ASSIGNMENT 01

Name: SHEHROZ ARSHAD CRN: 128269

Batch: 07 SS SKAN’s ID: 39688

QUESTION 01

DEFINITION OF COMPUTER

Computers are electronic devices that are programmed for accepting data, performing operations,
presenting outputs and storing information. From research to production and from travel to
teaching computer applications and their uses are wide spread.

QUESTION 02

TYPES OF COMPUTER

Computer type Description

Used only in the very largest systems- e.g. complex calculations

in climate and global weather predictions, molecular modelling,
Supercomputers
national defense and aerospace

Mainframe The most powerful computers typically found in multi-nationals

and other large businesses- e.g. an airline or oil company. Not as
powerful as a supercomputer, but still incredibly powerful

Mini-computers Less powerful than mainframe computers, although not portable

like smaller models, are used in business transactions processing.
For e.g. database management and file handling
 Desk-top personal A computer placed at the user’s desk with its own processing
capabilities and usually a keyboard, mouse and screen.
computers (PCs)

Portable laptops and Similar concept to PCs but much smaller and portable
notebooks computers

Handheld computers Handheld computers or PDAs (Personal Data Assistants) that

have much of the functionality found on PCs. For example,
smart-phones.

QUESTION 03

FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER

The four operations that a computer is programmed to perform include:

Input: facilitate introduction of data and

information into the system

Process: The 'brain' of the computer that takes the

inputs, carries out instructions of computer
program, processes them and then delivers output
results

Output: Facilitate the extraction of processed

information from the system

Storage: Enable data to be saved for futureuse.

 QUESTION 04

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER

The four components required for preforming computer functions include:

Computer hardware: consists of

the computers themselves plus all Computer software: comprises
the peripheral equipment a set of machine-readable
connected to a computer for instructions that directs a
input, output and stroage of data. computer's processor to preform
they can be placed inside the specific operations.
main system or located outside.

Data or Datasets: are numeric, Communications: controls the

alphanumeric, graphic or any transmission of data within a
other form of content that can be computer network making it
sorted, processed or represnted. possible to send and recieve data.

All these components together make a system architecture. The term system
architecture refers to the way in which the components of a computer system such
as input, process, output and storage devices are linked together and how they
interact.

QUESTION 05

PROCESSING UNIT+ HARDWARE AND

SOFTWARE COMPONENTS
THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is where most calculations take place. Also
referred to as a microprocessor, this part contains all the electronic circuitry that the
computer needs to manipulate data and execute instructions.
Despite the incredibly vast amount of electronic circuitry contained within a CPU
it is actually physically incredibly small.
The CPU comprises of following basic components:
 Control unit: The control unit is responsible for directing the flow of
instructions and data. The control unit extracts instructions from memory (via
the bus– see below), decodes them then executes them based on the data
provided. The control unit also controls the input and output devices and
all the passing of data to the ALU for computation.
 Arithmetic logic unit (ALU): The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs all
the mathematical and logical calculations. The ALU is comprised of complex
electronic circuitry that can add, subtract, multiply, divide and perform many
other calculations.
 Memory: Memory stores data while it is being processed. It is usually
placed inside the system and can be both volatile (Cache memory, Random
Access Memory and registers) and non-volatile (Read Only Memory and flash
memory).
 Interface Unit: This moves program instructions and data between the CPU
and other hardware components. It connects with memory and the other
input/output devices.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPONENTS
Hardware:
The physical or tangible component of computer system, hardware devices are
associated with all of the components of the system.
 Input Devices:
Devices that are used to input data into the system. Some of the input devices
include:
  Keyboards are the most common input device and are part of virtually all
computer systems. Keyboards can be stand-alone and connected to the
computer with a cable or through a wireless connection, or they might be
integrated into the computer itself, such as with a laptop or notebook. Mobile
devices, tablets or notebooks have keyboard feature inbuilt or displayed on-
screen.
 Mouse or Pointing devices locate and move a cursor on the display screen.
Touch sensitive pads and other pointing devices that similarly control the
cursor are also now commonly found in the center of the keyboard.
Earlier mice used ball for moving pointer on the screen, later optical or laser
mechanics but now various 3D applications are being used for navigation
and movement control.
 Digital pens and styluses make digital writing, drawing and tapping easier
just as one writes on paper.
 Touch pads and touch screens are a recent trend towards integrating
touch-sensitive data into the system. Such screens or pads also recognizes
multi-finger touch for example rotating or zooming an image on screen. This
has increased user interaction with the system.
 Microphone or headset helps input audio data into the computer system.
Speech, music and any other voice can be integrated using inbuilt or
connected audio input devices.
 Scanners, Readers and Digital Cameras convert physical data that already
exist into digital format. Finger prints, images, or codes as data points are
entered into the system using these devices.

 Output Devices:
An output device is the part of a computer system that receives the processed
data from the computer and presents it in desired format.
 Monitors are most common display device for computers that temporarily
projects data outputs on screens. Other display devices include digital
billboards, mobile or tablet screens,
 Printer is a device that prints output to a page (on paper), also refers to as
hardcopy. Printing can be in color or ‘black and white’ on paper as well as
on other special surfaces. Various technologies are being used for printing
including dot-matrix, laser, ink-jets and 3D.
  Speaker and headsets are audio output devices that can range from simple,
single-speaker output devices offering low-quality audio to surround-sound
multi-channel units sending different output to multiple speakers in different
locations.
 Data projectors translate the digital output into a visual display projected
onto a screen. These are used within classrooms, conferences and other
spaces for wide spectators.

 Storage Devices
Storage devices help save data, programs outputs that can accessed for later use.
Such devices can be internally within the system, attached externally or accessed
remotely.
The different types of storage devices found within a computer system include the
following:
 RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is used till the period functions
and programs are being processed.
 Magnetic Hard Drives and Solid State Drives (SSDs): Magnetic hard
drives, as the name indicate, use magnetic tapes to store data.
 Internal and External Hard Drives: Each computer system has at least one
internal hard drive (either magnetic or Solid state).
 Network and online storage: Storage devices accessed remotely via
internet or over a network are a recent trend whereby collective data is
stored in a separate space in addition to or instead of local computer system.

Software:
Computer software comprises a set of machine-readable instructions that directs
a computer’s processor to perform specific operations. Computer software can be
divided into the following types:
System Software:
The main operational software that allows computer to work are collectively
referred as system software. Operating system (OS) is the key system software that
works as a liaison between computer and a user. It also aids in starting up and run
other application software.
For Example:
Most of the Desktop Computers uses Windows as operating system. Other
Operating systems also include Linux and Mac OS.
For Mobile devices, operating systems include Windows, Apple iOS, Android and
Symbian OS
Key features of OS include:
 The OS controls all operations within the computer itself.
 The OS controls the operation of all other software, such as the application
software.
 The OS controls the operation of all the other hardware connected to the
computer.
 The OS provides systems security. For example, it enables work to be saved
and provides password protection.
 The OS also provides the graphical user interface (GUI) between the user
and the computer.
Other System software include Utility Software enable to perform specific tasks
such as copying files, sorting data, maintaining and managing files and checking for
viruses.
Application Software:
Application software enables computer users to perform specific activities. Some
software can be open source while other can be licensed for particular users.
For Example
Some of the application software developed commercially include Microsoft
Office that includes MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.

THE END