Introduction to Computer Applications & IT

UNIT I – Basics of Computers

Introduction to Computers
A computer is an electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. It
works under the control of a set of instructions (called a program) to perform
tasks. Computers help in making tasks faster, accurate, and more efficient.
Characteristics of Computers
 Speed: Can perform millions of instructions per second.
 Accuracy: Provides high level of accuracy with minimal errors.
 Automation: Can perform tasks automatically once programmed.
 Diligence: Does not suffer from fatigue or loss of concentration.
 Storage: Stores vast amounts of data for quick retrieval.
 Versatility: Can perform various tasks simultaneously.
Evolution of Computers
1. First Generation (1940-1956): Used vacuum tubes; very bulky and
expensive.
2. Second Generation (1956-1963): Used transistors; smaller and more
reliable.
3. Third Generation (1964-1971): Used Integrated Circuits (ICs).
4. Fourth Generation (1971-Present): Used microprocessors.
5. Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond): Based on AI, machine learning,
robotics.
Generation of Computers
Categorized based on hardware technology and programming capabilities,
from vacuum tubes to AI-based processors.
Classification of Computers
  Supercomputers: Most powerful; used in weather forecasting, scientific
simulations.
 Mainframe Computers: Used in large organizations for bulk data
processing.
 Minicomputers: Medium-sized systems; used in small businesses.
 Microcomputers: Personal computers, laptops; used by individuals.
The Computer System
Consists of:
 Hardware: Physical components like CPU, RAM, keyboard, etc.
 Software: Programs and operating systems.
 Users: People who operate the system.
Applications of Computers
Used in:
 Education: Online learning, research.
 Business: Billing, inventory, payroll.
 Healthcare: Patient records, diagnostics.
 Banking: ATM, net banking.
 Entertainment: Movies, games, music.

UNIT II – Computer Networks & Software

Computer Networks
 LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small geographic area like office or
school.
 WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a large area, often connecting cities
or countries.
 Applications: File sharing, printer sharing, communication.
Internet
A massive network connecting millions of computers worldwide. It supports
web browsing, emails, social media, etc.
Naming Computers
 Domain Name System (DNS): Converts IP addresses into human-
readable names.
 IP Address: Unique identifier for a device on a network.
Future of Internet
 IoT (Internet of Things): Devices connected and communicating.
 5G: High-speed mobile internet.
 AI Integration: Smarter applications and automation.
Output Devices
 Video Display Devices: CRT, LCD, LED monitors.
 Flat Panel Displays: Slim, energy-efficient screens.
 Printers: Inkjet, laser, dot-matrix.
 Audio Output Devices: Speakers, headphones.
Computer Software
System Software
 Controls hardware and runs applications (e.g., Operating Systems like
Windows, Linux).
Application Software
 Performs specific tasks (e.g., MS Word, Excel, games).
Programming Languages
 Low-level Languages: Machine language, Assembly language.
 High-level Languages: C, Java, Python.
Classification of Programming Languages
 Procedural: C, Pascal.
 Object-Oriented: Java, C++.
  Scripting: JavaScript, Python.

UNIT III – Data & Databases

Data Organization
Database
A structured collection of data stored electronically.
Database Structure
 Tables: Collection of rows and columns.
 Records: Rows in a table.
 Fields: Columns in a table.
DBMS (Database Management System)
Software used to create, manage, and manipulate databases. Examples:
MySQL, Oracle.
Database Design
 Use of Entity-Relationship (E-R) Model to design databases with entities
and relationships.
Non-Text Databases
 Multimedia databases that include images, audio, video.
Archiving Databases
 Long-term data storage for legal, historical, or analytical use.
Numerical Data Processing
Spreadsheets
 Software like MS Excel or Google Sheets used for calculations and data
analysis.
Functions in Spreadsheets
 SUM: Adds numbers.
 AVERAGE: Finds mean.
  IF: Conditional logic.
Examples
 Creating budgets.
 Student result analysis.
 Data visualization using charts.

UNIT IV – Internet & IT Applications

Internet Applications
 Email: Electronic message exchange.
 Web Browsers: Chrome, Firefox for accessing websites.
 Information Retrieval: Using search engines like Google to find content.
WWW (World Wide Web)
 Interlinked hypertext documents accessed via internet using browsers.
Multimedia on Internet
 Streaming audio, video, and animations through websites like YouTube,
Netflix.
Impacts of IT on Society
Positive Impacts
 Improved communication.
 Access to global information.
 Automation and efficiency.
Negative Impacts
 Privacy invasion.
 Internet addiction.
 Unequal access (digital divide).
Information Technology Concepts
Privacy & Security
  Use of encryption, passwords, and firewalls to protect data.
Integrity of Information
 Ensuring data is accurate and consistent.
Disaster Recovery
 Procedures for recovering data after system failures using backups.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
 Legal rights over creative content: software, music, literature.
Careers in IT
 Software Developer
 Database Administrator
 Network Engineer
 Cybersecurity Expert
 IT Support Specialist

UNIT V – Algorithms
Definition
An algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined steps to solve a particular
problem.
Types of Algorithms
 Searching Algorithms:
o Linear Search: Sequential check.
o Binary Search: Divides array and searches.
 Sorting Algorithms:
o Bubble Sort: Repeated swapping.
o Merge Sort: Divide and conquer approach.
 Recursive Algorithms: Function calls itself to solve subproblems.
Uses of Algorithms
  Programming
 Data analysis
 Automation tasks
Characteristics of Good Algorithm
 Finiteness: Ends after a finite number of steps.
 Definiteness: Clear and unambiguous.
 Input: Takes input values.
 Output: Produces desired result.
 Effectiveness: Basic and feasible steps.
Symbols & Implications in Flowcharts
 Start/End: Oval shape.
 Process: Rectangle.
 Decision: Diamond.
 Input/Output: Parallelogram.