Computer An Introduction

Computer: An Introduction

A computer is a device that can receive process and store data. Many people believe that knowing how to use a computer is one of the basic skills needed to succeed in the workplace. In order to use the computer it is necessary to understand how the computer works.

Computers are rapidly changing and changing the world we live in. However, all computers have several parts in common:

• Input devices which allow data and commands to be entered into the computer (Mouse, Keyboard etc.)
• a means of storing commands and data (Memory)
• a central processing unit which controls the processing (CPU)
• a means of returning the processed information in the form of output (Monitor)

In general, a computer is a machine which accepts information, processes it and returns new information as output.

1.1 Types of computers

Computers range in size and capability. At one end of the scale are supercomputers, very large computers with thousands of linked microprocessors that perform extremely complex calculations. At the other end are tiny computers embedded in cars, TVs, stereo systems, calculators, and appliances. These computers are built to perform a limited number of tasks.

Desktop computers

Desktop computers are designed for use at a desk or table. They are typically larger and more powerful than other types of personal computers. Desktop computers are made up of separate components. The main component, called the system unit, is usually a rectangular case that sits on or underneath a desk. Other components, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard, connect to the system unit.

Laptops

Laptops are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen. Laptops can operate on batteries, so you can take them anywhere. Unlike desktops, laptops combine the CPU, screen, and keyboard in a single case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.

Handheld computers (PDA)

Handheld computers, also called personal digital assistants (PDAs), are battery-powered computers small enough to carry almost anywhere. Although not as powerful as desktops or laptops, handheld computers are useful for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some have more advanced capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet. Instead of keyboards, handheld computers have touch screens that you use with your finger or a stylus (a pen-shaped pointing tool).

1.2 Peripheral Devices

A peripheral device connects to a computer system to add functionality. Examples are a mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer and scanner.

A computer peripheral is a device that is connected to a computer but is not part of the core computer architecture. The core elements of a computer are the central processing unit, power supply, motherboard and the computer case that contains those three components.

Types of Peripheral Devices

There are many peripheral devices, but they fall into three general categories:

1. Input devices, such as a mouse and a keyboard
2. Output devices, such as a monitor and a printer
3. Storage devices, such as a hard drive or flash drive

Peripheral devices can be external or internal. For example, a printer is an external device that you connect using a cable, while an optical disc drive is typically located inside the computer case. 

English Vocabulary for all Competitive Exams.

                         

Who’s behind the Kerala killings?

RSS has grand designs of altering our society by giving it a communal colour and we will not let that happen

Right from the Ranchi riots in August 1967, the Babri demolition in 1992, the Gujarat riots in 2002, to the recent Muzaffarnagar riots, the Sangh Parivar has always used nefarious (अधम/कुटिल) designs to foment (भड़काना/उकसाना), organise and spread communal riots for rich electoral dividends. The Sangh Parivar is engaged in an attempt to make inroads into Kerala with the intention of altering society forever by giving it a communal colour. It is desperate because it finds that this is not an easy task given the strong presence of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the State, which will stall (रोकना/बाधित करना) all attempts at communal polarisation.

This desperation is at the root of the murderous politics being practised by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Kerala. From 1971, when Thalassery in Kannur district witnessed rampant (व्याप्त/अनियंत्रित) RSS-instigated violence against Muslims, the CPI(M) has taken the path of resistance. The designs of the RSS did not work in 1971 because of the stand the CPI(M) took. Since then, the RSS has been targeting our cadre and supporters, declaring us as their sworn enemies. They have not succeeded in their grand design of communal polarisation, but they have certainly succeeded in turning Kerala into a simmering (exist in a suppressed state) pot of political violence.

No space for 'fanatics'

The brutality of RSS killings has ranged from the murder of an eight-year-old boy named Fahad of Kanhangad, to that of 68-year-old Sarojini Amma. So far, the RSS has slaughtered 205 CPI(M) activists in the State; over 3,000 CPI(M) activists have been disabled and the homes of over 10,000 activists attacked. Taken together, over 650 CPI(M) activists have been killed by the RSS, BJP, Congress, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the fundamentalist Muslim outfit Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the police.

The last Assembly elections saw the CPI(M) coming to power with an unprecedented (अभूतपूर्व) majority in Kerala under the leadership of Pinarayi Vijayan. The BJP struck alliances with 100-odd caste and religion-based outfits to fight the election. But the people of Kerala sent out a clear message that the fanatic (कट्टरपंथी) Hindutva ideology has no space in the multicultural social fabric of Kerala.

The single seat that the BJP won was a gift from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). The Congress has always adopted a soft approach towards the Sangh Parivar. Congress Working Committee member A.K. Antony has criticised this approach and warned his party workers of the danger of ‘being Congress during the day and RSS at night’.

The alarming fact is that nine innocent persons have been murdered by the RSS in the last nine months, including in the Chief Minister’s constituency. Union Ministers are seen supporting and instigating (भड़काना/उत्तेजित करना) these murders.

Peace overtures

However, despite these murders, the Sangh is finding it difficult to retain its foothold even in their supposed strongholds and many RSS leaders and workers have started speaking up against their leadership.

This has prompted the Sangh to create a greater fear psychosis among its cadres to prevent desertions (त्याग/पलायन). Our party does not believe in political violence or murders. We firmly believe that no organisation can be destroyed with violence. The CPI(M) is not likely to crumble (विशीर्णहोना/कमज़ोर पड़ना) in the face of political attacks and atrocities — if it were, the party would have ceased to exist. On many occasions the CPI(M) has taken the initiative to hold bilateral meetings with parties and organisations, including the RSS and BJP, to help put an end to violence.

Recently, the Chief Minister made yet another fervent (उत्साही/उत्कट) effort in this direction by personally convening (संयोजन करना/आयोजितकरना) a meeting of leaders of all political parties to find a lasting solution to end the political violence in the State. We are always ready to talk to anyone to ensure peace in Kerala.

Courtesy: The Hindu (National Concern)

1. Nefarious (adjective): (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal/ very evil and wicked.  (अधम/कुटिल)

Synonyms: Outrageous, Vicious, Corrupt, Abominable.

Antonyms: Gentle, Good, Kind, Magnificent, Nice.

Example: Racism in the 21st century is still a nefarious reality in the world.

Related words:

Nefariously (adverb) - दुष्टतापूर्वक

2. Foment (verb): Instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action). (भड़काना/उकसाना) 

Synonyms: Instigate, Incite, Provoke, Agitate, Stir Up, Whip Up.

Antonyms: Tranquilize, Constrain, Curb, Inhibit, Restrain.

Example: The publicity-hungry politician often made harsh statements about immigrants in order to foment unrest among the public.

Verb forms: Foment, Fomented, Fomented.

Related words:

Fomentation (noun) - उत्तेजना

3. Stall (verb): Stop or cause to stop making progress. (रोकना/बाधित करना)

Synonyms: Halt, Stop, Hinder, Impede, Interrupt.

Antonyms: Forward, Promote, Assist, Help.

Example: The economic recovery has been stalled by an increase in interest rates.

Verb form: Stall, Stalled, Stalled.

Related words:

Stalled (adjective) - अवस्र्द्ध

4. Rampant (adjective): Not restrained/ (especially of something unwelcome) flourishing or spreading unchecked. (व्याप्त/अनियंत्रित)

Synonyms: Uncontrolled, Unrestrained, Widespread, Pandemic, Pervasive.

Antonyms: Restrained, Controlled, Limited.

Example: Sadly, the Internet has made it easier for the rampant spread of false information.

Related words:

Rampantly (adjective) - अनियंत्रित रूप से

5. Unprecedented (adjective): Previously never experienced or seen (अभूतपूर्व)

Synonyms: Unequalled, Unmatched, Unheard-of, Extraordinary.

Antonyms: Common, Customary, Normal, Ordinary, Usual.

Example: Before the storm, there was an unprecedented demand for food supplies that left many stores empty.

Related words:

Unprecedentedly (adverb) - अभूतपूर्व ढंग से

6. Fanatic (adjective): Filled with or expressing excessive zeal. (कट्टरपंथी) 

Synonyms: Zealot, Extremist, Dogmatist, Sectarian, Bigot, Chauvinist, Radical.

Antonyms: Conservative, Moderate.

Example: Because my father is a football fanatic, he hasn’t missed any of his team’s home games in ten years.

Related words:

Fanatic (noun) – कट्टर

Fanaticism (noun) -  कट्टरपन

7. Instigate (verb): Incite someone to do something/ to trigger something.  (भड़काना/उत्तेजित करना) 

Synonyms: Incite, Goad, Provoke, Stimulate, Foment,

Antonyms: Repress, Suppress, Restrain, Inhibit.

Example: There has been an increase in the amount of violence instigated by gangs.

Verb forms: Instigate, Instigated, Instigated.

Related words:

Instigation (noun) - Deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord).

8. Crumble (verb): Break or fall apart into small fragments, especially as part of a process of deterioration. (विशीर्ण होना/कमज़ोर पड़ना) 

Synonyms: Disintegrate, Fall Down, Fall Apart, Collapse, Break Down.

Antonyms: Develop, Improve, Unite.

Example: She was extremely depressed after her marriage crumbled.

Verb forms: Crumble, Crumbled, Crumbled.

9. Fervent (adjective): Exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling/ having or displaying a passionate intensity. (उत्साही/उत्कट) 

Synonyms: Passionate, Ardent, Zealous, Enthused, Fervid, Spirited.

Antonyms: Apathetic, Dull, Frigid, Indifferent, Unenthusiastic.

Example: Because Mark and Katy are fervent fans of the television show, they never miss an episode of the series.

Related words:

Fervently (adverb) - उत्साह से

10. Convene (verb): Come or bring together for a meeting or activity (संयोजन करना/आयोजित करना) 

Synonyms: Assemble, Gather, Get Together, Convoke, Muster.

Antonyms: Disperse, Scatter.

Example: Next month, the world’s wealthiest people will convene at a summit focused on eliminating poverty.

Verb forms: Convene, Convened, Convened.