BASIC OF COMPUTER

# WHAT IS A COMPUTER?

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THIS IS THE PART 1 OF THE VIDIO The word **Computer** is derived from the word **“Compute”**, which means **calculation and automation in the digital world**. A **computer** is an **electronic device** that accepts data, processes it, stores it, and provides meaningful information to users. It performs operations accurately and follows the instructions given by the user. A computer does not work emotionally; it works logically and provides exact results based on the data and commands received. Thus, a computer can be defined as an electronic device with the ability to: * Accept data and instructions from users * Process the data into useful information * Store data and instructions * Perform arithmetic and logical operations * Execute commands given by users accurately and efficiently --- # CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER ### 1. Accuracy Computers perform calculations with a very high degree of accuracy and can solve complex calculations within seconds. ### 2. Speed A computer is known for its high speed and can process millions of operations quickly. ### 3. Reliability Computers are reliable devices that provide consistent and accurate results. ### 4. Versatility Computers are used in different fields such as business, education, healthcare, communication, and technology. ### 5. Storage Capacity Computers have a large storage capacity and can store huge amounts of data such as GB (Gigabytes) and TB (Terabytes). ### 6. Automation Computers can execute programs automatically without continuous human intervention. ### 7. No IQ (No Intelligence of Their Own) Computers are not intelligent by themselves. They only perform tasks according to user instructions. --- # WHAT IS CPU? **CPU (Central Processing Unit)** is called the **brain of the computer**. It performs: * Calculations * Data processing * Arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division * Execution of instructions --- # WHAT IS ALU? **ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)** is a part of the CPU. It performs: * Arithmetic operations (+, −, ×, ÷, %) * Logical operations and comparisons --- # WHAT IS CONTROL UNIT (CU)? The **Control Unit (CU)** controls and manages all operations inside the computer. Functions: * Controls data flow * Coordinates between components * Executes instructions step by step --- # WHAT ARE PERIPHERAL DEVICES? Peripheral devices are external devices connected to a computer system. Examples: * Keyboard * Mouse * Monitor * Printer * Scanner * Speakers These devices help the computer receive input and provide output. --- # TYPES OF MEMORY There are two main types of memory: ## 1. Primary Memory Memory directly accessed by the CPU. Example: * RAM ## 2. Secondary Memory Memory used for long-term storage. Examples: * Hard Disk * SSD * CD/DVD ### RAM (Random Access Memory) * Primary memory * High speed * Temporary (Volatile) ### ROM (Read Only Memory) * Permanent memory * Stores important system instructions * Data remains stored even after power off --- # HOW IS COMPUTER MEMORY MEASURED? Computers work on the **Binary Number System**, which uses **0 and 1**. ## Bit The smallest unit of data. ## Byte 1 Byte = 8 Bits ## Kilobyte (KB) 1 KB = 1024 Bytes ## Megabyte (MB) 1 MB = 1024 KB ## Gigabyte (GB) 1 GB = 1024 MB ## Terabyte (TB) 1 TB = 1024 GB --- # HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ## Hardware Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer. Examples: * CPU * Keyboard * Mouse * Monitor * Printer ## Software Software refers to programs and instructions that tell hardware what to do. Examples: * Operating System * Browser * Applications * Games * MS Word

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PART 2 OF THIS CHAPTER