The word computer is derived from the word compute. Compute means to calculate.

The
computer was originally defined as a super fast calculator. It had the capacity to solve complex
arithmetic and scientific problems at very high speed. But nowadays in addition to handling
complex arithmetic computations, computers perform many other tasks like accepting, sorting,
selecting, moving, comparing various types of information.

Computer
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules, produce
information (output), and store the information for future use.
A computer is programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve and process data.
A computer is an electronic data processing machine that accepts data and instruction through
input unit, proceses data and instruction through process unit and present data and instruction
become meaningful information through output unit.
Functionalities of computer
Any digital computer carries out five function in gross terms :
 Takes data as input
 Stores the data/instruction in its memory and use them when required
 Processes the data and converts it into useful information
 Generate the output
 Controls all the above four steps

Computer System : A system of interconnected computer devices that shares.

Hardware : Physical Devices
The Hardware is the machinery itself. It is made up of the physical parts or devices of the computer
system like the electronic Integrated Circuits (ICs), magnetic storage media and other mechanical
devices like input devices, output devices etc.
Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system.

Software : Instructions & Data

The Software is a collection of programs which utilize and enhance the capability of the hardware.
Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions.

Brainware : User
The Brainware is any person engaged in the activities of the use of computer or data processing
system.

Internal Hardware :
The hardware that is located inside the computer and connected directly to the computer.
Internal is a term used to describe a device that is installed within the computer.
External Hardware :
The hardware that is located outside the computer and can not connected directly to the
computer.
External is a term used to describe a device that is installed outside the computer.

Computer Case :
The computer case is an enclosure that holds all the wires and components of the computer inside
it. It is like the human skeletal system. Inside it are all the parts necessary for a computer to
function. It keeps them safe and securely attached so that they do not shift freely and allows for
air ventilation to prevent over heating.
Power Supply:
The power supply converts the alternating current (AC) from your mains (110V input or 220V
input) to the direct current (DC) needed by the computer 2. In a PC, the power supply is the metal
box usually found in a corner of the case. The power supply is visible from the back of many
systems because it contains the power-cord receptacle and the cooling fan. Power supplies - often
referred to as switching power supplies, use switcher technology to convert the AC input to lower
DC voltages. The typical voltages produced are: •3.3 volts, •5 volts, •12 volts
Motherboard :
Motherboards, often referred to as a logic board, main board or “mobo” for short, are the “back-
bone” of the computer.
The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. Its purpose is to connect all the parts of
the computer together and make everything centralized using its printed circuit board. It's a thin
plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion
cards to control the video and audio, and connections to your computer's ports (such as USB
ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit) :
Also known as the microprocessor or the processor, the CPU is the computer's brain. It is
responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions as well as performing
mathematical and logical calculations.
A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of instructions per second;
and gigahertz (GHz), or billions of instructions per second.
Expansion Cards:
Special expansion cards are one way to add new types of ports to an older computer or to expand
the number of ports on your computer. Like other expansion cards, these cards clip into an open
expansion slot on the motherboard.
Video (Graphics) Card:
A dedicated video card (or video adapter) is an expansion card installed inside your system unit to
translate binary data received from the CPU or GPU into the images you view on your monitor. It
is an alternative to the integrated graphics chip.
Sound card
Sound cards attached to the motherboard and enabled your computer to record and reproduce
sounds

Computer memory : Memory is storage part in computer. It is store the data, information,
programs during processing in computer. It stores data either temporarily or permanent basis.
Memory used to important role in saving and retrieving data.
Types of Memory– Mainly computer have two types memory
 Primary Memory
Primary Memory : Primary memory is internal memory of the computer. It is also known
as main memory and Temporary memory .Primary Memory holds the data and instruction
on which computer is currently working. Primary Memory is nature volatile. It means when
power is switched off it lost all data.
Types of Primary Memory– Primary memory is generally of two types.
RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) – It stands for Random Access Memory.RAM is known as
read /writes memory. It generally refereed as main memory of the computer system. It is a
temporary memory. The information stored in this memory is lost as the power supply to
the computer is switched off. That’s why RAM is also called “Volatile Memory”
Types of RAM– RAM is also of two types:
  Static RAM- Static RAM also known as SRAM ,retain stored information as long as the
power supply is ON. SRAM are of higher coast and consume more power .They have
higher speed than Dynamic RAM
 Dynamic RAM– Dynamic RAM also known as DRAM, its stored information in a very short
time (a few milliseconds) even though the power supply is ON. The Dynamic RAM are
cheaper and moderate speed and also they consume less power.
ROM
ROM (Read Only Memory) – It stands for Read Only Memory.ROM is a Permanent Type
memory. Its content are not lost when power supply is switched off. Content of ROM is
decided by the computer manufacturer and permanently stored at the time of
manufacturing. ROM cannot be overwritten by the computer. It is also called “Non-Volatile
Memory”.
Type of ROM: ROM memory is three types names are following-
 PROM(Programmable Read Only Memory)-PROM chip is programmable ROM.it is PROM
chips to write data once and read many.once chip has been programmed ,the recorded
information cannot be changed. PROM is also nonvolatile memory.
 EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)- EPROM chip can be programmed
time and again by erasing the information stored earlier in it. Information stored in
EPROM exposing the chip for some time ultraviolet light .
 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)-The EEPROM is
programmed and erased by special electrical waves in millisecond. A single byte of a data
or the entire contents of device can be erased.
 Secondary Memory
Secondary Memory is external memory of the computer. It is also known as Auxiliary
memory and permanent memory. It is used to store the different programs and the
information permanently. Secondary Memory is nature non volatile. It means data is stored
permanently even if power is switched off.
The secondary storage devices are:
 Floppy Disks
 Magnetic (Hard) Disk
 Magnetic Tapes
 Pen Drive
 Winchester Disk
 Optical Disk(CD,DVD)