Syllabus ...

Chapter 1 : Fundamentals of Computer [4 Hours, 6 Marks]

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Type of Computer
1.3 Components of PC
1.4 Inputs and Output Devices
1.5 Computer Languages
1.6 Memory of Computer
Chapter 2 : Introduction to MS Office [8 Hours, 12 Marks]
2.1 MS-Word: Introduction, Starting MS-Word Screen and its Components, Elementary Working with
MS-Word
2.2 MS-Excel: Introduction, Starting MS-Excel, Basics of Spreadsheet, MS-Excel Screen and its
Components, Elementary Working with MS-Excel
2.3 MS-PowerPoint: Introduction, Starting MS-PowerPoint, Basics of PowerPoint, MS-PowerPoint
Screen and its Components, Elementary Working with MS-PowerPoint
Chapter 3 : Introduction to Internet [4 Hours, 6 Marks]
3.1 What is Internet?
3.2 Computer Communication and Internet
3.3 WWW and Web Browsers
3.4 Creating Own Email Account
3.5 Networking and Types
Chapter 4 : Introduction to HTML and Software [8 Hours, 10 Marks]
4.1 Introduction to HTML, Working of HTML
4.2 Creating and Loading HTML Pages, Tags
4.3 Structure of HTML, Document, Stand Alone Tags
4.4 Formatting Text, Adding Images, Creating Hyper Links, Tables
4.6 Cyber Security
4.7 Computer Virus
Chapter 5 : Information Technology [6 Hours, 6 Marks]
6.1 Current IT Tools
6.2 Social Networking, Mobile Computing, Cloud Computing
6.3 Introduction of IOT and IOE
6.4 Computer Application in various fields like Data Analysis, Database Management, Artificial
Intelligence
Chapter 1…
Fundamentals of Computer
Contents
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 What is Computer?/Meaning of Computer
1.1.2 Definition and Working of Computer
1.1.3 Characteristics/Features of Computers
1.1.4 Block Diagram of Computer
1.1.5 Generations of Computers
1.1.6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers
1.2 Types of Computer
1.3 Components of PC
1.3.1 Computer System
1.3.2 Computer Hardware and Software
1.4 Input/Output (I/O) Devices
1.4.1 Input Devices
1.4.2 Output Devices
1.5 Computer Languages
1.6 Computer Memory
1.7 Operating Systems
• Practice Questions

1.1 INTRODUCTION
• Today's world is an information rich world. In today's world, computers have become an integral part of
our lives; computers are being used in every sphere of human activity whether it is at home, at office or
at bank.
• Fields such as education, entertainment, medicine, banking, military, weather forecasting and
telecommunications have been greatly influenced by the use of computers. This pervading presence of
computers has made it necessary for everyone to have a fundamental knowledge of computers.
• A computer is basically a programmable computing machine. Computing is the process of utilizing
computer technology to complete a task. Computing machine is a machine for performing particular
tasks automatically.
1.1.1 What is Computer/Meaning of Computer
• The term computer is derived from the Latin word “compute” means “to calculate”.
• A computer is basically a programmable computing machine that is used to store, retrieve and
manipulate data.
• A computer is an electronic device that performs a given task (operation) on the basis of given
instructions.
[1.1]
Computer Fundamentals (Sem. I) 1.2 Fundamentals of Computer

• The word COMPUTER can be analyzed as follows:

C Calculate
O Operate
M Memorize
P Print
U Update
T Tabulate
E Edit
R Response
1.1.2 Definition and Working of Computer
Definition of Computer:
• A computer can be defined as, "an electronic device which processes the information supplied (inputs)
and produces the desired result (output) according to the given instructions (programs)". OR
• A computer can be defined as, "an information
processing machine that can perform
mathematical and logical manipulations (data
processing) in accordance with a pre-defined set
of instructions (programs) with capacity to store
data temporarily and/or permanently".
Working of the Computer:
• Fig. 1.1 shows work environment of a computer.
• A computer mainly works on the following
principle (See Fig. 1.1):
1. Input: Taking the input in the form of
instruction and data.
2. Process: Processing the instruction and data
and store the data. Fig. 1.1: Work Environment of the Computer
3. Output: Display the stored data or output
into the print format.
1.1.3 Characteristics/Features of Computers
• The main characteristics of the computers, which makes them powerful and useful are listed below:
1. Automation: An automatic machine works by itself without human intervention. Computers have
automation power that means computer can perform the task automatically by using programs.
2. Speed: Computers are of high speed in its operations. The speed is measured in terms of
Instructions Per Second (IPS). All modern computers can process information at a speed of a couple
of Million Instructions Per Second (MIPS).
3. Accuracy: Computers are highly accurate in its operations. They either give correct answer or do not
answer at all. Errors can occur in computers but these are mainly due to human rather than
technological weakness.
4. Reliability: It is the ability of the computers to perform the same job exactly in the same way in any
numbers of times.
5. Versatility: A computer is capable of performing almost any task provided that the task can be
reduced to a series of logical steps.
6. Integrity: It is the ability of the computers to carry out a sequence of instructions.
7. No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. They have no feeling because they are machines.
Computer Fundamentals (Sem. I) 1.3 Fundamentals of Computer

8. Diligence Continuity: A computer is free from monotony, tiredness, lack of concentration etc. It can
work for hours without creating any error.
9. Power of Remembering: Computers can store and use any amount of information because of its
storage capability.
1.1.4 Block Diagram of Computer
• Fig. 1.2 shows block diagram of a computer.
• The basic computer structure (block
diagram) explains/describes the way in
which different units of computer are
interconnected with each other. Every
computer system has essential four
important units i.e., input unit, output
unit, CPU and storage unit.
• The basic functional units of a computer
in Fig. 1.2 are described below:
1. Input Unit:
• Input is the process of entering data and
programs (instructions) in to the
computer system with the input device.
Fig. 1.2: Block Diagram of a Computer
• The device that accepts data from the user and communicates the same to the CPU is called as an input
device.
• Some common input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, light pen, track ball, scanner, graphic tablet,
microphone, Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR), Optical Character Reader (OCR), Barcode reader, Optical
Mark Reader (OMR) etc.
• Functions of input unit are listed below:
(i) It accepts or reads data/instructions from outside world.
(ii) Input unit converts these data/instructions in computer acceptable form.
(iii) Input unit supplies the converted data/instructions to the storage unit for storage and further
processing.
2. CPU:
• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is referred to as "brain" of a computer system. CPU converts data
(input) into meaningful information (output).
• The CPU controls all the internal and external devices, performs arithmetic and logic operations, and
operates only on binary data (1's and 0's).
• In addition, CPU also controls the usage of main memory to store data and instructions and controls the
sequence of operations.
• The CPU consists of three main subsystems, the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the Control Unit (CU), and
the Registers.
• ALU performs the arithmetic and logic operations on the data that is made available to it.
• CU is responsible for organizing the processing of data and instructions. CU also controls and co-
ordinates the activity of the other units of computer.
• CPU uses the registers to store the data, instructions during processing.
3. Memory or Storage Unit:
• The process of saving data and instructions permanently or temporary is known as storage.
Computer Fundamentals (Sem. I) 1.4 Fundamentals of Computer

• Memory unit can store instruction, data and intermediate results. This unit supplies information to the
other units of the computer when needed.
• There are two types of memories i.e., Volatile Memory (whose contents are erased when the system's
power is turned OFF) and Non-volatile Memory (whose contents will be saved regardless if the power
to the computer is ON or OFF).
• The memory unit consists of primary memory and secondary memory.
(i) Primary Memory (main memory) of the computer is used to store the data and instructions during
execution of the instructions. Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are the
primary memories.
(ii) Secondary Memory (Auxiliary memory) is non-volatile and is used for permanent storage of data
and programs. Magnetic tape, disks are the examples of secondary storage.
4. Output Unit:
• The result of computer processing is called as output.
• This result is communicated to user through a devices called output devices such as monitor, plotter,
printer etc.
• Functions of output unit are listed below:
(i) Output unit accepts the produced results, which are in the coded form.
(ii) It converts these coded results to human acceptable form.
(iii) Output unit supplies the converted results to outside world.
1.1.5 Generations of Computers
• Evolution of modern computer is commonly considered in terms of generations of computers.
• Each new generation has made the changes in computer characteristics such as increase in speed,
increase in storage capacity, increase in reliability, reduction in system cost, decreasing in size, etc.
• According to the technology used, there are five generations of computers, which are discussed below:
1. First Generation Computers (1942-1955):
o The first generation computers were using vacuum tubes and machine languages were used for
giving instructions.
o The computers of this generation were very large in size and their programming was a difficult
task.
o The first commercial electronic digital computer capable of using stored programs was called
“Universal Automatic Calculator” (UNIVAC) built by Macuchy and Eckert in 1951.
o The major first generation computers are UNIVAC-1, IBM-701, IBM-650, ENIAC (Electronic
Numerical Integrator And Calculator), EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer),
EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator), etc.

(a) Vacuum
(a) Vacuum Tube
Tube
st
(b) 1 Generation Computer
Fig. 1.3
Computer Fundamentals (Sem. I) 1.5 Fundamentals of Computer

Advantages Disadvantages
(i) First generation computers were fastest (i) Bulky in size (required large rooms) and time
calculating devices of their time. consuming for assembly and installation.
(ii) They support parallel processing. (ii) Vacuum tube required very high power
consumption.
2. Second Generation Computers (1955-1964):
o Computers are entered into second generation by the introduction of transistors. Vacuum tubes
were replaced by tiny solid-state components called as transistors.
o Transistors were highly reliable, requires less power and faster than vacuum tubes.
o High Level Languages such as FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC etc. were introduced. The practice of
writing programs in machine languages were replaced by high level languages.
o Punched cards were used for input-output operations.
o Major second generation computers were IBM-1400 series, IBM-7000 series, Honeywell 200, CDC
3600, UNIVAC 1108 etc.

nd
(a) Transistors (b) 2 Generation Computer
Fig. 1.4
Advantages Disadvantages
(i) Transistors are faster and more reliable than (i) Time consuming for assembly and installation.
vacuum tubes. (ii) Maintenance is high.
(ii) Cheaper in cost and less power consumption (iii) Difficult and costly for commercial production.
also smaller in size.

3. Third Generation Computers (1964-1975):

o The third generation computers used the new technology i.e., Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of
transistors.
o All electronic components like transistors, resistors and capacitors were fabricated on silicon
chips i.e., ICs.
o IC has higher speed, larger storage capacity and smaller size.
o Operating systems were introduced for use in computers. Significant advances in hardware
technology made the introduction of keyboards and monitors for data input and output. More
high level languages like Pascal, RPG were also introduced in the generation.
o Major third generation computers were PDP-8, PDP-11, IBM-360 series, ICL -2900 series, CDC’s
CYBER -175, TDC-316, IBM 370/168 etc.

rd
(a) IC's (b) 3 Generation Computer
Fig. 1.5
Computer Fundamentals (Sem. I) 1.6 Fundamentals of Computer

Advantages Disadvantages
(i) Required small space (portable). (i) Cost is more than fourth generation
(ii) More reliable and faster in speed. computers.
(iii) Support high level languages. (ii) Highly sophisticated technology required for
(iv) Installation is required in less time. the manufacturing chips.
4. Fourth Generation Computers (1975-1989):
o The ICs used in third generation computers had about 10 to 100 transistors per unit. This
technology was called Small-Scale Integration (SSI).
o Later, with the advancement of technology for manufacturing ICs, it is possible to integrate
10,000 transistors in an IC. This technology is called Large-Scale Integration (LSI).
o Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) can pack a million or more transistors on a single chip. LSI and
VLSI technologies led to the introduction of Microprocessors.
o Computers which are designed using Microprocessors become the fourth generation computers.
o Intel introduced the first microprocessor 4004 using LSI. The languages C, LISP, Prolog become
popular in this generation.
o Major fourth generation computers are APPLE II, IBM 4341, DEC 10, IBM System 370, CRAY–MPC,
WIPRO 860, IBM AS/400/B60, IBM ps/2 MODEL 80, HCL Magnum, etc.

th
(a) Microprocessor (b) 4 Generation Computers
Fig. 1.6
Advantages Disadvantages
(i) Portable in size and easy for installation. (i) Expensive.
(ii) Cheaper in cost and more reliable. (ii) Single user oriented.
(iii) Supports high level language and networking.
5. Fifth Generation Computers (1989 onwards):
o In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI
(Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the
production of microprocessor chips having ten million
electronic components.
o Fifth generation is based on parallel processing hardware
and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
o AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which
interprets means and method of making computers think
like human beings. All the high-level languages like C and
th
C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation. Fig. 1.7: 5 Generation Computer
o Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will be used. So we can say that the
fifth generation computers will have the power of human intelligence.
o Some computer types of fifth generation are UltraBook and ChromeBook.
Advantages Disadvantages
(i) Very less power is required. (i) AI and the overall advanced technology. So, it
(ii) More smaller and handy than computers of requires a powerful learning curve.
fourth generation computers. (ii) They tend to be sophisticated and complex
(iii) Faster in speed and more reliable. tools.
Computer Fundamentals (Sem. I) 1.7 Fundamentals of Computer

1.1.6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers

Advantages of the Computers:
1. Speed: When data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits in a computer, they
travel at incredibly fast speeds. Many computers process billions or trillions of operations in a single
second.
2. Reliability: The electronic components in modern computers are dependable and reliable because
they rarely break or fail.
3. Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results
consistently.
4. Storage: A computer can transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process it, and then store it
again for future use. Many computers store enormous amounts of data and make this data available
for processing anytime it is needed.
5. Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other computers, often wirelessly.
Disadvantages of the Computers:
1. Health Risks: Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to injuries or disorders of the hands,
wrists, elbows, eyes, neck, and back.
2. Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are depleting
natural resources and polluting the environment.
3. Public Safety: Adults, teens, and children around the world are using computers to share publicly
their photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal information. Some of these unsuspecting,
innocent computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.
4. Impact on Labor Force: Although computers have improved productivity in many ways and created
an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees have
been replaced by computers.
5. Violation of Privacy: Nearly every life event is stored in a computer somewhere like in medical
records, credit reports, tax records, etc. In many instances, where personal and confidential records
were not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen.

1.2 TYPES OF COMPUTER

• Computers can be classified according to purpose, data handling and functionality as shown in Fig. 1.8.

Fig. 1.8: Types or Classification of Computers

(A) Types of Computers According to Type of Data Handling Techniques: Different types of computers
process the data in a different manner. According to the basic data handling principle, computers can be
classified into three categories i.e., analog, digital and hybrid as discussed below:
1. Analog Computers:
o A computing machine that works on the principle of measuring, in which the measurements
obtained are translated into desired data (information) is known as analog computer.
Computer Fundamentals (Sem. I) 1.8 Fundamentals of Computer

o Modern analog computers usually employ electrical parameters, like pressures, voltages,
resistances or currents, temperatures, to represent the quantities being manipulated.
o The earliest computers were analog computers.
o Analog computers are used for scientific and engineering purposes. Slide rule, Antikythera
mechanism, astrolabe, differential analyzer, Deltar, Kerrison Predictor are the examples of analog
computers.
Advantages Disadvantages
(i) They provides continuous representation of all data. (i) Analog computers are not accurate.
(ii) They are faster in speed and inexpensive. (ii) Analog computers has lack memory.
2. Digital Computers:
o A computer that operates with information, numerical or otherwise, represented in a digital form
(0's an 1's) is known as digital computer.
o Digital computers process data including text, sound, graphics and video into a digital value in
0's and 1's.
o The desktop PC at home, banks, offices etc., are the examples of digital computers.
Advantages Disadvantages
(i) Digital computers are accurate. (i) Digital computers are slower than analog computers.
(ii) They can store large amount of data. (ii) They have higher cost and complexity.
3. Hybrid Computers:
o Those computers which employ both the features of analog and digital computers are known as
hybrid computer.
o EAI 180, HPLC and EAI 185 are the examples of hybrid computers.
Advantages Disadvantages
(i) Less expensive than the digital computer. (i) Hybrid computers required detailed knowledge of
(ii) Hybrid computers have tremendous operation for both the analog and digital computers.
computing speed. (ii) Simulations using hybrid computers were extremely
time consuming.
• Following table compares analog, digital and hybrid computers:
Sr.
Analog Computer Digital Computer Hybrid Computer
No.
1. Analog computers are used to Digital computers are used to A hybrid computer can process
process analog data. process digital (letters, both digital and analog data.
numerals, special symbols)
data.
2. Speed is a faster than digital Speed is slower than hybrid It has high speed than digital
computer. computer and to analog and analog computers.
computer.
3. Analog computer do not Digital computers requires Hybrid computer requires
requires any storage capability storage capability. storage capability.
because they measure
quantities in a single operation.
4. Data in analog computer is of Data in digital computer is Hybrid computer process both
continuous in nature. discrete in nature. continuous and discrete data.
5. Analog computer can process Digital computer process It process both numeric and
only numeric data. numeric as well as non- non-numeric data.
numeric data.
6. Examples: Examples: Examples:
(i) Slide rule (i) Desktop PC (i) HPLC
(ii) Astrolabe (ii) UltraBook (ii) EAI 180