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Lecture -1
Introduction to Computers

Computer:
The word computer comes from the word “compute”, which means, “to calculate”. Thereby, a computer is an
electronic device that can perform arithmetic operations at high speed. A computer is also called a data
processor because it can store, process, and retrieve data whenever desire.
Another definition is, Computer is an electronic data processing device which

• accepts and stores data input,

• processes the data input, and
• generates the output in a required format.

Functionalities of a computer
Any digital computer carries out three functions in gross terms:

• Input: input devices are connected to feed the computer facts or data to be processed.
• Processing: the control and storing of data, numerical comparisons, and arithmetic operations are
performed on the input data to produce the desired results.
• Output: the computer feeds the processed data or information, to the output devices.

Data is raw material used as input and information is processed data obtained as output of data processing.

Components of a Computer System

A computer is used to process data and a data processing system must consist of more than just machines. A
computer system must contain: hardware, software, humanware and operational procedures.

• Hardware: Hardware generally refers to the machine or physical equipment that performs the basic
functions of the data processing cycle. In addition to the computer itself, other hardware devices are also
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required. These devices may be off-line that is detached from the computer and operating independently or
they may be on-line that is directly connected to and controlled by the computer. A printer is an off-line
device and a keyboard is an on-line device.
• 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. Software is generally categorized as
either system software or application software.
➢ System Software can be designed as the software in such a way so that it can control and work
with computer hardware. It acts as an interface between the device and the end user.
Some examples of system software are Operating System such as Windows XP, 7 8, 10, Linux,
Ubuntu etc, Compilers, Interpreter, Assemblers etc.

➢ Application Software: Application software is a program or group of programs designed for end users.
Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web
browser, an email client, a media player, a file viewer, a console game or a photo editor. Examples of
Application software are following:

✓ Payroll Software
✓ Student Record Software
✓ Inventory Management Software
✓ Income Tax Software
✓ Railways Reservation Software
✓ Web browsing Software (mozilla, opera etc)
✓ Graphics design software (Adobe photoshop, Illustrator etc)
✓ Microsoft Word
✓ Microsoft Excel
✓ Microsoft Powerpoint
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➢ Humanware: Humanware refers to the persons who design, program, and operate a computer
installation.
• The main task of the system analyst is to study information, processing requirements and
design a software. A systems analyst defines the applications problem, determines
systems specifications, recommends hardware and software changes, and designs
information processing procedures.
• A programmer requires a comprehensive knowledge of one or more programming
languages and standard coding procedures. A programmer's principal job is to code or
prepare programs based on the specifications made by the systems analyst.
• A computer operator generally performs a series of well-defined tasks that will keep the
computer operating at maximum efficiency.
➢ Operations on Data: Operations of a data processing center require an extensive and clearly
defined set of procedures for performing the essential functions of the installation. These
functions generally include obtaining, preparing, and entering data into the computer, processing
jobs, initiating new programs and changing or deleting old ones etc. Such procedures must have
provision for actions to be taken in the event of hardware or software malfunctions.

Advantages
Following list demonstrates the advantages of computers in today's arena.

High Speed
• Computer is a very fast device.
• It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
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• The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picosecond.
• It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will spend many
months for doing the same task.
Accuracy
• In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
• The calculations are 100% error free.
• Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that correct input has been given.
Storage Capability
• Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
• A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
• It can store large amount of data.
• It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio and many others.
Diligence
• Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration.
• It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
• It can do repeated work with same speed and accuracy.
Versatility
• A computer is a very versatile machine.
• A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
• This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
• At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be
playing a card game.
Reliability
• A computer is a reliable machine.
• Modern electronic components have long lives.
• Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
Automation
• Computer is an automatic machine.
• Automation means ability to perform the given task automatically.
• Once a program is given to computer i.e., stored in computer memory, the program and instruction can
control the program execution without human interaction.
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Reduction in Paper Work

• The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper work and results
in speeding up a process.
• As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of large
number of paper files gets reduced.
Reduction in Cost
• Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high but it substantially reduces the cost of
each of its transaction.

Disadvantages
Following list demonstrates the disadvantages of computers in today's arena
• A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
• Each instruction has to be given to computer.
• A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
Dependency
• It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on human being
Environment
• The operating environment of computer should be dust free and suitable.
No Feeling
• Computers have no feelings or emotions.
• It cannot make judgement based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike a human being.