Fundamentals of computers

Unit-1

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 INDEX

• What is computer ?
• History of computer
• Block Diagram of computer system
• Computer Hardware & software
• Overview of Types of operating system
• Compiler & Interpreter
• Programming Languages
• Flowchart & Algorithms

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 What is computer
The first and most standard definition is that a
computer is something which computes or
calculates. It is a machine that takes in raw
data and performs some calculations on it and
gives us the formed output in the desired
format.

Computer is also a device that stores as well as

processes information electronically.
Computers usually come in different sizes and
grades of functionalities.

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 History of Computer

Please visit below URL’s to know history of computer

https://www.javatpoint.com/history-of-computer

https://ncerttutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Class-6.pdf

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 Block Diagram of Computer System
The block diagram represents how data and
instructions flow between the CPU,
memory, and I/O devices, managed by the
Control Unit.

In simple terms, a Block Diagram of a

Computer helps us understand how a
computer works, from collecting input
data, processing & formatting the data, and
generating the output results in the way
user commands.

The computer system consists of three

main parts: Input Units, CPU, and Output
Units

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1. Input Unit

The input unit takes all the data received by the computer. The input unit comprises different devices
such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. All of these devices act as intermediaries between the users and
the computer. The input unit takes the data that has to be processed. The raw data is accepted by the
computer in binary form. This data is then processed and the desired output is produced.

The major functions of the Input Unit are-

• The Input Unit takes the data to be processed by the user.

• The data is then converted into machine-readable form.
• The Input Unit then transmits the converted data into the main memory of the computer.
• The main purpose of this process is to connect the user and the computer by creating an easy
connection between them

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2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit or CPU is known as the brain of the computer. Just like the human brain
controls all human activities, the CPU also takes care of all the tasks. The CPU is responsible for
performing all the arithmetic and logical operations within the computer. All the major calculations,
operations and comparisons are performed inside the CPU.

Some of the main functions of a CPU are-

• All the components of a computer system, software, and data processing are controlled by the CPU.
• The Input devices provide data to the CPU which is then executed and then the CPU sends the output
to the Output devices.
• All the operations including the arithmetical and logical are processed by the CPU.
• The CPU comprises two parts- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control Unit). These units
work in sync to help the CPU process the whole data.

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Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The Arithmetic Logic Unit is comprised of two terms- arithmetic and logic. The two primary functions that
the ALU performs are-

1. Data is entered into the primary memory via the input unit. Then, the ALU carries out essential
arithmetic operations on this data, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. After
performing all sorts of calculations required on the data, it sends back data to the storage.
2. The ALU also performs logical operations such as AND, OR, Equal to, Less than, etc. In addition, it
also handles tasks like merging, sorting, and selecting the given data.

Control Unit (CU)

As the name suggests, the Control Unit (CU) is the controller of all the activities, tasks and operations. All
these operations are performed inside the computer. The memory unit sends a set of instructions to the
control unit which is then converted by the CU. These instructions are then converted to control signals. The
purpose of these control signals is to help in prioritizing and scheduling activities. So, the control unit
ensures that all tasks inside the computer work together smoothly, coordinating with the input and output
units.
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Memory Unit

The Memory Unit stores all the data that has to be processed or has been processed. The memory unit serves
as a central hub for all the data. This data is then transmitted to the required part of the computer whenever
necessary. This unit works in sync with the Central Processing Unit to help in faster accessing and processing
of the data. This results in making the tasks easier and quicker.

Computer Memory is of two types-

1. Primary memory: The primary memory cannot store a vast amount of data. Hence, it is only used to store
recent data which is temporary. Once the power is switched off, the data stored can get erased. Hence it
is also called temporary memory or main memory. An example of primary memory is Random Access
Memory (RAM). This memory is directly accessible by the CPU and is used for reading and writing
purposes. The data has to be first transferred to the RAM and then to the CPU for processing.
2. Secondary memory: Since the primary memory stores temporary data and it cannot be accessed in the
future. So, for permanent storage purposes, secondary memory is used. It is also known as permanent
memory or auxiliary memory. An example of secondary memory is the hard disk. The data does not get
erased easily even in case of a power failure.

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Output Unit

Once the information sent to the computer is processed, the user receives the results through the output
unit. Examples of output units are devices such as printers, monitors, projectors, etc.

The output unit presents the data either as a soft copy (on the screen) or as a hard copy (on paper). The
printer is for the hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output unit receives data in binary form
from the computer and converts it into a readable format for the user.

The Output Units perform these functions-

1. The Output Unit accepts all the data and information from the main memory of a computer system in
binary form.
2. The Output Unit also converts the binary data into a human-readable form for a better understanding

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 Computer Hardware & Software

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 Computer Softwares

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 Computer Hardware & Software
Hardware Software
Hardware is further divided into four main Software is further divided into two main categories:
categories: •Application Software
•Input Devices •System Software
•Output Devices
•Secondary Storage Devices
•Internal Components
Developed using electronic and other materials Developed writing using instructions using a
programming language
When damaged, it can be replaced with a new When damaged it can be installed once more using a
component backup copy
Hardware is physical in nature and hence one can The software cannot be physically touched but still
touch and see hardware can be used and seen
Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses The software can be infected by Viruses
Hardware will physically wear out over time Software does not wear out but it can be affected by
bugs and glitches
An example of Hardware is hard drives, monitors, An example of software is Windows 10, Adobe
CPU, scanners, printers etc. Photoshop, Google Chrome etc.
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 Overview of Types of Operating system

Reference:

https://www.tutorialandexample.com/
types-of-operating-system

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 Compiler & Interpreter
What is a Compiler? Advantages of Compiler

A language processor that converts a program written There are various advantages of the compiler
in high-level language into machine language, entire which are as follows −
program at once, is called a compiler. Thus, the
input of a compiler is a high-level language code • A compiler translates a program in a single run.
(called source code), while its output is a machine
• It consumes less time.
language code (called object code).
• CPU utilization is more.
A compiler scans whole program and then check it
for syntactic and semantic error, once the code is • Both syntactic and semantic errors can be
checked for errors, it is converted into an object code. checked concurrently.
Then, it can be processed by the machine to perform
the corresponding task. The common programming • It is easily supported by many high-level
languages that use compiler are C, C++, C#, etc. languages like C, C++, JAVA, etc.

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What is an Interpreter?
Advantages of Interpreter
A language translator that converts a high-level
language program into a machine language There are various advantages of the interpreter
program, one line at a time, is referred to as an which are as follows −
interpreter. Interpreters converts the codes slower
• An interpreter translates the program line by
than compiler. This is because the interpreter can line.
scan and translate only one statement of the
program at a time. Therefore, interpreters convert • The interpreter is smaller in size.
the source code into machine code during the
execution of the program. • It is flexible.

Interpreters do not generate an object code • Error localization is easier.

corresponding to the source code. However, these
• The interpreter facilitates the implementation
are relatively easy to use and execute the code. The
of computer programming language constructs.
programming languages that use interpreters are
Perl, Ruby, Python, METLAB, etc.

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 Difference between Compiler and Interpreter
Parameter Compiler Interpreter
Program scanning Compilers scan the entire program in one go. The program is interpreted/translated one line at
a time.
Error detection As and when scanning is performed, all the errors One line of code is scanned, and errors
are shown in the end together, not line by line. encountered are shown.
Object code Compilers convert the source code to object code. Interpreters do not convert the source code into
object code.
Execution time The execution time of compiler is less, hence it is It is not preferred due to its slow speed. Usually,
preferred. interpreter is slow, and hence takes more time to
execute the object code.
Need of source code Compiler doesn’t require the source code for It requires the source code for execution later.
execution later.
Programming languages Programming languages that use compilers include Programming languages that uses interpreter
C, C++, C#, etc.. include Python, Ruby, Perl, MATLAB, etc.
Types of errors detected Compiler can check syntactic and semantic errors Interpreter checks the syntactic errors only.
in the program simultaneously.
Size Compiler are larger in size. Interpreters are smaller in size.
Flexibility Compilers are not flexible. Interpreters are relatively flexible.
Efficiency Compilers are more efficient. Interpreters are less efficient.

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 Programming Languages
What is Language?

Language is a mode of communication that is used to share ideas, opinions with each other. For example,
if we want to teach someone, we need a language that is understandable by both communicators.

What is a Programming Language?

A programming language is a computer language that is used by programmers (developers) to
communicate with computers. It is a set of instructions written in any specific language ( C, C++, Java,
Python) to perform a specific task.

A programming language is mainly used to develop desktop applications, websites, and mobile
applications. For more details about programming languages please use below reference.

Reference: https://www.javatpoint.com/programming-language

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 In demand Programming Languages in 2023

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 Flowchart
• A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a process, system
or computer algorithm. They are widely used in
multiple fields to document, study, plan, improve and
communicate often complex processes in clear, easy-to-
understand diagrams.
• Flowcharts, sometimes spelled as flow charts, use
rectangles, ovals, diamonds and potentially numerous
other shapes to define the type of step, along with
connecting arrows to define flow and sequence. They
can range from simple, hand-drawn charts to
comprehensive computer-drawn diagrams depicting
multiple steps and routes.
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 Flowchart Symbols and meanings

Reference: https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/what-is-a-flowchart-tutorial
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 Algorithm

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Use of the Algorithms:

Algorithms play a crucial role in various fields and have many applications. Some of the key areas
where algorithms are used include:

• Computer Science: Algorithms form the basis of computer programming and are used to solve
problems ranging from simple sorting and searching to complex tasks such as artificial intelligence
and machine learning.
• Mathematics: Algorithms are used to solve mathematical problems, such as finding the optimal
solution to a system of linear equations or finding the shortest path in a graph.
• Operations Research: Algorithms are used to optimize and make decisions in fields such as
transportation, logistics, and resource allocation.
• Artificial Intelligence: Algorithms are the foundation of artificial intelligence and machine learning,
and are used to develop intelligent systems that can perform tasks such as image recognition, natural
language processing, and decision-making.
• Data Science: Algorithms are used to analyze, process, and extract insights from large amounts of
data in fields such as marketing, finance, and healthcare.

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