Computer Knowledge For All Competitive Exams
This blog contains computer knowledge for all competitive exams and recruitment test where computer is mandatory.For your ease,handouts in PDF form can be downloaded here.
Parts Of A Computer:
The computer is composed of two parts:
1) Hardware
2) Software
1) Hardware:
All physical components of computer, to which we can touch,can be
measured, also have weight and occupy some space, are collectively called
computer hardware viz;
i) Keyboard
ii) Mouse
iii) Joy stick
iv) Scanners
v) Monitor
vi) Printer
vii) Central Processing unit etc.
2) Software:
Software is defined as a set of instructions or codes written in a
defined manner. In other words software are prewritten programs,
which control the operations of computer.
OR
All the programs and data stored on a floppy disk, a Hard disk, CD-ROM are collectively called software.
Examples are;
i) DOS
ii) Window
iii) UNIX
iv) XENIX
v) Linus
vi) Java
vii) MS Office
Devices OR Components Of A Computer:
The computer is a well designed combination of many parts, each of which performs
specific task independently. The major devices of a computer are as
under.
1) Input Devices
The input devices are the devices which send information to
the Central Processing Unit. The main input devices are:
i) KEYBOARD: It is used to enter text. It contains alphabetic, numeric
and other keys for entering data.
ii) MOUSE:It is a pointing device. It controls the pointer on the screen.
iii) MICROPHONE: It is used to enter voice into the computer.
iv) SCANNER: It can read printed text and graphics and then translates the result into digital form.
v) DIGITAL CAMERA:It is used to take photos.
vi) PC CAMERA: We use it to create movie and to take photos on the
computer.
2) OUT PUT DEVICES:
A hardware component is used to display piece of information to the user’s
output device.
i) MONITER: It is used to display text, graphics and video output.
ii) PRINTER: It can be used to display printed output on paper.
iii) SPEAKER:It is used to utter sound.
3) STORAGE DEVICE:
The hardware components are used to store instructions,data and
information permanently are called storage devices. For example
floppy disk drive, zip drive, hard disk drive, CD-ROM drives etc.
4) COMMUNICATION DEVICES:
These Devices are used to communicate and also exchange data, instructions and
information with other computers. For example Modem.
UNITS OF CPU:
• ALU(ARTHMETIC AND LOGICAL UNIT)
ALU is a part of CPU. Actual execution of instructions takes place in
this part. Arithmetic and logical operations are always performed in ALU.
It consists of two units:
- Arithmetic Unit
It performs all basic arithmetic functions such as addition of numbers, subtraction,
division. - Logical Unit
It performs logical operations like comparing two data items to find out amongst all
which data item is greater , equal to, or less than the other.
• CONTROL UNIT
It acts like a supervisor of the computer. It does not execute program
instruction by itself. It controls and coordinates all activities of
computer system.
• Memory Unit (MU)
It is responsible for the storage of data and information. The memory unit is comprised of
two types of memory are RAM and ROM.
Some Important Definitions And Short Notes:
RAM:
RAM stands for random access memory. It is that part of CPU where
temporary information is stored.
Byte:
A group comprised of 8 bits is called a byte.
Icons:
Pictorial objects which appear on the desktop or user’s screen are called Icons.
Mouse:
It is an input device, usually called a “Pointing device”. This device is used for pointing anything on monitor through a blinking cursor.
Software:
Any set of instructions or codes written in a defined manner or
pre-written programs which control the operations of computer.
Control Unit:
The unit of CPU which is responsible for all automatic operations carried out by the digital computers is called CU. The CU directs and
coordinates all activities of a computer.
LAN:
LAN stands for local area network. It is privately owned
communication network that serves users within a confirmed
geographical area. The range is usually within a mile-perhaps one
office, one building or a group of buildings.
WAN:
It stands for wide area network. It is a communication network that
covers a wide geographical area. The range is usually a state or a
country. Examples are Telenet, Uninet etc.
Modem:
Modem is abbreviation of Modulate-de-Modulate. Modulation is a
process that converts digital signals into Analog form and
Demodulation is a process of converting Analog signals into digital
form. The device which performs modulation and demodulation is
called a MODEM. In simple words it is a device that converts the
digital signals into Analog and then reverse from Analog to digital form.
ALU:
The unit of CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations is called
ALU.
Register:
Registers are high-speed staging memory locations that temporarily store data
during processing and provide working areas for computation.
Registers are contained in control unit and arithmetic Logic Unit.
Following are the major types of registers:
i) Address Register
ii) Instructions Register
iii) Storage Register
iv) Accumulator Register
Soft Copy:
It displays the data on screen of monitor. It can be carried in a floppy
disk. Any change can be made in a soft copy.
Hard Copy:
The data is printed on paper card etc. with the help of printer. It
cannot be carried in a floppy disk. No change can be made in hard
copy.
Computer Knowledge For All Competitive Exams