Information Technology

Chapter 2
Fundamentals of Computer

Prepared By – Mr. Devendra Bari

Chapter 2 Fundamentals of Computer.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Computer is an electronic device used in almost every field; even

where it is most unexpected.
Now we cannot imagine a world without computers.
These days, computers are used extensively by engineers and
scientists and also by millions of people around the world.
That is why this age is called of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

A computer is made up of two components - one is the hardware

and the other is the software.
All physical components of computer including keyboard, mouse,
monitor, etc, are a part of the hardware.
The programs and languages used by the computer are called
software. The computer is accurate, fast and can accomplish
many tasks easily. It can do very big calculations in just a fraction
of a second. It can store large amount of data. We can also get a
lot of information on different aspects using internet.
The computer is used in different fields:
Banks: Almost every bank uses computers to keep the records of money transactions and
financial documents. It is used in this sector because of the speed, convenience and security
that it provides.

Communication: Communication has become very easy and simple through internet and email
Computer communicates using telephone lines, modems and satellites.
Through email we can send messages in a second to anybody in any part of the world.
Internet helps us to find information on every topic. It is the easiest and fastest way of commuinca
tion.

Business: Computer has now become an integral part of corporate life.

Business transactions take place easily, accurately and records of all the business transactions
can be stored.
Today computers can be found in every store, supermarkets, restaurants, offices etc.
One can buy and sell things online, bills and taxes can be paid online.
Medical Science and Health Care: Diseases can be easily diagnosed with the help of computer
and we can also know about the cure.
Using computers, doctors can easily search information about latest drugs that are available to
treat a disease.
In addition, doctors use computer technology to discuss and share information about various
diseases.

Education: Today computer has become an important part of one‟s education because we are
using computers in every field.
Computers are used in class rooms by teachers to teach, maintain records of students, online
learning and assessments, etc.

Media : Almost every type of editing and audio- visual composition can be made by using
special software made for the purpose.
Some software can even make three dimensional figures which are mostly used in making
cartoon films.
Special effects for action and science fiction movies are also created on computer.
Travel and Ticketing : With the advent of computers, ticketing and reservations have become an
easy task.
Now a-days, it is possible to reserve our train tickets over the internet.
Reservation of tickets can be done through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation
(IRCTC) website of Indian Railways.
It also allows one to check the railway seat availability and PNR status in real-time

Weather Predictions : Weather predictions are also possible by the experts using
supercomputers.
Weather forecasting now relies on computer-based models that take many atmospheric factors
into account.

Sports: Computers are also used for umpiring decisions.

Many a times, the umpire has to go for the decision of third umpire in which the recording is seen
on the computer and finally an accurate and fair decision is reached.
Simulation software helps the sportsman to practice and improve his skills.
Arts and Entertainment : Video games are one of the most popular applications of personal
computers. The constantly improving graphics and sound capabilities of personal computers
have made them popular tools for artists and musicians.
Painting and drawing programs enable artists to create realistic images and animated displays
much more easily than they could with more traditional tools.
Musicians can use computers to create multiple-voice compositions and to play back music with
hundreds of variations.
Social Media : The spreading of an idea, or of news occurring somewhere in the world is now
possible through social sites on the internet. As long as one person is able to connect to the
internet and express their view about a situation or simply about an idea, then the information that
individual will want to share, will get out into the world.
Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn allow people to share ideas on not just
news, but also on products and services.
Scientific Research : Scientists use documentation.
For example, scientists use computers to view images from space and to publish information
on their recent research.
Government : In government organizations, you can use computers to organize information
by storing and maintaining records. Computers are also used for providing services to citizens
Hardware: Hardware refers to all the physical components of a computer.
It includes all input devices, processing devices, storage devices, and output devices.
The keyboard, mouse, motherboard, monitor, hard disk, cables, and printer are all examples of
hardware.
Computers need input and output devices to perform tasks. Apart from input and output devices,
a computer uses processing devices to work on the input data and generate the desired output.
The most important processing device is the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
The CPU is the brain of the computer.
It processes the input to perform calculations and produce output.

A motherboard is a large circuit board that connects input, output, and processing devices.
The motherboard circuits provide pathways that allow data to pass through these various
components.
It also contains chips that determine how, when, and where data can flow through the computer.
Depending on the task that you want your computer to perform, you can choose the appropriate
hardware
Operating System
The software which controls and manages the hardware connected to your computer.
The operating system provides an interface that helps you to interact with the computer.
examples are Windows, Linux, Android.
A user interface can be either text-based or graphics-based.
Most operating systems provide a graphical user interface (GUI), which displays images and
pictures that allow you to interact with a computer easily.

The hardware and the operating system together are referred to as a platform. Programs, also
called applications, use this platform to perform tasks.
There are many types of programs. Some programs allow you to perform tasks such as writing
letters, doing calculations, or sending e-mail messages.
For example, a word processor, such as Microsoft Office Word helps you create a letter.

Programs process data that you provide as input to your computer.

This data can be in the form of text, graphics, audio, or video depending on the type
of program.
For example, Calculator is a program that requires input in the form of numbers
Networks
Consider a scenario where an organization has 10 employees.
These employees use computers to perform daily tasks.
They also need to print data frequently.
Instead of giving each employee a printer, which would be expensive, all computers can be
connected to a single printer.
A group of computers and associated devices that are linked together to facilitate sharing
information is called a network. Networks can also be used to share data and devices such as
printers.
You can also communicate with other computer users on the network.
A typical network has the following three components:
Server: The main computer on a network that provides services to other computers on the
network. A server decides which computers are to be allowed to access the hardware and
software on the network.
Workstation: A computer connected to a network. You use a workstation to access the hardware
and software on a network.
Communication channel: A path or link that connects computers or peripheral devices,
such as printers and disk drives, to transfer information. Ex. Cables
Depending upon the area covered, a network can be categorized as a local area network (LAN)
or a wide area network (WAN)

A WAN can used to connect two or more LANs by using long wires, optical cables, and satellites.
Ex. Internet is a example of WAN
Internet
The Internet is a worldwide collection of public networks that are linked to each other for
exchange information and ideas.

The World Wide Web (WWW), or the Web, is another service that the Internet provides. WWW in
cludes specially formatted documents that are interlinked and stored on servers to send message
, apply for jobs, watch movies, and buy and sell products.

Intranet
Many organizations use a special type of network to communicate and share information within
the organization. Such a network is called an intranet.
 2: PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
A computer has various parts, and each part performs a specific function.
Input devices=> Input devices are used to provide information to a computer.
Ex. Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone, Scanner: A device that is similar to a photocopy machine,
Webcam, Stylus: A pointing device, similar to a pen, used to make selections and enter
information by tapping on a touch sensitive surface.

Output devices=> The devices to get feedback from a computer after it performs a task.
Monitor, Printer, Speaker/Headphone.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Memory=> The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a device t
hat interprets and runs the commands that you give to a computer. It is the control unit of a
Computer
Memory is where information is stored and retrieved by the CPU. There are three main types of m
emory.
Random access memory (RAM= is volatile),
Read only memory (ROM= nonvolatile orpermanent, memory that is commonly used
to store commands), Flash memory = nonvolatile
Motherboard=> The motherboard is the main circuit board inside a computer. It has tiny
electronic circuits and other components on it. The motherboard connects input, output, and
processing devices together and tells the CPU how to run.

Expansion Cards=> Video card, Network interface card (NIC), Sound card, Graphics

Storage Devices=>
Hard disk: A magnetic disk that is usually the main storage device on most computers. It can be
an external or an internal device.
Floppy disk: A portable storage device that allows you to store a small amount of data
CD-ROM: A portable storage medium that allows you to store 400 times more data than on a
floppy disk.
DVD-ROM: A portable storage medium that can store larger amounts of data than a CDROM.
A DVD-ROM is commonly used to store movies and videos
Ports and Connections=>Universal serial bus (USB) port,
FireWire: to connect devices such as a digital camera. It is faster than a USB.
Network port: to connect a computer to other computers.
Parallel port and serial port: to connect printers and other devices.
 3: COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
“A computer system is a programmable machine designed to perform arithmetic and logical opera
tions to produce meaningful results in desired format”
Software is a collection of instructions and related data that tells a computer what to do and how
to do. Hardware is a collection of electronic and other peripheral units, which enables software to
perform desired operations.

A computer system is broadly divided into three units –

Input Unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Output Unit.

The CPU is further divided into three parts (i) control unit (CU),
(ii) arithmetic & logic unit (ALU) and
(iii) memory unit (MU).
Inside CPU, Control unit acts as a receptionist and a manager of a company.
It receives each and every instruction from user and coordinates between different parts to
perform various operations. Arithmetic and logic unit performs all the mathematical and logical
calculations. Memory unit acts as a temporary store small amount of data is stored while other o
perations are being performed.
In the computer, the data is stored in the form of Bits and Bytes.
Bit (Binary Digit represented by 0 or 1) is the smallest storage unit,
8 Bits combined together form a single byte, which in turn represent a single character

Now, let us connect/check the connections between various parts

of a personal computer. Try to locate all the sockets or ports, which
are present behind the CPU Cabinet as shown in Figure 2. Some
of the common sockets/ports are power socket for connecting
power cable, Personal System 2 (PS2) ports for connecting
Mouse and Keyboard, Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port
for connecting USB devices such as mouse, keyboard, printer
etc., Video Graphic Adapter (VGA) port for connecting
Monitor/Screen.
Assessment
1. What is input unit of a computer system?
2. What is output unit of a computer system?
3. What is the job of Control Unit inside CPU?
4. What is the job of Arithmetic Logic Unit inside CPU?
5. Name four input devices and write the type of input that can be entered through them into a
computer system.
6. Name four output devices and write the type of output that can be exhibited through them.

4: TYPES OF COMPUTERS
After you start using a computer, there are different types of programs available that help you
perform different tasks.
You can use a word processor to create documents or a spreadsheet to perform mathematical
calculations
Depending on the size and the purpose of a personal computer, it can be categorized into four
different types: desktop, laptop, handheld, or tablet.‟
Type of Computer & Feature
Desktop computers => Desktop computers are made up of individual components such as a
monitor, a keyboard, a system unit, and a printer.
Desktop computers are not portable and are generally placed on the surface of a desk or a table.
The components of desktop computers can easily be replaced or upgraded.
Desktop computers usually have more memory, a larger hard drive, more ports, and a bigger
display than laptops and other portable computers.
Laptop computers => Laptop computers are lightweight personal computers.
Laptop computers are smaller in size as compared to a desktop computer and are designed for
travel.
Laptop computers are also called notebooks. The main feature of laptop computers is that they
are small and portable.
As the name suggests, these can easily be placed on the lap of a user.
Desktop computers run on electricity only, while laptop computers run on electricity or on
batteries that can be recharged.
However, laptop computers consume more power than desktop computers with a similar
hardware setup.
Handheld computers =>
Handheld computers are devices used for specific everyday tasks, such as managing personal
data. These are smaller than laptops and provide fewer features compared to desktop computers
or laptops. These can also perform basic word-processing activities and help you access the
Internet. You can also send and receive e-mail messages by using handheld computers.
Several handheld computer models can also work as cellular phones or digital cameras.

Tablet computers=> Tablet computers are fully functional computers that allow you to write
directly on the screen by using a tablet pen. You can also use the tablet pen to perform mouse
functions. Tablet computers, therefore, do not need a keyboard and a mouse.

Computer Performance=>
CPU speed: The CPU is the brain of the computer and its speed is an important factor that
affects the overall performance of the computer. The CPU speed is the rate at which the CPU can
perform a task, such as moving data to and from RAM, or performing a numerical calculation.
If you have two computers that are identical except for the CPU speed, the computer with
the faster CPU completes a task more quickly.
Hard disk => Hard disks differ in storage capacities as well as their speed of data storage and
retrieval. If the speed of data retrieval is fast, the computer takes less time to start and to load
programs.
Additionally, the speed and size of the hard disk play an important role when a program needs to
process large volumes of data

RAM => The speed of retrieving data stored on RAM is very fast and for this reason the computer
uses it to store the information that is currently in use.
If the amount of RAM is large enough to hold all of the information in use, this can result in faster
computer performance.

Productivity Programs
You can use computer programs to organize numbers, write letters or proposals, maintain record
s, create and modify images, convert text into visuals, and create magazines and brochures.
Word-processing and publishing programs->
To create and modify text-based documents. You can type in and modify text, use the spelling ch
ecker and the built-in thesaurus, and format the document. By using these programs, you
can also create personal and professional documents. Microsoft Office (MS) Word is
a commonly used word-processing program
Publishing programs are used to combine text and graphics to create documents such as
brochures, greeting cards, annual reports, books, or magazines

Presentation programs-> To present your information in the form of slides. You can add sound
and pictures to these slides to make them more attractive and informative.
Ex. Microsoft Office (MS) PowerPoint

Spreadsheet programs->To create budgets, manage accounts, perform mathematical calculatio

ns, and convert numerical data into charts and graphs. Spreadsheets store information in a table,
with values spread over horizontal rows and vertical columns.
Ex. Microsoft Office (MS) Excel

Database programs-> To store and manage data in an organized way. By using these programs
, you can also sort or search for the information stored in a database. In addition, you can create
simple reports from the data that you have stored. For example, you can use a database program
to store customer details, create and manage inventory, and track sales.
Communication Programs:
Computers use special programs called communication programs that allow you to send and
receive messages with other people in a digital format.

E-Mail: Sending e-mail messages is the exchange of messages from one computer user to
another computer user.

To send an e-mail message you must have an Internet connection and an e-mail account.
This Internet connection is provided by ISP .
You can use several programs, such as Windows Mail, to create an e-mail account.

[email protected]
where the username is your name. The @ is the at sign and example.com is the domain name.

A domain name identifies the name and type of organization with whom you have
an e-mail account
Chat: Another type of communication is through chat programs, which allows you to send and
receive messages immediately.
Ex. Windows Live Messenger

Through chat you can also talk to the person you are chatting with. This is called voice chat.

Another form of chatting allows you to also see the person you are talking to. You use a device
called a webcam to do this. This is called video chat.

5: USING A COMPUTER
The operating system controls the computer‟s hardware and manages the different operations of
the computer, such as logging on, logging off, and shutting down.

When the computer starts the operating system, a welcome screen appears. This screen displays
the links to existing user accounts.

After you log on, you can perform various tasks, such as creating a new file or modifying
an existing file.
If you encounter problems while using the computer, you can use the Restart option to restart the
computer.

Overview of a Keyboard
the functions of some keys such as DELETE, BACKSPACE, PAGE UP, and PAGE DOWN may
vary from program to program

Keys labeled from F1 to F12 are function keys. You use them to perform specific functions.
Their functions differ from program to program. The function of the F1 key in most programs is
to access the help file associated with a program.

Keys, such as Control (CTRL), SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT, CAPS LOCK, and TAB, are special keys
The special keys perform special functions depending on when and where they are used.

Punctuation keys include keys for punctuation marks, such as colon (:), semicolon (;),
question mark (?), single quotation marks („ ‟), and double quotation marks (“ ”).
The label on this key can be either ENTER or RETURN, depending on the brand of computer.

Keys such as INSERT (INS), DELETE (DEL), and BACKSPACE are command keys. When the
INSERT key is turned ON, it helps you overwrite characters to the right of the cursor

Keys such as the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, and PAGE DOWN are navigation keys.
You use the arrow keys to move the cursor up, down, right, and left

A mouse is a small device that you can use to move, select, and open items on your computer
Screen

6: COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEMS

An operating system performs four primary functions. It manages and controls the hardware
connected to a computer. It helps other programs running on a computer to use the hardware.
It helps you organize and manage files and folders on the computer. It provides a user
interface that allows you to interact with the hardware, the operating system itself,
and other programs.
The performance of an operating system depends on the number of bits that it can
transfer at a time. Early operating systems could transfer only 8 bits of data at a time and were
called 8-bit operating systems. Operating systems, such as Windows Vista, can transfer data
up to 32 bits or 64 bits at a time, depending on the hardware of the system

Desktop - A desktop is a computer display area of windows that contains the various objects one
might find in the computer. You may find pictures with the following labels:
My Computer or Computer, Recycle Bin, My Network Places or Network, My Documents or
Documents, etc. All these pictures, which you see on screen, are known as “icons”.

7: PERFORMING BASIC FILE OPERATIONS

Managing/Customizing Files and Folders
Rename a file
To delete a file:
Close the file to be deleted, if opened. Locate and Select the file
[1] Click the right button of mouse
[2] Select Delete
[3] Pop up will ask to confirm File Delete – Click on YES

To COPY-PASTE a file: To CUT-PASTE a file:

Press CTR & C Keys together Press CTR & X Keys together
Press CTR & V Keys together Press CTR & V Keys together

8: THE INTERNET
Uses of the Internet
1. You can use the Internet to communicate with people all around the world instantaneously.
The messages you send over the Internet can reach any part of the world in just a few seconds.

2. The Internet also helps you get the latest information .on current events. Many leading news
channels use the Internet as the medium to provide updated news.
3. You can use the Internet to search for information on any specific topic, such as history of
computers.

4. You can take any course of your choice and register for online certification exams over the
Internet.

5. The Internet can also be used as a source of entertainment. You can listen to music, play
games, watch movies, or share pictures.

6. You can buy and sell products, such as books and electronic goods, over the Internet. You can
also pay for these goods online by specifying your credit card details.

7. You can use the Internet to perform banking transactions, such as viewing details of your bank
account and transferring money from one account to another.
Requirements for an Internet Connection
To connect to the Internet, you need a computing device, a connection device,
and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The computing device can be a personal computer, a portable computer, or even a mobile device,
such as a cell phone or a handheld device.

A connection device, such as a modem, to connect your computer to the Internet.

A modem converts digital information into analog information and transmits it over a phone line.

An ISP is a company that provides Internet connectivity to individuals, businesses, and

organizations. It also provide additional services such as the storage space.

Another device you need for wireless connectivity is an access point (AP).
An AP is used to connect a wireless computing device to a wired network.
Bandwidth :Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a certain
amount of time
Bandwidth is measured in Mbps (megabits per second), Kbps (kilobits per second).
If the bandwidth of a network is 1 Mbps, then 1 megabit of data can be transmitted over that
network in 1 second. You can use various types of technologies, such as dial-up and cable mode
m, to connect to the Internet.

Dial-up: Most dial-up connections offered today allow data transfer rates up to 56.6 Kbps.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) If you use a DSL connection, you are always connected to the
Internet. A type of DSL connection is the asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) connection.
To use an ADSL connection, you must have a special ADSL modem. The date transfer rate of
DSL Internet connection is 384 kbps to 8 Mbps

Cable modem If you have a cable TV connection, you can get a high-speed Internet
connection from the cable TV provider. Using this type of connection, you can be
connected to the Internet at all times. This connection supports data transfer rates of
4 Mbps.
Cable modem:- If you have a cable TV connection, you can get a high-speed Internet connection
from the cable TV provider. Using this type of connection, you can be connected to the Internet at
all times. This connection supports data transfer rates of 4 Mbps.

T1:- T1 lines provide a dedicated phone line connection to connect to the Internet. T1 are a
popular option for businesses today. This connection supports data transfer rates of 1.544 Mbps

Wireless :- When you connect to the Internet by using wireless technology, it further connects to
wired connections such as a cable modem.
Although you may connect to a high-speed cable connection, this wireless connection might not
provide you the full data transfer rates of the wired connection.
The data transfer rates of wireless Internet connections can range from 11 Mbps to 45 Mbps.

Internet Browser is the software, which helps you to access web pages from various websites.
There are various Internet browsers available such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari,
Opera and Internet Explorer.
A search engine is a computer program, that matches the words you give to pages on the World
Wide Web.

Use the words that are most likely to appear on the web page.
For example, instead of saying [pain in my head], you should say [headache],
because that‟s the term a medical page will use.

Examples of search engines are – Google, yahoo, bing, duckduckgo, etc.

9: THE WORLD WIDE WEB

The World Wide web or Web is a way of accessing and sharing information over the Internet by
using Web browsers. It is an information-sharing model that is built on top of the Internet. The
Web uses the HTTP protocol, only one of the languages used over the Internet, to transmit data.

The Web refers to the collection of information that is accessible on the Internet. The information
is in the form of text, pictures, and sound, which are arranged logically and stored on
computers known as Web servers.
The components of the Web
Web browser:- A Web browser is a software program that enables you to view and interact with
various resources on the Web.

Web page :- A Web page is a formatted text document on the Web that a Web browser can
display. Most Web pages on the Internet allow you to quickly move to another Web page.
You can do this by clicking a hyperlink, commonly called a link.

To create Web pages Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) language is used. Web browsers use
HTML to display Web pages.

Web site:- A Web site is one or more Web pages that reside on a single server.
This server is known as a Web server and is connected to the Internet.
 Information Technology

Chapter 2. Fundamental of Computer

Please Complete All Exercises and Assessments Which are given in in Text Book
Thank you