Bachelor in Computer Application

Semester-I
FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER AND ITS APPLICATIONS
BCA - 101

Lecture Plan (Unit-I)

Course: BCA Semester-I
Paper-101 Subject: Fundamentals of Computers and ITS Application

1. Introduction to Computer: Brief history of the development of Computers. Computer System

Concept, Computer System Characteristics, Capabilities and Limitations,
2. Brief history of the development of Computers, Generations of Computers,
3. Types of Compute
4. Basic components of a computer system (Control Unit, ALU, Input/ Output Functions and
Characteristic),
5. Memory and types of Memory

Topic-1 Brief history of the development of Computers

Topic-2 Computer System Concept, Computer System Characteristics
Topic-3 Capabilities and Limitations, Generations of Computers
Topic-4 Types of Computer
Topic-5 Basic components of a computer system
Topic-6 Memory and types of Memory
Topic-1 Brief history of the development of Computers

What is Computer? Explain Computer System concept. Also explain its Capabilities and
limitations.
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to accept data (input) process it and
generate result (output). A computer along with additional hardware and software together is called a
computer system.

A computer is system of hardware devices organized according to the following system functions.
Input: The input devices of a computer system include keyboards, touch screens, pens, electronic
mice, optical scanners, and so on.

Processing: The central processing unit (CPU) is the main processing component of a computer
system. (In microcomputers, it is the main microprocessor.) In particular, the electronic circuits of the
arithmetic-logic unit one of the CPU’s major components perform the arithmetic and logic functions
required in computer processing.

Output: The output devices of a computer system include video display units, printers, audio response
units, and so on, they convert electronic information produced by the computer system into human
intelligible form for presentation to end users.

Storage: The storage function of a computer system takes place in the storage circuits of the
computer’s primary storage unit, or memory, and in secondary storage devices such as magnetic disk and
tape units. These devices store data and program instructions needed for processing.

Control: The control unit of the CPU is the control component of a computer system. Its circuits
interpret computer program instructions and transmit directions to the other components of the computer
system.

Topic-2 Characteristics/Capabilities of Computer System

Capabilities of a computer system are the qualities of the computer that put it in a positive light and make
the user experience more
efficient.

Speed: Speed is the amount of time taken by the computer in accomplishing a task of an operation. The
time taken by a
computer to perform a particular task is far less than that taken by than a human being. Different
computers are classified on
the basis of their speed by comparing their MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second).

Accuracy: Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy.

Reliability: Reliability is the quality due to which the user can stay dependable on the computer.
Computers systems are well-adjusted to do repetitive tasks. They never get tired, bored or fatigued.
Hence, they are a lot reliable than humans. Still, there can be failures of a computer system due to internal
and external reasons.

Adaptability: Adaptability of computer system means the quality of it to complete a different type of
tasks: simple as well as complex. Computers are normally versatile unless designed for a specific
operation. Overall, a daily purpose computer is used in any area of application: business, industry,
scientific, statistical, technological and so on.
Storage: It refers to the capacity of a computer to store data and programs. Storage is done in storage
media such as CDs, Floppies, DVDs, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory).

Limitations of Computer Systems

Limitations are the drawbacks of the computer system in which humans outperform them.
Lack of common-sense: This is one of the major limitations of computer systems. No matter how
efficient, fast and reliable computer systems might be but yet do not have any common sense because no
full-proof algorithm has been designed to programme logic into them. As computers function based on
the stored programme(s), they simply lack common sense.

Zero IQ: Another of the limitations of computer systems is that they have zero Intelligence Quotient
(IQ). They are unable to
see and think the actions to perform in a particular situation unless that situation is already programmed
into them.
Computers are programmable to complete each and every task, however small it may be.

Lack of Decision-making: Decision-making is a complicated process involving information,

knowledge, intelligence, wisdom,
and ability to judge. The computer system does not have the ability to make decisions on their own
because they do not possess all the essentials of decision-making.

Topic -3 The history of the development of computers and its Generations.

History of the development of Computers

People used sticks, stones, and bones as counting tools before computers were invented. More computing
devices were produced as technology
advanced and the human intellect improved over time. Let us look at a few of the early-age computing
devices used by mankind.

Abacus
Abacus was invented by the Chinese around 4000 years ago. It’s a wooden rack with metal rods with
beads attached to them. The abacus operator
moves the beads according to certain guidelines to complete arithmetic computations.

Napier’s Bone
John Napier devised Napier’s Bones, a manually operated calculating apparatus. For calculating, this
instrument used 9 separate ivory strips (bones)
marked with numerals to multiply and divide. It was also the first machine to calculate using the decimal
point system.

Pascaline
Pascaline was invented in 1642 by Biaise Pascal, a French mathematician and philosopher. It is thought to
be the first mechanical and automated calculator. It was a wooden box with gears and wheels inside.
Stepped Reckoner or Leibniz wheel
In 1673, a German mathematician-philosopher named Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz improved on Pascal’s
invention to create this apparatus. It was a digital mechanical calculator known as the stepped reckoner
because it used fluted drums instead of gears.
Difference Engine
In the early 1820s, Charles Babbage created the Difference Engine. It was a mechanical computer that
could do basic computations. It was a steam powered calculating machine used to solve numerical tables
such as logarithmic tables.

Analytical Engine
Charles Babbage created another calculating machine, the Analytical Engine, in 1830. It was a
mechanical computer that took input from punch cards. It was capable of solving any mathematical
problem and storing data in an indefinite memory.

Tabulating machine
An American Statistician – Herman Hollerith invented this machine in the year 1890. Tabulating
Machine was a punch card-based mechanical tabulator. It could compute statistics and record or sort data
or information. Hollerith began manufacturing these machines in his company, which ultimately became
International Business Machines (IBM) in 1924.

Differential Analyzer
Vannevar Bush introduced the first electrical computer, the Differential Analyzer, in 1930. This machine
is made up of vacuum tubes that switch electrical impulses in order to do calculations. It was capable of
performing 25 calculations in a matter of minutes.

Mark I
Howard Aiken planned to build a machine in 1937 that could conduct massive calculations or calculations
using enormous numbers. The Mark I computer was constructed in 1944 as a collaboration between IBM
and Harvard.

Generations of Computers
A generation of computers refers to the specific improvements in computer technology with time. In
1946, electronic pathways called circuits were developed to perform the counting. It replaced the gears
and other mechanical parts used for counting in previous computing machines.
In each new generation, the circuits became smaller and more advanced than the previous generation
circuits. The miniaturization helped increase the speed, memory and power of computers. There are five
generations of computers which are described below:-

First Generation Computers

The first generation (1946-1959) computers were slow, huge and expensive. In these computers, vacuum
tubes were used as the basic components of CPU and memory. These computers were mainly depended
on batch operating system and punch cards. Magnetic tape and paper tape were used as output and input
devices in this generation;

Second Generation Computers

The second generation (1959-1965) was the era of the transistor computers. These computers used
transistors which were cheap, compact and consuming less power; it made transistor computers faster
than the first generation computers.
In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and magnetic disc and tapes were
used as the secondary storage. Assembly language and programming languages like COBOL and
FORTRAN, and Batch processing and multiprogramming operating systems were used in these
computers.
Third Generation Computers
The third generation computers used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors. A single IC can pack
huge number of transistors which increased the power of a computer and reduced the cost. The computers
also became more reliable, efficient and smaller in size. These generation computers used remote
processing, time-sharing, multi programming as operating system. Also, the high-level programming
languages like FORTRON-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, ALGOL-68 were used in this generation.

Fourth Generation Computers

The fourth generation (1971-1980) computers used very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits; a chip
containing millions of transistors and other circuit elements. These chips made this generation computers
more compact, powerful, fast and affordable. These generation computers used real time, time sharing
and distributed operating system. The programming languages like C, C++, DBASE were also used in
this generation.

Fifth Generation Computers

In fifth generation (1980-till date) computers, the VLSI technology was replaced with ULSI (Ultra Large
Scale Integration). It made possible the production of microprocessor chips with ten million electronic
components. This generation computers used parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence)
software. The programming languages used in this generation were C, C++, Java, .Net, etc.

Topic-4 Various Types of Computer

We can categorize computer in two ways:

On the basis of data handling capabilities
On the basis of size & Processing Speed.

On the basis of data handling capabilities, the computer is of three types:

1. Analogue Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer

1) Analogue Computer
Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data. Analogue data is continuous data that
changes continuously and cannot have discrete values. We can say that analogue computers are used
where we don't need exact values always such as speed,
temperature, pressure and current.
Analogue computers directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into
numbers and codes. They measure the continuous changes in physical quantity and generally render
output as a reading on a dial or scale. Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of analogue
computers.

2) Digital Computer
Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It accepts the
raw data as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) and processes it with programs stored
in its memory to produce the output. All modern computers like laptops, desktops including smartphones
that we use at home or office are digital computers.

3) Hybrid Computer
 Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like an analogue
computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both continuous and
discrete data. It accepts analogue signals and converts them into digital form before processing. So, it is
widely used in specialized applications where both analogue and digital data is processed. For
example, a processor is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity
and price. Similarly, they are used in airplanes, hospitals, and scientific applications.

On the basis of size, the computer can be of five types:

1) Supercomputer

Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process huge amount
of data. A supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has thousands of
interconnected processors.
Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather
forecasting, scientific simulations and nuclear energy research. The first supercomputer was developed by
Roger Cray in 1976.

2) Mainframe computer

Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can
support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously.
These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom
sectors, which need to manage and process high volume of data.
Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can
support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously.
These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom
sectors, which need to manage and process a high volume of data that requires integer operations such as
indexing, comparisons, etc.

3) Miniframe or Minicomputer
It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more processors and can support 4
to 200 users at one time. Mini frame computers are used in institutes and departments for tasks such as
billing, accounting and inventory management. A minicomputer lies between the mainframe and
microcomputer as it is smaller than mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.

4) Microcomputer
Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer that is designed
for individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input unit
and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of microcomputers. They are suitable for
personal work that may be making an assignment, watching a movie, or at office for office work.

Topic-5 The basic components of computer

A computer device is made up of various elements which help in its effective functioning and
processing. There are 3 basic components of the computer which help in making this processing of data
easier and convenient.

There are basically three important components of a computer:

Input Unit
Central Processing Unit(CPU)
 Output Unit

1. Input Unit:
The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the computer. These devices take
input and convert it into binary language that the computer understands.
Some of the common input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc.
The Input Unit is formed by attaching one or more input devices to a computer.
A user input data and instructions through input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.
The input unit is used to provide data to the processor for further processing.

2. Central Processing Unit:

Once the information is entered into the computer by the input device, the processor processes it.
The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it is the control center of the computer. It first
fetches instructions from memory and then interprets them so as to know what is to be done. If required,
data is fetched from memory or input device. Thereafter CPU executes or performs the required
computation, and then either stores the output or displays it on the output device.

The CPU has three main components, which are responsible for different functions:
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU),
Control Unit (CU) and
Memory Unit

A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):

The ALU, as its name suggests performs mathematical calculations and takes logical decisions.
Arithmetic calculations include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical decisions
involve the comparison of two data items to see which one is larger or smaller or equal.
Arithmetic Logical Unit is the main component of the CPU
It is the fundamental building block of the CPU.
Arithmetic and Logical Unit is a digital circuit that is used to perform arithmetic and logical operations.

B. Control Unit:

The Control unit coordinates and controls the data flow in and out of the CPU, and also controls
all the operations of ALU, memory registers and also input/output units. It is also responsible for carrying
out all the instructions stored in the program. It decodes the fetched instruction, interprets it and sends
control signals to input/output devices until the required operation is done properly by ALU and memory.
The Control Unit is a component of the central processing unit of a computer that directs the operation
of the processor.
It instructs the computer’s memory, arithmetic and logic unit, and input and output devices on how to
respond to the processor’s instructions.
In order to execute the instructions, the components of a computer receive signals from the control unit.
It is also called the central nervous system or brain of the computer.

C. Memory Unit:

When we enter the data into the computer using an input device, the entered information
immediately gets saved in the memory unit of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Because of the
presence of some existing programming, the Memory Unit transmits the data further to the other parts of
the CPU.
Similarly, when the output of our command is processed by the computer, it is saved in the memory unit
before giving the output to the user.

3. Output Unit:
The output unit consists of output devices that are attached to the computer. It converts the binary
data coming from the CPU to
human understandable form. The common output devices are monitor, printer, plotter, etc.
The output unit displays or prints the processed data in a user-friendly format.
The output unit is formed by attaching the output devices of a computer.
The output unit accepts the information from the CPU and displays it in a user-readable form.

Topic -6 Computer memory

Computer memory is any physical device, used to store data, information or instruction
temporarily or permanently. It is the collection of storage
units that stores binary information in the form of bits. The memory block is split into a small number of
components, called cells. Each cell has a
unique address to store the data in memory, ranging from zero to memory size minus one. For example, if
the size of computer memory is 64k
words, the memory units have 64 * 1024 = 65536 locations or cells. The address of the memory's cells
varies from 0 to 65535.

Classification of Memory
The two basic forms of memory in a computer are primary (volatile) and secondary (non-volatile)

1. Primary Memory
The main form of memory that the CPU directly accesses for immediate use during active
processing is known as primary memory. Because data is
only stored there while the computer is powered on, it is known as volatile memory. The information kept
in primary memory is lost when the
computer shuts down or loses power.

The two main categories of primary memory are

RAM (Random Access Memory)
ROM (Read-Only Memory)

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a crucial type of primary memory in a computer system. It is
volatile memory; the computer’s processor (CPU) may
quickly access the information it contains to utilize it when processing is active. In contrast to secondary
memory (such as hard drives or solid-state
drives), RAM doesn’t save data when the computer is shut down.

Types of RAM are:

a. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)

 The most popular type of RAM in contemporary systems is DRAM. It differs from other RAM
types in simplicity, high density, and affordability. DRAM
uses capacitors as its data storage medium, necessitating frequent refreshing to ensure data integrity. It
becomes dynamic due to this operation,
called “DRAM.” DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM), the most popular type of
DRAM used in computers, comes in several versions,
including DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5, each of which offers faster data transfer rates and higher
efficiency.

b. Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)

SRAM is less dense and expensive than DRAM but is speedier and more energy-efficient. SRAM
uses flip-flops to store data instead of DRAM, which
makes it static and eliminates the need for ongoing refreshing. Despite limiting SRAM’s capacity, this
characteristic speeds up access times. People
frequently use SRAM in crucial locations such as CPU cache memory, where they need fast data access
because of its high speed.

2. ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Read-Only Memory(ROM) is a form of computer memory that stores data permanently, retaining
its contents even when the machine is powered
off. Data in ROM is “read-only” since, as the name implies, it cannot be easily changed or replaced. It
provides vital firmware, data, and instructions
for the computer’s fundamental processes, including booting and system initialization.

Types of ROM are:

Programmable ROM (PROM)

After manufacturing the chip, one can program data onto it using a programmable ROM. It takes
a specific tool called a “PROM programmer” to put
data into PROM. Once you program the information, you cannot alter it. You cannot change or delete
data once you commence the procedure
because it is irreversible.

Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM)

A form of ROM called an EPROM can be erased and reprogrammed by exposing it to ultraviolet
(UV) radiation. UV radiation exposes the data,
causing the quartz window to allow UV light to pass through and wipe it clean. After erasure, a PROM
programmer can program new information
onto the EPROM.

Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)

EEPROM, commonly called E2PROM, is comparable to EPROM but allows for electrical
erasure and reprogramming without UV light. Data updates
are more accessible and more flexible. People usually employ this when data may need to be changed
regularly, including when updating BIOS or
recording user preferences in electronic devices.
2. Secondary Memory
A sort of computer memory used for long-term data storage, even while the computer is off, is
secondary memory, often referred to as non-volatile
memory. Secondary memory preserves data longer than primary memory (RAM), which is volatile and
temporary. It functions as a storage
repository for different files, programs, and other data types that the CPU doesn’t need to access or
process immediately.

1. Hard Disk Drives (HDD)

Hard disc drives (HDD) are conventional mechanical data storage components in computers. The
read/write heads access and store data on
magnetic discs, also known as platters, which rotate at high speeds. Magnetic patterns store data on the
platters. HDDs are affordable and offer
large storage capabilities compared to other storage technologies. However, their performance sometimes
suffers because the read/write process is
mechanical. HDDs are still often used for bulk data storage, backup, and archive needs even though
Solid-State Drives (SSD) are faster.

2. Solid-State Drives (SSD)

Solid-State Drives (SSD) are modern storage devices that employ NAND flash memory to store
data. SSDs have advantages over Hard Disc Drives
(HDD) because they are faster, more reliable, and more energy-efficient due to their fewer moving parts.
Data storage eliminates the need for any
mechanical parts by using memory chips. This results in significantly faster data access. SSDs provide
much quicker read and write speeds, enhancing
system performance overall and accelerating application loading times. They are commonly used as the
primary storage drives in laptops and PCs,
offering rapid boot times and improved responsiveness. SSDs have grown in popularity because of their
greater performance and dependability,
although they are often more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs.

3. Magnetic Tapes

Magnetic Tapes are a cost-effective and durable option for data backup and archival. They use
magnetic patterns to store binary information on a
long strip wound onto a reel. Government agencies, research institutions, and large corporations
frequently utilize them to store data for extended periods. Although they have slower access time than
modern storage devices, they offer high storage capacity.
Questions For Assignment

Q.1 Write any 5 Capabilities of Computer systems.

Q.2 Write the history of the development of computers. Also Explain its Generations.

Q.3 Explain various Types of Computer.

Q.4 What are the Three Main Types of Computers On the basis of data handling capabilities?

Q.5 What are digital computers? And what are the advantages of Analog computers?

Q.6 Write any three primary functions which are performed by minicomputers.

Q.7 What are the basic components of computer?

Q.8 Which part of CPU performs arithmetic operations?

Q.9 A computer comprises how many types of memory? Explain them.

Q.10 What is the Difference between RAM and ROM.? Explain ROM.