Computer and IT

Computer is an electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data to perform various operations automatically based on instructions.

Information Technology (IT) is the use of computers and software to store, retrieve, transmit, and manage data or information, especially in a business or organizational context.

🧩 COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER

🧠 1. Hardware

Physical parts of the computer
Examples: CPU, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, Hard Disk

🧠 2. Software

Set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do
System Software: Operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS
Application Software: MS Word, Excel, Browsers

🧠 3. Memory

Primary Memory: RAM, ROM
Secondary Storage: Hard Drive, Pen Drive, SSD
Cache: Temporary storage for faster access

💡 GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER

Generation	Technology Used	Example
1st (1940–1956)	Vacuum Tubes	ENIAC
2nd (1956–63)	Transistors	IBM 1401
3rd (1964–71)	ICs (Integrated Circuits)	IBM 360
4th (1971–present)	Microprocessors	PCs
5th (Present & Future)	AI-based	Robotics, Quantum Computers

🖧 BASIC IT TERMINOLOGY

Term	Definition
Internet	A global network that connects computers worldwide
WWW	World Wide Web – system of interlinked web pages
URL	Uniform Resource Locator – web address
IP Address	Unique address of a device on a network
Email	Electronic mail
Cloud Computing	Storing data over the internet
AI	Artificial Intelligence – machines mimicking human intelligence
IoT	Internet of Things – connecting everyday devices to the internet
Cybersecurity	Protection of computer systems from theft, damage, or unauthorized access

🧰 INPUT & OUTPUT DEVICES

Input Devices (Send data into computer):

Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Webcam, Microphone, Touchscreen

Output Devices (Get data from computer):

Monitor, Printer, Speaker, Projector

🧮 TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Supercomputers – Fastest (used in weather, space research)
Mainframe Computers – Large organizations (banks, railways)
Mini Computers – Mid-sized businesses
Microcomputers – Personal computers, laptops
Embedded Systems – Built into machines (washing machine, ATM)

📧 TYPES OF NETWORKS

Type	Range
LAN (Local Area Network)	Within a building or campus
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)	Across a city
WAN (Wide Area Network)	Across countries/globe (e.g., Internet)

📌 IMPORTANT SOFTWARE TOOLS

Tool	Use
MS Word	Document creation
MS Excel	Data analysis, spreadsheets
MS PowerPoint	Presentations
Web Browser	Accessing internet (Chrome, Firefox)
Antivirus	Protects from malware (Norton, Quick Heal)

📚 IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES

Name	Contribution
Charles Babbage	Father of Computer
Alan Turing	Father of Artificial Intelligence
Tim Berners-Lee	Inventor of World Wide Web
Bill Gates	Founder of Microsoft
Steve Jobs	Co-founder of Apple
Sundar Pichai	CEO of Google
Mark Zuckerberg	Founder of Facebook

📝 Practice Question - Computer and IT

Q1. Who is known as the "Father of Computers"?

a) Alan Turing
b) Bill Gates
c) Charles Babbage
d) Steve Jobs
✅ Answer: c) Charles Babbage

Q2. Which of the following is an input device?

a) Printer
b) Monitor
c) Keyboard
d) Speaker
✅ Answer: c) Keyboard

Q3. What does "HTTP" stand for?

a) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
b) Hyperlink Transfer Text Program
c) High Text Transmission Protocol
d) None of the above
✅ Answer: a) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol

Q4. What is the full form of CPU?

a) Central Program Unit
b) Central Processing Unit
c) Control Panel Unit
d) Computer Personal Unit
✅ Answer: b) Central Processing Unit

Q5. RAM is a type of:

a) Permanent Memory
b) Temporary Memory
c) Output Device
d) Storage Device
✅ Answer: b) Temporary Memory

Q6. Which of the following is a web browser?

a) Windows
b) Linux
c) Chrome
d) Adobe
✅ Answer: c) Chrome

Q7. The first mechanical computer was called:

a) ENIAC
b) UNIVAC
c) Abacus
d) Analytical Engine
✅ Answer: d) Analytical Engine

Q8. Which among the following is not a programming language?

a) Python
b) Java
c) HTML
d) Google
✅ Answer: d) Google

Q9. Which of the following stores the most data?

a) CD
b) DVD
c) Blu-ray Disc
d) Floppy Disk
✅ Answer: c) Blu-ray Disc

Q10. Which company developed the Windows operating system?

a) Apple
b) Microsoft
c) IBM
d) Intel
✅ Answer: b) Microsoft