Basic Concepts of Computer

Charles babbage- grand father of the computer(analytical engine)- read only

memory in the form of punch cards.
Abacus- 1st calculating device developed
Computer is an electronic device which is used to store the data, as per given instructions it gives
results quickly and accurately.

 Data : Data is a raw material of information.

 Information : Proper collection of the data is called information.

Characteristics of Computer

 SPEED : In general, no human being can compete to solving the complex computation, faster than
computer.

 ACCURACY : Since Computer is programmed, so what ever input we give it gives result with
accuratly.

 STORAGE : Computer can store mass storage of data with appropriate formate.

 DILIGENCE : Computer can work for hours without any break and creating error.

 VERSATILITY : We can use computer to perform completely different type of work at the same time.

 POWER OF REMEMBERING : It can remember data for us.

 NO IQ : Computer does not work without instruction.

 NO FEELING : Computer does not have emotions, knowledge, experience, feeling.

Computer and its components

Computer : Computer itself a combination of different type of separate electronic device. i.e. Computer only will
be computer if it has INPUT DEVICE, PROCESS UNIT, and OUTPUT DEVICE.

 Central Processing Unit (CPU) : It is heart and mind of the computer without this unit computer unable
to process.

 Keyboard : This is an input device which is used to input the data into the computer.
 Mouse : This is also an input device which is used to input the data into the computer.

 Monitor : This is an output device which is used to show the result of the instructions.

There are variety of monitor available in the market such as, CRT Monitor, LCD Monitor, Touch Screen
Monitor, TFT Monitor etc.

 Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) : This is and electronic device which is used to manage the
power supply of computer.

 Hard Disk (HDD) : This is used to store the data in massive amount. There are so many type of HDD
available in the market, i.e. SATA, PATA, External HDD, Internal HDD.

 Printer : This is an out put device which is used to show the result on the paper. There are plenty of
printer available in the market like inkjet, Laser printer, dot matrix printer etc.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) : This is used to connect the external device to the computer.

 Ethernet Cable : This is used to connect computer with other computer.

 CD/DVD ROM : This is used to store the data.

 Speaker : This is an output device which is used to listen voice, songs, etc.

 Mike : This is an Input device which is used to record the sound .

 Laptop : This is complete computer which can be carried anywhere any time.

 Netbook : This is called mini laptop which is generally lighter and smaller than laptop.

 Random Access Memory (RAM) : This is called primary memory. This is also called main memory of
the computer. Whatever data is written in this memory, is lost after switching off the system.

 Read Only Memory (ROM) : This is called primary memory. Data is written in this memory by the
vendor of the computer permanently.

 Pen Drive : This is very popular device now a days for carrying data on move.

 Blue Ray Disk : This is same as CD/DVD but only different is it can store multi time of data from
CD/DVD and faster than CD/DVD.
 Scanner : This is an input device which is used to scan the document for the soft copy.

 LCD : It is known as Liqued Crystal Display. It is an output device as monitor.

 Motherboard : It is a combination of electronic circuits.

 Sound Card : This is also a combination of electronic circuits which helps to give out put in the form of
sound.

 Graphics Card : This is also a combination of electronic circuits which helps to give output the data into
the monitor.
Computer Software
Software is a logical programme to handle/solve the complex problem.

 System Software : This is special type of software which is responsible for handle the whole computer
system.

 Application Software : This is special type of software which is used to solve a particular problem.

 Embeded Software : This type of software embeded with hardware to do a specific type of job.

 Proprietary Software : In general, this type of software require to purchase to use that particular
software for the some time or single user as per conditioned by the vendor of that particular software.

Open Source Software : This type of software may be freely available and can not be use in commercially. We
can modify, and use it under the same license.

Computer Languages

 Machine Level Language : This is low level programming language. Computer or any electronic device
only understand this language. i.e. Binary number i.e 0 and 1.

 Assembly Level Language : This is a low level programming language which is converted into
executable machine code by a utility programmer referred to as an assembler.

 High Level Language : High level language is a programming language which is easily
understandable/readable by human.
 Interpreter : This is a convertor which converts high level language programme to low level language
programme line by line.

 Compiler : This is also a convertor which converts whole high level language programme to low level
language programme at a time.
Number System

 Binary Number System : It has only base 2 i.e 0 and 1

 Octal Number System  : Base of octal is 8 i.e. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

 Decimal Number System : Base of Decimal is 10 i.e. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

 Hexadecimal Number System : Base of this number system is 16 i.e. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

Operating System

 Windows : This is an Proprietary Operating system and vendor is Microsoft. i.e. Windows 2007,
Windows vista, Windows 2008 etc.

 Linux : This is an open source Operating System such as ubuntu, fedora, debian, mandriva, centOS
etc.

Linux (Ubuntu ) Desktop Elements

File Management in Linux (Ubuntu)

Computer Security

 Virus and worms : These are the computer programme which malfunction the computer system. Virus
requires a carrier while worms does this by itself. Worm does not requires any carrier.

 Spoofing : Through this, deceiving the computer users and making the fool.

 Intrusion or Hacking : If a computer is used and controlled by unauthorised users then it is called
hacking and who does this is called hacker. Main purpose of hacking to steal the private data or alter the
actual data.

Denial of Services: The main aim of this attack is to bring down the targeted network and make it to deny the
service for legitimate users.
Sniffing : Data can be seen and watched when it travels one computer to other computer. Generation of the
Computer Charlse Babbase is known as father of computer he has invented first analytical computer in year
1822

 First Generation (1940 – 1955) . Example : Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) ,
EDVAC

 Second Generation (1956 – 1965) : IBM 1401

 Third Generation (1966 – 1975) : IBM System/360

 Fourth Generation (1976 – 1985) : Macintosh 128k

 Fifth Generation (1986 -till date) : Super computer

The characteristics of computers that have made them so powerful and universally useful are speed, accuracy,
diligence, versatility and storage capacity. Let us discuss them briefly.

 Speed

Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of performing about 3-4 million simple
instructions per second.

 Accuracy

In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur can almost always be attributed to
human error (inaccurate data, poorly designed system or faulty instructions/programs written by the
programmer)

 Diligence

Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer from human traits of boredom and
tiredness resulting in lack of concentration. Computers, therefore, are better than human beings in performing
voluminous and repetitive jobs.

 Versatility
Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any task as long as it can be broken down
into a series of logical steps. The presence of computers can be seen in almost every sphere – Railway/Air
reservation, Banks, Hotels, Weather forecasting and many more.

 Storage Capacity

Today’s computers can store large volumes of data. A piece of information once recorded (or stored) in the
computer, can never be forgotten and can be retrieved almost instantaneously.

A computer system consists of mainly four basic units; namely input unit, storage unit, central processing unit
and output unit. Central Processing unit further includes Arithmetic logic unit and control unit, as shown in the
figure:. A computer performs five major operations or functions irrespective of its size and make. These are

• it accepts data or instructions as input,

• it stores data and instruction

• it processes data as per the instructions,

• it controls all operations inside a computer, and

• it gives results in the form of output.

Functional Units:
a. Input Unit: This unit is used for entering data and programs into the computer system by the user for
processing.

Basic Computer Organisation

b. Storage Unit: The storage unit is used for storing data and instructions before and after processing.

c. Output Unit: The output unit is used for storing the result as output produced by the computer after
processing.

d. Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The
Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of
calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then sent back to the storage
unit. CPU includes Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU)
• Arithmetic Logic Unit: All calculations and comparisons, based on the instructions provided, are carried out
within the ALU. It performs arithmetic functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and also logical
operations like greater than, less than and equal to etc.

• Control Unit: Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It
takes care of step by step processing of all operations in side the computer.

Memory
Computer’s memory can be classified into two types; primary memory and secondary memory
RAM

a. Primary Memory can be further classified as RAM and ROM.

• RAM or Random Access Memory is the unit in a computer system. It is the place in a computer where the
operating system, application programs and the data in current use are kept temporarily so that they can be
accessed by the computer’s processor. It is said to be ‘volatile’ since its contents are accessible only as long as
the computer is on. The contents of RAM are no more available once the computer is turned off.

ROM or Read Only Memory is a special type of memory which can only be read and contents of which are not
lost even when the computer is switched off. It typically contains manufacturer’s instructions. Among other
things, ROM also stores an initial program called the ‘bootstrap loader’ whose function is to start the operation
of computer system once the power is turned on.

b. Secondary Memory

RAM is volatile memory having a limited storage capacity. Secondary/auxiliary memory is storage other than
the RAM. These include devices that are peripheral and are connected and controlled by the computer to
enable permanent storage of programs and data.

 CD ROM

Secondary storage devices are of two types; magnetic and optical. Magnetic devices include hard disks and
optical storage devices are CDs, DVDs, Pen drive, Zip drive etc.

• Hard Disk

Hard disks are made up of rigid material and are usually a stack of metal disks sealed in a box. The hard disk
and the hard disk drive exist together as a unit and is a permanent part of the computer where data and
programs are saved. These disks have storage capacities ranging from 1GB to 80 GB and more. Hard disks
are rewritable.

• Compact Disk
Compact Disk (CD) is portable disk having data storage capacity between 650-700 MB. It can hold large
amount of information such as music, full-motion videos, and text etc. CDs can be either read only or read write
type.
CD Drive

• Digital Video Disk

Digital Video Disk (DVD) is similar to a CD but has larger storage capacity and enormous clarity. Depending
upon the disk type it can store several Gigabytes of data. DVDs are primarily used to store music or movies
and can be played back on your television or the computer too. These are not rewritable.

Hard Disk

Input / Output Devices:

These devices are used to enter information and instructions into a computer for storage or processing and to
deliver the processed data to a user. Input/Output devices are required for users to communicate with the
computer. In simple terms, input devices bring information INTO the computer and output devices bring
information OUT of a computer system. These input/output devices are also known as peripherals since they
surround the CPU and memory of a computer system.
Input Devices

An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. There are many input devices, but the two
most common ones are a keyboard and mouse. Every key you press on the keyboard and every movement or
click you make with the mouse sends a specific input signal to the computer.

Keyboard

• Keyboard: The keyboard is very much like a standard typewriter keyboard with a few additional keys. The
basic QWERTY layout of characters is maintained to make it easy to use the system. The additional keys are
included to perform certain special functions. These are known as function keys that vary in number from
keyboard to keyboard.

• Mouse: A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. A mouse is a small
object you can roll along a hard and flat surface. Its name is derived from its shape, which looks a bit like a
mouse. As you move the mouse, the pointer on the display screen moves in the same direction.

• Trackball: A trackball is an input device used to enter motion data into computers or other electronic devices.
It serves the same purpose as a mouse, but is designed with a moveable ball on the top, which can be rolled in
any direction.
• Touchpad: A touch pad is a device for pointing (controlling input positioning) on a computer display screen. It
is an alternative to the mouse. Originally incorporated in laptop computers, touch pads are also being made for
use with desktop computers. A touch pad works by sensing the user’s finger movement and downward
pressure. • Touch Screen: It allows the user to operate/make selections by simply touching the display screen.
A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Widely used on ATM machines, retail point-
of-sale terminals, car navigation systems, medical monitors and industrial control panels.

Mouse

• Light Pen: Light pen is an input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector to select objects on a display
screen.

• Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR): MICR can identify character printed with a special ink that
contains particles of magnetic material. This device particularly finds applications in banking industry.

• Optical mark recognition (OMR): Optical mark recognition, also called mark sense reader is a technology
where an OMR device senses the presence or absence of a mark, such as pencil mark. OMR is widely used in
tests such as aptitude test.

• Bar code reader: Bar-code readers are photoelectric scanners that read the bar codes or vertical zebra strips
marks, printed on product containers. These devices are generally used in super markets, bookshops etc.

Light Pen

Scanner
 Scanner is an input device that can read text or illustration printed on paper and translates the
information into a form that the computer can use. A scanner works by digitizing an image. (Fig. 1.7)

Scanner

Output Devices:

Output device receives information from the CPU and presents it to the user in the desired from. The
processed data, stored in the memory of the computer is sent to the output unit, which then converts it into
a form that can be understood by the user. The output is usually produced in one of the two ways – on the
display device, or on paper (hard copy).

•Monitor: is often used synonymously with “computer screen” or “display.” Monitor is an output device that
resembles the television screen (fig. 1.8). It may use a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) to display information.
The monitor is associated with a keyboard for manual input of characters and displays the information as it
is keyed in. It also displays the program or application output. Like the television, monitors are also
available in different sizes. • Printer: Printers are used to produce paper (commonly known as hard copy)
output. Based on the technology used, they can be classified as Impact or Non-impact printers.

Impact printers use the typewriting printing mechanism wherein a hammer strikes the paper through a
ribbon in order to produce output. Dot-matrix and Character printers fall under this category.

Monitor

Non-impact printers do not touch the paper while printing. They use chemical, heat or electrical signals to
etch the symbols on paper. Inkjet, Deskjet, Laser, Thermal printers fall under this category of printers.

• Plotter: Plotters are used to print graphical output on paper. It interprets computer commands and makes
line drawings on paper using multi colored automated pens. It is capable of producing graphs, drawings,
 charts, maps etc. • Facsimile (FAX): Facsimile machine, a device that can send or receive pictures and
text over a telephone line. Fax machines work by digitizing an image.

Plotter

• Sound cards and Speaker(s): An expansion board that enables a computer to manipulate and output
sounds. Sound cards are necessary for nearly all CD-ROMs and have become commonplace on modern
personal computers. Sound cards enable the computer to output sound through speakers connected to the
board, to record sound input from a microphone connected to the computer, and manipulate sound stored
on a disk.

Computer software is the set of programs that makes the hardware perform a set of tasks in particular order.
Hardware and software are complimentary to each other. Both have to work together to produce meaningful
results. Computer software is classified into two broad categories; system software and application software.
Contents
 [hide] 

1 System Software:

2 Application software:
System Software:
System software consists of a group of programs that control the operations of a computer equipment including
functions like managing memory, managing peripherals, loading, storing, and is an interface between the
application programs and the computer. MS DOS (Microsoft’s Disk Operating System), UNIX are examples of
system software.

Application software:

Software that can perform a specific task for the user, such as word processing, accounting, budgeting or
payroll, fall under the category of application software. Word processors, spreadsheets, database management
systems are all examples of general purpose application software.

Types of application software are:

• Word processing software: The main purpose of this software is to produce documents. MS-Word, Word Pad,
Notepad and some other text editors are some of the examples of word processing software.

• Database software: Database is a collection of related data. The purpose of this software is to organize and
manage data. The advantage of this software is that you can change way data is stored and displayed. MS
access, dBase, FoxPro, Paradox, and Oracle are some of the examples of database software.
• Spread sheet software: The spread sheet software is used to maintain budget, financial statements, grade
sheets, and sales records. The purpose of this software is organizing numbers. It also allows the users to
perform simple or complex calculations on the numbers entered in rows and columns. MS-Excel is one of the
example of spreadsheet software.

• Presentation software: This software is used to display the information in the form of slide show. The three
main functions of presentation software is editing that allows insertion and formatting of text, including graphics
in the text and executing the slide shows. The best example for this type of application software is Microsoft
PowerPoint.

• Multimedia software: Media players and real players are the examples of multimedia software. This software
will allow the user to create audio and videos. The different forms of multimedia software are audio converters,
players, burners, video encoders and decoders.

What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has
the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you
can use a computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse
the Web. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and
even videos.

Watch the video below to learn about different types of computers.

Hardware vs. software

Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two things all
computers have in common: hardware and software.

 Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical

structure, such as the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the
computer's internal parts, which you can see in the image below.
  Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to
do and how to do it. Examples of software include web browsers,
games, and word processors. Below, you can see an image of
Microsoft PowerPoint, which is used to create presentations.

Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software.
For example, right now you may be viewing this lesson in a web
browser (software) and using your mouse (hardware) to click from page to
page. As you learn about different types of computers, ask yourself about the
differences in their hardware. As you progress through this tutorial, you'll see
that different types of computers also often use different types of software.