COMPUTER APPRECIATION:

There are several definitions to computer, so there is no one single

Definition of a computer. However, in this unit we will try to give a
Generalized and all round satisfactory definition of computer. A
Computer is a fast operating machine that can be used for the home and
Business to enhance productivity. In other words, a computer is a
Collection of electronic parts, or hardware that have a set of electronic
Instructions called software. All computers perform the same basic
Functions; they enable you to store and manipulate information.

Typically any machine called a computer displays the following

Characteristics:
The ability to perform calculation at very high speed.
Ability to take in information and to store that information for
Future retrieval or use.
The ability to take in and store sequence of instructions called
Program which must be written in the language of computer.
The ability to obey sequence of program instructions provided the
Program is stored within the computer.
The ability to use simple logical rules to make decisions for their
Own internal control, or for the control of some external activity
E.g. to take over the role of calculator operator.
The ability to communicate with other systems.
The ability to exploit a complex internal structure of a
Microelectronics circuitry in a variety of ways.

A computer runs on three major systems; hardware, software, and human-ware.

Hardware and software exist together to make up the actual device. The human
comes into the picture to bring the whole computer into a functional existence.
Each of the components are necessary in order to enable meaningful productivity.
If installed separately, they may be useful to an extent. However, the device would
only be capable of repetitive actions rather than achieve complete computing
potential. Hardware and software could not operate without each other. They both
need human input to perform complex processes.

Computer Hardware

This refers to any part that is tangible. Examples include:

Display monitor.

Keyboard.

Mouse.

Motherboard.

Memory modules.

Disk drive.

These parts are typically housed within the laptop or desktop unit itself, except for
the keyboard and mouse.
What is likely the most important piece of hardware is the microprocessor chip
known as the central processing unit (CPU). Newer computers come embedded
with a union of CPU and a graphics processing chip (GPU) called the Accelerated
Processing Unit (APU).

A component just as important in a system unit is the disk drive. This is where data
and information is stored locally on the computer. They are classified as secondary
storage. There are two popular types of disk drives.

Hard disk drive: HDDs are mechanical by design and store data on magnetic and
metallic platters, which are read by read/write heads. This makes this type of drive
rather erratic and prone to failure if used improperly.

Solid state disk drive: The newer SDDs store data on flash memory chips and are
less prone to erratic behavior. These are much faster and more reliable compared to
HDDs.
Another vital part within a system is the motherboard. It provides communication
and direct connectivity to devices throughout the computer.

Connectivity to a motherboard can be internal or external.

Internal devices that connect to the motherboard include:

Microprocessor (CPU).

Disk drive.

Random access memory (memory modules).

 Power supply unit (PSU).

External peripherals that connect to the motherboard include:

Monitor.

Keyboard.

Mouse.

Printer.

Computer Software

Software refers to the instructions, programs, data, and protocols which run on
hardware. It can be divided into two major categories.

System Software

This is also commonly known as an operating system (OS). The system manages
other software and devices inside the computer.

In a typical setup, the operating system is like the motherboard for software. It is
the first thing that is installed, followed by applications and utility software. Three
popular operating systems for traditional computers include Windows, Mac OS X,
and Linux.

Popular mobile operating systems include Android OS, iPhone OS, Windows
Phone OS, and Firefox OS.

Application Software

This is designed for end users. This software is meant to perform a specialized
assignment and output useful information.

An example would be a word processing application that one uses to compose a

letter or a brochure, such as Microsoft Word.

Other popular examples include Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, and AutoCad.
A collection of application software can come in a package that is commonly
known as a software suite. A typical suite includes software for word processing,
presentations, graphic design, and spreadsheets.

Examples include Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, and iWork.

Software is written in computer languages such as Visual Basic, C, and Java .

Humanware

Humanware refers to the user experience of hardware and software. More

specifically, it is about the infrastructure of a system being designed based on the
needs and interests of a user.

Typically, a great deal of testing is done on a software package to ensure that its
productivity enhances the end users experience.

Humanware is ultimately the interaction that produces a useful output. The

directives of a user is what creates documents, records music, and communicates to
other computer systems.
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is a computer program designed to teach how to
type faster on the keyboard. This is accomplished by listening to a slutty whore
named Mavis Beacon bitch at you when you press the wrong key or go too slow
during a lesson.

Occasionally you are allowed to play one of several equally mind-numbing

minigames, each of them involving you typing out nonsense words in order to do
something completely useless in the game. For instance, typing the word "eat" in
the middle of the car racing game makes your car go.

The program includes a number of speed tests and constantly tracks the user's
words-per-minute typing speed. It also includes a number of typing games of
which some versions have been included since the first release. (The 2011 Ultimate
Mac Edition for Mac OS X, published by Software MacKiev, also includes two-
player competitive typing network games, integration with iTunes, Dvorak
keyboard support, practice typing song lyrics, RSS news feeds and classic novels.)
A certificate of achievement can be printed by the user upon the completion of
tests.

This program is also used in many schools and homes to improve typing skills.
Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation program currently developed

by Microsoft, Microsoft's version of PowerPoint was officially launched on May

22, 1990, as a part of the Microsoft Office suite. PowerPoint is useful for helping

develop the slide-based presentation format and is currently one of the most

commonly used slide-based presentation programs available.

Microsoft Publisher is an entry-level desktop publishing application
from Microsoft, differing from Microsoft Word in that the emphasis is placed on
page layout and design rather than text composition and proofing. Publisher is
included in higher-end editions of Microsoft Office, reflecting Microsoft's
emphasis on the application as an easy-to-use and less expensive alternative to the
"heavyweights" with a focus on the small business market where firms do not have
dedicated design professionals available to make marketing materials and other
documents.