Computer Fundamentals

BBA-IT Sem I
Course structure
• 2 credit course.
• Total 50 marks:
• 20 marks internal exam:
• Written exam – 10 marks.
• Assignment / Quiz – 10 marks.
• 30 marks external exam.
• Books recommended:
• Fundamentals of Computers by V Rajaraman
• Computers Today by Sanders
• Computers Fundamental by B Ram
Index
• What is a Computer?
• Characteristics
• Generations
• Computer systems today
What is a “Computer”
• An electronic device programmable to process raw input data into output
using a specified program
• Executes mathematical and logical operations, storing results for future use
• Handles numerical and non-numerical computations
• "Computer" derives from Latin "computare," meaning to calculate
• Charles Babbage is known as the father of the computer
• Designed to run applications with integrated hardware and software
components
• Operates via programs, representing decimal numbers in binary
• Includes memory for data, programs, and processing results
• Hardware components: wires, transistors, circuits, hard disks
• Programs and data collectively termed software
• Analytical Engine by Charles Babbage (1837) used punch cards for read-
only memory
Characteristics of Computer
• Processing Power: Computers vary in processing capabilities, from basic tasks to complex
calculations and simulations.
• Storage Capacity: Range from small-scale storage for personal use to massive capacities
for enterprise-level data handling.
• Connectivity: Ability to connect to networks, devices, and the internet for data exchange
and communication.
• Input and Output: Utilize various input devices (e.g., keyboards, mouse) and output
devices (e.g., monitors, printers) for interaction and data presentation.
• Software Capabilities: Run a wide range of applications and programs for diverse tasks,
from productivity to entertainment.
• Portability: Ranging from desktops and laptops to mobile devices like tablets and
smartphones.
• Security: Implement measures to protect data integrity, privacy, and system access.
• User Interface: Provide intuitive interfaces for user interaction and operation.
• Reliability: Designed to operate consistently and reliably over extended periods with
minimal downtime.
• Scalability: Capability to expand hardware and software resources to accommodate
increasing demands or changes in usage.
Important components
• Processor: Executes instructions from both software and hardware
components.
• Memory: Primary storage for data transfer between the CPU and
other storage devices.
• Motherboard: Connects and integrates all other components within
the computer.
• Storage Device: Stores data permanently, such as a hard drive or SSD.
• Input Device: Allows users to input data or communicate with the
computer, like a keyboard or mouse.
• Output Device: Displays the output from the computer, such as a
monitor or printer.
Generations of Computer
1 st Generation 1940-1956
• Technology: Vacuum tubes
• Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC
• Characteristics
• Used for basic arithmetic and
data processing
• Bulky and consumed a lot of
power
• Programmed with machine
language (binary code)
• Input via punch cards, output
on paper
1 st Generation 1940-1956
• The first large electronic computer was made in 1946 by a team lead
by Eckert and Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania in the USA.
• This computer called Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Calculator (ENIAC)
• It Had high operational costs and consumed a significant amount of
electricity.
• Featured limited memory capacity and was primarily designed for
calculating missile trajectories.
• Produced a substantial amount of heat, frequently leading to
malfunctions.
2nd Generation 1956-1963
• Technology: Transistors
• Examples: PDP-8, IBM140 UNIVAC
1107
• Characteristics
• Second Generation computers utilized
transistor technology.
• Programming was done in machine
language and assembly languages.
• Memory storage employed magnetic
core and magnetic tape/disk
technologies.
• These computers were smaller,
consumed less power, and generated
less heat compared to their
predecessors.
• Primary input/output devices included
magnetic tape and punched cards.
3rd Generation 1964-1971
• Technology: Integrated circuits
• Examples: IBM 360, IBM
370,PDP-11
• Characteristics
• Integrated Circuits (ICs) were the
foundational technology in
building these computers.
• Programming was conducted using
high-level languages.
• Memory storage relied on large-
scale magnetic core and magnetic
tape/disk systems.
• Input/output devices included
magnetic tape, monitors,
keyboards, printers, and others.
4th Generation 1976-1999
• Technology: Microprocessor
• Examples: IBM PC, STAR 1000,
APPLE II, Apple Macintosh
• Characteristics
• Fourth Generation Computers
utilized Very-large-scale
integration (VLSI) technology and
microprocessors (with thousands
of transistors on a single
microchip).
• Semiconductor memory like RAM
and ROM became standard for
storage.
• Introduced advanced input/output
devices including pointing devices,
optical scanners, keyboards,
monitors, and printers.
5th Generation 1976-1999
• Technology: Artificial intelligence
• Examples: Desktops, laptops, tablets,
smartphones
• Characteristics
• Fifth Generation Computers are based on
artificial intelligence and utilize Ultra Large-
Scale Integration (ULSI) technology along with
parallel processing methods (ULSI integrates
millions of transistors on a single microchip,
while parallel processing uses multiple
microprocessors to handle tasks
simultaneously).
• These computers are capable of
understanding natural language (human
language).
• They are designed to be portable and smaller
in size compared to previous generations.
• Input/Output devices include trackpads (or
touchpads), touchscreens, pens, speech
recognition inputs, light scanners, printers,
keyboards, monitors, and mouse.
Different types of Computers
• Micro Computer: Small-scale computer typically used by individuals or
small businesses for general computing tasks.
• Mini Computer: Mid-sized computer often used in scientific and
engineering applications, capable of supporting multiple users
concurrently.
• Mainframe Computer: Large, powerful computer used primarily by large
organizations for critical applications requiring high-performance
computing and extensive data storage.
• Super Computer: Extremely powerful computer used for specialized tasks
requiring immense processing capability, such as weather forecasting or
scientific simulations.
• Workstations: High-performance computers used for technical or scientific
applications, often optimized for specific tasks like CAD or graphic design.
Computer systems today
• Computer systems today are highly integrated with advanced processors capable of handling
complex instructions swiftly.
• Memory technologies have evolved to provide faster data access and greater storage capacities.
• Motherboards are designed to support a wide range of peripherals and components, facilitating
seamless connectivity.
• Storage devices have transitioned to solid-state drives (SSDs) for faster data access speeds and
reliability.
• Input devices include touchscreens, voice recognition systems, and advanced keyboards and
mouse for intuitive interaction.
• Output devices like high-resolution monitors and printers offer crisp visuals and precise document
reproduction.
• Modern computers often incorporate specialized hardware for tasks such as graphics processing
and artificial intelligence, enhancing their versatility.
• Connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and high-speed Ethernet enable seamless
integration into networks and the internet.
• Security features like biometric authentication and encryption technologies safeguard data and
user privacy.
• Software ecosystems provide a vast array of applications and services, catering to diverse user
needs from productivity to entertainment and beyond.