Lesson 2
Fundamentals of a computer system
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device
that manipulates information or data.
What does a computer does?
They are changing the way we live our life.
Characteristics of a computer
1. Speed
2. Accuracy
3. Versatility
4. Efficiency
5. Storing and retrieving
,Speed -> A computer can perform millions of calculations in a
second.
Accuracy -> Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy.
Versatility->Computer can be used to perform various tasks at the
same time.
Efficiency-> A computer can work continuously without getting tired.
Storing and Retrieving->A computer can store billions of bytes of
information.
Computer Classification
According to physical size According to
technology
, Classification Classification according to physical size
1) Super computers
Super computers with excellent storage capacity, are considered the
fastest computer in data processing and handling. They are big and
have multiple CPUs for faster data and information access and
processing.
Example-IBM Seirra, Sunway taihu light
2) Mainframe computers
These computers are small in size compared to super computer. Fast
and can store a massive amount of data and information. They have
extremely impressive data processing and handling abilities, and
number of users can connect to them quickly for better sharing and
functionality.
Example-Z890,hitachi Z800
3) Mini computers
Are considerably smaller in size when compared to super computers
and mainframe computers. Mini computer consist of more than 1
CPU making then faster than micro computers and costlier than
microcomputers.
4) Micro computers
Are compact in shape and size and use a micro processor , processor,
or CPU for processing and calculations. They are comparatively
relatively smaller than other computers.
, Classification according to technology
1) Analog computers
Analog computers are computers that operate on continuous data
through measuring physical quantities like temperature, voltage,
speed, current, pressure.
Example-Speedometer, thermometer
2) Digital computers
Works on discrete data or discontinuous data. It accepts data as
digits or number and processors it with programs stored in the
memory to produce desired output. Digital computer works on a
binary system where 0 represents off and 1 represents on. It is based
on digital signals.
Example-Smart phones, laptops
3) Hybrid computers
These combines the features of both analog and digital computers. It
can perform the tasks of both analog and digital computers. The
hybrid computer can convert the analog signal into digital signal and
digital signal into the analog signal.
Functions of a computer system
Computers are incredibly versatile machines that can perform a wide
range of tasks. These tasks are made possible by the four basic
functions of a computer. Input, Process, output and storage.
Each of the functions are essential for the computer to operate
correctly and perform useful tasks.
Fundamentals of a computer system
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device
that manipulates information or data.
What does a computer does?
They are changing the way we live our life.
Characteristics of a computer
1. Speed
2. Accuracy
3. Versatility
4. Efficiency
5. Storing and retrieving
,Speed -> A computer can perform millions of calculations in a
second.
Accuracy -> Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy.
Versatility->Computer can be used to perform various tasks at the
same time.
Efficiency-> A computer can work continuously without getting tired.
Storing and Retrieving->A computer can store billions of bytes of
information.
Computer Classification
According to physical size According to
technology
, Classification Classification according to physical size
1) Super computers
Super computers with excellent storage capacity, are considered the
fastest computer in data processing and handling. They are big and
have multiple CPUs for faster data and information access and
processing.
Example-IBM Seirra, Sunway taihu light
2) Mainframe computers
These computers are small in size compared to super computer. Fast
and can store a massive amount of data and information. They have
extremely impressive data processing and handling abilities, and
number of users can connect to them quickly for better sharing and
functionality.
Example-Z890,hitachi Z800
3) Mini computers
Are considerably smaller in size when compared to super computers
and mainframe computers. Mini computer consist of more than 1
CPU making then faster than micro computers and costlier than
microcomputers.
4) Micro computers
Are compact in shape and size and use a micro processor , processor,
or CPU for processing and calculations. They are comparatively
relatively smaller than other computers.
, Classification according to technology
1) Analog computers
Analog computers are computers that operate on continuous data
through measuring physical quantities like temperature, voltage,
speed, current, pressure.
Example-Speedometer, thermometer
2) Digital computers
Works on discrete data or discontinuous data. It accepts data as
digits or number and processors it with programs stored in the
memory to produce desired output. Digital computer works on a
binary system where 0 represents off and 1 represents on. It is based
on digital signals.
Example-Smart phones, laptops
3) Hybrid computers
These combines the features of both analog and digital computers. It
can perform the tasks of both analog and digital computers. The
hybrid computer can convert the analog signal into digital signal and
digital signal into the analog signal.
Functions of a computer system
Computers are incredibly versatile machines that can perform a wide
range of tasks. These tasks are made possible by the four basic
functions of a computer. Input, Process, output and storage.
Each of the functions are essential for the computer to operate
correctly and perform useful tasks.
