Computer Application (Introduction)

QNo#1: What is Computer?

Computer
A computer is an electronic device that processes information (data) according to specific
instructions (programs). It can store, retrieve, and process data very quickly and accurately.

A computer is a smart machine that helps you calculate, create, communicate, and control
other devices.

Computer has four main functions:

Input – It takes in data (through devices like a keyboard, mouse, or sensor).

Processing – It works on the data using its CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Storage – It saves data either temporarily (RAM) or permanently (hard drives, SSDs).

Output – It produces results (like showing information on a screen or printing a document).

There are many types of computers, like:

Personal computers (laptops, desktops)

Servers (computers that manage network resources)

Supercomputers (very powerful machines for complex tasks)

Embedded systems (tiny computers inside devices like washing machines or cars)

QNo#2: What is Input and Output Devices?

Input and Output device

Input Device
An input device is any hardware you use to send data or commands into a computer.

It helps you "put information into" the computer.

Examples:

Keyboard – to type letters and numbers

Mouse – to click, drag, and move things

Microphone – to send voice or sound

Scanner – to scan documents and pictures

Camera (Webcam) – to send photos or video

Output Device
An output device is hardware that the computer uses to send information out to you.

It shows you the result after the computer processes your input.

Examples:

Monitor (Screen) – displays text, images, and videos

Printer – prints documents on paper

Speakers – play sounds and music

Projector – displays the computer screen on a wall

Quick way to remember:

Input = Give data to computer

Output = Get result from computer

QNo#3: What are the main components of Computer?

Main components of computer

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Called the "brain" of the computer.

It processes all instructions and makes decisions.

It performs calculations and tasks.

2. Memory (RAM - Random Access Memory)

Temporary storage.

Holds data and programs that the CPU is currently using.

Data disappears when the computer is turned off.

3. Storage (Hard Drive, SSD)

Permanent storage.

Saves files, programs, and the operating system.

Unlike RAM, the data stays even when you turn off the computer.

4. Input Devices

Devices used to send data into the computer.

Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone.

5. Output Devices

Devices that show or send out the result from the computer.

Examples: monitor, printer, speakers.

6. Motherboard

The main circuit board.

Connects the CPU, memory, storage, and other devices together.

7. Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Provides the right amount of electrical power to the computer's parts.

8. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) (optional for many)

Handles images, videos, and animations.

Important for gaming, video editing, and graphic design.

QNo#4: What is Software and Hardware?

Software and Hardware

Hardware

Hardware is the physical parts of a computer — the parts you can see and touch.

Examples:

Keyboard

Mouse

Monitor (screen)

CPU

Printer

Hard Drive

Software

Software is the set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do.

It’s not physical — you can't touch software.

Examples:

Windows, macOS (Operating Systems)

Microsoft Word, Excel (Applications)

Games

Browsers like Chrome or Firefox

QNo#5: Define Softcopy and Hardcopy.

Softcopy and Hardcopy

Softcopy

A softcopy is a digital version of information.

It is shown on a screen (computer, tablet, phone) and not printed on paper.

You can easily edit, copy, move, or delete it.

Examples:

A Word document on your laptop

A PDF file you read on your phone

An email you receive

A photo viewed on your computer

Hardcopy:

A hardcopy is a physical version of information.

It is printed on paper or some other material.

You can hold it in your hand.

Examples:

A printed photo

A printed book

A printed bill or receipt

A printout of your school project

QNo#6: Draw and describe main block of CPU.

Main block of CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) — the "brain" of the computer — mainly has three big blocks:

1. ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit)

Does calculations (addition, subtraction, etc.)

Makes logical decisions (like comparing numbers: greater than, less than, equal to)

Example: When you add 5 + 3, the ALU calculates it.

2. CU (Control Unit)

Controls and directs how the computer's parts work together.

Tells the ALU, memory, and input/output devices what to do and when.

Example: It fetches instructions and tells the ALU to calculate, or asks memory to store data.

3. Registers
Small, very fast memory inside the CPU.

Temporarily hold data, instructions, and results.

Example: When the CPU adds two numbers, the numbers are first kept inside registers.

BlockWork
ALU Does calculations and comparisons

CU Controls everything (like a manager)

Registers Store small data quickly

QNo#7: Write full forms of the following abbreviations.

Short Form Full Form

CPU Central Processing Unit

RAM Random Access Memory

ROM Read Only Memory

ALU Arithmetic and Logic Unit

CU Control Unit

PC Personal Computer

USB Universal Serial Bus

HDD Hard Disk Drive

SSD Solid State Drive

WWW World Wide Web

URL Uniform Resource Locator

IP Internet Protocol

LAN Local Area Network

WAN Wide Area Network

GUI Graphical User Interface

OS Operating System

HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol

HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure

VPN Virtual Private Network

PDF Portable Document Format

QNo#8: Define the following Terms:

1. Keyboard 2. Mouse 3. Printer 4. Projector 5. Speaker

2. RAM 5. ROM 6. HDD 9. SSD 10. Motherboard

Keyboard:

A keyboard is an input device used to enter characters, commands, and other data into a
computer or electronic device. It typically consists of a set of keys arranged in a specific
layout, such as the QWERTY layout for English.

Key components of a standard keyboard include:

• Alphanumeric keys – letters and numbers.

• Function keys (F1–F12) – used for specific tasks or shortcuts.

• Control keys – such as Ctrl, Alt, and the Windows key.

• Navigation keys – arrows, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down.

• Modifier keys – Shift, Caps Lock, Tab.

• Numeric keypad – a section for fast number entry (on full-size keyboards).

Mouse:
 A mouse is a handheld input device used to control a pointer or cursor on a computer
screen. It allows users to interact with the graphical user interface (GUI) by moving,
selecting, dragging, and executing commands through clicks.

Key features of a standard computer mouse:

• Left button – primary button for selecting and clicking.

• Right button – opens context menus or additional options.

• Scroll wheel – allows vertical (and sometimes horizontal) scrolling.

• Optical or laser sensor – tracks movement across a surface.

• Wireless or wired connection – connects to the computer via USB or Bluetooth.

Printer:

A printer is an output device that produces a hard copy (physical version) of digital
documents, images, or graphics from a computer or other electronic device. It transfers
text and visuals onto paper or other printable media.

Main types of printers:

1. Inkjet Printer – Sprays tiny droplets of ink onto paper. Best for color printing and photos.

2. Laser Printer – Uses toner and a laser to print quickly and sharply, ideal for high-volume
or text-heavy documents.

3. Dot Matrix Printer – Uses impact pins to form characters. Mostly used for invoices or
multi-part forms.

4. Thermal Printer – Uses heat-sensitive paper. Common in receipts and labels.

Common printer functions:

• Printing (documents, photos, graphics)

• Scanning, Copying, and Faxing (in all-in-one printers)

• Wireless printing via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cloud services

Projector:
 A projector is an electronic device that takes an image or video signal and projects it
onto a surface, usually a screen or wall, allowing a larger audience to view content like
presentations, movies, or images.

Common uses:
• Business presentations – Projecting slides, charts, and videos in meetings.

• Education – Displaying content in classrooms or auditoriums.

Speaker:

A speaker is an output device that converts electrical audio signals into sound, allowing
users to hear music, speech, alerts, or any other audio from a computer or electronic device.

Key features of a speaker:

• Sound reproduction – Converts digital or analog signals into audible sound waves.

• Types – Includes built-in speakers (in laptops/monitors), external speakers, and wireless
(Bluetooth) speakers.

RAM:

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of temporary, high-speed computer memory that
stores data and instructions that the CPU needs while performing tasks.

Key characteristics of RAM:

• Volatile memory – Data is lost when the computer is turned off.

• Fast access – Allows quick reading and writing, making system performance smoother.

• Temporary storage – Holds data for active applications and the operating system while
the computer is running.

• It improves system responsiveness in tasks like web browsing, gaming, and using
software.

RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB) or megabytes (MB) and comes in modules like DDR4,
DDR5, etc.
ROM:

ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other
electronic devices to store permanent data or instructions that do not change when the
power is turned off.

Key characteristics of ROM:

• Non-volatile – Data remains even after the device is powered off.

• Read-only – Usually cannot be modified (or only modified with special procedures).

• Used to store firmware – Essential programs like the computer’s BIOS or bootloader.

Types of ROM:
• PROM (Programmable ROM) – Can be written once after manufacturing.

• EPROM (Erasable PROM) – Can be erased with UV light and reprogrammed.

• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM) – Can be erased and reprogrammed electrically.

Common uses of ROM:

• Storing the startup instructions for computers.

• Embedded in devices like calculators, washing machines, and smartphones to run built-
in software.

HDD:

A HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is a non-volatile storage device used in computers and other
devices to store and retrieve digital data permanently, even when the power is turned
off.

Key features of an HDD:

• Magnetic storage – Uses spinning disks (platters) coated with magnetic material to store
data.

• Mechanical parts – Includes an actuator arm that reads/writes data on the platters.

• Large storage capacity – Typically ranges from 500 GB to several terabytes (TB).
 • Slower than SSDs – Due to moving parts, data access speed is lower compared to Solid
State Drives.

Common uses:

• Storing operating systems, software, documents, videos, music, and backups.

• Ideal for storing large files economically.

HDDs are often found in desktop PCs, laptops, servers, and external backup drives.

SSD:

An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a non-volatile storage device that uses flash memory to store data,
offering much faster performance than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs).

Key features of an SSD:

• No moving parts – Unlike HDDs, SSDs use solid-state memory chips, which makes them
more durable and silent.

• High speed – Provides faster boot times, file transfers, and overall system performance.

• Lower power consumption – Ideal for laptops and mobile devices.

• Compact size – Available in formats like 2.5-inch SATA, M.2, and NVMe for flexibility in
installation.

Common uses:
• Storing operating systems, applications, and frequently accessed data.

• Used in modern laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, and servers for better speed and
reliability.

SSDs are more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs but offer significantly better speed,
reliability, and efficiency.

Motherboard:

A motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer that connects and allows
communication between all the essential hardware components.

Key functions of the motherboard:

• Connects the CPU, RAM, storage (HDD/SSD), and other components.

• Provides power and data pathways for hardware to work together.

• Hosts expansion slots for graphics cards, sound cards, and other peripherals.

• Includes ports for USB, audio, display, and networking.

Main components on a motherboard:

• CPU socket – Where the processor is installed.

• RAM slots – For memory modules.

• Chipset – Manages data flow between components.

• BIOS/UEFI – Firmware that initializes hardware at startup.

• Power connectors – Distribute power from the PSU.

• PCIe slots – For expansion cards (like GPUs).

• SATA/M.2 slots – For storage devices.