Understanding the Role and Components of a Computer: From Input to Output, Summaries of Engineering

Download Understanding the Role and Components of a Computer: From Input to Output and more Summaries Engineering in PDF only on Docsity! Introduction Computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with Information. The term computer is derived from the Latin term ‘computare’, this means to calculate or programmable machine. Computer cannot do anything without a Program. Charles Babbage is called the "Grand Father" of the computer. The First mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage was called Analytical Engine. It uses read-only memory in the form of punch cards. Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and non- numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations. Block Diagram of Computer A computer can process data, pictures, sound and graphics. They can solve highly complicated problems quickly and accurately. A computer performs basically five major computer operations or functions irrespective of their size and make. These are 1) it accepts data or instructions by way of input, 2) it stores data, 3) it can process data as required by the user, 4) it gives results in the form of output, and 5) it controls all operations inside a computer. We discuss below each of these Computer operation 1. Input: This is the process of entering data and programs in to the computer system. We should know that computer is an electronic machine like any other machine which takes as inputs raw data and performs some processing giving out processed data. Therefore, the input unit takes data from us to the computer in an organized manner for processing. 2. Storage: The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known as storage. Data has to be fed into the system before the actual processing starts. It is because the processing speed of Central Processing Unit (CPU) is so fast that the data has to be provided to CPU with the same speed. Therefore the data is first stored in the storage unit for faster access and processing. This storage unit or the primary storage of the computer system is designed to do the above functionality. It provides space for storing data and instructions. The storage unit performs the following major functions: • All data and instructions are stored here before and after processing. • Intermediate results of processing are also stored here. 3. Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then set back to the storage unit. 4. Output: This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful information. Similarly the output produced by the computer after processing must also be kept somewhere inside the computer before being given to user in human readable form. Again the output is also stored inside the computer for further processing. 5. Control: The manner how instructions are executed and the above operations are performed. Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations inside the computer. Functional Units In order to carry out the operations performed by the computer, the computer allocates the task between its various functional units. The computer system is divided into three separate units for its operation. They are Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) After entering data through the input device it is stored in the primary storage unit. The actual processing of the data and instruction are performed by Arithmetic Logical Unit. The major operations performed by the ALU are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, logic and comparison. Data is transferred to ALU from storage unit when required. After processing the output is returned back to storage unit for further processing or getting stored. • Computers are used in the logistic and ordering functions of getting equipments to and around the battlefield. • Computers are used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy forces, help run the platform and more recently to help diagnose any problems with the platforms. • Computers help design and test new systems. Sports: In today's technologically growing society, computers are being used in nearly every activity. Characteristics of computer 1. Speed 2. Accuracy 3. Diligence 4. Storage capacity/memory 5. Versatility 6. Reliability 7. Power of remembering 8. Compactness Speed:-Computer can process millions of instruction in seconds  Same calculation that would have taken hours and day to complete can be completed in a few seconds using the computer  The speed of computer is calculated in (MIPS) (millions of instruction per second) Accuracy:-  A computer provides a high degree of accuracy  Every calculation is performer with the same accuracy Diligence:-  Computer can work for hours without any break or boredom  It does not get tried  It can perform complex Calculation with the same speed and accuracy from the start till the end Storage capacity/memory • Computer can store very large amount of data • We have many storage devices like CD, DVD etc Versatility :-  Computers can be used to perform different types of tasks  At one point of time you can type a document.the next moment you can listen to a song or watch a video Compactness :-  Day by day computer size is decreasing with new technology Reliability:- • Computer will not do mistaken • It we give wrong input can we recalled at any time Power of remembering :-  The data stored in the computer can we recalled at any time LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTER  It cannot work without electricity  Computer cannot take own discussion  Computer has zero IQ  Computer is completely depends on human  Computer is costly  Computer has no creativity Types of Computer We can categorize computer by two ways: data handling capabilities and size. On the basis of data handling capabilities, the computer is of three types:  Analog Computer  Digital Computer  Hybrid Computer 1) Analog Computer Analogue computers are designed to process the analogue data. Analogue data is continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values such as speed, temperature, pressure and current. The analogue computers measure the continuous changes in physical quantity and generally render output as a reading on a dial or scale. Analogue computers directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into numbers and codes. Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of analog computers. 2) Digital Computer Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It accepts the raw data as digits or numbers and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce output. All modern computers like laptops and desktops that we use at home or office are digital computers. 3) Hybrid Computer Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both continuous and discrete data. So it is widely used in specialized applications where both analogue and digital data is processed. For example, a processor is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price. On the basis of size, the computer can be of five types: 1) Supercomputer Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process huge amount of data. A supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has thousands of interconnected processors. Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations and nuclear energy research. First supercomputer was developed by Roger Cray in 1976. 2) Mainframe computer Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously. These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom sectors, which need to manage and process high volume of data. 3) Miniframe computer It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more processors and can support 4 to 200 users at one time. Miniframe computers are used in institutes and departments for the tasks such as billing, accounting and inventory management. 4) Workstation Workstation is a computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and other such types of applications which require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, large amount of RAM, inbuilt network support, and a graphical user interface. Most workstations also have mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a special type of workstation, called diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive. Common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT. Like PC, workstations are also single-user computers like PC but are typically linked together to form a local-area network, although they can also be used as stand-alone systems.