Downloaded from www.studiestoday.

com
Chapter 1

Fundamental of Computer

Inside this chapter : Brief history of computer, Basic components of computer, Different I/O Devices,
Computer Language, Software definition and its types, Computer Memory, Different types of Printers.

A computer is an electronic device which consists of hardware and software.

Hardware components describe the physical parts of the computer and software
controls hardware and run the operating system, different programs & applications like
Microsoft Windows, Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel etc.

Review of brief history of Computer

1. The history of computers starts out about 2000 years ago in Babylonia (Mesopotamia),
at the birth of the abacus, a wooden rack holding two horizontal wires with beads
strung on them.
2. Blaise Pascal has credited the first digital computer
in 1642. The basic principle of his calculator is still
used today in water meters and modern-day
odometers.
3. Punched cards, which were first successfully used with computers in 1890 by Herman
Hollerith and James Powers. They developed devices
that could read the information that had been
punched into the cards automatically, without human
help.
4. Punch-card using computers created by International Business
Machines (IBM), Remington, Burroughs. These computers used
electromechanical devices in which electrical power provided
mechanical motion -- like turning the wheels of an adding
machine. Such systems included features to:
o feed in a specified number of cards automatically
o add, multiply, and sort

2
Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
5. In 1942, John P. Eckert, John W. Mauchly, and their
associates at the Moore school of Electrical Engineering
of University of Pennsylvania decided to build a high -
speed electronic computer to do the job. This machine
became known as ENIAC (Electrical Numerical
Integrator And Calculator) and it occupied the entire
thirty by fifty feet room.
6. ENIAC was therefore about 1,000 times faster than the
previous generation of relay computers. ENIAC used
18,000 vacuum tubes about 1,800 square feet of floor
space, and consumed about 180,000 watts of electrical
power.
7. In 1950 magnetic core memory and the Transistor -
Circuit Element of digital computers. RAM capacities
increased from 8,000 to 64,000 words in commercially
available machines by the 1960s, with access times of 2
to 3 MS (Milliseconds).
8. In the 1980's manufacturing of semiconductor chips
was done, The Intel and Motorola Corporations were very competitive into the 1980s,
although Japanese firms were making strong economic
advances, especially in the area of memory chips. By the
late 1980s, some personal computers were run by
microprocessors that, handling 32 bits of data at a time.

Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
Basic components of Computer

Input Unit
The devices which are used to input the data and programs in the computer are known
as "Input Devices". Input unit accepts instructions and data from the user and converts these
instructions and data in computer acceptable format which are sent to computer system for
processing.

Keyboard: Keyboard is most common input device. The data and

instructions are input by typing on the keyboard. The message typed on
the keyboard reaches the memory unit of a computer. It is connected to
a computer via a cable. Apart from alphabet and numeral keys, it has
other function keys for performing different functions.

Mouse: It is a pointing device. The mouse is rolled over the mouse pad,
which in turn controls the movement of the cursor in the screen. You can
click, double click or drag the mouse. Its sensor notifies the speed of its
movements to the computer, which in turn moves the cursor/pointer on the
screen.

4
Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
Scanner: Scanners are used to enter information directly in to the
computer memory. This device works like a Xerox machine. The
scanner converts any type of printed or written information including
photographs into digital pulses, which can be manipulated by the

computer.

Track Ball: Track ball is similar to the upside- down design of the mouse.
The user moves the ball directly, while the device itself remains
stationary. The user spins the ball in various directions to effect the
screen movements.

Light Pen: This is an input device which is used to draw lines or figures on
a computer screen. It is touched to the CRT screen where it can detect
raster on the screen as it passes.

Optical Character Reader (OCR): It is a device which detects alpha

numeric characters printed or written on a paper. The text which is to
be scanned is illuminated by a low frequency light source. The light is
absorbed by the dark areas but reflected from the bright areas. The
reflected light is received by the photocells.

Bar Code Reader: This device reads bar codes and coverts them into
electric pulses to be processed by a computer. A bar code is nothing but
data coded in form of light and dark bars.

Voice Input Systems: It converts spoken words to machine language

form. A microphone is used to convert human speech into electric signals.
The signal pattern is then transmitted to a computer when it is compared
to a dictionary of patterns that have been previously placed in a storage
unit of computer. When a close match is found, the word is recognized.

Digital Camera: It converts graphics directly into digital form. An electronic

chip in used in camera, when light falls, on the chip though the lens, it
converts light waves into electrical waves.

Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

Output Unit
Output Device produces the final results of computer into human understandable form.
Output unit accepts the results produced by the computer which are in coded form and it
converts these coded results to human readable form.

Monitor: The monitor looks like a television screen. It is also called

Visual Display Unit (VDU) and it is used to display information from the
computer. There are coloured as well as black and white monitors. The
monitor displays text and graphics. Based on the technology used,
monitor is classified into two types. They are Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
monitor and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor.

Printer: A printer is used for transferring data from the computer to

the paper. There are colour printers as well as black and white
printers. The different types of printers are Dot Matrix Printers, Inkjet
Printer and Laser Printers.

Dot matrix Printer Inkjet Printer Laser Printer

6
Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
Types of Printers

Dot Matrix Printer Inkjet Printer Laser Printer

Prints characters in the Prints fully formed Prints fully formed characters.
form of dots. characters.

Speed: 200-540 Speed: 4-8 pages per Speed: 4-20 pages per minute.
characters per second. minute.

Not very expensive. Moderately priced. Expensive.

Touch Screen: A touch screen is a display screen that is sensitive to human touch. It allows
the user to interact with the computer by touching pictures or words
displayed on the screen. Touch screens are used to display the output
information on the screen as well as to give input by touching the words
or pictures on the screen. Thus it is an input/output device. Touch
screens are normally used when information has to be accessed with
minimum effort.

Plotter: Plotter is very large in size and is used to produce graphical

output on papers. It uses single or multi color pens to draw pictures as
blue print, posters etc.

Storage Unit

The data and instructions that are entered into the computer
system through input units have to be stored inside the computer
before the actual processing starts. Similarly, the results produced
by the computer after processing must also be kept somewhere
inside the computer system before being passed on to the output
units. The Storage Unit or the primary / main storage of a
computer system is designed to do all these things. It provides space for storing data and
instructions, intermediate results and for the final results.

Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The main unit inside the computer is the CPU. This unit is responsible for all events
inside the computer. It consists of Control Unit and Arithmetic and Logic unit. The CPU is the
brain of any computer system. In a human body, all major
decisions are taken by the brain and the other parts of the
body function as directed by the brain. Similarly, in a
computer system, all major calculations and comparisons are
made inside the CPU and it activates and controls the
operations of other units like Hard disk, Printer etc. of a computer system.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) is the part where actual
computations take place. It consists of circuits that perform arithmetic operations (e.g.
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division over data received from memory and capable to
compare numbers (less than, equal to, or greater than etc).
Control Unit: The control unit acts as a central nervous system for the components of the
computer. It manages and coordinates the entire computer system. It obtains instructions from
the program stored in main memory, interprets the instructions, and issues signals that cause
other units of the system to execute them. the control unit directs and controls the activities of
the internal and external devices.

Computer Language
A language is defined as the medium of expression of thoughts. All the human beings in
this world communicate with each other by a language. Similarly, computer also needs some
expression medium to communicate with others.
A computer follows the instructions given by the programmer to perform a specific job.
To perform a particular task, programmer prepares a sequence of instructions, known as
program. A program written for a computer is known as Software.

1)First Generation Languages -1GLs (Machine language):When the human being stared
programming, the computer the instruction were given to it in a language that it could easily
understand is called as machine language. The binary language of 1 and 0 is known as
Machine language. Any instruction in this language is given in the form of 1s and 0s.

8
Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

2) Second Generation Languages- 2GLs (Assembly Language):The first language similar to

English was developed in 1950 which was known as Assembly Language or Symbolic
Programming Languages. An assembly language is a low-level programming language for
microprocessors (CPU) and other programmable devices.

3) Third Generation Languages- (3GLs ) (High Level Languages):The languages developed

which were nearer to the English language in 1960 were known as High Level languages. The
different high level languages are FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, PASCAL, PL-1 and many others.

4) Fourth Generation Languages- (4GLs) (Query languages):The 3GLs are procedural in

nature means HOW the problem get programmed and the procedures require the knowledge
of HOW the problem will be solved. .4GLs are non-procedural that focuses on WHAT of the
problem is coded means ‘WHAT is required’. The main aim of 4GLs is to be cut down on
developed and maintenance time and making it easier for users. Example of 4GL is SQL
(Structured Query Language).

5) Fifth Generation Language-(5GLs):The 5GLs are designed to make the computer

“Smarter”. The use of 5GLs language touches on expert systems, computerized collection of
the knowledge of many human experts, artificial intelligence and independently smart
computer systems. Examples of 5GL are Prolog, OPS5 and Mercury.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) based languages: These are the languages which use a
Graphical User Interface to write, compile & execute the program with ease. Some of them are-

Visual Basic
Visual C++
C# (Pronounced as C sharp)
Visual Basic.NET
Visual Basic 2005

Software
Computer software also called program is a set of instructions that directs a computer
to perform specific tasks or operations. Computer software consists of computer programs and
libraries.

Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

System software: Software that directly operates the computer hardware to provide basic
functionality needed by users and other software and to provide a platform for running
application software. System software includes:
Operating system (OS): Operating system manages resources of computer system like
memory, CPU, hard disk, printer etc. also provides an interface between user and
computer system & provides various services to other software.
Language Processor & Device drivers: All the devices like mouse, keyboard, modem
etc needs at least one corresponding device driver. A device driver is a program that
controls a device. A language processor is a hardware device designed or used to
perform tasks, such as processing program code to machine code. Language processors
are found in languages such as Fortran and COBOL

Application software: Software that performs special functions or provides entertainment

functions beyond the basic operation of the computer itself. There are many different types of
application software.
General purpose: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, MS PowerPoint, Photoshop etc.
Customized: Invoice Management System, Airline Reservation System etc.
Utilities: Antivirus, Memory tester, Disk partitioning and Disk defragmenter etc.

Computer Memory:
A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer
memory is the storage space in computer where data is to be processed and instructions
required for processing are stored.

10
Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
Memory is primarily of three types
Cache Memory
Primary Memory or Main Memory
Secondary Memory

Cache Memory: Cache memory is a very high speed

semiconductor memory which can speed up CPU. It acts as
a buffer between the CPU and main memory. It is used to
hold those parts of data and program which are most
frequently used by CPU. The parts of data and programs are
transferred from disk to cache memory by operating system from where CPU can access them.
Advantages
The advantages of cache memory are as follows:
• Cache memory is faster than main memory.
• It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
• It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.
• It stores data for temporary use.

Disadvantages
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows:
• Cache memory has limited capacity.
• It is very expensive.

Primary Memory (Main Memory): Primary memory is also

known as main memory. It holds only those data and
instructions on which computer is currently working. It has
limited capacity and data is lost when power is switched off. It is
generally made up of semiconductor device.
Characteristics of Main Memory
• These are semiconductor memories
• It is known as main memory.
• Usually volatile memory.
• Data is lost in case power is switched off.
• Faster than secondary memories.

11

Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
• A computer cannot run without primary memory.
Primary memory can be divided into RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only
Memory).

RAM ROM

Random Access Memory. Read Only Memory.

It is Volatile or temporary memory. It is Non Volatile or permanent memory

Data gets erased when power supply off. Data stored permanently.

Faster memory. Slow memory.

It is used in the normal operations of a A ROM chip is used primarily in the start-up
computer after starting up and loading process of a computer.
the operating system.

Secondary Memory
It is also known as external memory or non-volatile memory. It is slower than main
memory. These are used for storing data or information permanently. For example: hard disk,
CD-ROM, DVD etc.
Characteristic of Secondary memory
• These are magnetic and optical memories
• It is non-volatile memory which is used for storage of data in a computer.
• Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
• Computer may run without secondary memory.
• Slower than primary memories.

12
Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
Printers
Printers are output devices which are used to prepare permanent output on paper.
Types of Printers

Printers can be divided into two main categories:

Impact Printers: It uses hammers or pins strike against a ribbon and paper to print the text.
This mechanism is known as electro-mechanical mechanism. They are of two types.
Character Printer
Line Printer
Character Printer: It prints only one character at a time. It has relatively slower speed. e.g. Dot
matrix printers.
Dot Matrix Printer: It prints characters as combination of
dots. These have a matrix of pins on the print head of the
printer which form the character. There is a carbon
between the pins & the paper. The words get printed on

the paper when the pin strikes the carbon. There are generally 9
or 24 pins.
Line Printer The line printer is an impact computer printer that prints
one entire line of text at a time. It is mostly associated with unit record
equipment and the early days of digital computing, but the technology is
still in use.
Non-Impact Printers: There printers use non-Impact technology such as ink-jet or laser
technology. There printers provide better quality of output at higher speed. These printers are
of two types:
Ink-Jet Printer: It prints characters by spraying patterns of ink on the
paper from a nozzle or jet. It prints from nozzles having very fine holes,
from which ink is pumped out to create various letters and shapes.

13

Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
Laser Printer: It utilizes a laser beam to produce an image on a drum. The light of the laser
alters the electrical charge on the drum wherever it hits. The drum is then
rolled through a reservoir of toner, which is picked up by the charged
portions of the drum. Finally, the toner is transferred to the paper through a
combination of heat and pressure. They are much quieter than dot-matrix.
They are also relatively fast. The speed of laser printers ranges from about 4 to 20 pages of
text per minute (ppm).

14
Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
WORKSHEET
Identify the following peripherals as INPUT device or OUTPUT device.
1. Monitor
2. Keyboard
3. Scanner
4. Laser Printer
5. Mouse
6. Speakers
7. Digital Camera
Fill in the blank with the correct answer from the box. Some may be used more than
once or not at all.
CPU BIOS power supply hard drive network card
Motherboard RAM USB Port ROM video card
1. I connect computers and allow them to talk to each other.
2. I wake up the computer and remind it what to do.
3. I am the brain of the computer.
4. Information is stored on my magnetic cylinders.
5. I hold all of the other circuit boards.
6. I handle the graphics that are displayed on the monitor.
7. I am the type of port used by flash drives

Fill in the blanks with the vocabulary words from the box. Use each word only once.
information flash drive CD primary DVD secondary
Windows operating system graphics upgraded user friendly
1. ________________________ memory is stored on chips located on the motherboard.
2. _________________________memory is stored on the hard drive.
3. A _______________________can hold information greater than a CD or DVD.
4. A _______________________usually holds up to 650 to 700 MB.
5. A _______________________holds even more information at least 7 GB.
6. The purpose of storage in a computer is to hold ____________________or data.

15

Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
7. A computer that is easy to operate is called
8. is the most common operating system for PCs.
9. Operating systems are constantly being as technology advances.
10.A Graphical User Interface (GUI) uses to help the user navigate within
the computer system.

Label the parts of the Computer System correctly.

Solve the crosswords using the words from the lesson

O M

P T R
C U
T M M Y

K B D
A A C S

16
Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com
 Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com

Match the following

1 CD a Impact printer

2 Laser printer b Output device

3 Dot matrix printer c Primary memory

4 Abacus d Non-Impact printer

5 ROM e Input device

6 Monitor f System software

7 RAM g Read only memory

8 Mouse h Application software

9 Operating system i Babylonia

10 MS Word j Optical media

17

Downloaded from www.studiestoday.com