INTRODUCTION OF ICT

MEANING AND DEFINITION OF COMPUTER

✓ A computer is a programmable machine designed to
carry out a sequence of operations automatically,
often referred to as instructions or programs.

✓ It manipulates data according to a set of

instructions, enabling it to perform various tasks such
as calculations, processing, and data management.

✓ As a device, it aids humans in performing various

kinds of computations, transforming raw data into
meaningful information.

✓ A computer accepts data as input, processes it

according to instructions, and produces output as
information, making it an essential tool for modern
digital tasks.
 MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
S.No Characteristics Description
1. Speed ✓ A powerful computer is capable of executing about 3 million calculations per second.

2. Accuracy ✓ A computer’s accuracy is consistently high; if there are errors, they are due to errors in
instructions given by the programmer.
3. Reliability ✓ The output generated by the computer is very reliable as long as the data is reliable.
4. Memory/Storage ✓ The computer can store large volumes of data and makes the retrieval of data an easy
Capacity task.
5. Versatility ✓ The computer can accomplish many different things. It can accept information through
various input-output devices, perform arithmetic and logic operations, generate a variety
of outputs in a variety of forms, etc.
6. Automation ✓ Once the instructions are fed into computer it works automatically without any human
intervention.
7. Diligence ✓ A computer will never fail to perform its task due to distraction or laziness.
8. Convenience ✓ Computers are usually easy to access, and allow people to find information easily that
without a would be very difficult.
9. Flexibility ✓ Computers can be used for entertainment, for business, by people who hold different
ideals or who have varied goals. Almost anyone can use a computer, and computers can
be used to assist with almost any goal.
 ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
Advantages Description Example

High Speed ✓ Computers perform tasks like complex ✓ Example: Processing millions of transactions
calculations much faster than humans. per second in banking.

Accuracy ✓ Computers minimize errors compared to ✓ Example: Precision in scientific calculations.

manual work.

Ease of Access ✓ They allow quick access to information globally ✓ Example: Accessing research papers online.
via the internet.

Automation ✓ Computers automate repetitive tasks. ✓ Example: Automating data entry in

spreadsheets.

Storage ✓ They offer large, organized digital storage. ✓ Example: Storing thousands of documents on a
hard drive.

Better Understanding ✓ Computers analyze and visualize data trends ✓ Example: Using software to create data
of Data visualizations for business insights.

Reduced Cost for ✓ They lower costs by digitizing operations. ✓ Example: Saving on travel costs through virtual
Online Activities meetings.
 THREE BASIC TERMS USED IN COMPUTER

✓ Data is a collection of basic facts and figure without any sequence. This data
is also called as raw data.
Data ✓ When the data is collected as facts and figures, there is no meaning to it, at
that time, for example, name of people, names of employees etc.

✓ Processing is the set of instructions given by the user to the related data that
was collected earlier to output meaningful information.
Processing ✓ The computer does the required processing by making the necessary
calculations, comparisons and decisions.

✓ Information is the end point or the final output of any processed work.
Information ✓ This meaningful output data is called information.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DATA AND INFORMATION
Basis for Comparison Data Information

Definition ✓ Data is a collection of raw, unprocessed ✓ Information is processed, organized, and

facts or figures. structured data.

Form ✓ Data is in raw form, unstructured and ✓ Information is structured and processed.
unprocessed.

Meaning ✓ Data might be meaningless on its own. ✓ Information is always meaningful.

Dependence ✓ Data relies on other data to become ✓ Information does not rely on other
meaningful. information to be understood.

Nature ✓ Data typically comes in the form of ✓ Information comes as words, thoughts,
numbers, figures, or statistics. ideas, or narratives.

Understanding ✓ Data may be difficult to interpret and ✓ Information is relatively easy to

understand. understand and interpret.
 A BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEM

CPU

Control unit ALU

Registers

Input RAM Output

Storage
 A BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEM
✓ Devices like keyboards and mice used to enter data.
✓ Can also include scanners, microphones, and cameras.
Input ✓ Facilitates user interaction with the computer.
✓ Converts user actions into digital signals.

✓ The central processing unit, the main processor of a computer.

✓ Consists of the control unit and arithmetic logic unit (ALU).
CPU ✓ Executes instructions from software and hardware.
✓ Processes data and controls the flow of data within the system.

✓ Part of the CPU that directs operation of the processor.

✓ Manages and coordinates all units of the computer.
Control Unit ✓ Decodes program instructions into signals and commands.
✓ Does not execute program instructions; it directs other components.

✓ Performs mathematical, logical, and decision operations.

ALU (Arithmetic ✓ Essential part of the CPU where actual computation takes place.
Logic Unit) ✓ Executes arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction.
✓ Carries out logic operations like comparing numbers.
 A BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEM
✓ Small, fast storage locations within the CPU.
✓ Used to hold temporary data and instructions in use.
Registers ✓ Speeds up the processing by providing quick access to data.
✓ The number and type of registers can affect CPU performance.

✓ Temporary data storage used for the computer’s working data.

RAM (Random ✓ Provides data quickly to the CPU as needed.
Access Memory) ✓ Is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when power is off.
✓ More RAM can increase a computer's multitasking capabilities and speed.

✓ Non-volatile memory, keeping data long-term.

✓ Includes hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and more.
Storage ✓ Stores software, documents, media, and system files.
✓ The capacity and speed of storage impact the overall system performance.

✓ Devices like monitors, printers, and speakers that display results.

✓ Convert digital data into human-readable forms.
Output ✓ Essential for disseminating processed data.
✓ Can also include actuators and motors that perform actions.
 HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER
Device Inventor Year Key Features Significance
Abacus Invented by the Around 4000 ✓ Wooden rack with metal ✓ Considered the first
Chinese years ago rods and beads. computing device; still
✓ Operated manually to used in some countries.
perform arithmetic
calculations.

Napier's Bones John Napier 1550-1617 ✓ Manually-operated device ✓ First device to use the
using 9 ivory strips or bones decimal point; simplified
marked with numbers for complex calculations.
multiplication and division.

Pascaline Blaise Pascal 1642-1644 ✓ Mechanical, automatic ✓ First mechanical and

calculator that performed automatic calculator; led
addition and subtraction to development of future
using gears and wheels. mechanical calculators.
 HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER
Device Inventor Year Key Features Significance
Stepped Gottfried 1673 ✓ Digital mechanical calculator ✓ Improved on Pascal’s
Reckoner Wilhelm Leibniz using fluted drums instead design; could perform all
of gears. four basic arithmetic
operations.

Difference Charles Babbage Early 1820s ✓ Steam-driven mechanical ✓ First mechanical

Engine computer designed to solve computer; Charles
tables of numbers like Babbage is considered the
logarithm tables. "Father of Modern
Computer.“

Analytical Engine Charles Babbage 1830 ✓ Mechanical computer that ✓ Considered the first
used punch-cards as input concept of a general-
and could store information purpose computer;
as permanent memory. influenced future computer
designs.
 HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER
Device Inventor Year Key Features Significance
Tabulating Herman 1890 ✓ Mechanical tabulator based ✓ Used in the 1890 U.S.
Machine Hollerith on punch cards, used to Census; led to the
tabulate statistics and sort formation of IBM.
data.

Differential Vannevar Bush 1930 ✓ First electronic analog ✓ Could perform 25

Analyzer computer using vacuum calculations in a few
tubes to switch electrical minutes; a significant
signals for calculations. advancement in
computing technology.

Mark I Howard Aiken 1944 ✓ First programmable digital ✓ A milestone in the

(with IBM and computer capable of development of modern
Harvard) performing calculations digital computers; marked
involving large numbers. the beginning of the era of
digital computing.
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER

On the basis of On the basis of data On the basis of

On the basis of size.
functionality. handling. Purpose:

✓ Super Computer ✓ Servers ✓ Analog Computer ✓ General-purpose

✓ Main Frame ✓ Workstation ✓ Digital Computer Computers
Computer ✓ Information ✓ Hybrid Computer ✓ Special Purpose
✓ Mini Computer Appliances Computers
✓ Micro Computers ✓ Embedded
1. Desktop Computers
2. Laptop
3. Handheld
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF SIZE
Type of Computer Description Key Features Examples

Supercomputers ✓ High-performance systems ✓ Measured in FLOPS, used in fields ✓ PARAM, Jaguar,

used for complex like quantum mechanics, weather Roadrunner
computations and forecasting, and cryptanalysis.
simulations.

Mainframe Computers ✓ Large, powerful multi-user ✓ High speed (MIPS), used in large ✓ IBM z Series, System z9,
computers supporting organizations for bulk data System z10
thousands of users processing.
simultaneously.

Mini Computers ✓ Mid-sized multiprocessing ✓ Supports 4 to 200 users, used for ✓ VAX series, Honeywell
computers with moderate control, instrumentation, and XPS-100
speed and storage. communication switching.

Microcomputers ✓ Small, inexpensive computers ✓ Limited storage and processing ✓ Laptops, PCs, Tablets,
designed for individual use. speed, includes personal Smartwatches
computers and smart gadgets.
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF SIZE
S.No Types of Computers Features

1. Supercomputers ✓ High Processing Power: Capable of performing trillions of calculations per second (FLOPS).
✓ Massive Data Handling: Used for tasks that require large-scale simulations and data
analysis.
✓ Specialized Use: Commonly used in scientific research, climate modeling, and
cryptanalysis.
✓ Parallel Processing: Employ multiple processors to work on different parts of a problem
simultaneously.
✓ High Cost: Extremely expensive to build and maintain.
✓ Custom-Built: Often custom-designed for specific applications.

2. Mainframe Computers ✓ Large-Scale Processing: Handles vast amounts of data processing, suitable for large
organizations.
✓ Multi-User Support: Can support thousands of users simultaneously, making it ideal for
centralized computing.
✓ High Reliability: Built for durability and long-term operation with minimal downtime.
✓ Data Security: Enhanced security features to protect sensitive data.
✓ Batch Processing: Efficiently processes large volumes of data in batches.
✓ Legacy Systems: Often used in older but critical applications such as banking and
government databases.
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF SIZE
S.No Types of Computers Features

3. Mini Computers ✓ Moderate Processing Power: Sits between mainframes and microcomputers in terms of
(Midrange Computers) processing power.
✓ Multi-User Environment: Supports multiple users simultaneously, often used as servers.
✓ Compact Size: Smaller than mainframes, making them more affordable and easier to
maintain.
✓ Versatile Use: Used in manufacturing, process control, and as network servers.
✓ Interactive Use: Allows direct interaction with the users through terminals.
✓ Cost-Effective: Offers a balance between performance and cost, suitable for medium-sized
businesses.

4. Micro Computers ✓ Personal Use: Designed for individual users, widely used in homes and offices.
(Personal Computers) ✓ Affordable: Most cost-effective type of computer, available to the general public.
✓ Versatile: Can be used for a variety of tasks like word processing, gaming, and internet
browsing.
✓ Portable Options: Includes laptops, tablets, and smartphones, making them easy to carry.
✓ User-Friendly: Generally easy to use with graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
✓ Mass-Market Availability: Widely available and supported by a vast ecosystem of software
and peripherals.
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF FUNCTIONALITY
Types of Computer Description Examples

Servers ✓ Powerful machines that manage network resources and provide ✓ Security server,
services to multiple clients, Database server
✓ Optimized for reliability and performance in complex tasks like data
management.

Workstations ✓ High-performance computers designed for individual use in technical ✓ Personal computers,
or scientific tasks, Office workstations
✓ Capable of running resource-intensive software for design,
simulations, or analysis.

Information ✓ Compact, user-friendly devices built for specific functions like ✓ Mobile devices,
Appliances communication, entertainment, or basic computing, with limited Calculators
processing power optimized for tasks like media playback or internet
browsing.

Embedded Computers ✓ Specialized systems integrated into larger machines to control specific ✓ Embedded systems in
functions, appliances, ATMs
✓ Designed to operate independently without user interaction, often in
real-time.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF FUNCTIONALITY
Types of Computer Features
Servers ✓ High Power: Handles complex tasks efficiently.
✓ Reliable & Scalable: Manages growing network needs.
✓ Multi-Client Support: Serves many clients at once.
✓ Data Management: Optimized for databases and applications.

Workstations ✓ High Performance: For resource-intensive tasks.

✓ Technical Software: Supports advanced applications.
✓ Single-User: Dedicated to one user.
✓ Specialized Use: Common in professional fields.

Information Appliances ✓ Compact: Small, user-friendly devices.

✓ Basic Functions: For simple tasks like browsing.
✓ Task-Specific: Optimized for narrow tasks.
✓ Portable: Easy to carry and use.

Embedded Computers ✓ Integrated: Built into other devices.

✓ Dedicated Tasks: Performs specific functions.
✓ Real-Time: Immediate response and control.
✓ Common Use: Found in appliances and systems.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF DATA HANDLING
Types of Computer Description Examples

Analog ✓ Handles data in a continuous form, using physical phenomena ✓ Analog clocks,
like electrical or mechanical changes. thermometers
✓ Best suited for simulating and solving real-world systems that
change over time.

Digital ✓ Works with discrete data, primarily using binary code (0s and 1s) ✓ Personal computers, digital
for processing. calculators
✓ Highly accurate and versatile, used for a wide range of tasks from
simple calculations to complex operations.

Hybrid ✓ Integrates both analog and digital computing, combining the ✓ Medical equipment,
strengths of each type. industrial controls
✓ Converts analog inputs into digital data for accurate processing
and control.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF DATA HANDLING
Types of Computer Features

Analog Computers ✓ Continuous Data Processing: Handles continuous data such as temperature, speed, and pressure.
✓ Physical Quantities Measurement: Ideal for measuring physical quantities like voltage and
pressure.
✓ Real-Time Processing: Suited for applications where data changes rapidly over time.
✓ Complex Systems Modelling: Effective for simulating systems like flight simulators.
✓ Non-Discrete Output: Outputs data in a non-discrete form, such as a graph or dial reading.

Digital Computers ✓ Discrete Data Processing: Operates using binary digits (0s and 1s) for precise data handling.
✓ High Accuracy: Performs highly accurate calculations and logical operations.
✓ Versatile Applications: Suitable for a wide range of tasks, from simple to complex data analysis.
✓ Programmable: Can be customized to perform various tasks, offering flexibility.
✓ Storage and Memory: Equipped with robust storage and memory for handling large datasets.

Hybrid Computers ✓ Combines Analog and Digital: Merges the capabilities of analog and digital systems.
✓ Handles Continuous and Discrete Data: Efficiently processes both types of data.
✓ Real-Time and Accurate: Provides real-time processing with precise results.
✓ Specialized Use: Utilized in niche areas like medical diagnostics and industrial control.
✓ Converts Analog to Digital: Transforms analog data into digital for further processing.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANALOG AND DIGITAL COMPUTER
Basis for Comparison Analog Computer Digital Computer

Operates by ✓ It operates by measuring ✓ It operates by counting

Requires ✓ It requires physical analog ✓ It functions on discrete numbers

Calculation ✓ The calculations are first converted to ✓ The calculations are converted into binary
equations and later converted into numbers.
electrical signals.

Form of Output ✓ The output is in the form of graph. ✓ The output is in the form of discrete
values.

Accuracy ✓ Less accurate ✓ More accurate

Speed ✓ Less speed ✓ High speed

 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF PURPOSE
Types of Computer Description Examples

General-purpose ✓ Designed to perform a wide range of tasks, suitable for ✓ Laptops, Desktop PCs
Computers everyday use.
✓ Can run various software applications for tasks like
word processing, browsing, gaming, and online
shopping.

Special-purpose ✓ Built specifically for a dedicated task, offering higher ✓ Supercomputers,

Computers processing power and storage capacity. Workstations, Servers
✓ Often used in specialized fields like industrial
automation, medical equipment, and scientific research.
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: ON THE BASIS OF PURPOSE
S.No Types of Computers Features

1. General Purpose Computers ✓ Versatile: Can run various types of programs and perform a wide range of tasks.
✓ User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use, often equipped with an interactive
interface.
✓ Widely Available: Commonly found in homes and offices, like desktops and laptops.
✓ Upgradeable: Components can often be replaced or upgraded to improve
performance.
✓ Multipurpose: Suitable for activities like word processing, internet browsing, and
gaming.

2. Special Purpose Computers ✓ Task-Specific: Optimized for a specific task or set of tasks.
✓ Embedded Systems: Often part of a larger system or machine, like in automobiles
or appliances.
✓ Performance-Optimized: Hardware and software are tailored for efficient
performance of particular functions.
✓ Limited Interaction: User interfaces, if present, are narrowly focused on the
application.
✓ Not Generally Upgradeable: Upgrades or changes to hardware and software are
typically not feasible due to the specialized nature.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSE COMPUTERS
Basis for Comparison General-Purpose Computers Special Purpose Computers
Purpose ✓ Designed for day-to-day tasks and operations. ✓ Designed for specific tasks and projects.

Examples ✓ Desktops, Personal computers, Notebooks, ✓ Supercomputers, Workstations, Servers,

Tablets. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
Cost ✓ Inexpensive compared to special-purpose ✓ Expensive.
computers.
Performance ✓ Fast with massive storage capacity. ✓ Quicker with enormous storage capacity.
Size ✓ Compact. ✓ Huge.
Availability ✓ Readily available in the market. ✓ Not available in the local computer market.

Maintenance ✓ Cheap maintenance. ✓ High maintenance costs.

Portability ✓ Portable. ✓ Relatively portable but often larger.

Versatility and Efficiency ✓ Efficient, versatile, and requires less power. ✓ Less versatile, less efficient, and requires
more power.
Usage ✓ Suitable for general tasks like browsing, ✓ Optimized for specific, high-demand
document processing, etc. applications like scientific calculations.