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BY
ROHAN RAVIKUMAR

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Session-1- Basics of computer
• Definition of Computer
• Classification of Computers
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software

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Definition of Computer
• A computer is a programmable device which accepts, store, logically
manipulate information and give desired output.
• Characteristics of Computer: Speed , Accuracy, Reliability, Versatility,
Storage Capacity.

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Classification of Computers
• Based on generation
1st generation computer, 2nd generation computer, 3rd
generation, 4th generation and 5th generation computer.
• Based on functionality
Analog computer, Digital computer, Hybrid computer
• Based on size
Super computer, Mainframe computer, Minicomputer, Micro
computer (PC).

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Based on Generation

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First Generation Computers(1940-1956)
• Vacuum tubes for circuitry
• Magnetic drums for memory
• High power consumption.
• machine language
• Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was
displayed on printouts.
• Ex: UNIVAC and ENIAC computers.

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Second Generation Computers(1956-1963)
• Transistors replaced vacuum tubes
• The transistor was invented at Bell Labs in 1947.
• They still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.
• Assembly language was used.
• First Time OS and core memory were introduced.
• Ex: COBOL, FORTRAN, IBM 1401, 1402, PDP-1.

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transistor

Magnetic core memory

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Level of Integration No. of components
Small scale integration (SSI) 0-100
Medium scale integration 100-500
(MSI)
Large scale integration (LSI) 500-3L
Very large scale integration 3L-15L
(VLSI)
Very very large scale Above 15L
integration(VVLSI)
Fourth Generation Computers(1971-present)
• LSI, VLSI
• Portable computers
• RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks)
• Virtual reality
• Data communication
• Ex : IBM PC, Apple Macintosh

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Fifth Generation Computers(present-future)
• Parallel processing, speech recognition, robotics, AI

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Quantum Computers

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Based on Functionality

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Analog computers
• Data varies continuously
• Used for measurements, communication , broadcasting

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Digital computers
• Discrete data
• High speed
• Binary system
• Solve complex math problems

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Hybrid computers
• Combination of analog and digital
• ADC and DAC are required
• Specialized tasks like for ICU, modern vehicles

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Classification of Digital Computers

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Super Computer
• They are the highest performing system. The actual Performance of a
supercomputer is measured in FLOPS instead of MIPS. Mostly use
Linux-based operating systems. Used in stock analysis, weather
forecasting, nuclear research.
• India’s first super computer PARAM. India’s top super computer
Pratyush (Cray XC40) used by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

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Mainframe Computer
• These are commonly called as big iron; they are usually used by big
organizations for bulk data processing.
• Multiuser, up to 1000 workstations at a time.
• They are also used in Banking, railways, airlines.
• E.g.: IBM z Series, System z9 and System z10 servers.

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Mini Computer
• They have lesser speed and storage compared to super and
mainframe computers.
• They are Mid-sized computers.
• 4 to 200 workstations can be connected.
• Ex: CDC 160A, CDC 1700, HP 2100.

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Micro Computers (PC)
• A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a
microprocessor as its CPU.
• It includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal I/O circuitry
mounted on a single printed circuit board.

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Computer Hardware
CPU
PHERIPHERALS

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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• The central processing unit (CPU) or processor, is the unit which
performs most of the processing inside a computer. It processes all
instructions received by software running on the PC and by other
hardware components, and acts as a powerful calculator.
• The CPU is placed into a specific square-shaped socket found on all
motherboards(Main circuit- CPU+ Memory+ Expansion slots).

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Control Unit
• This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does
not carry out any actual data processing operations.
• 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.

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ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
• It has two sets of operations- arithmetic operations and Logical
operations.
• Arithmetic operations- addition, subtraction, multiplication..
• Logical operations- AND, OR, EX-OR, NOT..

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LOGICAL OPERATIONS

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 NOTE
Registers: High speed
memory units for critical
functions.

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Main Memory
• CPU can directly access main memory.
• It consists of RAM and ROM.
• This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This
unit supplies information to other units of the computer when
needed.
• Its size affects speed, power, and capability.

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Computer – Memory
Memory is primarily of three types −
• Cache Memory
• Primary Memory/Main Memory
• Secondary Memory

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Cache Memory
• Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which
can speed up the CPU.
• It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the main memory. It is used
to hold those parts of data and program which are most frequently
used by the CPU.
• The parts of data and programs are transferred from the disk to cache
memory by the operating system, from where the CPU can access
them.

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The advantages of cache memory are as follows −
• Cache memory is faster than main memory.
• It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
• It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of
time.
• It stores data for temporary use.
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows −
• Cache memory has limited capacity.
• It is very expensive.

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Primary Memory (Main Memory)
• Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the
computer is currently working.
• It has a limited capacity and data is lost when power is switched off. It
is generally made up of semiconductor device.
• The data and instruction required to be processed resides in the main
memory. It is divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.
• It is the working memory of the computer.
• Faster than secondary memories.
• A computer cannot run without the primary memory.

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Secondary Memory
• This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-
volatile. It is slower than the main memory.
• 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. For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

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 Random Access Memory(RAM)
• Main memory
• Volatile
• Quick access
• Both read and write
Read Only Memory(ROM)
• Permanent
• Set of instructions built by manufacturer are stored in it.
• Only read

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 Programmable ROM (PROM)
• To store program
• Non-erasable
Erasable PROM (EPROM)
• Data can be erased by UV light
Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM)
• Data can be erased by applying voltage
• Flash memory

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EPROM

EEPROM
Peripheral Devices
• They are devices that can be connected to a computer. Three types- Input
devices , Output devices and Storage devices(CD, hard disk, USB)
Input Devices
• Capable of inputting info into a comp system- ex: keyboard, scanner,
webcam, mouse..
Output Devices
• Anything that gives out info from comp system- ex: monitor, printer,
speaker..
• Some devices, such as video display terminals, modems may provide both
input and output.
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Computer Software

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Computer Software
Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-
defined function.
A program is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular
problem.
Mainly 3 types of software:
• System software
• Utility software
• Application software

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System Software
• Performs basic functions required for working of computer
• Two types
• Compilers(Language processors)
• Operating System(OS)

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Operating System
• An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between
the software and the computer hardware.
• It is an integrated set of specialized programs used to manage overall
resources and operations of the computer.
• It is a specialized software that controls and monitors the execution
of all other programs that reside in the computer, including
application programs and other system software.

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 Functions of OS
•Memory Management
•Processor Management
•Device Management
•File Management Security
•Job Accounting
•Control Over System Performance
•Interaction with the Operators
•Error-detecting Aids
•Coordination Between Other Software and
Users

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Utility Software
• Its functions Analyze, monitor, configure, optimize, maintain
• Anti-virus
• Desktop widgets: virtual tools
• Backup software

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Application Software
• Application software products are designed to satisfy a particular
need of a particular environment. All software applications prepared
in the computer lab can come under the category of Application
software.
• Application software may consist of a single program, such as
Microsoft's notepad for writing and editing a simple text. It may also
consist of a collection of programs, often called a software package.

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 Features of application software are as follows −
• Close to the user
• Easy to design
• More interactive
• Slow in speed
• Generally written in high-level language
• Easy to understand
• Easy to manipulate and use
• Bigger in size and requires large storage space

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Programming Language
• A programming language is a set of commands, instructions, and
other syntax use to create a software program.
Three types
• Machine language
• Assembly language
• High level language

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Machine Language
• Only language understood by computer
• Sequence of bits of 0 or 1
• Most difficult for human to understand
• 1st gen language
Assembly language
• 2nd gen language
• Readable instructions
• Instructions like MOV, ADD..

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High-level Language
• Programmers use this
• C++, java...
• Statements are in English so very much readable
• Print, if, if else...

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Language Processors

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Assembler
• Converts assembly language into machine language
Interpreter
• Converts HLL into machine language by converting it line by line.
Complier
• Converts HLL into machine language. It converts whole HLL program
in one go.

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