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Computer Definition
A computer is defined as a programmable electronic
device that processes, stores, and manipulates data.
Note:
• The acronym for "computer" is commonly stated
as Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for
Technological and Educational Research. However, this
interpretation is often regarded as a myth rather than an
official definition, as the term "computer" originally
derives from the Latin word computare, meaning "to
calculate"
• In essence, while the acronym provides a descriptive
context, it is not universally accepted or recognized in
technical literature.
Father of Computer
• Charles Babbage is commonly referred to as the
"Father of the Computer."
• He conceptualized and designed the Analytical Engine
in the 1830s, which was a mechanical general-purpose
computing device.
• Though never fully built during his lifetime, his designs
laid the groundwork for future developments in
computing.
Father of Modern Computer
• Alan Turing is often called the "Father of the Modern
Computer." His work in the 1930s and 1940s,
particularly his concept of the Turing machine,
established a theoretical framework for the computers
we use today. He also played a significant role in World
War II by designing machines that cracked the German
Enigma code, which demonstrated real-world
computing power.
• However, this title isn't universally exclusive to him.
Generation of Computer
First Computer
• The first computer is often attributed to the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer), which was developed in the early 1940s.
• Developed By: John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert at the University of Pennsylvania's Moore
School of Electrical Engineering.
• Year: Completed in 1945 and became operational in 1946.
• Technology: Utilized approximately 18,000 vacuum tubes, which were the primary technology of
the first generation of computers.
• Purpose: Initially designed for military calculations, including artillery trajectory calculations and
atomic bomb development.
Characteristics:
• It was a general-purpose computer but could only execute one instruction at a time.
• Input was primarily through punched cards, and output was generated on printouts.
• It was massive, occupying about 1,800 square feet and weighing nearly 30 tons.
Functions of a computer ?
(Computer performs four basic functions)

Input : Information or data that is entered into a

computer is called input. It send data and instruction to
the CPU.

Processing : It is the sequence of actions taken on data

to convert it into a information which is meaningful to
the user.

Output : It makes processed data available to the user. It

is mainly used to display the result.

Storage : It stores and programs permanently. It is used

to store information during the time of program
execution and possible to get any type of information
from it.
Input Unit
• The input unit of a computer is a crucial component that
enables users to provide data and instructions to the
system. It serves as the interface between the external
environment and the computer, allowing for interaction
and data entry.
Commonly used Input Devices
• Keyboard: The primary device for typing text and commands. It consists of
keys for letters, numbers, and special characters, making it essential for data
entry and command input.
• Mouse: A pointing device that allows users to navigate the graphical user
interface (GUI). It typically has two buttons and a scroll wheel, enabling users
to click, drag, and scroll through content on the screen.
• Touchpad: Often found on laptops, this device serves as a built-in alternative
to a mouse, allowing users to control the cursor by moving their fingers across
a flat surface.
• Scanner: Converts physical documents and images into digital formats.
Scanners are used to digitize text and graphics for storage or editing.
Commonly used Input Devices
• Microphone: Captures audio input, converting sound waves into electrical
signals for recording or communication purposes.
• Webcam: A digital camera that captures video and images, often used for
video conferencing and streaming.
• Touch Screen: Allows users to interact directly with what is displayed on the
screen by touching it, eliminating the need for a separate mouse or keyboard.
• Joystick: Primarily used for gaming, this device allows users to control
movement in games or simulations.
• Barcode Reader: An optical scanner that reads barcodes, commonly used in
retail and inventory management to scan product information quickly.
Output Unit
• The output unit of a computer is responsible for
converting processed data into a human-readable form,
allowing users to perceive the results of computations.
• Output devices play a crucial role in facilitating
interaction between the user and the computer by
presenting information visually, audibly, or in printed
form.
Common Types of Output
Devices
• Visual Output Devices:
• Monitor: Displays images, videos, and text on a screen.
Modern monitors use LCD or LED technology to provide high-
resolution visuals. Also called as Visual Display Unit (VDU)
• Projector: Projects images and videos onto larger surfaces
for presentations or entertainment.
Common Types of Output
Devices
• Print Output Devices:
• Printer: Produces physical copies of documents and images.
Types include:
• Inkjet Printers: Use liquid ink to create images on paper.
• Laser Printers: Use laser technology to produce high-quality
prints quickly.
• Dot Matrix Printers: An older technology that uses a print
head to strike an ink ribbon against paper.
Common Types of Output
Devices
• Audio Output Devices:

• Speakers: Convert digital audio signals into sound, allowing

users to hear music, notifications, and other audio outputs.
• Headphones: Provide personal audio output directly to the
user.
Common Types of Output
Devices
• Specialized Output Devices:

• Plotter: Used for printing large-scale graphics and designs,

such as architectural blueprints.
• Braille Embosser: Converts text into Braille for visually
impaired users.
• 3D Printer: Creates three-dimensional objects from digital
models by layering materials.
CPU
• The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also known as
the central processor, main processor, or simply
processor, is the primary component of a computer
responsible for executing instructions from software and
performing calculations. It acts as the control center of
the computer, coordinating the activities of all other
components.
Components of CPU
ALU
• Function: The ALU performs all arithmetic operations
(such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division) and logical operations (such as comparisons
and bitwise operations).
• Role: It is essential for executing the mathematical
calculations required by programs.
Control Unit
• Function: The CU directs the operation of the CPU by
fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, and
executing them by coordinating the actions of the ALU
and other components.
• Role: It manages the flow of data within the CPU and
between the CPU and other parts of the computer.
Memory Management Unit (MMU)
• Function: The MMU is responsible for managing the data flow
between the CPU and the main memory (RAM). It handles tasks
such as address translation, converting virtual addresses used by
programs into physical addresses in RAM. Additionally, it
provides memory protection, ensuring that processes do not
interfere with each other’s memory spaces.
• Location: The MMU is typically located between the CPU and
the main memory (RAM). In some modern CPUs, it may be
integrated directly onto the CPU chip itself.
Memory Unit (MU)
• Function: The term "memory unit" generally refers to any
storage component in a computer system, primarily focusing on
RAM or other forms of memory where data is stored temporarily
or permanently. It encompasses a broader range of memory
types without the specific management functionalities provided
by the MMU.
• Location: The Memory Unit generally refers to the main memory
(RAM) itself, which is physically separate from the CPU. It
connects to the CPU via the system bus.
Primary Storage
• Primary storage, also known as main memory or internal
memory, is a crucial component of a computer that
temporarily holds data, programs, and instructions currently
in use. It is directly accessible by the CPU, enabling fast read
and write operations essential for efficient processing.
Features of Primary Storage
Volatile Nature: Primary storage is typically volatile, meaning it
loses its contents when power is turned off. The most common
types are:
• Random Access Memory (RAM): Used for storing data that the CPU
needs to access quickly.
• Cache Memory: A smaller, faster type of volatile memory located inside or
close to the CPU to speed up data access.

• Non-Volatile Types: Some forms of primary storage can be non-

volatile, such as:
• Read-Only Memory (ROM): Stores critical startup instructions and data
that do not change.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents when the
power is turned off. It is used for temporary storage of data and
programs currently in use. The main types of RAM include:
Dynamic RAM (DRAM):
• Requires constant refreshing to maintain data. Commonly used as the
main memory in computers.

Static RAM (SRAM):

• Does not need refreshing; retains data as long as power is supplied.
• Faster than DRAM but more expensive, typically used for cache memory.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
ROM is non-volatile memory that retains its contents even when the
power is off. It is primarily used to store firmware and system-level
instructions. Types of ROM include:
Programmable ROM (PROM):
Can be programmed once after manufacturing.
Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM):
Can be erased using UV light and reprogrammed.
Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM):
Can be erased and reprogrammed electrically, allowing multiple
cycles of programming.
Summary of Primary Storage
VRAM and GPU
VRAM: A type of memory specifically designed for storing
graphical data, such as textures, frame buffers, and images,
that the GPU needs to render graphics on a display. It is
optimized for high bandwidth and quick access to facilitate
smooth rendering of images and videos

GPU: A specialized processor designed to accelerate the

rendering of images and videos. It performs complex
calculations required for graphics processing, including
rendering 3D graphics and video playback. The GPU utilizes
VRAM to store the data it processes
Secondary Storage
Secondary storage, also known as auxiliary storage or external
memory, is a type of data storage that provides non-volatile, long-
term storage for computer systems.

Unlike primary storage (e.g., RAM), which is directly accessible by

the CPU and loses its data when the power is turned off,
secondary storage retains data even when the system is powered
down.
Key Features of Secondary Storage
• Non-Volatile: Secondary storage retains data permanently until it is deleted or
overwritten, ensuring that information remains intact even when the computer
is turned off.
• Larger Capacity: Typically offers much larger storage capacities compared to
primary storage, accommodating vast amounts of data such as documents,
multimedia files, and application software.
• Slower Access Speed: Generally, has slower read and write speeds
compared to primary storage due to the indirect access through input/output
channels.
• Cost-Effective: Per unit of storage, secondary storage devices are generally
less expensive than primary storage options, making them a more economical
choice for extensive data storage.
Types of Secondary Storage
Devices
Magnetic Storage

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs):

Commonly used for storing large amounts of data.

Floppy Disks:
An older form of magnetic storage, now largely obsolete.
Types of Secondary Storage
Devices
Solid-State Drives (SSDs):
Use flash memory for faster access speeds and greater reliability
compared to HDDs.

Optical Storage:
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs: Used for media distribution and
archiving data.
Types of Secondary Storage
Devices
External Storage Devices:
USB Flash Drives:
Portable devices for transferring and storing data.
External Hard Drives:
Provide additional storage capacity and are often used for
backups.

Cloud Storage:
Allows users to save and access data on remote servers via the
internet, enabling easy sharing and accessibility from multiple
devices.
Bus
• A bus in a computer is a communication system that
transfers data between various components, such as
the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices. It serves as
a pathway for data transfer, allowing different parts of
the computer to communicate effectively.
Types of Buses
Address Bus:
Function: Carries information about the memory addresses from
which data is to be read or written.
Characteristics:
• Unidirectional, meaning it only carries signals from the CPU to
memory.
• The width determines how many unique addresses can be
accessed (e.g., a 32-bit address bus can address over 4 billion
locations).
Types of Buses
Data Bus:
Function: Carries actual data between the CPU, memory, and I/O
devices.
Characteristics:
• Bidirectional, allowing data to flow in both directions.
• The width (number of wires) determines how much data can be
transferred simultaneously (e.g., a 64-bit data bus can transfer 64
bits at once).
Types of Buses
Control Bus:
Function: Carries control signals from the CPU to other
components to manage operations.
Characteristics:
• Includes signals for timing and control, ensuring that data
transfers occur smoothly.
• It conveys commands and status information between the CPU
and peripheral devices.
Additional Types of Buses
• System Bus: This is a combination of the data bus,
address bus, and control bus that connects the CPU to the
main memory and other components on the motherboard.
• Internal Bus: Connects components within the computer,
such as the CPU and RAM.
• External Bus: Connects external devices to the computer,
such as USB ports and other peripheral connections.
• Expansion Bus: Allows additional cards or devices to be
connected to the motherboard (e.g., PCI or PCIe buses).
1
A ___ is a programmable electronic machine designed by
____ that takes input, process it
and gives the result.
(a) CPU, Von Neumann
(b) Computer, Von Neumann
(c) ALU, Von Neumann
(d) Computer, Charles Babbage
2
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer
consists of
(a) input, output and processing
(b) control unit, primary storage and secondary storage
(c) control unit, arithmetic logic unit, registers
(d) None of the above
3
Internal memory in a CPU is nothing but
(a) a set of registers
(b) a set of ALU
(c) microprocessor
(d) bus
4
Control unit of a digital computer is often called
the
(a) clock
(b) nerve centre
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) IC
5
Which of the following is true about auxiliary storage
units?
(a) They are non-volatile.
(b) They are cheaper.
(c) They are larger in size.
(d) All of the above
6
The communication line between CPU memory
and peripherals is called a
(a) bus
(b) line
(c) media
(d) All of the above
7
The device which is used to connect a peripheral
to bus is called
(a) control register
(b) communication protocol
(c) interface
(d) None of the above
8
A physical connection between the microprocessor
memory and other parts of the micro-computer is
known as
(a) path
(b) address bus
(c) route
(d) All of these
9
Which of the following units is responsible for
coordinating various operations using timing
signals?
(a) ALU
(b) Control unit
(c) Memory unit
(d) I / O unit
10
The higher the resolution of a monitor, the
(a) larger the pixels
(b) less clear the screen is
(c) further apart the pixels
(d) closer together the pixels
11
What type of devices are computer speakers or
headphones?
(a) Input/Output
(b) Software
(c) Storage
(d) Output
12
The pattern of printed lines on most products are
called
(a) prices
(c) scanners
(b) OCR
(d) bar codes
13
Which of the following could be digital input devices for
computers?
(a) Digital camcorder
(b) Microphone
(c) Scanner
(d) All of these
14
External devices such as printers, keyboards and
modems are known as
(a) add on devices
(b) PC expansion slot add-ons
(c) peripherals
(d) special buys
15
Which key is used in combination with another
key to perform a specific task?
(a) Function
(b) Space bar
(c) Arrow
(d) Control
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