1. WHAT IS COMPUTER?

 The word “computer” is comes from the word “TO COMPUTE” means
to calculate.
 A computer is normally considered to be a calculation device which can
perform the arithmetic operations very speedily.
 A computer may be defined as a device which operates upon the data.
 Data can be in the form of numbers, letters, symbols, size etc. And it comes in
various shapes & sizes depending upon the type of computer application.
 A computer can store, process & retrieve data as and when we desired.
 The fact that computer process data is so fundamental that many people
have started calling as “Data Processor”.
 A computer first it gets the Data, does Process on it and then
produces Information.

DATA PROCESS INFORMATION

 DEFINATION OF COMPUTER
o A computer is an electronic device which takes input from the
user, processes it and gives the output as per user’s requirement.
o So the main tasks of performed by the computer are:
 Input
 Process
 Output
2. WRITE DOWN THE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
Some important characteristics of the computer are as follow:
 Automatic:
o Computers are automatic machines because it works by itself
without human intervention.
o Once it started on a job they carry on until the job is finished.
o Computer cannot start themselves.

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 o They can works from the instructions which are stored inside the system
in the form of programs which specify how a particular job is to be done.
 Accuracy:
o The accuracy of a computer is very high.
o The degree of accuracy of a particular computer depends upon its design.
o Errors can occur by the computer. But these are due to human
weakness, due to incorrect data, but not due to the technological
weakness.
 Speed:
o Computer is a very fact device. It can perform the amount of work in
few seconds for which a human can take an entire year.
o While talking about computer speed we do not talk in terms of
seconds and milliseconds but in microseconds.
o A powerful computer is capable of performing several billion (109)
simple arithmetic operations per second.
 Diligence:
o Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness &
lack of concentration.
o It can continuously work for hours without creating any error &
without grumbling.
o If you give ten million calculations to performed, it will perform
with exactly the same accuracy & speed as the first one.
 Versatility:
o It is one of the most wonderful features about the computer.
o One moment it is preparing the results of a particular examination, the
next moment it is busy with preparing electricity bills and in between it
may be helping an office secretary to trace an important letter in seconds.
 Power of remembering:
o Computer can store and recall any amount of data because of its
high storage capacity of its storage devices.
o Every piece of information can be retained as long as desired by the user
and can be recalled as and when required.
o Even after several years, if the information recalled, it will be as accurate
as on the day when it was filled to the computers.
 No I.Q.
o A computer is not a magical device; it processes no intelligence of its own.
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o Its I.Q. is zero.

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 o It has to be told what to do & in what sequence.
o It cannot take its own decision.

 No Fallings:
o A Computer has no feelings because they are machines.
o Based on our feelings, task, knowledge and experience we often make
certain judgments in our day today life.
o But Computer goes exactly the way which we have given the instructions.
3. EXPLAIN THE DATA PROCESSING CYCLE OF
COMPUTER.
 The computer Data Processing is any process that a computer program does to
enter data & summarise, analyse or convert data into useable information.
 The process may be automated & run on a computer.
 It involves recording, analysing, storing, summarising & storing data.
 Because data are most useful when it is well presented & informative.
The Data Processing Cycle:
 Data Processing cycle described all activities which are common to all
data processing systems from manual to electronic systems.
 These activities can be grouped in four functional categories, viz., data input,
data processing, data output and storage, constituting what is known as a
data processing cycle.
 The main aim of data processing cycle is to convert the data into
meaningful information.
 Data processing system are often referred to as Information System.
 The Information System typically take raw Data as Input to produce
Information as Output.

INPUT OUTPUT
DATA PROCESS INFORMATION

STORAGE

 The data processing cycle contains main four functions:

o Data input
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 o Data process
o Data storage
o Data output
 DATA INPUT
o The term input refers to the activities required to record data.
o It’s a process to entered data in to computer system.
o So before we input any data, it is necessary to check or verify the
data context.
 DATA PROCESSING
o The term processing includes the activities like classifying,
storing, calculating, comparing or summarising the data.
o The processing means to use techniques to convert the data
into meaningful information.
 DATA OUTPUT
o It’s a communication function which transmits the information to the
outside world.
o After completed the process the data are converted into the meaningful in
o Sometimes the output also includes the decoding activity which
converts the electronically generated information into human readable
form.
 DATA STORAGE
o It involves the filling of data & information for future use.
4. EXPLAIN THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER BY
DATA PROCESSED
The computers are divided mainly three types on the based on data processed:
1. Analog computers
2. Digital computers
3. Hybrid computers
Analog computers:
 In Analog Computers, data is represented as continuously varying voltage and
operate essentially by measuring rather counting.
 As the data is continuously variable, the results obtained are estimated and
not exactly repeatable.
 It can able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and also capable to
work effectively with the irrational number. E.g. 1/8 = 0.125 and 1/6=0.1666
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  Voltage, temperature and pressure are measured using analog devices
like voltmeters, thermometers and barometers.
Digital Computers
 The digit computer is a machine based on digital technology which represents
information by numerical digit.
 In Digital Computers data is represented as discrete units of electrical pulses.
The data is measured in quantities represented as either the ‘on’ or ‘off’ state.
 Therefore, the results obtained from a digital computer are accurate.
 Virtually all of today’s computers are based on digital
computers. Hybrid Computers
 It combines the good features of both analog & digital computers.
 It has a speed of analog computer & accuracy of digital computer.
 Hybrid Computers accept data in analog form and present output also
in digitally.
 The data however is processed digitally.
 Therefore, hybrid computers require analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog
converters for output.
5. EXPLAIN THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER BY
DATA PROCESSING:
The computers are classified in four types on the based on data processing.
 Micro computer
 Mini computer
 Mainframe computer
 Super computer
Micro Computer:
 Micro computers are the computers with having a microprocessor chip as
it central processing unit.
 Originated in late 1970s.
 First micro computer was built with 8 bit processor.
 Microcomputer is known as personal computer.
 Designed to use by individual whether in the form of pc’s, workstation
or notebook computers.
 Small in size and affordable for general people.
 Ex: IBM PC, IBM PC/XT, IBM PC/AT

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Micro Computer:
 Mini computers are originated in 1960s.
 Small mainframes that perform limited tasks.
 Less expensive than mainframe computer.
 Mini computers are Lower mainframe in the terms of processing capabilities.
 Capable of supporting 10 to 100 users simultaneously.
 In 1970s it contains 8 bit or 12 bit processor.
 Gradually the architecture requirement is grown and 16 and 32 bit.
 Minicomputers are invented which are known as supermini computers.
 Ex: IBM AS400
Mainframe Computer:
 A very powerful computer which capable of supporting thousands of
user simultaneously.
 It contains powerful data processing system.
 It is capable to run multiple operating systems.
 It is capable to process 100 million instructions per second.
 Mainframes are very large & expensive computers with having larger
internal storage capacity & high processing speed.
 Mainframes are used in the organization that need to process large number
of transaction online & required a computer system having massive storage &
processing capabilities.
 Mainly used to handle bulk of data & information for processing.
 Mainframe system is housed in a central location with several user
terminal connected to it.
 Much bigger in size & needs a large rooms with closely humidity
& temperature.
 IBM & DEC are major vendors of mainframes.
 Ex : MEDHA, SPERRY, IBM, DEC, HP, HCL
Super Computer:
 Most powerful & most expensive computer.
 Used for complex scientific application that requires huge processing power.
 Used multiprocessor technology to perform the calculation very speedy.
 They are special purpose computers that are designed to perform
some specific task.

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  The cost of the super computer is depended on its processing capabilities
& configuration.
 The speed of modern computer is measured in gigaflops, teraflops and
petaflops.
o Gigaflops= 109 arithmetic operation per second.
o Teraflops=1012 arithmetic operation per second.
o Petaflops=1015 arithmetic operation per second.
 Ex: PARAM , EKA, BLUE GENE/P

6. EXPLAIN THE GENERATION OF THE COMPUTERS.

In Computer language, “Generation” is a set of Technology. It provides a framework
for the growth of the computer technology. There are totally Five Computer Generations
till today. Discussed as following.
First Generation:
 Duration: 1942-1955
 Technology: vacuum tube
o Used as a calculating device.
o Performed calculations in milliseconds.
o To bulky in size & complex design.
o Required large room to place it.
o Generates too much heat & burnt.
o Required continuously hardware maintenance.
o Generates much heat so must air-conditioner rooms are required.
o Commercial production is difficult & costly.
o Difficult to configure.
o Limited commercial use.
o ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC are example of 1st generation computer.

Second Generation:
 Duration: 1955-1964
 Technology: transistor
o 10 times Smaller in size than 1st generation system.
o Less heat than 1st generation computers.
o Consumed less power than 1st generation system.
o Computers were done calculations in microseconds.
o Air-conditioner is also required.
o Easy to configure than 1st generation computers.

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 o More reliable in information.
o Wider commercial use.
o Large & fast primary/secondary storage than 1st generation computers.

Third Generation:
 Duration: 1965-1975
 Technology: IC chip
o Smaller in size than 1st & 2nd generation computers.
o Perform more fast calculations than 2nd generation systems.
o Large & fast primary/secondary storage than 2nd generation computers.
o Air –conditioner is required.
o Widely used for commercial applications.
o General purpose computers.
o High level languages like COBOL & FORTAN are allowed to write programs.
o Generate less heat & consumed less power than 2nd generation computer.

Fourth Generation:
 Duration: 1975-1989
 Technology: Microprocessor chip
o Based on LSI & VLSI microprocessor chip.
o Smaller in size.
o Much faster than previous generations.
o Minimum hardware maintenance is required.
o Very reliable as computer to previous generation computers.
o Totally general purpose computer.
o Easy to configure.
o Possible to use network concept to connect the computer together.
o NO requirement of air-conditioners.
o Cheapest in price.

Fifth Generation:
 Duration: 1989 to Present
 Technology: ULSI microprocessor chip
o Much smaller & handy.
o Based on the ULSI chip which contains 100 million electronic components.
o The speed of the operations is increased.
o Consumed less power.
o Air-conditioner is not required.
o More user friendly interface with multi-media features.
o High level languages are allowed to write programs.
o Larger & faster primary/secondary storage than previous generations.
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 o Notebook computers are the example of 5th generation computers.

7. EXPLAIN THE BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER OR

EXPLAIN THE SIMPLE MODEL COMPUTER.
A simple computer system comprises the basic components like Input Devices, CPU
(Central Processing Unit) and Output Devices as under:

 Input Devices:
o The devices which are used to entered data in the computer systems
are known as input devices.
o Keyboard, mouse, scanner, mike, light pen etc are example of input
devices. FUNCTION OF INPUT DEVICES
o Accept the data from the outside worlds.
o Convert that data into computer coded information.
o Supply this data to CPU for further processing.
 Output Devices:
o The devices which display the result generated by the computer are known
as output devices.
o Monitor, printer, plotter, speaker etc are the example of output devices.

FUNCTIONS OF OUTPUT DEVICES

o Accept the result form the CPU.
o Convert that result into human readable form.

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 o Display the result on the output device.

 Memory Unit:
o The data & instruction have to store inside the
computer before the actual processing start.
o Same way the result of the computer must be
stored before passed to the output devices. This
tasks performed by memory unit.

FUNCTIONS OF MEMORY UNIT

o Store data & instruction received from input devices.
o Store the intermediate results generated by CPU.
o Store the final result generated by CPU.

 Arithmetical & Logical Unit:

o The ALU is the place where actual data & instruction are
processed.
o All the calculations are performed & all comparisons are
made in ALU.
o Performs all arithmetical & logical operations.
o An arithmetic operation contains basic operations
like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
o Logical operations contains comparison such as
less than, greater than, less than equal to, greater
than equal to, equal to, not equal to.

 Control Unit:
o It controls the movement of data and program
instructions into and out of the CPU, and to control
the operations of the ALU.
o In sort, its main function is to manage all the
activities within the computer system.
o Controls the internal parts as well as the
external parts related with the computer.
 CPU:
o The Unit where all the processing is done is called as
Central Processing Unit.
o It contains many other units under it.
Main of them are:- Control Unit And ALU (Arithmetic & Logic Unit)
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