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CF Chap 1 Part 1

The document provides an introduction to computers, detailing their components, characteristics, types, and data organization. It explains the Input-Process-Output cycle, the various types of computers (mini, micro, mainframe, super), programming languages, memory types, input/output devices, and number systems. Additionally, it covers the hierarchical organization of data and basic arithmetic in binary.

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15 views5 pages

CF Chap 1 Part 1

The document provides an introduction to computers, detailing their components, characteristics, types, and data organization. It explains the Input-Process-Output cycle, the various types of computers (mini, micro, mainframe, super), programming languages, memory types, input/output devices, and number systems. Additionally, it covers the hierarchical organization of data and basic arithmetic in binary.

Uploaded by

akash103y
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit-I: Introduction to Computers

1 Introduction to Computers
A computer is an electronic machine designed to take input, process it, and
deliver output as per predefined instructions. It is composed of hardware (the
physical components) and software (the programs or instructions). The com-
puter operates using the Input-Process-Output (IPO) cycle.
• Input: Data is fed into the computer via input devices like a keyboard or
mouse.
• Process: The data is processed by the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
according to specific instructions (software).
• Output: The processed information is delivered via output devices like
monitors or printers.
Additionally, a computer can store data for future use in Primary Memory
(RAM) for temporary use or Secondary Storage (Hard Disk) for long-term
storage.

2 Characteristics of Computers
Computers have several defining characteristics:
• Speed: Computers can process billions of instructions per second. Mod-
ern processors have speeds measured in gigahertz (GHz), meaning they
can handle several billion cycles per second.
• Accuracy: Computers follow precise instructions and produce accurate
results, with errors only occurring due to software bugs or human error.
• Automation: Once programmed, a computer can execute tasks automat-
ically without further human intervention, useful in industrial automation.
• Storage: Computers store vast amounts of data in primary storage
(RAM) for quick access and secondary storage (like hard drives) for
long-term data retention.
• Versatility: A single computer can perform a variety of tasks, such as
playing a movie, editing documents, or running a web server.

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• Diligence: Computers can perform repetitive tasks without losing effi-
ciency or getting tired.
• Cost-effectiveness: The automation and speed of computers reduce
costs by lowering the time and manpower required to complete tasks.

3 Block Diagram of a Computer


The block diagram of a computer illustrates its main components and their
interactions (See Figure 1).

• Input Unit: Devices like a keyboard, mouse, and scanner convert user
data and instructions into a format the computer can understand.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer, re-
sponsible for processing all instructions.
– Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical
operations, e.g., addition, subtraction.
– Control Unit (CU): Directs data between the input unit, memory,
and output devices.

• Memory Unit: Stores data and instructions. This consists of:


– Primary Memory: Includes RAM and ROM.
– Secondary Storage: Hard drives, SSDs, etc.

• Output Unit: Converts processed data into human-readable form (e.g.,


monitors, printers).

Figure 1: Block Diagram of a Computer

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4 Types of Computers and Features
4.1 Mini Computers
• Size and Power: Larger than microcomputers but smaller than main-
frames. Used for tasks requiring moderate computing power.
• Examples: IBM AS/400.

4.2 Micro Computers (Personal Computers or PCs)


• Size and Power: The most common type, used for general tasks like
browsing the internet and running office software.
• Types: Desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Features: Affordable, user-friendly, and versatile.

4.3 Mainframe Computers


• Power and Usage: Large and powerful, used for massive data processing
tasks like census or transaction processing.

• Examples: IBM zSeries.

4.4 Super Computers


• Power: The fastest and most powerful computers, capable of handling
complex calculations at incredible speeds.
• Examples: IBM Summit, Tianhe-2.

5 Types of Programming Languages


5.1 Machine Language
• The lowest-level programming language, consisting of binary code.
• Example: A machine instruction might look like 10110110.

5.2 Assembly Language


• A low-level language using symbolic names instead of binary code.
• Example: An instruction to add two numbers might be ADD R1, R2.

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5.3 High-Level Languages
• Closer to human languages, making them easier to write and understand.
• Example (Python): print("Hello, World!")

6 Data Organization
Data in computers is organized hierarchically:
• Bits: The smallest unit of data, represented as 0 or 1.

• Bytes: A group of 8 bits.


• Files: A collection of related data or information.
• Directories/Folders: Containers for organizing files.

7 Types of Memory
7.1 Primary Memory
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory used for tempo-
rary data storage.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory storing essential
system instructions.

• PROM/EPROM: Programmable ROMs, where data can be written


once or erased and rewritten in the case of EPROM.

7.2 Secondary Storage Devices


• Hard Disk (HD): Used for large-scale data storage.
• Compact Disc (CD): Optical storage medium.
• Pen Drive: Portable flash memory devices.

8 Input/Output (I/O) Devices


8.1 Input Devices
• Keyboard: For text input and commands.
• Mouse: For navigating graphical user interfaces.
• Scanner: Converts physical documents into digital formats.

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8.2 Output Devices
• Monitor (LCD/Plasma Display): Displays visual output.
• Printer: Produces hard copies of digital documents.

• Plotter: Prints large-format drawings.

9 Number Systems
9.1 Binary System (Base-2)
• Uses only two digits, 0 and 1.
• Example: 10112 = 1110 .

9.2 Octal System (Base-8)


• Uses digits from 0 to 7.

• Example: 108 = 810 .

9.3 Hexadecimal System (Base-16)


• Uses digits from 0 to 9 and letters A to F.

• Example: 1A316 = 41910 .

9.4 Conversions between Number Systems


• Binary to Decimal: Multiply each bit by 2 raised to the power of its
position.
• Decimal to Binary: Repeatedly divide the number by 2 and record the
remainders.

9.5 Simple Arithmetic in Binary


• Addition Rules: 0 + 0 = 0, 1 + 0 = 1, 1 + 1 = 10 (binary for 2).
• Subtraction: Similar to decimal subtraction, but when borrowing, sub-
tract 1 from the next higher place value.

• Multiplication: Similar to decimal multiplication.

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