UNIT I: UNDERSTANDING OF COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSING

Syllabus of UNIT – I

Knowing computer: What is Computer, Basic Applications of Computer; Components of Computer System, Central
Processing Unit (CPU), VDU, Keyboard and Mouse, Other input/output Devices, Computer Memory, Concepts of
Hardware and Software; Concept of Computing, Data and Information; Applications of IECT; Connecting keyboard,
mouse, monitor and printer to CPU and checking power supply.

Operating Computer using GUI Based Operating System: What is an Operating System; Basics of Popular
Operating Systems; The User Interface, Using Mouse; Using right Button of the Mouse and Moving Icons on the
screen, Use of Common Icons, Status Bar, Using Menu and Menu-selection, Running an Application, Viewing of File,
Folders and Directories, Creating and Renaming of files and folders, Opening and closing of different Windows; Using
help; Creating Short cuts, Basics of O.S Setup; Common utilities.

Understanding Word Processing: Word Processing Basics; Opening and Closing of documents; Text creation and
Manipulation; Formatting of text; Table handling; Spell check, language setting and thesaurus; Printing of word
document.

Computer
 The word computer is derived from the Latin word “computare”, which means, “to calculate”
 Thereby, a computer is an electronic device that can perform arithmetic operations at high speed
 It is an Electronic Device which manipulates information or data.
 A computer is also called a data processor because it can store, process, and retrieve data whenever desired
Definitions of Computer

“An apparatus built to perform routine calculations”

---- Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia
“A usual electronic device for storing and processing data according to instructions given to it in a variable program.”
------ The Concise Oxford Dictionary
Data Processing The activity of processing data using a computer is called data processing

DATA

Capture Data

Manipulate Data

Output Results

Information

Data is raw material which is used as input in computer and entered through Input devices and information is processed data
obtained as output of data processed by Computer and display or provide output through Output Devices.
Capabilities / Characteristics / Features of Computer:
1. Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it automatically without human interventions
2. Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs very fast, usually measured in microseconds (10-6),
nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12)
3. Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its design.
Computer errors caused due to incorrect input data or unreliable programs are often referred to as Garbage-In-
Garbage-Out (GIGO)
4. Diligence: Computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration. It can continuously work for hours
without creating any error and without grumbling
5. Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost any task, if the task can be reduced to a finite series of logical
steps
6. Power of Remembering: Computer can store and recall any amount of information because of its secondary storage
capability.
7. Adaptability: Adaptability of computer system means the quality of it to complete a different type of tasks: simple as
well as complex. Computers are normally versatile unless designed for a specific operation.
8. Storage Capacity: Storage is the ability of the computer to store data in itself for accessing it again in future.
9. Programmable: The Computer can be programmed to fulfill user’s as well requirements.
10. Reliability: The results given by the users are highly reliable.
11. Compactness: Mini Computers and Tablets, we can operate from anywhere and at any time.
12. Multitasking: At the same time multi task can be performed by the computer.

Limitations of Computer:
1. Lack of Common-Sense: This is one of the major limitations of computer systems. Computers function based on the
stored programme(s), Computer doesn’t have common-sense.
2. Lack of Decision-making: The computer system does not have the ability to make decisions on their own because
they do not possess all the essentials of decision-making.
3. Zero IQ: computer does not have brains. Computer systems have zero Intelligence Quotient (IQ). They are unable to
see and think the actions to perform in a particular situation unless that situation is already programmed into them.
4. No Feeling: Not having any kind of Emotions is one of the limitations of computers.
5. No Decision Making Power: Computers can’t decide like us humans, computers do not have the ability to make decisions.
6. Can’t express their Ideas: One research revealed that computers cannot express their ideas because a computer
is a machine and a machine can never be Express their Ideas.
7. Computers can’t implement: Computers never implement anything because computers are unable to do so.
8. Computers can’t think: Computers can never think because a computer is a machine. The machine never does any
work by itself, unless it is given an instruction.
Evolution of Computers:
 Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding machine in 1642
 Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first calculator for multiplication in 1671
 Keyboard machines originated in the United States around 1880
 Around 1880, Herman Hollerith came up with the concept of punched cards that were extensively used as input media
until late 1970s
 Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of modern digital computers
 He designed “Difference Engine” in 1822
 He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in 1842 for performing basic arithmetic functions
 His efforts established a number of principles that are fundamental to the design of any digital computer
Some Well Known Early Computers
 The Mark I Computer (1937-44)
 The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-42)
 The ENIAC (1943-46)
 The EDVAC (1946-52)
 The EDSAC (1947-49)
 Manchester Mark I (1948)
 The UNIVAC I (1951)
Block Diagram of Computer

Computer – Computer is normally considered as a calculating device that performs arithmetic operations at enormous
speed. A computer is an electronic device which is used to perform operations on raw data as per instruction given by
user. They are

1) It accepts data or instructions through input,

2) It stores data,
3) It can process required data by the user,
4) It gives results as production, and
5) It controls all functions inside the computer
1. Input: Input is the process of entering raw data and programs in to the computer in an organized manner for
processing by using various kinds of Input Devices.

2. Storage: The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known as storage. The processing speed
of Central Processing Unit (CPU) is very fast and data has to be provided to CPU with the same speed. Therefore the
data is first stored in the storage unit for faster access and processing. This primary storage provides space for storing
data and instructions.
The storage unit performs the following major functions:
• All data and instructions are stored here before and after processing.
• Intermediate results of processing are also stored here.

3. Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The
Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all types of calculations
and sent back to the storage unit.

4. Output: This is the process of producing useful information from the data. The output is also stored inside the
computer for further processing.

5. Control: Control is that how instructions are to be executed and all operations are performed. Controlling of all
operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing
of all operations inside the computer.
Components of Block Diagram of Computer
To carry out the operations or functions of computer, computer allocates the task between its various functional units.
The computer system is divided into three separate units for its operation. They are:

A computer system can be blocked into mainly three parts:

1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit
3. Output Unit
1. Input unit – Input unit is a unit that accepts any input. The input device is used to input data into the computer
system. The Input devices enter the data from outside the world into the computer. The input devices are a way of
communication with the outside world and computer system.

Functions of input unit:

 Input Devices accepts or receives the data or instruction from outside the world.
 They act like a connection between outside the world and our own computer system
 It converts inputted data or instruction into binary codes (Machine Language) for further processing.
 It sends data to main memory of computer.
 Keyboard and mouse are the prime examples of input devices.

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – CPU is called the brain of a computer. It is an electronic circuit that carries out
the instruction given by a computer program. It is also called as "PROCESSOR". CPU can be sub classified into
three parts.
i. Control unit (CU)
ii. Arithmetic & Logic unit (ALU)
iii. Memory Unit (MU)
i. Control unit (CU) - the control unit manages the various components of the computer. It reads instructions from
memory and does interpretation and changes in a series of signals to activate other parts of the computer. It controls and
co-ordinate input output memory and all other units.

Functions of Control Unit (CU):-

1. It acts like the supervisor seeing that things are done in proper way.
2. Control Unit is responsible for coordinating various operations using time signal.
3. The control unit determines the sequence in which computer programs and instructions are executed.
4. Things like processing of programs stored in the main memory, interpretation of the instructions and issuing of signals
for other units of the computer to execute them.
5. It also acts as a switch board operator when several users access the computer simultaneously.
6. Thereby it coordinates the activities of computer’s peripheral equipment as they perform the input and output.

ii. Arithmetic & Logic unit (ALU) – The actual processing of the data and instruction are performed by Arithmetic
Logic Unit. The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), performs simple arithmetic operation such as +,-, *, / and logical
operation such as >, <, =<, <= etc. Data is transferred to ALU from storage unit when required. After processing the
output is returned back to storage unit for further processing or getting stored.
Functions of Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):-

1. ALU performs arithmetic and logical operation.

2. The arithmetic operation comprises (Addition, subtraction, division, multiplication)
3. Logical unit carries out the operation such (AND, OR, Equal, less than, greater than),
4. Control is changed to ALU and the result generated in ALU
5. All results Stored or puts away in transitory memory.
6. There are some processors now that have more than single AU [Arithmetic Unit].

iii. Memory Unit (MU) - Memory is used to store data and instructions before and after processing. Memory is also
called Primary memory or internal memory. It is used to store data temporary or permanently. It is also called Storage
Unit. Storage unit is the unit which gives space to store data or instruction of processed data, processed result.

Functions of Memory Unit (MU):-

 It stores information or instruction
 It stores Results
 It stores consequence of prepared data

Function of CPU-
1. It controls all the parts and software and data flow of computer.
2. It performs all operations.
3. It accepts data from input device.
4. It sends information to output device.
5. Executing programs stored in memory
6. It stores data either temporarily or permanent basis.
7. It performs arithmetical and logical operations.

3. Output Unit –An output device is used to show the result of processing. Output devices produce or generate results
with the help of devices or gadgets such as a printer, monitor, etc. Primarily, these instructions or data provided to a
computer system in binary code then desired output has to convert into human-readable form.

Function of Output unit:

 The output devices converts the binary codes into human readable form for better understanding and better
functionality.
 They produces the changed or converted result to the user.
 They acts as a connection or link between outside world and computer system or our own PC framework.
 Printers, monitors and projectors are the prime examples of output devices.

Input devices
Input device: Input device is a device through which data and instruction are entered into computer system. An input
devices converts the data and instructions into binary form that computer can understand. This transformation is performed
by “Input interface”.

The data entered through input device can be some text, some graphical image or symbol, sound etc, depending on the form
of the raw data.

Basic Function Performed by Input unit of a computer system -

1. It accepts the instruction and data from the user.
2. It converts these instruction and data in computer acceptable form i.e. in Binary form.
3. It supplies the converted instruction and data to the computer memory for further processing.

Types of Input Devices:

1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Trackball
4. Joystick
5. Digitizing Tablet
6. Light Pen
7. Touch Screen
8. Audio Input Device
9. Video Input Device
10. Scanner
11. Optical Scanners.
1. Keyboard: Keyboard is an input device for entering data and instructions into a computer. The most popular keyboard used
today is the 104 keys QWERTY keyboard but multimedia keyboard is also available which contains more than 104 keys like
play, pause, forward, backward, volume control, rewind, home, e-mail, www etc.

Keyboard keys are arranged in 6 groups, which are:

1. Alphanumeric keys: - The alphanumeric keys are the collection of alphabets A-Z, numerals from 0-9 and punctuation
marks that are arranged the same way on almost every keyboard.
2. Numeric keys: - It is usually located on right side of keyboard and appears like a non-scientific calculator with ten digits (0-
9) and arithmetic operators.
3. Function keys: - The Function keys numbered from F1 to F12 are usually arranged in a first row at top of keyboard. Each
function key performs different function depending upon the current application being run by user.
4. Cursor movement keys: - These keys allows user to change the position of the cursor on the screen. Cursor movement
keys move cursor up, down, left and right.
5. Special purpose keys: - These keys perform special function i.e. insert, delete, print screen.
6. Modifier keys: - These keys are used in conjunction with other keys. Modifier keys include keys such as Alt (Alternate),
Shift and Ctrl (Control).

2. Mouse: Mouse is a most commonly used pointing device. it controls the position or movement of the cursor on a display
screen without using keyboard. When we move the mouse on plane surface, mouse pointer also moves on screen in the same
direction. It is called pointing device because it is used to point out on a particular location and command or options from
menus, dialog boxes, icon displayed on screen. There are two or more depression switched on the top of mouse. The mouse
was invented and developed by Douglas Engelbart, with the assistance of Bill English, during the 1960's and was
patented on November 17, 1970.

3. Joy stick: It is also a pointing device which is commonly used to play video games. It moves cursor position on a monitor
screen. It consists of a lever which moves in all directions and controls the movement of pointer. When the lever steers the
cursor moved in the respective direction. On most of joystick a button at top is provided to select the option. E.g. It is commonly
used with computer games, flight simulators and for controlling robots.

4. Track ball: Track ball is pointing device that works like an upside-down mouse. The only difference is that the ball is placed
on the top along with the button of the trackball. The movement of cursor is controlled by movement of ball by the fingers
without moving whole device. Trackball is most commonly used in notebook or laptop.

5. Digitizing Tablet: A digitizing tablet is a sensitive input device that converts a hand-drawn data into a digital online form. This
hand-drawn data can be a signature, graphics etc. A digitizing tablet usually consists of an electronic tablet and a pen or a stylus.
When the electronic tablet communicates with the pen, it is said to be “active” and in this case the pen contains an electronic
circuit; otherwise, the tablet is said to be “passive.”

6. Light Pen: Light Pen is pointing device which is used to select a displayed menu item or draw pictures on the monitor
screen. It is connected by a cable to the display device. The light pen consists of a light sensing element (photo diode) at the
tip of pen and a cable through which the signal is transmitted. When the screen touched with the tip of pen (Stylus), pen gets
activated light spots are sensed and a signal sent to the system indicating the position.
E.g. Used for corrections in architectural designs.

7. Touch Screen: Touch Screen is the most simple and easiest to use. It has touch sensitive panel. It is also a pointing
device which enables to users to interact with the computer by touching the screen with their fingers to issue
commands. Touch screen enables the users to choose from available options by simply touching with their fingers the desired
icon or menu displayed on the screen.

Touch screen is protected with a glass panel over the view area of the computer. This glass panel has sensors, device driver
and controller, which takes the information and translates that into binary form. These are mostly used in public areas for
public information like: Railway stations, ATM, Hospitals, and Airports etc.
8. Speech / Voice Recognition System: It is an Audio Input Device. These devices are used to recognize the voice and
translate it into the text using speech recognition system. Speech recognition software is loaded into the machine which
gathers sound waves, remove unwanted noise and compare the incoming signal against a pattern stored in memory. If sound
is similar or almost similar then the voice is translated into text otherwise it is ignored. Speech recognition system equipped
with the following components:
a) Computer system with sound card
b) Speech Recognition software
c) Microphone

These devices can be used for:

i) Making Telephone calls.
ii) Audio and Video Conferencing over internet
iii) Recording voice
iv) Creation of Audio files.
v) Translating spoken words into text.

9) Digital Camera: It is a Modern and popular input device. It is used to capture still images. The digital camera digitizes
images, compresses them and stores them on a memory card or computer. The video files can be edited by using video editor
software.

10) Microphone: It is a voicer input device. It capture the voice data and input to the computer. User can dictate to computer
by using this. Before doing this, one should recognize the voice or speech pattern to the computer. It compares the same at
the time of dictation by the user. If it matches then it takes the data otherwise it rejects.

11) Scanner: A scanner is an input device which translates paper documents into an electronic format, which can be stored
in a computer. Input documents may be typed text, pictures, graphics or handwritten material. Scanner is helpful in preserving
paper documents in electronic format. Scanner captures data and converts it into bit pattern for processing. The Scanner will:
 Read any printed paper or picture.
 Converts text or images into digital form.
 Saves these converted digital files into electronic format i.e. binary form.
 Useful for publishing and multimedia applications.

Characteristics of Scanner
1. Human efforts required for manually entry of data is eliminated by scanner.
2. The reduction in human intervention improves the data accuracy.
3. Scanner requires high quality of input document.
4. Most of these device are not economical feasible.
OUTPUT DEVICES
Output device: An output device is an electromechanical device which accepts data from a computer and translates them
into a human acceptable form. Output devices provides the output of data after processing called information.

There are two types of Output devices:

1) Soft-copy output – Output which is not produced on a paper is known as soft-copy output. 2) Hard-copy output – Output
which is produced on a paper is known as hard-copy output.

List of most commonly used soft copy output device:

1) Monitor
2) Speaker and Microphones
3) Projector

1) Monitor:
i) Monitor is an output device which is used for producing soft-copy output.
ii) It is also known as VDU i.e. Visual Display Unit.
iii) It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged in a rectangular form.
iv) The sharpness or resolution of the image depends upon the no. of the pixels.
v) The monitor works with the VGA (Video Graphics Array) card.

Factors for considering display:-

1. Dot pitch is amount of space between the centers of adjacent pixels. Closer the dots crisper the image.
2. Refresh rate is the number of times per second that the pixels are recharged so that their glow remains bright. (In general
it is 45-100 times per second).
3. Resolution is the image sharpness. Resolution is expressed in terms of formula horizontal pixels X vertical pixels. (e.g.
800 X 600 pixels)

Types of Monitors:-

a) CRT Monitors (Cathode-Ray Tube):

i. CRT’s Screen display is made up of small picture elements called pixels.
ii. The smaller the pixels the better the image clarity or resolution.
iii. It has high power requirement so it is not appropriate for portable devices.
iv. A monochrome CRT contains single electron gun which emits beam of electrons.
v. A heated cathode emits a high-speed electron beam onto phosphor-coated glass screen.
vi. Glass screen glows when they are struck by electron beam.
 2) LED Monitors (Light Emitting Diode):
i. Light Emitting Diodes (LED) is the latest technology which is being used now a days for making high definition monitors.
ii. It is a semi-conductor light source.
iii. In this technology diodes are used to light up the screen.
iv. The contents are displayed by turning the bulbs “on” and “off”.
v. It is an electronic device that lights up when electricity is passed through it.
vi. They are good for displaying images because they can be relatively small, and they do not burn out.
vii. They require more power than LCD monitors.
viii. LED is light weight monitors and is used in laptop computers and in TV.

3. LCD Monitors (Liquid Crystal Display):

i. LCD contains liquid crystals in between two plates of the screen.

ii. The plates are made by either glass or plastic.
iii. The front plate is transparent and the back plate is reflective.
iv. Liquid crystals are charged electronically to display the content.

4. Plasma Monitor:
i. It contains neon gas in between the two plates of the screen.
ii. It has larger viewing angle but is expensive than LCD.
iii. It is smaller in size, light in weight.
iv. it has low power requirement and low brightness.

2. Speakers and Microphones

Speaker:
i. Speakers convert the signals into sound.
ii. Sound cards convert the signal so that we can hear as a sound.
iii. Computer speakers, or multimedia speakers, are external speakers.
iv. These are commonly equipped with a low-power internal amplifier which produces sound as output.
v. External speakers are connected with a computer by using a plug and socket.

Microphone
 i. A Microphone is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor.
ii. It is used to convert sound signals into electrical signals.
iii. It allows to record voices or sounds and store them onto computers
iv. File are generally as a wave (.wav) file.
v. It was originally invented by Emile Berliner in 1877.
vi. To connect a microphone, we insert the plug of it into the back of the computer system.
vii. Integrated microphones can be found on laptops and some desktop monitors. These microphones are usually a small
hole in front of the computer which when spoken into, will record voice.

3. Projectors
i. The projector helps in the projection of video, image, or any graphical contents to the wall.
ii. These projectors can be connected to the PC through HDMI or VGA Cable.
iii. Whatever appears on the computer terminal gets enlarged and projected on a large screen.
iv. These are normally used for large group presentations.
v. Video projector receives video signals and projects the corresponding image on a projection screen.
vi. It uses a lens system for this projection.
vii. These are popularly used for seminars, class room lectures, marketing presentations presentations etc
viii. There are different

2) Hard-copy output – Output which is produced on a paper is known as hard-copy output.

Types of Printers:

A) IMPACT Printers: Impact printers are those printers that print the characters by striking hammers or pins against ribbon
onto paper. Impact printers are noisy printers.

Characteristics of Impact Printers are following:

 Less expensive
 Impact printers are very noisy
 Useful for bulk printing due to low cost
 There is physical contact with the paper to produce a pattern

TYPES OF IMPACT PRINTERS:-

i. Dot Matrix Printer (Impact printer)
ii. Daisy wheel Printer (Impact printer)
iii. Drum printer (Impact printer)
 iv. Chain printer (Impact printer)

1) Dot matrix
i. Dot matrix is an impact printer and it prints one character at a time in the form of dots.
ii. Its speed is usually ranges from 30 to 550 characters per second (cps).
iii. Dot matrix is the cheapest and the noisiest printer and has a low print quality.
iv. It was 1st introduced by Centronics in 1970.

2. Daisy wheel printer

i) A daisy wheel printer is basically an impact printer
ii) it is consisting of a wheel and attached extensions on which molded metal characters are mounted.
iii) A daisy wheel printer produces letter quality print.
iv) it can’t produce graphics output.
v) It speed is around 90 cps.

3) Drum printers:
i) Drum printers print one line at time.
ii) It consists of a solid cylindrical drum with character embossed on its surface in the form of circular bands.
iii) Each band contains numerals, alphabets and special characters.
iv) In addition to drum a set of hammer mounted in front of drum in manner that an inked ribbon and paper can be placed
between hammers and the drum.
v) It is very fast and also expensive. It speed ranges from 300 to 2000 lines per minute.

4. Chain printer:
i) Chain/band printers are line printers which print one line at a time.
ii) It consists of a metallic chain on which all the characters of the character set supported by printer is embossed.
iii) A character set may have 48, 64, or 96 characters.
iv) Its speed ranges from 400 to 3000 line per minute.

B) NON-IMPACT Printers: The printers that print the characters without striking against the ribbon and onto the paper are
called Non-impact Printers.

Characteristics of Non-impact Printers

2. Faster than impact printers.
3. They are not noisy.
4. High quality.
5. Support many fonts and different character size.
TYPES OF NON-IMPACT PRINTERS
i). Inkjet printer
ii) Laser printer

5. Inkjet printer
It is a non-impact printer producing a high quality print. Multipage forms cannot be printed by these printers. Its speed ranges
from 40 to 300 characters per second with a resolution of from 300 dpi to 1200 dpi.

6. Laser printer:
i) Laser printers are page printers which print one page at a time.
ii) The main components of laser printers are a laser beam source, multi-sided mirror, a drum and a toner.
iii) Laser printer produces very high quality output.
iv) Its print speed ranges from 4 to 12 pages per minute in case of low speed laser printer and 500 to 1000 pages per minute
in case of high speed laser printer.
v) It has resolution 600 dpi.

2. Plotters
i. Plotter is an output device that is used to produce graphical output on papers.
ii. It uses single or multi-color pens to draw lines on the paper, which is placed in the plotter.
iii. It is also called a graph plotter.
iv. Plotters produce high quality diagrams on the paper and their output quality is good.
v. Engineers, architects and planners use plotters to generate high quality, high-precision graphic output of different sizes.
vi. For several design applications such as design of layout of an aircraft, car, and architectural design of a building and in
other computer-aided design applications plotter are very useful.

Computer memory
• A storage device is used in the computers to store the data.
• Provides one of the core functions of the modern computer.
• A physical storage space such as chips or a device which can store information temporarily or permanently is called a
computer memory.
• It is a storage space where data and instructions are stored either for processing of for further uses.
• A computer consists of mainly two types of memory, which are primary and secondary.
Types of Storage There are four type of storage:
• Primary Storage
• Secondary Storage

Primary Storage
• Also known as main memory of a computer...
• Main memory is directly or indirectly connected to the central processing unit via a memory bus.
• It is in-built memory of a computer in which data and instructions are stored for processing.
• The CPU continuously reads instructions stored there and executes them as required.
• It is essential for the working of a computer.
• Example:
– RAM
– ROM
– PROM
– EPROM
– CACHE
– REGISTER

RAM
• The term RAM stands for Random Access Memory.
• It is often called the main memory of the computer.
• It holds the data and instructions on which computer is currently working.
• It is called Random Access Memory because any of the data in RAM can be accessed just as fast as any of the other
data.
• RAM is volatile Memory i.e. as long as the power is supplied to the computer, it retains the data in it. But as soon
as the power supply is turned off, all the contents of RAM are wiped out. There are two types of RAM:
o DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
o SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
 Static RAM Dynamic RAM

•• Faster •• Slower
• More expensive • Less expensive
• More power consumption does not need to be • Less power consumption needs to be refreshed
refreshed thousands of times per second

ROM
• The term ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
• Information can only be read from this type of memory.
• This memory is used as the computer begins to boot up.
• Small programs called firmware are often stored in ROM chips on hardware devices (like a BIOS chip), and they contain instructions
the computer can use in performing some of the most basic operations required to operate hardware devices.
• ROM memory cannot be easily or quickly overwritten or modified.
• It is a NON-Volatile Memory. When power off or switched off the computer, then all the data and instructions stored in ROM will
not be erased. That’s why it is called NON-VOLATILE MEMORY

PROM:
• The term PROM stands for Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM).
• it is not possible to modify or erase programs stored in ROM, but it is possible to store program in PROM chip.
• Once the programmes are written it cannot be changed and remain intact even if power is switched off. Therefore programmes or
instructions written in PROM or ROM cannot be erased or changed.
EPROM:
• This stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
• EPROM chip can be programmed time and again by erasing previously stored information in it.
• Information stored in EPROM can be erased by exposing the chip to ultraviolet light for some time and the chip can reprogrammed by
using a special programming facility.
• When the EPROM is in use, information stored in it can only be read.

Cache
• To speed up the operations of the CPU, a very high speed memory is placed between the CPU and the primary memory known as
cache.
• It stores the copies of the data from frequently accessed primary memory locations, thus, reducing the average time required to access
data from primary memory.
• When the CPU needs to access memory, it first examines the cache.
• Cache is a high-speed access area that can be either a reserved section of main memory or a storage device.
• Cache memory is a special very high-speed memory that acts as a buffer between RAM and the CPU.
• It is used to reduce the average time to access data from the main memory.
• Most computers today come with L3 cache or L2 cache, while older computers included only L1 cache.

Registers
• The CPU processes data and instructions with high speed;
• There is also movement of data between various units of computer.
• It is necessary to transfer the processed data with high speed.
• So the computer uses a number of special memory units called registers.
• They are not part of the main memory but they store data or information temporarily and pass it on as directed by the control
unit.

Secondary Storage

• It is not directly accessible by the CPU.

• Computer usually uses its input/output channels to access secondary storage and
transfers the desired data using intermediate area in primary storage.
• A secondary memory is also called the external memory or auxiliary storage.
• It stores a large amount of data permanently until someone deletes it purposely.
• A secondary memory is important for a computer because the internal memory has less
capacity to store the data.
• Example:
 o Hard disk

Hard Disk
• A hard disk is a type of magnetic secondary storage media.
• It is the main secondary storage for the computers.
• Hard disk speed is the speed at which content can be read and written on a hard disk.
• A hard disk unit comes with a set rotation speed varying from 4500 to 7200 rpm.
• The hard disk drive is the main, and usually largest, data storage device in a computer.
• Disk access time is measured in milliseconds.
• A hard disk can store up to 2 TB to 5 TB data.
• There are two types of hard disk- fixed(Internal) and portable (External).

Tertiary Storage
• It involves a robotic mechanism which will mount (insert) and dismount removable mass storage media into a storage
device.
• It is a extensively computer storage system that is usually very slow,
• it is usually used to archive data that is not accessed frequently.
• This is primarily useful for extraordinarily large data storage
• Examples:
o Magnetic Tape
o Optical Disc
o
Off-line Storage
• It is Also known as disconnected storage or removable storage.
• It Is a computer data storage on a medium or a device that is not under the control of a processing unit.
• It must be inserted or connected by a human operator before a computer can access it again.
• Examples:
o Floppy Disk
o Zip diskette
o USB Flash drive
o Memory card Off-line Storage
o
 `System Software and Its Features and Functions:
 It acts as an interface between the user and computer.
 System software coordinates the processing activities and functions of the hardware and software.
 It controls the operations of the computer hardware and provides an environment or platform for all the other types of
software to work in.
 It keeps track of utilization of CPU time and memory by different running applications.
 It converts the instruction from user’s language to machine language.

Types of System Software:

1) Operating system (OS): It is a system software which is installed first on the computer to allow applications and devices
to be identified and make them functional. It is the first layer of software that’s why it is loaded into memory each time a
computer is powered up. Some types of operating systems are real-time OS, single-user and single-task OS, network OS,
and mobile OS.
2) Device drivers: These gives the life to computer devices and peripherals. Device drivers connect components and external
add-ons to computer so that they can perform their specific tasks. Without the driver, the operating system would not assign
any duties to the peripherals. The Sound card, Web Camera, Scanner, printer etc. are examples of devices that need
drivers to function.
3) Firmware: It is the operational software embedded within a ROM, EPROM memory chip to identify them by operating
system. It manages and controls all the activities of a single hardware directly. Firmware can be upgraded easily without
swapping semiconductor chips.
4) Programming language translators: These are intermediate programs which are used to translate high-level language
source code to machine language code. Popular language translators include assemblers, compilers, and interpreters.
They may be used to perform complete translation of program codes or they may translate each instruction at a time.
5) Utilities: It is intended for diagnostic and maintenance tasks for the computer. Their tasks may range from crucial data
security to disk drive defragmentation.
A) Application Software

 Application software is a computer program that performs a specific function, like: educational, personal, or business.
 Each of the application software is developed to assist user for a particular process which may be related to creativity,
productivity, or better communication.
 All the apps that we see in our smartphones are examples of application software.
 There may be different types of Application Software as per development and sale point of view:-

1. Pre-Written Application Software:

 These are designed based on common needs of common users and
business organizations and developed by leading software companies like Microsoft, TCS, IBM, Infosys
etc.
 The cost of such kinds of software vary according functionality, needs, number of users etc.
 These can be used by an individual or group of individuals.

2. Customized Application Software:

 These are designed for a specific environment and their needs.
 The cost of software is depends on extension of work.

3. General Purpose Application Software:

 These software can be used for variety of tasks. It is not restricted to one particular fuction.
 For Example: MS-Office, DTP Software etc.

4. Special Purpose Application Software:

 These are designed for a specific task and will perform that task only.
 These software all restricted to use for a limited and special task.
 For example: Tally.ERP9, Games programs etc.
What is Operating System?
 An Operating System acts as a communication bridge (interface) between the user and computer hardware.
 A program that controls the execution of application programs.
 The Role of Operating System is:
 An interface between applications and hardware.
 A computer is a set of resources for the movement, storage, and processing of data
 The OS is responsible for managing these resources
 Operating System as Software manages all the resources.
 The purpose of an operating system is to provide a platform on which a user can execute programs in a convenient and
efficient manner.
 An Operating System performs all the basic tasks like managing files, processes, and memory. Thus operating system acts
as, i.e. resource manager. Thus, the operating system becomes an interface between user and machine.
 The main goal of the Operating System is to make the computer environment more convenient to use and Secondary goal is
to use the resources in the most efficient manner.

Functions/ Features of an Operating System:

1. Booting
Booting is a process of starting the computer operating system starts the computer to work. It checks the computer and
makes it ready to work.
2. Loading and Execution
A program is loaded in the memory before it can be executed. Operating system provides the facility to load programs in
memory easily and then execute it.
3. Data security
Data is an important part of computer system. The operating system protects the data stored on the computer from illegal
use, modification or deletion.
4. Disk Management
Operating system manages the disk space. It manages the stored files and folders in a proper way. In this:
 Keeps tracks of all devices connected to system.
 Designates a program responsible for every device known as the Input/Output controller.
 Decides which process gets access to a certain device and for how long.
 Allocates devices in an effective and efficient way.
 Deallocates devices when they are no longer required.
5. Memory Management
It is also an important function of operating system. The memory cannot be managed without operating system. Different
programs and data execute in memory at one time. if there is no operating system, the programs may mix with each other.
The system will not work properly. In Memory Management it:
  It keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., which bytes of memory are used by which user program.
 The memory addresses that have already been allocated and the memory addresses of the memory that has not yet been
used.
 In multi programming, the OS decides the order in which process are granted access to memory, and for how long.
 It allocates the memory to a process when the process requests it and deallocates the memory when the process has
terminated or is performing an I/O operation.
6. Process Management
CPU can perform one task at one time. if there are many tasks, operating system decides which task should get the CPU.
In this:
 Keeps tracks of the status of processes.
 The program which perform this task is known as traffic controller.
 Allocates the CPU that is processor to a process.
 De-allocates processor when a process is no more required.
7. Device controlling:
Operating system also controls all devices attached to computer. The hardware devices are controlled with the help of
small software called device drivers.
8. Providing interface
It is used in order that user interface acts with a computer mutually. User interface controls how you input data and
instruction and how information is displayed on screen. The operating system offers two types of the interface to the user:
1. Graphical-line interface: It interacts with of visual environment to communicate with the computer. It uses
windows, icons, menus and other graphical objects to issues commands.
2. Command-line interface: it provides an interface to communicate with the computer by typing commands.
9. Control over system performance –
it monitors overall system health to improve performance. Records the response time between service requests and system
response to have a complete view of the system health. This can help to improve performance by providing important
information needed to troubleshoot problems.
10. Job accounting –
Operating system Keeps track of time and resources used by various tasks and users, this information can be used to track
resource usage for a particular user or group of user.
11. Error detecting aids –
Operating system constantly monitors the system to detect errors and avoid the malfunctioning of computer system.
12. Coordination between other software and users –
Operating systems also coordinate and assign interpreters, compilers, assemblers and other software to the various users of
the computer systems.
13. File Management –
A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain other
directories and other files. An Operating System carries out the following file management activities.
 It keeps track of where information is stored, user access settings and status of every file and more…
 These facilities are collectively known as the file system.
 14. Program Execution: The Operating System is responsible for execution of all types of programs whether it be user
programs or system programs. The Operating System utilises various resources available for the efficient running of all
types of functionalities.
15. Handling Input/Output Operations: The Operating System is responsible for handling all sort of inputs, i.e, from any input
device. The Operating System does all interfacing in the most appropriate manner regrading all kind of Inputs and Outputs
16. Manipulation of File System: The Operating System is responsible for making of decisions regarding the storage of all
types of data or files, i.e, floppy disk/hard disk/pen drive, etc. The Operating System decides as how the data should be
manipulated and stored.
17. Error Detection and Handling: The Operating System is responsible for detection of any types of error or bugs that can
occur while any task. OS acts as countermeasure for preventing any sort of breach to the Computer System from any
external source and probably handling them.
18. Resource Allocation: The Operating System ensures the proper use of all the resources available by deciding which
resource to be used by whom for how much time. All the decisions are taken by the Operating System.
19. Accounting: The Operating System tracks an account of all the functionalities taking place in the computer system at a
time. All the details such as the types of errors occurred are recorded by the Operating System.

WORD PROCESSING:
 It is used most commonly for typing, editing and printing text and graphical the documents.
 The programs which are used for word-processing are called word-processors.
 Mostly these are used to create letters, reports, newsletters, tables, forms etc.
 In this user can add pictures, smart art, shapes, charts in the documents.
 Most commonly used word-processors are :- MS-Word, Word-Perfect, StarOffce etc

FEATURES of WORD-PROCESSING / WORD-PROCESSORS / MS-WORD

1. Insert text: Allows to insert text anywhere in the document.

2. Delete text: Allows to erase characters, words, lines, or pages as easily as you can cross them out on paper.
3. Cut and paste: Allows to remove (cut) a section of text from one place in a document and insert (paste) it somewhere
else.
4. Copy: Allows to duplicate a section of text.
5. Page size and margins: Allows to define various page sizes and margins, and the word processor will automatically
readjust the text so that it fits.
6. Search and replace: Allows to direct the word processor to search for a particular word or phrase. You can also direct
the word processor to replace one group of characters with another everywhere that the first group appears.
7. Word wrap: The word processor automatically moves to the next line when filled one line with text, and it will readjust
text if you change the margins.
8. Print: Allows to send a document to a printer to get hardcopy.
9. File management: Many word processors contain file management capabilities that allow you to create, delete, move,
and search for files.
10. Font specifications: Allows to change fonts within a document. For example, you can specify bold, italics, and
underlining. Most word processors also let you change the font size and even the typeface.
11. Footnotes and cross-references: Automates the numbering and placement of footnotes and enables you to easily
cross-reference other sections of the document.
12. Graphics: Allows to embed illustrations and graphs into a document. Some word processors let create the illustrations
within the word processor
13. Headers, footers, and page numbering: Allows to specify customized headers and footers that the word processor
will put at the top and bottom of every page. The word processor automatically keeps track of page numbers so that the
correct number appears on each page.
14. Layout: Allows to specify different margins within a single document and to specify various methods for indenting
paragraphs.
15. Macros: A macro is a character or word that represents a series of keystrokes. The keystrokes can represent text or
commands. The ability to define macros allows to save yourself a lot of time by replacing common combinations of
keystrokes.
16. Merges: Allows to merge text from one file into another file. This is particularly useful for generating many files that have
the same format but different data. Generating mailing labels is the classic example of using merges.
17. Spell checker: A utility that allows to check the spelling of words. It will highlight any words that it does not recognize.
18. Tables of contents and indexes: Allows to automatically create a table of contents and index based on special codes
that you insert in the document.
19. Thesaurus: A built-in thesaurus that allows to search for synonyms without leaving the word processor.
 UNIT II: SPREAD SHEET, PRESENTATION SOFTWARE & INTRODUCTION TO
INTERNET, WWW AND WEB BROWSERS

Syllabus of UNIT – II
Using Spread Sheet: Basics of Spreadsheet; Manipulation of cells; Formulas and Functions; Editing of Spread Sheet,
printing of Spread Sheet.

Basics of presentation software: Creating Presentation; Preparation and Presentation of Slides; Slide Show; Taking
printouts of presentation / handouts.

Introduction to Internet, WWW and Web Browsers:

Introduction to Internet: Basic of Computer networks; LAN, WAN; Concept of Internet; Applications of Internet;
connecting to internet; What is ISP; Knowing the Internet; Basics of internet connectivity related troubleshooting.

World Wide Web: Search Engines; Understanding URL; Domain name; IP Address; Using E-Governances website.

Web Browsing: Software, Communications and collaboration: Basics of electronic mail; Getting an email account;
Sending and receiving emails; Accessing sent emails; Using Emails; Document collaboration; Instant Messaging;
Netiquettes.

SPREAD-SHEET:
 It is a structure of a grid having rows and columns.
 The rows and columns creates cell to enter the data.
 It is useful in entering, editing, analysis and storing of data.
 Arithmetic operations with numerical data such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division can also be done with
Excel.
 Data can be sort the numbers/characters according to some given criteria (like ascending, descending etc.)
 Can solve simple financial, mathematical and statistical formulas.
FEATURES of SPREAD-SHEET / MS-EXCEL

1. Add Header and Footer: MS Excel allows us to keep the header and footer in our spreadsheet document.
2. Find and Replace Command: MS Excel allows us to find the needed data (text and numbers) in the workbook and also
replace the existing data with a new one.
3. Password Protection: It allows the user to protect their workbooks by using a password from unauthorized access to
their information.
4. Data Filtering: Filtering is a quick and easy way to find and work with a subset of data in a range. A filtered range
displays only the rows that meet the criteria you specify for a column. MS Excel provides two commands for filtering
ranges:
• AutoFilter; which includes filter by selection, for simple criteria
• Advanced Filter; for more complex criteria
5. Data Sorting: Data sorting is the process of arranging data in some logical order. MS Excel allows us to sort data either
in ascending or descending order.
6. Built-in formulae: MS Excel has got many built-in formulae for sum, average, minimum, etc. We can use those formulae
as per our needs.
7. Create different charts (Pivot Table Report): MS Excel allows us to create different charts such as bar graph, pie-
charts, line graphs, etc. This helps us to analyze and compare data very easily.
8. Automatically edits the result: MS Excel automatically edits the result if any changes are made in any of the cells.
9. Formula Auditing: Using formula auditing we can graphically display or trace the relationships between cells and
formulas with blue arrows. Trace the precedents or the dependents: Trace the precedents (the cells that provide data
to a specific cell) or the dependents (the cells that depend on the value in a specific cell).
10. Conditional Formatting: Special kind of formatting can be provide to the data based on different kinds of conditions.

PRESENTATIONS:
 Presentation program allows to create "presentation slides"
 Slides can be displayed on the computer screen or through a projector that is plugged into the computer.
 A PowerPoint presentation is a good way to convey pieces of information to a large audience
 PowerPoint presentations are easy to create and edit and generally small enough to fit onto a CD or a USB Jump Drive.
 A user does not have to carry around any slides or slide projector, and, if necessary, can make any last-minute changes
to the presentation.
FEATURES of PRESENTATIONS / MS-PowerPoint

1. Photo Album: By using photo album, user can present or display business or personal pictures more effetely.
2. Custom Animated: By using this feature, objects can be moved in different directions and presentation can be make
more interesting.
3. Password Protection: It allows the user to protect their presentations by using a password from unauthorized access
to their information.
4. Slide Transition: it is apply on the slide and will be effected at the time of moving one slide to another slide.
5. Speaker Note: Presenter can record their notes in presentations.
6. SmartArt: by using this feature the diagrams can be display in effective and various ways.
7. Document Theme: quickly and easily the theme can be created and can be applied to whole presentation.
8. Add Sound, Movies: various sounds at various levels and movies can be add to the presentation which makes it more
effective.
9. Write on Slides during Presentation: the presenter can write on presentation by using pencil, which makes to explain
the information more effectively.
10. Views: Presentation can be viewed in many ways like automatic, manually. Slide can also be hide in views.

INTERNET
The Internet is the largest computer network in the world. It consists of millions of computers all over the planet, all
connected to each other. The Internet is a massive network of networks that connects millions of computers to one another.
A good analogy would be the cables that provide cable television.
The Internet was born in the 1960s when the United States military worried that a nuclear bomb could destroy its computer
systems (there weren’t many of them back then). So it placed several computers far apart from each other and connected
them with some super-fast telephone lines so that the computers could talk to each other. If a nuclear bomb blew up one
computer, another computer could instantly take over; thus, the computer network wouldn’t go down. Years passed and
other organizations, such as colleges and universities, started connecting their computers to this growing network to share
information.
Functions of Internet

Task Description
Exchanging electronic mail (or e-mail) is Just like regular paper mail, user can send and
receive e-mail with people around the world, as long as they have access to a computer and
Send and Receive E-mail the Internet. Unlike regular paper mail, e-mail is usually delivered to its destination almost
instantly.
The World Wide Web is a part of the Internet. The World Wide Web is an enormous
Browse the World Wide
collection of interconnected documents stored on Web servers all over the world. The World
Web Wide Web has information on every subject imaginable.
Newsgroups are discussion groups on the Internet can join to read and post messages to and
Join online discussions with newsgroups from people with similar interests. There are thousands of newsgroups on topics such as
computers, education, romance, hobbies, politics, religion, and more.
Chatting lets communicate with people on the Internet instantly—no matter how far away
Chat with other online users they are! Most chats are text-based. A growing number of chats have voice and even video
capabilities
User can download pictures, demo programs, patches and drivers and many other types of
Download software files and save them to computer.
Listen to music and watch videos Can listen to sound on the Web, such as radio stations, or music by your favorite artists.

World Wide Web

In 1990’s a wonderful idea introduced called the World Wide Web.
The World Wide Web is one way to communicate and share information over the Internet. Using our cable television
analogy, the World Wide Web would be single channel that is broadcast over the cable system.
The World Wide Web consists of millions of documents that are stored on computers that are always connected to the
Internet. These documents are called Web pages, which can be on every subject imaginable—from your local newspaper
to online catalogs to airline schedules, and much, much more.
Domain
Every website has an address on internet. For example, 203.94.243.70 but it is difficult to remember this address. We can
remember name easily. Internet also gives us the facility of registering a website. Internet provides an address to the
registered websites. The name of website is registered and internet provides an address. It is known as domain. Internet
converts website into address automatically.

URL
URL refers to Uniform Resource Locator. Whenever we want to search any information on internet, we use google
search engine in web browser. If we type www.google.com in the address bar to open google in search engine and press
enter then google web page gets opened. The typed address www.google.com gets converted to http://www.google.co.in.
This is known as URL or web address.

Search Engine
It refers to a huge database of internet resources such as web pages, newsgroups, programs, images etc. It helps to locate
information on World Wide Web. User can search for any information by passing query in form of keywords or phrase.
It then searches for relevant information in its database and return to the user.

Components of Search Engine

There are three basic components of a search engine:
1. Web Crawler: It is also known as spider or bots. It is a software component that traverses the web to gather
information.
2. Database: All the information on the web is stored in database. It consists of huge web resources.
3. Search Interfaces: This component is an interface between user and the database. It helps the user to search through
the database.

IP Address
IP address stands for Internet Protocol Address. It is an identifying number that is associated with a specific computer
or computer network. When connected to the internet, the IP address allows the computers to send and receive information.
 An Internet Protocol (IP) address allows computers to send and receive information.
 There are four types of IP addresses: public, private, static, and dynamic.
 An IP address allows information to be sent and received by the correct parties, which means it can also be used to
track down a user's physical location in some instances.