Computer Full Form: Other Computer Related Full Forms

Full form of Computer: A computer is a device that can carry out arithmetic and logical instructions very fast. It takes input and processes the output using software and hardware. The computer is derived from the Latin word ‘computerae’ which means ‘to compute’. The full form of the Computer is Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research.

Computer Full Form

The full form of the Computer is Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research.

Computer = Arithmetic Logical Unit + Control unit

ALU: Arithmetic Logical Unit is used to carry out arithmetic ( addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication ) and logical operation.

CU: Control unit is used to change the order of operations in response to stored information 

What are the categories of computers?

The computer can be categorized in the form of its way to process certain operations. The basic categories are as follows-

1. Digital Computer
2. Analog Computer
3. Hybrid Computer

Modern Definition of Computer

It is an electronic device that can manipulate, store, process, and retrieve data. Computers are used in daily tasks such as sending emails, playing games, preparing documents, posting comments on social media, and watching videos on YouTube. Apart from desktops and laptops, you can find computers on TVs, remote controllers, ACs, refrigerators, cars, smartphones, and tablets.

Let us gather a deeper understanding of the device. A computer is made of two important components – The Arithmetical Logical Unit and Control Unit.

COMPUTER = Arithmetical Logical Unit (ALU) + Control Unit (CU)

ALU (Arithmetical Logical Unit)

This part of the computer executes all the arithmetic and logical operations. In some processors, the ALU is divided into 2 more parts –

• Arithmetic unit (AU)
• Logic unit (LU)

ALU executes arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, and shifting operations. In the case of logical operations, it executes AND, OR, NOT, XOR functions and Boolean comparisons.

Also Read: PE Grants: List of The Best Physical Education Grants

CU (Control Unit)

This part of the computer’s processor handles the flow of data through the processor. It also controls the timing of instructions and operations. After receiving instructions from a program, it sends them to the ALU.

The 2 main components of CU are:

• Program counter: This loads instructions from memory and stores them in sequential order.
• Instruction register: This decodes the instructions and transforms them into CPU commands

Categorization of Computer

Based on technology, computers are divided into 3 broad categories:

1) Digital Computer

These are the computers you come across every day. The IBM PC and Apple Macintosh were the first digital computers to be used. These systems can perform various computational tasks based on the instructions given.

Typically, digital computers use the binary system, which has 2 digits – 0 and 1. These digits are called bits and they are used for representing information.

2) Analog Computer

An analog computer handles and processes analog data. These systems store data in physical quantities and execute calculations using measures. The results of these calculations are represented using symbolic numbers.

3) Hybrid Computer

These systems can be considered a combination of both digital and analog computers. The digital part handles logical and numerical operations. On the other hand, the analog component tackles complex mathematical operations.

Generation of Computers

First Generation (1940 – 1956)

The period between 1940 and 1956 was considered the first generation of computers. The computers were developed using vacuum tubes. They worked on binary code and accepted input using punched cards. 

Examples: Mark I and Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator (ENIAC)

Second Generation (1956 – 1963)

The period between 1956 and 1963 is the second generation of computers. The transistor technology was used for creating computers back then. Moreover, these systems took less time for performing calculations than the 1st generation computers.

Examples: IBM 1620 and CDC 3600

Third Generation (1963 – 1971)

1963 to 1971 was the 3rd generation of computers. The computers of this generation were developed using integrated circuits. These systems consumed less power, heat and were easy to maintain.

Examples: IBM-360 and VAX-750

Fourth Generation (1972 – 2010)

The period between 1972 and 2010 is considered the 4th generation of computers. Microprocessors were used for developing these computers. The systems were faster than the other generations. It was this generation when computers were made commonly available for people.

Examples: IBM-PC and Apple-Macintosh

Fifth Generation (2010-Present)

The fifth generation of computers started in 2010 and is continuing. Computers today are faster than ever and can process multiple instructions at a time. Some of the technologies in this generation include artificial intelligence, data science, cloud computing, parallel processing, cybersecurity, and nanotechnology.

Important Components of a Computer

Hardware

The various physical components of a computer are called hardware. These include a keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, servers, etc. These components are used for providing input to a computer. Based on this input or instructions, the system will execute operations.

Motherboard

This is the main circuit board that connects the CPU, RAM, video card, and hard drive. It has ports for all the other peripherals to connect. It is placed inside the CPU casket and has ports for optical drives, memory, and power supply. A peripheral slot is available for inserting video and sound cards.

CPU/Processor

Central Processing Unit can be considered the brain of a computer. This processes all the data fed into it and delivers the appropriate results. These results may be displayed on the monitor or stored in an application. It contains a processor that is a chip that performs all calculations. 

A CPU may have 2 processors (dual-core) or 4 processors (quad-core). Popular CPU processors include Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is used for storing information such as machine code and working data. It is like the short-term memory of a computer, where the information gets erased when you shut down the computer. As data is accessed randomly instead of sequentially, RAM is very fast.

Hard Drive

This is the part of a computer that stores and retrieves data and is non-volatile. It is attached to the disk controller of a computer’s motherboard. The hard drive is essential for installing programs or software on the system. The operating system is installed on the hard drive along with other applications.

Software

Softwares are the various applications that are intended for executing specific tasks. This application is a set of instructions that process the input and produce an output. Popular software includes word processors, security applications, image editors, web browsers, database programs, software development tools, and cloud storage services.

You can install any software of your choice, as long as it supports your system’s hardware. Even PC games are high-end software used for entertainment purposes. Perhaps the most important software on a computer is the Operating System. This acts as a bridge between the user and the system’s hardware. For example, Windows 10 and Mac OS.

Abbreviations Related to Computer

Candidates preparing for Competitive exams should aware of some computer terms. These terms can directly ask in the online examination. 

Abbreviation	Full-Form
COMPUTER	Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research
ROM	Read-Only Memory
CPU	Central Processing Unit
URL	Uniform Resource Locator
USB	Universal Serial Bus
VIRUS	Vital Information Resource Under Siege
TCP	Transmission Control Protocol
UPS	Uninterruptible Power Supply
SATA	Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
RAM	Random Access Memory
SMPS	Switched-Mode Power Supply
CD	Compact Disc
DVD	Digital Versatile Disc
CRT	Cathode Ray Tube
DEC	Digital Equipment Corporation
SAP	System Application and Products
PNG	Portable Network Graphics
IP	Internet Protocol
GIS	Geographical Information system
DDS	Digital Data Storage
CAD	Computer-Aided Design
ACPI	Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
AGP	Accelerated Graphics Port
APM	Advanced Power Management
APIPA	Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing
HTTP	HyperText Transfer Protocol
HTTPS	HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure

Candidates preparing for competitive exams should go through whole the article. Every competitive exam whether it’s conducted by state or Central government Cover questions from Computer. Even in some of the exams, a big portion of questions is asked from the computer section. Candidates are advised to go through the frequently asked questions too. We have mentioned important questions in the FAQ section that can be asked in the exam.

Conclusion

The full form of ‘computer’ reveals that it was initially designed to aid scientific and military research. However, over time, computers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we work, communicate, and learn. The advancements in computing technology have made it possible for us to achieve things that were once deemed impossible. The computer’s ability to compute and process large amounts of data has made it a powerful tool for businesses and individuals alike. As technology continues to evolve, it is safe to say that the computer will remain an essential part of our lives, making our lives more comfortable, efficient, and productive. Source