Chapter 1: Computer Fundamentals

Students in this chapter we have discussed many important basic fundamentals details of computer which can be very useful for all of you if read the chapter perfectly.

A minute discussion is given here about this chapter and some new ideas also.

Introduction to computer:

A computer is an electronic machine that works according to the instructions given by you. It accepts data as Input, Manipulates the according to specified rules that is Process and produces results as Output then if required saves results in storage.

A generic diagram of Input Process Output with storage

A computer works very fast and accurate. A computer does four main tasks. It Inputs data, processes it and displays output as information, and finally stores it.

Here below a generic example is given to know, how it does work.

INPUT: Any Data or instruction entered into a computer is known as Input. An Input Device helps you to enter data and give commands to computer. Keyboard, mouse and scanner are examples of input devices.

PROCESS: The Processor, also called CPU (Central Processing Unit), is the main components in the computer which is used to process data. Processing means treating the data according to the instructions and changing it in the form of information.

OUTPUT: A computer is fed with a lot of data to be processed and organized. The data that has been processed into a useful form is called output. It is the result we get through OUTPUT DEVICES. These devices shows information on screen, created printed copies of the output or generate sound etc.

STORE: The computer stores data and information on a storage device for future use. The computer uses information stored on the storage device to perform tasks. Some example of storage devices are, CD -ROM, Hard disk etc.

Now with this information we shall discuss various devices generally used in computer.

Input Devices:

Any hardware component that allows you to enter data, instructions and commands into a computer is called Input device. Below generic input devices are discussed.

KEYBOARD

A keyboard is an input device that contains keys, which can be used to type information and enter instructions for the computer to follow. A typical desktop keyboard have 101 to 105 keys. These keyboards are often attached via a cable to a PS/2 or USB port on the system unit.

USB PORT	PS/2 Port

      
With the current improvement there are various types of keyboard can be found in the market. These are,

• Wireless keyboard: This keyboard doesn't come with wire to connect to computer rather it use wireless technology to connect to the computer.

• Compact keyboard: Compact keyboard are those keyboard which are usually found in laptop and in some handheld computers which are smaller than the standard keyboard.

• Virtual keyboard: It is virtual software component that  allows user to enter text. Like the keyboard founds in touch based mobile devices.

• Braille keyboard: It is a type of keyboard which is designed for visually impaired people to input information in a computer.

MOUSE

A mouse is a pointing device that fits comfortably under the palm of your hand. You can use the mouse to select or move items on the screen, as well as to provide instructions for the computer to follow. The top of the mouse has two buttons and scroll wheel. The bottom of the mouse is flat and contains mechanism to detect its movement.

                                   

With the introduction of new technology mouse or mice comes in several versions.

Wireless Mouse:

It is a battery powered mice that transmits data or signal through wireless technology, such as radio waves or infrared light waves.

Internal image of a wireless mouse

Air Mouse: An Air mouse or mice is a new type of motion sensing mouse that allows you to control objects  by moving the mouse in any directions through air. It comes with additional buttons along with typical mouse buttons.

Demonstration video of Air Mice

 

Touch Mouse: Touch mouse is a new kind of Touch sensitive mouse that recognizes touch gestures. As you press a location on a touch mouse it simulates the click, while sweeping your finger will simulate mouse scrolling functions or sweeping multiple fingers across the mouse to simulate zoom function.

Video Demonstration of Touch Mouse

TOUCHPAD

In Laptop and Notebook a touch sensitive flat surface is provided that simulates mouse gestures when user use finger to touch and move, this allows user to quickly move pointer and select any icon or file just by tapping finger on the touch pad. Nowadays touch pad has become advance that it can sense various touch gestures such as stretch motions, swipe etc.