What are the basic units or components of a computer

Following are the main basic components of the computer:

1. Input Unit

2. Output Unit

3. Central Processing Unit( CPU / Processor)

4. Memory Unit

5. Storage Unit

1. Input Unit

Input unit consists of input devices. Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into computer memory. Examples of input devices are Keyboard, mouse, joystick and microphone etc.

2. Output Unit

Output unit consists of output devices. Output devices are used to show results produced by computer after data processing. Examples of output devices are Monitor, Printer, plotter and  speaker etc.

3. Central Processing Unit

Central processing unit is also called CPU or Processor. It is the brain of the computer. It performs data processing. It controls overall operations and components of the computer.

4. Memory Unit

Memory unit consists of memory devices to store data . For Example RAM is most common example of memory.

5. Storage Unit

Storage unit consists of storage media. Storage media are used to store large amounts of data permanently. Examples of storage media are Hard disk, CD, DVD and Zip disk etc.

What are Different Types of Computer

Computers can be divided into the following 3 types on the basis of their working mechanism:

1) Analog Computers

2) Digital Computers

3) Hybrid Computers

1. Analog Computers

Analog computer is used to measure continuous values. It measures a physical property like voltage, pressure, speed, time and temperature. An analog computer takes input in analog form and gives output in analog form.
Its output is usually displayed on a meter or scale. Analog computer has low memory and fewer functions. Analog computer is mainly used in the field of engineering and medicine. Examples include:

Examples of Analog Computers include:

 1. Thermometer
2. Speedometer
3. Analog clock

2. Digital Computers

A digital computer works with digital data. Digital computer uses binary number system. Binary number system consists of only two digits 0 and 1. A digital computer represents data in digital signals. A 0 represents OFF and a 1 represents ON. Digital computer performs arithmetic and logical operations on data. It gives output in digital form.
Digital computers are very fast. These computers can store results. They have large Memory(that is data storing capacity). Today most of the computers used in offices and homes are Digital computers.
Examples:



1. Personal Computer-(also called PC or Micro Computer)
2. Digital Score board
3. Digital watch

3. Hybrid Computers

A hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computer. Hybrid ccomputer can handle both analog and digital data. A hybrid computer combines the best characteristics of both the analog and digital computer. It can accept data in both analog and digital form.
Examples:

1. Hybrid computer devices are used in hospitals that may calculate patient's heart function, temperature and blood pressure etc. This calculation may be converted into numbers and shown in digital form. For example,

The Vital Signs Monitoring unit

also called VSM in short. It has Blood Pressure monitor, ECG monitor, respiratory monitor, and is also used for monitoring anesthesia.
2. Hybrid computers are also used in spaceships and missile system.
3. Hybrid Computer Machines are generally used in scientific applications
4. Hybrid computers are used for controlling industrial processes.
Next Read Differences between Analog and Digital Computer

What are Charachteristics of Computer

Following are the important characteristics of a computer:
1. Speed
Computers work at a very high speed. They are much faster than humans.

A computer can perform billions of calculations in a second. Computer speed is measured in Mega Hertz (MHz).
2. Storage
A computer can store large amounts of data permanently.
3. Processing
A computer can process the given instructions. It can perform different types of processing like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
4. Accuracy
Accuracy means the capability to provide results without any errors. Computer can process large amounts of data and produce 100% accurate results.
5. Recalling
A computer can recall the stored data and information at any time, as and when required.
6. Cost Reduction
Computer can reduce cost. We can do a work in less time and cost by computer. A single person, with computer, can do work of many people in an office.
8. Versatile
A computer can perform different types of tasks. We can use a computer in hospital, bank or at home.
9. No Feelings
Computer has no feelings. It cannot be affected by sorrows and happiness.
10. No Intelligence
Computer itself is not intelligent. It only follows the given instructions. If a computer is given a program for addition it cannot perform subtraction by itself.

What is Computer

Computer is an electronic machine that takes data and instructions, processes data according to the given instructions, gives results and stores them for later use.

Today, computers are being used in every field of life. It can be used for different tasks.
It is used for data processing. It is used to calculate or perform some mathematical work. It can be used for word processing, record keeping, listening music, playing computer games etc. And above all, it is being used to access Internet.
So, Computers are being used in every field of life, some of important fields in which computers play an important role are given below:
 You can click on the links to read in detail:

1. Uses Of Computer in Business Organizations
2. Uses Of Computer In Education Field 
3. Uses Of Computer In Industry
4. Uses Of Computer in Medical Field 
5. Uses of computer at Home

General Research Areas in Wireless Networks

General Research Areas in Wireless Networks:

1 – Sensor Networks [Clustering, Self organizing, SWORM Intelligence etc. ]
2 – Mesh Networks [Delay Tolerance, Network Optimization, Network Scalability, Issues at different layers]
3 – Next Generation Networks, Long Term Evolution (LTE)
4 – Cognitive Radio (MAC Protocol Issues), Different other Spectrum Issues
5 – Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) Different Issues in Security, Routing, Link Stability, QoS and so on.

Simulation Tools (To simulate your ideas and to get results)

1- Network Simulator (NS2) [Free ware software]
2- GloMoSim/Parsec. [It is freely distributed under an academic public license]
3- OMNeT++ [Free ware software]
4- JSim [Free ware software]