UNIT-I:

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS:
Introduction:

 Definition-Characteristics of computer
 Evolution of Computer
 Block Diagram Of a computer
 Generations of Computer
 Classification Of Computers
 Applications of Computer
 Capabilities and limitations of computer
 Role of I/O devices in a computer system

Input -Output Units:

 Keyboard, Terminals and its types.

 Pointing Devices, Scanners and its types,
 Voice Recognition Systems, Vision Input System, Touch Screen,
 Monitors and its types.
 Printers:
 Impact Printers and its types.
 Non-Impact Printers and its types,
 Plotters, types of plotters, Sound cards, Speakers

List of important questions:

1. Characteristics of computer 2021

2. Explain about the classification of computer  2022
3. Generations of computer 2021,2022,2023
4. Write about scanners and its types.  2022
5. Input devices 2021
6. Voice recognition system, vision input system 2019
7. Difference between Impact and non-impact printers 2019,2021,2022,2023

What is Computer? Explain its characteristics:

 The word “computer” comes from the Greek word “compute” which means to
calculate.

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  So, a computer is normally considered as a calculating device that performs
arithmetic operations at high speed.
 Modern Definition of computers: A computer is an electronic device that accepts
data from the user, processes it, produces information, displays them to the users,
and stores the results for future usage.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS:

1. Speed: Computers can process information at a very fast speed. This allows them to
perform complex calculations and tasks in a fraction of a second.
2. Accuracy: Computers can perform calculations and tasks with a high degree of
accuracy. This is due to the fact that they are not affected by human error.
3. Diligence: Computers can work tirelessly for long periods of time without getting
tired or bored. This makes them ideal for tasks that require repetitive or tedious
work.
4. Reliability: Computers are generally reliable and can be expected to work correctly
most of the time. This is important for tasks that require a high degree of uptime,
such as banking and healthcare.
5. Versatility: Computers can be used to perform a wide variety of tasks, from word
processing and gaming to scientific research and business applications. This makes
them a valuable tool for many different industries and applications.
6. Memory: Computers have a large amount of memory, which allows them to store
large amounts of data. This data can be used for a variety of purposes, such as
running programs, storing files, and retrieving information.
7. Storage: Computers can store large amounts of data in secondary storage devices,
such as hard drives, CDs, and DVDs. This data can be accessed and used even when
the computer is turned off.
8. Automation: Computers can be used to automate tasks, which can save time and
improve efficiency. For example, computers can be used to control machinery,
schedule appointments, and generate reports.
9. Decision-making: Computers can be programmed to make decisions based on certain
criteria. This can be useful in situations where it is not possible or practical for
humans to make the decisions.
10. Communication: Computers can communicate with other computers and devices
over networks. This allows them to share data and resources .

Limitations of Computer:
There are many limitations of computers. Here are some of the most common ones:
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 1. Lack of common sense: Computers cannot understand or respond to common
sense situations. For example, if you ask a computer to "make me a sandwich," it
will not know how to do that unless you have specifically programmed it to do so.
2. No IQ: Computers do not have intelligence. They can only do what they are
programmed to do. They cannot think for themselves or make decisions.
3. No feelings: Computers do not have emotions or feelings. They cannot
understand or respond to human emotions.
4. No decision-making ability: Computers cannot make decisions on their own. They
can only follow the instructions that they are given.
5. No learning ability: Computers cannot learn new things on their own. They can
only learn what they are programmed to learn.
6. User dependent: Computers are dependent on humans for their operation. They
need humans to provide them with input and to interpret their output.
7. Can be hacked: Computers can be hacked, which means that unauthorized users
can gain access to their data or systems.
8. Can be unreliable: Computers can malfunction or crash, which can lead to data
loss or system downtime.

Evaluation of computers:
The history of computers is a fascinating journey that spans centuries, evolving from simple
mechanical devices to the advanced digital machines we use today.

Early Calculating Devices

 Abacus: While not a computer in the modern sense, the abacus, invented around 4,000
years ago, was a fundamental tool for calculations.
 Napier's Bones: Invented by John Napier in the 17th century, this device used rods with
numbers for multiplication.
Mechanical Computers
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  Pascaline: Blaise Pascal created this mechanical calculator in 1642, capable of addition and
subtraction.
 Leibniz's Calculator: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz improved upon Pascal's design, adding
multiplication and division capabilities.
 Difference Engine and Analytical Engine: Charles Babbage, often called the "father of
computers," conceptualized these machines in the 19th century. 1 While never fully built,
they laid the groundwork for modern computers
Electronic Era
 ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer): One of the first electronic
computers, used during World War II for calculating artillery trajectories.
 Transistors: Replaced vacuum tubes, leading to smaller, more reliable, and energy-efficient
computers.
 Integrated Circuits: Packed multiple transistors into a single chip, revolutionizing computer
size and power.
 Microprocessors: The entire CPU on a single chip, marking the beginning of personal
computers
Modern Era
 Microprocessors: The integration of entire CPUs onto a single chip in the 1970s led to the
rise of powerful microcomputers.
 Laptops and Portable Devices: The development of portable computers and smartphones
has made computing accessible to billions.
 Cloud Computing: The ability to access data and applications over the internet has
transformed how we use computers.
 Artificial Intelligence: Advances in AI have led to intelligent systems capable of learning
and problem-solving.

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Block Diagram of computer:

1. Input Unit:
 It is a device through which we enter programs and data into the computer.
 The data is then stored and processed with the help of programs.
Ex: Keyboard, mouse
2. Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)is divided into three units namely, the control unit,
the arithmetic and logic unit and the memory unit.
1. Control Unit: This unit is considered to be the nerve centre of the computer. It
controls all arithmetic operations to be performed. It also coordinates the functions
of all the hardware units of the computer.
2. Arithmetical and Logic Unit (ALU): This unit performs all the arithmetic calculations
and logical operations involved in a program.
3. Memory Unit: The function of this unit is to store data and the set of
instructions given by the programmer. The computation results are stored in the
memory and they may be used for subsequent computations or sent to the output
unit.
3. Output Unit:
 The output unit receives information from the CPU and presents it to the user in the
desired form.
Ex: Monitor, Printer

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Generations of Computer:
 Computer Generations helps to know the history of computers.
 Each generation represents a significant advancement in technology, design, and
capabilities.
 The concept of "generations" is commonly used to categorize these stages of
development.
 First Generation (1940s-1950s):
 Technology: Vacuum tubes were used for circuitry and
switching elements.
 Characteristics: Large in size, generated a lot of heat, and were
prone to frequent failures.
 Programming Languages: Machine Language (1, 0 )
 Second Generation (1950s-1960s):
 Technology: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes,
resulting in smaller size, less heat, and increased
reliability.
 Characteristics: Still relatively large and required air
conditioning, but more reliable and efficient.
 Programming Languages: Assembly Language
 Third Generation (1960s-1970s):
 Technology: Integrated circuits (ICs) brought multiple
transistors onto a single chip, further reducing size and
power consumption.
 Characteristics: Smaller, more reliable, and more
affordable than previous generations, led to
widespread adoption.
 Programming Language: High-level languages.
ex: FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC
 Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s):
 Technology: Microprocessors emerged, combining
multiple components on a single chip, allowing for
personal computers.
 Characteristics: Smaller, affordable, and user-friendly
systems with improved processing power and
capabilities.
 Programming Language: C, C++, JAVA, SQL
 Fifth Generation (1980s-Present):
 Technology: VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) and
microprocessor advancements
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  Characteristics: Highly advanced computers with increased processing speed,
memory capacity, and multimedia capabilities.
 Programming languages: Python, Ruby

Classification Of Computers:

Computers can be classified in various ways based on their types, sizes, and purposes:
1. By Types
a. Analog Computers
 Functionality: These computers process analog data. Analog computers measure changes in
continuous physical quantities and convert them into numeric data.
 Examples: Thermometers, analog clocks, speedometers.
b. Digital Computers
 Functionality: These computers process digital data. They work with binary digits (0s and 1s)
and are used for most modern computing tasks.
 Examples: Personal computers, smartphones, calculators.
c. Hybrid Computers
 Functionality: These computers combine the features of both analog and digital computers.
They are used for specialized tasks where both forms of data processing are required.
 Examples: Medical equipment (e.g., heart rate monitors), scientific simulations.

2. By Size
a. Supercomputers
 Size and Power: These are the most powerful computers in terms of performance and data
processing. They occupy large spaces and are used for complex computations.
 Uses: Climate research, quantum mechanics, molecular modelling.
b. Mainframe Computers

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  Size and Power: Large and powerful, but not as powerful as supercomputers. They can
handle and process large amounts of data simultaneously.
 Uses: Enterprise resource planning, large-scale transaction processing.
c. Minicomputers (Midrange Computers)
 Size and Power: Smaller than mainframes, but still capable of supporting multiple users
simultaneously. They offer a good balance of performance and cost.
 Uses: Manufacturing process control, small and medium business operations.
d. Microcomputers (Personal Computers)
 Size and Power: Smallest in size, meant for individual use. Includes desktops, laptops,
tablets, and smartphones.
 Uses: Personal and office productivity, gaming, internet browsing.
3. By Purpose
a. General-Purpose Computers
 Functionality: Designed to perform a variety of tasks. They can run different types of
applications and handle multiple tasks.
 Examples: Desktops, laptops, tablets.
b. Special-Purpose Computers
 Functionality: Designed for specific tasks. They are optimized to perform particular
functions efficiently.
 Examples: ATMs, digital watches, calculators, embedded systems in appliances.

Applications of Computer:
Computers play a role in every field of life. They are used in homes, business, educational
institutions, research organizations, medical field, government offices, entertainment, etc.
Personal Use
 Communication: Email, social media, video conferencing.
 Entertainment: Gaming, music streaming, video streaming, online movies.
 Education: Online courses, research, digital textbooks.
 Finance: Online banking, bill payments, investments.

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  Productivity: Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations.
Business and Industry
 Data Management: Databases, customer relationship management (CRM), data
analytics.
 E-commerce: Online shopping, digital marketing.
 Manufacturing: Computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing
(CAM), robotics
 Finance: Accounting, stock trading, financial analysis
 Healthcare: Electronic health records, medical imaging, telemedicine
Government and Public Sector:
1. Administration: Record-keeping, taxation, citizen services
2. Défense: Military simulations, intelligence analysis
3. Education: Online learning platforms, educational administration
4. Healthcare: Public health data management, medical research
Science and Research
1. Data Analysis: Scientific computing, simulations
2. Bioinformatics: Genetic research, drug discovery
3. Space Exploration: Satellite communication, data analysis
4. Climate Modelling: Weather prediction, climate change research

Other Applications
1. Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning, natural language processing
2. Robotics: Automation, industrial robots
3. Transportation: Autonomous vehicles, traffic management
4. Agriculture: Precision farming, crop monitoring

Capabilities and limitations of computer:

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 Capabilities Limitations:

1. Can process data faster than any other 1. Cannot generate information on its own.
machine designed to perform a similar 2. Cannot correct wrong instructions.
task. 3. Cannot come out with an original decision.
2. Can tirelessly perform the similar
operations millions of times in exactly the
same way without getting bored.
3. Can make decisions based on alternative
courses of action.
4. Can store facts, instructions, and
information.
5. Can verify the accuracy of its own work
by means of a parity check.
6. Capable of executing the instructions on
its own, without human intervention.
7. Provides new time dimension.

Input Devices:
Following are some of the important input devices which are used in a computer −
1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Joy Stick
4. Light pen
5. Track Ball
6. Scanner
7. Graphic Tablet
8. Microphone
9. Magnetic Ink Card Reader(MICR)
10.Optical Character Reader (OCR)
11.Bar Code Reader
12.Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

1. Keyboard

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  Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device which helps to input
data to the computer.
 The layout of the keyboard is like that of
traditional typewriter, although there are some
additional keys provided for performing
additional functions.
 Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or 101/102
keys, but now keyboards with 104 keys or 108
keys are also available for Windows and Internet.

2. Mouse
 Mouse is the most popular pointing device.
 Generally, it has two buttons called the left and the
right button and a wheel is present between the
buttons.
 A mouse can be used to control the position of the
cursor on the screen, but it cannot be used to enter
text into the computer.

3. Joystick
 Joystick is also a pointing device, which is used to move
the cursor position on a monitor screen.
 The joystick can be moved in all four directions.
 The function of the joystick is similar to that of a mouse.
 It is mainly used in Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and
playing computer games.
4.Light Pen
 A less common device today, a light pen allows users to
interact directly with the screen.

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  By touching the pen to the screen, you can select items, draw, or write.
 Often used in design or presentation applications, light pens are being replaced by
touchscreens on modern devices.
5.Track Ball
 Track ball is an input device that is mostly used in
notebook or laptop computer, instead of a mouse.
 This is a ball which is half inserted and by moving fingers
on the ball, the pointer can be moved.
 Since the whole device is not moved, a track ball requires
less space than a mouse.
 A track ball comes in various shapes like a ball, a button, or a square.
6. Scanner
 Scanner is an input device, which works more like a
photocopy machine.
 It is used when some information is available on
paper and it is to be transferred to the hard disk of
the computer for further manipulation.
 Scanner captures images from the source which are
then converted into a digital form that can be
stored on the disk.
 These images can be edited before they are printed.

7. Digitizer
 Digitizer is an input device which converts analog information
into digital form.
 Digitizer is also known as Tablet or Graphics Tablet as it
converts graphics and pictorial data into binary inputs.
 A graphic tablet as digitizer is used for fine works of drawing
and image manipulation applications.
8. Microphone
 Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then
stored in a digital form.
 The microphone is used for various applications such as
adding sound to a multimedia presentation or for mixing
music.

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9. Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)
 MICR input device is generally used in banks as there are large
number of cheques to be processed every day.
 This reading process is called Magnetic Ink Character
Recognition (MICR). The main advantages of MICR is that it is
fast and less error prone.
10. Optical Character Reader (OCR)
 OCR is an input device used to read a printed text.
 OCR scans the text optically, character by character, converts
them into a machine-readable code, and stores the text on
the system memory.
11. Bar Code Readers
 Bar Code Reader is a device used for reading bar coded
data (data in the form of light and dark lines).
 Bar Code Reader scans a bar code image, converts it into
an alphanumeric value, which is then fed to the computer
that the bar code reader is connected to.
12. Optical Mark Reader (OMR)
 OMR is a special type of optical scanner used to
recognize the type of mark made by pen or pencil.
 It is used where one out of a few alternatives is to be
selected and marked.
 It is specially used for checking the answer sheets of
examinations having multiple choice questions.

Q: Voice recognition system and voice input system:

Voice recognition systems and voice input systems are both types of input devices that allow users
to interact with computers using their voices.
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However, there are some key differences between the two:
Voice Recognition system:

 Voice recognition systems are software applications that can convert spoken language into
text.
 They do this by analysing the acoustic (sense of hearing ) properties of the speech and
matching them to a database of known words and phrases.
 Voice recognition systems are used in a variety of applications, such as dictation software,
speech-to-text transcription, and voice control of devices.

Voice input system:

 Voice input systems are hardware and software systems that allow users to input
information into a computer using their voices.
 They typically include a microphone, a voice recognition engine, and a user interface.
 Voice input systems are used in a variety of applications, such as voice search, voice dialling,
and voice commands.

Feature Voice Recognition System Voice Input System

Definition Software that translates spoken Hardware and software system that allows
language into text users to input information using their voices

Components Acoustic model, language model, Microphone, voice recognition engine, user
decoder interface

Applications Dictation software, speech-to-text Voice search, voice dialling, voice

transcription, voice control of devices commands

Output Devices:
Following are some of the important output devices used in a computer.
1. Monitors
2. Printer

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 1. Monitors
 Monitors, commonly called as Visual Display Unit (VDU), are the main output device
of a computer.
 It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged in a rectangular form.
The sharpness of the image depends upon the number of pixels.
 There are two kinds of viewing screen used for monitors.
 Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)
 Flat-Panel Display (LCD, LED)

Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

 The CRT display is made up of small picture elements called pixels. It takes more than
one illuminated pixel to form a whole character, such as the letter ‘e’ in the word
help.
 Most screens are capable of displaying 80 characters of
data horizontally and 25 lines vertically.
 There are some dis-advantages of CRT −
 Large in Size
 High power consumption

Flat-Panel Display Monitor

 The flat-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have
reduced volume, weight and power requirement in comparison to
the CRT.
 Current uses of flat-panel display include calculators, video games,
monitors, laptop computer, and graphics display.
 The flat-panel display is divided into two categories −
1. Emissive Displays − Emissive displays are devices that convert electrical energy
into light. For example, plasma panel and LED (Light-Emitting Diodes).
2. Non-Emissive Displays − Non-emissive displays use optical effects to convert
sunlight or light from some other source into graphics patterns. For example,
LCD (Liquid-Crystal Device).

Printers
Printer is an output device, which is used to print
information on paper.
There are two types of printers −
1. Impact Printers
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 2. Non-Impact Printers
1. Impact Printers
Impact printers print the characters by striking them on the ribbon, which is then pressed
on the paper.
1. Character printers
2. Line printers
1. Character Printers
Character printers are the printers which print one character at a time.
These are further divided into two types:

a. Dot Matrix Printer (DMP)

b. Daisy Wheel

a. Dot Matrix Printer

 These printers are popular because of their ease of printing and economical price. Each character
printed is in the form of pattern of dots and head consists of a Matrix of Pins which come out to
form a character which is why it is called Dot Matrix Printer.
Advantages

 Inexpensive
 Widely Used
 Other language characters can be printed
Disadvantages

 Slow Speed
 Poor Quality

b. Daisy Wheel
 These printers are generally used for word-processing in offices that require a few letters to be
sent here and there with very nice quality.
Advantages

 More reliable than Dot Matrix Printer

 Better quality
 Fonts of character can be easily changed
Disadvantages

 Slower than DMP

 Noisy
 More expensive than Dot Matrix Printer.

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2. Line Printers
 Line printers are the printers which print one line at a time.
These are of two types −

a. Drum Printer
b. Chain Printer

a. Drum Printer
 This printer is like a drum in shape hence it is called drum printer. The surface of the drum is
divided into a number of tracks.
 One rotation of drum prints one line. Drum printers are fast in speed and can print
300 to 2000 lines per minute.
Advantages

 Very high speed

Disadvantages

 Very expensive
 Characters fonts cannot be changed

b. Chain Printer
 In this printer, a chain of character sets is used, hence it is called Chain Printer.
A standard character set may have 48, 64, or 96 characters.
Advantages

 Character fonts can easily be changed.

 Different languages can be used with the same printer.
Disadvantages

 Noisy

Non-impact Printers
 Non-impact printers print the characters without using the ribbon. These printers print a
complete page at a time; thus, they are also called as Page Printers.
These printers are of two types −

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 1. Laser Printers
2. Inkjet Printers

1. Laser Printers
 These are non-impact page printers.
They use laser lights to produce the dots needed to form the
characters to be printed on a page.
Advantages

 Very high speed

 Very high-quality output
 Good graphics quality
 Supports many fonts and different character size
Disadvantages

 Expensive
 Cannot be used to produce multiple copies of a document in a single printing

2. Inkjet Printers

 Inkjet printers are non-impact character printers based on a

relatively new technology. They print characters by spraying small
drops of ink onto paper.
 Inkjet printers produce high quality output with presentable
features.
 Color printing is also possible.
Advantages

 High quality printing

 More reliable
Disadvantages

 Expensive as the cost per page is high

 Slow as compared to laser printer

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