1. What is a Computer?

A computer is a programmable machine. 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 pre-recorded list of instructions (a program).

2. Difference Between Data and Information

Although they sound similar there are differences between data and information.
Data is composed of raw data that has not been processed. For example if I wanted to find
out how much rain falls in a week, I would record the amount of rain per day.Information is
knowledge gathered from data. For example I take the data of how much rain has occurred
in a week and add the amount and divide from the days.
The term data refers to raw material which when processed makes meaningful output,
while information refers to a processed outcome of data.
Data is normally disorganized and disjointed, while information is properly arranged and
organized. Information primarily depends on data for it to be complete.



3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers

Advantages:

They allow people across the globe to communicate with each other, no matter at what
time, via the use of email.
They allow people to look up information directly, instead of the use of searching through
books.
We are able to produce documents with ease because of computers. On typewriters, as a
comparison, one would either need whiteout or to go back and type over a mistaken letter
or grammar issue. Thus, it is easier to correct typed documents.
People can work from home, and spend more time with their families because of this.
In essence the main advantage is how easy computers have made life.

Disadvantages:

People sometimes spend all their time secluded in theirs rooms on the computer.
Paedophiles on chat rooms.
Illegal downloading can ruin businesses.
Details such as bank records can be hacked into, and thus your personal information is no
longer as safe as it used to be.
Sitting for several hours in front of a PC suggest laziness.
Strain to the eye


4. Components Of Computer System

Computer Hardware
Computer hardware refers to the parts of the computer that can be
touched or felt. Examples include the monitor, keyboard, mouse, memory,
hard disk, solid state disk etc. These hardware items are also called
computer devices.
The most important piece of hardware in the computer is a tiny rectangular
chip inside the system unit, called the central processing unit (CPU): Newer
mobile computers come embedded with a union of CPU and graphics chip called Accelerated
Processing Unit, abbreviated as APU. this piece of hardware is the brain of the computer; it
translates instructions and performs all sorts of data manipulation.
Inside the system unit, the CPU attaches to another important hardware called motherboard. Like
the word suggests, the motherboard is like the mother in the house, providing direct connectivity
to all other devices. Devices that connect to it include ; monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU, hard disk,
printer etc.
An equally important piece of hardware in the system unit is the hard disk. Soon to be replaced by
solid state disk (SSD), this device is where data is stored in the computer.
Computer Software
Computer software refers to the instructions, programs, data and protocols
which run on hardware parts. Software is basically sub divided into two
major categories, namely system and application software.
System software, also Operating System (OS) is software that manages other
software and devices that form a computer. The OS is like the mother of
computer software. It is normally the first software installed in the computer,
followed by other software i.e application software. Three well known
operating system software variants are Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Other up-coming operating
software that are gracing an ever growing array of mobile computers include Android, Chromium,
Firefox OS and IOS.
A word processing application that one uses to write letters in the computer e.g . Microsoft Word is
a type of program or application software. Other popular examples of application software
include, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw and AutoCad.

Humanware
Humanware refers to the user of the computer hardware and software. It
is about the individual that uses the computer for productive or
entertainment purposes.
The design of humanware often begins with understanding the needs
and limitations of the end user and working bottom-up to design a
product that is ultimately useful.



5. Categories of Computer
A microcomputer is a computer that can perform all of its input, process, output, and
storage activities by itself.
A minicomputer is often used in situations where a microcomputer is not powerful enough
but a mainframe is too expensive.
A mainframe is a large, expensive, but powerful computer that can handle hundreds or
thousands of connected users at the same time.
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive computer used for
applications that require complex and sophisticated mathematical calculations.








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