Basic Computer Notes

I. What is Computer?
Answer:
A computer is an electronic device that processes and stores data. It
performs tasks based on instructions provided by software. Computers
can handle various tasks, such as calculations, data management, and
communication. They consist of hardware components like the CPU,
memory, and storage. Computers are essential tools in modern life, used
in homes, businesses, and many other fields.

II. What are History and Generation of Computer ?

Answer:
The history and generation of computers can be categorized into five
distinct eras, each marked by significant technological advancements:

First Generation (1940-1956): These computers used vacuum tubes for

circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. They were large, expensive,
and consumed a lot of power. Examples include the ENIAC and
UNIVAC.

Second Generation (1956-1963): Transistors replaced vacuum tubes,

making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. Magnetic core
memory was used, and programming languages like COBOL and
FORTRAN emerged.

Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated Circuits (ICs) replaced

transistors, further reducing size and cost while increasing speed and
efficiency. Keyboards and monitors were introduced for input and
output.

Fourth Generation (1971-Present): Microprocessors brought

thousands of integrated circuits onto a single silicon chip,

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revolutionizing computing. Personal computers (PCs) became common,
and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were developed.

Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond): Based on artificial

intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these computers aim to process
natural language, recognize patterns, and make decisions. They include
advanced technologies like quantum computing and neural networks.

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III. How many types of Computer?
Answer:

Computers can be categorized into several types based on their size,

functionality, and usage:

Supercomputers: Extremely powerful machines used for complex

computations, scientific simulations, and research. Examples include
IBM's Summit and China's Tianhe-2.

Mainframe Computers: Large, powerful systems used by large

organizations for bulk data processing, transaction processing, and
critical applications. Examples include IBM Series and Unisys Clear
Path.

Minicomputers: Mid-sized computers that are less powerful than

mainframes but more powerful than personal computers. They are used
in manufacturing processes and research labs. An example is the PDP-
11.

Microcomputers: Commonly known as personal computers (PCs), they

are used by individuals for everyday tasks. This category includes
desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Examples include Apple's
MacBook and Microsoft's Surface.

Workstations: High-performance computers designed for technical or

scientific applications, often used for graphic design, 3D modeling, and
engineering simulations. Examples include Dell Precision and HP Z-
series.

Embedded Systems: Specialized computers integrated into other

devices to perform specific tasks, such as in cars, medical devices, and
home appliances. Examples include the Raspberry Pi and Arduino.

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IV. What are the characteristic of computer?
Answer:

Computers have several key characteristics that define their functionality

and utility:

Speed: Computers can process data and perform complex calculations at

incredibly high speeds, significantly faster than human capability.

Accuracy: Computers perform tasks with high precision and accuracy,

minimizing errors in calculations and data processing.

Automation: Once programmed, computers can operate automatically

without human intervention, executing tasks based on predefined
instructions.

Storage Capacity: Computers can store vast amounts of data, ranging

from simple text files to complex multimedia content, with easy retrieval
and management.

Versatility: Computers can perform a wide variety of tasks, from word

processing and internet browsing to complex scientific simulations and
data analysis.

Diligence: Unlike humans, computers do not suffer from fatigue or

boredom, allowing them to perform repetitive tasks consistently over
long periods without loss of performance.

Connectivity: Computers can connect to other devices and networks,

enabling data sharing, communication, and access to information from
around the world.

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V. What are the uses of computer in different field ?
Answer:

Computers are utilized across various fields, serving diverse purposes.

Here are some examples:

Education: Used for e-learning, virtual classrooms, research, and

administrative tasks. They facilitate online courses, digital textbooks,
and student management systems.

Healthcare: Employed in medical records management, diagnostic

tools, imaging systems (like MRI and CT scans), patient monitoring, and
telemedicine.

Business: Essential for accounting, inventory management, customer

relationship management (CRM), project management, data analysis,
and communication through email and video conferencing.

Science and Research: Used for simulations, data analysis, research

documentation, complex calculations, and experimental control in fields
like physics, chemistry, and biology.

Entertainment: Utilized in video gaming, digital content creation (like

movies and music), streaming services, and social media platforms.

Government: Employed for public administration, e-governance

services, law enforcement databases, budgeting, and public records
management.

Engineering and Manufacturing: Essential for computer-aided design

(CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), process control,
robotics, and product lifecycle management (PLM).

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 Banking and Finance: Used for online banking, financial transactions,
stock trading, risk management, and financial modeling.

Transportation: Utilized in traffic management systems, flight

simulations, GPS navigation, and logistics planning.

Agriculture: Employed for precision farming, crop management, soil

analysis, and agricultural research.

VI. What is Hardware?

Answer:

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such

as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and hard drive. These parts work
together to perform computing tasks.

VII. What is software ?

Answer:

Software is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to perform

tasks. It includes programs and applications we use on devices, like
word processors, games, and web browsers. Essentially, software makes
hardware useful.

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VIII. What is input device?
Answer:

An input device is a piece of hardware used to send data to a computer.

It allows users to interact with and control the computer. Examples
include keyboards, mice, and microphones.

IX. What is output device?

Answer:

An output device is a piece of hardware that receives data from a

computer and presents it to the user. Common examples include
monitors, printers, and speakers. They allow users to see, hear, or
otherwise experience the results of computer processing.

X. What is Keyboard?
Answer:

A keyboard is an input device used to type text and commands into a

computer. It consists of a set of keys, including letters, numbers, and
symbols. Pressing these keys sends signals to the computer to perform
various functions.

XI. How many types of keys in keyboard?

Answer:

Keyboards typically have several types of keys:

 Alphanumeric Keys: These include letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-

9).

 Function Keys: Located at the top row (F1-F12), used for specific
functions depending on software or operating system.

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  Modifier Keys: Such as Shift, Control (Ctrl), Alt, and Command
(on Mac), used to modify the function of other keys.

 Navigation Keys: Include arrow keys and Home, End, Page Up,
and Page Down keys for moving the cursor.

 Special Keys: Like Enter (Return), Backspace, Tab, Caps Lock,

and Escape (Esc), each serving unique functions in typing and
navigation

XII. What are the function of keys in keyboard?

Answer:

 Caps Lock: When pressed, it toggles the keyboard between

uppercase (capital letters) and lowercase letters. This is useful for
typing in all uppercase without holding down the Shift key.

 Num Lock: This key toggles the numeric keypad (usually on the
right side of the keyboard) between acting as numbers or as
navigation keys (like arrows). When Num Lock is on, the numeric
keypad functions as numbers; when off, it functions as navigation
keys.

 Spacebar: The large key at the bottom center of the keyboard.

Pressing it inserts a space between words or elements in text.

 Enter (Return): Confirms a command or input. In text, it usually

moves the cursor to the beginning of the next line or executes a
command depending on the context.

 Shift: Used in combination with other keys to type uppercase

letters or access additional characters and symbols above the
number keys.

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  Ctrl (Control): Often used in combination with other keys to
perform shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl + C for Copy, Ctrl + V for Paste).

 Alt (Alternate): Used in combination with other keys to access

alternate functions or shortcuts in software applications.
These keys, among others on a keyboard, enable users to input text,
navigate interfaces, and execute commands efficiently.

XIII. What is Mouse?

Answer:

A mouse is an input device used with computers. It typically has buttons

and a moving part (like a ball or optical sensor) that allows users to
move a cursor on the screen. Clicking the buttons performs actions like
selecting items or opening programs.

XIV. What is data?

Answer:

Data refers to pieces of information, often in the form of facts, statistics,

or observations, that are collected and stored for analysis or reference

XV. What is memory?

Answer:

Memory refers to the electronic components in a computer that store

data and instructions temporarily or permanently.

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XVI. What are the types of memory and explain it?
Answer:

 Primary Memory (Primary Storage):

Function: Primary memory, also known as primary storage or main

memory, is the computer's immediate storage for data and instructions
that the CPU needs to access quickly.

Characteristics:

Speed: Very fast access times compared to secondary memory.

Volatile: Data is lost when the power is turned off unless saved
elsewhere.

Examples: RAM (Random Access Memory) is the most common type

of primary memory used in computers.

 Secondary Memory (Secondary Storage):

Function: Secondary memory is used for long-term storage of data and

programs that are not immediately needed by the CPU.

Characteristics:

Speed: Slower access times compared to primary memory.

Non-volatile: Data remains intact even when the power is turned off.

Examples: Hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical

discs (like CDs/DVDs), and USB flash drives are common types of
secondary memory.

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XVII. What is desktop?
Answer:

A desktop refers to the graphical interface displayed on a computer

screen after logging into an operating system, typically showing icons,
shortcuts, and background wallpaper for accessing files and applications.

XVIII. Some shortcut keys:

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Nepali keys:

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Now pratical work in the Computer:
 How to start Computer:
 Turn on the power switch of the CPU.
 Turn on the power switch of the Monitor.
 Just wait few minutes when computer display windows
environment.

 How to shutdown Computer:

 Save and close all files and programs.
 Click on start menu.
 Click on shut down.
 Just wait few minutes ,your computer will be shutdown.

 How to set desktop background

 Right click on desktop.
 Click on personalize.
 Click on desktop background.
 Select any background image.
 Click on save change.

 How to set screen sever

 Right click on desktop.
 Click on personalize.
 Click on screen saver.
 Select any screen sever.
 Click on apply.
 Click on OK.

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  How to set date and time?
 Click on right corner of the taskbar.
 Click on change date and time setting.
 Click on change date and time.
 Set correct date and time.
 Click on OK.
 Again, click on OK.

 How to create new folder

 Right click on desktop.
 Click on new.
 Click on new folder.

 How to create sub folder?

 Open folder.
 Click on new folder.

 How to change folder name?

 Right click on folder.
 Click on rename.
 Type any name which you want.

 How to delete folder

 Right click on folder.
 Click on delete.
 Click on yes.

 How to delete folder permanently

 Press shift key and right click on folder.
 Click on delete.
 Click on yes.

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 Thank You Keep Enjoy Your Day ☻

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