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1                 Fundamentals of a Computer

















                                Your Aim

                                to learn about:

                                         Data and Information              Characteristics of a Computer
                                          Limitations of a Computer          Working of a Computer
                                           Input Devices                      Processing Device
                                           Output Devices                      Motherboard
                                            Computer Memory
                                             Measuring the Computer’s Memory




                 A computer is an electronic device which accepts data given by the user, i.e., input.
                 It then processes the data according to the given instructions and finally produces
                 the result as output.
                     DATA AND INFORMATION


                 Data is  any collection of numbers, characters  or other  symbols  that  has been
                 coded into a format that can be input into a computer and processed. Data on its
                 own has no meaning. In other words, data can be defined as a representation of
                 facts, concepts, or instructions collected for analysis. It is only after processing by
                 a computer that data becomes information.
                 The main types of data that can be input into a computer are numeric, text, date,
                 graphics and sound. Data is stored as a series of numbers inside the computer.

                     CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER

                      Speed: Computer  can  process millions  of instructions  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

                      terms of MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second).
                        Accuracy: A computer provides a high degree of accuracy. Every calculation
                      is performed with the same accuracy.
                        Diligence: Computer can work for hours without any break or boredom. It
                      does not get tired.


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