BHAGWAN MAHAVIR UNIVERSITY

MASTERS IN COMPUTER APPLICATION (IMCA)

Computer Fundamentals & office Automation (10504101)

Unit – 1 Introduction to Computers

Characteristics of Computer System

The characteristics of the computer system are as follows −

Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans while
performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of
instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their operations is
microseconds and nanoseconds.

Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same consistency and
accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its memory also makes it
superior to that of human beings.
Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works with
same accuracy and efficiency.

Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we give
same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without manual
intervention.

Memory
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are
also used to store data.
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are
also used to store data.

Block Diagram of Computer

Mainly computer system consists of three parts, that are central processing unit (CPU),
Input Devices, and Output Devices. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is divided into
two parts again: arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit (CU). The set of
instruction is in the form of raw data.
A large amount of data is stored in the computer memory with the help of primary and
secondary storage devices. The CPU is like the heart/brain of the computer. The user
does not get the desired output, without the necessary option taken by the CPU. The
Central processing unit (CPU) is responsible for the processing of all the instructions
which are given by the user to the computer system.

The data is entered through input devices such as the keyboard, mouse, etc. This set of
instruction is processed by the CPU after getting the input by the user, and then the
computer system produces the output. The computer can show the output with the help
of output devices to the user, such as monitor, printer, etc.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• Storage Unit
• ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)  Control Unit

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The computer system is nothing without the Central processing Unit so, it is also known
as the brain or heat of computer. The CPU is an electronic hardware device which can
perform different types of operations such as arithmetic and logical operation.

The CPU contains two parts: the arithmetic logic unit and control unit. We have
discussed briefly the arithmetic unit, logical unit, and control unit which are given below:

Control Unit
The control unit (CU) controls all the activities or operations which are performed inside
the computer system. It receives instructions or information directly from the main
memory of the computer.

When the control unit receives an instruction set or information, it converts the
instruction set to control signals then; these signals are sent to the central processor for
further processing. The control unit understands which operation to execute, accurately,
and in which order.
Arithmetic and Logical Unit
The arithmetic and logical unit is the combinational digital electronic circuit that can
perform arithmetic operations on integer binary numbers.It presents the arithmetic and
logical operation. The outputs of ALU will change asynchronously in response to the
input. The basic arithmetic and bitwise logic functions are supported by ALU.

Storage Unit
The information or set of guidelines are stored in the storage unit of the computer
system. The storage unit provides the space to store the data or instruction of
processed data. The information or data is saved or hold in computer memory or
storage device. The data storage is the core function and fundamental of the computer
components.

Components of Computer System

The hardware and software exist on the computer. The information which is stored
through the device is known as computer software. The hardware components of the
computer system are related to electronic and mechanical parts, and the software
component is related to data and computer programs. Many elements are connected to
the main circuit board of the computer system called a “motherboard.”

• Processor.
• Main Memory.
• Secondary Memory.
• Input Devices.
• Output Devices.
These are mainly five components of the computer system. The computer hardware,
computer software, and liveware exist in the element of the computer system.
Processor
The processor is an electric circuitry within the computer system. The Central
processing unit is the central processor or main processor of the computer system. The
processor carries out the instructions of the computer program with the help of basic
arithmetic and logic, input/output operations.

Main Memory
The Random Access Memory is the main memory of the computer system, which is
known as RAM. The main memory can store the operating system software, application
software, and other information. The Ram is one of the fastest memory, and it allows
the data to be readable and writeable.

Secondary memory
We can store the data and programs on a long-term basis in the secondary memory.
The hard disks and the optical disks are the common secondary devices. It is slow and
cheap memory as compare to primary memory. This memory is not connected to the
processor directly.

It has a large capacity to store the data. The hard disk has a capacity of 500 gigabytes.
The data and programs on the hard disk are organized into files, and the file is the
collection of data on the disk. The secondary storage is direct access by the CPU; that’s
why it is different from the primary storage.

The hard disk is about 100 times the capacity of the main memory. The main difference
between primary and secondary storage is speed and capacity. There are several large
blocks of data which are copied from the hard disk into the main memory.

Input Devices
The user provides the set of instruction or information to the computer system with the
help of input devices such as the keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc. The data
representation to the computer system is in the form of binary language after that the
processor processes the converted data. The input unit implements the data which is
instructed by the user to the system.
We can enter the data from the outside world into the primary storage as the input
through input devices. The input devices are the medium of communication between
the outside world and the computer system. There are some important features of input
devices which are given below:

1. The input devices receive or accept the data or instruction from the user, who
exist in the outside world.
2. These devices convert the data or instruction into the machine-readable form for
further processing.
3. The input device performs like the connection between the outside world and our
computer system.
 4. The keyboard and mouse are common examples of input devices.
5. When the whole procedure is finished, we get the desired output from the output
devices such as monitor, printer, etc.
Output Devices
The output devices produce or generate the desired result according to our input, such
as a printer, monitor, etc. These devices convert the data into a human-readable form
from binary code.

The computer system is linked or connected to the outside world with the help of output
devices. The primary examples of output devices are a printer, projector, etc. These
devices have various features which are given below:

1. These devices receive or accept the data in the binary form.

2. The output devices convert the binary code into the human-readable form.
3. These devices produce the converted result and show to the user.