Computer
A Computer is a machine that can be programmed to accept data (Input), process it (Processing) into useful information (Output) and store it (Storage) for later use.
A computer is a combination of Hardware and Software.
The Machine or the Physical components is known as hardware.
The programs or the set of instructions are called software.
The processing of input to output is directed by the software but performed by the hardware.
Hardware:
The physical parts the computer are called Hardware.
The user can see and touch hardware.
Keyboard and Mouse are examples of hardware.
Primary Hardware Components:
1. Input Devices
The data that is given to the computer is called input.
Input devices are used to input data and instructions into the computer.
These devices send this data the processing unit.
Most commonly used input devices are keyboard and mouse.
2. Processing Device
It is the main component of computer.
It process data and converts it in to useful information
The processor is used to process data.
It is also called central processing unit (CPU).
It is the brain of the computer.
It consists electronic circuit CPU interprets and executes program instructions.
It is further divided into two main components. These are Control Unit (CU) and Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU).
All computers must have central processing unit.
Main memory is used to store the input data before processing.
It also stores processed data after processing until the data is sent to the output device.
The main memory is closely connected to CPU but it is separate from it.
3. Output Devices
The data processed into useful information is known as output.
Output devices are used to display the result of processing.
The most common output device are monitor and printer.
4. Storage Devices
Storage usually refers to the secondary