and microphone are examples of computer hardware.
Parts of Computers

Software – refers to the programs (instruction given to a

computer) that perform specific tasks on a computer. MS
Windows, MS Office, WinZip, Adobe Photoshop are examples of
software's.
Input Devices

Data or instructions are entered into the computer with the

help of Input Devices. Common examples of input devices are
keyboard and mouse.

Keyboard
Mouse
Processing Data

Performing calculations or comparing data is called

Processing. Processing is the action that converts data into
meaningful information

Information Processing Cycle

(CPU)
Input Process Output

Storage
Storage Data

A large amount of data can be stored on computers. The data

entered into a computer is stored on its Hard Disk. The hard
disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and pen drives are used to store
information permanently.

Pen Drive
Hard Disk CD ROM
Output Devices

The result given by computer after processing data is called as

Output. The output device shows or plays the result after the
input has been processed. Monitor, printer, speakers are
examples of output devices.

Speaker
Monitor Printer
Thank you for listening!
Good day! 