[NOTES ON COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS, BLOCK DIAGRAM &

BCA-I (Session 2022-23) CHARACTERISTICS]

Computer Fundamentals
What is a Computer?
"The computer is an electronic device that store, retrieve and process the data in binary form
according to our need. It takes some input, process it, and produces some output". The word
computer is derived by the Latin word "computare," which means that "to calculate and
programmable machine."

Charles Babbage is called the “Grand Father” of the computer. The First mechanical
computer designed by Charles Babbage was called Analytical Engine. It uses read-only
memory in the form of punch cards.

The computer is work according to the individual instructions; there is no IQ level in computers
like a human being.
The computer can process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical)
calculations. Mostly, the computer operations are related to manipulation of data, which is stored
in different types of memory.
The bit is the smallest unit of computer memory, the group of eight bits is known as Byte. The
computer can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetical and logical operations
automatically by computer programming, and it works with the software program. The computer
shows the decimal number through a string of binary digits; the word computer usually refers to
the central processing unit and internal memory.

Fig: The whole working of the Computer System.

1 Prepared by:- Asst.Prof. Palwinder Kaur | Public College Samana

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Block Diagram of Computer

A Block diagram of a computer displays a structural representation of a computer system. The
block diagram gives us a quick overview of the working process of a computer from inputting
the data to retrieving the desired results.

The following diagram represents a block diagram of the the computer system:

Input
All the data received by the computer goes through the input unit. The input unit comprises
different devices. Like a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. In other words, each of these devices
acts as a mediator between the users and the computer.
The data that is to be processed is put through the input unit. The computer accepts the raw data
in binary form. It then processes the data, and produces the desired output.
The 3 major functions of the input unit are-
 Take the data to be processed by the user.
 Convert the given data into machine-readable form.
 And then, transmit the converted data into the main memory of the computer. The sole
purpose is to connect the user and the computer. In addition, this creates easy
communication between them.

2 Prepared by:- Asst.Prof. Palwinder Kaur | Public College Samana

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CPU – Central Processing Unit

Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It works the same way a human
brain works. As the brain controls all human activities, the CPU too controls all tasks.
Moreover, the CPU conducts all the arithmetical and logical operations in the computer.
Now the CPU comprises of three units, namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control
Unit). MU( Memory Unit). The CPU processes the data as a whole.
Let us see what particular tasks are assigned to these units.
ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit
The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of two terms, arithmetic and logic. There are two major
functions that this unit performs.
1. Data inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs the basic
arithmetical operation on it. Like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It
performs all sorts of calculations required on the data. Then sends back data to the
storage.
2. The unit is also responsible for performing logical operations like, AND, OR, Equal to,
Less than, etc. In addition to this it conducts merging, sorting, and selection of the given
data.
CU – Control Unit
The control unit as the name suggests is the controller of all the activities/tasks and operations.
All this is performed inside the computer.
The memory unit sends a set of instructions to the control unit. Then the control unit in turn
converts those instructions. After that these instructions are converted to control signals.
These control signals help in prioritizing and scheduling the activities. Thus, the control unit
coordinates the tasks inside the computer in sync with the input and output units.
Memory Unit
All the data that has to be processed or has been processed is stored in the memory unit. The
memory unit acts as a hub of all the data. It transmits it to the required part of the computer
whenever necessary.
The memory unit works in sync with the CPU. This helps in faster accessing and processing of
the data. Thus, making tasks easier and faster.
There are two types of computer memory-
1. Primary memory – This type of memory cannot store a vast amount of data. Therefore,
it is only used to store recent data. The data stored in this is temporary. It can get erased
once the power is switched off. Therefore, is also called temporary memory or the main
memory.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is an example of primary memory. This
memory is directly accessible by the CPU. It is used for reading and writing purposes.
For data to be processed, it has to be first transferred to the RAM and then to the CPU.
2. Secondary memory – As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary data.
Thus it cannot be accessed in the future. For permanent storage purposes, secondary
memory is used. It is also called the permanent memory or the auxiliary memory. The
hard disk is an example of secondary memory. Even in a power failure data does not get
erased easily.

3 Prepared by:- Asst.Prof. Palwinder Kaur | Public College Samana

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Output
There is nothing to be amazed by what the output unit is used for. All the information sent to the
computer once processed is received by the user through the output unit. Devices like printers,
monitors, projector, etc. all come under the output unit.
The output unit displays the data either in the form of a soft copy or hard copy. The printer is for
the hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output unit accepts the data in binary form
from the computer. It then converts it into a readable form for the user.
Summary
Let us finally look at what the data flow looks like inside the computer step by step-

1. The data is accepted by the input unit. It is given by the user. It is then converted into
binary form for the computer to read it.

2. The information is then sent to the memory unit for storage and processing.

3. The required data, that needs to be processed is accessed by the CPU. It is accessed from
the primary storage. The arithmetic and logical operations are then performed on the data.
The control unit schedules all the activities for the smooth working of the computer.

4. The data is then sent to the storage unit. It is used for storing or further processing
purposes.

5. Then the output unit receives the final processed output.

4 Prepared by:- Asst.Prof. Palwinder Kaur | Public College Samana

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Characteristics of Computer
Characteristics of Computer: The computer system has a logical program to solve complex
problems. The features of computer make it fast and powerful. The computer with powerful
features can perform about 3 to 4 million simple instructions per second. The universal serial
(USB) bus is used to connect the external device to the computer. The computer is a combination
of various kinds of separate electronic devices.

Features of Computer

 It response the set of instructions in a well-defined manner, and it can execute the pre-
recorded list of given instruction.
 The personal computer has a small and inexpensive design for individual use and based
on microprocessor technology.

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There are different Features\Qualities of Computer which are given the following:
1. Speed
The computer can work very fast. It takes some seconds to calculate the complex numerical
problem. The normal human being is never able to compete with the speed of the computer
system. The computer can perform billions of instructions per second. We can measure the speed
of the computer in terms of nanosecond or picoseconds so that we cannot imagine the processing
speed of the computer. The speed rate of the computer depends on its processor. We can measure
the speed of our computer processor in hertz and Gigahertz.
2. Accuracy
The accuracy level of the computer is very high. The errors come in the computer due to
inaccurate human input. The computer is never creating a mistake; it shows the error if the user
gave the wrong data to the computer. The computers do not get tired or bored like us; they can
do the same task repetitively with the same accuracy.
3. Storage
The computer has its internal memory, which is known as primary memory. We can store the
vast amount of data in that memory. We can also save the data in secondary storage devices
such as pen drive, floppy disk, compact disk, etc.
4. Versatility
Versatility means the performance of the computer. When we are doing a different task at the
same time, the computer can do these tasks correctly. We can say that human is confused by
doing many tasks at the same time, but we can do these things with the help of a computer.
The computer has high Versatility, and for example, when we prepare our payroll slips at the
same, we can make the electric bills. It is not only used to calculate numeric values, but it can
also be used in various fields like medical, scientific experiments, multimedia, etc.
5. Reliability
There are various types of components that exist in the computer system, such as motherboard,
keyboard, mouse, etc. These components are very reliable and easy to use. The computer can
execute billions of tasks in second.
The reliability is an attribute of the computer system. If a program is executed many numbers of
times with the same set of data, every time the result would be the same: that is possible due to
its reliability feature.
6. Automation
Automation is the feature of the computer system. It performs the task which is previously
instructed by humans. For example, if we want to print some pages through the printer so, we
have to give instruction once to the computer to print the pages. We do not need to instruct, again
and again, the work will continue automatically.
7. Logical
The computer is not able to think and take the decision itself. It can take logical decision with the
help of programs which are written in different languages. The logical feature of the computer is
also used in the scientific and industrial calculation, where the extended range of data is used for
information.

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8. No IQ
The computer has no IQ level, like humans. It does not work without human instruction and does
not have its intelligence power. The computer is not able to make decisions.
9. No feeling
The computer does not have emotions, knowledge, experience, feeling, it works according to
human desire and follow the instruction of humans.
10. Diligence
The computer can work continuously without any break and creating error, and it never gets
irritated with the work. The computer can reply again and again of similar things; still, it can
produce an accurate result.

7 Prepared by:- Asst.Prof. Palwinder Kaur | Public College Samana