Computers

Introduction to computers.

In today's modern era, whatever task we do, it is done with the help of technology. No matter where we are, at home, office, movie hall, hospital, car, or hotel, we always use one  or the other technology to perform our daily tasks.

In some of our day-to-day task, we share information with the help of technology. The application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data is known  as Information Technology.

Definition

A computer is a set of electronic devices or machines that perform specified tasks according to a given instructions.

Uses of computers

These days computers have become an indispensable  part of our lives. They are used in various fields and help in the implementation of various modern services of IT. For example;

1. Automobile companies use computers to design automobile parts.
2. Architects use computers to make blueprints of buildings.
3. Music use them to compose and edit music. In offices, computers are used to create document and presentations.
4. They are also used is schools and educational institutes to explain difficult concepts to students in a simplified manner.
5. Computers can also be used to chat with friends, share documents and photographs, books flight tickets, create presentations, watch movies, listen to songs, play games, manage contacts and schedules, and create menus and letters. 

Computers have, in fact, affected each and every field of operation, making our life simpler and more efficient.

Why computers are so powerful

A computer is an advanced electronic device that takes input from a user in the form of data and instructions. After receiving the input data, it processes the data as per the given instructions and transforms the data into information. Further, the information is provided to the user in the form of output.

There are other devices that can also process input and provide output. However, computers provide certain features that make it an extremely powerful and useful device to perform a variety of tasks.

Some of the features are:

• Accuracy: Computers provides accurate result of the computation performed on it.
• Speed: Computers processes long and complex operations in a fraction of a second. They work at a very  high speed and are faster than humans.
• Storage and reliability: Computers can store a large amount of information and enables the user to process this information whenever required. 
• Versatility: Computers can be used to perform different types of tasks with the same ease. For example, if on one hand, a computer can be used to play music and games; on the other hand, it can also be used to create documents and presentations. 
• Consistency: If the same input and instructions are given to the computer, it will produce the same result    consistently, until the input or instructions provided are different.
• Communication: Computers are capable of exchanging information with other computers. This help you to send message to your friends and share document and photograph with them. Students can use computers to with their peers and instructors and submit their assignments and projects. Computers can also be used to perform online banking transactions, book tickets, and shop online.

Types of computers

Computers range from super computers that are very large in size and have highest computing capabilities to tiny computers embedded in cars, calculators, washing machines, and other appliances. These tiny computers have limited computing capabilities and they are designed to perform specific tasks.

Some of these computers are designed to be used by a single user, they are called Personal Computers (PC), whereas others allow multiple users to connect to them. 

Personal computers are commonly used in homes, offices, shops. PCs are of different kinds, such as;

• Desktop computers
• Mobile computers

Desktop Computers 

Desktop computers are designed to used on a desk or on a table.

Mobile Computer

Mobile computers are devices that you can carry anywhere you go. It is generally used by travelers.

Some of the commonly used mobile computers are:

• Laptops: Laptops or notebooks are  thin and lightweight computers that are designed to fit in your lap. They operate on batteries. In addition some laptops have touch screens, which enable you to interact with the computer by touching its screen with a fingertip.

• Tablets: A tablet PC is a micro-computer that enables you to write or draw on a screen using an electromagnetic pen. They can also be be operated by touching its screen with a fingertip, which is termed as a touchscreen feature. A tablet PC has most of the features of a laptop. Therefore, it can be used to perform all those task that can be performed by using a laptop.

• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): A PDA is a lightweight computer designed to be used as a personal organizer having communication capabilities.
  
  They are not as powerful as laptops and desktops but PDAs are useful for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some PDAs have more advanced capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet.

• Smart phones: Smart phones are basically the mobile phones providing additional features that are required for performing day-to-day activities.
  
  They provide an interface of a computer. These smart phones support various applications, such as a word processing application, an image editing application, a Web browser to access the Internet, and Instant messaging application like Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp Messenger. Most of the smart phones provide a touchscreen feature and a virtual QWERTY keyboard similar to a computer keyboard. 

• Game Consoles:
  
  These days gaming devices are also equipped with computing capabilities. These devices are referred to as game consoles. A game console is an interactive computer used for entertainment. It produces video display signals that display video games when connected to a television or a computer monitor.