UNIT 1
What is Computer?
A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts raw data as input and processes
it with a set of instructions (a program) to produce the result as output. It renders output just
after performing mathematical and logical operations and can save the output for future use.
It can process numerical as well as non-numerical calculations. The term "computer" is
derived from the Latin word "computare" which means to calculate.
A computer is designed to execute applications and provides a variety of solutions through
integrated hardware and software components.
The components of a computer such as machinery that includes wires, transistors, circuits,
hard disk are called hardware. Whereas, the programs and data are called software.
It is believed that the Analytical Engine was the first computer which was invented by
Charles Babbage in 1837. It used punch cards as read-only memory.
A computer performs five major operations or functions irrespective of its size and make.
These are
• it accepts data or instructions as input,
• it stores data and instruction
• it processes data as per the instructions,
• it controls all operations inside a computer, and
• it gives results in the form of output.
A computer system consists of mainly four basic units; namely input unit, storage unit,
central processing unit and output unit.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) further includes Arithmetic logic unit and control unit, as
shown in the figure:.
A computer performs five major operations or functions irrespective of its size and make.
These are
• it accepts data or instructions as input,
• it stores data and instruction
• it processes data as per the instructions,
• it controls all operations inside a computer, and
• it gives results in the form of output.
Functional Units:
a. Input Unit: This unit is used for entering data and programs into the computer system by
the user for processing.
b. Storage Unit: The storage unit is used for storing data and instructions before and after
processing.
c. Output Unit: The output unit is used for storing the result as output produced by the
computer after processing.
d. Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is
called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the
storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of
data provided. It is then sent back to the storage unit. CPU includes Arithmetic logic unit
(ALU) and control unit (CU)
Arithmetic Logic Unit: All calculations and comparisons, based on the instructions
provided, are carried out within the ALU. It performs arithmetic functions like addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division and also logical operations like greater than, less than
and equal to etc.
• Control Unit: Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed
by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations inside the computer.
Memory
Computer’s memory can be classified into two types; primary memory and secondary
memory
RAM: Primary Memory can be further classified as RAM and ROM.
RAM or Random Access Memory is the unit in a computer system. It is the place in a
computer where the operating system, application programs and the data in current use are
kept temporarily so that they can be accessed by the computer’s processor. It is said to be
‘volatile’ since its contents are accessible only as long as the computer is on. The contents of
RAM are no more available once the computer is turned off.
ROM or Read Only Memory is a special type of memory which can only be read and
contents of which are not lost even when the computer is switched off. It typically contains
manufacturer’s instructions. Among other things, ROM also stores an initial program called
the ‘bootstrap loader’ whose function is to start the operation of computer system once the
power is turned on.
b. Secondary Memory
RAM is volatile memory having a limited storage capacity. Secondary/auxiliary memory is
storage other than the RAM. These include devices that are peripheral and are connected and
controlled by the computer to enable permanent storage of programs and data.
CD ROM
Secondary storage devices are of two types; magnetic and optical. Magnetic devices include
hard disks and optical storage devices are CDs, DVDs, Pen drive, Zip drive etc.
• Hard Disk
Hard disks are made up of rigid material and are usually a stack of metal disks sealed in a
box. The hard disk and the hard disk drive exist together as a unit and is a permanent part of
the computer where data and programs are saved. These disks have storage capacities ranging
from 1GB to 80 GB and more. Hard disks are rewritable.
Input / Output Devices:
These devices are used to enter information and instructions into a computer for storage or
processing and to deliver the processed data to a user. Input/Output devices are required for
users to communicate with the computer. In simple terms, input devices bring information
INTO the computer and output devices bring information OUT of a computer system. These
input/output devices are also known as peripherals since they surround the CPU and memory
of a computer system.
Input Devices
An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. There are many input
devices, but the two most common ones are a keyboard and mouse. Every key you press on
the keyboard and every movement or click you make with the mouse sends a specific input
signal to the computer.
Keyboard
• Keyboard: The keyboard is very much like a standard typewriter keyboard with a few
additional keys. The basic QWERTY layout of characters is maintained to make it easy to use
the system. The additional keys are included to perform certain special functions. These are
known as function keys that vary in number from keyboard to keyboard.
• Mouse: A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. A
mouse is a small object you can roll along a hard and flat surface. Its name is derived from its
shape, which looks a bit like a mouse. As you move the mouse, the pointer on the display
screen moves in the same direction.
• Trackball: A trackball is an input device used to enter motion data into computers or other
electronic devices. It serves the same purpose as a mouse, but is designed with a moveable
ball on the top, which can be rolled in any direction.
• Touchpad: A touch pad is a device for pointing (controlling input positioning) on a
computer display screen. It is an alternative to the mouse. Originally incorporated in laptop
computers, touch pads are also being made for use with desktop computers. A touch pad
works by sensing the user’s finger movement and downward pressure. • Touch Screen: It
allows the user to operate/make selections by simply touching the display screen. A display
screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Widely used on ATM machines,
retail point-of-sale terminals, car navigation systems, medical monitors and industrial control
panels.
Light Pen: Light pen is an input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector to select
objects on a display screen.
• Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR): MICR can identify character printed with a
special ink that contains particles of magnetic material. This device particularly finds
applications in banking industry.
• Optical mark recognition (OMR): Optical mark recognition, also called mark sense reader
is a technology where an OMR device senses the presence or absence of a mark, such as
pencil mark. OMR is widely used in tests such as aptitude test.
• Bar code reader: Bar-code readers are photoelectric scanners that read the bar codes or
vertical zebra strips marks, printed on product containers. These devices are generally used in
super markets, bookshops etc.
Scanner
Scanner is an input device that can read text or illustration printed on paper and
translates the information into a form that the computer can use. A scanner works by
digitizing an image. (Fig. 1.7)
Scanner
Output Devices:
Output device receives information from the CPU and presents it to the user in the
desired from. The processed data, stored in the memory of the computer is sent to the
output unit, which then converts it into a form that can be understood by the user. The
output is usually produced in one of the two ways – on the display device, or on paper
(hard copy).
•Monitor: is often used synonymously with “computer screen” or “display.” Monitor is
an output device that resembles the television screen (fig. 1.8). It may use a Cathode Ray
Tube (CRT) to display information. The monitor is associated with a keyboard for
manual input of characters and displays the information as it is keyed in. It also displays
the program or application output. Like the television, monitors are also available in
different sizes. • Printer: Printers are used to produce paper (commonly known as hard
copy) output. Based on the technology used, they can be classified as Impact or Non-
impact printers.
Impact printers use the typewriting printing mechanism wherein a hammer strikes the
paper through a ribbon in order to produce output. Dot-matrix and Character printers fall
under this category.
Monitor
Non-impact printers do not touch the paper while printing. They use chemical, heat or
electrical signals to etch the symbols on paper. Inkjet, Deskjet, Laser, Thermal printers
fall under this category of printers.
• Plotter: Plotters are used to print graphical output on paper. It interprets computer
commands and makes line drawings on paper using multi colored automated pens. It is
capable of producing graphs, drawings, charts, maps etc.
• Facsimile (FAX): Facsimile machine, a device that can send or receive pictures and
text over a telephone line. Fax machines work by digitizing an image.
• Sound cards and Speaker(s): An expansion board that enables a computer to
manipulate and output sounds. Sound cards are necessary for nearly all CD-ROMs and
have become commonplace on modern personal computers. Sound cards enable the
computer to output sound through speakers connected to the board, to record sound input
from a microphone connected to the computer, and manipulate sound stored on a disk.
Computer Software
Software by definition is the collection of computer programs, procedures and
documentation that perform different tasks on a computer system. The software is a
program written by a programmer or software developer.
System software – is a computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to
provide and maintain a platform for running application software. It includes a combination
of the following:
Operating system – an operating system (OS) is a software consisting of programs and
data that runs on computers, manages computer hardware resources and provides
common services for execution of various application software. Types of OS are:
Graphical User Interface, Command Based, Single User, Multi-User and Network
Operating System, etc.
Utility software – utility software’s are used for general house-keeping functions of the
computer such as backing up files, repairing the computer, copying, sorting and
printing of data.
Language translator – a language translator is a software that convert programs written
in a source code into an object code that a computer understand. Such as Assemblers,
Compilers and Interpreters.
Application software – also known as software application or app, is a computer software
designed to help the user to perform a single or multiple related specific tasks. Some
examples of this category of software are:
1. Business software, e.g. SAP.
2. Computer-aided design, e.g. CorelDraw.
3. Database, e.g. Microsoft Access.
4. Decision making software, e.g. Microsoft Project.
5. Educational software, e.g. Microsoft Encarta.
6. Image editing, e.g. Adobe Photoshop.
7. Mathematical software, e.g. System calculator.
8. Word processors like MS Word.
9. Spreadsheets like MS Excel
10. Media players and database application.
