(The Present Day computer)

1.2 Definition

The term Computer is derived from a Latin word ‘Compute’ which means to
calculate or to manipulate

A Computer is anything that transforms process information in a purposeful

way.
In Simple terms
A computer is a device that accepts data and instruction (in the form of
digitalized data) and process it according to the given instruction and give the
output.
OR
A computer can be described as an electronic calculating device that accepts
raw data as input, processes it and produces meaningful information i.e.
output as result.

Input Processing Output

Storage

Feedback
1.3 Characteristics of Computer

Computer is the most powerful machine in today's world. It has become the
need in everyone's life. A computer can perform task very quickly and
accurately. Computer has its own features and characteristics. The
characteristics of computers that have made them so universally useful are
speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, storage capacity, power of remembering,
no IQ, no feeling

 Efficiency: The time take to process data by computer is called speed

of computer. It takes only few seconds for calculations that we take
hours to complete which is beyond of human Capacity. The speed of
computer is measured in MIPS (Millions Inch per Seconds).
 Speed: - In terms of speed computers can work incredibly fast to
achieve the needs of a human within a short span of time.
 Accuracy: - In terms of accuracy the computer is 100 % accurate and
so computerized calculation is given importance in the field of science
and other subjects.
 Diligence: - Computer can work for hours without any break and
creating error.
 Versatility: - We can use computer to perform completely different
type of work at the same time.
 Storage Capacity: - Computer can store mass storage of data with
appropriate format.
 Reliability: The computer is a reliable electronic multipurpose and
multiprocessing machine. It processes data with high accuracy without
any mistakes.
 Power of Remembering: - It can remember data for us. One of the
examples includes mobile phones which retrieve phone numbers when
the name is selected or the name of the person when the mobile number
is dialed.
 No IQ: - Computer does not work without instructions.
 No feeling: - Computer does not have emotions, knowledge,
experience, and feeling.
 Artificial intelligence: The fifth generation computer which recognizes
voice is based on artificial intelligence. The AI is applied in gaming
software, and robotics from many years, but operating system based on
AI is also in process which can recognize not only voice, but read mood
of users also. It gives suggestion and decision on complex problems.
1.4 Functions of the Computer

The four basic functions of a computer system are as follows:

1. Data input
2. Data Processing
3. Information output
4. Data and information Storage
1. Data input:-Receiving of accepting information from outside sources.
Some of the input devices are as shown below.

2. Data Processing: - The processing is done by the computer processor.

A processor is the logic circuitry that responds to and processes the
basic instructions that drive a computer. The term processor has
generally replaced the term central processing unit (CPU). The
processor in a personal computer or embedded in small devices is often
called a microprocessor.

(Microprocessor)
3. Information output: - The Output of a computer is done by Output
device.
An output device is any device used to send data from a computer to another
device or user.

(Output Device)
4. Data and information Storage: - The storage is done by a storage
devise. A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for
storing, Porting and extracting data files and objects. It can hold and
store information both temporarily in Primary Storage Devices and
permanently in secondary storage devices which can be internal or
external to a computer.

(Primary Storage) (Secondary Storage)

1.5 Application of Computer

Computer are used in areas which require huge amount of data to be processed at a
short period of time to give desired required output.
Where computer is used
Computer is used in many fields and they are

1. Research: Scientific Calculations where a human is prone to error.

2. Large scale data processing which human being cannot do
3. Getting data from dangerous locations where a human being cannot
reach or may lose life.
4. Telecommunication and many more
5. Education: The computer provides various tool in the education system
like Computer Based Education that involves control, delivery, and
evaluation of learning
6. Health care: It used in hospitals to keep the record of patients and
medicines. It is also used in scanning and diagnosing different diseases.
ECG, EEG, ultrasounds and CT scans, etc. are also done by
computerized machines.
7. Entertainment: Audio video editing and pre and post production
activity is being done using computer system.
8. Banking: banking system is completely dependent on Computer
system. Online accounting facility, which includes checking current
balance, making deposits and overdrafts, checking interest charges,
shares, and trustee records.
9. Engineering Design: One of the major areas is Computer Aided
Design that provides creation and modification of images.
10. Defense: Computers are largely used in defense. Modern tanks,
missiles, weapons, etc. Military also employs computerized control
systems.
11. Weather forecasting: Huge capacity computer system are used in
weather forecasting.
 1.6 Classification of Computer
Computers differ based on their data processing abilities. They are classified
according to purpose, technology, size and capacity.
On the basis of purpose: Types of Computer
According to utilization of computer for different uses, computers are of the
following two types:
1. General Purpose
2. Special Purpose
1. General Purpose Computers: These are general purpose computers that
are used to perform a variety of tasks ranging from scientific as well as
business purpose applications. They are multi-purpose computers that
cater the needs of different people. They are generally found in homes
and offices. Their uses include preparation of documents, letters, reports,
gaming, financial analysis, data recording and analysis etc.
2. Special Purpose Computers: Special purpose computers are designed to
perform only specialized task for which they are meant. For example
weather forecasting, space research, air traffic control, medical diagnostic
etc. They may not have additional unnecessary options. They are
designed with specific instructions to perform a particular type of work
only.
On the basis of Technology: Types of Computer
According to the technology used, computers can be classified into three types:
1. Analog Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)

1. Analog Computer: - An analog computer is a

form of computer that uses the continuously
changeable aspects of physical phenomena such
as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities
to model the problem being solved.

(Analog Computer)
2. Digital: - The device capable of solving problems by processing
information in discrete form. It operates on data, including magnitudes,
letters, and symbols, that are expressed in binary form—i.e., using only
the two digits 0 and 1.
 There are three major elements in a digital computer which help in solving
the problems they are: hardware,
software and data. The data is processed
by digital computers using arithmetic
and logical operations and therefore,
they are more reliable and fast. They
work on GIGO (Garbage In and Garbage
Out) principle and require significant
programming efforts. The desktop PC
used at home is an example of digital
computer, other examples include note
books, work stations, smart phones etc.
(Digital Computer)

3. Hybrid (Analog + Digital):- Hybrid

computers are computers that exhibit
features of analog computers and
digital computers. The digital
component normally serves as the
controller and provides logical and
numerical operations, while the
analog component often serves as a
solver of differential equations and
other mathematically complex equations.
(Hybrid Computer)

On the basis of Size and Capacity: Types of Computer

Computers can be as big in size as a room and as small as a hand palm.

Computers can be classified into four categories on the basis of their size and
capacity. These are:
1. Micro Computer (personal Computer)
2. Mini Computer
3. Mainframe Computer
4. Super Computer
5. Work Station

1. Micro Computers: These are small, low cost and single-user digital
computers. IBM PC (Personal Computer) and Apple Macintosh are some
examples of microcomputers. Microcomputers include desktop
computers, notebooks, laptops, tablets, smart phones etc.
2. Mini Computer: Mini computers are much smaller in size than
mainframe computers but are larger than microcomputers. They are also
known as mid-range servers. In size and power, mini computers lie
between workstations and mainframes. Examples of mini-computers are
PDP 11, IBM 8000 series and VAX 7500.

3. Mainframe Computer: A very large and expensive computer capable

of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In
the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for
example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top,
mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes
are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more
simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single
program faster than a mainframe.

4. Super Computer: They are the most powerful and expensive computers
among digital computers category and are huge in size. Because of their
size and expense they are very rare and used only by large business
houses, government and universities. They are the fastest calculating
device ever invented and are not used for commercial data processing.
They have huge primary memory and the most advanced capabilities.
Examples of super computers are: CRAY-1, IBM’s Sequoia in United
States, Fujitsu’s computer in Japan, PRAM & ANURAG in India etc.

5. Work Station: A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this

context, workstation is just a generic term for a user's machine (client
machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."

Super Computer Mini Computer Mainframe Computer

1.9 Components of computer {Broad Overview}

The components of a computer include the following

Input unit: - The input unit is used to input data into the computer. Keyboard is
an input devise.

Processing unit: - The processing unit is used to process the data. CPU
is a processing unit.

The CPU is comprised of 3 units

a) Memory unit /cache: - During the time of processing raw data from the
RAM some data from RAM is brought from the RAM to cache
memory prior to processing to increase processing speed. This memory
keeps on filling up and gets emptied by the control unit till all the
instructions and raw data from the RAM get emptied. RAM on the other
hand gets filled up with instructions and raw data from the virtual
memory (A Portion occupied in the hard disk) by the control unit till the
program is completely executed.
 A BRIEF OVER VIEW HOW THE PROCESSING TAKES PLACE IN COMPUTER TO
GIVE OUTPUT

Hard disk: - A device to store huge amount of data and instructions.

Data from the input unit is taken by the control unit and stored in hard
disk or sent to RAM for processing .When working with heavy data and
instruction from hard disk RAM is a small place and so when data and
instructions are too heavy to be stored in RAM and so they are stored in
the virtual memory a Portion of hard disk for faster execution.
Instructions and data in RAM (Random Access Memory) go to the
cache memory for processing. Instructions and data from cache memory
go to the ALU for processing. After processing from ALU the output is
generated on printer/ monitor or stored to a hard drive. Once instruction
in RAM are over they are filled from virtual memory. The cycle
continues till all instructions are executed.
b) Control Unit:-It is responsible for controlling all parts of the computer.

 Responsible in controlling the transfer of data and instructions

among other units of a computer.

 Responsible in managing and coordinating with all the units of

the computer.

 Gets instructions from the memory, interprets them, and

accordingly directs the operation of the computer.

 Responsible in communication with input/output devices

for transfer of data or results from storage.
  Does not process or store data.
c) Arithmetic and Logic Unit:-Arithmetic and logic section is comprised of 2
units. They are arithmetic section and logic section.
 Arithmetic unit: - Arithmetic section is used to perform all arithmetic
operation namely addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
 Logic Unit: - Logic unit is used to perform all logic operations
such as comparison, selection, matching and merging of data.

Output unit: - Output unit is a devise which generates the output.

Example: - Printer

(Printer)

Other units to discuss

a) Secondary storage: - The secondary storage comprises of data that is

very large in nature. Hard Disk is an example secondary storage device
b) Virtual memory. When the program is too large to be executed in the
memory the entire program does not load but only a Portion of it which
is to be executed comes to the RAM and the rest of it is stored in the
hard disk in the form of virtual memory. This process is called paging.
c) External storage:-External data is a storage devise to store data
externally for the following reasons.
I. Easy data migration.
II. Vital Data remains safe in case computer crashes and everything
can be rebuilt in less time by the process called restoration.
III. It helps to store maximum data and keeps the computer drives
empty to store data.
Examples of external storage are:
I. Pen drive: - A pen drive/USB flash drive is a data
storage device that includes flash memory with an
integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. USB
flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and
 physically much smaller than an optical disc. It comes in
forms 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64 GB.
II. External Hard disk: - An external hard drive is a
Portable storage device that can be attached to a computer
through a USB or FireWire connection, or wirelessly.
External hard drives typically have high storage
capacities and are often used to back up computers or
serve as a network drive. Capacity 500 GB,1 GB
III. Google Drive /Cloud storage:-Google Drive is a file
storage and synchronization service created by Google. It
allows users to cloud, share, and edit documents,
spreadsheets, and presentations with collaborators.
Google Drive encompasses Google Docs, Sheets, and
Slides, an office suite that permits collaborative editing of
documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, forms,
and more.