Basic Computer – Option 1 (Exam Notes)
Covers: definition, components, hardware/software, memory, input & output devices.
1. Computer: Definition
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data (input), processes it using instructions, stores it, and
produces information (output).
2. Main Components of a Computer
• Input Unit – Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner.
• CPU – Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Registers.
• Memory Unit – Primary and Secondary memory.
• Output Unit – Monitor, Printer, Speaker.
3. Hardware and Software
• Hardware: Physical parts of a computer.
• Software: Programs/instructions.
• System Software: Operating System (Windows, Linux).
• Application Software: MS Word, Excel, Browser.
4. Memory
• Primary Memory: RAM (volatile) and ROM (non-volatile).
• Secondary Memory: Hard Disk, Pen Drive, CD/DVD.
5. Input & Output Devices
• Input: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.
• Output: Monitor, Printer, Speaker, Projector.
6. Very Short Q&A; (Exam)
• Q: What is CPU? A: Central Processing Unit, the brain of the computer.
• Q: What is RAM? A: Volatile primary memory.
• Q: Name one system software. A: Windows.
• Q: Give one input device. A: Keyboard.
End of Option 1 Notes