Basic information about computer that a student should know.

2. What is a computer?
-Computer is a man-made , programmable electronic device that
operates under the control of a set of instructions that are stored in
its memory.
-a computer accepts data from an input device and processes it into
useful information which it displays on its
output device.
-a computer is a collection of
hardware and software
components that help you
accomplish many different tasks.

3. Characteristics of a computer
Speed-can perform tasks very fast in general, no human
being can compete to solving complex computation, faster
than computer.
Accuracy-since computer is programmed, so whatever
input we give, it gives accurate result.
Diligence-computer can work for hours without any break
and creating error.

4. Versatility-we can use computer to perform completely
different types of work at the same time.
Power of remembering- every piece of
information that a user stores on a computer
can be retained as long as it is needed.
No feeling- computers are devoid(free from) of
emotions, they have no feelings and no
instincts because they are machines.

5. Things that the computer can do:
The computer can do many things. Below are some
examples of what a computer can do.
1. It works very fast.
2. It gives correct results.
3. It can store large amount of information.
4. It can do what is told to do.
5. It can do several tasks at the same time.
6. It can perform tasks repeatedly without getting tired.

6. Things that computer cannot do
The computer can do a lot of things, but it cannot do
everything. Below are some of the things that the computer
cannot do. The computer can’t:
1. Give information by itself.
2. Correct the wrong information.
3. Work if there is no electricity.
4. Work without instructions.

7. ACTIVITY
In each group write the things that a human can do
and computer can do.
You only have 5 minutes to gather data
from your groupmates.

8. TYPE
Supercomputer
DESCRIPTION
It is the largest, fastest, most powerful
and the most expensive type of
computer.
It can perform millions of task at the
same time.
It is used by many governments and
large companies to predict the weather
and conduct scientific research.

9. Mainframe
It can handle and store large
amount of data and can
perform different tasks that
are given by thousands of
user at the same time.
It is used in research.
Large companies and
government agencies to
keep records of their
transactions.

10. It is smaller that the
mainframe computers.
It can perform different
tasks that are given by
hundreds of users at the
same time.
It is commonly used in
business.
minicomputer

11. It is the computer that
is designed for one
user at a time.
microcomputer

12. TYPES OF MICROCOMPUTER
1. Personal computer-is a type of microcomputer that can
be used by only one user at a time.
2. Workstation- it looks like a desktop computer, but it is
more powerful, faster, and has a larger storage.

13. TYPES OF PC
Desktop
DESCRIPTION
 a type of computer in
which all of its parts (
system unit, input devices,
output devices, and other
devices) can fit on or
under a desk or table.

14. Notebook A type of computer
that a user can carry
around and is made to
fit on your lap.
It is also known as
laptop.

15. Handheld A type of computer that
is very small and can fit
on the palm of your
hand.

16. Tablet A mobile personal
computer that is smaller
than a notebook computer
and a larger than a mobile
phone.

17. Embedded computer- is a special type of computer that is
used to control another device.
It is placed inside devices such as radios, digital cameras,
mobile phones, music players, cars, televisions and other
machines that perform specific task in order to handle
data and information.

18. GENERAL PURPOSE- A type of computer that can
be used for any type of application.
Examples: schools and offices computers
Special purpose- a type of computer that is designed
to do specific tasks and solve a particular problem.
Example: ATM, and IBM deep blue

19. Abacus- is one of the earliest computing devices.
-it is used to add and subtract big numbers by
moving beds.

20. Napier’s Bone- was invented in 1617 by John Napier,
A Scottish mathematician.
It is a machine used to multiply big numbers.

21. MECHANICAL DEVICES
Pascaline- is a calculator that was invented by Blaise
Pascal in 1642. He invented the machine to help his father
in his job.

22. Stepped Reckoner- is a calculator that invented in 1672 by
Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz.

23. Jacquard Loom- was invented by joseph Marie Jacquard
in1804. It is a machine that weave complex fabric design.
It is the first machine that used punch cards.

24. Difference Engine-is a machine that was invented in
1822 by Charles Babbage.
It is a machine that can compute many sets of numbers.
It can be used to create math tables used by the sailors.

25. Analytical Engine- another machine that was invented
Charles Babbage in1823.

26. ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES
Hollerith’s Tabulating Machine- Dr. Hernan Hollerith
invented a tabulating machine and a card sorter in 1896. It
was invented to count the number of people who lived in
the USA.

27. MARK 1- It was developed by Howard Aiken in 1944. it
was a very big computer that can do many tasks. It is
also the first digital programmable computer.

28. ABC Stands for Atanasoff
Berry Computer
It is invented by Dr. John
V. Atanasoff and Clifford
Berry 1939.
It can only handle one
type of mathematical
problem.

29. ENIAC
Stands for Electronic Numerical
Integrator and Computer
Invented by John Mauchly and
John Prespher Eckert Jr. in
1946.
It is a machine that is used to
predict the weather.

30. EDVAC Stands for Electronic
Discrete Variable Computer
It was invented by John Von
Neumann in 1950
 It is the first computer that
was used to solve problems
in math and science.
It became the basis for all
modern computers.

31. EDSAC Stands for Electronic
Delay Storage
Automatic Calculator
It was invented by
Maurice Wikes in 1949.
It was the machine that
has a collection of a
short programs.

32. UNIVAC Stands for Universal
Automatic Computer
It was invented in 1951 by
John Mauchly and John
Presper Eckert Jr.
It was the first digital
computer that the people
can buy.
In 1952, it was used to
predict the. Result of the
US presidential election.

33. ALTAIR it is the first microcomputer
sold as a kit. It was created
by Micro Instrumental
Telemetry System in 1975.
It is a blue box shaped
It is measured 17 inches by
18 inches by 7 inches
It does not have any
keyboard, video terminal,
paper tape reader, printer
or software.

34. Apple I It is designed and built
by Steve Wozniak,
Steve Jobs and Ron
Wayne.
Released April 1st 1976
This computer was the
first to use a keyboard
and could be connected
to a TV screen which
was to start a revolution

35. IBM PC It was named of the Time
Magazine as the “Machine
of the Year”.

36. PALM PILOT It was invented by Jeff
Hawkins, Donna
Dubinsky and Ed
Colligan in 1996.
This device fits with its
pocket size into one
hand.