1

Introduction to a Computer
Lets learn about
Computer : A smart machine Working of a computer Features of a computer Limitations of a computer Types of computers

Dear children, today computers are used at most places because they are fast, accurate and safe to work with.

Do You Know?
Th The word 'computer' is taken from the Greek word 'COMPUTE' that means to calculate. So a computer means a machine that performs calculations.

Computer : A Smart Machine Machines make our work easier and faster. There are many machines that we use in our daily life for different purposes. Lets look at some of them.

A washing machine is used to wash clothes. We use a mixer to mix things.

1

A television is used to watch films, programmes and cartoons.

As we can see most machines can do only one kind of work. A computer is also a machine but it is not an ordinary one. It is considered a smart machine because it can do many things for us.

Answer Me Tick ( ) the things we can do with the help of a computer. Type letters Sleep Make drawings and colour them Play music Eat food Dance

Solve mathematical problems Store information

Watch cartoons and movies

Working of a Computer A computer is a machine that works on the principle of IPO cycle. IPO Cycle In IPO cycle, data and instructions are entered. They are processed, stored and finally the result is given out. Instructions and commands given to the computer are called Inputs or data. A computer accepts, examines and calculates the result. This is called processing. The result given by the computer after processing is called output.
2

This can be understood in the following way:

The computer takes in data and instructions which we feed into it using input devices such as a keyboard and mouse. Input It processes and stores the instructions we feed into it using the CPU. Processing Then it gives the result using output devices such as a monitor and printer. Output

We can see many such examples of IPO cycle in our daily life.

To draw a picture, paper and crayons are required. These are the inputs.

Using the paper and crayons to make the drawing is processing.

The completed drawing is the output.

To further understand the IPO cycle, we can take the example of making mango milkshake. Input Mango, Milk, Sugar Processing Mixing mango, milk and sugar together in the mixer Output Mango milkshake

Note to the Teachers: Have a class quiz on the terms Input, Output and Processing to reinforce the understanding of these terms among children.

It is important to know that the machines that have only one function to do need only one instruction. For example, when a fan is switched on (instruction), it moves and gives air. There is no other instruction required. A computer, on the other hand, needs many instructions to work. Features of a Computer A computer has many features which make it so special. 1. A computer can work very fast. It has a high speed.] Do You Know?
The speed at which a computer operates can be measured in terms of MIPS (Millions Instructions Per Second).

2. A computer is an accurate machine. It can do calculations without making any mistake. However, when incorrect data is fed to the computer, the result we get is also incorrect. 3. A computer can store huge amount of data and information in its storage space which is known as memory. It has a hard-disk inside the CPU that stores data and information. 4. A computer can work continuously for hours without getting tired. 5. The speed and accuracy level of a computer remain the same, even after it works for many hours. It is one of the most reliable machines today. 6. It can perform various types of jobs simultaneously with the same speed and accuracy. For example, we can play games, listen to music, or draw a picture at the same time on a computer. Limitations of a Computer A computer has many limitations. It has no emotions and feelings. It never feels pain, happiness, boredom, tiredness, etc. Know More
The computer follows the GIGO principle. GIGO Garbage In Garbage Out.

It does not learn anything. Its knowledge and working capability are limited to the programmes installed on it. A computer cannot take decisions on its own. It works according to the instructions given to it. A computer cannot take care of itself. It is dependent on us for care. A computer cannot think. It depends on the set of instructions provided to it. Know More
Server is a special computer. It has a number of computers connected to it in a network. It is used in offices, schools and colleges to store data.

Types of Computers Different types of computers are used at various places for different purposes. There are four main types of computers. 1. Microcomputers 2. Minicomputers 3. Mainframe Computers 4. Supercomputers rs Do You Know? Microcomputers A smart phone also works They are the most commonly used computers. like a microcomputer that They are very small in size. combines the functions of a PDA and a mobile phone. They are also known as Personal Computers. They are generally used in schools, offices, shops, etc. Here are the examples of some microcomputers.

Hand-held Computer (Palmtop)

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

5

Laptop

Tablet PC

Minicomputers They are small mainframe computers. They are more powerful than microcomputers. They are faster and have more memory. They are used in offices to connect many computers together. Mainframe Computers They are large computers. They are used in big organizations. They have faster speed and larger storage capacity than minicomputers. They are mostly used for scientific research purposes. Supercomputers They are the most powerful computers. They are very expensive. They are used for weather forecasting and to control satellites and missiles. India has produced many supercomputers. One of them is PARAM. Computers in Other Machines Different types of machines have made our life easy and smooth. There are many machines that have computers inside them. Watches, mobile phones, televisions, washing machines, microwaves and video games are a few examples.

Video Game

Watch
6

Microwave

Brain Teaser
Circle two machines that do not have a computer inside them. bicycle car screwdriver ATM

Computer Etiquette

Working on a computer for a long time makes our hands and fingers tired. Practise this asana before working further.

K Key Words in inputs : instructions given to a computer output : the result that we get

Lets Recall Computers are used at most places because they are fast, accurate and safe to work with. Machines make our work easier and faster. A computer is a machine that works on the principle of IPO cycle. A computer has many features that make it so special. A computer has many limitations. There are many types of computers used at different places for various purposes.
7

EXERCISES
A. Tick ( ) the correct option.

(For FA and SA)

1. Instructions and commands given to the computer are called: storage devices outputs inputs

2. A computer accepts, examines and calculates the result. This is called printing processing scanning

3. Which computers are used for weather forecasting? Supercomputers Microcomputers Minicomputers

4. Computers, very small in size and also known as personal computers are: mainframe computers minicomputers microcomputers

5. A computer is a machine that works on the principle of ______cycle. IPO POI OPI

B. I am a computer. Read the statements given about me and write True (T) or False (F).
1. I can think. 2. I do not make any mistake. 3. I can do as instructed. 4. I get bored and feel tired if I am instructed to do the same job over and over again. 5. I can perform all jobs very fast.
8

6. I can store any information. 7. I can eat large amount of food.

C. Put the computers in sequence as per their speed.

Microcomputer Minicomputer Supercomputer Mainframe computer

1. 3.

2. 4.

D. Unscramble the followings words:

1. M U P C O T R E 2. P O C R S I N G E S 3. O C P M O T E R U M I C R 4. P A T L O P 5. O P U T U T

E. Answer the following questions briefly.

1. What is a supercomputer? 2. What is a microcomputer? 3. How does a computer work? 4. Differentiate between minicomputer and microcomputer. 5. What is IPO cycle?
9

F. Fill in the blanks with the correct options:

1. _________________ make our work easier and faster. ( Machines/Plants)

2. _________________ are the most powerful computers. (Minicomputers/ Supercomputers) 3. _________________ are generally used in schools, offices, shops, etc. to do various types of jobs. (Microcomputers/Supercomputers) 4. _________________ are mostly used for scientific research purposes. (Microcomputers/Mainframe computers) 5. _________________ can support up to 100 users simultaneously. (Mainframe computers/Minicomputers) T Think and Answer 1. Write any two special characteristics of a computer in one word each. (a) _______________________ (b) _______________________
[HOTS]

2. Write any two limitations of a computer in one word each. (a) _______________________ (b) _______________________

3. Name two places where supercomputers are used. (a) _______________________ (b) _______________________

4. Name the machines that need a single instruction to work. (a) _______________________
10

(b) _______________________

Activity Time Complete the table. Machine 1. Sewing machine 2. Rice cooker 3. Juicer 4. ______________ Input Cloth, Thread Raw rice, Water ______________ Dirty clothes Process __________ ____________ Squeezing Washing Output Shirt __________ Juice __________

In the Lab 1. In MS-Paint, draw pictures to show the steps of growth of a plant from a seed. Mark the three parts of IPO cycle in the pictures. (a) Show sowing of a seed. (b) Show Sun shining and water drops falling on the baby plant. (c) Show a big plant with flowers. 2. Open WordPad by clicking: Start Program Accessories WordPad

Write any five advantages of computers.

11