Basic Computer Knowledge for IBPS PO

You need to possess knowledge on some topics like history of computers, software, hardware, keyboard shortcuts, MS Office, Operating system. For attending online bankexams you must be good at the above topics for online test on computer knowledge. In Computer Knowledge for IBPS PO SBI PO RRB Bank Exams you have to face this computer knowledge section. Bank materials for online test on computer knowledge are provided in dis doc exclusively for beginners.. Practice more tests as you can because you can test yourself where you are by practicing more.

COMPUTERComputer is an electronic device or programmable machine that manipulates information or data (input) and produces the result (output). It has the ability of storing, retrieving and processing the data.GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERSThe Computer devices are really made cheaper in rate, smaller in size, more powerful in consumption and more efficient in functioning due to the random technical development and change of basic computer operations. Knowledge of Five generations of computers is also essential to attempt online Aptitude Test in Computer knowledge. Vacuum Tubes in first generation were replaced by Transistors of second generation. These transistors were replaced by third generation Integrated Circuits. Fourth Generation Microprocessors replaced these Integrated Circuits and the present Fifth generation Artificial Intelligence dominated these MicroprocessorsSl.No.DescriptionGENERATIONS

FIRSTSECONDTHIRDFOURTHFIFTH

1Period1946-19591959-19651965-19711971-19801980 onwards

2MemoryMagnetic DrumMagnetic CoreMicro ChipSemiConductorSemiConductor

3Components usedVacuumTubesTransistorsIntegratedCircuits (ICs)VLSI Micro ProcessorULSI Micro Processor

4LanguagesMachineCOBOL, FORTRANFORTRAN, PASCAL, ALGOL, BASIC, COBOLC, C++, DbaseArtificial intelligence

5ExamplesENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC, IBM-701,IBM 650IBM 1620, IBM 1401, CDC 3600IBM 370, UNIVAC 1108,UNIVAC AC 9000Apple Macintosh, IBM PCDesktops, Laptop, Notebook

FIRST GENERATION:(Vaccum Tubes)In First Generation of computers Vaccum tubes were used to store data in the form of propagating sound waves.Memory:Magnetic Core is used as memoryStorage Place:Punch CardsLanguage Used:Machine LevelADVANTAGES:Calculates the data in millisecondsDISADVANTAGES High power consumption Large Size with less storage capacity Generates heat very soon because of more number of vaccum tubes Slow processing Non-PortableSome of the computers from first generation areENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC, IBM 701, IBM 650 ( SECOND GENERATION(Transistors)In second generation of computers, vaccum tubes are replaced withtransistorsMemory:Magnetic CoresStorage Place:Magnetic TapeLanguages Used:FORTRON, COBOLADVANTAGES: Small in size (By replacing vaccum tubes with transistors) Calculates data in micro seconds Portability Reliability compared to first Required Less Energy Less Power ConsumptionDISADVANTAGES: High Cost Punch cards are usedSome of second generation computers are IBM 1620, IBM 1401, CDC 3600 ( (THIRD GENERATION(Integrated Circuits) In this generation,Integrated Circuitsare placed containing transistors, capacitors, resistors. Microprogramming, Parallel Processing, Multiprogramming, time sharing was introduced in this generationMemory:MicrochipLanguages used:FORTRAN, PASCAL, ALGOL, BASIC, COBOLADVANTAGES: Smaller in Size Better Speed Low Cost Input devices like Mouse and Keyboards are usedDISADVANTAGES: Air Conditioner is requiredSome of third generation computers are IBM 370, UNIVAC 1108, and UNIVAC AC 9000 ( ( ( FOURTH GENERATION(VLSI Microprocessor)In this generation VLSI Very Large Scale Integration were designed which reduces the size of the computer. It consists of millions of integrated circuits in it.Graphical User Interface(GUI), LAN, WANwas introduced in this generationLanguages Used:C, C++, DbaseADVANTAGES: Low Cost VLSI Technology Internet Technology Pipelining ProcessDISADVANTAGES: Latest Technology is required for manufacturing MicroprocessorsSome of the fourth generation computers are Apple Macintosh and IBM PC ( ( ( ( FIFTH GENERATION(ULSI Microprocessor)In this generationArtificial Intelligencetechnology is used. This computers work like a human behavior. Scientists are working still on this stage. Computers of this generation will think like a human brain.ADVANTAGES: World Wide Web is introduced with some of applications like Email Notebook Computers were introduced New Operating Systems like Windows 95/98/XP and Linux are introducedSome of the fifth generation computers are Desktops, Laptop, Notebook ( ( ( ( (TYPES OF COMPUTERS An Electronic Device that accepts (INPUT), processes, produces (OUTPUT) and Stores (STORAGE) the data is called COMPUTER and this can be used to type documents, browse the Internet and to send e-mails in addition to attend specific operations required from time to time. It can store, retrieve and process the data. It can also be treated asCommonOperationalMachinePurposefullyUsed forTeaching,Entertainment andResearch. Computers are basically classified into 2 categories based on their Principle of Operation and Nature of Configuration. The computers categorized on Operational Principle can be further divided into 3 categories such as Analog, Digital and Hybrid Computers. Similarly, the computers classified on Configuration nature can also be categorized into 4 Categories such as Micro, Mini, Mainframe and Super Computers.ANALOG COMPUTERSAnalog Computerworks on continuous range of varied values of Physical quantities like Temperature, Speed, Voltage, Pressure etc. and generates approximate results.DIGITAL COMPUTERSThe Digital computeris designed with digital circuits in which there are two levels (logic 0 and logic 1) for an input and output signal. This computer is very much useful to solve complex problems in Engineering and Technology and hence it has increasing use in the field of design, research and data processing. If this digital computer is used for any type of application, then it is called asGeneral Purpose ComputerandSpecial Purpose Computerwhen it is used for specific application/program.HYBRID COMPUTERSA computer used for automatic operations of complicated physical processes to transform the data into suitable form is calledHybrid Computer. The conversion of analog data as digital and vice-versa is the advantage of this computer.MICRO COMPUTERS The most commonly used computer by everybody at any place is calledMicro Computer,in which Microprocessor is the majorsource of operation. Desktop Computers, Laptops, notebook computers, Palmtop computers, In-car Computers (Carputers), Handheld Game Consoles, Programme Calculators, Table Computers, Smart Phones, Smart Books, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) etc. are the examples for this computer. DESKTOP COMPUTER LAPTOP COMPUTER IPAD COMPUTER

MINI COMPUTERThe multi-user midrange Computer that works in between smallest multi-user systems and largest single-user system is called asMini Computer.

MINI COMPUTERMAINFRAME COMPUTERThe computer capable for processing large amount of data very quickly to service multiple users from the smaller and single user machine is called asMainframe Computer. These computers are used in Large Organizations/Establishments such as Government, Banks, Corporations etc. They respond to upto 100s of millions of users at a time and measured in MIPS (Million Instructions per Second). MAINFRAME COMPUTER SUPER COMPUTER An extremely fast computer capable to perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second is calledSuper Computer. These computers are used for applications of intensive numerical computations such as Weather forecasting, Stock Market Analysis, Scientific Calculations, Animated Graphics, Research Analysis etc. SUPER COMPUTERThe entire description is abridged here under for ready reference:COMPUTERSPRINCIPLEOFOPERATIONANALOG COMPUTERS Computers used to measure variable quantities like Voltage, Temperature, Pressure, Speed etc.

DIGITAL COMPUTERSGENERAL PURPOSE COMPUTERComputer used to process general programs/applications.

SPECIAL PURPOSE COMPUTERComputer used to process data for a specific purpose/application

HYBRID COMPUTERS Computer used to convert analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog data for a specialized task.

NATURE OF CONFIGURATIONMICRO COMPUTERSDESKTOP COMPUTERA Single-user Personal Computer for individual use of small application requirements.

LAPTOP COMPUTERA Single-user Portable Note Book Computer allowed to use anywhere because of its small size.

HANDHELD COMPUTERA Single-user Small pen based Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with touch screen facility.

MINI COMPUTERS Multi-user Computers with less Speed and Storage Capacity.

MAINFRAME COMPUTERS An expensive very high speed Computers used in Railways, Banks, Airlines etc.

SUPER COMPUTERS An Advanced and most expensive Computers used for intensive numerical computations such as Weather Forecasting, Stock Market Analysis etc.

COMPUTERIt is composed of hardware and software in it.Functioning

Input Devices Access the dataCentral Processing Unit (CPU) Process the dataOutput Devices-Produces the resultStorage Devices (RAM) Stores the resultHope!! You understood this concept how computer access the data (input) and provides the output using some major components. Explanation is given for each and every component at belowHARDWARETerm hardware refers to physical components or elements of the computer like keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer, Disk and Chips

SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE

Term Software refers to set of instructions that tell the hardware what to do. Software will be loaded from Disk to RAM (Random Access Memory) Some of the examples are Games, web browsers and word processors such as Microsoft wordCan a computer run without software??? Yes, it is possible .But if u wants to create some documents and power points you need some softwares. For example if you want to create a document you need word processor Software will give some additional capabilities to your computerConfused????????

To prepare the Food, Vegetables are required and to preserve the Vegetables, a Refrigerator is essential. Similarly to run a program Software is required and to establish the Software, Hardware is essential.Hope you understood this. Lets move to hardware components HARDWARE COMPONENTSInternal hardware components CPU Mother Board RAM Sound Card Video Card Hard Drive DVDExternal Hardware components Keyboard Mouse Printer Scanner Monitor SpeakersInput Devices(accesses the data)Devices which helps us to interact with computer is nothing but input devicesEx: Keyboard and MouseOutput Devices(provides the output)Devices which sends back the information to you is nothing but Output DevicesEx: Monitor and Printer

Central Processing Unit (processes the data)Central Processing Unit (CPU) Central Processing Unit is also called as the Brain of the Computer or Main Processor which controls all the systems inner functions. It is very easy to replace because it is inserted into the socket and is not soldered onto the motherboardA computer may contain more than one CPU which is nothing but MULTIPROCESSINGTwo main parts of CPU are Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Control Unit (CU).Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):ALU is also called as basic building blocks of Central Processing Unit, which performs all arithmetic and logical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and divisionControl Unit (CU):Control Unit controls the entire processing. It helps in the communication between Memory and ALU

Memory(stores the result)A place where we can store the data or set of instructions to access them while performing the operationsThere are two types of memories (storage devices) RAM (Random Access Memory) ROM (Read Only Memory)RAM(Random Access Memory)RAM (Random Access Memory) is one of the storage devices which performs both read and write operations. But RAM is Volatile in nature it loses the data when there is no power supply. It is fast while programming when compared to ROMThere are two types of RAM DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) SRAM ( Static Random Access Memory)ROM(Read Only Memory)Main advantage of ROM is that we can easily alter the data or reprogrammable. Advantage of ROM is Non Volatile in nature which does not loses any data when there is no power supply. Motherboard may consist of more than one ROM chips.Types of ROM ROM- Read only Memory PROM- Programmable Read only Memory EPROM- Erasable Programmable Read only Memory EEPROM- Electrically Erasable Programmable Read only Memory Flash EEPROM memoryRANDOM ACCESS MEMORY(RAM)READ ONLY MEMORY(ROM)

VolatileNon-Volatile

Both Read and WriteOnly Read

Data is TemporaryData is Permanent(Reusable)

Faster While ProgrammingSlower

High CostLow Cost

Larger in SizeSmaller in Size

OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS)Operating System is a type of software that allows computer hardware to communicate with software. A computer without OS is a mere machineEx: DOS (Disk Operating System), Linux, Solaris

Types of operating systemsGraphical User Interface (GUI)GUI is an interface, which allows us to interact with electronic devices like mobiles, gaming devicesand Mp3 players using some graphical iconsEx:Windows 98, Windows CE, System 7.XMulti-user operating systemApplication software which allows multiple users to access the computer with time sharing systemEx: Linux, UNIX, Windows 2000Multiprocessor operating systemAn operating system which supports the utilization of two or more processors on single computer Ex: Linux, UNIX, Windows 2000Multi-TaskingAn operating system which supports multiple processes at the time Ex: Unix, Windows 2000

MultithreadingThis operating system will allows the software to perform some parts of program to run concurrentlyEx:Linux, UNIX, Windows 2000

Types of keys in Keyboard

Keyboard was invented byChristopher Latham Sholes. Keyboard is an input device, used for entering data with the help of numbers, letters and symbols provided on the keyboard. There are many types of keys on the keyboard they are. Typewriter Keys (Alpha numeric, Punctuation, Special Keys) Function Keys (F1, F2, F3.F12) Enter Keys (Enter) System Keys ( Print Screen, Caps Lock and Num Lock) Numeric Keys (0, 1, 2..9) Application Key Cursor Control Key (Left, Right, Up, Down Arrows)Some Important Keyboard ShortcutsCtrl + P -> Print the current pageWin -> Open or close start menuWin + D -> Display the DesktopWin + M -> Minimize all WindowsWin + E -> Open my computerWin + F -> Find or Search boxWin + L -> Lock the keyboardWin + R -> Open Run at startup menuCtrl + C -> CopyCtrl + V -> PasteCtrl +X -> CutCtrl + Z -> UndoCtrl + C -> CopyCtrl + G -> Go toCtrl + S -> SaveCtrl + W -> Close window or tabCtrl + N -> New WindowCtrl + A -> Select allShift + Delete -> Deletes permanentlyHome -> Top of the pageEnd -> Bottom of the PageBrowsing shortcut keysCtrl + 9Switch to Last Tab

Ctrl + TabSwitch to Next Tab

Ctrl + Shift + TabSwitch to Previous Tab

Ctrl + WClose the Current Tab

Ctrl + FFind on Page

Ctrl + TOpen New Tab

Ctrl + NOpen New Browser Window

Alt + F4Close the Current Window

Ctrl + HOpen History

Ctrl + BOpen Bookmarks

Ctrl + PPrint Page

Alt + HomeGo to Home Page

HomeGo to Top of the Page

EndGo to Bottom of the Page

Ctrl + JOpen Download History

Ctrl + DBookmark the Current Website

Ctrl + SSave the Current Page on your Computer

Ctrl + UOpen Source Code for Current Page

Ctrl + OOpen a file from your computer

F5Reload

Backspace , Alt + Left ArrowBack

Shift + Backspace, Alt + Left ArrowForward

MICROSOFT OFFICEMS Word Shortcut Keys List

Ctrl + 0Adds or removes 6 pts of spacing before a paragraph

Ctrl + ASelect all contents of the page

Ctrl + BBold highlighted selection

Ctrl + CCopy selected text

Ctrl + DOpen the font preferences window

Ctrl + EAligns the line or selected text to the center of the screen

Ctrl + FOpen find box

Ctrl + IItalic highlighted selection

Ctrl + JAligns the selected text or line to justify the screen

Ctrl + KInsert ink

Ctrl + LAligns the line or selected text to the left of the screen

Ctrl + MIndent the paragraph

Ctrl + POpen the print window

Ctrl + RAligns the line or selected text to the right of the screen

Ctrl + TCreate a hanging indent

Ctrl + UUnderline the highlighted selection

Ctrl + VPaste

Ctrl + XCut selected text

Ctrl + YRedo the last action performed

Ctrl + ZUndo Last Action

Ctrl + Shift + LQuickly create a bullet point

Ctrl +Shift + FChange the font

Ctrl + Shift + >Increase selected font +1pts up to 12pt and then increases font +2pts

Ctrl + ]Increases selected fonts +1pts

Ctrl +Shift + Increases the highlighted text size by one

Ctrl + Shift +