Fundamentals

of Computer

Prof. K ADISESHA (Ph. D)

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Contents- About Computer

Functioning of a computer

Evolution of computers

Generations of Computer

Classification of Computer
Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)
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Computer Fundamentals
Definition:
“Computer is an electronic machine that can store, recall and process data. It can
perform tasks or complex calculation according to a set of instructions or programs.”
➢ Computer can access and process data millions of times faster than humans can.
➢ A computer can store data and information in its memory, process them and produce
the desired results.
➢ Computer is used essentially as a data processor.

Input-Process-Output cycle (IPO Cycle)

Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)
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Computer Fundamentals

Characteristics of Computer:
➢Speed
➢Storage
➢Accuracy
➢Diligence
➢Versatility
➢Flexibility
➢Cost effectiveness

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Characteristics of Computer:

Characteristics of Computer
➢ Speed: The computer works very fast. The speed of Computer is measured in terms
of MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) or BIPS (Billion Instructions Per
Second).
o For Example A money counting machine counts money faster than man.
➢ Storage: The computer can store a large volume of data and information. The
storage capacity of the computer is measured in terms of Bytes. A group of 8 Bits is
called a Byte.
➢ Accuracy: The computer generated results are exact and without any mistakes with
high rate of consistency.

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Characteristics of Computer:

Characteristics of Computer
➢ Diligence: Unlike human beings, a computer does not suffer from limitations like
tiredness and lack of concentration. It can work for hours without making any errors.
➢ Versatility: Computers are capable of performing any task. Multi-processing features of
computer make it quite versatile in nature. The computer can be adapted to any field
easily. It is used for scientific calculations, business processing, for playing games,
teaching, training etc.
➢ Flexibility: Flexibility would involve the number of things you can do with a computer.
While some are best used for simple business tasks, and filing of tasks, others are good
for multimedia, gaming, and so on.
➢ Cost effectiveness: Computers reduce the amount of paper work and human effort,
thereby
Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. reducing
D) costs.
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Functional components of a computer

Basically any computer is supposed to carry out the following functions.

➢ Accepts the data and program as input.
➢ Stores the data, program and retrieve as and when required.
➢ Process the data as per instructions given by the program
➢ and convert it into useful information.
➢ Communicate the information as output.
➢ Block diagram of a computer
❖ Input Unit
❖ Central Processing Unit(CPU)
▪ Control Unit & Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
❖ Memory Unit
❖ Output Unit
Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)
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Functional components of a computer

Input Unit
• Computers need to receive data and instructions in order to solve a problem. The Input unit performs this
operation. The Input Unit basically links the external world or environment to the computer system. The
input unit may consist of one or more input devices. The Keyboard and mouse of a computer are the most
commonly used input devices.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• It is the main part of a computer system like the heart of a human being. Most computers are identified by
the type of CPU that is present in them. The function of the CPU is to interpret the instructions in the
program and execute them one by one. It consists of two major units.
• Control Unit (CU): It controls and directs the transfer of program instructions and data between various units.
The main activity is to maintain order and direct the operations of the entire system.
• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Arithmetic and Logic Unit performs arithmetic and logical operations and
controls the speed of these operations.
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Functional components of a computer
Memory Unit
➢ The data and the instructions required for processing have to be stored in the memory
unit before the actual processing starts.
➢ The memory units thus provide space to store input data, intermediate results and the
final output generated.
➢ Secondary storage devices are additional memory (storage) devices such as floppy disks,
magnetic tapes, Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Compact Disk (CD), Digital Versatile Disk
(DVD) etc., which are used to store huge information for future use.
Output Unit
➢ It is used to print or display the results, which are stored in the memory unit. The actual
function of the output unit is just the reverse of the input unit. Thus, the output unit links
the computer to the outside world. The Monitor and Printer are the most commonly used
output devices.
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Evolution of computer

Approximately 4,000 years ago, the Chinese invented the Abacus. It was the first
machine used for counting and calculating to the present day Super computers.
➢ Abacus
➢ Napier’s bones
➢ The slide Rule
➢ Adding Machine- Pascaline
➢ Leibniz Calculator
➢ Jacquard loom
➢ Difference and Analytical Engine
➢ Present Day computers

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Evolution of computer
Abacus
➢ Approximately 4,000 years ago, the Chinese invented the Abacus. It was the
first machine used for counting and calculating. It is made of a wooden
frame, metal rods, and wooden beads Abacus was mainly used for addition,
subtraction and later for division and multiplication. Today, the abacus is
still used widely in China and other Asian Countries to count and calculate,
just as we use calculators.
Napier’s bones
➢ In the early 17th century, John Napier, a Scottish mathematician, invented
another calculating tool. “Napier’s bones” was based upon manipulation of
rods with printed digits. The rods were made of bone, ivory, wood or metal.
The set consists of 10 rectangular blocks with multiples of a different digit
on each of the four sides.
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Evolution of computer
The slide Rule
➢ The slide Rule was invented by William Oughtred. It is based on the
principle that actual distance from the starting point of the rule is directly
proportional to the logarithm of the numbers printed on the rule. The slide
rule is embodied by the two sets of scales that are joined together, with a
marginal space between them.
Adding Machine- Pascaline
➢ In 1642, at the age of 19, a French mathematician by the name of Biaise
Pascal invented the Pascaline. The Pascaline is known as the first
mechanical and automatic calculator.
➢ The Pascaline was a wooden box that could only add and subtract by
means of a series of gears and wheels. It had a box with eight movable
wheels called dials. When each wheel rotated one revolution, it would
Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)
then turn the neighboring wheel.
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Evolution of computer

Leibniz Calculator
➢ Mathematician Gottfried Leibniz built a calculator in 1650
that could add, subtract, multiply and divide the numbers.

Jacquard loom
➢ In 1801, Joseph Mary Jacquard invented the Jacquard loom.
A powered loom that used punched wooden cards to
automatically weave incredibly detailed patterns including
pictures and text.
➢ This can be taken as the first “Read only Memory” device.
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Evolution of computer

Difference and Analytical Engine

➢ In the early 1820s, an English mathematician by the name
Charles Babbage designed a computing machine called
the Difference Engine. This machine was to be used in the
calculating and printing of simple math tables.
➢ In the 1830s, he designed a second computing machine
called the Analytical Engine. This machine consisted
five units, which became the basic principle for the
development of modern computer. Hence Charles
Babbage is known as the "Father of Computers”.
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Evolution of computer

Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)

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Generations of Computer

Depending on the development of the technology the generation of computer is

classified into five generations.

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Generations of Computer

Depending on the development of the technology the generation of

computer is classified into five generations.
➢ First Generation- Vacuum Tube
➢ Second Generation- Transistor
➢ Third Generation- Integrated Circuit
➢ Fourth Generation- VLSI
➢ Fifth Generation- ULSI

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First Generation of Computer (1940-1956)

The first generation of computers is started with using vacuum tubes as the basic
components.
➢ The speed of these computers was very slow, storage capacity was
very less and these computers are large in size.
➢ These computers operated only on machine language.
➢ Input was based on punched card, paper tapes an output was obtained as printout.
➢ Some computers of this generation were:
• ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator),
• UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer).

Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)

 Second Generation of Computer 19
(1956-1963)

➢ In this generation transistors were used in place of vacuum tubes.

➢ These machines were much faster, more reliable than their earlier machines.
➢ It generates less heat and consumed less electricity as compared to first generation
computers.
➢ Second Generation computers used punched cards for input and printout for output.
➢ This computer moved from the use of machine language to assembly languages.
➢ The computer stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from magnetic
drum to magnetic core technology.
➢ Some computers of this generation were IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC (Control Data
Corporation) 1604 and 3600, and UNIVAC 1108.

Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)

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Third Generation of Computer
(1964-1971)
In the third generation of computer Integrated Circuits (IC's) were
used in place of transistors.
➢ In this generation, Keyboard and monitors were used instead of punched cards
and printout.
➢ These IC’s were increased the speed of processing and storage capacity.
➢ These computers were more reliable, smaller in size and faster.
➢ Maintenance cost was low comparing to the previous generation
and consumed less electricity.
➢ Some computers of this generation were IBM-360 series, Honeywell-6000 series,
PDP (Personal Data Processor), IBM-370/168.

Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)

 Fourth Generation of Computer 21

(1971-1980)

In the fourth generation of computer, microprocessors were used in place

of Integrated Circuits (IC’s).
➢ The fourth generation of computers is marked by the use of Very Large Scale
Integrated (VLSI) circuits.
➢ This made computers smaller in size became more powerful, they could be
linked to form network.
➢ Some computers of this generation were Mini Computer and Mainframe
computer, Personal computers.

Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)

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(1980-till date)

Fifth generation computer involves the concept of Artificial Intelligence

(AI) which made the computer think like human beings.
➢ This generation uses VLSI (Very Large Scale integration) and ULSI (Ultra Large
Scale Integration) technology.
➢ These computers are more intelligent and faster comparing to other generation
computers.
➢ Types of this generation computers are Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, and Robot. etc.

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Classification of Computer

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Classification based on Purpose

According to purpose usage, computers are classified into general purpose

and specific purpose.
➢ General purpose computers are designed to perform a range of tasks.
They have an ability to store numerous programs but lack in speed and
efficiency.
➢ Specific purpose computers are designed to
handle a specific problem or to perform a
specific task.

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Classification based on Operation

Classification based on Principles of Operation

➢ According to principles of data handling, computers are classified into
three types
❖ Analog Computers
❖ Digital Computers
❖ Hybrid Computers

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Analog Computers

Analog computers work upon continuous data operates by measuring

rather than counting.
➢ The analog computers are that all calculation take place in parallel, hence
faster.
➢ Modern analog computers usually employ electrical parameters, such as
voltages, resistances or currents, to represent the quantities being
manipulated. Computations are carried out with the physical quantities,
such as voltages, length, current, temperature etc.
➢ The device that measures such quantities are analog devices.
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Digital Computer

The digital computer works upon discontinuous data operates on digital

data such as numbers.
➢ It uses binary number system in which there are only two digits 0 and 1
and all operations carried out on these digits at extremely fast rates.
➢ A digital computer basically knows how to count the digits and add the
digit. Digital Computers are much faster than an analog computer and far
more accurate.
➢ Computers used for business and scientific applications are digital
computers.
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Hybrid Computers

Hybrid computer are the combination of both analog and digital computer. They accept
both the analog and digital data for processing.
➢ Hybrid computers incorporate the measuring feature of an analog computer and counting
feature of a digital computer.
➢ Usage of Hybrid Computers:
▪ Hybrid computers are best used in the hospital where the analog part is responsible
for measurement of patient’s heart beat, blood pressure, temperature and other vital
signs and then the operation is carried out in a digital fashion to monitor patient’s
vital signs.
▪ Hybrid Computers are also used in weather forecasting.

Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)

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Classification based on Configuration

➢ Based on the performance, size, cost, capacity, the digital

computers are classified into four types:

1. Micro Computers
2. Mini Computers
3. Mainframe Computers
4. Supercomputers

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Micro Computers

➢ Also, know as PC (Personal Computer), it was introduced in 1970.

➢ The number of processors in microcomputers will be one or two processors.
➢ It contains input devices, output devices, storage device and processor.
➢ The number of processor will be one or two. It is used by one person at a time.
➢ Example: Desktops (PC, Macintosh), Laptops, Notebooks, Tablets, Palmtops, Smart
Phones.
Uses of Micro computers
➢ They are used as desktops either in offices or even in homes.
➢ Children enjoy playing games & watching movies in these computers.
➢ They are cheap and user-friendly.
➢ Their operation can be easily learned by anyone having the logical aptitude.
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Mini Computers

Mini computers were introduced in the 1960’s. It is larger and more powerful than personal
computer. In can execute five million instructions per second.
➢ Minicomputer can serve up to 4000 connected users simultaneously.
➢ It is normally accessed by users via personal computer or terminal.
➢ It has no processing power and cannot work as stand-alone computer.
➢ Example: Digital Alpha, VAX-800, AS 400

Uses of Mini computers

▪ They are often used by small and medium sized companies
to provide centralized store of information.
▪ They are used for data processing.
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Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers were introduced in 1975. It is very large computer

in size.
➢ It is more powerful than mini computers and
consists of multiple processors.
➢ It is designed to perform multiple tasks for
multiple users at the same time.
➢ The user access a mainframe computer through
personal computer.
➢ It can execute 16 million instructions per second.
➢ Example: CDC 6600, NEC 610, DEC 10
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Uses of Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers are used in large organizations.

➢ They are big computer systems sensitive to temperature, humidity, dust etc.
➢ Qualified & trained operators are required to operate them.
➢ They have a wide range of peripherals attached.
➢ They have large storage capacity.
➢ They can use a wide variety of software’s.
➢ They are not user-friendly.
➢ They can be used for more mathematical calculations.

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Supercomputers

Supercomputers were introduced in 1980. Super computer is the fastest

computer can process trillions of instructions in one second.
➢It is the biggest in size and the most expensive in price than any other computers.
➢It is the most sophisticated, complex and advance computer.
➢It has a very large storage capacity.
➢Used for highly calculations intensive task.
➢Designed for ultra-high performance tasks such as weather analysis, encryption
cracking, and the creation of animation.
➢Example: IBM Roadrunner, IBM Blue Gene, PARAM Padma, etc.

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Uses of Supercomputers

➢Weather Forecasting
➢Animated Graphics like Hollywood Movies
➢Nuclear energy research
➢Space Science
➢Weapons and Missile design
➢Petroleum Exploration etc.

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Supercomputing in India

➢ India's supercomputer program was started in the late 1980s because Cray
supercomputers were denied for import due to an arms embargo imposed in
India, as it was a dual use technology and could be used for developing nuclear.
➢ PARAM 8000 was India's first supercomputer. It was indigenously built in 1990
by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing and was replicated and
installed at ICAD Moscow in 1991 under Russian collaboration.

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Applications of computers

The Applications of computers are:

➢Schools and colleges ➢Government office
➢Banks ➢Satellite communication
➢Office ➢Publishing
➢Stock exchange ➢Travel
➢Research and developments ➢Computer-aided manufacturing
➢Entertainment and news (CAM)
➢Hospital.

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Discussion

Queries ?
Prof. K. Adisesha
9449081542

Prof. K. Adisesha (Ph. D)