COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

• Defination
Computer is an electronic data processing device which accepts and stores data , the input data
and generates the output data in a required format.
• Advantages
Folloing list demonstrates the advantages of computers today.
• High speed
Computer is a very fast device . It is capable of performing calculations of very large
amount of data . The computer has units of speed in microsecond , nanosecond and
even the picoseconds . It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as
compared to man who will spend many months for doing the same task .
• Accuracy
In addition to being very fast , computers are very accurate . The calculations are 100%
error free . Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that correct input
has been given .
• Storage capability
Memory is a very important characterstic of computers . A computer has much more
storage capability than human beings . It can store large amount of data . It can store
any type data such as images , videos , text , audio and many other .
• Diligence
Un like human beings a computer is free from monotony , tiredness and lack of
concentration . It can work continiously with out any error and boredom . It can do
repeated work with same speed and accuracy .
• Reduction in cost
Though the initial investment for a computer is high but it substantially reduces the cost
of each of its transaction .
• Disadvantages
Following list shows the disadvantages of computer in today .
• No I.Q.
A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task . Each instruction
has to given to computer . A computer can not take any decision on its own .
• Dependency
It functions as per user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on human being .
• Environment
The operating environment of computers should be dust free suitable .
• No feelings
Computer have no feelings or emotions . It can not make judgement based on feelings .
taste, experience and knowledge unlike a human being .
• Applications
-Business
-Education
-Banking
-Communication
 -Military
-Marketing
-Engineering design
-Health care
• Computer Generations
Following are the main five generations of computers .
• First Generation
The period of first generation:(1946-1959)
Vaccumetube based .
• Second Generation
The period of second generation:(1959-1965)
Transistor based.
• Third Generation
The period of third generation:(1965-1971)
Integrated circuit based .
• Fourth Generation
The period of fourth generation:(1971-1980)
Micro processor based .
• Fifth Generation
The period of fifth generation:(1980-onwards)
Multiple micro processor based .
• Components
Input units:- This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into computer . This
unit makes link between user and computer . The input devices translate the information in to
the form understable by computer .
Input devices:- Following are few of the important input devices which are used in a computer.
1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Joystick
4. Light pen
5. Track ball
6. Scanner
7. Microphone
8. Optical Mark Reader(OMR)
9. Barcode reader , etc.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit):- CPU is consider as the brain of computer . CPU performs all type
of data processing operations . It stores data, intermediate result and instructions (program) . It
controls the operations of all parts of computer .
CPU itself has following three components,
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Memory unit
Control unit
 Output units:- Output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information of
computer . This unit is a link between computer and users. Output devices translate the
computer’s output in to the form understandable by user .
Output Devices:- Following are few of the important output devices which are used in
computer,
1. Monitor
2. Printer
3. Speaker
4. Graphic plotter
• 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 instrutions
required for processing are stored .
Memory is primarily of two types .
1. Primary memory
2. Secondary memory
Again primary memory is of two types,
-RAM(Random Access Memory)
-ROM(Read Only Memory)
• RAM
RAM is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program and program result . It is
read/write memory which stores data until the machine is working . As soon as the machine is
switched off, data erased .
• ROM
ROM stands for read only memory . The memory from which we can only read but cannot write
on it . This type of memory is non-volatile . The information is stored permanently is such
memories during manufacture . A ROM stores such instructions that are required to start a
computer . This operation is reffered to as bootstrap . ROM chips are not only used in the
computer but also in other electronic items like washing machine and microwave oven .
• ROM Involves :- MROM , PROM , EPROM , EEPROM , Etc.
• Memory Units:-
Memory units is the amount of data that can be stored in the storage unit . That is which
storage capacity is expressed in terms of Bytes .
1KB=1024 bytes
1MB=1024 kilo bytes
1GB=1024 mega bytes
1TB=1024 giga bytes
1PB=1024 tera bytes
• Secondary memory involves,
1. Hard disk
2. Pen drive
3. CD
4. DVD
5. Floppy
 6. Memory card etc.
• Hardware
Hardware represents the physeical and tangible components of a commputer i.e. the
components that can be seen and touched .
Examples of hardware are following: keyboard, mouse , etc.
• Software
Software is a set of programs, whiched Is designed to perform a well-defined function . A
program is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem .
These are two types of software
1. System software
2. Application software
• System software
The system software is collection of programs designed to operate, control . and extend the
processing capabilities of the computer itself . System software are generally prepared by
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 hardware and the end users .
Examples:- Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, etc.
• Application Software
Application software products are designed to satisfy a particular need of particular
environment . All software prepared in the computer lab can come under the application
software .
Examples:-Notepad
Microsoft word
Microsoft excel
Microsoft power point