Basic Computer Concepts
Definition of Computer
A computer is an electronic device that can ACCEPT Data, PROCESS Data, STORE Data and brings it
out as information (OUTPUT).
The Computer as an INPUT, PROCESS, OUTPUT and STORAGE (IOPS) SYSTEM
Input
The Computer collects or accepts data from outside and works on it within to produce result.
Process
The computer works or performs certain operations on the data it has received.
Output
The computer brings out the result of what it has processed as information
Storage
The computer has facilities to store data, instructions and information internally or externally before,
during and after processing.
PARTS of the COMPUTER
The System Unit
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
Speakers
Input & Output Devices
Input device
is any hardware component that allows a user to enter data and instructions into a computer.
Any peripheral used to provide data and control signals to a computer.
Without any input devices, a computer would only be a display device and not allow users to
interact with it.
Some input devices include the following: Keyboard, Mouse, Joy Stick, Light pen, Track Ball, Scanner,
Graphic Tablet, and Microphone.
Keyboard
Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device which helps in inputting data to the
computer. The keyboard looks very similar to the keyboards of electric typewriters, with some additional
keys.
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Mouse
The mouse is a device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. The mouse
is important for graphical user interfaces because user can simply point to options and objects and click a
mouse button.
Types of Keyboards
PC/XT Keyboard:
This has 83 keys and it is one of the earliest versions of computer keyboard. The function keys (F1-F10)
are arranged in two vertical rows at the left side on the keyboard.
Enhanced Keyboard:
It has 101 or 102 keys. The functions keys (F1-F12) are aligned across the topmost row on the keyboard.
Also Control key (Ctrl) and Alternate key (alt) are on the right and left sides of the keyboard.
Windows keyboard:
This has 104 or 108 keys which include Microsoft windows keys. The window key is the key in between
Ctrl and Alt keys on the keyboard.
Types of MICE
Mechanical Mouse
Mechanical mouse contains a rubber or metal ball inside it. The movement of the cursor depends on the
movement of the ball.
Optical Mouse
Optical mouse contains no ball inside it. It uses a device that emits light to detect the mouse movement.
Wireless Mouse
Wireless or cordless mouse is a type of mouse that does not require a wire to work. It transmits data using
wireless technology like radio waves or infrared light waves.
Output Devices
Definition of Output devices
Output devices are devices that enable the computer to communicate the results of data
processing carried out by it to the user.
These devices enable the computer to display text, graphics (pictures and images) and produce
sound.
Examples of computer output devices include monitor, printer, speaker, plotter, braille embosser
etc.
Features and Uses of Output Devices
Monitor:
The monitor, also called Visual Display Unit (VDU) is a TV-like structure attached to the System
Unit through the VGA cable. It displays text and graphics (pictures and images).
The content showing on the monitor is called a soft copy.
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Printer:
A printer is a device attached to the System Unit through the USB cable or other types of cable.
It is used to produce the information (text, graphics, images, illustrations) showing on the monitor
on paper, transparencies, and plastic. Such a printout is called a hardcopy.
Speaker:
A speaker is a device used for producing sound captured by the microphone or music in mp3,
wav, etc. formats.
Speakers come in different forms such as headphones, earphone, canal phones, headset etc. and
can also be used with portable devices such as mp3 player, mobile phones etc.
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