TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Fundamental of Computer

2. Components of a Computer

3. Operating System

4. Troubleshooting and utilities

 Fundamental of Computer
The word "computer" is derived from "compute," which means to calculate.
User input is received by the computer, which then processes it and displays
output. It is a machine that follows a set of rules. It receives input from the user,
processes it in accordance with the given instructions, and then outputs the
result.
Using electronic signals, computers are electronic devices. The signals for on
and off stand for 1 and 0, respectively. The two digits 0 and 1 are the basis for
binary language, also known as machine language. Before, only binary
language was used by computer specialists to communicate and train students.
Many user-friendly programming languages, including C, C++, Java,
JavaScript, Python, and many others, have been created. Translators are
required to translate commands delivered in high level languages into binary
language.

Characteristics of a Computer :
Speed - Computers' remarkable speed with which they can process data
and commands is one of their most impressive features. The typical
high-speed computer has a 3-4 mips (million instructions per second)
processing speed.

Versatility - Computers are capable of doing multiple tasks at once. For

example, you can multitask while downloading movies, playing music, and
creating word documents.

Accuracy - The machine not only completes a variety of tasks quickly, but
also precisely and accurately. This behavior is often referred to as GIGO in
computer terminology (Garbage In Garbage Out).

Diligence - A computer is free from tiredness. It can operate for several

hours without making any mistakes. A computer will complete every calculation
with the same accuracy even if millions of calculations need to be made.

Memory - The memory of a computer is one of its distinguishing qualities.

However, the main memory of the computer is volatile, meaning that it gets
erased when the computer is turned off. As a result, another type of memory
that does not degrade when a computer is turned off is supplied. Floppy discs,
pen drives, and portable hard discs are all examples of secondary memory.

Storage - A computer is capable of holding a vast amount of data and

information for later retrieval. A computer's memory is unlimited and does not
degrade over time like a human's does.

Intelligence - Although early computers had impressive features, one

major flaw was that they were just dumb devices that were programmed to
carry out certain tasks.

Components of a Computer
Every task given to a computer follows an Input- Process- Output Cycle (IPO
cycle). It needs certain input, processes that input and produces the desired
output. The memory unit holds the data and instructions during the processing.

Input- Input adds the data in the computer with the help of Keyboard or any
other input devices.

Storage- There are basically two types of computer storage devices:

Primary Storage- The CPU has direct access to information kept in
primary memory. The inputs that were received during the preceding steps are
kept in the computer's random access memory (RAM). Primary memory is
directly connected to the CPU.It is also called main memory, primary memory,
or working memory of the machine.

Primary memory is of two types: RAM (Random Access Memory) - : It is a

primary volatile memory i.e. its data gets lost once the power supply is
stopped.

RAM is of two types: DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) SRAM (Static
Random Access Memory)
DRAM - DRAM is used in main memory and is less expensive than SRAM. It is
slower and consumes less power than SRAM, but it has a greater capacity for
data storage.
SRAM - SRAM is more expensive, consumes more power than DRAM, and is
utilised in cache memory.

Secondary Storage- Secondary storage is made up of memory that is

not internal to the computer system; examples include magnetic tapes,
compact discs, and portable hard drives. These aren't connected to the CPU
directly.

Cache Memory- It is an extremely fast memory that is utilised to keep up

with the fast CPU. It serves as a buffer and is often positioned between the
CPU and primary memory. It is quite pricey but decreases the average access
time to data from the main memory.
Control Unit- Coordination between a computer's various units is the
responsibility of the control unit. It manages the operations for input,
processing, and output. It works with the peripheral devices, for instance, to
accept input or show output. It functions as an all-encompassing manager.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)- The actual processing of data is done

by the arithmetic logic unit (ALU). The data is taken from the storage unit and
subjected to arithmetic operations before being compared or otherwise
processed. The processed data is then transferred back to the storage.

Output- The outcome of computer processing is frequently sent to a display

device, like a printer or monitor.

Inside the Computer- These days, there are many different types of
computers available, including the desktop personal computer, also known as
a PC, the laptop (also known as a notebook), a small computer that can easily
be placed on your lap, and the tablet, a lightweight computer the size of a
handbook that is frequently used for using the Internet.
The motherboard is the main circuit board of the computer. It is a small plate
that houses your computer's CPU, RAM, hard disc and optical drive
connectors, expansion cards for controlling the video and audio, and
connections to the ports (such as USB ports).
a. The motherboard.
b. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
c. A video card, or a graphics processing unit (GPU).
d. "Volatile memory" also applies to random access memory (RAM).
e. Storage: Hard disc drive or solid state drive (HDD)

Components of Computer
Motherboard- This is the main circuit board, which connects numerous
ports, expansion cards, the CPU, RAM, connectors for optical and hard drives,
and expansion cards for controlling visual and audio (such as USB ports).
Every part of the computer can be connected to it.

Input Devices- Input devices takes input from the user. The input may be
in the form of text, image, sound, video etc.
Following are examples of some of the input devices of computer:
Keyboard: this is a standard input device and takes data in the form of text.
Mouse; it is a pointing input device.
Webcam: it takes data in the form of video/image
Scanner: it generally stores data in the form of graphics
Microphone: it is used for voice input/ audio input
Handwriting input board: it is used for giving input from.

Output Devices-devices that are used to give output to the user. Output
may be in the form of visuals, text, audio, printout etc. different types of output
devices are there to support various types of output. Following are some
examples of output devices:
Monitor/ VDU (Visual Display Unit) : it is the standard output device and is
similar to a television screen.
Speaker: it is an output device that gives output in the form of an audio/ voice.
Printer: it is also a very commonly known output device that gives output in the
form of print out also called as hard copy.
Plotter it is a large printer like device that is used to take print of large maps,
architectural designs.
Projector: it is an output device that gives an enlarged view of the output on a
large screen. It is generally used for giving a view of output to a large
audience.

CPU- The motherboard houses the CPU, or central processor (Central

Processing Unit). The CPU coordinates with all other computer components
and carries out user commands. As a result, it bears primary responsibility for
the machine's performance. Dual-core, quad-core, and octa-core processors
can be categorised based on their speed, technology, and manufacturers (Intel
and AMD to name just two).
Speed of processors is usually measured in megahertz (MHz) - millions of
instructions per second; and gigahertz (GHz) - billions of instructions per
second, is indicative of its power.

Power Supply Unit- This part of the computer is responsible for

converting the alternative current power source that workplaces or houses
receive into the low voltage direct current that the device needs.

Random Access Memory (RAM)- The RAM in your computer

serves as a kind of temporary storage for data that is accessed by the
processor. A computer system's ability to function depends on its memory
store. The operating system is loaded into RAM each time the computer is
turned on. Additionally, the RAM must include the software that must be run at
all times.

Hard Disk(HD)- The majority of the information kept in a computer's C

drive is kept on a hard drive. It is a fixed-inside magnetic secondary storage
device for storing data that is used in computers. The application that has to be
run is initially saved on the hard drive before being moved to RAM.

Every bit of information in computer is stored in terms of Bits (Binary Digits) i.e.
Os and 1s,1 nibble = 4 bits,1 byte = 8 bits,1024 bytes = 1 Kilobyte (KB),1024 KB
= 1 Megabyte (MB),1024 MB = 1 Gigabyte (GB),1024 GB = 1 Terabyte
(TB),1024 TB = 1 Petabyte (PB),1024 PB= 1 Exabyte(EB),1024 EB = 1
Zettabyte(ZB),1024 ZB = 1 Yottabyte (YB).

Optical Storage devices- Digital video discs (DVD) and compact discs
(CD) are two types of optical storage media. A DVD has a larger capacity than
a CD. By placing the disc in a disc drive, you can access the data on a CD or
DVD.

Operating System
The programme known as an operating system acts as a channel between
computer hardware and users.
A computer uses the services of an operating system to communicate with
both the hardware and the software. Popular operating systems include, for
example, Windows, Linux, Unix, MS-DOS, SOLARIS, MAC OS, The father of
operating systems is regarded as Gary Arlen Kildall.
Operating System as an Interface Functions of an Operating system can be
broadly categorized as:
Communication Manager,Resource Management,Process Management,File
Management,Memory Management.

Communication Manager - Manages the communication needs of

the system, be it communicating with the peripheral devices or the internet, are
addressed by the operating system.

Resource Management - The working of a computer system is

predominantly dependent on how its resources are being managed. The
resources that we talk of here are -the memory of the computer, the CPU time,
files, secondary storage, input/output devices etc.

Process Management - A process is a program currently executing in

the memory or waiting for the CPU. In a computer there are multiple processes
in the system.

Memory Management - For a process to be executed, it has to be

loaded in the working memory that is the RAM (Random Access Memory).

File Management - Operating system takes care of all the files and
folders (directories) maintained on the computer disk. The basic tasks that a
user needs to perform on files are creation, renaming, deletion, copying or
moving of a file or folder.
Types of Operating system:-
Operating systems can be classified in different ways; depending on various
parameters.

Single-tasking and Multi-tasking

Single Task Operating System - These operating systems only permit the
execution of one programme at a time.
Multi-tasking Operating System - An operating system that supports multiple
tasks can run multiple programmes at once. Various processes share the
processor time in this scenario.

Single user and Multi-user

Single user Operating System - Operating systems for one user only permit
one user to use the system at a time. The desktop systems are within the
category of standard single user systems.
Multi-user Operating System - By keeping track of every user who has
registered, multi-user operating systems enable several users to access the
system simultaneously.

Real-Time Operating System- Real-time operating systems are

defined as those that provide a constant response time. They are designed for
applications that require speedy, minimal delays in the processing of data.

Batch Processing Systems- Similar jobs are grouped together and

sent to the processor as a block for processing in a batch processing system.
User involvement in such systems is low. One by one, the tasks are selected
and carried out.

Troubleshooting and utilities

Common Troubleshooting Steps- As soon as the system is turned
on, the power supply recognises the CPU and peripherals. Most computers will
beep when the system boots up if all peripheral devices have been correctly
detected. Try the following if any connected device- such as a keyboard,
mouse, printer, and monitor-fails to turn on:
Check the Cables connection
Use Operating System Help to identify the problem
Check the Error Messages and act acodianly

Troubleshooting Hardware Problem

Monitor is not Showing any Display/ The Screen is Blank
If the display is not showing, you can check -
a. The System is in Sleep Mode
b. The wire is connected properly
c. Check the Laptop battery is charged or not

Keyboard Troubleshooting- If the keyboard is not responding, try

the following:
a. Check the cable connection
b. Check for any damage
c. Check the batteries if wireless keyboard
d. Check weather key is not stuck

Mouse Troubleshooting-In case the mouse is not working, try the

following troubleshooting options:
a. Check the cable connection
b. Check for any damage
c. If coddles moue then check the battery
d. Clean the mouse if dust is there

Troubleshooting Printer Problems

Troubleshooting if Printer is Not Responding
a. Check weather Printer is Not Connected Properly or Not Switched On
b. The Printer is Out Of Paper
c. The Printer Paper Jam
d. The Ink Cartridge of Printer is Empty
e. Incorrect Printer Driver

Printer is Slow- By lowering the printing quality and using Fast Draft/Fast
Printing, the printing speed can be increased. This is effective for routine
printing. Make Fast Draft the default printer quality option instead of Normal.

Sound Troubleshooting
a. Check Speaker Volume
b. Check Audio Player Controls
c. Check the Cables
d. Check the Sound Using Headphones

Utilities-Utilities are the special programs that help computer systems to

work more smoothly, efficiently and effectively. Utility software programs help
in:
improving the performance of computer
provide security from virus,
manage disk space
free disk space on hard Disk - provide backup etc.