IT WORKSPACE FRIST CLASS
DATE – 10.05.25
WHAT IS COMPUTER?
A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to a set of instructions called
a program. It can perform a wide range of tasks such as calculations, storing information, browsing the
internet, running software, and controlling other devices.
At a basic level, a computer has four main parts:
1. Input devices (like a keyboard or mouse).
2. Processing unit (CPU – Central Processing Unit).
3. Memory/storage (like RAM and hard drives).
4. Output devices (like a monitor or printer).
Here are some fundamental concepts of computers that form the foundation of understanding
how computers work:
1. Hardware and Software:
Hardware: The physical components of a computer (CPU, RAM, hard drive, keyboard, etc.).
Software: Programs and operating systems th at run on the hardware.
2. Input, Process, Output, and Storage (IPOS):
Input: Data entered into the computer (e.g., via keyboard or mouse).
Process: The CPU processes data based on instructions.
Output: The result is shown through devices like monitors or printers.
Storage: Data is saved in memory or storage devices (RAM, SSD, etc.).
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU):
The "brain" of the computer that carries out instructions and processes data.
4. Memory:
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory used while tasks are being done.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent memory that stores essential startup instructions.
GENARATIONS OF COMPUTER
1st 2nd 3rd 4th generation 5th generation
genaration generation generation
Time period 1940’s-50’s 1950’s-60’s 1960’s-70’s 1970’s to Present and
present beyond
Based on Vacuum Transistors Integrated LSI and VLSI ULSI (AI)
tubes circuits microprocessors Microprocessors,
Memory 4000 bits 32000 bits 128000 bits 100 million Unlimited
Language Machine Assembly BASIC, SQL Mercury, Prolog
language language PASCAL
C, C++
Example ENIAC, IBM 400, UNIVAC 9000 Personal Laptops, artificial
UNIVAC IBM 1600 computers Intelligence
based gadgets
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
Computers can be categorized into several types based on their size, power, and purpose. Here are the
main types:
1. Supercomputers
Extremely fast and powerful
Used for complex scientific calculations, weather forecasting, and nuclear simulations.
2. Mainframe Computers
Large and powerful systems used by organizations for bulk data processing
Common in banks, government, and large enterprises. (ATM)
3. Minicomputers (Mid-Range Computers)
Smaller than mainframes but still powerful
Used in manufacturing processes and research institutions (less common today).
4. Servers
Provide services to other computers (clients) over a network
Used for hosting websites, databases, or applications.
5. Personal Computers (PCs)
General-purpose computers for individuals
Includes desktops and laptops.
6. Workstations
High-performance PCs for tasks like graphic design, CAD, or software development
More powerful than standard PCs.
7. Laptops and Notebooks
Portable computers with built-in screens, keyboards, and batteries
Common for both personal and professional use.
8. Tablets
Touchscreen devices that are more portable than laptops
Often used for media consumption, browsing, or light productivity tasks.
9. Smartphones
Handheld devices that combine mobile phone functionality with computer-like features
Capable of running apps, browsing, gaming, and more.
10. Embedded Computers
Built into other devices like microwaves, cars, or medical equipment
Designed for specific control tasks.
WHAT IS HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE?
Hardware and software are the two fundamental components of a computer system:
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that you can touch. Examples include the
monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard drive, CPU, RAM, and printer.
Example: Typing a Document
1. Hardware:
Keyboard: A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter text, numbers, and commands into a
computer. It consists of a set of keys, each representing letters, numbers, symbols, or functions. The
most common layout is the QWERTY layout, named after the first six letters on the top row of letters.
Key types typically include:
Alphanumeric keys (A–Z, 0–9)
Function keys (F1–F12)
Modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt)
Navigation keys (arrow keys, Home, End)
Special keys (Enter, Backspace, Spacebar, Delete)
There are various types of keyboards, including mechanical, membrane, wireless, and ergonomic ones.
Monitor: A computer monitor is an output device that displays information in visual form. It shows the
images, videos, text, and user interface of software running on a computer. Monitors are essential for
interacting with a computer and typically connect to the computer's graphics card or motherboard.
There are different types of monitors, including:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) – common and energy-efficient. LED (Light Emitting Diode) – a type of LCD
with LED backlighting for better brightness and contrast.
OLED (Organic LED) – offers high contrast and vibrant colors.
Touchscreen monitors – allow direct interaction with what's on screen.
CPU (Processor): The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main part of a computer that performs most
of the processing. It’s often called the "brain" of the computer because it carries out instructions from
programs by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.
RAM: (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that stores data and instructions that
are currently being used or processed by the CPU. It is Volatile Data is lost when the computer is turned
off. Fast Much faster than storage devices like hard drives or SSDs. Temporary Used for tasks like
running applications, loading the operating system, and managing open files. It is a main memory of
the computer. In simple terms, RAM helps your computer work quickly and run multiple programs at
the same time.
Hard Drive: A hard drive (or hard disk drive, HDD) is a data storage device used in computers to store
and retrieve digital information. It retains data even when the computer is turned off, making it a form
of non-volatile storage.
Key points about hard drives:
It stores the operating system, software, files, and other data.
Data is stored magnetically on spinning disks called platters.
A read/write head moves across the platters to access or write data. Hard drives are commonly
measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB).
There are also solid-state drives (SSDs), which serve the same function but use flash memory instead
of spinning disks, offering faster performance.
Software These are the programs involving a set of instructions which guide the computer
hardware about what to do and how to do. It is the non-physical part of the computer. Microsoft
Windows, Microsoft Office, Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome are all examples of
software. Software can be categorized as follows.
System software Such software control the whole system of the computer. These manage CPU
usage, hardware, input and output, and memory, etc. These act as an interface and also create the
environment for running other soft-ware. These can be categorized as operating system such as
Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac, Android. (for smartphones), etc., and utilities like Window Speech
Recognition Tool, Disk Cleanup, Magnifier, Narrator, Snipping Tool, etc.
Application software These are used for a particular application and problem solving like word
processing, creating spreadsheets, editing images and videos, preparing slides, browsing the internet,
protecting the system from virus, etc. These are installed by the user as per his requirement. Some
examples of application software are Microsoft Office, Avast Antivirus, fig Google Chrome, Mozilla
Firefox, Adobe Photo-shop, Corel Draw, Video Editors.
Difference Between System Software and Application Software
Software is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. It is broadly classified into
two main types: System Software and Application Software. Both are essential but serve different
purposes.
1. System Software
System software is a type of software designed to run a computer’s hardware and provide a
platform for other software. It acts as an interface between hardware and user-level applications.
Key Features:
Controls and manages hardware.
Runs in the background.
Starts when the computer is turned on.
Usually written in low-level programming languages like C or assembly.
Examples:
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.
Device Drivers: Printer drivers, sound drivers, graphics card drivers.
Utilities: Disk management tools, antivirus software, file management tools.
Firmware: BIOS or UEFI (pre-installed software on motherboard).
Functions:
Booting the computer.
Managing memory and hardware resources.
Handling system security and file management.
Running and managing application software.
2. Application Software
Application software is designed to help users perform specific tasks or solve problems. It runs
on top of system software.
Key Features:
Focuses on user needs.
Easy to use with a user interface.
Often written in high-level programming languages like Java, Python, or C++.
Installed by users as per requirement.
Examples:
Word Processors: Microsoft Word, Google Docs.
Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox.
Media Players: VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player.
Games: PUBG, Minecraft, FIFA.
Productivity Tools: Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom.
Functions:
Creating documents, presentations, or spreadsheets.
Browsing the internet.
Editing photos or videos.
Playing games or streaming media.
Comparison Table
Summary
In short, system software is the backbone that enables your computer to function, while application
software is what you use to do specific tasks like writing, browsing, or gaming. Both types are essential,
but they serve different roles within a computing environment.
THANK YOU
