BBA/B.

com Ist Year Subject – Computer Fundamentals UNIT- I

BBA/B.Com I Year
Elective

Computer
Fundamentals

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BBA/B.com Ist Year Subject – Computer Fundamentals UNIT- I

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BBA/B.com Ist Year Subject – Computer Fundamentals UNIT- I

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BBA/B.com Ist Year Subject – Computer Fundamentals UNIT- I

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BBA/B.com Ist Year Subject – Computer Fundamentals UNIT- I

Unit 1

 Introduction to Computer
 Input Devices
 Output Devices
 Hard drive
 Data and Information
 Concept of Hardware
 Software & types
 Connecting keyboard, mouse, monitor and printer to CPU and
checking power supply.
 Operating System and its types
 Utility software
 Communication Software
 Commonly used Application software

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What is computer?
Computer An electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to
instructions given to it in a variable program

Characteristics of Computer System

Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans while performing
mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of instructions per
second. The time taken by computers for their operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.
Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same consistency and
accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its memory also makes it superior
to that of human beings.
Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works with same
accuracy and efficiency.
Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we give same set
of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without manual intervention.
Memory
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data. Secondary storage
are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also used to store data

Block Diagram of Computer

A Block diagram of a computer displays a structural representation of a computer system. The
block diagram gives you a quick overview of the working process of a computer from inputting
the data to retrieving the desired results.

The following diagram represents a block diagram of the computer system:

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A computer system is a combination of three components:

• Input Unit

• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• Output Unit

Input Unit
The Input Unit consists of input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, joystick, etc. These
devices are used to input information or instruction into the computer system. Like other
electronic machines, a computer takes inputs as raw data (binary data) and performs necessary
processing giving out processed data. Therefore, the input unit is the medium of communication
that takes data from us to the computer in an organized manner for processing.

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The Input Unit performs the following major functions:

• The input unit converts the inputted data or instructions into binary form for further processing.
• Input Unit transmits the data to the main memory of the computer.

Central Processing Unit

CPU or Central Processing Unit is known as the brain of the computer system. It is an electronic
hardware device that processes all the operations (e.g., arithmetic and logical operations) of the
computer. In other words, all the major calculations, operations or comparisons are performed
inside the CPU. It is also responsible for handling the operations of several other units.

In the above diagram, the Control Unit (CU) and Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) are jointly
called the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Let's discuss all the parts displayed in the above diagram one by one:

Control Unit
As the name suggests, the control unit of a CPU controls all the activities and operations of the
computer. It is also responsible for controlling input/output, memory, and other devices
connected to the CPU.

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The control unit acts like the supervisor which determines the sequence in which computer
programs and instructions are executed. It retrieves instructions from memory, decodes the
instructions, interprets the instructions and understands the sequence of tasks to be performed
accordingly. It further transmits the instructions to the other parts of the computer system to
execute them. In short, the control unit determines the sequence of operations to execute the
given instructions.

Arithmetic & Logic Unit

The data inputted through input devices is stored in the primary storage unit. The Arithmetic
Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations.

The arithmetic unit controls simple operations such as addition, subtraction, division, and
multiplication.

On the other side, the logical unit controls the logical operations such as AND, OR, Equal,
greater than, and less than, etc. Apart from it, the logic unit also responsible for performing
several other operations such as comparing, selecting, matching, and merging data.

The information or data is transmitted to ALU from the storage unit only when it is required.
After completing the operations, the result is either returned to the storage unit for further
processing or getting stored.

Memory Unit
Memory Unit is an essential part of the computer system which is used to store data and
instructions before and after processing. The memory unit transmits the information to other
units of the computer system when required.

There are two types of memory units:

Primary Memory
The primary memory cannot store a vast amount of data. The data stored in the primary memory
is temporary. The data will be lost if they are disconnected from the power supply. The primary
memory usually stores the input data and immediate calculation results. The primary memory is
also known as the Main Memory or temporary memory. Random Access Memory (RAM) is
an example of primary memory.

Secondary Memory
The use of primary memory is not possible to store data permanently for future access.
Therefore, there are some other options to store the data permanently for future use, which is
known as secondary memory or auxiliary storage or permanent storage. The data stored in
the secondary memory is safe even when there is a power failure or no power supply. Hard
Disk is usually considered a secondary memory.

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Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices that are used to display the results or output of processing.
The output data is first stored in the memory and then displayed in human-readable form through
output devices. Some of the widely used output devices are Monitor, Printer, and Projector.

Keyboard
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 function
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.
The keys on the keyboard are as follows −

S.No Keys & Description

Typing Keys
1
These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and digit keys (09) which generally give the same
layout as that of typewriters.

Numeric Keypad
2 It is used to enter the numeric data or cursor movement. Generally, it consists of a set of 17
keys that are laid out in the same configuration used by most adding machines and
calculators.

Function Keys
3 The twelve function keys are present on the keyboard which are arranged in a row at the top
of the keyboard. Each function key has a unique meaning and is used for some specific
purpose.

Control keys
4 These keys provide cursor and screen control. It includes four directional arrow keys.
Control keys also include Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down, Control(Ctrl),
Alternate(Alt), Escape(Esc).

5 Special Purpose Keys

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Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys such as Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, Num
Lock, Space bar, Tab, and Print Screen.

Mouse
Mouse is the most popular pointing device. It is a very famous cursor-control device having a
small palm size box with a round ball at its base, which senses the movement of the mouse and
sends corresponding signals to the CPU when the mouse buttons are pressed.
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.

Hard disk

The primary purpose of a hard disk drive is to store digital data on its ‘platters’ (magnetic-
substance coated disks that rotate rapidly) and retrieve the information when needed. It uses
random-access to retrieve information (relevant data can be accessed in any order and not
sequentially) and retains the data even when the computer is turned off, providing you what
is known as “non-volatile storage”.

External hard disk drives are used to extend the storage capacity of a system. Since external
hard disk drives are easily portable, they allow you to carry important files with you and
access them on the go. They are also used to create backups of important data and files on a
computer and store elsewhere. Creating and storing backups is in fact, an important function
of external hard disk drives. This is because all programs, applications and files within a
computer can be corrupted and lost forever if the internal hard disk drive fails.

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Optical Storage Devices:

Compact Disk

A compact disc (CD) is a circular disc introduced by James Russell. It is 4.75 in diameter, which
is a flat, round, portable storage medium used to record, store and playback audio, video, and
other data. On 17 August 1982, in Germany,
Compact disc (CD) is a digital optical disc data storage format that was co-developed
by Philips and Sony and released in 1982. The format was originally developed to store and play
only digital audio recordings (CD-DA) but was later adapted for storage of data (CD-ROM).

DVD: Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc

DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc. It is commonly known as Digital Video Disc. It is a
digital optical disc storage format used to store high capacity data like high quality videos and
movies. It is also used to store operating system. It is invented and developed by 4 companies
named Philips, Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs provide higher storage capacity
than CDs( compact disc) and can be played in multiple types of players like DVD players.

Advantages
 Large storage capacity, e.g. 4.7 to 9 Gb
 Excellent sound and picture quality, so best option to store videos and audios
 Relatively cheap as they are mass-produced
 Information can be stored on both sides of DVD unlike CD.

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Concept of Hardware and Software

Hardware
The term hardware refers to mechanical device that makes up computer. Computer hardware
consists of interconnected electronic devices that we can use to control computer’s operation,
input and output. Examples of hardware are CPU, keyboard, mouse, hard disk, etc.

Hardware Components

Computer hardware is a collection of several components working together. Some parts are
essential and others are added advantages. Computer hardware is made up of CPU and
peripherals as shown in image below.

Data and Information

What is Data?

Data are individual units of information. In analytical processes, data are represented by
variables. Data is always interpreted, by a human or machine, to derive meaning. So, data is
meaningless. Data contains numbers, statements, and characters in a raw form.

What is Information?

Information is the knowledge that is remodeled and classified into an intelligible type, which
may be utilized in the method of deciding.

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Difference between Information and Data

S.NO DATA INFORMATION

Data is defined as unstructured Information refers to processed,

information such as text, organized, and structured data. It
observations, images, symbols, and gives context for the facts and
descriptions. In other words, data facilitates decision making. In other
provides no specific function and has words, information is processed data
Definition no meaning on its own. that makes sense to us.

Data are the variables that help to

Information is meaningful data.
Purpose develop ideas/conclusions.

Information is refined form of actual

Data are text and numerical values.
Nature data.

Dependence Data doesn’t rely on Information. While Information relies on Data.

Information is measured in
Bits and Bytes are the measuring
meaningful units like time, quantity,
unit of data.
Measurement etc.

As tabular data, graphs, and data Information can also be structured as

Structure trees can be easily structured. language, ideas, and thoughts.

Information carries a meaning that

Data does not have any specific
has been assigned by interpreting
purpose
Purposefulness data.

Knowledge
It is low-level knowledge. It is the second level of knowledge.
Level

Decision Data does not directly help in Information directly helps in decision
Making decision making. making.

Data is a collection of facts, which Information puts those facts into

Meaning itself has no meaning. context.

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S.NO DATA INFORMATION

Example of information is average

Example of data is student test
score of class that is derived from
scores.
Example given data.

Software

A set of instructions that drives computer to do stipulated tasks is called a program. Software
instructions are programmed in a computer language, translated into machine language, and
executed by computer. Software can be categorized into two types −

 System software
 Application software

Software

Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function. A program

is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem.
There are two types of software −

 System Software
 Application Software
System Software
The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the
processing capabilities of the computer itself. System software is generally prepared by the
computer manufacturers. These software products comprise of programs written in low-level
languages, which interact with the hardware at a very basic level. System software serves as the
interface between the hardware and the end users.
Some examples of system software are Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter, Assemblers,
etc.
Application Software
Application software products are designed to satisfy a particular need of a particular
environment. All software applications prepared in the computer lab can come under the
category of Application software.

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Application software may consist of a single program, such as Microsoft's notepad for writing
and editing a simple text. It may also consist of a collection of programs, often called a software
package, which work together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet package.
Examples of Application software are the following −

 Payroll Software
 Student Record Software
 Inventory Management Software
 Income Tax Software
 Railways Reservation Software
 Microsoft Office Suite Software
 Microsoft Word
 Microsoft Excel
 Microsoft PowerPoint
Operating System
An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer
hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.
Types of operating system
Batch Processing System
In earlier days computing, punched cards were used for input of instruction data to computer by
humans. That was very time consuming task and wasted precious CPU time. To avoid this
similar type of jobs are collected and submitted as group to computer. This concept is still used
today where multiple jobs are queued and processed one by one at a specific period of time.
These systems are good when results are not required immediately but can not be used when
processing is immediately required. This system non interactive i.e. does not require user
interventions during the processing. Example of batch processing system is billing systems of
telephone companies where monthly data of all customer is gathered and processed at the end of
month.

Time-Sharing System
In this system, he batch processing system, input and output are performed from multiple
terminals, which are attached to a single Computer. CPU time and memory is shared among the
various users interacting from terminals. Each user process is allotted a fixed time period and
CPU switches between the user processes. From this system onwards user intervention is
allowed. These are also known as multi-user operating system. With development of PCs same
concept is used on stand-alone computer to handle Le processes. Here one CPU can handle more
men one task concurrently. This is known as multitasking operating systems. For example in a
multitasking system a user can work on an accounting software, print a letter from word
processor and play music at the same times.

Real-Time Operating System

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A real time process is a process that must respond to the events within a certain time period. A
real time operating system is an operating system that can run real time processes successfully. A
real time operating system has well defined fixed time constraints. Process must be done within
the defined constraints or the system will fail. Often used as a control device in a dedicated
application such as controlling scientific experiments, industrial control systems. An example is
the operating system for a flight control computer.

Multiprocessor System
A multiprocessor system uses more than one processor to enhance performance. Processes are
distributed to all the processor. These are also known as parallel processing systems. An OS that
is able to incorporate multiprocessor system is called as multiprocessor operating system.

Distributed Operating System –

These types of operating system is a recent advancement in the world of computer technology
and are being widely accepted all-over the world and, that too, with a great pace. Various
autonomous interconnected computers communicate each other using a shared communication
network. Independent systems possess their own memory unit and CPU. These are referred
as loosely coupled systems or distributed systems. These system’s processors differ in size and
function. The major benefit of working with these types of operating system is that it is always
possible that one user can access the files or software which are not actually present on his
system but on some other system connected within this network i.e., remote access is enabled
within the devices connected in that network.

Network Operating System –

These systems run on a server and provide the capability to manage data, users, groups, security,
applications, and other networking functions. These type of operating systems allow shared
access of files, printers, security, applications, and other networking functions over a small
private network. One more important aspect of Network Operating Systems is that all the users
are well aware of the underlying configuration, of all other users within the network, their
individual connections etc. and that’s why these computers are popularly known as tightly
coupled systems.
Utility software:
Utility Software is a type of software which is used to analyse and maintain a computer. This
software is focused on how OS works on that basis it performs tasks to enable the smooth
functioning of the computer. This software may come with OS like windows defender and disk
cleanup tools. Antivirus, backup software, file manager, and disk compression tool all are utility
software.

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Examples of Utility Software

 Antivirus Software
 File Management Tool
 Compression Tool
 Disk Management Tool
 Disk Cleanup Tool
 Disk Defragmenter

Communication Software

The core defining feature is that the program is designed to transfer information between
multiple parties or devices. The main benefit of using communication software is that it creates a
network in which devices can easily be identified and managed. These devices can then more
effectively communicate information between various departments and employees.

Types of Application Software

 Word Processing Software

 Spreadsheet Software
 Presentation Software
 Multimedia Software
 Web Browsers
 Educational Software
 Freeware
 Open-source

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Suggested Question
1. Draw the block diagram of computer and explain it component
2. Explain input devices.
3. What is software? Explain different types of software.
4. What do you mean by utility software
5. Explain optical disk.

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