WHAT IS COMPUTER? EXPLAIN THE BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER? LIST OUT THE PARTS OF COMPUTER?

What is Computer?

Computer is an electronic device which is used for storing data, processes the data as per given instruction, and providing the necessary information. Computer is a machine that can be programmed to perform different tasks that user wants. Computer is derived from the Latin word “computare” which means to process or calculate.

Computer takes input in form of raw data, carries arithmetic and logical operations on that data as per instructions, and provides the output information via output devices.

Modern computers can perform different tasks. Computer are able to perform tasks because of Programs. Programs are the set of instruction generalized to perform specific task.

Two things combine to form a complete computer. They are:

1. Computer Hardware:

Computer Hardware includes all the physical parts of the computer like CPU, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Speaker, Printer, Scanner, etc. All the tangible parts of computer can be called hardware part of computer.

2. Computer Software:

Computer Software includes programs (i.e. set of instructions) that tells hardware parts what and how to operate. It controls the hardware to perform tasks. Example: Microsoft Word to write a document, PowerPoint to create a presentation, etc.

Block Diagram of Computer

Figure 1: Block Diagram of Computer

The block diagram of Computer contains: Input Unit, Output Unit, Memory Unit, CPU (Arithmetic Logic Unit, and Control Unit).

The Input Unit provides the input as raw data to the computer. Input can be collection of letter, number, images, etc. Eg: Joystick, Mouse, Keyboard.

The Output Unit provides the processed data given by the computer output from the computer. Eg: Visual Display Unit, Monitor, Printer.

The Memory Unit stores the data which is to be transferred to the CPU when needed. Eg: RAM, ROM, Hard drive.

Parts of Computer

CPU:

CPU is abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. The CPU is also known as the brain of the computer because all the calculation and manipulation of data is done in it. All the arithmetic and logical operations are performed inside CPU. The data operated by the CPU are pulled from the RAM memory. CPU also has its own memory called Cache memory. The Cache memory is used for storing the very frequently used data. 

RAM:

RAM is abbreviation for Random Access Memory. Any data that CPU requires are pulled from the RAM memory. RAM is a type of Volatile memory. This means that the data residing in the RAM memory gets cleared or lost after the computer is turned off. 

Hard Drive:

Hard disks are used for storing the data, files, images, videos,etc. The data needed by CPU is pulled from RAM, and the RAM pulls the data from the Hard Drive. Hard Drive is a type of Non-Volatile memory. This means the data residing inside the Hard drive aren't lost even if the computer is turned off.

Motherboard:

Motherboard is a very important component of computer. It is a printed circuit board that connects all the necessary components of the computer like hard drive, CPU, RAM, mouse, keyboard, etc so that all components can communicate with each other.

Input Devices:

 Keyboard:

Keyboard is used to provide the input text to the computer. Keyboard contains many buttons. Those buttons are pressed to provide input by the user. Those button represents alphabets, symbols, numbers, special characters. Keyboard provides us to feed data in form of text.

Mouse:

Mouse is a type of input device that provides input by clicking the button displayed in the display unit. Mouse provides a cursor inside the display unit that can be hovered by sliding the mouse.

Output Devices:

Monitor:

A Monitor is an output device that visually represents the output in the screen in human readable or understandable format. is the most common form of output device. 

Printer:

Printer is an output device which provides the output in printed form in papers. The output can be in form of text, images, graphical representation, etc.