How to Understand Computer Fundamental-Beginner to Advance

Fundamental of Computer:

Computer fundamentals refers to a basic understanding of how to navigate and use digital devices, including how they interact with each other and also refers to the basics of using digital devices such as Computers, Smartphone and tablets.

Introduction of Computer:

Computer is an electronic device that can be accept data (input), Process it and generate result (output). A Computer along with additional hardware and software together is called a computer system.

This system operates by manipulating data through various hardware components, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage (hard drives or SSDs), and input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.).

Key Components of a Computer:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): CPU is the circuitry of a Computer, called the brain of the computer. It is the part that does most of the work in a computer system.
• Input devices: The devices through which control signals are sent to a computer are termed as a input devices. Input devices provide us a way to give input or instruct the computer to perform a function.

Some Input Devices are:

• Output Devices: The device that receives the data from a computer system for Display, Physical Production, etc., is called output device. It converts digital information into human understandable form.

Some Output Devices are:

• Memory: This keeps data for a short time so the CPU can use it right away.
• Storage Devices: These keep data for a long time. Hard drives, SSDs, and USB drives are some examples.
• Motherboard: This main circuit board connects all the parts.
• Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system. You can touch and see these components.
• Software: Software is the part of a computer system you can’t touch. It has programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

Characteristics of Computer:

In this era of technology computers is an important part of our life. In a computer, there are various characteristics of computer systems that depends on their size, capacity, and specifications. But, the major characteristics of the computer can be classified into-

• Speed: The first and tone of the most characteristic of computer that comes to everybody’s mind is speed of the computer. Computers can process data and execute instructions at incredibly high speeds, far surpassing human capabilities.
• Accuracy: Computers perform tasks with a high degree of precision and accuracy, minimizing errors.
• Consistency: Consistency in computing refers to the reliable and predictable performance of systems and software under various conditions.
• Memory: Memory in computing refers to the temporary storage used by a computer to store data and instructions that the CPU can access quickly.
• Storage capacity: Storage capacity refers to the amount of data that can be stored on a computer or storage device, typically measured in bytes (e.g., gigabytes, terabytes).
•  Remembrance power: Memory power in computing refers to the ability of a computer’s memory (RAM) to store and retrieve data quickly and efficiently.
• Automation: Automation in computing refers to the process of performing tasks or processes automatically, without requiring human intervention, often achieved through software programs or scripts.
  

Generation of Computer:

in this digital era there are five types of computer generation. They are-

• First Generation of Computer (1940s-1956s): Used vacuum tubes; large and power-hungry.
• Second Generation of Computer (1956s-1963s): Transistors replaced vacuum tubes; smaller, faster.
• Third Generation of Computer (1964s-1975s): Integrated circuits (ICs) replaced transistors and made computers even smaller and more powerful.
• Fourth Generation of Computer (1975s-present): Used very large integrated circuit (VLSI) or Microprocessor.
• Fifth Generation of Computer (Present- Future): AI-driven, focusing on natural language processing, machine learning, and quantum computing.
  

Classification of Computer:

Different criteria can be used to differentiate computer models, with some common differences including:

1. By Size & Capability
2. Basis on Data Handling and Processing
3. Based on Architecture 
4. By Usage Model
5. Based on Form Factor

Application of Computer

The application of computers spans across virtually every aspect of modern life. Here are some key areas where computers are widely used:

• Communication: Computers enable instant communication through email, messaging apps, and video conferencing, revolutionizing how people connect globally.
• Education: Computers facilitate online learning, interactive simulations, and access to vast educational resources, enhancing the learning experience.
• Business: Computers automate tasks, manage inventory, process transactions, and analyze data, improving efficiency and decision-making.
• Entertainment: Computers power video games, streaming platforms, digital art creation, and virtual reality experiences, offering diverse forms of entertainment.

Basics Concept about Software & Hardware

• Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system. You can touch and see these components.
• Software: Software is the part of a computer system you can’t touch. It has programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

Types of Software:

• System Software: This runs the computer’s hardware and gives a base for application software. Some examples are operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), device drivers, and tools.

• Application Software: This does specific jobs for users. Think of word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, games, and accounting programs.

How Software and Hardware Work Together:

• Software gives orders to the hardware.
• Hardware follows these orders to do tasks.
• The two team up to make a working computer system.

Relationship between Software and Hardware:

• Interaction: Software talks to hardware through several layers. Programs use the operating system to chat with hardware parts using drivers and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
• Dependence: Hardware gives software a physical base to do its job. How well software works and what it can do often links to what the hardware can handle and how good it is.
• Functionality: Software decides what a computer system can do and how it acts, while hardware provides the muscle to process data, store info, and handle input and output to carry out software commands well.

Bit, Byte, Word, Nibble:

Bit: A bit is the smallest unit of data in computing, representing a binary digit that can have a value of either 0 or 1.

Example: Imagine you have a light switch. The switch has two positions: up and down.

• Down position: This can represent the state “0”.
• Up position: This can represent the state “1”.

In this analogy:

Byte : A byte is a unit of digital information storage consisting of 8 bits, capable of representing a single character in computer systems.

• 0 (switch down) could mean the light is off.
• 1 (switch up) could mean the light is on.

Example: A byte is a fundamental unit of storage in computing, used to represent various types of data, including characters, numbers, and complex data structures. For example, a byte of memory with a sequence of bits 010000100101000001 represents the decimal number 65.65 in ASCII.

Word: In computing, a word refers to the unit of data that a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) processes in one operation. The size of a word can vary depending on the computer architecture, typically ranging from 8 to 64 bits or more.

Nibble: A nibble is a grouping of 4 bits, which is half of a standard 8-bit byte.

Concept of Computer Language:

A computer language provides a structured method to communicate with computers. Here’s a breakdown of computer language types:

1. Machine Language: Computer understands it directly, using binary code (0s and 1s). Hard to read and write for humans.
2. Assembly Language: Uses mnemonics to represent machine code instructions. A bit easier to understand.
3. High-Level: Languages that are more abstract, easier to read, and closer to human languages. They allow programmers to write code that is independent of the computer’s hardware.
4. Procedural Languages: Focus on procedures or functions. Like C, Pascal, Fortran.
5. Object-Oriented Languages: Organize code around objects and their interactions. Like Java, Python, C++.
6. Scripting Languages: Interpreted languages for automation and web development. Like Python, JavaScript, Ruby.
7. Functional Languages: Focus on functions and expressions. Like Lisp, Haskell.
8. Logic Programming Languages: Based on logic and rules. Like Prolog.
9. System Languages: For system-level stuff like operating systems and device drivers (C, C++).
10. Application Languages: For building software applications (Java, Python, C#).
11. Web Languages: For building websites and web applications (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python).
12. Database Languages: For managing and querying databases (SQL).