CBSE Class 8 Computer Science Chapter 1
CBSE Class VIII Computer Science Chapter 1 – Fundamentals of Computer
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data and performs operations on it. Early computers were basically calculators with/without storage capability. The popular computers that were used in early days are Abacus, Napiers bones, Adding Machine, Jacquards Loom, Difference Engine and Analytical Engine.
The computer executes the instructions given by the user and produces the desired output. The four components of a computer system are input device, processing device, storage device and output device. Input devices provide ways to communicate with the computer. Processing devices store, retrieve and process data. Storage devices are used to store information. Output devices receive or display output from a computer.
Computers can be classified into various categories: super computer, mainframe computer, minicomputer and micro computer. Super computers are used for jobs that take massive amounts of calculating, like weather forecasting, engineering design. Mainframe computers are mainly used in banking and financial sectors etc. Minicomputers are mainly used in departmental systems, online reservation etc. Micro computers are mainly used in offices and as personal computers.
