INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER APPRECIATION

Compiled by

Idehen Evelyn

Introduction

Definition of computer
A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitalized data) and
manipulates it for some result based on a program, software, or sequence of instructions on
how the data is to be processed.
A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and operations
based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It has the ability to
accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs.

Computers can also store data for later uses in appropriate storage devices, and retrieve
whenever it is necessary.

Modern computers are electronic devices used for a variety of purposes ranging from
browsing the web, writing documents, editing videos, creating applications, playing video
games, etc.

They are designed to execute applications and provide a variety of solutions by combining
integrated hardware and software components.

Techopedia Explains Computer

The earliest digital electronic device that could be defined as the first modern computer is
the Colossus. Built in 1943-44, the Colossus was devised to crack the Lorenz SZ 40/42, a
German encryption machine used to support military communications during World War
II.

The device used 2,400 vacuum tubes to perform multiple boolean logical operations to
decode encrypted data.

Modern computers come in all shapes and sizes to perform a broad range of different
functions. Although the first ones that come to mind are desktop and laptop computers,
many other less-assuming devices — such as grocery scanners, ATMs, and smart TVs —
are computers as well.

The diffusion of smartphones, game consoles, wearables, and smart appliances made
computers much more readily available in our daily life.

A computer is made up of multiple parts and components that facilitate user functionality.
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A computer has two primary categories:

Hardware

Physical structure that houses a computer's processor, memory, storage, communication

ports and peripheral devices. Each of these components (called devices) have a different
purpose, which may be either accepting inputs, storing data or sending outputs.

For example, a mouse and a microphone are input devices used to record user activities
and transform them into data that is transmitted to the system unit. A hard disk is a
storage unit where data is stored and accessed by other devices.

A monitor or a speaker are output devices that transform processed data into (respectively)
video and audio signals.

Usually, the core components that represent the bare minimum that allow a computer to
function are:

Processor (CPU)
The component that processes and executes inputs received from hardware and software.

Motherboard
A mainboard that provides basic connection between all the other hardware components
and devices (internal and external).

Memory (RAM)
A temporary data storage space that stores the information the CPU is actively using.

Storage device
A storage device where data is stored on a permanent basis. It’s slower but less volatile
than the RAM.

Power supply unit

That’s pretty self-explanatory: without power, no electronic device can work!

Software

All parts of a computer that are not strictly physical, such as data, programs, applications,
protocols, etc., are broadly defined as “software.” Although software has no material form,
it is no less critical to receive information, encode, store and process it.

Computer software includes all executable and non-executable data, such as documents,
digital media, libraries, and online information. A computer’s operating system (OS) and
all its applications are software as well.

A computer works with software programs that are sent to its underlying hardware
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architecture for reading, interpretation and execution.

Computers are classified according to computing power, capacity, size, mobility and other
factors, as personal computers (PC), desktop computers, laptop computers, minicomputers,
handheld computers and devices, mainframes or supercomputers.

Types of Computer with their Features

Everyone uses computers every day be it for work or personal use. But what we don’t
realize is that we use a different type of computer for different uses.

A doctor at the hospital will be using a mainframe computer while a graphic designer at
her office will be using a workstation. Depending on the type of computer, our use changes.
The most basic division of computer types is by purpose. There are two types of computers
based on purpose – general and special.

General-purpose computers perform basic input/output functions like calculations, smaller

-scale data storage, and very basic activities. Calculators, laptops. Desktops and mobile
phones fall under the general-purpose category.
While special-purpose computers are particularly to perform a specific function.
Thermometers for temperature, generators for electricity, engineering computers for IT
firms, and it goes on. The list of special computers can go on with industry names.
This was just basic bifurcation, the computers are further divided based on their size and
data handling capabilities. Let us understand them now –

Types of Computer – Data Handling Capabilities

The computers are categorized into three types based on their data handling capabilities.
They are –

1. Analog Computer

With a design to process analog data, the invention of analog computers took place. This
type of data is continuous i.e. keeps changing without having a discrete value. Thus these
computers are only useful when the exact value is not important like in the case of speed,
temperature, pressure, and current.

These computers can directly accept data from the devices without conversion into a
numerical value. They continuously measure the changes in physical quantity and deliver

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the result on a dial or scale. Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of this
type.

There are four main types of analog computers –

a. Slide Rules
The simplest type of analog computer developed for basic mathematical problems. It
consists of two rods, the first rod has marks that slide to line up with another rod.

b. Differential Analysers
This is a special device used for differential calculations using a wheel and disk mechanisms.

c. Castle Clock
With an ability to save programming instructions, it could include the display of time,
zodiac, and solar and lunar orbits.

d. Electronic Analog Computers

Here, the electrical signals flow in capacitors and resistors without mechanical interaction
of components.

Characteristics of Analog Computers

It is a real-time operating device that represents data at the same time continuously
within the given range.
Performs calculations without third-party support for input/output conversion to
electronic form and vice versa.
Allows users to scale down the problem helping them understand errors and effects of
the problem.

2. Digital Computer

This type of computer is for calculating and performing logical operations at a very high
speed. It accepts data in digits or binary numbers and works on them with programs
delivering an output. All sorts of modern devices like laptops and smartphones fall under
this category.

Characteristics of Digital Computers:

The device can store a large amount of information with easy retrieval as well.

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 Allows users to add the latest features to the system more easily.
Without changing the hardware, many applications can be run on the same computer
with different programs.
Improvement in the integrated circuit technology led to falling hardware price.
Works at a high speed as it is digitally run.
It uses error correction codes to become very reliable.
External factors like noise and weather don’t impact the device making the
reproducibility of results is higher.

3. Hybrid Computer

Combining the features of both analog and digital computers, the hybrid computer was
invented. It has the speed of an analog while the memory of a digital device. It is capable of
using continuous and discrete data and is mostly used in specialized applications. Eg –
petrol pumps, airplanes, hospitals, and scientific applications.

Characteristics of Hybrid Computers:

It has a very high speed as the configuration goes on parallel.

It delivers precise and faster results that are useful.
This is capable of solving difficult equations in real-time.
It helps to maintain on-line data processing.

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Types of Computer based on size

1. Supercomputers

Supercomputer – a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a
great amount of computation very quickly.

Supercomputers are used for areas related to:

Science
Engineering
Education
Defence
Aerospace

Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a
great amount of computation.

Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:

Weather forecasting
Climate research
Scientific simulation

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Oil and gas exploration
Quantum mechanics
Cryptanalysis

The largest and fastest computers are the supercomputers specifically designed to process
huge amounts of data. It is capable of processing trillions of instructions in a few seconds as
it has thousands of processors interconnected.

Roger Cray developed the first supercomputer in 1976 and since then it is only used for
particular science and engineering applications. This includes weather forecasts, hospital
equipment, nuclear research, etc.

Characteristics / Applications of supercomputers:

It enhances device protection as it can decrypt the passwords for security reasons.
Animation results are excellent on this computer.
Nuclear weapons and critical medical tests use them for virtual testing.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses it for climate patterns and
weather conditions.
Designs flight simulators for beginner pilots for training.
Extracts information from data storage centers for useful purposes.
Online currency like bitcoin and stocks are largely managed by this computer only.
Diagnosis of some critical health issues like brain injuries and strokes is done by this
computer.
It accurately analyses scientific data and explores the solar system and earth movement.
It can identify the level of pollutants present in the atmosphere at a particular point in
time.

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2. Mainframe computers

Mainframe computer – a high-performance computer used for large information

processing jobs.

Mainframe computers are primarily used in :

Institutions
Research
Academics
Health care
Libraries
Large businesses
Financial institutions
Stock brokerage firms
Insurance agencies

Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:

Census taking
Industry and consumer statistics
Enterprise resource planning
Transaction processing
e-business and e-commerce

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These are specifically designed computers for big organizations as they allow hundreds and
thousands of users to use programs simultaneously. Industries like banking, telecom, with a
need to process high volume data, use mainframe computers.

Characteristics of Mainframe Computers:

It is capable of processing huge amounts of data in seconds.

It is very durable and can last for 50 years at least with proper installation.
This can handle large-scale memory management.
It can distribute the work internally among other processors.
Very few chances of error and even in the case of one, there is a quick fix.
The technology inside protects data while exchanging information.

Applications of mainframe computers:

Allows medical firms to maintain and track records of millions of patients relating to
medicines, appointments, and updates.
In defense security, one branch can exchange large and sensitive information with
another branch.
Allows universities and academies to maintain data of their students, teachers, other
subgroups, etc. They can manage, change and retrieve according to their convenience.
Similarly, the retail sector also needs these computers to maintain a database of their
large customer group distributed across the city and sometimes countries.

3. Miniframe or Minicomputers

Minicomputer – a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage

capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer.

Minicomputers are used by small organizations.

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“Minicomputer” is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are
often referred to as small or midsize servers (a server is a central computer that provides
information to other computers).

It is a computer with a medium size that comes with two processors and can support 200
users at a time. They are commonly used in institutes and departments for accounting-
related tasks. This computer comes between the mainframe and microcomputer in terms of
size.

Characteristics of miniframe or minicomputer:

It is very easy to carry due to its lightweight and can fit in a small space too.
It is cheaper than the mainframe computers.
Even with a small size, it is quite fast.
It has a good battery life and stays charged longer.
It can work without a controlled operational environment.
Applications of minicomputers:

The manufacturing firms use it for process control. It collects data and gives back
feedback and fixes any abnormality instantly.
Small organizations like local hospitals and hotels use it to store and share data related
to their customers/ patients. Data management is the key function here.
It is often used as a communicator in a large system as it becomes a portal between the
operator and processor.

4. Workstation

Workstations are computers specially designed and configured to meet power users’

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technical computing requirements, including high performance, data integrity, reliability,
and manageability.

A workstation refers to an individual computer, or group of computers, used by a single

user to perform work.

For example, a "workstation" may be an average-powered computer connected to a

larger network. It can also refer to a powerful computer intended for serious academic or
professional computation.

It is a single-user computer designed mainly for technical and scientific applications. The
microprocessor is very fast with a large RAM and high-speed adapters. It is known to
perform a specific task only and thus the market offers variations like graphic
workstations, music workstations, etc.

Characteristics of workstation computer:

Designed for business and professional use, it is a single-user device with high
performance.
They are better than the personal computer with a powerful CPU, more storage, and
better-looking graphics.
Their application is endless as there is a computer available for every expertise field.
It can multitask between audio, video, animation, editing, etc.
All workstations computer mandatorily needs to have these five features –

1. Multiple Processor Cores

2. Error-correcting code RAM
3. Redundant Array of Independent Disks
4. Solid State Drives – fewer chances of physical failure
5. Optimized, Higher end GPU

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5. Microcomputers/Personal computers

Personal computer (PC) – a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.

A PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit
(CPU).

“Microcomputer” is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small
computer, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable.

Types of personal computers

Desktop computer – a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on
or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit).

Laptop computer (or notebook) – A portable personal computer that is small enough to
rest on the user’s lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a
keyboard with a touchpad.

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Tablet – A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average
laptop.

Smartphone – A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.

The smallest size computer invented solely for personal use is a microcomputer. The
central processing unit is the processor, storage memory, and input/output unit. Personal
laptops and PCs that we use today are examples of this type only. The application of these
computers is for personal use only like office work, assignments, or watching a movie. The
types of microcomputers are –

Notebook computer – lightweight computer like a briefcase. They have flat-panel

technology and are very expensive compared to others. They come with a battery pack
that needs to be recharged every few hours.
Desktop Model – A top of a desk computer with a monitor, they are broad and low with

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 three internal mass storage devices. Also known as slimline models.
Tower computer – It has a power supply, motherboard, and mass storage connected in
a compact box. The installation is easy to do and its compact nature makes it easier to
fit anywhere.
Laptop – A small and portable computer that is easy to carry with a flap-like screen.
Subnotebook – A portable computer with lighter weight and smaller keyboards. It is
smaller than the notebook computer but the rest of the features remain the same.
Hand-held computer – A portable computer which can be easily held in hand. Calendar
and address books are the most common forms used in the market. These are pen-
based devices and are often called pocket computers.
Palmtop – A small computer that fits in your palm but comes without a disk drive.
They are similar to PDAs only and are often referred to as one. They have PCMCIA
which allows insertion of drives and other devices.
PDA – commonly used for fax, phone calls, and network features. They come with a
stylus and keyboard including writing recognition. They have limited applications
because of their high price.

Characteristics of a basic microcomputer:

The smallest size computer available.

There is a limitation to installing software.
A single person can only use it at a time.
Super easy to use at a lower cost.
No training is required to use the device.
A single semiconductor chip comes with it.
Only multitasking it can do is printing, browsing, watching videos, etc.
Smartphones and MacIntosh are also referred to as a type of computer but that’s not the
case. Smartphones fall under the palmtops due to their similar features. While Macintosh
is a type of laptop only manufactured by Apple Inc.

The basic types of computers are five categories only which are mentioned above. Bank PO,
SBI PO, IBPS, RRB Exam, etc are just a few names that have computer aptitude as one of
their subjects. This is an important beginner-level topic under computer aptitude that all
the aspirants should know about.

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Computer Appreciation is an IT topic that has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. It
is a crucial technology for professionals and individuals who are looking to improve their
skills in the field of IT. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, Computer
appreciation provides ample opportunities for growth and development. In this page, we
will delve into the basics of Computer Appreciation, including tips and tricks, practice and
exercises, and beginner and advanced tutorials.

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