What is Computer?

A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts raw data as input and
processes it with a set of instructions (called program) to produce the result as
output. It renders output just after performing mathematical and logical operations
and can save the output for future use.

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data from the user, processes it,
produces results, and displays them to the user.

The three main types of computers that are differentiated based on their data
handling capabilities are:

 Analog computers.
 Digital computers.
 Hybrid computers.
1) Analogue Computer
Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data. Analogue data is
continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values. We can
say that analogue computers are used where we don't need exact values always
such as speed, temperature, Speedometer, thermometer, measuring scales, and
current.

2) Digital Computer
Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high
speed. It accepts the raw data as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0
and 1) and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the output.
All modern computers like laptops, desktops including smartphones that we use at
home, schools, factories and office are digital computers.

3) Hybrid Computer
Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like
an analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can
process both continuous and discrete data. It accepts analogue signals and convert
them into digital form before processing. So, it is widely used in specialized
applications where both analogue and digital data is processed. For example, a
processor is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into
quantity and price. Similarly, they are used in airplanes, hospitals, and scientific
applications.

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What is Computer Hardware?
Computer hardware is a physical part of a computer that you can see and touch,
such as central processing unit, hard disk, motherboard, random access memory,
monitor, mouse, and keyboard etc.

Hardware, which is abbreviated as HW, refers to all physical components of a

computer system, including the devices connected to it. You cannot create a
computer or use software without using hardware.

Some of the commonly used hardware in our computer are described below:

Motherboard Monitor

CPU Keyboard

Mouse Hard disk

RAM

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 SOFTWARE
Software is a set of programs that enables the hardware to perform a specific task.
All the programs that run the computer are software. The software can be of three
types: system software and application software.

Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and

execute specific tasks.
TYPES OF SOFTWARE
 System Software

 Application Software
System Software is a program designed to run a computer's hardware and
applications and manage its resources, such as its memory, processors, and
devices. It also provides a platform for running application software, and system
software is typically bundled with a computer's operating system.

Examples of System Software include Windows on computers and Android on

mobile devices are paramount system software. They provide a user interface,
manage hardware resources, and enable communication between software and
hardware components, ensuring seamless functionality. (Window XP, 7, 8, 10, 11,
Linux, and Android).
Application Software is a set of programs designed to perform a specific task. It
does not control the working of a computer as it is designed for end-users. A
computer can run without application software. Application software can be easily
installed or uninstalled as required. It can be a single program or a collection of
small programs. Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, and any other software
like payroll software or income tax software are application software. As we know,
they are designed to perform specific tasks. Accordingly, they can be of different
types such as:

Here are some examples of application software:

 Word Processing Software.
 Spreadsheet Software.
 Presentation Software.
 Multimedia Software.
 Web Browsers.
e.g Google Chrome, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Notepad, Photoshop and more.

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Function of hardware
Hardware is important because it provides the physical infrastructure that enables
software to run. Without hardware, software would not be able to perform any
functions.
Function of software
Software enables the user to complete tasks such as creating documents,
spreadsheets, databases, and publications, doing online research, sending email,
designing graphics, running businesses, and even playing games.
The computer has become a part of our life. There are several activities that
we do in our daily bases that are dependent of a computer. Some of the
common examples are as follows:

1. ATM: While withdrawing cash from an ATM, you are using a computer that
enables the ATM to take instructions and dispense cash accordingly.
2. Digital currency: A computer keeps a record of your transactions and balance
in your account and the money deposited in your account in a bank is stored as
a digital record or digital currency.
3. Trading: Stock markets use computers for day to day trading. There are many
advanced algorithms based on computers that handle trading without involving
humans.
4. Smartphone: The smartphone that we use throughout the day for calling,
texting, browsing is itself a computer.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
 It produce high quality documents

 It reduce paper work

 It provides quick access to data

 It reduces cost of storing

 It enables international business

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
 It is very expensive to maintain

 It can’t function if there no electricity supply

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 It causes unemployment because number of staffs requires will be reduce

 It create room for laziness

COMPUTERS ARE DIVIDED INTO DIFFERENT TYPES BASED ON THEIR SIZE,
1. Micro Computer

2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Computer
4. Super Computer
5. Workstations
1. Micro Computer:
It is a single-user computer which has less speed and storage capacity than the
other types. It uses a microprocessor as a CPU. The first microcomputer was built
with 8-bit microprocessor chips. The common examples of microcomputers
include laptops, desktop computers, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets, and
smartphones. Microcomputers are generally designed and developed for general
usage like browsing, searching for information, internet, MS Office, social media,
etc.
2. Mini Computer:
Mini-computers are also known as "Midrange Computers." They are not designed
for a single. They are multi-user computers designed to support multiple users
simultaneously. So, they are generally used by small businesses and firms.
Individual departments of a company use these computers for specific purposes.
For example, the admission department of a University can use a Mini-computer
for monitoring the admission process.
3. Mainframe Computer:
It is also a multi-user computer capable of supporting thousands of users
simultaneously. They are used by large firms and government organizations to run
their business operations as they can store and process large amounts of data. For
example, Banks, universities, and insurance companies use mainframe computers
to store the data of their customers, students, and policyholders, respectively.
4. Super Computer:
Super-computers are the fastest and most expensive computers among all types of
computers. They have huge storage capacities and computing speeds and thus can
perform millions of instructions per second. The super-computers are task-specific
and thus used for specialized applications such as large-scale numerical problems
in scientific and engineering disciplines including applications in electronics,
petroleum engineering, weather forecasting, medicine, space research and more.

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For example, NASA uses supercomputers for launching space satellites and
monitoring and controlling them for space exploration.
WHAT IS A COMPUTER SECURITY THREAT?
A security threat is a malicious act that aims to corrupt or steal data or disrupt an
organization's systems or the entire organization.
Security Threats, by definition, are any type of malicious activity or attack that
could potentially cause harm or damage to an organization, its data or its
personnel. Security threats may refer to physical threats, such as theft or
vandalism, as well as digital threats, such as malware or ransomware. Security
threats can affect an organization’s operations, reputation, financial stability, and
overall customer experience.
A COMPUTER VIRUS
A computer virus is a type of malicious software, or malware, that spreads between
computers and causes damage to data and software. Computer viruses aim to
disrupt systems, cause major operational issues, and result in data loss and leakage.
What Causes Computer Virus Infections?
 Opening suspicious email attachments.
 Attaching unsecured removable or external storage devices (e.g., flash drives,
external hard drives, memory cards)
 Accessing malicious websites.
 Downloading malicious and unlicensed applications.
How to prevent computer viruses?
 Always, always, have a backup.
 Only download software from trusted sources.
 Be cautious of email attachments.
 Disable image previews in your email client.
 Use an anti-malware solution.
 Use a firewall.
 Regularly update your OS and software.
 Monitor all devices proactively.
BOOTING
Booting is basically the process of switching on by pushing the power button, the
monitor should be firstly switched on as soon as power get to the system unit, the
computer begins a routine called power on self test post
Types of booting
Cold Booting
A cold boot is also called a hard boot. It is the process when we first start the
computer. In other words, when the computer is started from its initial state by

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pressing the power button it is called cold boot. The instructions are read from
the ROM and the operating system is loaded in the main memory.
Warm Booting
Warm Boot is also called soft boot. It refers to when we restart the computer. Here,
the computer does not start from the initial state. When the system gets stuck
sometimes it is required to restart it while it is ON. Therefore, in this condition the
warm boot takes place. Restart button or CTRL+ALT+DELETE keys are used for
warm boot.