INTRODUCTION TO BASIC

COMPUTER APPLICATION
School of Health and Medical Sciences

Ahmed Seif
[Link]@[Link]
Topic A: Introduction to Computer
 Computer
o An electronic device that can follow instruction to accept input, process that input and
produce information. It can also simply be defined as an electronic machine that takes
data, stores it, processes that data and produces information. (Data can be defined as
unprocessed facts and processing data gives information). Computer is made up by
hardware and software

- A computer system is made up of the hardware, software and people ware. Each component
plays an important role, without each other computer systems will not work properly.

- The term Hardware refers the physical, touchable, electronic and mechanical parts of a
computer system.
- Also it refers to the physical components that make up a computer system and a unit
basically for computations and data processing operations, for example the monitor (also
screen or display unit), system casement, mouse keyboard, etc
- The term Software refers to the programs which instruct the computer hardware on what to
do and how to do it. Examples of software include operating systems, utility programs and
the application packages.

Functionalities of a computer
Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms:
- Takes data as input.
- Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them when required.
- Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
- Generates the output
- Controls all the above four steps

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Advantages of using computers
High Speed
- Computer is a very fast device.
- It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
- The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picosecond.
- It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will spend
many
months for doing the same task.
Accuracy
In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate. The calculations are 100% error free.
Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that correct input has been given.

Storage Capability
- Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
- A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
- It can store large amount of data.
- It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio and many others.

Diligence
- Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration.
- It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
- It can do repeated work with same speed and accuracy.
Versatility
- A computer is a very versatile machine.
- A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
- This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
- At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it
may
be playing a card game.
Reliability
- A computer is a reliable machine.
- Modern electronic components have long lives.
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- Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

Automation
- Computer is an automatic machine.
- Automation means ability to perform the given task automatically.
- Once a program is given to computer i.e. stored in computer memory, the program and
instruction
can control the program execution without human interaction.

Disadvantages of using computers

No I.Q
- A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
- Each instruction has to be given to computer.
- A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
Dependency
- It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on human being.
Environment
- The operating environment of computer should be dust free and suitable.

Characteristics of computers
A computer like any other machine is basically a technical creation through human engineering
skills. It is necessary to establish the properties (both physical and technical) that help to identify
a computer from other machines. The main characteristic features of a computer include
- Computer is versatile in that it can perform a variety of tasks
- Computer has a high processing speed because of its electronic nature
- Computer is accurate as long as the instructions given to them are correct
- Computer is capable of carrying out repetitive jobs routinely any number of times
- Computer can perform program execution automatically without human intervention

Types Of computers /Classification of Computers

Computers can be classified into different categories based on the following criteria:
 By the types of data which they can manipulate / process or According to
Technology

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  By the purpose for which they are design or By functions performed
 On the basis of price, sizes and processing capabilities
 According to Generations.

a) By the types of data which they can manipulate / process or According to Technology
- Analog Computers
- Digital Computers
- Hybrid Computers

Analog Computers:- These are used to process analog data. Analog data is of continuous
nature and which is not discrete or separate. Such type of data includes temperature, pressure,
speed weight, voltage, depth etc. These quantities are continuous and having an infinite
variety of values.

It measures continuous changes in some physical quantity e.g. The Speedometer of a car
measures speed, the change of temperature is measured by a Thermometer, the weight is
measured by Weights machine. These computers are ideal in situations where data can be
accepted directly from measuring instrument without having to convert it into numbers or codes.

Analog computers are the first computers being developed and provided the basis for the
development of the modern digital computers. Analog computers are widely used for certain
specialized engineering and scientific applications, for calculation and measurement of analog
quantities. They are frequently used to control process such as those found in oil refinery where
flow and temperature measurements are important. They are used for example in paper making
and in chemical industry. Analog computers do not require any storage capability because they
measure and compare quantities in a single operation. Output from an analog computer is
generally in the form of readings on a series of dial (Speedometer of a car) or a graph on strip
chart.

Analog (continuous) signal

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Digital Computers:- A Digital Computer, as its name implies, works with digits to represent
numerals, letters or other special symbols. Digital Computers operate on inputs which are ON-
OFF type and its output is also in the form of ON-OFF signal. Normally, an ON is represented
by a 1 and an OFF is represented by a 0. So we can say that digital computers process
information which is based on the presence or the absence of an electrical charge or we prefer to
say a binary 1 or 0.

A digital computer can be used to process numeric as well as non-numeric data. It can perform
arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and also logical
operations. Most of the computers available today are digital computers. The most common
examples of digital computers are accounting machines and calculators.

The results of digital computers are more accurate than the results of analog computers. Analog
computers are faster than digital. Analog computers lack memory whereas digital computers
store information. We can say that digital computers count and analog computers measures.

Digital (discrete) signals

Hybrid Computers:- These are combination of digital and analog computers. It combines
the best features of both types of computers, i.e. it has the speed of analog computer and the
memory and accuracy of digital computer. Hybrid computers are used mainly in specialized
applications where both kinds of data need to be processed. Therefore, they help the user,
to process both continuous and discrete data. For example a petrol pump contains a
processor that converts fuel flow measurements into quantity and price values. In hospital
Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an analog device is used which measures patient's blood
pressure and temperature etc, which are then converted and displayed in the form of digits.
Hybrid computers for example are used for scientific calculations, in defense and radar
systems.

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 b) By the purpose for which they are designed or by functions performed
Special Purpose Computers
A special purpose computer is designed to solve a single type of problem. The functions
are uniquely adapted to a particular situation. Therefore, within their designed constraints,
they are extremely fast, efficient and economical. Computerized traffic control system and
automatic aircraft landing systems are examples of special purpose computer systems.

General Purpose Computers

General purpose computers are designed to be flexible and versatile. They are capable of
carrying out some general data processing under program control. They can be used to solve
a variety of problems by changing the program or instructions which govern their
operations. A ‘General Purpose Computer’ therefore refers to computers that follow
instructions, thus virtually all computers from micro to mainframe are general purpose. Even
computers in toys, games and single-function devices follow instructions in their built-in
program.

c) On the basis of price, sizes and processing capabilities

- Supercomputers
- Mainframe Computers
- Minicomputers
- Microcomputers
Supercomputers
 Supercomputers are one of the biggest and fastest computers currently available.
Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that
require immense amount of mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example,
weather forecasting, scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data
(e.g. in petrochemical prospecting).
 Because of their size and expense, supercomputers are relatively rare.
Mainframes computers
 Much smaller than supercomputers
 Mainframe is very large in size and is an expensive computer capable of supporting
hundreds or even thousands of users simultaneously.
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  Mainframe executes many programs concurrently and supports many simultaneous
executions of programs.
 Used for handling bulk data and information processing of large organizations e.g. banks,
hospitals, railways, airports etc
 Used in environments where users shares common computing needs e.g. research groups,
educational institutions, engineering firms, etc

Minicomputers
 Minicomputers: are smaller than mainframe, general purpose computers, and give
computing power without adding the prohibitive expenses associated with larger systems.
It is generally easier to use.
 They are midsize multi-processing systems capable of supporting up to 250 users
simultaneously.
 Minicomputers usually have multiple terminals.
 Minicomputers may be used as network servers and Internet servers.

Microcomputers
 Is the smallest, least expensive of all the computers and designed to be used by one
person at a time i.e. single – user computers.
 They are typically linked together to form a local-area network, although they can also be
used as stand-alone systems.
 Micro computers have smallest memory and less power, are physically smaller and
permit fewer peripherals to be attached.
 Microcomputers are more commonly known as desktop or sometimes workstation.

Example of Microcomputer
 Portable computers
Portable computers are computers that are designed to be carried around easily, such as in a
briefcase or in a pocket. Under these we have:

 Notebook(Laptop)
Computers that are about the size of a paper notebook and open to reveal a screen on the top half
of the computer and a keyboard at the bottom.
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  Tablet Computers
These are notebook sized designed to be used with a digital pen or a stylus. They can either be
slate tablets or convertible tablets.

 Net books
Also called mini laptops, mini notebooks. They are smaller with about a 10 inch screen, are
lighter and less expensive than common laptops.

 Ultra-mobile PC’s
Also known as UMPCs or handheld computers. These are computers that are small enough to fit
in one hand. They have a screen of 7 inches or smaller.

d) According to Generations

(Assignment 1: List and briefly explain computer generations)

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 Hardware components of a computer system
A computer system can be categorized into six major components as shown below.

The central processing unit (CPU) manipulates data and controls the other parts of the computer
system; primary storage temporarily stores data and program instructions during processing;
secondary storage stores data and instructions when they are not used in processing; input
devices convert data and instructions for processing in the computer; output devices present data
in a form that people can understand; and communications devices control the passing of
information to and from communications networks.
Secondary storage devices such as floppy disks, optical disks, and hard disks are used to store
large quantities of data outside the CPU and primary storage. They provide direct access to data
for easy retrieval.

The CPU is connected to the rest of the system through system bus. Through system bus, data or
information gets transferred between the CPU and the other component of the system.
CPU itself has following three components.
 Memory Or Storage Unit:
 Control Unit
 ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)

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Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of computer. It does not carry out any actual data
processing operations.
Functions of this unit are
 It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other units of
a computer.
 It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
 It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them and directs the operation of
the computer.
 It communicates with Input / Output devices for transfer of data or results from storage.
 It does not process or store data.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
This unit consists of two sub section namely
 Arithmetic section
 Logic Section
Arithmetic section
Function of Arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. All complex operations are done by making repetitive use of above
operations.

Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selecting, matching
and merging of data.

Primary storage- (internal storage, main memory or memory) is the computer's working storage
space that holds data, instructions for processing and processed data (information) waiting to be
sent to secondary storage. Physically, primary storage is a collection of RAM chips.

Two (2) Types of Primary Memory

Computer – RAM
- A RAM stands for random access memory.
- It constitutes 70% the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program and program
result.

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- It is read/write memory.
- Since access time in RAM is independent of the address to the word that is, each storage
location inside the memory is as easy to reach as other location & takes the same amount of
time. We can reach into the memory at random & extremely fast but can also be quite
expensive.
- RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if there is a
power failure. Hence a backup uninterruptible power system (UPS) is often used with
computers.
- RAM is small, both in terms of its physical size and in the amount of data it can hold.

Computer – ROM

- ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read but cannot
write on it once information is written i.e. it cannot be over written.

- It constitutes 30% the internal memory.

- This type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored permanently in such

memories during manufacture.

- It stores instructions that are required to start computer when electricity is first turned on,
this operation is referred to as bootstrap.

- ROM chip are not only used in the computer but also in other electronic items like washing
machine and microwave oven.

Characteristic of Primary memory (Main Memory)

- These are semiconductor memories.
- It known as main memory.
- Usually volatile memory.
- Data is lost in case power is switch off.
- It is working memory of the computer.
- Faster than secondary memories.
- A computer cannot run without primary memory.

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Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Also known as hard drive, is a magnetic storage device that is
installed inside the computer. The hard drive is used as permanent storage for data. In a
Windows computer, the hard drive is usually configured as the C: drive and contains the
operating system and applications.

Optical Drive- An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to read data on the optical
media. There are three types of optical drives: Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
and Blu-ray Disc (BD).

b) Input Devices - Accepts data and instructions from the user or from another computer system.
Two (2) Types of Input Devices
1. Keyboard Entry – Data is inputted to the computer through a keyboard.

Keyboard - The first input device developed for the PC. Data is transferred to the PC over a
short cable with a circular 6-pin Mini-din connector that plugs into the back of the motherboard.
The layout of the keyboard is like that of traditional typewriter, although there are some
additional keys provided for performing some additional functions.

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The following are categories of keys:
No. Keys Description
1 Typing Keys / These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and digits keys (0-9)
Alphanumeric keys which are generally give same layout as that of typewriters.
It is used to enter numeric data or cursor movement.
Generally, it consists of a set of 17 keys that are laid out in the
2 Numeric Keypad
same configuration used by most adding machine and
calculators.
The twelve functions keys are present on the keyboard. These
are arranged in a row along the top of the keyboard. Each
3 Function Keys
function key has unique meaning and is used for some
specific purpose.
These keys provides cursor and screen control. It includes
four directional arrow key. Control keys also include Home,
4 Control keys
End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down, Control(Ctrl),
Alternate(Alt), Escape(Esc).
5 Special Purpose Keys Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys such as
Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, Num Lock, Space bar, Tab, and Print
Screen.

2. Direct Entry – A form of input that does not require data to be keyed by someone sitting at a
keyboard. Direct-entry devices create machine-readable data on paper, or magnetic media, or
feed it directly into the computer’s CPU.
Three Categories of Direct Entry Devices
1. Pointing Devices - An input device used to move the pointer (cursor) on screen.
- Mouse - The most common 'pointing device' used in PCs. Every mouse has two buttons and
most have one or two scroll wheels.

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Mouse can be used to control the position of cursor on screen, but it cannot be used to enter text
into the computer.
Advantages
- Easy to use
- Not very expensive
- Moves the cursor faster than the arrow keys of keyboard.
- Touch screen- A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Used in
myriad applications, including ATM machines, retail point-of-sale terminals, car navigation
and industrial controls. The touch screen became wildly popular for smart phones and tablets.

Light Pen - A light-sensitive stylus wired to a video terminal used to draw pictures or select
menu options. The user brings the pen to the desired point on screen and presses the pen button
to make contact.

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 Figure: Light Pen

Digitizer Tablet - A graphics drawing tablet used for sketching new images or tracing old ones.
Also called a "graphics tablet," the user contacts the surface of the device with a wired or
wireless pen or puck. Often mistakenly called a mouse, the puck is officially the "tablet cursor."

Figure: Digitizer Tablet

-
- Joystick
Joystick is also a pointing device which is used to move cursor position on a monitor screen.
It is a stick having a spherical ball at its both lower and upper ends. The lower spherical ball
moves in a socket. The Joystick can be moved in all four directions.

The function of joystick is similar to that of a mouse. It is mainly used in Computer Aided
Designing (CAD) and playing computer games.

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2. Scanning Devices- A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and translates
the information into a form the computer can use.

Figure: Image scanner Figure: Bar Code Readers

Bar Code Reader is used for reading bar coded data (data in form of light and dark lines). Bar
coded data is generally used in labeling goods, numbering the books etc. It may be a hand held
scanner or may be embedded in a stationary scanner.

Bar Code Reader scans a bar code image, converts it into an alphanumeric value which is then
fed to the computer to which bar code reader is connected.

3. Voice- Input Devices - Audio input devices also known as speech or voice recognition
systems that allow a user to send audio signals to a computer for processing, recording, or
carrying out commands. Audio input devices such as microphones allow users to speak to the
computer in order to record a voice message or navigate software.

C. Output Devices - Any piece of computer hardware that displays results after the computer
has processed the input data that has been entered.
1. Computer Display Monitor- It displays information in visual form, using text and graphics.
The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen or video display
terminal.

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Types of Monitor
a. CRT Monitors - Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) were the only type of displays for use with
desktop PCs. They are relatively big (14" to 16" deep) and heavy (over 15 lbs).

b. LCD Monitors - Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology has been used in laptops for some
time. It has recently been made commercially available as monitors for desktop PCs.

c. LED Monitors (Light Emitting Diode) - A display and lighting technology used in almost
every electrical and electronic product on the market, from a tiny on/off light to digital readouts,
flashlights, traffic lights and perimeter lighting.

2. LCD Projectors- utilize two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution
between them. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that
light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to
pass through or blocking the light.

3. Smart Board - A type of display screen that has a touch sensitive transparent panel covering
the screen, which is similar to a touch screen.

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4. Printer - A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.

Types of printer
Printer is the most important output device, which is used to print information on paper.
There are two types of printers
 Impact Printers
 Non-Impact Printers
Impact Printers
The printers that print the characters by striking against the ribbon and onto the paper, are called
impact printers e.g. Character, line printers etc
Characteristics of Impact Printers are following
 Very low consumable costs
 Impact printers are very noisy
 Useful for bulk printing due to low cost
 There is physical contact with the paper to produce an image

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Non-impact Printers
The printers that print the characters without striking against the ribbon and onto the paper, are
called Non-impact Printers. These printers print a complete page at a time, also called as Page
Printers e.g. Laser Printers, Inkjet Printers
Characteristics of Non-impact Printers
 Faster than impact printers.
 They are not noisy.
 High quality.
 Support many fonts and different character size.

Speakers - Used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables.
Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

Memory and storage

A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instruction. Computer memory
is the storage space in computer where data is to be processed and instructions required for
processing are stored.

Its size affects speed, power and capability. There are two types of memories in the computer
(primary memory and secondary memory). Functions of Memory Unit are:
 It stores all the data to be processed and the instructions required for processing.
 It stores intermediate results of processing.
 It stores final results of processing before these results are released to an output device
The memory is divided into large number of small parts. Each part is called cell. Each location or
cell has a unique address which varies from zero to memory size minus one.

For example if computer has 64k words, then this memory unit has 64 * 1024=65536 memory
location. The address of these locations varies from 0 to 65535.

Memory is primarily of four types

 Register
 Cache Memory
 Primary Memory/Main Memory
 Secondary Memory
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Register
This is a part of Central Processor Unit, so they reside inside the CPU. The information from
main memory is brought to CPU and keep the information in register. Due to space and cost
constraints, we have got a limited number of registers in a CPU. These are basically faster
devices.
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up CPU. It acts as a
buffer between the CPU and main memory.

It is used to hold those parts of data and program which are most frequently used by CPU. The
parts of data and programs are transferred from disk to cache memory by operating system, from
where CPU can access them.

Advantage
 Cache memory is faster than main memory.
 It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
 It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.
 It stores data for temporary use.
Disadvantage:
- Cache memory has limited capacity.
- It is very expensive.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which computer is currently working.
It has limited capacity and data get lost when power is switched off.

It is generally made up of semiconductor device. These memories are not as fast as registers. The
data and instruction required to be processed earlier reside in main memory. It is divided into
two subcategories RAM and ROM.

Secondary Memory
- This type of memory is also known as backing storages or auxiliary storages.
- They refer to computer storage which offers permanent storage of data and programs that
are not currently being executed by the computer.

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 - Backing storages can be said to supplement the main memory because they offer non-
volatile storage as well as more capacity for data storage, thus overcoming the limitation of
storage capacity and volatility of main memory.
- However secondary memories are slower than main memory.
- For example: disk, CD-ROM, DVD etc.

The secondary storage in a computer is therefore necessary for the following reasons:
- most primary storage is semi-conductor memory, and the data are lost when electricity is
interrupted
- To supplement main memory because of its limited capacity
- Main memory is very expensive and therefore it can be used for storing the necessary
instructions and data currently being operated on.
- For easier transportation (transfer purposes)
- Security purposes (data is not accessible to all people)
- For back up purposes in case of hard ware corruption
- ROM stores data permanently. Cannot update data once stored. Need for a storage where
updating can be done.
- For exchanging programs and data, including vending of software
Characteristic of Secondary Memory
- These are magnetic and optical memories.
- It is known as backup memory.
- It is non-volatile memory.
- Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
- It is used for storage of the data in the computer.
- Computer may run without secondary memory.
- Slower than primary memories.

Computer - Memory Units

- It is the amount of data that can be stored in the storage unit.
- The storage capacity is expressed in terms of Bytes.

Following are the main memory storage units:

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  Bit (Binary Digit): A binary digit is logical 0 & 1 representing a passive or an active state
of a component in an electric circuit.
 Nibble : A group of 4 bits is called nibble.
 Byte : A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit which can represent a
data item or a character.
 Word : A computer word like a byte, is a group of fixed number of bits processed as a
unit which varies from computer but is fixed for each computer.
The length of a computer word is called word-size or word length and it may be as small
as 8 bits or may be as long as 96 bits. A computer stores the information in the form of
the computer words.

Few higher storage units are as follows:

 Kilobyte (KB) : 1 KB = 1024 Bytes
 Megabyte (MB) : 1 MB = 1024 KB
 GigaByte (GB) : 1 GB = 1024 MB
 TeraByte (TB) : 1 TB = 1024 GB
 PetaByte (PB) : 1 PB = 1024 TB

People ware - Refers to people involved in the data processing operations such as the system
administrator, office workers, students and others.

Computer Specification
When buying a desktop computer one of the first things to look at will be its use and individual
budget. For example, a machine that will be primarily used for gaming should focus on lots of
memory, a powerful processor, enhanced video and graphics, while a computer that will be used
for Internet browsing and simple word processing will not need all these. This computer‐ buying
guide covers the basics idea of the important features to look at.
Speed
The processor speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). There are budget processors, mid grade
and high‐ end processors. The high end ones maybe necessary for enhanced computer
functions, such as gaming and entertainment, but overall the mid grade types are quite good and
will deliver great performance for most uses. Overall the best brand name for processors is
Intel.
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Memory
Memory is used to run programs on the computer and the more RAM you have the better the
performance and speed of computing and to avoid slowdowns and crashes. Gaming and
entertainment need a lot more memory than regular computer tasks for which 1GB is usually
sufficient, but 2GB is really great. At least 3GB is optimal for gaming and media experiences.
Also, it is a good idea to check and make sure that there are open memory upgrade sl ots so you
can always add more memory as it is fairly cheap and easy to install.

Hard Drives
Hard drives are significant for the speed capacity of computers. Overall, the larger the drive
the more storage space and the faster the computer. Optimal is 500GB.

Optical Drives ‐ CD/DVD

Most computers these days come with DVD/CD burners, and even if they do not they are cheap
and easy to install and come in internal and external versions.

External Ports and Connections

Ports are used to attach peripherals, such as printers, Internet, iPods and others. Overall, the
more ports you have the more variety and options will be available to add ons.

Monitors
A good monitor is essential for a quality computer experience. The older cathode ray tube
(CRT) model s have become largely obsolete with the introduction of the liquid crystal display
(LCD) screen monitor, however many people still use them and they can still be found at online
shopping sites. LCD screen monitors have a superior display with a reduced size due to the flat
panel and their lower power consumption over the CRT models. They come in a variety of sizes
and sometimes the larger ones are a better value for the money and make the best experience for
gaming, entertainment, such as video watching and are much easier on the eyes.

Step 2: How do computer and software operate

 In order computer physical part (hardware) to work properly there must be software.
Software is set of instruction which tell computer what to do.
 There are two types of software, these are system software and application software
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 o System Software.
 System software consists of programs that control the operations of a computer and
its devices. System software serves as the interface between a user, the application
software, and the computer’s hardware. One type of system software is the operating
system. Before application software can be run, the operating system, which contains
instructions that coordinate the activities among computer hardware devices, must be
loaded from the hard disk into the computer’s memory.
 An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that
coordinate all the activities among computer hardware devices. These are
- Windows 2003
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Linux
- Unix
o Application Software
 Application software consists of programs designed to perform specific tasks for
users. Application software can be used as a productivity/business tool; to assist with
graphics and multimedia projects; to support home, personal, and educational
activities and to facilitate communications. Specific application software products is
called program and are available from software vendors.

Step 3: Various computer operating programs and its uses

 Computer Programs are:
o Word processing
o Excel
o Database software
o PowerPoint
o Internet
o E-mail software
o Web browser

 Uses of each programs

o Word processing software allows users to create and manipulate documents that contain
text and graphics. With word processing software, you can insert clip art into a document;
change margins; find and replace text; use a spelling checker to check spelling; place a

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 header and footer at the top and the bottom of a page; and vary font (character design),
font size (character scale), and font style (character appearance).
o Excel is a spreadsheet application in the Microsoft Office Suite. A spreadsheet is an
accounting program for the computer. Spreadsheets are primarily used to work with
numbers and text. Spreadsheets can help organize information, like alphabetizing a list of
names or ordering records, or calculate and analyze information using mathematical
formulas.
o Database software allows you to create and manage a database. A database is a
collection of data organized to allow access, retrieval, and use of that data. Database is
used to store records of employees, clients, equipments etc. Example of employees
records are Name, Age, Place of birth and occupation. A query is used to retrieve data
according to specified criteria, which are restrictions the data must meet.
o Power Point is the presentation graphics software in the Microsoft Office Suite. It allows
you to create dynamic presentations using its easy-to-use, predefined layouts and
templates.
o Internet allow computer to communicate with each other. This means Computer in one
region is able to communicate with other in other region. In internet is where there is
Electronic mail and web browser
o E-mail software is used to create, send, receive, forward, store, print, and delete e-mail
(electronic mail).
o A Web browser is a software application used to access and view Web pages. Web
browser help searching information of different types from different source

Step 4: Outline the procedure of operating computer (opening, closing)

 Computer is like other electronic equipment like Television or radio. It has on/off button.
When switch on computer you just press the button and it will start automatic. The process is
called booting.
 Turning off is different from other devices because you have to follow procedures
Step 5: Key Points
 Software is another name of a program or programs. Software controls hardware.
 There are two major kinds of software which are system software and application software.
 Operating systems are programs that coordinate computer resources, provide an interface
between users and computer, and run applications.
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Topic B: Computer generations
Basic Terms

Vacuum tube – an electronic device that controls the flow of electrons in a vacuum. It used as a
switch, amplifier, or display screen in many older model radios, televisions, computers, etc.

Transistor – an electronic component that can be used as an amplifier or as a switch. It is used to

control the flow of electricity in radios, televisions, computers, etc.

Integrated circuit (IC) – a small electronic circuit printed on a chip (usually made of silicon) that
contains many its own circuit elements (e.g. transistors, diodes, resistors, etc.).

Microprocessor – an electronic component held on an integrated circuit that contains a

computer’s central processing unit (CPU) and other associated circuits.

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CPU (central processing unit) – It is often referred to as the brain or engine of a computer where
most of the processing and operations take place (CPU is part of a microprocessor).

Magnetic drum – a cylinder coated with magnetic material, on which data and programs can be
stored.

Magnetic core – uses arrays of small rings of magnetized material called cores to store
information.

Machine language – a low-level programming language comprised of a collection of binary

digits (ones and zeros) that the computer can read and understand.

Assembly language is like the machine language that a computer can understand, except that
assembly language uses abbreviated words (e.g. ADD, SUB, DIV…) in place of numbers (0s and
1s).

Memory – a physical device that is used to store data, information and program in a computer.

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 Artificial intelligence (AI) – an area of computer science that deals with the simulation and
creation of intelligent machines or intelligent behave in computers (they think, learn, work, and
react like humans).

First Generation of Computers

Classification of generations of computers

The evolution of computer technology is often divided into five generations.

Five Generations of Computers

Generations of computers Generations timeline Evolving hardware

First generation 1940s-1950s Vacuum tube based

Second generation 1950s-1960s Transistor based

Third generation 1960s-1970s Integrated circuit based

Fourth generation 1970s-present Microprocessor based

Fifth generation The present and the future Artificial intelligence based

The main characteristics of first generation of computers (1940s-1950s)

 Main electronic component – vacuum tube

 Main memory – magnetic drums and magnetic tapes
 Programming language – machine language
 Power – consume a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat.
 Speed and size – very slow and very large in size (often taking up entire
room).

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 Input/output devices – punched cards and paper tape.
 Examples – ENIAC, UNIVAC1, IBM 650, IBM 701, etc.
 Quantity – there were about 100 different vacuum tube computers produced between 1942
and1963.

Second Generation of Computers

The main characteristics of second generation of computers (1950s-1960s)

Main electronic component – transistor

 Memory – magnetic core and magnetic tape / disk
 Programming language – assembly language
 Power and size – low power consumption, generated less heat, and smaller in size (in
comparison with the first generation computers).
 Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison with the first generation
computers).
 Input/output devices – punched cards and magnetic tape.
 Examples – IBM 1401, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107, etc.

Third Generation of Computers

The main characteristics of third generation of computers (1960s-

1970s)

 Main electronic component – integrated circuits (ICs)

 Memory – large magnetic core, magnetic tape / disk
 Programming language – high level language (FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal,
COBOL, C, etc.)
 Size – smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than second generation computers
(they were called minicomputers).
 Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison with the second
generation computers).
 Input / output devices – magnetic tape, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.
 Examples – IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, UNIVAC 1108, etc.

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 Fourth Generation of Computers

The main characteristics of fourth generation of computers (1970s-present)

RAM ROM
 Main electronic component – very large-scale integration (VLSI) and microprocessor.
 VLSI– thousands of transistors on a single microchip.
 Memory – semiconductor memory (such as RAM, ROM, etc.)
o RAM (random-access memory) – a type of data storage (memory element) used in computers
that temporary stores of programs and data (volatile: its contents are lost when the computer is
turned off).
o ROM (read-only memory) – a type of data storage used in computers that permanently stores
data and programs (non-volatile: its contents are retained even when the computer is turned off).
 Programming language – high level language (Python, C#, Java, JavaScript, Rust, Kotlin, etc.).
o A mix of both third- and fourth-generation languages
 Size – smaller, cheaper and more efficient than third generation computers.
 Speed – improvement of speed, accuracy, and reliability (in comparison with the third generation
computers).
 Input / output devices – keyboard, pointing devices, optical scanning, monitor, printer, etc.

 Network – a group of two or more computer systems linked together.

 Examples – IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh, etc.

PRINTER

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 Fifth Generation of Computers

The main characteristics of fifth generation of computers (the present and the
future)

 Main electronic component: based on artificial intelligence, uses the Ultra Large-Scale
Integration (ULSI) technology and parallel processing method.
o ULSI – millions of transistors on a single microchip
o Parallel processing method – use two or more microprocessors to run tasks simultaneously.
 Language – understand natural language (human language).
 Power – consume less power and generate less heat.
 Speed – remarkable improvement of speed, accuracy and reliability (in comparison with the
fourth generation computers).
 Size – portable and small in size, and have a huge storage capacity.
 Input / output device – keyboard, monitor, mouse, trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, pen,
speech input (recognise voice / speech), light scanner, printer, etc.
 Example – desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

The computer – this amazing technology went from a

government/business-only technology to being everywhere from people’s homes, work places, to
people’s pockets in less than 100 years.

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