Computer is an electronic device that receives , stores or processes the input as per user instructions and provides output in desired format. Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as an input from the user and processes it under the control set of instructions (called program), produces a result (output), and saves it for future use. An electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program.

Parts of The basic parts of a computer are shown in the picture given here.

There are four Parts of computer, which are;

1. Input Parts: Through which data is entered. 2. Processing Parts: Through which input is converted into output. 3. Output Parts: Through which we can see our required output. 4. Storage Parts: Through which we store data on storage media.

Input Devices

Devices that help us put data into the computer are called input devices. They help in giving instructions to the computer.

Keyboard The keyboard is used for entering data into the computer system. It can type words, numbers and symbols.

Mouse:

The mouse is a . You can give input to the computer with the help of the mouse. More information of computer mouse

Microphone A is the mike that can be attached to a computer. It allows you to input sounds like speech and songs into the computer. You can record your voice with the help of a microphone.

Web Camera: A web camera is used to take live photos videos. You can save them in the computer.

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Output Devices: The parts of a computer that help us to show the results of processing are called out devices

Monitor: A monitor looks like a TV screen. It shows whatever you type on the keyboard or draw with the mouse.

Printer: A prints the results of your work from the computer screen on a sheet of paper. This is called a printout.

Speakers The speakers are the output devices that produce different types of sounds processed by the computer. You can listen to songs or speeches stored in the computer with the help of speakers.

Headphone You can listen to music or any sound from a computer with the help of headphones without disturbing others.

Processing Devices The is a chip housed on the . It is the ‘heart’ of a computer system – it controls everything.

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Storage Devices

The parts of a computer which are used for storing data are called. Storing data are called storage devices. They help in storing any work done on a computer permanently. Hard Disk Inside the CPU there is a hard disk. It is made up of one or more metallic disks. It stores a large amount of information.

Floppy Disk A stores small amounts small amounts of information. It works when it is inserted into the floppy drive. The floppy drive is fixed in the CPU.

Compact Disc (CD):

A CD stores many times more information than a floppy disk. It works when it is inserted into the CD drive. The CD drive is fixed in the CPU. Note: Not handling the CD properly may result in loss of data stored. Pros and Cons of Computer

Pros of Computer  Speed  Accuracy  Diligence  Powerful Memory  Cons of Computer  IQ (Intelligent Quotient)  Feeling  Violation of privacy  Impact on labor force  Health Risks

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Use of Computer Computers are heavily entwined in almost everything we do. Their use is not an unmixed blessing. For example, we can get our from many free, online sources but their existence is threatening the existence of the newspapers that employ the reporters who gather the news. Social media are a great way to interact — but they can threaten personal privacy

The vast improvements in over the past decade have had a distinct impact on daily life, both at home and at work

Computers are widely used in:  Home  Business  Entertainment  Communication  Education  Government organization  Health care institutes etc.

Computers in the Home Computers used for a variety of tasks: a. Looking up information and news b. Exchanging E-mail c. Shopping and paying bills d. Watching TV and videos e. Downloading music and movies f. Organizing digital photograph g. Playing h. Making vacation plans

Computers in Education

a. Youth today can be called the computing generation. Nowadays most of students have access to computers in schools.

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b. Distance learning: Students participate from locations other than the traditional classroom setting using computers and Internet access

Computers on the Job Computers have become a universal on-the-job tool for decision-making, productivity, and communication a. Used by all types of employees b. Used for access control and other security measures c. Use by service professionals is growing d. Used extensively by the military e. Employees in all lines of work need to continually refresh their computer skills

Technology

Technology ("science of craft", from Greek τέχνη, techne, "art, skill, cunning of hand"; and -λογία, -logia) is the collection of techniques, skills, methods and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation.

Computer Technology Computer technology is the design and construction of computers to better help people at work, school, home, etc. computer is a programmable . The two principal characteristics of a computer are: it responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner and it can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program). Computers of all sizes play a significant role in modern society. They are involved with doing everything from helping prepare our meals to managing our finances. As such, working in the computer technology field can prove to be a steady line of employment, since computers will be part of our world for decades to come. Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a (CPU) and some form of memory. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit that can change the order of operations based on stored information. devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source, and the result of operations saved and retrieved

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Communication Technology As the name suggests, technology refers to how computers, or any , communicate with each other or with people – usually people or machines who are not all in the same location. It includes the processes of transferring data from one machine to another, using , telephone equipment, fax machines, video, email or other means. Communications technology stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and signals), computers as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information.

Information Technology

Information technology (IT) is the application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data. Several industries are associated with information technology, such as , software, electronics, semiconductors, internet, telecom equipment, e-commerce and computer services.

Information technology in its modern sense first appeared in a 1958 article published in the Harvard Business Review; authors Harold J. Leavitt and Thomas L. Whisler commented that "the new technology does not yet have a single established name.

Today, the term information has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing and technology, and the term has become very recognizable. IT professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A few of the duties that IT professionals perform may include data management, networking, engineering computer hardware, database and software design, as well as the management and administration of entire systems. Information technology is starting to spread farther than the conventional and network technology, and more into integrations of other such as the use of cell phones, televisions, automobiles, and more

Elements of Information Technology

Information technology (IT) is the application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data. Elements of information technology is comprising upon data and information, hardware and software.

Data and Information Data is a collection of facts, figures and statistics related to an object. Data is a valuable asset for an organization and it can be used by the managers to perform effective and successful operations of management. It provides a view of past activities related to the rise and fall of an organization. It also enables the user to make better decision for future. Data is very useful for generating reports,

7 graphs and statistics. The manipulated and processed form of data is called information. It is more meaningful than data. It is used for making decisions. Data is used as input for processing and information is output of this processing. Data can be processed to create useful and meaningful information. Hardware The hardware is the parts of computer itself including the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and related microchips and micro-circuitry, keyboards, monitors, case and drives (floppy, hard, CD, DVD, optical, tape, etc...). Other extra parts called peripheral components or devices include mouse, printers, modems, scanners, digital cameras and cards (sound, color, and video) etc... Together they are often referred to as a personal computers or PCs. Software Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. Software is a generic term for programs that are used by computers and other products that contain logic circuitry (i.e., embedded systems). In a broader sense it can also refer to all information (i.e., both) Information and Communication Technology ICT Stands for "Information and Communication Technologies." ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It focuses primarily on communication technologies. This includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums.

ICT (information and communications technology - or technologies) is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems

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