Introduction Of Computer
Parts of a computer
¾ If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn’t any
single part called the “computer.” A computer is really a system of many
parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are
collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the
instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.)
¾ The illustration below shows the most common hardware in a desktop
computer system. Your system may look a little different, but it probably has
most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them
into a single notebook-sized package.
Introduction of CPU
System unit
¾ The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it’s a rectangular box
placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components
that process information. The most important of these components is the central
processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the “brain” of your
computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM), which
temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The
information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.
Introduction of Storage
Storage
¾ Your computer has one or more disk drives—devices that store information on a
metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer
is turned off.
• Hard disk drive
¾ Your computer’s hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or
stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive
amounts of information, they usually serve as your computer’s primary means of
storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is
normally located inside the system unit.
Introduction of Storage (cont)
• CD and DVD drives
¾ Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located
on the front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a
CD, and many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a
recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also
use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.
¾ DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a
DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record
data onto blank DVD
Introduction of computer Accessories
¾ Mouse>> A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen.
¾ Keyboard>> A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has
keys for letters and numbers
¾ Monitor>> A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics.
¾ The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen.
¾ Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures
¾ There are two basic types of monitors:
¾ CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and
¾ LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors
Introduction of computer Accessories (cont)
¾ Printer>>A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don’t need a printer to use your computer, but having
one allows you to print e-mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other materials. Many people also like being able to
print their own photos at home.
¾ The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers
¾ Speakers>>Speakers are used to play sound.
¾ They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound
effects from your computer.
¾ Modem>>To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem.
¾ A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are
sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.
Role of Computer in Daily Life
¾ You wake up in the morning, switch on your PC and check the mail or update your Facebook status. You go
to work, switch on your computer and work. You come back from work, and re-check your mails, make
entries in your account folder, check your bank balance, etc. You encourage your child to watch NatGeo, or
undertake grammar test using the latest software. You watch a movie or play one round of computer game
and end your day. But wait, in this busy schedule, have you wondered how much you are dependent on
your PC or computer for your daily activities. Take a look at the following points which will help you realize
the actual role of computers in daily life.
¾ Importance of Computers in Daily Life
¾ When talking about the use of computers in daily life, we talk about the direct as well as indirect uses. For
e.g, when we use the computer for working or gaming, we have its direct uses; while using an ATM, we are
actually making an indirect use of computer based technology. The Internet proved to be a boon in the
field of science and technology. Computers, in general, are used in nearly all fields, today, like
supermarkets, banks, etc. Here are some of the common uses of computers which may help in realizing
the role of computers in daily life.
¾ Education
¾ Accounts
¾ Data Storage
¾ Working
¾ Social Networking and Gaming
Role of Computer In Daily Life (cont)
¾ Some More Uses of Computers in Daily Life
• E-banking
• E-shopping
• Graphics and architectural designs
• Sharing of knowledge
• Entertainment
• Day planners / organizers
• Writing / publishing content
Uses of computers in Medical fields
¾ A computer has become an essential service in every hospital. Everything is computerized today, from
open heart surgeries to X-rays to various clinical tests. Everything is carried out efficiently and effectively
by the computer. There are many advantages of computers that make it a must have by every medical
professional.
¾ Computers in the Medical Office
¾ There are various uses of computer in medical field as it plays a vital role in every medical office. It
contributes a lot to the hospital administration where all the administrative processes are computerized.
For example, staff records, recording incoming and outgoing time of the staff, the holiday records of the
staff, etc.
¾ Use of Computers in Medicine
¾ Use of computers in the medical field is also associated with the research and inventions in health sector.
Various research studies are carried out with the help of various applications in the computer. For
example, studying certain cells, micro organisms, bacteria, etc., is easily possible with computer. It helps
you save all the related information that you can refer to, whenever require.
Video Conferencing
¾ What is Video Conferencing
¾ Video conferencing includes a range of technologies used in a wide range of
situations, often it is not just video and audio that is transmitted but also data,
allowing collaborative working though shared applications Video conferencing may
be:
¾ One-to-one meetings, also known as point to point communications usually
involving full two-way audio and video
¾ One-to-many involving full audio and video broadcast from the main site.
¾ Many-to-many, known as multi-point communication, provides audio and video
between more than two sites.
¾ Teleconferencing
¾ Video Conferencing
¾ Audio Conferencing
¾ Web Conferencing