Introduction to Computer

Computer is a digital and electronic machine that manipulates the data according to the instructions provided to it.   It is a programmable machine that responses to a specific set of instructions. Several components such as motherboard, processor, hard disk, RAM, power supply, VGA card and the peripheral devices when get connected with each other, it makes a computer system.  Today we use computer for multiple purposes such as for performing the office work, playing games, surfing internet and for the entertainment. Today, computers are able to perform the simple to complex computational tasks.

A typical computer contains the digital circuitry, arithmetic logic unit, control unit, main memory, input/output devices and the peripheral devices.  Today, the modern computers can manipulate and process the multiple instructions at the same time without affecting its performance i.e. you can work, listen to the music, download a program, chat with friends and send/receive files over the network.  Computers can be classified in the following categories based on their sizes, power consumption and the performance.

• Personal Computer
• Mini Computer
• Workstation
• Main Frame
• Super Computer

All the general purpose computers require the following hardware components to operate.

• CPU
• RAM
• Hard Disk
• Input Devices
• Output devices

Additionally, the one of the operation systems such as Windows 98, Windows Professional 2000, Windows XP Professional, Windows Server 2003, Sun Solaris, UNIX or Linux is required for computer to operate.

The common manufactures of the today’s computer are Dell, Compaq, HP, IBM, Samsung, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, Fujitsu, Sony and Gateway.