Computer fundamentals: characteristics, organization and devices

Key Points at a Glance

1. 1

   The 2026 CET Graduation Computer Knowledge scope for this topic is characteristics and applications of computers, plus computer organization including memory (RAM, ROM), file system, input devices and output devices.

2. 2

   A computer follows an input-process-output-storage pattern: input devices bring data in, the CPU processes it with memory support, output devices present results, and secondary storage keeps saved work.

3. 3

   Core characteristics are speed, accuracy, diligence, storage capacity, versatility and reliability; limitations arise from wrong input, wrong instructions, power failure, hardware faults, software errors, malware or network problems.

4. 4

   Applications include education, recruitment forms, e-governance, banking, transport, health care, business, communication, digital payments, ticketing, record keeping and office work.

5. 5

   Computer organization includes CPU, primary memory, secondary storage, file system, input devices and output devices; CET questions usually test each part's role rather than engineering detail.

6. 6

   The CPU includes the arithmetic logic unit, control unit and registers; the ALU performs arithmetic/logical work, the control unit coordinates instruction execution, and registers hold immediate working values.

7. 7

   RAM is volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile firmware/startup memory; secondary storage such as SSD, HDD, optical disc, pen drive or memory card keeps data after power is switched off.

8. 8

   A file system organizes stored data as files and folders/directories; input devices include keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam, touch screen and biometric device; output devices include monitor, printer, speaker, projector and plotter.