Basics of Computer Science Tutorial PDF
Basics of Computer Science Tutorial PDF
Likewise, Computer Science includes a wide range of topics such as the development of
Computer Technology (hardware and software), application of Computer technology in
today’s life, information technology, computer threat, computer security, etc. However,
we have segregated this tutorial into different chapters for easy understanding.
Audience
This tutorial is designed exclusively for the students preparing for the different competitive
exams including civil services, banking, railway, eligibility test, and all other
competitive exams of such kind.
Prerequisites
It is a very basic tutorial that assumes no prior knowledge on any concepts related to Computer
Science. Hence, there are no prerequisites whatsoever. This tutorial is entirely based on
reliable sources including books, relevant articles, and facts (taken from the official
websites).
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Basics of Computer Science
Table of Contents
About the Tutorial .................................................................................................................................... i
Audience .................................................................................................................................................. i
Prerequisites ............................................................................................................................................ i
Software ................................................................................................................................................. 8
ii
Basics of Computer Science
iii
Basics of Computer Science
iv
Basics of Computer Science
Multimedia Components....................................................................................................................... 58
Multimedia Application......................................................................................................................... 59
Definition .............................................................................................................................................. 64
Types of Virus........................................................................................................................................ 67
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Basics of Computer Science
1. Basics of Computer Science – Fundamental Concepts
Input of data
Manipulation/processing of data
Giving output (i.e. management of output result)
In computer system, data is arranged orderly and systematically.
The term “computer” is derived from a Latin term “compute,” which means ‘to calculate.’
Initially, the computer system had been designed to calculate; it was intended to be a
computing device. However, over a period of time, this device technically advanced; at
present, it can perform a wide range of desirable works apart from data processing.
A computer accepts the command and/or data as input given by the user.
A computer follows the instructions and stores the data given by the user.
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Basics of Computer Science
A computer processes the data as per the instructions given by the user.
A computer gives the desirable results in the form of output.
Speed ─ Depending upon the power of the computer, it can perform, it can take
Millions of instructions per second.
Storage ─ A computer system can store enormous quantity of data in different format.
The storage capacity of a computer system is normally expressed in terms of Kilobytes
(KB), Megabytes (MB), Gigabytes (GB), or Terabytes (TB).
Vast memory ─ A computer system can have a wide range of memory which can
recall the desired data at any point of time.
Let us now read about the innovators who contributed immensely in the development of a
computer system.
John Napier
Napier was a Scottish mathematician who invented logarithms.
Further, Napier also invented a computing device, which consisted of sticks with numbers
imprinted on them. Napier named sticks ‘bones,’ as they were made up of bones.
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Basics of Computer Science
Blaise Pascal
Pascal was a French mathematician who invented a machine based on gear wheels, which
helped greatly in calculation.
Charles Babbage
Babbage was an English Polymath, Mathematician, Mechanical Engineer, Philosopher, and
Inventor. In 1822, he developed a machine capable to calculate the successive difference of
expression and prepared a table which helped him in his calculations.
John Atanstoff
With the assistance of Berry, John Atanstoff developed the Atanstoff Berry Computer (more
popular as ABC) in 1937. It marked the beginning of the development of electronic digital
computer.
Maurice V. Wilkes
In 1949, Wilkes (at Cambridge University) designed Electronic Delay Storage Automatic
Calculator (EDSAC). It was the first computer that started its operating system on the stored
program concept.
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2. Basics of Computer Science – RoleBasics of Computer Science
of Computer in
Today’s World
In today’s world, for almost every activity whether personal (for example, operating personal
savings bank account) or business-related (for example, selling any product or services); in
some or the other way, we rely on the computer system.
Due to the growing dependency on computers, every small and big organizations and other
business companies have started offering computer-based service. Furthermore, the
advancement of communications, electronic service networks, and multimedia have opened
a new door for corporates by providing an effective way of business processing, payment
transfer, and service delivery.
Independency
As computers help in making the business automated, the businesses are becoming more and
more independent. No more, there is the need to put man-power for every work, as with the
help of computer most of the works can be automated. Starting from ticket booking to a
luxury car manufacturing, everything is automated.
Cost Cutting
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Basics of Computer Science
A number of business are based online in recent times; therefore, there is no need to open
business branch in every city, rather having one centralized inventory can make the business
easier. There is no need to employ many man-power.
Marketing
With the use of computer system with Internet facility, it is very simple to make a business
global in a given period of time. Website, email, social media websites, online advertisements,
etc. are the important tools of online marketing.
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High Accuracy
There is hardly any scope of errors in an automated system; however, if any error occurs, it
is largely a human error.
Competition
The applicability of computer technology has increased competition; now, the customers can
avail support 24x7.
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3. Basics of Computer Science – Computer System
A computer system is an integrated form of different components that work together to give
a desirable result. It has different component and each works for a specific purpose; however,
they generate a common result as required by the user.
Hardware
Software
Humanware
Firmware
Bridgeware
Hardware
The physical components collectively form the hardware of a computer system. Hardware
comprises of the equipment that helps in the working system of the computer.
Following are the different types of hardware components (which have specific functions):
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Basics of Computer Science
CPU: It is the Central Processing Unit that controls the computer’s functions and
transmits data.
RAM: It is the Random Access Memory and responsible for the storage of programs
that are currently running and also stores data temporarily.
Optical disks: It is a device that also store data. For example, CD, DVD, etc.
Software
The hardware components can only function when software components are added to the
computer system. Software is a program that performs different commands given by a user.
Types of Software
Depending on the basic features and functionality, software can be categorized as:
E–accessibility Software
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Operating System
This software helps to load the basic program automatically as soon as the computer is
started. Following are the major types of operating system:
Application Software
The software, which can be used on an installed operating system, is known as application
software. Following are the significant examples of application software:
E –accessibility Software
The E-accessibility software components additional facilities to users such as:
Screen reader
Magnifying tool
On-screen keyboard
Video games
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4. Basics of Computer Science – Programing Languages
The computer system is simply a machine and hence it cannot perform any work; therefore,
in order to make it functional different languages are developed, which are known as
programing languages or simply computer languages.
Over the last two decades, dozens of computer languages have been developed. Each of these
languages comes with its own set of vocabulary and rules, better known as syntax.
Furthermore, while writing the computer language, syntax has to be followed literally, as even
a small mistake will result in an error and not generate the required output.
Machine Language
Assembly Language
System Language
Scripting Language
Assembly Language
It is a language of an encoding of machine code that makes simpler and readable.
High-level languages are very important, as they help in developing complex software and
they have the following advantages:
Unlike assembly language or machine language, users do not need to learn the high-
level language in order to work with it.
High-level languages are similar to natural languages, therefore, easy to learn and
understand.
High-level language is designed in such a way that it detects the errors immediately.
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Although a high-level language has many benefits, yet it also has a drawback. It has poor
control on machine/hardware.
SQL
Java
Javascript
C#
Python
C++
PHP
IOS
Ruby/Rails
.Net
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Basics of Computer Science
5. Basics of Computer Science – Hardware & Software
The following table highlights the points that differentiate a hardware from a software.
Hardware Software
It has the permanent shape and It can be modified and reused, as it has no
structure, which cannot be modified. permanent shape and structure
It works with binary code (i.e., 1’s to It functions with the help of high level
0’s) . language like COBOL, BASIC, JAVA, etc.
It takes in only machine language, i.e., It takes in higher level language, easily
lower level language. readable by a human being.
It cannot be transferred from one place It can transfer from one place to other
to other electronically. electronically.
Duplicate copy of hardware cannot be A user can create copies of a software as many
created. as he wishes.
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6. Basics of Computer Science – Analog and Digital
The following table highlights the basic differences between analog and digital:
Analog Digital
It gives output in the form of ‘graph’. It gives output in the form of discrete values.
It is hardly applicable for the business It is very much suitable for the business
applications. applications.
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7. Basics of Computer Science – Operating System
An operating system is the fundamental basis of all other application programs. Operating
system is an intermediary between the users and the hardware.
Operating system controls and coordinates the use of hardware among application programs.
The major services of an operating system are:
Memory management
Disk access
Creating user interface
Managing the different programs operating parallel
Likewise, it controls and manage the hardware’s working
An operating system is accountable for the formation and deletion of files and
directories.
An operating system stores, organizes, and names and protects the existing files.
Further, an operating system manages all the components and devices of the
computers system including modems, printers, plotters, etc.
In case, if any device fails, the operating system detects and notify.
Features of DOS
Following are the significant features of DOS:
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Basics of Computer Science
Internal Commands: Commands such as DEL, COPY, TYPE, etc. are the internal
commands that remain stored in computer memory.
External Commands: Commands like FORMAT, DISKCOPY, etc. are the external
commands and remain stored on the disk.
It is the most popular and simplest operating system; it can be used by any person who can
read and understand basic English, as it does not require any special training.
However, the Windows Operating System requires DOS to run the various application
programs initially. Because of this reason, DOS should be installed into the memory and then
window can be executed.
Elements of Windows OS
Following are the significant element of Windows Operating System (WOS):
Taskbar
Start button
Windows explorer
Mouse button
Hardware compatibility
Software compatibility
Help, etc.
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Windows XP 2001
It runs practically on every sort of hardware and provides stimulus to the open source
movement.
It has comparative complex functionality and hence an untrained user cannot use it;
only the one who has taken training can use this system.
Another drawback of this system is, it does not give notice or warn about the
consequences of a user’s action (whether user’s action is right or wrong).
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8. Basics of Computer Science –Basics of Computer Science
Internet
Internet is a system that interconnects the different computer systems across the world. It
uses the Internet protocol suite to link devices located in different corners of the world.
The Internet system carries an extensive range of information resources and services
including World Wide Web (WWW), telephony, electronic mail, etc. It uses standard internet
protocols, such as TCP/IP and HTTP, etc.
An internal web comprises of all Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) nodes on a private
network; for example, an organization’s LAN or WAN.
Features of Internet
Let us now discuss the features of Internet. The features are described below:
Accessibility
An Internet is a global service and accessible to all. Today, people located in a remote part of
an island or interior of Africa can also use Internet.
Easy to Use
The software, which is used to access the Internet (web browser), is designed very simple;
therefore, it can be easily learned and used. It is easy to develop.
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Basics of Computer Science
Low Cost
The development and maintenance cost of Internet service are comparatively low.
Flexibility of Communication
Communication through Internet is flexible enough. It facilitates communication through text,
voice, and video too. These services can be availed at both organizational and individual
levels.
Security
Last but not the least, Internet facility has to a certain extent helped the security system both
at the individual and national level with components such as CCTV camera, etc.
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Internet Software
Internet Software comprises of all the tools needed for networking through computer.
Following are a few important components of the Internet Software:
Dialer Software
Interment Browser
Internet Applications
Internet applications are server-based applications. Following are a few Internet Applications:
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