Definition: Micro Computer is a small computer. Your personal computers are equivalent to the microcomputer. Mainframe and Mini Computer is ancestor of microcomputer. Integrated Circuit fabrication technology reduces the size of Mainframe and Minicomputer.
Technically, a microcomputer is a computer in which the CPU (central processing unit, the brains of the computer) is contained on one single chip, a microprocessor, input/output devices and storage (memory) unit. All these components are important for a proper working of microcomputer. [Read more…] about What is microcomputer? Definition
What is Memory?
In humans, the memory is mind warehouse , where are stored for a later use the various components experience. The memory of a computer somewhat similar but more limited at its possibilities. [Read more…] about What is Memory?
What is mainframe computer? definition
The Definition and meaning of mainframe has shifted from its original reference to the main housing, or frame, that contained the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer. In those days, all computers were big-like the size of a garage and the frame for the CPU might have been as big as a walk-in closet. Now mainframe refers to the kind of large computer that runs an entire corporation. [Read more…] about What is mainframe computer? definition
What is Machine Code or Machine Language?
Computer is a collection of digital electronic circuits in which the memory circuits play a major role. The input to as well as outputs from the microprocessor are all expressed in terms of voltages applied on the specified set of terminals meant for input and outputs, respectively. We may code the high value of voltage (typical value 5 V) as 1 and low value of voltage (typical value 0) as 0. Thus, an instruction to the microprocessor of the computer may be represented as a sequence of 0s and 1s (ones and zeros), such as 11001001. These ones and zeros are electronic signals that tell the computer what to do. In fact, microprocessors are designed to carry out a large number of instructions. The manufacturers supply the set of instructions and their respective codes. [Read more…] about What is Machine Code or Machine Language?
What is a LPT (Line Printer Terminal) Printer port?
Dos use the acronym LPT to refer to its three printer ports: LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3. The acronym is a contraction of line printer. [Read more…] about What is a LPT (Line Printer Terminal) Printer port?
What is laser printer? – Definition
Definition: A laser printer (also known as Page Printers as they prints the whole page at once) represent a real technological revolution. laser printer is a type of printer which makes use of a laser beam to produce an image on the drum or you can say that it is a printer that makes use of a focused beam of light to transfer text and images onto paper. It was first developed by Gary Starkweather at Xerox PARC in 1971. Laser printer makes use of laser technology for the printing of copies onto the paper. [Read more…] about What is laser printer? – Definition
What is Laser Disc?
A laser disc (also known as a “video disc”) is similar to a music CD, but it holds visual images as well as music. In fact, laser discs can store entire movies, concerts, operas, recordings of live theater, and a wide variety of educational material. Its signal gets fed right into your television or video monitor, just like the video tape movies you rent. Laser discs are typically 12 inches wide, just like a standard long-playing phonograph record (remember those?). [Read more…] about What is Laser Disc?
What is IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)?
IBM Disc Electronics or Integrated Drive Electronics is more commonly known as ATA or Parallel ATA (PATA) and is a standard interface for IBM compatible hard drives. [Read more…] about What is IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)?
What is Freeware?
Freeware is software made available for public use by the author, and it’s free. You’re not under any obligation to pay for it. Freeware is usually distributed in the same places you find shareware and public domain software: on bulletin boards, at user groups, and by commercial shareware distributors. [Read more…] about What is Freeware?
What is Format (a disk)?
Before a disk can be useful in a computer, the disk must be formatted. Formatting, also called initializing, organizes the storage area on the disk-it magnetically marks the disk with tracks and sectors, each with indicated boundaries, so that the information you store can later be located easily. The process involves erasing all that is on the disk, testing the disk to make sure all of its sectors are reliable, and creating a directory-an internal address system used for locating information later. [Read more…] about What is Format (a disk)?
What is Firmware?
Firmware is a category or class of memory chips which contain information that is permanent (meaning it isn’t erased when you shut off your computer or when the power suddenly goes out on a dark and stormy night). The best examples of firmware are the ROM chips in your computer that contain programs installed at the factory. Firmware cannot be altered, per se, but in some cases the whole chip can be completely replaced by a technician when it becomes outdated or obsolete. [Read more…] about What is Firmware?
What is File System?
Computers are asked to store massive amounts of information on storage media such as floppy disks and hard disks. Long ago, the computer just saved all the files on the disk, and if you weren’t careful, you could end up with a list of files so long you could strain your wrist just trying to scroll through them all! It was kind of like putting all the papers into your filing cabinet without folders. [Read more…] about What is File System?
What is File Allocation Table (FAT)?
File Allocation Table (FAT). A data structure employed in the FILESYSTEMS of Microsoft’s MS-DOS and Windows operating systems to locate individual files stored on hard and floppy disks. When a disk is FORMATTED it is divided up into many physical SECTORS of equal size grouped together into CLUSTERS. Whenever a new file is created, the file system allocates a number of these clusters to hold that file’s data – the FAT is a table that contains the name of each file and the addresses of the clusters that it occupies. When a file is deleted, only its FAT entry, rather than the data itself, is erased, which is why UNDELETE utilities can usually recover the file. [Read more…] about What is File Allocation Table (FAT)?
What is Fatal Error?
Fatal error!? Why do they do this to us? Why can’t they just say, “Oh, excuse me, but your system has a serious problem. The trouble may just be temporary, and if you’ll turn off the computer and try again, maybe everything will work fine.” [Read more…] about What is Fatal Error?
What is ENIAC ? – Definition
Definition: ENIAC stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. ENIAC was introduced in the world by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania. Earlier ENIAC was used to calculate the artillery firing tables for the Ballistic Research Laboratory of United States Army. [Read more…] about What is ENIAC ? – Definition
What is EGA (enhanced graphics adapter)?
An EGA is a video adapter for IBM-type personal computers. This means it has the electronic circuits your computer needs to display images on the screen. EGA stands for enhanced graphics adapter, but don’t be fooled by the name: EGAS came out in about 1985, and what was “enhanced” then (compared to a CGA) is obsolete now. Yes, they still work, and if you get a computer that has one, don’t throw the EGA board away. [Read more…] about What is EGA (enhanced graphics adapter)?
What is Driver?
A driver is a piece of software that tells the computer how to communicate with or operate another piece of hardware, such as a printer, scanner, or mouse.
Your System Folder has a printer driver in it (in System 7 they are stored in the Extension folder that is stored within the System Folder). If there is no printer driver in the System Folder, you can’t print. [Read more…] about What is Driver?
What is Drive?
A drive is the part of the computer that takes the disks or tapes you insert into the slot and spins them to make them work. You probably have at least two different kinds of drives in your system: floppy disk drives are the ones with the little slots where you insert floppy disks; the standard type of hard disk drive comes sealed inside a case, which in turn is stuck inside your computer or inside a separate box-you never even see the disk. [Read more…] about What is Drive?
What is DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)? – Definition
Definition: DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. DRAM is a technical term for a type of random access memory (RAM) that can retain its contents only for a very brief period (measured in milliseconds) and must, therefore, be continually refreshed by reading its contents at short intervals. [Read more…] about What is DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)? – Definition
What is DPI (Dots Per Inch)?
In computer graphics, we used many terms like pixel, dot, resolution, sharpness, Quality of picture. All these terms are used during soft copy and hard copy output. When we talk about soft copy output, we generally deal with pixels. Hard copy output considers the term dots pitch for picture quality. Quality of printed media depends upon the distance of dots. Density means; how many dots are located under per inch area. Greater the DPI, more enhancement and focus on the quality of printed media. [Read more…] about What is DPI (Dots Per Inch)?
What is Docking Station? – Definition
Definition – What is Docking Station?: A Docking station also known as universal port replicator or simply dock. It is like a attachment that plugging-in to a laptop or notebook computer, either directly or by cable, providing connects a laptop with more external peripheral devices. Docking station connection interfaces increases the laptop’s capabilities almost to that of a standardized desktop computer. A docking station typically includes standard expansion slots, as well as additional ports (sockets or connection interfaces) for connecting a local printer, modem, keyboard, larger storage or backup drives etc.It can also include a NIC Card,a USB port that attaches notebook to LAN. [Read more…] about What is Docking Station? – Definition
What is Disk Controller?
The disk controller is circuitry on the computer’s motherboard or on a plug-in circuit board that controls the operation of your hard disk drive, floppy disk drives, or both. When the computer wants to transfer data to or from the disk, it tells the disk controller. The controller in turn sends electronic commands to the disk drive making the disk spin and move its magnetic heads to the proper location on the disk. The controller then transfers the data between the computer and the disk drive. The computer’s OPERATING SYSTEM and BIOS issue commands directly to the controller to BOOT the computer and to access files stored on the disks. [Read more…] about What is Disk Controller?
What is Digital?
Information that is digital is information represented by numbers (digits) or more broadly, information that can be measured in discreet, exact values. The opposite term is analog, which describes information represented along a continuous range, where there are an infinite number of possible values. Trite as it may be, the best way to understand the difference between digital and analog is to compare a digital clock to a traditional round clock with hands. [Read more…] about What is Digital?
What is Device Driver?
A device driver is a piece of software designed for a particular device (printer, mouse, monitor, or what have you) and the particular application program or environment you’re working with. The driver serves as a go between for the program (or environment) and the device, translating the software’s desires into commands the device understands. [Read more…] about What is Device Driver?
What is Device independent, device dependent?
Device independent components work right no matter what model of device you use them with. For example, if the graphic file format in your publication is device independent, the results you see on paper will look about the same whether you print to an HP Desk-jet, an Apple Laser Writer, or a high-resolution Electronic image setter (the graphic will be printed at whatever resolution the printer uses). [Read more…] about What is Device independent, device dependent?
What is Device?
A device just means any kind of component that’s part of or attached to your computer. It can be located inside or outside the computer. A mouse, for example, is a device that sits outside the computer, while an internal disk drive (another device) is inside the computer. Devices need instructions on how to communicate with the printer or the rest of the computer, and sometimes those instructions aren’t part of the computer’s standard operating system. [Read more…] about What is Device?
What is Desktop Publishing?
Desktop publishing (DTP) is the process of creating printed documents that look professionally produced, using page layout software running on a personal computer, along with a high-quality, yet affordable, printer. To publish something with the traditional method, you would send typed or handwritten text to a typesetter, who would turn it into typeset text called “galleys,” which took a couple of days. If there were corrections, it took another couple of days to get those back. If you didn’t know how to layout the pages yourself, you’d take the galleys to a print shop, along with your art (illustrations and photographs). [Read more…] about What is Desktop Publishing?
What is Desktop level?
The Desktop level is called a “level” because there is a hierarchy of different levels, kind of like different floors in a tall building. When you can actually see the Desktop, you can double-click to open folders and then you see that folder’s window, right? That window is one level of the hierarchy. If you open another folder that is within that window, you go down one more level into the hierarchy. Well, the Desktop level is the very top of the hierarchy (or the root, some might say) because the first window (including the hard disk window) sits on the Desktop. [Read more…] about What is Desktop level?
What is Desktop?
The Desktop is the background on your screen when you’re using a Macintosh, Microsoft Windows, and similar graphical user interfaces. The idea is that this screen background is sort of like the top of your real desk, and your program windows are all lying on the desktop in a pile. Some programs may refer to their own “desktops.” In this case, the desktop is what you see on the screen when the program is running but no document is open. [Read more…] about What is Desktop?
What is debug or debugger?
A bug is a problem in software or hardware; to debug is to diagnose and correct said problem. Software programs inevitably develop bugs due to mistakes in planning or simply from accidentally typing the wrong command. Before a program can run properly, all bugs have to be found and corrected. A debugger is an application developed for the specific purpose of finding these problems; it lets the programmer run the program one step at a time so that she can see exactly where the mistake occurs.