INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

Computer technology has transformed our lives for over 50 years. First introduced to

alleviate the tedious work of calculating long data tables for the military, we now find

computers recording and processing every aspect of our daily activity. The modern

computer is no longer just a numeric calculator; it is a multimedia device that displays

images, sound, and video through operating systems and applications that give the user

unprecedented control over information. Visionaries such as Alan Turing and Vannevar

Bush articulated the direction for such computers, but it was the development of micro-

electronics that brought multimedia to our desktops. Powerful computing devices make

multimedia applications possible. They capture and convert input from various analog

sources, process and store the digital data, and output in ways that empower users to

create, distribute, search, and share information as never before. Hardware powers the

development and delivery of multimedia.

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A COMPUTER SYSTEM

computer system is an integrated set of hardware and software designed to process

data and produce a meaningful result. Every computer performs the basic functions of input,

processing, storage, output, transmission of data, Instruction, processing data into results that are

stored for later use, and output in a useful format. Computers are connected to a larger network

system for transmission of data and information. Computer hardware is organized according to

these basic functions. The system unit focuses on processing, whereas a variety of peripheral

devices facilitate input, output, storage, and communication.

Input – Process – Output Model

Computer input is called data and the output obtained after processing it, based on user’s

instructions is called information. Raw facts and figures which can be processed using

arithmetic and logical operations to obtain information are called data

DEFINITION OF COMPUTER

A computer is a device that is capable of automatically accepting data (i.e. input), storing and

processing data into useful information (i.e. output), at a very high speed, under the control of

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stored instructions (i.e. programs). A computer could also be defined as a machine for

manipulating data according to a list of instructions (programs)

INPUT

Input is the data put into the computer system for processing. Data is the raw facts or material to

be processed by a computer. Data could be alphabets, numbers, or facts such as grade in a class,

daily transactions in a supermarket, savings account deposit/withdrawal, or light and dark areas

in a photogragh.

OUTPUT

Output is the result produced by the computer after processing the data. In other words, output is

a useful usable information. There are two types of computer output: soft copy output and the

hard copy output. The soft copy output could be viewed on the Visual Display Unit (VDU) also

called monitor, or stored on storage device. Hard copy output is the output produced by printer.

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PROGRAM

Program is a set of step-by-step instructions that directs the computer to do the tasks you want it

to do and produce the results you want. In other words, program is a list of computer instructions

designed to make a computer to perform some task(s).

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COMPUTER LITERACY

Computer literacy is the act of studying a computer and having computer knowledge. There are

three things that happen to people who study and understand computer, these three things are;

i. Knowledge

ii. Awareness

iii. Interaction

KNOWLEDGE- As you study computer you become knowledgeable because it will help you get close

to useful information you do not have or know. Computer also give knowledge through studying books,

courses, and earning degrees through the internet with the help of a computer e.g. e-learning.

AWARENESS- The use and access to computer keep us aware about the things happening in our

surrounding e.g. knowing the events happening in the next street or knowing traffic packed roads.

INTERACTION– The study and use of computer keep us up to date in the world of communication

where we can interact with friends, family, business partners, school mates e.t.c at any distance and any

time.

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 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER

Computer types can be classified according to the following criteria:

 Type of data processed/techniques

 Physical size

 Purpose

 Generations / Technology age

(a) COMPUTER TYPES BY DATA PROCESSED

There are three (3) types of computers according to this classification criterion:

 Analog Computers

 Digital Computers

 Hybrid Computers

Analog Computers

An Analog computer measures and operates on data that are represented in the form of continuous

variables e.g. voltage, pressure, temperature, distance, speed etc. Examples of analog computers include

car speedometer, multimeter, fuel pump at filling station etc.

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uses of analog computers

 For weather forecasting

 For metrological survey

 For launching space satellite

 For remote sensing operations

Digital Computers

A Digital computer represents and processes data in discrete/numerical form using binary system. It

produces discrete output. Most computers system we see around us today are digital computers; they are

found in our homes and business environments. Some wrist watches today have digital computers

embedded in them . Examples include desk calculators, adding machines, personal computer etc.

uses of digital computers

 For business and commercial data processing applications such as stock controls, sales

report/analysis, bank transaction processing, payroll report/analysis etc.

 For statistical analysis/projection.

 For monitoring laboratory experiments.

 For use in the homes for record keeping, budgeting/ expenditure analysis, bookkeeping, games,

word-processing, spreadsheet etc.

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Hybrid Computers

A hybrid computer combines the features of both analog and digital computers. It can accept continous,

discrete or both type of input. Its output could be in the form of discrete or continuous values or the

combination of both. Type of computers in commonly found in highly, scientific environments. Example

is the electronic calculating scale used in food stores.

(b) COMPUTER TYPES BY PHYSICAL SIZE

In classifying computer according to physical size, there are four (4) types, namely:

 Microcomputers

 Minicomputers

 Mainframe Computers

 Super computers

Computers in this category are digital in nature

Microcomputers

Microcomputers are the smallest in size; they are the cheapest; and they have the least operational speed

and memory capacity. They are made for single user and single-tasking. They are portable (i.e. they can

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be move about easily), easy and integrated circuits, called chip, mounted a single circult board. It has

interfaces for input, output and storage devices, Examples include IBM personal computers and

compatible systems, Compaq, Dell etc. Microcomputers come in different shapes and sizes:

Minicomputers

Minicomputers are medium –sized, general-purpose digital computers; a bit larger than microcomputers

but smaller than mainframe computers. They are multi-user (i.e. supports many users at a time) and multi-

tasking (i.e. Ability to perform many tasks simultaneously). Compared with microcomputers, they have

larger memory size, higher processing speed, more numerous and faster input/output devices; and they

are costlier. They are used in small- scale industries. Example of minicomputer includes: PDP-8, PDP-

11, Honeywell-DPS6, DEC’S VAX series, Texas instrument DS990, IBM8100 etc.

Mainframe computers

Mainframe computers are generally more powerful in terms of processing speed than minicomputers.

They have larger memory storage/capacity and cost more than minicomputers. They are multi-user and

multi-tasking oriented, supporting full range of programming languages, used for commercial and

scientific research purpose, with sophisticated devices attached. They can access numerous

terminals/workstations on a network. They use different types of peripheral devices such as tapes and

disks. They are operated by well trained experts. Example of mainframe computers include: NCR8000,

IBM370,

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Super computers

Supercomputers are the largest, faster and most expensive computers. They are often referred to as Maxi-

computers. They are often used in scientific environments such as in space studies and weather forecast.

Example includes:

CRAY-1, CRAY-2

© COMPUTERS TYPES BY PURPOSE

There are two types of computers according to classification by purpose:

 General purpose computers

 Special/specific purpose computers

General Purpose Computers

General purpose computers are designed to solve wide range of problems such as science, technology,

education, business etc. complex calculation are performed within fractions of a second and result

obtained fast. Most personal computers (PCs) are general purpose computers.

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Special Purpose Computers

Special purpose computers are designed for a particular job/purpose only; to solve problems of a

restricted nature. They are also called dedicated computers. Most special purpose computers are put

within some others devices or systems, such that the computers are not accessed directly. These types of

computers are called Embedded Computers. Examples include computers designed for use in digital

watches, micro-wave oven, in petrol pumps or in weapons guidance systems.

Applications of special purpose computers

o . For monitoring war situations

o . For sending ballistic missiles to far distant places

o For monitoring space launching

o For controlling industrial processes

o For controlling robots etc.

(c) COMPUTER TYPES BY GENERATION/TECHNOLOGY AGE

There are five (5) generations of computers as at date.

1. First Generation of computers

They are computer system manufactured during the 1940s. Their features include:

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  The CPU was made of vacuum tubes or thermionic valves.

 Primary memory made of magnetic drum.

 The Visual Display Unit (VDU) or monitor used cathode ray tube.

 Very Bulky in size, occupied space, and very costly

 Used machine language programming

 Complex and cumbersome to operate.

 Generated a lot of heat.

Examples are: EDSAC, EDVAC, LEO, UNIVACI and UNIVAL ii.

2. Second Generation Computers

These are computer systems manufactured during the 1950s. Their features include:

 The CPU was made of electronic transistors.

 Primary memory made of magnetic core.

 Cost less, faster, smaller and more reliable than first generation systems,

 Less complex and easier to operate compared with first generation.

 Generated less heat than first generation.

Examples: LEO Mark iii, ATLAS, Honeywell 800, UNIVAC iii, IBM 7000 series, etc.

3. Third Generation Computers

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These are computer systems manufactured around the 1960s and early 1970s. Features include;

 The CPU was made of small scale integrated (SSI) circuits, built on one silicon chips.

 The SSI circuits evolved to medium scale integrated (MSI) circuits.

 The MSI eventually evolved into large scale integrated (LSI) circuits, leading to greater degrees

of integration of electrical components.

 The various evolutions of IC technologies gave rise to computer systems which were smaller in

size, cheaper, faster, more reliable and durable than first and second generation systems.

 It was the era of minicomputers and micro computers, resulting in higher awareness of computer

technology.

 The VDU were in colours.

 Primary memory made of magnetic core and solid state semi-conductors.

 Less complex and easier to operate compared with first and second generations.

 Used high level language e.g. COBOL for operation.

Examples: ICL 1900 series, IBM 360 series etc.

Fourth Generation Computers

These are computer systems manufactured around the late 1970s to 1985

Features:

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  The CPU was made of very large scale integrated circuits (VLSIC), called micro chips;

i.e. Thousands of components in a very small space.

 There was a thin line demarcation between third and fourth generations

 The VLSI circuits gave rise to computer systems which were more compact, cheaper,

faster, more reliable than first, second and third generations’ systems.

 It was the era of microcomputers, resulting in higher awareness of computer technology.

 Invention of microprocessors, which gave birth to pocket calculators, digital watches and

the inclusion of micro chips in other devices.

 Use fourth generation query languages (4GLS)

 The VDU were in various designs-RGB, EGA, CGA, VGA color monitors.

 Primary memory made of solid state semi-conductors

 Less complex and easier to operate compared with first and second generations.

 Evolutions of more applications areas of computers

5. Fifth Generation Computers

The research into the fifth generation computers started about 1985 and continued into 1990.

Features :

 This generation is characterized by the advent of Artificial intelligence, i.e. the ability of

a computer system to exhibit behavior like an intelligent person.

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  Speech recognition/processing

 Parallel architecture/processing- where a computer system have hundreds of processors

that could all be working on different parts of a single complex problem simultaneously

 Pattern recognition

 Expert system- an application program that has the capability of making judgments and

decisions like a human expert in a particular field of profession.

 Multimedia system- PC+ sound card+speakers+CD Drive

 Semi-conductor memory

APPLICATION/BENEFITS OF COMPUTER TO THE SOCIETY

a. Homes: Computer is useful in our daily life which include the activities we do at home, e.g.

timing of microwave ovum, washing machines, security camera and door e.t.c.

b. Business/Commerce: Products from meat to magazines are packed with zebra-striped symbols

(Universal Product Code commonly called UPC) that can be read by a scanner at supermarket

checkout stand to determine prices of commodities.

c. Graphics: Business executives can produce graphs/charts from tedious figures and use colors to

convey information with a better impact than numbers alone can do. Computers are also used to

create cartoon animations, landscapes, company logos etc.

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d. Energy: Energy companies use computers and geological data to locate oil, coal, natural gas, and

other mineral resources. Meter readers use hand-held computers to record how much energy is

used in a month in homes and businesses. Computer can analyze the fuel consumption in our

cars.

e. Transportation: computers are being used to schedule travelling reservation, and control traffic,

especially by Aviation industry, to prevent collision of airplane in the air.

f. Money: Computers have revolutionized the way money is handled, and nowhere is this more

obvious than banking. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are now available for simple cash

transaction. Credit card technology and electronic payment (e-payment) systems have given rise

to cashless economy. With this payment system, you don’t need to carry cash before you buy

things in the market.

g. Education: It is now common to hear about online education, where instructor and students do

not need to see each other physically before instructions are delivered. A lot of people all over the

world have earned University degrees from a foreign school without leaving their home country.

Computers are also used to keep students records

h. Communication: Any computer has any potential to link up with other computers through

communication systems such as telephone lines or satellite. This link-up facilities exchange the

memos, reports, letters, data/information, and even having meetings among people in

geographically dispersed locations.

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i. Government: The government can use computers for the processing of tax

collection/administration, immigration, keeping tracks activities, computing budgets and statutory

allocations, civil servants payments, computing wages, gratuities and pensions etc.

j. Robotics: Robots are information machines with the manual dexterity to perform tasks too

unpleasant, too dangerous, or too critical to assign to human beings. For example, robots used in

defense to perform underwater military missions; robots could be used for welding or paint-

spraying in factories, and in car assembling.

k. Health and Medicine: Computers are used in the health sector to keep patients records, in the

diagnostic and healing process. For example, computers are used to produce cross-sectional

views of the body, to provide ultrasound pictures, and to help pharmacists to test patient

medications for drug compatibility.

l. Science and Engineering: Computers are used extensively in the sciences and engineering. For

example, computer used in food and drugs administration to replace live subjects, such as mice in

experiments.

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 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER

Advantages

Computers can quickly process huge amount of data. Computers can complete various tasks

more effectively than most human-beings. It has automated complex tasks that were once

considered boring and tedious for humans. Hence, Computer has greatly increased our efficiency

to do various tasks. The advantages of computer is given below:

1. Stores data in digital format: Computers can store millions of pages of information in

digital format.

2. Huge storage: We can store huge information. The present day hard-disks can store 100s

of Gigabytes (GB) of information. Large businesses store their marketing and sales data

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 in their computer systems. Even sensitive data of customers are securely protected in a

computerized environment.

3. Play games: When it comes to games, the choices are almost unlimited.

4. Calculations: Businesses are increasingly using spreadsheets and other software as a tool

for performing mathematical calculations.

5. Prepare and store official documents: You can use a word processing software to prepare,

edit and save any text document. The concept of paperless offices is finally taking its

shape. excel- calculations

6. Presentations: If your office demands that you prepare presentations, you can prepare it in

a PowerPoint.

7. Internet: You can connect your computer to Internet and browse through huge data.

People use internet for various purposes. Students can use internet to download study

materials. A research analyst can do market research over internet. A marketing person

can gather relevant data across various geographical boundaries. A prospective customer

can find a service provider over internet.

8. Multimedia: Computer can also be used as an entertainment device. We can play various

multimedia applications such as music, video, etc.

9. Prepare books of accounts: With the help of accounting software, we can prepare our

books of accounts.

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 10. Reduced cost: The introduction of computer has resulted into a reduction of cost to

perform various complicated tasks.

Disadvantages

It is true that even computer is not free from defects. The disadvantages of computer is given

below:

1. Ever changing technology: The technology that is new today, may soon become obsolete.

We need to regularly upgrade the hardware and software in a computerized environment.

This involves additional time and cost.

2. Increased manpower cost: The computer needs to be operated by skilled person. This has

led to an increase in manpower cost for organizations. Due to the inherent risks, huge

expenditure are made ensure data security.

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 3. Computer stops responding: At times the operating system of the computer may stop

responding or functioning. Though this problem is generally solved by restarting the

computer, but sometimes you may have to take the support of the technician.

4. Viruses: The threat of virus and malware attack always remains in the computerized

environment. To cope up with these risks, various anti-virus software are available in the

market. If you are using a good antivirus, you are almost sure that your private

information and other sensitive data are secured.

5. Reduction in employment opportunity: The introduction of computers has negatively

impacted the employability of computer illiterate people.

COMPUTER HARDWARE BASICS

Every part of your computer is the result of years of research and development. Parts that were

once hand made at a cost of thousands of man-hours are now mass produced for a fraction of a

rupee. Computer parts can be divided into two groups, hardware and software.

Hardware is any part of the computer that you can touch. The seeming miles of wires that get

tangled on your desk, the CD drive, the monitor are all hardware. Software is a set of electronic

instructions consisting of complex codes (Programs) that make the computer perform tasks.

Windows is a software, so is any other program that runs on your computer.

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While there are thousands of parts even in the smallest computers that make up its hardware, you

are not required to know them all. You only need to know about basic computer hardware.

Basic computer hardware consists of the following parts:

1. CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT)

The CPU is considered the brain of the computer. It performs all types of data processing

operations, stores data, intermediate results and instructions (program). It controls the operation

of all parts of computer. A CPU has 3 components as listed below.

(A) CU (Control Unit)

The control unit (CU) is a component of a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) that directs

operations of the processor. It tells the computer’s memory, arithmetic logic unit and input and

output devices how to respond to a program’s instructions. However, the Control Unit doesn’t

process any data.

(B) ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

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Think of the ALU as the logical part of the brain. When any mathematical calculation or

decision/logic needs to be carried out, the instruction is passed on to the ALU. The ALU thinks

in bits (i.e. binary digits – ‘0’s and ‘1’s.)

It is made up of a group of memory locations built directly into the CPU called registers. These

are used to hold the data (binary information) that are being processed by the current instruction.

(C) Memory

Primary memory is memory that is part of the computer itself and necessary for its functioning.

It consists of mainly two types of memories:

(i) Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program and program result. It is

read/write memory which stores data until the machine is working. As soon as the machine is

switched off, data is erased. RAM is volatile. Volatile means that the data stored in memory is

lost when we switch off the computer or if there is a power failure. Hence a backup

Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is often used with computers. There are different types of

RAM available. Some of them are described below.

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  Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM): A type of physical memory used in most

personal computers. The term dynamic indicates that the memory must be constantly

refreshed or it loses its contents. This type of memory is more economical.

 Static Random Access Memory (SRAM): A type of memory that is faster and less

volatile than DRAM, but requires more power and is more expensive. The term static is

derived from the fact that it does not need to be refreshed like DRAM.

 Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM): A type of DRAM that

has a much higher processing speed.

(ii) Read Only Memory (ROM)

The memory from which we can only read but cannot write on it. This type of memory is non-

volatile. The information is stored permanently in such memories during manufacture. A ROM,

stores such instructions that are required to start a computer. This operation is referred to as

bootstrap. The different types of ROM are given below.

 MROM (Masked ROM): The very first ROMs were hard-wired devices that contained a

pre-programmed set of data or instructions. These kinds of ROMs are known as masked

ROMs which are inexpensive. The MROM cannot be programmed by the user.

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  PROM (Programmable Read only Memory): PROM is read-only memory that can be

modified only once by a user. The user buys a blank PROM and enters the desired

contents using a PROM program.

 EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory): The EPROM is a type

of a PROM which can be programmed by the user multiple times. EPROM is erased by

exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of up to 40 minutes. Usually, an EPROM

eraser achieves this function.

 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory): The

EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and reprogrammed

about ten thousand times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to 10 milliseconds.

2. SECONDARY STORAGE (EXTERNAL STORAGE DEVICES)

Floppy diskettes, hard disk, tapes and optical disks come under the category of external storage

devices or ancillary storage devices. These devices are very sensitive to environmental

conditions (humidity and temperature) as well as to external magnetic fields and need to be

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stored carefully. They are not compulsory for the functioning of the computer but are useful for

expanding the computer’s memory.

(A) Floppy Disk

Floppy disks are primarily used on PCs. Information on a floppy disk is recorded in the

magnetized states of particles of iron oxides evenly placed upon concentric circles known as

tracks.

(B) Hard Disk

It is a non-removable enclosed magnetic disk included in most PCs. It contains a stack of metal

platters, each coated with iron oxide, that spin on a spindle and the entire unit is encased in a

sealed chamber.

(C) Magnetic Tape

This is plastic tape, usually made of Mylar that is coated with iron oxide, thereby enabling the

introduction (writing); retention (memory) and reading of magnetically recorded information.

The best use of tape storage is for data that you do not use very often.

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(D) Optical Disc Drive

An optical disc drive (ODD) is a disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves for

reading or writing data to or from optical discs (normally CD-ROM). A CD-ROM is a pre-

pressed optical compact disc which contains data. The name is an acronym which stands for

“Compact Disc Read-Only Memory”. Computers can read CD-ROMs, but cannot write to CD-

ROMs which are not writable or erasable.

(E) USB

A USB flash drive, also commonly known as a USB drive, USB stick and a variety of other

names. It is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated USB interface.

USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and physically much smaller than

an optical disc.

(3) PERIPHERALS

Peripheral devices are devices connected to the computer externally. If a peripheral device is

disconnected, the computer will still be able to work; only functions performed by this peripheral

device will not be available. Here are the most used types of peripheral devices:

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(A) Keyboard

The most common and very popular input device which helps in inputting data to the computer.

It consists of keys that are capable of inputting alphabets, numbers and special characters. You

can also navigate using the keyboard and perform shortcut functions.

(B) Mouse

Mouse is the most popular pointing device and cursor-control device having a small palm size

box with a round ball at its base which senses the movement of mouse and sends corresponding

signals to CPU when the mouse buttons are pressed.

(C) 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.

(D) Printer

Printer is an output device, which is used to print information on paper.

 Impact Printers: The impact printers print the characters by striking them on the ribbon

which is then pressed on the paper.

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  Non-Impact Printers: Non-impact printers print the characters without using ribbon.

These printers print a complete page at a time so they are also called as Page Printers.

Laser Printers, Inkjet Printers.

(E) Joy Stick

It is a device used to move cursor position on a monitor screen. It is mainly used in Computer

Aided Designing (CAD) and playing computer games.

(F) Scanner

A scanner allows you to scan printed material and convert it into a file format that may be used

within the PC.

(G) Plotter

A plotter is used to create high-quality visuals on paper. Plotters were used in applications such

as computer-aided design, though they have generally been replaced with wide-format

conventional printers. A plotter gives a hard copy of the output. It draws pictures on a paper

using a pen. It can be used to create presentation-charts, graphics, tables and high quality

technical drawings. There are two types of plotter.

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  Drum Plotter: The paper is placed over the drum that rotates back and forth. A carriage

holding one or more pens is mounted horizontally across the drum. The carriage with the

pens moves horizontally over the paper. Each pen could be filled with different colours.

This plotter has the ability to produce colour pictures.

 Flat Bed Plotter: In flat bed plotter, the paper does not move. The carriage holding the

pens should provide all motions. Inkjet plotters can also produce large drawings with

different colours.

SOFTWARE

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Software, commonly known as programs or apps, consists of all the instructions that tell the

hardware how to perform a task. These instructions come from a software developer in the form

that will be accepted by the platform (operating system + CPU) that they are based on. For

example, a program that is designed for the Windows operating system will only work for that

specific operating system. Compatibility of software will vary as the design of the software and

the operating system differ. Software that is designed for Windows XP may experience a

compatibility issue when running under Windows 2000 or NT.

Software is capable of performing many tasks, as opposed to hardware which can only perform

mechanical tasks that they are designed for. Software provides the means for accomplishing

many different tasks with the same basic hardware. Practical computer systems divide software

systems into two major classes:

 System software: Helps run the computer hardware and computer system itself. System

software includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools and more. System

software is almost always pre-installed on your computer.

 Application software: Allows users to accomplish one or more tasks. It includes word

processing, web browsing and almost any other task for which you might install software.

(Some application software is pre-installed on most computer systems.)

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Software is generally created (written) in a high-level programming language, one that is (more

or less) readable by people. These high-level instructions are converted into "machine language"

instructions, represented in binary code, before the hardware can "run the code". When you

install software, it is generally already in this machine language, binary, form.

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