PGDCA-111 Introduction to IT

1 Generation of computer.
The Five Generations of Computers
First generation computers (1940-1956)
⚫ The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for
memory.
⚫ They were often enormous and taking up entire room.
⚫ First generation computers relied on machine language.
⚫ They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal
of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of
malfunctions.
⚫ The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing
devices.
Second generation computers (1956-1963)
• Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of
computers.
• Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to
symbolic.
• High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time, such
as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN.
• These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory.
Third generation computers (1964-1971)
⚫ The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of
computers.
⚫ Transistors were miniaturized and placed on siliconchips, called semiconductors.
⚫ Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third
generation computers through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with
an operating system.
 ⚫ Allowed the device to run many different applications at one time.

Fourth generation computers (1971-present)

⚫ The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of
integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip.
⚫ The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer.
⚫ From the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls—on a single
chip.
⚫ Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and
handheld devices.
Fifth generation computers (present and beyond)
⚫ Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence.
⚫ Are still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice
recognition.
⚫ The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make
artificial intelligence a reality.
⚫ The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that
respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and
self-rganization.

2 Memory and types of memory

Memory is major part of computers that categories into several types. Memory is best
storage part to the computer users to save information, programs and etc, The computer
memory offer several kinds of storage media some of them can store data temporarily and
some them can store permanently. Memory consists of instructions and the data saved into
computer through Central Processing Unit (CPU). Memory is the best essential element of a
computer because computer can’t perform simple tasks. The performance of computer
mainly based on memory and CPU. Memory is internal storage media of computer that has
 several names such as majorly categorized into two types,
1. Primary Memory / Volatile Memory
2. Secondary Memory / Non Volatile Memory

Primary Memory / Volatile Memory: Primary Memory also called as volatile

memory because the memory can’t store the data permanently. Primary memory select any
part of memory when user want to save the data in memory but that may not be store
permanently on that location. It also has another name i.e. RAM.

Random Access Memory (RAM): The primary storage is referred to as random

access memory (RAM) due to the random selection of memory locations. It performs both
read and write operations on memory. If power failures happened in systems during memory
access then you will lose your data permanently. So, RAM is volatile memory. RAM
categorized into following types. DRAM, SRAM & DRDRAM.

Characteristics of Main Memory

 These are semiconductor memories.
 It is known as the main memory.
 Usually volatile memory.
 Data is lost in case power is switched off.
 It is the working memory of the computer.
 Faster than secondary memories.
A computer cannot run without the primary memory.
Read Only Memory (ROM): ROM is permanent memory location that offer huge
types of standards to save data. But it work with read only operation. No data lose happen
whenever power failure occur during the ROM memory work in computers. ROM memory
has several models such names are following.
 PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) maintains large storage
media but can’t offer the erase features in ROM. This type of RO maintains PROM
chips to write data once and read many. The programs or instructions designed in
PROM can’t be erased by other programs.
 EPROM : Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory designed for recover the
problems of PROM and ROM. Users can delete the data of EPROM thorough pass
 on ultraviolet light and it erases chip is reprogrammed.
 EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory similar to the
EPROM but it uses electrical beam for erase the data of ROM.

Secondary Memory / Non Volatile Memory: Secondary memory is external and

permanent memory that is useful to store the external storage media such as floppy disk,
magnetic disks, magnetic tapes and etc cache devices. Secondary memory deals with
following types of components. It is slower than the main memory. These are used for
storing data/information permanently. CPU directly does not access these memories, instead
they are accessed via input-output routines. The contents of secondary memories are first
transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory

 These are magnetic and optical memories.

 It is known as the backup memory.

 It is a non-volatile memory.

 Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.

 It is used for storage of data in a computer.

 Computer may run without the secondary memory.

 Slower than primary memories.

3 Components of Computer system.

Input unit
Computer need to receive data and instruction in order to solve any problem. We need
to put the data and instruction into the computers. The Input Unit consists of one or more
Input devices. There are a number of devices that perform the function of input devices.
The keyboard of your computer is one of the most commonly used input devices. Other
commonly used input devices are the mouse, floppy disk drive, hard disk drive and
magnetic tape. Regardless of the type of input device used in a computer system, all
input device perform the following functions.
- Accept data and instruction from the outside word
- Convert it to a from that the computer can understand.
- Supply the converted data to the computer system for further processing.

Storage units

The storage unit of the computer holds the data and instruction that you enter through
the input unit before these are processed. It preserves the intermediate and final results
before these are sent to the output devices. It is also used to preserve the data for later
use: e.g. you may like to save letter you type today for printing after one week. The
various storage devices used in computer system are classified into two categories-
primary and secondary.

Primary Storage

The primary storage also called the primary memory, store and provides information very
fast. This is generally used to hold the program being currently executed in the computer,
the data being received from the in put unit and the intermediate and final results of the
program. The primary generally loses its content when you switch off the computer.
Therefore if you need to preserve the results or the input data, you have to transfer it to
the secondary storage. The cost of primary storage is more compare to the secondary
storage. Therefore, most computers have limited primary storage. Most of the computers
use ‘semiconductor memory’ as primary storage.
Secondary Storage

On the other hand, the secondary storage (Memory) is used

Databases; etc .The program that you want to run on the computer is first Transferred to
the primary memory before it can run. Similarly, after running the Program, if you need to
save the result, you will transfer them to the secondary Storage. The secondary memory
is slower and cheaper than the primary memory. Some of the commonly used secondary
memory devices are floppy diskette, zip diskette, hard disk and magnetic tape.

Output Unit

The output unit of a computer provides the information and results of a computation to
the outside world. As you know, computers do not work in the decimal system, thy work
in the binary system. Therefore if required, the output unit also converts the binary data
into a form that users can understand. Printer and Video Display Unit (VDU, also called
display screen)are commonly used output devices. Other commonly used output devices
are floppy disk drive, hard disk drive and magnetic tape drive in the earl ear generation
computers, paper tape punch units and card punch units were also used as output
devices.

Arithmetic-Logic Unit
All calculations are performed in the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) of the computer. ALU
also dose compressions and takes decisions. Whenever calculation has to be done, the
control unit transfers the required data from the storage unit to ALU. The ALU can
perform basic orations such as additions, substations, multiplications, division, etc. the
ALU can also do logical operations: e.g. it can check if the number a is less than, equal to
or greater than the number b. after the ALU has performed the calculation or the logical
operation, the result is transfer to the storage unit.
Control Unit
The control unit controls all other units in the computer. The input unit does not know
when to receive data and where to put the data in the storage unit after receiving it. It is
the control unit that gives the necessary instructions to the input unit. Similarly, the
control unit instructs the input unit where to store the data after receiving it from the user.
In the same way, it controls the flow of data and instructions from the storage unit to ALU.
It also controls the flow of the result from ALU to the storage unit. The control unit also
controls what should be sent to the output unit and when. In brief, the control unit is the
central nervous system of the computer that controls and synchronizes its working.
Central Processing Unit
The control unit and ALU of the computer are together known as the central
processing unit (CPU). In most modern computers, a single IC does the job of
controlling all units of the computer. The same IC also contains the ALU. The CPU is
like a computer’s brain:
----- It performs all calculations.
----- It takes all Decisions.
---- It controls all units of the computer.
CPU(Central processing Unit .Alternately referred to as a processor,
central processor, or microprocessor):is a
• Set of electronic circuitry that executes program instructions
• Converts data into information
• Acts as Control center i.e. it controls all the devices connected to system. because
of this function it is called as Brain of Computer System
The three components of the CPU are following,
1. Arithmetic Logic Unit
2. Control Unit
3. Registers
 ALU (arithmetic logic unit)
 Performs calculations , logical operations and comparisons (data changed)Registers
 Small, permanent storage locations within the CPU used for a particular purpose
 Manipulated directly by the Control Unit
 Wired for specific function
 Size in bits or bytes (not MB like memory)
 Can hold data, an address or an instruction

4 Classification of Computers based on size.

1. Super Computers
Large scientific and research laboratories as well as the government organizations have
extra ordinary demand for processing data which required tremendous processing
speed, memory and other services which may not be provided with any other category to
meet their needs. Therefore very large computers used are called Super Computers.
These computers are extremely expensive and the speed is measured in billions of
instructions per seconds.
2) Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple
microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers
at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are
more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous
programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
 3. Mini Computers
Mini computers are smaller than mainframes, both in size and other facilities such as
speed, storage capacity and other services. They are versatile that they can be fitted
where ever they are needed. Their speeds are rated between one and fifty million
instructions per second (MIPS). They have primary storage in hundred to three hundred
megabytes range with direct access storage device.
4. Micro Computers
These are the smallest range of computers. They were introduced in the early 70’s
having less storing space and processing speed. Micro computers of today’s are
equivalent to the mini computers of yesterday in terms of performing and processing.
They are also called “computer of a chip” because its entire circuitry is contained in one
tiny chip. The micro computers have a wide range of applications including uses as
portable computer that can be plugged into any wall.

5 Input-process- output model of computer system.

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

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

 Arithmetic operations − Examples include calculations like addition, subtraction,
differentials, square root, etc.
 Logical operations − Examples include comparison operations like greater than, less
than, equal to, opposite, etc.
The basic parts of a computer are as follows −
  Input Unit − Devices like keyboard and mouse that are used to input data and
instructions to the computer are called input unit.
 Output Unit − Devices like printer and visual display unit that are used to provide
information to the user in desired format are called output unit.
 Control Unit − As the name suggests, this unit controls all the functions of the
computer. All devices or parts of computer interact through the control unit.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit − This is the brain of the computer where all arithmetic
operations and logical operations take place.
 Memory − All input data, instructions and data interim to the processes are stored in
the memory. Memory is of two types – primary memory and secondary memory.
Primary memory resides within the CPU whereas secondary memory is external to it.

6 Write short on -

(a) Keyboard (b) Mouse (c) OCR (d) OMR

(A) Keyboard

The keyboard is the most common and widely used input device. It is made up of
buttons called 'keys'. The keys are arranged into sections:
• Alphabet keys
• Function or F keys (F1, F2, F3)
• Numeric keys (one set above the alphabet keys and a numeric keypad on the right)
• Arrow keys
• Command keys (insert, delete, home, end, page up/down)
Keyboards are used to input Text, numbers and instructions into the computer. Most
keyboards use a QWERTY key layout. This name comes from the first six letters on the top
row of the alphabet keys.
Alphanumeric Keypad
It consists of keys for English alphabets, 0 to 9 numbers, and special characters like +
− / * ( ) etc.
Function Keys
There are twelve function keys labeled F1, F2, F3… F12. The functions assigned to these
keys differ from one software package to another. These keys are also user programmable
keys.
Special-function Keys
These keys have special functions assigned to them and can be used only for those specific
purposes. Functions of some of the important keys are defined below.
Spacebar, Enter, Backspace, Delete, Insert, Shift, Caps Lock, Esc, Tab, Ctrl, Alt
(B) MOUSE
Mouse is a device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. It
is a small object you can roll along a hard and flat surface. As you move the mouse, the
pointer on the display screen moves in the same direction. Mouse contains at least one
button and sometimes as many as three, which have different functions depending on what
program is running.
The mouse is a small device used to point to a particular place on the screen and select in
order to perform one or more actions. It can be used to select menu commands, size
windows, start programs etc.
The most conventional kind of mouse has two buttons on top: the left one being used most
frequently. Mouse Actions

Left Click :Used to select an item.

Double Click : Used to start a program or open a file.
Right Click : Usually used to display a set of commands.
Drag and Drop : It allows you to select and move an item from one location to another. To
achieve this place the cursor over an item on the screen, click the left mouse button and
while holding the button down move the cursor to where you want to place the item, and
then release it.

(C ) Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is software which extracts the text from the
image of scanned document. OCR software compares the shape of each possible text
character in the image data with sample (template) for each character stored in computer.
When it recognizes a character then adds it in the output data sequence.

Most OCR readers include a small optical scanner for reading characters
and Sophisticated OCR software for analyzing read.
Advantages of OCR readers include
🠹 Written data and printed data can be read at the same time.
🠹 Hard copies of documents can be read directly into a computer without retyping.
🠹 The characters converted can later be edited by word processing software.
🠹 It is quicker to extract text from a document and to use it via word processor.
🠹 It is useful for people with visual impairments because after extracting text from
document, a text-to-speech software can be used to read it aloud.
Disadvantages of OCR readers include
🠹 OCR readers often do not work well with handwritten characters or thse in unusual
fonts.
🠹 The text recognized by OCR software is not always accurate.

(C) Optical Mark Reading (OMR) :

Software is used to detect the presence of marks (shaded regions) in certain positions
on a paper form. Unlike OCR, it cannot detect the characters. OCR software is used to
extract marked answers in multiple-choice questions, survey results, votes in elections
etc.
 Advantage:

1. It is extremely fast and accurate because shaded regions are simple to detect.
 Disadvantages:

1. Paper forms can be read accurately only if they are lined up properly.
2. The dirty marks on the paper can be read by OMR as well which leads to wrong results.
 7 Differentiate between CRT monitor and LCD monitor

BASIS FOR
CRT LCD
COMPARISON

LCD stands for “Liquid Crystal

Stands For CRT stands for “Cathode Ray Tube“
Display“.
Major Vacuum glass tube, phosphor screen, Glass plates, nematic liquid
components electron gun, deflection plates. crystal, internal light source.
LCD is light, compact, and thin
Size CRT is weighted, bulky, and large in size.
in size.
Weight Heavier Lighter
Power
It consumes High power. It consumes low power.
Consumption

No Image Flickering is there on

Image Flickering Image Flickering is there in CRT.
LCD.
Color CRT is like Black. LCD is like White.
Image Retention is there on
Image Retention Image Retention is not there in CRT.
LCD.
Cost It is less expensive. It is more expensive.
Liquid crystals are used to
Image Forming Electron Gun is used to form images.
form images.
Response CRT having a good response. LCD has a slow response.
Easy to move as cannot be
Panels weigh less than plasma; use less
wall-mounted; good picture
energy; light; thinner; emits less
Benefits quality; cheaper; wide viewing
electromagnetic radiation; no bleeding or
quality; sharper image quality;
smearing
multiple resolutions
Picture slightly less natural and “filmlike”
than plasmas; slower refresh rate; limited
Heavier, small screens; old
viewing angle; blacks are brighter;
Limitations technology (obsolete);
susceptible to burn-out and image
susceptible to burn-ins
persistence; dead or stuck pixels may
appear
CRT is used in Televisions and was used in
Where Used old LCD is used in flat screens.
computer monitors.
 8 Printer and difference between impact printer and non- impact printer.
"A printer is an external output device that takes data from a computer and generates
output in the form of graphics / text on a paper".
There are two types of printers.
Difference between Impact and Non-Impact Printers

Parameters Impact Printer Non-Impact Printer

Definition Impact printers create pictures Non-impact printers create

and figures by hitting a device figures and pictures without
such as a wheel or a print any connection between the
hammer against an inked ribbon. printing device and the paper.

Printing In impact printers, printing is In non-impact printers, printing

Execution or executed by hammering a is executed by dropping ink on
Mechanism character dye or metal pin. paper in any manner.

Speed Of Impact printers are low in terms Non-impact printers are

Printers of speed. comparatively fast in speed.
They can print several pages in
one minute.

Noise Of They produce high-level noise They have a low level of noise.
Printers as they have many moving
parts.

Printing Impact printers generally utilize Non-impact printers use a

Process hammers, pins, or wheels to hit spray of ink, laser, or heat and
against an inked ribbon to print pressure to execute their
on paper. printing operation.

Print Quality The print quality of impact The print quality of non-impact
printers is lower. printers is higher.

Printing Ink When print head strikes, then They prefer cartridges or toner
they prefer special inked ribbons for printing on paper.
to produce print on paper.

Technology They utilize traditional printing They utilize contemporary

 technologies. printing technologies.

Value They are pretty affordable. They are quite expensive as

compared to impact printers.

Paper Sheet They prefer continuous paper They prefer individual paper
Used sheets. sheets.

Graphic Except Dot matrix printers, no Printing graphical illustrations

Images other impact printers can print are possible in non-impact
graphics images. printers.

Character Except for the dot matrix, the It can print various types of
Style character or figure style cannot figures from carrying the
be changed in the other impact individual printer.
printers.

9 Advantages and disadvantages of MICR

MICR software scans documents for numerals and symbols printed in magnetic ink. The
use of magnetic ink makes documents harder to copy. MICR is mostly used by bank
cheque- processing systems for input of printed items on the bottom of each cheque.
Advantages:
1. It is highly accurate to recognize numerals and symbols even if they are overprinted
by visible marks.
1. MICR is difficult to forge.
2. Documents can still be read when folded or written on.
Disadvantages:
1. MICR readers are expensive and only detect magnetic ink characters.
2. MICR readers and encoders are very expensive.
3. The system can only accept a few different character sets.

1 input device
Computer need to receive data and instruction in order to solve any problem. We need to put
the data and instruction into the computers. The Input Unit consists of one or more Input
devices. There are a number of devices that perform the function of input devices. The
keyboard of your computer is one of the most commonly used input devices.

2 Define Digital computer

Digital computer represents physical quantities with the help of digits or numbers. These
numbers are used to perform Arithmetic calculations and also make logical decision to
reach a conclusion, depending on, the data they receive from the user.

3 the advantages of Computer system.

The advantages that computers are -
 Computers can do the same task repetitively with same accuracy.
 Computers do not get tired or bored.
 Computers can take up routine tasks while releasing human resource for more
intelligent functions.

4 Central Processing Unit

The control unit and ALU of the computer are together known as the central
processing unit (CPU). In most modern computers, a single IC does the job of
controlling all units of the computer. The same IC also contains the ALU. The CPU is
like a computer’s brain:
----- It performs all calculations.
----- It takes all Decisions.
---- It controls all units of the computer.

5 operation of register
 Stores values from other locations (registers and memory)
 Addition and subtraction
 Shift or rotate data
 Test contents for conditions such as zero or positive Control unit
 • Part of the CPU that generates control signals and controls all operations of
computer
• Moves data to and from CPU registers and other hardware components (no change
in data)
• Accesses program instructions and issues commands to the ALU
• Directs the computer system to execute program instructions
• Communicates with other parts of the hardware through exchange of control signals

6 bar code reader

A barcode reader (or barcode scanner) is an electronic device that can read and output
printed barcodes to a computer. The reader uses a laser beam that is sensitive to the
reflections from the line and space thickness and variation. The reader translates the
reflected light into digital data that is transferred to a computer for immediate action or
storage.

7 voice recognition system.

Voice recognition is a computer software program or hardware device with the ability to
decode the human voice. Voice recognition is commonly used to operate a device, perform
commands, or write without having to use a keyboard, mouse, or press any buttons.

8 the use of microphone

A microphone can be attached to a computer to record sound (usually through a sound
card input or circuitry built into the motherboard). The sound is digitized—turned into
numbers that represent the original analog sound waves—and stored in the computer to
later processing and playback.

9 scanner
A scanner is a device that images a printed page or graphic by digitizing it, producing an
image made of tiny pixels of different brightness and color values which are represented
numerically and sent to the computer. Scanners scan graphics, but they can also scan
pages of text which are then run through OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software
that identifies the individual letter shapes and creates a text file of the page's contents.

10 the benefits of main frame computer.

It is a multi-user computer system, capable of supporting hundreds of users
simultaneously. Software technology is different from minicomputer.