COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL
Computer Definition :
A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to a set of instructions called a program. It can manipulate and store data, perform calculations, and execute various operations to produce the desired results. Computers come in various forms, including personal computers, laptops, servers, mainframes, and embedded systems, each tailored for specific purposes and usage scenarios. The fundamental components of a computer system include a central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices, input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer). Computers play a central role in information processing, communication, automation, and numerous applications across various fields.
The term “COMPUTER” stands for “Common Operating Machine Particularly Used for Technical, Educational, and Research.” This term was coined in the mid-20th century to describe electronic devices capable of performing various tasks through programmed instructions.
Components of a Computer:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer, responsible for executing instructions.
- Memory (RAM): Temporary storage for data and instructions currently being used by the CPU.
- Storage (Hard Drive, SSD): Permanent storage for data and programs.
Input and Output:
- Input Devices: Examples include keyboards, mice, and other devices that allow users to input data into the computer.
- Output Devices: Examples include monitors, printers, and speakers, which display or provide the results of the computer’s processing.
Software:
- Operating System (OS): Acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware, managing resources and providing a user interface.
- Applications: Programs designed to perform specific tasks, such as word processors, web browsers, and games.
Types of Computers:
- Personal Computers (PC): Used by individuals for general computing tasks.
- Servers: Designed to manage network resources and provide services to other computers.
- Mainframes: Powerful computers used by large organizations for handling complex calculations and large amounts of data.
- Supercomputers: High-performance machines used for scientific and engineering applications requiring immense computational power.
Computer Networks:
- Local Area Network (LAN): Connects computers in a small geographic area, such as an office or a home.
- Wide Area Network (WAN): Connects computers over a larger geographic area, often using the Internet.
Here are some common computer parts and their full forms:
- CPU: Central Processing Unit
- RAM: Random Access Memory
- ROM: Read-Only Memory
- HDD: Hard Disk Drive
- SSD: Solid State Drive
- GPU: Graphics Processing Unit
- BIOS: Basic Input/Output System
- USB: Universal Serial Bus
- LAN: Local Area Network
- WAN: Wide Area Network
- MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
- NIC: Network Interface Card
- DNS: Domain Name System
- HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol
- HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
- FTP: File Transfer Protocol
- SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
- PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect
- PCIE: Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
- VGA: Video Graphics Array
- LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
- LED: Light Emitting Diode
- CPU: Central Processing Unit
- GPU: Graphics Processing Unit
- PSU: Power Supply Unit
- UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply
- IRQ: Interrupt Request
- CMOS: Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor
- PDF: Portable Document Format
General Shortcuts:
- Ctrl + C: Copy
- Ctrl + X: Cut
- Ctrl + V: Paste
- Ctrl + Z: Undo
- Ctrl + Y: Redo
- Ctrl + S: Save
- Ctrl + P: Print
- Ctrl + A: Select All
- Ctrl + F: Find
- Ctrl + N: New (File or Window)
- Ctrl + O: Open
- Ctrl + W: Close Window
- Ctrl + T: New Tab (in web browsers)
- Ctrl + Tab: Switch Tab (in web browsers)
Windows Shortcuts:
- Windows Key: Open Start Menu
- Windows Key + D: Show Desktop
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows
- Alt + F4: Close active window
- Windows Key + L: Lock the computer
- Windows Key + E: Open File Explorer
- Windows Key + R: Open Run dialog
Web Browsing Shortcuts:
- Ctrl + N: New Window
- Ctrl + T: New Tab
- Ctrl + Tab: Switch between tabs
- Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen last closed tab
- Ctrl + D: Bookmark current page
- Ctrl + W: Close Tab
- Ctrl + F5: Refresh page (bypass cache)
- F5: Refresh page
Microsoft Office Shortcuts:
- Ctrl + B: Bold
- Ctrl + I: Italic
- Ctrl + U: Underline
- Ctrl + P: Print
- Ctrl + S: Save
- Ctrl + Z: Undo
- Ctrl + Y: Redo
- Ctrl + F: Find
- Ctrl + H: Replace
- Ctrl + X: Cut
- Ctrl + C: Copy
- Ctrl + V: Paste
- Ctrl + A: Select All
Programming Shortcuts:
- Ctrl + Space: Auto-complete
- Ctrl + /: Comment/Uncomment
- Ctrl + Shift + B: Build
- Ctrl + F5: Run without debugging
- F5: Start Debugging
- Ctrl + Shift + F5: Restart Debugging
WinWord Mcq Question:
1. Who is the father of Computers?
- a) James Gosling
- b) Charles Babbage
- c) Dennis Ritchie
- d) Bjarne Stroustrup
View Answer (b).
2. What does the COMPUTER stand for?
- a) Commonly Occupied Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research
- b) Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Environmental Research
- c) Commonly Oriented Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research
- d) Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research
View Answer (d)
- Explanation: The word COMPUTER is an abbreviation for the term “Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research”. The word COMPUTER also relates to the word COMPUTE which means to calculate. So initially, it was thought that a computer is a device that is used to perform calculations.
3. What is a Computer?
- a) Computer is a machine or device that can be programmed to perform arithmetical or logic operation sequences automatically
- b) Computer understands only binary language which is written in the form of 0s & 1s
- c) Computer is a programmable electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes the data
- d) All of the mentioned
View Answer (d)
- Explanation: CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. CPU is the part of a computer system that is mainly referred as the brain of the computer.
4. What is the full form of CPU?
- a) Computer Processing Unit
- b) Computer Principle Unit
- c) Central Processing Unit
- d) Control Processing Unit
View Answer (c)
- Explanation: CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. CPU is the part of a computer system that is mainly referred as the brain of the computer.
5. The only language which the computer understands is ______________
- a) Computer understands only C Language
- b) Computer understands only Assembly Language
- c) Computer understands only Binary Language
- d) Computer understands only BASIC
View Answer (c)
- Explanation: Machine Language is written in binary codes only. It can be easily understood by the computer and is very difficult for us to understand. A machine language, unlike other languages, requires no translators or interpreters.
7. Which of the following is the brain of the computer?
- a) Central Processing Unit
- b) Memory
- c) Arithmetic and Logic unit
- d) Control unit
View Answer (a)
- Explanation: The CPU is referred to as the brain of a computer.
- It consists of a control unit and an arithmetic and logic unit. It is responsible for performing all the processes and operations.
8. What are the two basic types of memory in a computer?
- a) Minor and Major
- b) Main and virtual
- c) Primary and Secondary
- d) Primary and major
View Answer (c)
- Explanation: There are two types of memories in a computer system: Primary Memory and Secondary Memory.
- The primary memory can be directly accessed by the CPU whereas the secondary memory cannot be directly accessed.
9. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a computer?
- a) Versatility
- b) Accuracy
- c) Diligence
- d) I.Q.
View Answer (d)
- Explanation: The Computer system has no I.Q. of its own. It does only what it is programmed to do. It cannot take decisions of its own.
- A computer is diligent because it can work continuously for hours without getting any errors or without getting grumbled.
- The accuracy of a computer is consistently high and its level of accuracy depends on its design. A computer can perform any task if, it can be broken down into a series of logical steps. Therefore, a computer is versatile.
10. What is the word length of a personal computer?
- a) 32 bits
- b) 8 bits
- c) 64bits
- d) 16 bits
View Answer (b)