BASICS OF COMPUTERS

1.1. Defination
Computer is an electronic device that accepts data and processes into information for easy retrieval and use. OR a computer is
a programmable multi-user electronic device that inputs, processes, store, output and retrieve data or information.
Computer Science teaches about theories, techniques, programming and how the computer works
Information and communication technology deals with the use of computer software to acquire knowledge.

1.2. Input-Process-Output Model

Computer input is called data and the output obtained after processing it, based on user’s instructions is called information.
Raw facts and figures which can be processed using arithmetic and logical operations to obtain information are called data.

The processes that can be applied to data are of two types −

 Arithmetic operations − Examples include calculations like addition, subtraction, differentials, square root, etc.
 Logical operations − Examples include comparison operations like greater than, less than, equal to, opposite, etc.
The corresponding figure for an actual computer looks something like this −

The basic parts of a computer are as follows −

 Input Unit − Devices like keyboard and mouse that are used to input data and instructions to the computer are called input unit.
 Output Unit − Devices like printer and visual display unit that are used to provide information to the user in desired format are
called output unit.
 Control Unit − As the name suggests, this unit controls all the functions of the computer. All devices or parts of computer
interact through the control unit.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit − This is the brain of the computer where all arithmetic operations and logical operations take place.
 Memory − All input data, instructions and data interim to the processes are stored in the memory. Memory is of two types –
primary memory and secondary memory. Primary memory resides within the CPU whereas secondary memory is external to it.
Control unit, arithmetic logic unit and memory are together called the central processing unit or CPU. Computer devices like keyboard,
mouse, printer, etc. that we can see and touch are the hardware components of a computer. The set of instructions or programs that
make the computer function using these hardware parts are called software. We cannot see or touch software. Both hardware and
software are necessary for working of a computer.

1.3. Characteristics of Computer

To understand why computers are such an important part of our lives, let us look at some of its characteristics −
 Speed − Typically, a computer can carry out 3-4 million Hertz (instructions per second)
 Accuracy − Computers exhibit a very high degree of accuracy. Errors that may occur are usually due to inaccurate data, wrong
instructions or bug in chips – all human errors.
 Reliability − Computers can carry out same type of work repeatedly without throwing up errors due to tiredness or boredom,
which are very common among humans.
 Versatility − Computers can carry out a wide range of work from data entry and ticket booking to complex mathematical
calculations and continuous astronomical observations. If you can input the necessary data with correct instructions, computer
will do the processing.
 Storage Capacity − Computers can store a very large amount of data at a fraction of cost of traditional storage of files. Also, data
is safe from normal wear and tear associated with paper.
 Communicativeness – computers have the ability to communicate with each other with ease and can easily exchange
information and resources

Advantages of Using Computer

Now that we know the characteristics of computers, we can see the advantages that computers offer−
 Computers can do the same task repetitively with same accuracy.
 Computers do not get tired or bored.
  Computers can take up routine tasks while releasing human resource for more intelligent functions.

 Computers have the ability to perform routine tasks at a greater speed than human beings. They can perform millions of
calculations in seconds.
 Computers can store large amount of information.
 Computers can be instructed to perform complex tasks automatically and repeatedly (which increases the productivity).
 Computers are flexible to perform both simple and complex tasks.
 Computers reduce the amount of paper work and human effort, thereby reducing costs.

Disadvantages of Using Computer

Despite so many advantages, computers have some disadvantages of their own −
 Computers have no intelligence; they follow the instructions blindly without considering the outcome.
 Regular electric supply is necessary to make computers work, which could prove difficult everywhere especially in developing
nations.
 Computers need clear & complete instructions to perform a task accurately. If the instructions are not clear & complete, the
computer will not produce the required result.
Booting
Starting a computer or a computer-embedded device is called booting. Booting takes place in two steps −
 Switching on power supply
 Loading operating system into computer’s main memory
 Keeping all applications in a state of readiness in case needed by the user
The first program or set of instructions that run when the computer is switched on is called BIOS or Basic Input Output System. BIOS is a
firmware, i.e. a piece of software permanently programmed into the hardware.
If a system is already running but needs to be restarted, it is called rebooting. Rebooting may be required if a software or hardware has
been installed or system is unusually slow.
There are two types of booting −
 Cold Booting − When the system is started by switching on the power supply it is called cold booting. The next step in cold
booting is loading of BIOS.
 Warm Booting − When the system is already running and needs to be restarted or rebooted, it is called warm booting. Warm
booting is faster than cold booting because BIOS is not reloaded.

Characteristics to take in consideration when purchasing a computer

 Speed of the processor, it is measured in hertz
 Capacity of the hard drive for saving data/information, it is measured in Bytes
 Capacity of the Ram, it is measured in Bytes
 Availability of expansion slots

Earliest Computer
Originally calculations were computed by humans, whose job title was computers. These human computers were typically engaged in
the calculation of a mathematical expression. The calculations of this period were specialized and expensive, requiring years of training
in mathematics. The first use of the word "computer" was recorded in 1613, referring to a person who carried out calculations, or
computations, and the word continued to be used in that sense until the middle of the 20th century.
Tally Sticks
A tally stick was an ancient memory aid device to record and document numbers, quantities, or even messages.

Abacus
An abacus is a mechanical device used to aid an individual in performing mathematical calculations. The abacus was invented in
Babylonia in 2400 B.C. The abacus in the form we are most familiar with was first used in China in around 500 B.C. It used to perform
basic arithmetic operations.
Napier’s bones
Invented by John Napier in 1614. Allowed the operator to multiply, divide and calculate square and cube roots by moving the rods around
and placing them in specially constructed boards.
Slide Rule
Invented by William Oughtred in1622. Is based on Napier's ideas about logarithms. Used primarily for multiplication, division, roots,
logarithms and Trigonometry. Not normally used for addition or subtraction.
Pascaline
Invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642. It was its limitation to addition and subtraction. It is too expensive.
Stepped Reckoner
Invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1672. The machine that can add, subtract, multiply and divide automatically.
Jacquard Loom
The Jacquard loomis a mechanical loom, invented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard in 1881. It an automatic loom controlled by punched cards.
Arithmometer
A mechanical calculator invented by Thomas de Colmar in 1820. The first reliable, useful and commercially successful calculating
machine. The machine could perform the four basic mathematic functions. The first mass-produced calculating machine.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine
It an automatic, mechanical calculator designed to tabulate polynomial functions. Invented by Charles Babbage in1822 and 1834 It is the
first mechanical computer.

First Computer Programmer

In 1840, Augusta Ada Byron suggests to Babbage that he use the binary system. She writes programs for the Analytical Engine.
Scheutzian Calculation Engine
Invented by Per Georg Scheutz in 1843. Based on Charles Babbage's difference engine. It was the first printing calculator.
Tabulating Machine
Invented by Herman Hollerithin 1890. To assist in summarizing information and accounting.
Havard Mark 1
Also known as IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC). Invented by Howard H. Aikenin 1943. The first electro-mechanical
computer.
Z1
The first programmable computer. Created by Konrad Zusein Germany from 1936 to 1938. To program the Z1 required that the user
insert punch tape into a punch tape reader and all output was also generated through punch tape.
Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC)
It was the first electronic digital computing device. Invented by Professor John Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry at Iowa
State University between 1939 and 1942.
ENIAC
ENIAC stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. It was the first electronic general-purpose computer. Completed in
1946. Developed by John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchl.
UNIVAC 1
The UNIVAC I (UNIVersal Automatic Computer 1) was the first commercial computer. Designed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly
EDVAC.
EDVAC stands for Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer. The First Stored Program Computer designed by Von Neumann in
1952. It has a memory to hold both a stored program as well as data.
The First Portable Computer
Osborne 1
The first portable computer. Released in 1981 by the Osborne Computer Corporation.
The First Computer Company
The first computer company was the Electronic Controls Company. Founded in 1949 by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly.

Classification of Computers
Computers can be classified based on
Generation
Application (purpose)
Data representation
Size (performance)

Classification of Computer based on Generations

There are five generations of computer:
•First generation–1946 -1958
•Second generation–1959 -1964
•Third generation–1965 -1970
•Fourth generation–1971 -today
•Fifth generation–Today to future
The First Generation
The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms.
They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the
cause of malfunctions. First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest-level programming language understood by
computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape,
and output was displayed on printouts.
The Second Generation
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers. One transistor replaced the equivalent of 40
vacuum tubes. Allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable. Still generated a great
deal of heat that can damage the computer. Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or
assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. They still relied on punched cards for input and
printouts for output. These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic
drum to magnetic core technology.
The Third Generation
•The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers. Transistors were miniaturized and
placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers. Much smaller and
cheaper compare to the second generation computers. It could carry out instructions in billionths of a second. Users interacted with
third generation computers through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run
many different applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first time became
accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.
The Fourth Generation
The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip.
As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to the
development of the Internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handheld devices.
The Fifth Generation
Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Still in development. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial
intelligence a reality. The goal is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-
organization. There are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today.

Classification on computers based on Purpose (Application)

Here computers can be grouped into:
General purpose computers
Dedicated purpose computers

General purpose computers

General purpose computers are designed to carry out a wide variety of tasks such as word processing, accounting, database etc. they
can perform a wide variety of operations because it can store and execute different programs in its internal storage. They are less
expensive, slower and less efficient than dedicated purpose computers.
Dedicated purpose computers
Dedicated (special) purpose computers are designed to carry out only one task and solve one particular problem for example weather
forecasting, traffic light control system, navigation system in an aircraft etc. they are more expensive, fast in computing and not versatile

Classification on computers based on Data representation

Here computers can be grouped into
Digital computers
Analog computers
Hybrid computers

Analog computers
They are used to process analog data. Analog data is of continuous nature and which is not discrete or separate. They include;
temperature, pressure, speed, weight, voltage, depth etc. they are ideal in situations where data can be accepted directly from
measuring instrument without having to convert into number codes. Analog computers are the first computer to be developed and are
widely used for certain specialized engineering and scientific applications, for calculation and measuring analog quantities.

Digital computers
They work with digits to represent numerals, letters or other special symbols. They process information which is based on the presence
or absence of an electrical charge (binary 1 or 0).they are used to perform arithmetic operations and logical operations. E.g. calculators.
Results are more accurate than in analog computers but analog computers are faster. Analog computers lack memory while digital
computers store information. We can say that digital computers count and analog computers measures.

Hybrid computers
It is a combination of digital and analog computers. It combines the best features of both types of computers. I.e. it has the speed of
analog computers and the memory and accuracy of digital computers. They are used mainly in specialized applications where both kinds
of data need to be processed e.g. in hospital, the analog device is used to measure patient blood pressure, temperature etc. which are
then converted and displayed in the form of digits. They are used in scientific calculators, in defense and radar systems

Classification on computers based on Size

All modern computers and computing devices use microprocessors whose speeds and storage capacities are skyrocketing day by day.
The developmental benchmark for computers is now their size. Computers are now classified on the basis of their use or size. Here
computers can be grouped into
Mainframe computer
Minicomputers
Microcomputers
Supercomputers

Microcomputers
Microcomputer is the smallest category of computers, in which single microchip is used for two basic units i.e. Arithmetic and Logical
Unit (ALU) and Control Unit. This microchip is often referred to as microprocessor. Microcomputers are further classified into following
categories:
 Desktop
 Laptop
 Tablet

Desktop
Desktop computers are personal computers (PCs) designed for use by an individual at a fixed location. IBM was the first computer to
introduce and popularize use of desktops. A desktop unit typically has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Introduction of desktops popularized use of computers among common people as it was compact and affordable.
Riding on the wave of desktop’s popularity many software and hardware devices were developed specially for the home or
office user. The foremost design consideration here was user friendliness.

Laptop
Despite its huge popularity, desktops gave way to a more compact and portable personal computer called laptop in 2000s. Laptops are
also called notebook computers or simply notebooks. Laptops run using batteries and connect to networks using Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
chips. They also have chips for energy efficiency so that they can conserve power whenever possible and have a longer life.
Modern laptops have enough processing power and storage capacity to be used for all office work, website designing, software
development and even audio/video editing.

Tablet
After laptops computers were further miniaturized to develop machines that have processing power of a desktop but are small enough
to be held in one’s palm. Tablets have touch sensitive screen of typically 5 to 10 inches where one finger is used to touch icons and
invoke applications.
Keyboard is also displayed virtually whenever required and used with touch strokes. Applications that run on tablets are called
apps. They use operating systems by Microsoft (Windows 8 and later versions) or Google (Android). Apple computers have developed
their own tablet called iPad which uses a proprietary OS called iOS.

Minicomputers (Server)
Servers are computers with high processing speeds that provide one or more services to other systems on the network. They may or
may not have screens attached to them. A group of computers or digital devices connected together to share resources is called a
network.
Servers have high processing powers and can handle multiple requests simultaneously. Most commonly found servers on networks
include −
 File or storage server
 Game server
 Application server
 Database server
 Mail server
 Print server

Mainframe
Mainframes are computers used by organizations like banks, airlines and railways to handle millions and trillions of online transactions
per second. Important features of mainframes are −
 Big in size
 Hundreds times Faster than servers, typically hundred megabytes per second
 Very expensive
 Use proprietary OS provided by the manufacturers
 In-built hardware, software and firmware security features

Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the fastest computers on Earth. They are used for carrying out complex, fast and time intensive calculations for
scientific and engineering applications. Supercomputer speed or performance is measured in teraflops, i.e. 1012 floating point
operations per second.
Most common uses of supercomputers include −
 Molecular mapping and research
 Weather forecasting
 Environmental research
 Oil and gas exploration

1.4. Mobile
Mobile computers are the systems, which are physically not remain connected to specific place rather these are mobile in nature, as one
can carry anywhere anytime.
The mobile computer technology carries battery back; therefore, it does not require consistent electric power.
Mobile computers can be connected with Internet through wire or the connection can be wireless as well through Wi-Fi or
Bluetooth technology. Likewise, it is portable, self-powered (because of inbuilt battery), and infused with wireless technology computing
device.

Types of Mobile Computing Device

Following are the popular mobile computing devices −
Laptop
A laptop is a portable version of desktop computer. It is equally competent to do any computing work.
Notebook
It is a light weight portable personal computer.
Tablet
It is comparatively handier slate-shaped mobile computer.
Smart Phone
A smart phone is a fully equipped cell phone with most of the computing features.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
It is a computer device more popular as pocket computer. It is largely used in calculation, accessing the Internet, sending and receiving
E-mails, scanning bar codes, use as a radio or stereo, playing computer games, video recording, typewriting and word processing, use as
an address book, making and writing on spreadsheets, Global Positioning System (GPS), as a clock and calendar, etc.

1.5. Applications of computers

A number of tasks in today’s world is computer based - filling an application, transferring fund, or doing online business
everything can be done through computer application.
Easily accessible and user friendly, computer applications process the required transactions very quickly and accurately. Computer
applications are designed in such a simple manner that no qualification or training is required to use it; any person who can read and
write can use a computer.

Uses of Computer
In this section, we will discuss the different computer applications and their uses.
 Education
 Medicine or health care
 Banks
 Military
 Industries
In the field of education computers are use:
  In acquiring knowledge especially through computer-Aided-learning (CAL) by means of distant learning or online learning
(distant leaning or online learning is a technique whereby students of learners from different locations can attend lessons in
real life situation using computers and other ICT tools over the internet)
 For teaching through computer based training
 To apply for applications for schools
 To mark MCQ with help of an input device caller OMR
 For setting, conducting, processing and publishing exams
 For storing students results
 For research by teachers and students
 Enhance the teaching and learning process
In the field of medicines computers are use:
 To carry out precise and accurate test and medical examinations
 To efficiently maintain database of patients records or medical history
 To carry out diagnosis and treatment of complex illnesses
 To carry out lab experiments, research and development of drugs
 Use in conducting surgical operations
 Facilitate e-medicine
In the field of banking and business computers are use:
 Help bank personals to carry out operations and activities efficiently and fast
 For transferring money electronically i.e. electronic money transfer
 Use in supermarkets for storing goods and checking stocks
 Designing of products
 Buying and selling of good online
 To check account balances and withdrawal of money e.g. through the use of ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) control by a
computer
 To store customers information and other financial transactions
In the field of military computers are use:
 To control the operation of weapons e.g. aircrafts, drones, missiles etc.
 In the development of military hardware or weapons
 To secure efficient communication during military operations
 For surveillance of enemy in times of war
In industries computers are use:
 By engineers and architects in designing products using special software called Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
 To manufacture products with the use special software called computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
 To control robots in industries carry out tasks in a precise and orderly manner
 To carry out simulations
In the field of Election computers are use:
 Use to register voters so as to create an electoral database of all electorates
 Use to process electoral results or procedures
 Reduce electoral fraud as multiple voters will be eliminated by the computer
In the field of government computers are use:
 Use to create an updated and efficient database of all public service workers
 Use for the management of career profile of state personnel
 Use in Day-to-day management of public services e.g. daily transactions
In the field of employment computers are use:
 Computer literate can be recruited or employ to work in many enterprises and organizations thereby reducing the rate of
unemployment
 Use to store employment data in order to keep statistics on the employment rate of a country
 To advertise and search for jobs or employment opportunities worldwide

Robots
A robot is an automatic programmable machine that is controlled by a computer to carry out complex tasks in a precise and orderly
manner. The features of a robot are:
- Accuracy: performs tasks in a precise and orderly manner without errors
- Speed: carry out complex task at a very fast rate within seconds
- Productivity: high rate of productivity
Green Computing
It is the environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and their resources or it is the study of designing or
manufacturing, using and disposing of computer devices in a way that reduces environmental impact.

Measures taken to encourage green computing

- Recycling of computer equipment: discard used or unwanted electronic equipment in a convenient and environmentally
responsible way
- Developing a sustainable green computing plan: this plan may include recycling policies, recommendations for disposal of used
equipment, government guidance and recommendations for purchasing green computer equipment
- Conserve energy: turn off your computer when you know you won’t use it for a long period of time

1.6. Computer Related Jobs

The fast computerization of every work and gradual dependency on computer based work has exponentially opened a new arena of
Information technology for employment.
However, the IT field requires qualified and trained employees who can design and develop a new information system.
Information technology has also helped in research and development and has further developed new technologies. The IT employees
emphasize on planning, designing, developing, managing the work, and providing technical support to various users.

Types of Computer Related Jobs

In recent times, a number of jobs have come up that are done with the assistance of computer. We will discuss the different job titles
performing computer related jobs −

Programmer
A person who is qualified enough to write a creative code for the computer program is known as Programmer.
The codes written by programmer are the instructions given to the computer over what to do, how to do, when to do, etc.There are
dozens of languages, which are written by the different programmers. E.g. Java, C, C++, python, Ajax, etc.

System Analyst
The job of a system analyst is highly classified and also very crucial.
A system analyst fundamentally designs, develops, and implements new systems or adds some additional features in the existing system
to give instructions to perform additional tasks.
System analyst also specializes in fields such as engineering, science & technology, finance, business, accounting, etc.

Database Administrator
A database administrator or simply DBA is a trained person who is accountable for the storage of and management of the database
system.

Network Administrator
Computer networking is another specialized field where a qualified person is required.
A network administrator specializes in installing, configuring, and supporting computer network system. Likewise, he manages the local
area network, wide area network, the Internet system or the segment of a network system in the respective organization.
The job of a network administrator is a very crucial one as almost every network in an organization requires at least one network
administrator.

Web Designers
A web designer is an architect who designs an effective and communicative website.
He places the images, contents, and other such information on right places to make the website interactive and user friendly.

Information Security Analysts

This is one of the most significant jobs under which an Information Security Analyst designs, implements, and supports the security
system of a computer or whole network.

Electronic Commerce
The advancement of computer technology and internet, domestic as well as international businesses are being fascinated towards these
technologies. Today, most of the small or big businesses and domestic or international businesses offer their products and services
through Internet.
The business organizations these days have attractive and interactive website through which they promote and market their business.
 The facility of computer based technology and Internet collectively integrates the fragmented markets by offering them a
common arena. Technology has further helped organizations in cost cutting and has also helped reduce the cost of products and
services.
Technology facilitates customers in buying products or services of their requirement by sitting at home or any place.

What is Electronic Commerce?

Electronic commerce or simply ecommerce is normally a process that involves facilitating the availability of products and services online.
The users can search, choose, sell, buy from a wide range of options through Internet.
The major activities of ecommerce are as follows −
 Selling products and services online (through internet)
 Buying products and services online
 Paying and accepting payment online
 Transaction of businesses and other services online

Features of E-Commerce
Following are the important features of ecommerce −
 It efficiently increases the business capability.
 It substantially reduces the cost.
 It perceptively increases the delivery services.
 It unbreakable solution of quick business transactions and office automation.
 It potentially increases the intra-business functionality.
 It competently increases the business communication.

Types of E-Commerce
Following are the major types of e-commerce businesses −
Business-to-Business (B2B)
It is conducted between two business firms.
Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
It is conducted between the business firm and the consumer.
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)
Consumer-to-consumer business deals happen between two consumers; there are certain websites that facilitate a common platform to
both the consumers - one who wants to buy and one who wants to sell.

Benefits of E-Commerce
Let us now discuss the benefits of e-commerce −
 It facilitates free market.
 It is available 24×7.
 Its presence is global (there is no constrain of political boundary as such).
 Set up cost is substantially low.
 It provides user-friendly technology.
 It offers multiple opportunity parallel and simultaneously.
 It provides frugal facilities to promote and market businesses.
 It has features to offer market research facility.
 It makes customer relations management easier.
 It facilitates the provision of 24×7 customer care services.
 It provides fund transfer facility domestically as well as internationally with simple steps.