Unit 1: Introduction to Computers – Full Detailed Notes
Introduction to Computer
Definition:
• A computer is an electronic and programmable device that can accept data,
process it, store it, and produce output.
• Can perform arithmetic operations (+, −, ×, ÷) and logical operations (AND, OR,
NOT, XOR).
• Can handle text, numbers, audio, video, graphics, and solve complex
problems in a few seconds.
Example:
• Calculating bank transactions, creating invoices, designing graphics, analyzing
weather data.
Features / Characteristics:
Feature Description Example
Can perform millions of calculations per
Speed Supercomputers
second
Accuracy Works with minimal errors Billing software
Diligence Never gets tired Servers
Word processing, gaming,
Versatility Can perform multiple tasks
calculations
Storage Can store large amounts of data HDD, SSD
Process of a Computer (Stepwise):
1. Input: Enter data using input devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone).
2. Processing: CPU processes data using ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU
(Control Unit).
3. Storage: Data can be stored temporarily in RAM or permanently in HDD/SSD.
4. Output: Data is displayed through Monitor, Printer, Speakers, or Plotter.
Basic Block Diagram (Text Form):
[Input Devices] → [CPU (ALU + CU)] → [Primary Memory (RAM/ROM)] → [Output Devices]
[Secondary Storage (HDD, SSD, CD/DVD)]
History & Generations of Computers
Generation Period Technology Key Features Example
Huge, Expensive, High
1st 1940–1956 Vacuum Tubes ENIAC
Power
2nd 1956–1963 Transistors Smaller, Faster, Less Heat IBM 1401
Integrated
3rd 1964–1971 Multi-programming, GUI IBM 360
Circuits
1971– Compact, High Speed,
4th Microprocessors PCs, Laptops
Present Personal Computers
Present & Artificial AI, Robotics, Natural AI-based
5th
Future Intelligence Language Processing computers
Extra Notes:
• GUI (Graphical User Interface) appeared in 3rd generation.
• Microprocessors in 4th generation reduced size and cost drastically.
• 5th generation focuses on AI, Robotics, Expert Systems, and Voice
Recognition.
Example in Daily Life:
• ATM machines use 3rd/4th gen computers
• Self-driving cars use 5th generation AI computers
Applications of Computers
Field Application Example
Education E-learning, Digital classrooms, Online exams
Field Application Example
Banking & Finance ATM, Online banking, Stock trading
Healthcare Patient monitoring, MRI/CT scan processing
Business E-commerce, Billing, Inventory management
Government Census, Tax filing, E-governance
Entertainment Online games, Animation, Streaming services
Science & Research Weather forecasting, Space research
Advantages:
1. High speed and efficiency
2. Accurate results
3. Can handle large datasets
4. Performs multitasking
5. Facilitates global communication
Real-Life Example:
• Flight booking websites process thousands of requests per second, storing
passenger data securely.
Hardware & Software
Hardware (Physical Components):
• CPU: Central Processing Unit
• Memory: RAM, ROM
• Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner
• Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Plotter
• Storage Devices: HDD, SSD, CD/DVD
Software (Programs & Instructions):
• System Software: Operating System, Utility Programs
• Application Software: Word processors, Spreadsheets, Games
Hardware vs Software Table:
Hardware Software
Physical component Program or instructions
Can touch Cannot touch
Example: Monitor, Keyboard Example: MS Word, Photoshop
Types of Computers
Based on Working:
• Analog: Works on continuous data (e.g., Thermometer, Speedometer)
• Digital: Works on discrete data (0s & 1s, e.g., Desktop, Laptop)
• Hybrid: Combination of analog & digital (e.g., Hospital ICU monitoring system)
Based on Size:
Type Purpose / Example
Supercomputer Scientific research, Weather forecasting (NASA)
Mainframe Large organizations, Banking transactions
Mini Computer Small businesses, Medium tasks
Microcomputer / PC Personal / Office tasks
Laptop Portable computing
Palmtop Handheld computing, Pocket devices
Based on Processor:
• XT / AT / Pentium (i3, i5, i7) → Different speed and architecture
• Example: Intel Core i7 for gaming & graphics
Memory
Primary Memory: (Direct access by CPU)
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile, fast, temporary storage
• ROM (Read Only Memory): Non-volatile, permanent, stores firmware
• PROM (Programmable ROM) – One-time programmable
• EPROM (Erasable PROM) – UV erasable
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM) – Electrically erasable
• DDR (Double Data Rate RAM) – Faster RAM
Secondary Memory:
• HDD, SSD, CD/DVD, Blu-ray, Pen Drive, Magnetic Tape
Comparison Table:
Type Volatile Speed Example
RAM Yes Fast DDR4
ROM No Slow BIOS
HDD No Medium 1TB Seagate
SSD No Fast Samsung SSD
CPU & Components
CPU = Brain of Computer
• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs arithmetic and logical operations
• CU (Control Unit): Directs flow of data & instructions
• Registers: Small, fast storage inside CPU
• Motherboard: Connects all components
• Graphics Card: Video rendering
• Sound Card: Audio processing
• Network Card: Internet / LAN connection
• SMPS: Supplies power to components
Input Devices
Device Function Example
Keyboard Input letters, numbers Typing documents
Mouse Cursor control Clicking, dragging
Scanner Converts paper to digital Scanning forms
Digital Camera Capture photos/video Uploading images
Joystick Gaming Flight simulator games
Graphic Tablet Drawing & design Sketching in Photoshop
Microphone Voice input Recording audio
Barcode Scanner Product data input Supermarket billing
Output Devices
Device Function Example
Monitor Visual output Desktop screen
Printer Hard copy Printing report cards
Plotter Large design print Engineering drawings
Speakers Audio output Music playback
Touchscreen Input + Output Mobile phones, ATMs
Connecting Ports & Installation
Ports:
• USB: Universal Serial Bus for multiple devices
• Serial Port: Transfers 1 bit at a time
• Parallel Port: Transfers multiple bits simultaneously
• HDMI: Connects Monitor/TV
• Ethernet: Network / Internet
• PS/2: Keyboard / Mouse
Installation Steps (Printer/Scanner):
1. Connect device to system unit
2. Install driver software
3. Check device manager for detection
4. Test operation
Storage Conversion Chart
From To Conversion
1 Byte (B) Bits (b) 1B=8b
1 KB Bytes (B) 1 KB = 1,024 B
1 MB KB 1 MB = 1,024 KB
1 GB MB 1 GB = 1,024 MB
1 TB GB 1 TB = 1,024 GB
1 PB TB 1 PB = 1,024 TB
1 EB PB 1 EB = 1,024 PB
1 ZB EB 1 ZB = 1,024 EB
1 YB ZB 1 YB = 1,024 ZB
Stepwise Conversions Examples
1. Convert 5 KB → Bytes
5 KB × 1,024 = 5,120 B
2. Convert 2 GB → MB
2 GB × 1,024 = 2,048 MB
3. Convert 3 TB → GB
3 TB × 1,024 = 3,072 GB
4. Convert 16 B → Bits
16 × 8 = 128 b
Characteristics of Computer
Speed
• Computers can perform millions of calculations per second.
• Example: A computer can calculate a large multiplication problem faster than a
human.
Accuracy
• Computers give highly accurate results.
• Errors occur only if there is a faulty program or wrong input.
Diligence
• Computers do not get tired or bored.
• They can repeat the same task millions of times without mistakes.
Versatility
• Computers can perform arithmetic, logical, and data storage tasks.
• Can be used in education, business, medicine, engineering, etc.
Storage / Memory
• Computers can store large amounts of data for future use.
• Example: Hard disk stores movies, photos, documents.
Automation / Programmable
• Computers can follow instructions automatically.
• Once programmed, it performs tasks without human intervention.
Connectivity
• Computers can connect to other computers or devices via networks.
• Enables internet, email, and data sharing.
Multitasking
• Computers can perform more than one task at a time.
• Example: Listening to music while typing a document.
Tip for Students:
• Remember “SAVD CAM” as a shortcut:
Speed, Accuracy, Versatility, Diligence, Connectivity, Automation, Multitasking
