Computer means one who computes and calculates.

A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a set of instructions.

It is a machine for performing calculations automatically.

Basics of Computer

Computers store all information digitally:
numbers
text
graphics and images
video
audio
program instructions

Hardware: The actual computer, its case and printed circuit boards, monitor screen, mouse etc are known as hardware.

Software: Term used to describe the role that computer programs & procedures.

Computer memory is measured in bytes.
8 bits = 1 byte
1000 bytes = 1 kilobyte
1000 kilobytes = 1 megabyte
1000 megabytes = 1 gigabyte
1000 gigabytes = 1 terabyte

ROM, or read-only memory is permanent, long-term, nonvolatile memory
RAM, or random-access memory is temporary & works only when the computer is turned on.

All of the components are connected into the motherboard.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) or the processor is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program. All Arithmetic Calculations are performed here. CPU consists of Arithmetic Logic Unit and Control Unit. It is on chip microprocessor which controls everything.

What Happens inside a CPU?

While executing any instruction CPU performs these steps:
1.CU (Control Unit) gets instruction from Primary Memory (RAM/ROM).
2.CU (Control Unit) decides what instruction means and directs data to ALU (Arithmetic Logic unit).
3. ALU (Arithmetic logic unit) performs Actual Operation on the Data.
4.The Result of this above operation is then stored into a register temporarily.

A Hard disk is a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to represent data.

CD-ROM - an acronym for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory

A DVD is the same size as a CD, but can store much more information
The format of a DVD stores more bits per square inch.

A CD can store 650 MB, while a standard DVD can store 4.7 GB.
 

Multi tasking - running more than one application in memory at the same time.

Some Steps to Keep your Computer Safe & Fast:

1.Always shut down your computer accurately.
2.Defragment the hard drive periodically.

3.Use a light anti-virus program to prevent a virus on you computer.

4.Check Scandisk for the hard disk surface for damage.
5.Keep a proper backup on CD/DVD.

6.Clean up your browsing data.

7.Do not visit harmful websites.

Latest Computer Processors:

Dual-Core processor 

Core 2 Duo Processor

Quad-Core processor

A dual-core processor contains two cores, a quad-core processor contains four cores, and a hexa-core processor contains six cores

Computer ebooks

A Computer Buyer's Guide.pdf

To get the best deal on a computer that meets your needs, you need to understand what these technical specifications mean and how they will affect your computing power.