Fundamental of computer science

Computer is a electronic device. Which can read, write and compute the raw data. In short term we can say computer is a calculator. We can give full-form of computer as a eg. 

• C = Computer
• O = Operater
• M = Machine
• P = Particular
• U = User for
• T = Trade
• E = Education
• R = Research

The development of the modern day computer was the result of advances in technologies and man's need to quantify. Papyrus helped early man to record language and numbers. The abacus was one of the first counting machines..

Some of the earlier mechanical counting machines lacked the technology to make the design work. For instance, some had parts made of wood prior to metal manipulation and manufacturing. Imagine the wear on wooden gears. This history of computers site includes the names of early pioneers of math and computing and links to related sites about the History of Computers, for further study. 

Charles babbage was the father of computer science and lady ada augusta was the first lady programmer.

BABBAGE, CHARLES
Charles Babbage (1791-1871 was born 26 Dec 1791, the son of a London banker. In his youth he had his own private instructor in algebra and by the time he attended Trinity College, Cambridge, he was advanced in knowledge beyond his tutors in mathematics. In 1811, he co-founded the Analytical Society to promote continental mathematics and to reform the mathematics of Newton taught at the University at that time. He worked on the calculus of functions in his twenties. After being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1816, Babbage played a role in the development of the Astronomical Society in 1820. In 1821 he invented the Difference Engine to compile mathematical tables. The Difference Engine was completed in 1832. Then he began work on a machine that could do any type of calculation, and this machine was the Analytical Engine completed about 1856. To learn more about Charles Babbage and his contributions to society, mathematics, engineering, astronomy, and more....

Same here Lady ada augusta was the first lady programmer. Ada was a US governmental (DoD) developed programming language. Ada Byron, Lady Lovelace, was one of the most picturesque characters in computer history. August Ada Byron was born December 10, 1815 the daughter of the illustrious poet, Lord Byron. Five weeks after Ada was born Lady Byron asked for a separation from Lord Byron, and was awarded sole custody of Ada who she brought up to be a mathematician and scientist. Lady Byron was terrified that Ada might end up being a poet like her father. Despite Lady Byron's programming Ada did not sublimate her poetical inclinations. She hoped to be "an analyst and a metaphysician". In her 30's she wrote her mother, if you can't give me poetry, can't you give me "poetical science?" Her understanding of mathematics was laced with imagination, and described in metaphors.

Computer Components and Terms

Computer Components Monitor Keyboard Mouse Floppy Disk (A: drive) CD ROM Hard Disk (C: drive) Printer Speakers and Headphones Central Processing Unit (CPU) Hardware Read-Only Memory (ROM) Random Access Memory (RAM) Operating System Windows windows Turning on a Computer and Using a Mouse Desktop and Storage Devices Windows Desktop Windows Buttons Screen Saver Bites and Bytes Floppy Disks CD ROMs Other CDs Storage Device Organization Files and Folders Return to Norfolk Public Library Homepage.

Hooking Up a Computer

Computers are getting relatively easy to hook up.   The computer owner used to have to keep a technical manual at his or her side to make sure which wire connects to which port.  Each of the peripheral devices has a cable that needs to be connected to the back of the computer.  Most of these cables have a special connector type that is designed to fit one and only one type of port.   You may hear or read about "serial" ports, "parallel" ports,   25-pin connectors, 9-pin connectors and the like.  Each of these descriptors refers to a special wiring configuration.  Each of the connectors normally fits one and only one port on the back of the computer. 

Both the CPU housing and the monitor will have conventional household  power cords.  These are the 3-prong variety and it is strongly recommended that you plug the computer and monitor into a grounded outlet instead of using the 2-prong converter (or just cutting the grounding prong off).  It is also recommended that you purchase a high quality, grounded, multi-outlet power strip that offers a good measure of surge protection.  During an electrical storm, the best thing you can do for your computer is to unplug it from the power source.  Most insurance claims on electrically damaged computer equipment results from lightning damage that originated from the telephone line connected to the modem.  It is a wise computer owner who not only "unplugs" his computer, but disconnects the phone line, as well.

Most new computers come with simple, easy to follow instructions for connecting the cables.  If you ever plan to detach the cables and move the computer to a new location, it would be wise to get out a few bottles of colored nail polish and paint some identifying marks on the cables and above the ports so that you can easily tell which wire belongs in which socket.  Many manufacturers are beginning to color-code their connectors to make setting up the computer easier.

Purchasing a Computer

Hardware Considerations

It is easy to get confused when shopping for a computer. . . too many numbers and acronyms to make sense of.  Here are a few general rules of thumb when shopping:

Larger numbers on the computer specifications will usually mean larger numbers that begin with $.   Buy the largest that you can afford.  Specifically, look for the following as minimums when purchasing a $1000 system: 15-inch or 17-inch monitor.  These are becoming standard on computer systems 266 MHz or higher processor speed.  These numbers are indicators of how fast the computer will be able to complete instructions.  The higher the speed, the better.  At the time this document was written, 500 MHz is the new industry benchmark.  Processor speed is important if you want your computer to run really fast. Pentium or Pentium II Processor.   These are the standard CPU's installed on most Windows-based computer systems.  If you are thinking of purchasing a Macintosh, take a serious look at the G3 family of products.  They all use the latest, fasted CPU from the Motorola group.   Also, if cost is a factor and you want to stay within a budget, you might consider buying a product with the Celeron CPU.  This is a cheaper product manufactured by Intel to compete in the $1000-and-under computer retail market.  Buy the best that you can afford. 6.0 or 8.0 GB Hard Disk Drive.  You can purchase disk drives that store gigabytes up in the teens.  You might be able to purchase a computer with a smaller hard drive (3.2 to 4.1GB) and it may be enough for your needs.  If the cost difference between the smaller drives and the larger ones is not too great, go for the bigger one. 32 MB RAM.  Extra RAM is one of the best investments you can make for your computer. If you can afford to get one with 64MB or even 128MB, go ahead and get it.  You'll never regret having more RAM in your computer, but you'll curse and stamp your foot if you have too little. Color Inkjet Printer.  Color inkjet printers are being marketed for unbelievably low prices.  In fact, you can buy a really basic Lexmark for under $100.  Be aware that the ink cartridges are very expensive ($25 to $40).   A standard black cartridge will do about one ream (500 sheets) of paper if you do only text printing.  Many color inkjets require a black cartridge and a color cartridge.  This can get into your pocket quickly.  Learning to use the Print Preview function in most applications can save you a bundle in ink costs!

Software Considerations:

Most computers have an operating system installed when you purchase them.  The most recent operating system installed on Intel-based machines is Windows 98.  You can also buy computers that have Windows 95 or Windows NT installed instead (WinNT will cost you more).  On the Macintosh side of the world, all current Macs come with MacOS8  or a variant.  You don't have much latitude when you purchase their products.  Some computer distributors include additional software as a "bundle" when you purchase their product.  Here is a recommended list of generic software that you might want start with:

Word Processor:  There are numerous word processors available.   Windows 95/98/NT comes with a nice little package preinstalled called "Wordpad".  It is a scaled-down version of Microsoft's Word, a very powerful application.  If you don't require spell-checking, grammar-checking, tables, columns, and the like, you might be able to get by with Wordpad.  If you need something better, check our Microsoft's Word or Corel's Wordperfect.

Internet Software:  Many computers ship with Microsoft's Internet Explorer and/or Netscape's Navigator.  Both will allow you to explore the World Wide Web.  Both packages also include an Email program.  These are two of the most useful Internet applications.

Depending on your computing needs, you might want to acquire a database/spreadsheet application, some games, financial packages, encyclopedias, and other useful applications.  A good all-purpose program that you might give consideration to purchasing is Microsoft Works (or its competitor, Appleworks).  If you wish to explore the world of desktop publishing, consider Microsoft Publisher'98.  Both Works and Publisher are under $100 at your friendly retail software store.

Part of computer

Different between Hardware and Software

Hardware is the actual components that your computer is made of : ram, rom, motherboard, modem,processor, fans, monitors,wireless chip etc 

Software is any program that you load in to a computer or run your computer. for eg. the operating system
(windows, linux) games or applications,word processing aplications/Internet Explorer or Firefox


If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.)

The illustration below shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system may look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them into a single notebook-sized package.

Desktop computer system

Let's take a look at each of these parts.

System unit

The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.

Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device or device.

System unit

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Storage

Your computer has one or more disk drives—devices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.

Hard disk drive

Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.

Hard disk drive

CD and DVD drives

Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.

CD

DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.

Tip

If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important files to CDs or DVDs. That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data.

Floppy disk drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also retrieve information more slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some computers still include them.

Floppy disk

Why are floppy disks "floppy"? Even though the outside is made of hard plastic, that's just the sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.

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Mouse

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.

Mouse

A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.

When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer. For more information, see Using your mouse.

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Keyboard

A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:

• 
  
  
  The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on where they are used.
• 
  
  
  The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly.
• 
  
  
  The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within a document or webpage.

Keyboard

You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse. For more information, see Using your keyboard.

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Monitor

A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.

There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter. CRT monitors, however, are generally more affordable.

LCD monitor (left); CRT monitor (right)

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Printer

A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to print e‑mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other materials. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.

The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home. They can print in black and white or in full color and can produce high-quality photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.

Inkjet printer (left); laser printer (right)

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Speakers

Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

Computer speakers

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Modem

To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.

Cable modem