Module 2

Performing Computer Operations

Competencies:
1. Plan and prepare for task to be undertaken
2. Input data into computer
3. Access information using computer
4. Produce output/ data using computer system
5. Use basic functions of a www- browser to locate information
6. Maintain computer equipment and systems

Read the Information Sheet very well then find out how much you can remember
and how much you learned by doing Self-check.

Define a Computer
➢ An electronic machine that works under the control of stored programs to accept,
process & output data/information for use by the operator.
➢ A device that accepts data, processes the data in accordance with a stored
program, generates results, and usually consists of input, output, storage, and
arithmetic, logic, and control units.
➢ A functional unit that can perform substantial computation, including numerous
arithmetic operations or logic operations, without human intervention during a
run.
➢ It is an electronic device/machine that accepts data (raw facts & figures) as input
and processes (works on it) to produce information (data converted to meaningful
form) as output.

Characteristics of Computer
1. SPEED: In general, no human being can compete to solving the complex
computation, faster than computer. Computers work at an incredible speed. A
powerful computer is capable of performing about 3-4 million simple instructions
per second.
2. ACCURACY: Since Computer is programmed, so whatever input we give it gives
result with accurately. In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate.
Errors that may occur can almost always be attributed to human error (inaccurate
data, poorly designed system or faulty instructions/programs written by the
programmer)
3. STORAGE: Computer can store mass storage of data with appropriate format.
Today’s computers can store large volumes of data. A piece of information once
recorded (or stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can be retrieved
almost instantaneously.
4. DILIGENCE: Computer can work for hours without any break and creating error.
Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer from
human traits of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration.
Computers, therefore, are better than human beings in performing voluminous and
repetitive jobs.
5. VERSATILITY: We can use computer to perform completely different type of work
at the same time. Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing
any task as long as it can be broken down into a series of logical steps. The

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 presence of computers can be seen in almost every sphere – Railway/Air
reservation, Banks, Hotels, Weather forecasting and many more.
6. POWER OF REMEMBERING: It can remember data for us.
7. NO IQ: Computer does not work without instruction.
8. NO FEELING: Computer does not have emotions, knowledge, experience, and
feeling.

A computer performs a number of functions:

1. Input (Data)
• The computer accepts data from outside for processing. Input is the raw
information entered into a computer from the input devices.

2. Processing
• The computer performs operations on the data that it holds internally.
Processing is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally
internal process of the computer system.

3. Output
• The computer produces information for external use. Output is the
processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also
called as Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the
future use.

4. Storage
• The computer stores data before, during and after processing.

5. Communication
• The computer can send or receive data to or from other computers when it
is connected on a network.

A computer is a programmable machine designed to perform arithmetic and logical

operations automatically and sequentially on the input given by the user and gives the
desired output after processing. Computer components are divided into two major
categories namely hardware and software.

Hardware - refers to the tangible, physical and mechanical components of a computer.

Software - refers to the intangible computer components, which are the programs or
instructions of the computer. Everything that a computer does, it acts under
instructions written out as computer programs. The hardware needs these
instructions to function.

Computer program:
• A set of instructions, written in a specific programming language, which a
computer follows in processing data, performing an operation, or solving a
logical problem. See also software.
• A computer program is a set of statements or instructions to be used directly or
indirectly in a computer in order to bring about a certain result.

NB: Software alone is useless, so is the hardware. The two are inseparable.

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Peripheral Devices - These are devices that are external (not part of the computer) but
can be connected to a computer. They are not essential for the functioning of the
computer but can be connected to the computer for specific reasons. Examples are
scanners, modems, printers, speakers, digital cameras, etc.

HARDWARE VS SOFTWARE

• Physical components of a computer • Intangible components of a computer

system. Devices that are required to system, which are programs or
store and execute (or run) the instructions that enables a user to
software. interact with the computer.
• Input, storage, processing, control, • System software, Programming
and output devices. software, and Application software
• CD-ROM, monitor, printer, video • QuickBooks, Adobe Acrobat,
card, scanners, label makers, routers, WhatsApp, Internet Explorer,
and modems. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
• Hardware serves as the delivery • To perform the specific task, you
system for software solutions. The need to complete. Software is
hardware of a computer is generally not needed to for the
infrequently changed, in comparison hardware to perform its basic level
with software and data, which are tasks such as turning on and
“soft” in the sense that they are responding to input.
readily created, modified, or erased
on the computer
• Hardware starts functioning once • To deliver its set of instructions,
software is loaded. Software is installed on hardware.
• Hardware failure is random. • Software failure is systematic.
Hardware does have increasing Software does not have an increasing
failure at the last stage. failure rate.
• Hardware wears out over time. • Software does not wear out over
time. However, bugs are discovered
in software as time passes.
• Hardware is physical in nature. • Software is logical in nature.
• Physical parts of the computer are • A set of instructions given to the
called hardware. computer is called software.
• You can touch, see and feel • You cannot touch and feel software.
hardware. • Software is developed by writing
• Hardware is constructed using instructions in programming
physical materials or components. language.
• Computer is hardware, which • The operations of computer are
operates under the control of a controlled through software.
software. • If software is damaged or corrupted,
• If hardware is damaged, it is replaced its backup copy can be reinstalled.
with new one. • Software is affected by computer
• Hardware is not affected by computer viruses.
viruses. • Software can be transferred from one
• Hardware cannot be transferred from place to another electronically
one place to another electronically through network.
through network. • User can make many new duplicate
• User cannot make new duplicate copies of the software.
copies of the hardware.

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 Describe the functions of each component.

INPUT UNIT
• It accepts (or reads) the list of instructions and data from the outside world.
• It converts these instructions and data in computer acceptable format.
• It supplies the converted instructions and data to the computer system for
further processing.

OUTPUT UNIT
• It accepts the results produced by the computer which are in coded form and
hence cannot be easily understood by us.
• It converts these coded results to human acceptable (readable) form.
• It supplied the converted results to the outside world.

REGISTERS
• The registers are the memory of the processor.
• All the data transfer is done through the registers in the processor to
accelerate the process.

STORAGE UNIT
• All the data to be processed and the instruction required for processing
(received from input devices).
• Intermediate results of processing.
• Final results of processing before these results are released to an output
device.

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CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
The CPU processes instructions it receives in the process of decoding data. In processing
this data, the CPU performs four basic steps:
1. Fetch Each instruction is stored in memory and has its own address. The
processor takes this address number from the program counter, which is
responsible for tracking which instructions the CPU should execute next.
2. Decode All programs to be executed are translated to into Assembly instructions.
Assembly code must be decoded into binary instructions, which are
understandable to your CPU. This step is called decoding.
3. Execute While executing instructions the CPU can do one of three things: Do
calculations with its ALU, move data from one memory location to another, or jump
to a different address.
4. Store the CPU must give feedback after executing an instruction and the output
data is written to the memory.

ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC UNIT (ALU)

An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a major component of the central processing unit of a
computer system. It does all processes related to arithmetic and logic operations that
need to be done on instruction words. In some microprocessor architectures, the ALU is
divided into the arithmetic unit (AU) and the logic unit (LU).

ALUs routinely perform the following operations.

• Logical Operations: These include AND, OR, NOT, XOR, NOR, NAND, etc.
• Bit-Shifting Operations: This pertains to shifting the positions of the bits by a
certain number of places to the right or left, which is considered a multiplication
operation.
• Arithmetic Operations: This refers to bit addition and subtraction. Although
multiplication and division are sometimes used, these operations are more
expensive to make. Addition can be used to substitute for multiplication and
subtraction for division.

CONTROL UNIT
A control unit (CU) handles all processor control signals. It directs all input and output
flow, fetches code for instructions from micro programs and directs other units and models
by providing control and timing signals. A CU component is considered the processor
brain because it issues orders to just about everything and ensures correct instruction
execution.

Control Unit functions are as follows:

• Controls sequential instruction execution
• Interprets instructions
• Guides data flow through different computer areas
• Regulates and controls processor timing
• Sends and receives control signals from other computer devices
• Handles multiple tasks, such as fetching, decoding, execution handling and
storing results

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 MAIN MEMORY VS SECONDARY MEMORY (RAM VS ROM)

SECONDARY MEMORY OR BACKUP

MAIN MEMORY
STORAGE
• Stores programs and data while
• Store data or programs for later use
computer is running for current use
• Main memory is fast and limited in
• Slow and capacity vary
capacity
• Cannot retain information when the
• Non volatile
computer is switched off - Volatile
• Memory directly connected to the • Portable- can be transported from one
CPU - not portable machine to another.

• Primary storage • Secondary storage

• PROVIDES FAST ACCESS • ACCESS IS SLOW

• Temporary • Permanent

• Computer cannot do or work without • Can do or work without

• The memory devices used for primary • The secondary memory devices are
memory are semiconductor memories magnetic and optical memories.
• The primary memory is categorized
as volatile and non-volatile memories, • The secondary memory is always non
RAM is the volatile memory and ROM volatile
is the nonvolatile memory
• The primary memory is composed of • • The secondary memory is enough
programs and data that are presently capable to store huge amount of
being used by the micro-processor information
• The secondary memories are
• The primary memories are more
somewhat slow in interacting with the
effective and faster to interact with the
microprocessor, when compared with
micro-processor
the primary memory.
• Primary memory is known as main • Secondary memory is known as
memory additional memory or back memory
• These memories are also called as • These memories are also called as
internal memory external memory

• Primary memory is temporary • The secondary memory is permanent

• Commonly used primary memory • Generally secondary memories range

(main memory) available in the range between 80 GB to 10 TB Hard Disc
of 512 MB to 16 GB RAMs. Drives.
• The primary memory devices are • The secondary memory devices are
connected to the computer through connected to the computer through
“slots” Cables

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 Social and Economic implications of the use of computers

The economic reasons for using computerized systems can be summarized as increased
productivity compared with manual systems. The results from the ability of computer
systems are:
1. Communicate and process data repetitively, accurately and rapidly.
2. Store data in relatively little space
3. Make backup copies of data rapidly and reliably
4. Search for information rapidly and reliably
5. Produce output in a variety of formats

An organization may be able to improve its economic position by:

1. Using less space for bulky paper documents
2. Reducing the risk of losing vital information
3. Operating ‘just-in-time’ (JIT) ordering strategy with automated reordering
4. Making sales system available to customers through a website

Health and Safety

Health Risk Cause Prevention

Reduce physical exercise. Long periods sitting at a ➢ Regular changes of
Poor circulation in the legs workstation task.
➢ Regular rest breaks,
stand up and work
around.
Back, shoulder and neck Long periods setting at a ➢ A chair that supports a
problems desk with poor pressure back Keyboard at the
right height for the
forearms to be
horizontal.
➢ Screen level with or
just below eyes level
➢ Regular change
position
Sore eyes, caused by lack Long periods looking in ➢ Regularly looking away
of tear fluid to lubricate the one direction at a ➢ Screen correctly
eye and focusing muscles computer screen adjusted to avoid too
not being exercised over little or too much
their full range brightness or color
contrast
➢ Screen at the right
angles to a wall
containing a window
➢ Anti-reflective screen
filter
➢ Regular eye test by an
optician
Repetitive strain injury, Long periods holding ➢ Padded wrist support
which feels a bit like hands over the keyboard ➢ Regularly stretching
arthritis and pressing keys or wrist and arm muscles
clicking mouse buttons in different ways.

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 Types of Computer

Computers can be broadly classified by their speed and computing power.

S.No. Type Specifications

PC (Personal It is a single user computer system having moderately

1
Computer) powerful microprocessor

It is also a single user computer system, similar to

2 Workstation personal computer however has a more powerful
micro-processor.

It is a multi-user computer system, capable of

3 Mini Computer
supporting hundreds of users simultaneously.

It is a multi-user computer system, capable of

4 Main Frame supporting hundreds of users simultaneously.
Software technology is different from minicomputer.

It is an extremely fast computer, which can execute

5 Supercomputer
hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

PC (Personal Computer)
A PC can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive
computer designed for an individual user. PCs are
based on the microprocessor technology that enables
manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.
Businesses use personal computers for word
processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and for
running spreadsheet and database management
applications. At home, the most popular use for
personal computers is playing games and surfing the
Internet.
Although personal computers are designed as single-user systems, these systems are
normally linked together to form a network. In terms of power, now-a-days high-end
models of the Macintosh and PC offer the same computing power and graphics capability
as low-end workstations by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell.

Workstation
Workstation is a computer used for engineering
applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software
development, and other such types of applications
which require a moderate amount of computing power
and relatively high-quality graphics capabilities.
Workstations generally come with a large, high-
resolution graphics screen, large amount of RAM, inbuilt
network support, and a graphical user interface. Most
workstations also have mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a special type of
workstation, called diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive.

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Minicomputer
It is a midsize multi-processing system capable of supporting up to
250 users simultaneously.

Mainframe
Mainframe is very large in size and is an expensive computer
capable of supporting hundreds or even thousands of users
simultaneously. Mainframe executes many programs concurrently
and supports many simultaneous executions of programs.

Supercomputer
Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers currently
available. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed
for specialized applications that require immense amount of
mathematical calculations (number crunching).
For example, weather forecasting, scientific simulations,
(animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy
research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g.
in petrochemical prospecting).

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