Outline

Chapters

• Chapter 1: What is Computer

• Chapter 2: History of Computers

• Chapter 3: How does a Personal Computer Work

• Chapter 4: How does the CPU work

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: What is Computer

1.1 Different types of Computer based on different criteria

1.2 Benefits of using a Computer

1.3 Application of a computer in different domains

What is a Computer?

• A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts raw data as input and processes it with a set of instructions (a program) to produce the result as output.

• It not only processes both numerical and non-numerical calculations but also saves the output for future reference.

• The term "computer" originates from the Latin word "computare," meaning to calculate.

• The Analytical Engine, invented by Charles Babbage in 1837, was the first computer, utilizing punch cards as read-only memory.

​ Figure: A desktop computer

Digital Computers

Digital Computers operate “digitally”, using binary code (0s and 1s) for instructions and data representation.
A computer fundamentally operates through four key functions.

• Input operation

• Storage operation

• Data processing

• Output operation