Definition of digital computer, Elements of computer: Input unit, Output unit, Primary memory, Secondary memory and Processing unit.

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  • Computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with Information. term computer is derived from the Latin term‘computare’, this means to calculateor programmable machine. Computer cannot do anything without a Program. It represents the decimal numbers through a string of binary digits. The Word ‘Computer’ usually refers to the Center Processor Unit plus Internal memory.
  • Charles Babbageis called the “Grand Father” of the computer. The First mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage was called Analytical Engine. It uses read-only memory in the form of punch cards.

 

Digital Computer Definition

 

  • The basic components of a modern digital computer are: Input Device, Output Device, Central Processor Unit (CPU), mass storage device and memory. A Typical modern computer uses LSI Chips.

 

Four Functions about computer are:

 

accepts dataInput
processes dataProcessing
produces outputOutput
stores resultsStorage

 

Input (Data):

Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the collection of letters, numbers, images etc.

Process:

Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of the computer system.

Output:

Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also called as Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.

All general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:

Memory: enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data and programs.

Mass storage device: allows a computer to permanently retain large amounts of data. Common mass storage devices include solid state drives (SSDs) or disk drives and tape drives.

Input device: usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit through which data and instructions enter a computer.

Output device: a display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see what the computer has accomplished.

Central processing unit (CPU): the heart of the computer, this is the component that actually executes instructions.

In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components to work together efficiently. For example, every computer requires a bus that transmits data from one part of the computer to another.

CPU (Processing Unit)

CPU (pronounced as separate letters) is the abbreviation for central processing unit. Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.

Components of a CPU

The two typical components of a CPU include the following:

The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations.

The control unit (CU), which extracts instructions from memoryand decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary.

Relationship between the Elements of the CPU, input and output, and storage

Printed Circuit Boards, Microprocessors

On large machines, the CPU requires one or more printed circuit boards. On personal computers and small workstations, the CPU is housed in a single chip called a microprocessor. Since the 1970’s the microprocessor class of CPUs has almost completely overtaken all other CPU implementations.

The CPU itself is an internal component of the computer. Modern CPUs are small and square and contain multiple metallic connectors or pins on the underside. The CPU is inserted directly into a CPU socket, pin side down, on the motherboard.

Each motherboard will support only a specific type (or range) of CPU, so you must check the motherboard manufacturer’s specifications before attempting to replace or upgrade a CPU in your computer. Modern CPUs also have an attached heat sink and small fan that go directly on top of the CPU to help dissipate heat.

 

 

MEMORY

 

Memory is major part of computers that categories into several types. Memory is best storage part to the computer users to save information, programs and etc, The computer memory offer several kinds of storage media some of them can store data temporarily and some them can store permanently. Memory consists of instructions and the data saved into computer through Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Types of Computer Memory:

Memory is the best essential element of a computer because computer can’t perform simple tasks. The performance of computer mainly based on memory and CPU. Memory is internal storage media of computer that has several names such as majorly categorized into two types, Main memory and Secondary memory.

 

  1. Primary Memory / Volatile Memory.
  2. Secondary Memory / Non Volatile Memory.

 

  1. Primary Memory / Volatile Memory:

 

Primary Memory also called as volatile memory because the memory can’t store the data permanently. Primary memory select any part of memory when user want to save the data in memory but that may not be store permanently on that location. It also has another name i.e. RAM.

Random Access Memory (RAM):

The primary storage is referred to as random access memory (RAM) due to the random selection of memory locations. It performs both read and write operations on memory. If power failures happened in systems during memory access then you will lose your data permanently. So, RAM is volatile memory. RAM categorized into following types.

DRAM

SRAM

DRDRAM

  1. Secondary Memory / Non Volatile Memory:

Secondary memory is external and permanent memory that is useful to store the external storage media such as floppy disk, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes and etc cache devices. Secondary memory deals with following types of components.

Read Only Memory (ROM) :

ROM is permanent memory location that offer huge types of standards to save data. But it work with read only operation. No data lose happen whenever power failure occur during the ROM memory work in computers.

ROM memory has several models such names are following.

  1. PROM:Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) maintains large storage media but can’t offer the erase features in ROM. This type of RO maintains PROM chips to write data once and read many. The programs or instructions designed in PROM can’t be erased by other programs.
  2. EPROM :Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory designed for recover the problems of PROM and ROM. Users can delete the data of EPROM thorough pass on ultraviolet Light and it erases chip is reprogrammed.
  3. EEPROM:Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory similar to the EPROM but it uses electrical beam for erase the data of ROM.

Cache Memory: Mina memory less than the access time of CPU so, the performance will decrease through less access time. Speed mismatch will decrease through maintain cache memory. Main memory can store huge amount of data but the cache memory normally kept small and low expensive cost. All types of external media like Magnetic disks, Magnetic drives and etc store in cache memory to provide quick access tools to the users.

 

 

,

A digital computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and produces results as output. It is a programmable device that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically.

Computers are used for a wide variety of tasks, including word processing, data analysis, financial modeling, scientific computing, and playing games. They are also used to control industrial processes, power Plants, and transportation systems.

The elements of a computer are:

  • Input unit: The input unit is responsible for entering data into the computer. This can be done through a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or other device.
  • Output unit: The output unit is responsible for displaying the results of the computer’s processing. This can be done on a monitor, printer, or other device.
  • Primary memory: Primary memory is a temporary storage area for data and instructions that are being processed by the computer. It is also known as RAM (random access memory).
  • Secondary memory: Secondary memory is a permanent storage area for data and instructions that are not being processed by the computer. It is also known as ROM (read-only memory) or hard disk drive.
  • Processing unit: The processing unit is the part of the computer that performs the arithmetic and logical operations. It is also known as the CPU (central processing unit).

The input unit is responsible for entering data into the computer. This can be done through a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or other device. The keyboard is used to enter text and numbers. The mouse is used to move the cursor on the screen and select items. The scanner is used to convert images into digital form.

The output unit is responsible for displaying the results of the computer’s processing. This can be done on a monitor, printer, or other device. The monitor is used to display text and images. The printer is used to print text and images on paper.

Primary memory is a temporary storage area for data and instructions that are being processed by the computer. It is also known as RAM (random access memory). RAM is volatile, which means that it loses its contents when the computer is turned off.

Secondary memory is a permanent storage area for data and instructions that are not being processed by the computer. It is also known as ROM (read-only memory) or hard disk drive. ROM is non-volatile, which means that it retains its contents even when the computer is turned off.

The processing unit is the part of the computer that performs the arithmetic and logical operations. It is also known as the CPU (central processing unit). The CPU is responsible for carrying out the instructions that are stored in the computer’s memory.

Computers are made up of many different components, but these are the most important ones. The input unit, output unit, primary memory, secondary memory, and processing unit work together to perform the tasks that we ask of them.

What is a digital computer?

A digital computer is an electronic device that manipulates data and information using the binary Number System. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.

What are the elements of a computer?

The elements of a computer are:

  • Input unit: This is the part of the computer that takes in data from the user.
  • Output unit: This is the part of the computer that displays data to the user.
  • Primary memory: This is the part of the computer that stores data temporarily.
  • Secondary memory: This is the part of the computer that stores data permanently.
  • Processing unit: This is the part of the computer that performs calculations and logical operations.

What is the input unit?

The input unit is the part of the computer that takes in data from the user. It can be a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or other device.

What is the output unit?

The output unit is the part of the computer that displays data to the user. It can be a monitor, printer, or other device.

What is the primary memory?

The primary memory is the part of the computer that stores data temporarily. It is also called RAM (random access memory).

What is the secondary memory?

The secondary memory is the part of the computer that stores data permanently. It is also called ROM (read-only memory) or hard drive.

What is the processing unit?

The processing unit is the part of the computer that performs calculations and logical operations. It is also called the CPU (central processing unit).

What are the functions of a computer?

The functions of a computer are:

  • To input data
  • To store data
  • To process data
  • To output data
  • To control other devices

What are the different types of computers?

There are many different types of computers, including:

  • Personal computers (PCs)
  • Laptops
  • Notebooks
  • Tablets
  • Smartphones
  • Servers
  • Supercomputers

What are the advantages of using a computer?

There are many advantages of using a computer, including:

  • Speed: Computers can perform calculations and tasks much faster than humans can.
  • Accuracy: Computers are very accurate in performing calculations and tasks.
  • Storage: Computers can store large amounts of data.
  • Communication: Computers can be used to communicate with other people and devices.
  • Entertainment: Computers can be used to play games, watch movies, and listen to music.

What are the disadvantages of using a computer?

There are some disadvantages of using a computer, including:

  • Cost: Computers can be expensive.
  • Maintenance: Computers require regular maintenance to keep them running properly.
  • Security: Computers can be vulnerable to security threats.
  • Addiction: Computers can be addictive.
  • Eye strain: Using a computer for long periods of time can cause eye strain.

What are the future trends in computers?

The future trends in computers include:

  • Increased processing power
  • Increased storage capacity
  • Increased portability
  • Increased connectivity
  • Increased Artificial Intelligence
  • Increased use of cloud computing

  1. What is the main function of the input unit?
    (A) To enter data into the computer
    (B) To process data
    (C) To store data
    (D) To output data

  2. What is the main function of the output unit?
    (A) To enter data into the computer
    (B) To process data
    (C) To store data
    (D) To output data

  3. What is the main function of the primary memory?
    (A) To enter data into the computer
    (B) To process data
    (C) To store data
    (D) To output data

  4. What is the main function of the secondary memory?
    (A) To enter data into the computer
    (B) To process data
    (C) To store data
    (D) To output data

  5. What is the main function of the processing unit?
    (A) To enter data into the computer
    (B) To process data
    (C) To store data
    (D) To output data

  6. What is the difference between primary memory and secondary memory?
    (A) Primary memory is volatile, while secondary memory is non-volatile.
    (B) Primary memory is slower than secondary memory.
    (C) Primary memory is smaller than secondary memory.
    (D) Primary memory is more expensive than secondary memory.

  7. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
    (A) RAM is volatile, while ROM is non-volatile.
    (B) RAM is slower than ROM.
    (C) RAM is smaller than ROM.
    (D) RAM is more expensive than ROM.

  8. What is the difference between a hard disk drive and a solid-state drive?
    (A) A hard disk drive is magnetic, while a solid-state drive is solid-state.
    (B) A hard disk drive is slower than a solid-state drive.
    (C) A hard disk drive is larger than a solid-state drive.
    (D) A hard disk drive is more expensive than a solid-state drive.

  9. What is the difference between a CPU and a GPU?
    (A) A CPU is a general-purpose processor, while a GPU is a specialized processor for graphics.
    (B) A CPU is slower than a GPU.
    (C) A CPU is smaller than a GPU.
    (D) A CPU is more expensive than a GPU.

  10. What is the difference between a motherboard and a graphics card?
    (A) A motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer, while a graphics card is a specialized circuit board for graphics.
    (B) A motherboard is slower than a graphics card.
    (C) A motherboard is smaller than a graphics card.
    (D) A motherboard is more expensive than a graphics card.