COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
The computer is an electronic device that processes input and generates output. we use computers for programming, data entry, etc.
It can perform fast operations. It performs multiple tasks in one time.
Hardware: Hardware means we can tangible(touch) like
hard drives, disk drives, keyboards, mouse, chips, and screens.
Software: It is a set of instructions given by computers. system software includes the operating system.
Examples: word processors, databases, and spreadsheets.
High-level language: It is meant by a programming language like
C, C++, Java, and HTML enable a programmer to write a program.
Low-level language: An assembly language or machine language. It is the farther to human languages.
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A DIGITAL COMPUTER
Input unit: It is a peripheral device that can data getting into a computer. There are a variety of input devices like a joystick, scanner, and mouse.
central processing unit(CPU): It is the main part of the computer it contains internal storage. It includes logical operations, arithmetic operations, RAM, and ROM. It is also called a system unit.
Arithmetic and logical unit(ALU): It is used to solve arithmetic and logical units like addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.
Control unit: It is part of the CPU. It can understand the received instructions.
Memory unit: Memory is the storage area of a computer. It can receive data as per instructions.
Output unit: It is a peripheral device that prints the operations.
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS
There are five generations:
1. First-generation computer
2. Second-generation computer
3. Third-generation computer
4. Fourth-generation computer
5. Fifth-generation computer
First generation computer: It is based on vacuum tubes. These computers are from (1940-1956). These are very huge, slow, and expensive. This was discovered by two Americans, Presper Eckert and John Mauchly. In these computers, programming is very difficult to do. It generates more heat.
Vacuum Tube
Second Generation Computer: It is based on transistors. It is made up of some metals like silicon and germanium. Storage capacity increases in this generation. These are smaller than the first generation computers. It is less prone to failure. Assembly language is used to program the computer.
Third Generation Computer: It is based on Integrated circuits which are a combination of transistors and electronic components.
In this generation, computer power consumption is less. It becomes cheaper. Maintenance is less. A high level is used for the program. It is prone to fewer failures.
Fourth Generation computers: It is based on microprocessors. The production cost is less. These are very small in size. During this generation, these computers are very popular. It consumes very less amount of electricity. These computers are very cheap. These for more reliable and portable.
Microprocessor
Fifth generation computer: This is still developing stage. These computers are large-scale integrated chips. These computers are artificial intelligence to do programs.
IMPORTANCE OF CACHE MEMORY
A cache is a piece of main memory. It is a very fast memory. Cache memory helps to make processors more efficient. It is high-speed memory that stores instructions from the data. Not only the cache memory chips are faster than regular memory chips.
Essentially, the cache memory acts as a high-speed buffer between the processor and the main memory. It holds frequently requested data from the computer and instructions so that they are immediately available to the CPU when needed.
USE OF STORAGE DEVICE USED IN A COMPUTER:
The primary memory of the computer is volatile and it is limited. So to have non-volatile memory and huge memory that serves the needs of the user, we need secondary storage. Various devices are available for secondary storage. They are
1. Flash drives
2. Tapes
3. Hard disk
4. Floppydisk
5. Blue-ray disks
MEMORIES
There are two types of memory
1. Primary memory
2. Secondary memory
Primary memory: It is also known as main memory contains data. It is high-speed, volatile, and small. Storage capacity is limited and fast operations. It is part of the CPU. Its size affects the speed, power, and capability of the computer. Primary memory cost is high.
Secondary memory: It is also known as peripheral storage where the computer stores data. It is non-volatile. It has a higher capacity than the primary memory. The storage is limited and the storage will be enhanced. primary memory cost is low. Its size won't affect the speed, power, and capability of the computer.
The following are the characteristics that make computers useful and powerful:
-Speed
-Accuracy
-Storage
-Consistency
-Flexibility
1. The speed of the computer is measured in milliseconds.
2. Computers are accurate. Computers give the wrong result when you give the wrong instructions.
3. Computers are consistent means the same problem gives the same result.
4. Computers store huge amounts of data on hard disks.
Bit: A bit is a binary digit, taking logical values "1" or "2".
Byte: Information storage is measured in the unit of the byte. The byte contains 8 bits.
KB Kilo Byte = 1,024 Bytes
MB Mega Byte = 1,024 KB
GB Giga Byte = 1,024 MB
TB Tera Byte = 1024 GB
PB Peta Byte = 1024 TB
EB Exa Byte = 1024 PB
ZB Zeta Byte = 1024ED
YB Yotta Byte = 1024 ZB
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RAM CHIPS
There are two types of RAM:
1. Static RAM (SRAM)
2. Dynamic RAM(DRAM)
STATIC RAM: Static RAM memories consist of circuits capable of storing information. this type of memory contains constant power. This RAM is used to build cache memory. It is more expensive and runs fast.
Dynamic RAM: binary information is stored by Dynamic RAM in the form of an electric charge. It stores information or data in a capacitor thus the capacity must be periodically recharged.
Super Computers: These computers are bigger in size, the most expensive computers. In this computer, trillions of instructions are used. These computers are not used by students in college. The government uses these computers for heavy jobs. It is used for designing.
Hollywood and Bollywood also use these computers why because of editing and VFX in the movies.
