UNIT-1

1)What is a Computer? What are the functions of Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data from the user, processes it,
produces results, displays them to the users, and stores the results for future usage.
Data is a collection of unorganized facts & figures and does not provide any further
information regarding patterns, context, etc. Hence data means "unstructured facts and
figures".
Information is a structured data i.e. organized meaningful and processed data. To
process the data and convert into information, a computer is used.

Functions( operations) of Computers

A computer performs the following functions −

1.Receiving Input

Data is fed into computer through various input devices like keyboard, mouse, digital
pens, etc. Input can also be fed through devices like CD-ROM, pen drive, scanner, etc.

2.Processing the information

Operations on the input data are carried out based on the instructions provided in the
programs.

3.Storing the information

After processing, the information gets stored in the primary or secondary storage area.

4.Producing output

The processed information and other details are communicated to the outside world
through output devices like monitor, printer, etc.

2) what are the characteristics (features) of computers ?

The characteristics of the computer system are as follows −

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1.Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans while
performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of
instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their operations is
microseconds and nanoseconds.

2.Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy.

3.Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same consistency
and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its memory also
makes it superior to that of human beings.

4.Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works with
same accuracy and efficiency.

5.Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we give
same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.

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6.Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without manual
intervention.

7.Memory
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are
also used to store data.

3) what are the applications of computers ?

Computers play a role in every field of life. They are used in homes, business,
educational institutions, research organizations, medical field, government offices,
entertainment, etc.

1.Home
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment, watching
movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet
access, etc. They provide communication through electronic mail. They help to avail
work from home facility for corporate employees. Computers help the student
community to avail online educational support.

2.Medical Field
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history, diagnosis,
X-rays, live monitoring of patients, scanning etc.

3.Entertainment
Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a virtual entertainer
in playing games, listening to music, etc. Videos can be send from computers to full
screen televisions. Photo editors are available with fabulous features.

4.Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing inventory,
designing purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior designing, video
conferencing, etc

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5.Education
Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online examinations,
referring e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help in increased use of audio-visual aids
in the education field.

6.Government
In government sectors, computers are used in data processing, maintaining a database
of citizens and supporting a paperless environment. The country’s defense
organizations have greatly benefitted from computers in their use for missile
development, satellites, rocket launches, etc.

7.Banking
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and conduct
transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs. Banks have
reduced manual errors .

8.Business
Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into business. The main objective of
business is transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers,
employees or customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and accurate.
People can analyze investments, sales, expenses, markets and other aspects of
business using computers.

9.Training
Many organizations use computer-based training to train their employees, to save
money and improve performance. Video conferencing through computers allows
saving of time and travelling costs by being able to connect people in various locations.

10.Arts
Computers are extensively used in dance, photography, arts and culture. Photos can
be digitized using computers.

11.Science and Engineering

Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic process in Science
and Engineering. Supercomputers have numerous applications in area of Research

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and Development (R&D). Scientists use computers to plot and analyze data to have a
better understanding of earthquakes.

4) what are the generations(History) of computers ?

(or) Explain about evolution of computers ?

The history of the computer dates back to several years. There are five generations of
computers. Each generation has several technological advances which change the
functionality of the computers. This results in more compact, powerful, robust systems
which are less expensive. Evolution (or)history of computers is discussed below –

1.First Generation (1940-1956)

The first generation computers had the following features and components −

a)Hardware

The hardware used in the first generation of computers was: Vacuum

Tubes and Punch Cards.

b)Features

Following are the features of first generation computers −

 It supported machine language.
 It had slow performance
 It occupied large size due to the use of vacuum tubes.
 It had a poor storage capacity.
 It consumed a lot of electricity and generated a lot of heat.

c)Memory

The memory was of 4000 bits.

d) Data Input

The input was only provided through hard-wired programs in the computer, mostly
through punched cards and paper tapes.

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e)Examples

The examples of first generation computers are −

 ENIAC ( electronic numerical integrator and computer)

 UNIVAC( universal automatic computer)

2) Second Generation (1956-1963)

Several advancements in the first-gen computers led to the development of second
generation computers. Following are various changes in features and components of
second generation computers −

a)Hardware

The hardware used in the second generation of computers were −

 Transistors
 Magnetic Tapes

b)Features

It had features like −

 Batch operating system
 Faster and smaller in size
 Reliable and energy efficient than the previous generation
 Less costly than the previous generation

c)Memory

The capacity of the memory was 32,000 bits.

d)Data Input

The input was provided through punched cards.

e)Examples

The examples of second generation computers are −

 Honeywell 400
 CDC 1604

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  IBM 7030 ( International Business Machine)

3.Third Generation (1964-1971)

Following are the various components and features of the third generation computers −

a)Hardware

The hardware used in the third generation of computers were −

 Integrated Circuits made from semi-conductor materials
 Large capacity disks and magnetic tapes

b)Features

The features of the third generation computers are −

 Supports time-sharing OS
 Faster, smaller, more reliable and cheaper than the previous generations
 Easy to access

c)Memory

The capacity of the memory was 128,000 bits.

d)Data Input

The input was provided through keyboards and monitors.

e)Examples

The examples of third generation computers are −

 IBM 360/370
 CDC 6600
 PDP 8/11

4.Fourth Generation (1972-2010)

Fourth generation computers have the following components and features −

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a)Hardware

The Hardware used in the fourth generation of computers were −

 ICs with Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology

 Semiconductor memory
 Magnetic tapes and Floppy

b)Features

It supports features like −

 Multiprocessing & distributed OS

 Object-oriented high level programs supported
 Small & easy to use; hand-held computers have evolved
 No external cooling required & affordable
 This generation saw the development of networks and the internet
 It saw the development of new trends in GUIs and mouse

c)Memory

The capacity of the memory was 100 million bits.

d)Data Input

The input was provided through improved hand held devices, keyboard and mouse.

e)Examples

The examples of fourth generation computers are −

 Apple II
 VAX 9000
 CRAY 1 (super computers)

5.Fifth Generation (2010-Present)

These are the modern and advanced computers. Significant changes in the
components and operations have made fifth generation computers handy and more
reliable than the previous generations.

a)Hardware

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The Hardware used in the fifth generation of computers are −
 Integrated Circuits with VLSI and Nano technology
 Large capacity hard disk with RAID support
 Powerful servers, Internet, Cluster computing

b)Features

It supports features like −

 Powerful, cheap, reliable and easy to use.
 Portable and faster due to use of parallel processors and Super Large Scale
Integrated Circuits.
 Rapid software development is possible.

c)Memory

The capacity of the memory is unlimited.

d)Data Input

The input is provided through CDROM, Optical Disk and other touch and voice
sensitive input devices.

e)Examples

The examples of fifth generation computers are −

 IBM
 Pentium
 PARAM
5)what are the advantages and disadvantages of computers ?
(or) what are the capabilities and limitations of computers?

Advantages of Computers
Following are certain advantages of computers.

1.High Speed

 Computer is a very fast device.

 It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.

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  The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the
picosecond.
 It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who
will spend many months to perform the same task.

2,Accuracy

 In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.

 The calculations are 100% error free.
 Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is
correct.

3,Storage Capability

 Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.

 A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
 It can store large amount of data.
 It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.

4.Diligence

 Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of
concentration.
 It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
 It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.

5.Versatility

 A computer is a very versatile(capable) machine.

 A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
 This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
 At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next
moment it may be playing a card game.

6.Reliability

 A computer is a reliable machine.

 Modern electronic components have long lives.
 Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

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7)Automation

 Computer is an automatic machine.

 Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically. Once the
computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer
memory, then the program and instruction can control the program execution
without human interaction.

8)Reduction in Paper Work and Cost

 The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction

in paper work and results in speeding up the process.
 As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of
maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced.
.

Disadvantages of Computers
Following are certain disadvantages of computers.

1.No I.Q.

 A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.

 Each instruction has to be given to the computer.
 A computer cannot take any decision on its own.

2)Dependency

 It functions as per the user’s instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans.

3)Environment

 The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.

4)No Feeling

 Computers have no feelings or emotions.

 It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge
unlike humans.

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6) what is the block diagram of computer? (or) what are the
components(parts) of computer? (or) explain about anatomy
of computers?
All types of computers follow the same basic logical structure and perform the following
five basic operations for converting raw input data into information useful to their users.

S.No. Operation Description

1 Take Input The process of entering data and instructions into the computer system.

Saving data and instructions so that they are available for processing
2 Store Data
as and when required.

Performing arithmetic, and logical operations on data in order to convert

3 Processing Data
them into useful information.

Output The process of producing useful information or results for the user,
4
Information such as a printed report or visual display.

Control the Directs the manner and sequence in which all of the above operations
5
workflow are performed.

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1)Input Unit
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the computer. This
unit creates a link between the user and the computer. The input devices translate the
information into a form understandable by the computer.

2)CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Central Processing Unit (CPU) consists of the following features −

 CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.

 CPU performs all types of data processing operations.
 It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program).
 It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.

CPU itself has following three components.

 Memory or Storage Unit

 Control Unit
 ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)

a)Memory or Storage Unit

This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit supplies
information to other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as internal
storage unit or the main memory or the primary storage or Random Access Memory
(RAM).
Its size affects speed, power, and capability. Primary memory and secondary memory
are two types of memories in the computer. Functions of the memory unit are −
 It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
 It stores intermediate results of processing.

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  It stores the final results of processing before these results are released to an
output device.
 All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.

b)Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not carry out any
actual data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are −
 It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other
units of a computer.
 It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
 It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and directs the
operation of the computer.
 It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer of data or results from
storage.
 It does not process or store data.

c)ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

This unit consists of two subsections namely,

 Arithmetic Section
 Logic Section

Arithmetic Section

Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition,

subtraction, multiplication, and division. All complex operations are done by making
repetitive use of the above operations.

Logic Section

Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selecting,

matching, and merging of data.

3)Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information from
the computer. This unit is a link between the computer and the users. Output devices
translate the computer's output into a form understandable by the users.

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7) what are the different types of input and output devices ?

Input devices
Input devices help to get input or data from user. Some of input devices are −

Name Characteristics Image

Keyboard The keyboard was first peripheral device to

be used with computers.
It helps to input text and numbers into
computer.
It consists of 104 keys and 12 functional
keys.

Mouse A mouse is an input device which is also

called as pointing device because it helps to
point data on screen.
It also helps to select, highlight content and
drag-drop controls.

Trackballs

A trackball is also a pointing device

which will work like a mouse. It is mainly
used for gaming and entertainment
purpose.

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Digital Pens A digital pen is another input device
which is mostly used with tablets,
PDAs, etc.
A digital pen is also called as a Stylus
which helps to write or draw data over
pad.

Scanners Scanners transform printed material

and photographs into a digital
representation.
After scanning of printed material, page
is represented in memory as an array
of pixels.

Barcode Barcode reader helps to read

Readers information which is printed as bars in
back of goods or items.
Barcode readers are most widely used
input devices which we can see in most
of products in our day to day life.

Voice Voice recognition system interprets or

Recognition receives dictation or spoken commands
System to authorize user.

Touch screen A touch screen is an input device which

uses sensors to sense touch of users
to get input data.

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Output devices :
output devices help to display output to user. Some of output devices are −

Output Characteristics Image

Devices

Monitor A monitor is most common type of output

device.
It is also called as "Visual Display Unit".
The inputs given by keyboard or any other
input devices will get displayed on monitor.
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and Flat panel
display monitors are commonly used
monitors.

Printers Printers are most common type of output

devices which are used to take a hard copy
of any digital document.
The two types of printers are impact and non-
impact printers.
Non-impact printers such as laser and inkjet
printers are less noisy, more reliable and
faster and also offer high quality compared to
impact printers.

Sound systems are output devices which are

Sound
used to get multimedia content such as voice,
Systems
music, etc., as output. Some of examples of
sound systems are speakers, headphones,
and microphones.

Plotters draw lines on paper using a pen. In the

plotters
past, plotters were used in applications such
as computer-aided design, as they were able to
produce line drawings much faster and of a higher
quality than contemporary conventional printers, and
small desktop plotters were often used for business

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 graphics.

What Are the Types of Plotters?

Plotters are specialized pieces of equipment designed to print out vector graphics in a variety of
colors.

Three types of plotters are most popular for their ability to allow you to create different designs.

This group includes the drum plotter, the flatbed plotter, and the inkjet plotter. Each of these types of
plotters has a different specific use,

Drum Plotters
the drum moves the paper to the right and left, while the pen or pens draw up and down. If you use
more than one pen, then you can have different colors.

Flat Bed Plotters

Flatbed plotters are available in larger sizes than drum plotters. That makes them an ideal choice to
create even larger documents, particularly if you are consistently printing larger architectural or CAD
drawings.

Ink Jet Plotters

The third most popular kind of plotter is an inkjet plotter. This device pushes beads of ink directly
onto the surface of whatever you are printing on.

8) what are the classification (types) of computers ?

A computer is an electronic device that generates output in the form of useful

information when the input is given to it by the user. A computer accepts input in
different forms such as data, program and user replay.

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Classification of Computers
There are the different types of computers available these days. The function of
each type of computer is to process the data and provide some output to the
users. However, the methods or techniques used by these computers to process
and handle the data may be different. We can classify the computer according to
the following three criteria:

1. Based on operating principles

2. Based on applications
3. Based on size and capability

1) Based on Operating types

On the basis of the operation performed and methods used to store and process
the data information, computers can be classified into the following categories:

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1. Analog computers

The analog computers represent data in the form of continuous electrical signals
having a specific magnitude. These computers are very fast in their operations to
be carried out at the same time. They are a powerful tool to solve differential
equations.

2. Digital Computers

The digital computer is also known as the digital information processing system,
is a type of computer that stores and processes data in the digital form. Therefore
each type of data is usually stored in these computers in terms of 0s and 1s. The
output produced by these computers is also in the digital form.

3. Hybrid Computers

The hybrid computer is a combination of analog computer and digital computer

because it encompasses the best features of both these computers. Therefore the
hardware components of hybrid computers are usually the mixture of analog and
digital components. The hybrid computer is also less expensive than the digital
computers.

2) Based on purpose (Application)

Different computers are designed for a different purpose so that they can
perform their tasks according to their capabilities. On the basis of different
applications or purpose, computers can be classified into the following
categories:

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1. General purpose computers

They are designed in such a manner that they can work in all environments. The
general purpose computers are versatile and can store a number of programs
meant for performing distinct tasks. The general purpose computers are not
efficient and consume a large amount of time in generating the results.

2. Special purpose computers

They are designed in such a manner that they can perform only a specified task.
The special purpose computers are not versatile and their speed and memory
size depend on the task that is to be performed. The special purpose computers
are efficient and consume less amount of time in generating the results.

3) Based on size and Capabilities

Computers differ from each other in terms of their size, shape, and weights. Each
type of computers perform some unique functions and can be employed in the
fields suited to them. On the basis of size, shape the computers can be classified
into the following categories.

1. Microcomputers
A microcomputer is a small and cheap digital computer that is designed to be
used by individuals. It is also called as personal computer. It is a single user
computer.

It is built around a microprocessor, a storage unit, and an I/o channel. The

microcomputers are generally in the form of PCs, workstations and notebook
computers.

2. Mini computers

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 A minicomputer was first introduced in the year 1960 by Digital Equipment
Corporations(DEC). It is a multi user computer . That is more than one person can
use simultaneously ,maximum to 6 to 8 persons can use at the same time.

Ex: bank

They were called minicomputers because of their smaller size than the other
computers of those time.

3. Mainframe computers

It is also multi user computer . That is more than one person can use
simultaneously ,more than 250 persons can use at the same time. Ex: IT
companies

A mainframe computer is a very large computer that is employed by the large

business organization for handling major applications such as financial
transaction processing.

4. Super computers

It is also multi user computer . That is more than one person can use
simultaneously ,more than 600 persons can use at the same time.

Ex: in research centers

A super computer is the fastest type of computers that can perform complex
operations at a very high speed. The super computer was first presented in the
year 1960s by Seymour Cray at Control Data Corporation(CDC). They are more
expansive than the other categories of computers.

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Define memory and types of memory? explain about hierarchy of
memory ?

Memory :

Computer memory refers to storage area ,it is used to store the data for future usage .It
is of two types −

 Primary Memory
 Secondary Memory

Primary Memory or internal memory

Primary memory is the main memory of computer present in motherboard. Primary
memory is of two types as shown in the image below.

Random Access Memory

RAM is referred as temporary memory, in which, information stored is lost once

computer is turned off. It is a volatile memory. Instructions written in this memory can
be modified; hence it is also known as programmable memory. The two types of RAM
are Static RAM (faster and costlier) and Dynamic RAM.

Functions of RAM are as follows −

 It stores data till it gets processed.
 It stores instructions for data processing.

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  It acts as a working space where data processing takes place and intermediate
results are stored.
 It stores processed data/results before it is sent to output devices.

Read Only Memory

ROM is referred as permanent memory, in which information stored is available even if

computer is turned off. Instructions stored in this memory can only be read and cannot
be modified. Mostly ROM has a start-up instruction which is executed every time when
computer is switched on.
Types of ROM are
 PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)
 EPROM (Erasable PROM)
 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM) and flash memory.

The major differences between RAM and ROM –

Sr.No RAM ROM

1 It is volatile memory. It is non-volatile memory.

2 The contents are temporary; data is The contents are permanent; data is not
lost when electricity supply is lost. lost even when power is switched off.

3 Available in small storage capacity. Available in high storage capacity.

4 Processing speed is high. Processing speed is low.

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5 User-defined programs can be Generally, operating system supporting
stored. programs can be stored.

6 Cost is very high. Cost effective.

7 It is of two types, SRAM and DRAM. It comes in different types such as

PROM, EPROM, EEPROM and flash
memory.

Secondary Memory or external memory

It is also called external memory or auxiliary memory.
Sometimes when data to be processed is large, it cannot fit in primary memory as it is
limited, in such cases, we use supplement memory or secondary memory. Secondary
memory helps to store information permanently and is non-volatile. Examples of
secondary storage memory are compact disk, floppy disk, pen drive, external hard
drive, etc.
the difference between Primary memory and Secondary memory:

SR.NO. PRIMARY MEMORY SECONDARY MEMORY

Primary memory is Secondary memory is
1
temporary. permanent.

Primary memory is directly Secondary memory is not

2 accessible by directly accessible by the
Processor/CPU. CPU.

Nature of Parts of Primary

memory varies, RAM- It’s always Non-volatile in
3
volatile in nature. ROM- nature.
Non-volatile.

Secondary memory
Primary memory devices devices are less
4 are more expensive than expensive when
secondary storage devices. compared to primary
memory devices.

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 The memory devices used The secondary memory
5 for primary memory are devices are magnetic and
semiconductor memories. optical memories.
Secondary memory is
Primary memory is also
also known as External
6 known as Main memory or
memory or Auxiliary
Internal memory.
memory.

Examples: RAM, ROM, Examples: Hard Disk,

7 Cache memory, PROM, Floppy Disk, Magnetic
EPROM, Registers, etc. Tapes, etc.

Memory Hierarchy-

 Memory hierarchy is the hierarchy of memory and storage devices found in a computer
system.

 There are three key characteristics in memory hierarchy -

 Cost
 Capacity

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  Access time

Memory Hierarchy Diagram-

Level-0:

 At level-0, registers are present which are contained inside the CPU.
 Since they are present inside the CPU, they have least access time that is we
can access very fast.
 They are most expensive and therefore smallest in size (in KB).

Level-1:

 At level-1, Cache Memory is present.

 It stores the segments of program that are frequently accessed by the processor.
 It is expensive and therefore smaller in size (in MB).
 Cache memory is implemented using static RAM.

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Level-2:

 At level-2, main memory is present.

 It can communicate directly with the CPU and with auxiliary memory devices
through an I/O processor.
 It is less expensive than cache memory and therefore larger in size (in few GB).
 Main memory is implemented using dynamic RAM.

Level-3:

 At level-3, secondary storage devices like Magnetic Disk are present.

 They are used as back up storage.
 They are cheaper than main memory and therefore much larger in size (in few
TB).

Level-4:

 At level-4, tertiary storage devices like magnetic tape are present.

 They are used to store removable files.
 They are cheapest and largest in size (1-20 TB).

Observations-

The following observations can be made when going down in the memory hierarchy-
 Cost / bit decreases
 Frequency of access decreases
 Capacity increases
 Access time increases

Memory Units
Memory unit is the amount of data that can be stored in the storage unit. This storage
capacity is expressed in terms of Bytes.
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The following table explains the main memory storage units −

S.No. Unit & Description

Bit (Binary Digit)

1
A binary digit is logical 0 and 1 representing a passive or an active state of a
component in an electric circuit.

2 Nibble
A group of 4 bits is called nibble.

Byte
3
A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit, which can represent a
data item or a character.

Word
4 A computer word, like a byte, is a group of fixed number of bits processed as a
unit, which varies from computer to computer but is fixed for each computer.

The following table lists some higher storage units −

S.No. Unit & Description

1 Kilobyte (KB)
1 KB = 1024 Bytes

2 Megabyte (MB)
1 MB = 1024 KB

3 GigaByte (GB)
1 GB = 1024 MB

S.Rajeshwari , Lecturer in Computers 29

 4 TeraByte (TB)
1 TB = 1024 GB

5 PetaByte (PB)
1 PB = 1024 TB

6 ExaByte(EB)
1 EB=1024 PB

7 ZettaBytes
1 ZB= 1024 EB

8 YottaBytes
1 YB=1024 ZB

S.Rajeshwari , Lecturer in Computers 30