Unit 1

Introduction to Computer System

Topics:
1. Basics of Computer System
2. Internal Components of Computer
3. External Devices
4. Application Software
5. Network Environment
6. Working with Operating System
• What is Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data.
• It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
• You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send
email, play games, and browse the Web.
• Computer can be analyzed as:
C - Calculate
O - Operate
M - Memorize
P - Print
U - Update
T - Tabulate
E - Edit
R - Response

• Working of Computer:
1. Input : Taking input from the user in the form of instructions and data.
2. Process : Processing the computer instructions and data, stores the processing
result.
3. Output : Display the stored result or output it into the print format.
• Characteristics of Computer System
1. Speed
• A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans

while performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions

(1,000,000) of instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their

operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.

2. Accuracy
• Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data

inconsistency or inaccuracy.

3. Diligence
• A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same consistency

and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its memory also

makes it superior to that of human beings.

4. Versatility
• Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works

with same accuracy and efficiency.

5. Reliability
• A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we give

same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.

6. Automation
• Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without manual

intervention.

7. Memory
• A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.

Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also

used to store data.

• Block Diagram of Computer
• 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 .

• 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.
• The CPU conducts all the arithmetical and logical operations in the
computer.
• The CPU comprises of two units, namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and
CU (Control Unit). Both of these units work in sync. The CPU processes the
data as a whole.
 • 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.
• 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.
• 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-

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
1.2 Internal components of Computer

a) Motherboard
b) Processor
c) RAM
d) ROM
e) Video Card
f) Sound Card
g) Internal Hard Disk Drives
a) Motherboard
• The motherboard is the main board that is screwed directly inside the
computer case. All other cards and everything else plugs directly into
the motherboard, hence its name.
• The CPU, RAM, drives, power supply, and more all get connected to it.
• Its function is to integrate all the components so they can
communicate and operate together.
• A good motherboard offers a wide amount of connectivity options. It
also has the least amount of bottlenecks possible. This allows all the
components to operate efficiently and to fulfill their maximum
potential as they were designed to do.
• Obviously, as the physical size is reduced, it begins to limit connectivity
options and functionality.
b) Processor (CPU-Central Processing Unit)
• The CPU is basically like the brain of a computer. It processes all the information on
a computational level.
• It takes information from the RAM and processes it to perform the tasks required
from the computer.
• It is usually seated in a socket that utilizes a lever or a latch with a hinged plate with
a cut out in the center to secure it onto the motherboard.
• It has many copper pads underneath it for the socket contacts to push up against
them to make electrical contact.

• A processor generates a decent amount of heat , especially when it is working under

high loads.

• This is why a heatsink and fan assembly are required to draw the heat away from

the processor and distribute it to thin sheets or fins of metal for the fan to cool

down.

• There are so many different types of processors. The top manufacturers of

c) RAM (Random Access Memory)
- RAM is a data storage device that can provide fast read and write access.
- RAM is primary memory of computer. It is also volatile, which means that it loses all the
stored data when power is lost.
- The RAM keeps data ready for the CPU to process. The speed of the RAM is a big contributor
to the overall speed of a computer. It plugs directly into a long slot that has contacts on
either side of the slot.
d) ROM (Read Only Memory) - It refers to computer memory chips
containing permanent or semi-permanent data. Unlike RAM, ROM is non-volatile; even
after you turn off your computer, the contents of ROM will remain. Almost every
computer comes with a small amount of ROM containing the boot firmware.
e) Video Card
• A Video card processes the data from the motherboard and sends the appropriate
information to the monitor for it to be displayed.
• A video card can also be referred to as a graphics card or a display card.
• It takes the burden of all the video processing from the main CPU. This gives a
computer a big boost in performance.
• Because of the large processing requirements for a gaming graphics card, fans are
almost a given.
f) Sound Card
• Most of the time, the sound chip built into the motherboard is used for audio
output.
• But, if you are a sound enthusiast or prefer higher detailed audio while playing a
game, you might be inclined to use a sound card.
• Sound cards plug into a computer in multiple ways. It can be through USB, PCI slot,
or PCI Express x 1 slot.
g) Internal Hard Disk (Hard Disk Drives)

• A hard drive is found in most computers. It’s usually a mechanical drive that stores
all the data.
• Apart from storing data, it can also be used as a boot drive to run the operating
system from it.
• Hard disk and and Hard Drive both are same. Just 2 names for a single part.
• To undertand it better - There is a disk where data is stored. The data on this
disk is accessed when it rotates. It is mounted on a motor which makes it
rotate. This motor is called drive. Or in a way, this motor drives the disk. So the
name for the entire assembled device is Hard Drive. And cos it is a disk, its also
called Hard Disk.
1.3 External components of a Computer
• External hardware components, also called peripheral components, are those
items that are often externally connected to the computer to control either input
or output functions.
a) E.g. Monitor
b) Mouse
c) Keyboard
d) Printer
e) Microphone
f) Camera
g) Touchpad
h) USB flash drive
i) Memory card.
• Types of Input Output Devices

• Input Devices • Output Devices

• Keyboard • Monitor
• Mouse • Printer
• Scanner • Projector
• Joystick • Speaker
• Trackball • Headphone
• Barcode Reader

• Plotter

• Digital pen
a) Types of Monitor

1. CRT Monitors
2. Flat Panel Monitors
3. Touch Screen Monitors
1. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors
• This monitor uses a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). CRT tube creates an

image on the screen using a beam of electrons. CRT consists of one or

more guns that fire a beam of electrons inside the screen. The screen is

coated with very tiny Phosphor dots from inside. The beam of electrons

repeatedly falls on the surface of screen. Every beam fall takes only a

fraction of second. CRT in color monitors consists of three guns. These

guns generate red, green and blue (RGB) colors. The other colors are

generated with a combination of these three colors. Nowadays, most of

the CRT monitors are replaced by Flat Panel Monitors.

2. Flat Panel Monitors
• Flat Panel Monitors take less space and are lightweight.
• These monitors use much less power than CRTs. It does not emit harmful radiations. It is
much expensive than CRT.
• Notebook computers, PDA and cellular phones use flat panel monitors. Flat panel monitors
are available in different sizes such as 15”, 17”, 18” & 19” etc.
• Flat panel display is made up of two plates of glass. These plates contain a substance
between them. The substance is activated in different ways.
• There are three types of technologies used in flat panel display screens.

a) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

• Liquid crystal display screen contains a substance called liquid crystal. The molecules of this
substance line up in such a way that the light behind the screens blocked or allowed to create
an image.
• LCDs provide a sharper picture than CRTs and emit less radiation. LCD displays requires less
power and take up less space than CRT.
b) Light Emitting Diode Monitor(LED)

• LED display is a flat screen, flat-panel computer monitor or television.

• It has a very short depth and is light in terms of weight.

• The actual difference between this and a typical LCD monitor is the backlighting. The
first LCD monitors used CCFL instead of LEDs to illuminate the screen.

• LED monitor advantages

• LED monitors offer many benefits compared to those that are CCFL backlit including:

• Often less expensive.

• Overall more reliable.

• They run at a lower temperature, and consume much less power, as few as 20 watts.

• Longer lifespan and less environmental impact.

c) Gas Plasma Display
• Gas plasma display uses gas plasma technology. This technology uses a layer of gas
between two glass plates.
• The gas release ultraviolet light when voltage is applied.
• The pixels on the screen glow due to this ultraviolet light and form an image.
• Plasma display is available in the sizes of upto 150 inches wide.
• It provides richer colors than LCD monitors but are more expensive. That is why, it
is not commonly used.
• It provides higher display quality.
• This type of monitor can hang directly on a wall.
3. Touch Screen Monitors

• Touch screen monitors are used for input as well as output.

• A touch screen is a special type of visual display unit.
• It has a grid of light beams or fine wires on the screen.
• It lets the user to interact with a computer by the touch of a finger rather than
typing on a keyboard or moving a mouse.
• The user enters data by touching icons or menus identified on the screen.
• Most touch screen computers use sensors to detect touch of a finger.
• Touch screen is well suited for simple applications like ATM.
• It has also become common in department stores and supermarkets.
b) What is Keyboard?

• A keyboard is a portable wired or wireless electronic device that contains all the
alphabets, numerics, symbols and special characters, which is used for entering
input data into a laptop/ desktop computer system.
• The various types of computer keyboards typically used by computer users for
different purposes are a qwerty keyboard, a gaming keyboard, a virtual keyboard
and a multimedia keyboard.
• Based on the connectivity options used for a keyboard to connect with a
computer, it is classified as a wired keyboard, a wireless keyboard, a Bluetooth
keyboard and an USB keyboard.
• Keyboards are classified based on the size and their mode of usage.
b) Types of Keyboard

1. Multimedia Keyboard

2. Mechanical Keyboard

3. Wireless Keyboard

4. Virtual Keyboard

5. USB Keyboard

6. Ergonomic Keyboard

7. QWERTY Keyboard

8. Gaming Keyboard

9. Flexible Keyboard
1. Multimedia Keyboard
• The keyboard that has all multimedia buttons is called multimedia keyboard. The
buttons include play, pause, previous, next, volume up, volume down, mute and
special button to launch media. Also, a button to launch a browser, my computer,
calculator is available.
2. Mechanical Keyboard
• The primitive keyboard which uses physical buttons for each key is called a
mechanical keyboard. It makes noise when each key is pressed. A button is pushed
down and an electrical signal is sent to the computer device which then shows the
characters.
3. Wireless Keyboard
• Bluetooth, IR technology or Radio Frequency is used to connect the keyboard
with the computer device. We can port the keyboard and the parent system is
not needed near the keyboard. These keyboards are lightweight and smaller in
size. These keyboards should have a transmitter and trans-receiver.
Transmitter sends the strokes from the keyboard as radio waves which are
received by trans-receiver kept near parent device.
4. Virtual Keyboard

• The keyboard used in smart phones is called a virtual keyboard. This

keyboard appears when needed and disappears when typing is
completed. This can be automatically set as per need. Also in the
windows system, we can use a virtual keyboard that appears on the
screen. There is no physical object to carry for a virtual keyboard.
5. USB Keyboard

• Universal Serial Bus Keyboard has a USB stick with a wire which has to be inserted

into the USB port of the system. And then the keyboard works well. While
rebooting the system, the keyboard is not supported and hence the users may
face an issue. Installation of suitable drivers helps to resolve this issue.
6. Ergonomic Keyboard
• This keyboard is mainly designed for users who use both hands for typing. The
advantage of this keyboard is less muscle strain and carpal tunnel syndrome for
users. The keyboard is built with the view of ergonomics. This keyboard is
expensive and not affordable for common people.
7. QWERTY Keyboard
• The earlier typewriters had keys in the range QWERTY due to the arrangement of
strings. Early computer keyboards were also built in the same manner for the ease
of use for typewriter users. This keyboard is the most common one used by all of
us and hence needs no introduction.
8. Gaming Keyboard
• The keyboard that has very few keys specific for gamers is called gaming keyboard.
Graphics are also included in the keyboard. W, S, D, A and arrow keys are the only
keys you could find in this keyboard. The design is so good that anyone could fall in
love with the keyboard.
9. Flexible Keyboard

• The keyboards made of silicone which has most of the keys and flexible in
appearance is called a flexible keyboard. The distance between the keys are less.
The keyboards are meant for rolling and are not foldable.
1.4 Application Software
• What is Software?
• The software is a kind of programs that enable a user to perform some specific
task or used to operate a computer.
• It directs all the peripheral devices on a computer system – what to do and how to
perform work. Without Software, we can’t operate hardware and perform any
calculations.
• A computer system can be divided into three components: the hardware, the
software and the users. The software can be further divided into mainly two parts:
Application software and System Software. Bare use of hardware is not easy, so to
make it easy software is created.
1. System Software:
• System Software (a type of computer program) provides a platform to run computer’s
hardware and computer application to utilize system resources and solve their
computation problem.
• It is written in a low-level language, like assembly language so it can easily interact with
hardware with basic level.
• It controls working of peripheral devices.
• The best-known example of system software is the operating system (OS).It
responsible for manages all the other programs on a computer.
2. Application Software:
• Applications software is capable of dealing with user inputs and helps the user to
complete the task.
• It is also called end-user programs or only an app. It resides above system
software. First user deal with system software after that he/she deals with
application software. The end user uses applications software for a specific
purpose. It programmed for simple as well as complex tasks.
• It either be installed or access online. It can be a single program or a group of small
programs that referred to as an application suite. Some examples of Application
Software are Word processing software, Spreadsheets Software, Presentation,
Graphics, CAD/CAM, Sending email etc.
• Types of Application Software:

• According to the need of users it is categorized into following types.

1) Presentation Software: Presentation program is a program to show the information

in the form of slides. We can add text, graphics video and images to slides to make
them more informative.
• The software has three components:

I. Text editor for inputting and formatting text.

II. Inserting graphics, text, video and other multimedia files.

III. Slideshow to display the information.

• Presentation software helps the presenter to present their ideas with ease and
visual information easy to understand.
• Example of presentation software: Microsoft’s PowerPoint and Apple’s Keynote.
2) Spreadsheet Software:

• Spreadsheet software is used to perform manipulate and calculations.

• In spreadsheet software data is stored in intersection row and column. The
intersection of row and column is known as a cell. The cell labeled with the row
and column label like A1, A2 etc.
• While entering data into the cell, we can also define the data value like text, date,
time, number. It provides many formula and function to perform calculations like
arithmetic operations, logical operations, text operation etc.
• It provides charts, graphs to display data graphically.
• For example Microsoft Excel, lotus 1-2-3 for windows and number for MAC OS.
3) Word Processing Software:
• Word Processing software is used to manipulate, format the text, to create memos,
letters, faxes and documents.
• Processing Software is used to format and beautify the text. It provides a list of
features. Like thesaurus, the option provides synonyms, antonyms and related
words for chosen word or phrase.
• Find and replace feature enables users to scan and replace selected words or
phrases in the document.
• Font option provides font colour, font style, font effect, font size to modify the
text. Word Art option to modify or animated titles, hyphens, columns and text
boxes in documents.
• Grammar and Spelling check option available for checking errors. Many more
option is listed here in software.
• For example Microsoft Word, Lotus Word Pro, Word pad and Corel WordPerfect.
4) Database Software:

• Database is a collection of data related to any applications.

• Today is environment every application has some database where data regarding
users stored. For this purpose, we used database software.
• When we operate the application data is accessed from the database, and after
manipulation, it gets back stored in the database.
• Database Management System (DBMS) software tool used for storing, modifying
extracting and searching for information within a database.
• MySQL, MS Access, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle is the example of database
application Software.
5) Multimedia Software:
• Multimedia is a combination of text, graphics, audio and video.
• Multimedia software used in the editing of video, audio and text.
Multimedia software used in the growth of business, educations,
information, remote system and entertainment.
• Entertainment: This area deal with the general public, media and
telecommunication. With the growth entertainment mode, many
application is available for mobile phone as well as the system. Like
Music and video entertainment app, navigation app, social networking
application, news and weather application, educational apps and e-
book reader’s app for preparation of any type of exams.
6) Simulation Software:

• Simulation is an imitation of real world and environment.

• The simulation creates a physical environment of the real world to
represent the similar behaviour, function and key nature of the selected
topic.
• Simulation is technology for education, engineering, testing, training, video
games and for scientific modelling of natural systems to gain insight into
their functioning. The simulation used in the area of the real world where
the real system cannot be accessible or may be dangerous or unacceptable.
• Area of technology flight, economics, automobiles, Robotics, digital
lifecycle, Space Shuttle Navigation, weather.
1.5 Network Environment

• A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices,

peripherals, or other devices connected to allow data sharing. An example of a
network is the Internet, which connects millions of people all over the world.
• Advantages of a network
• There are more advantages to a network than disadvantages. In fact, many
companies today wouldn't exist without accessing some form of network. Below
are the advantages of a network.

1. Share data and information - One of the biggest advantages of a network is

sharing data and information between each of the devices on it. In addition,
networks allow access to databases and help with collaboration on more complex
work.

2. Communication - A network gives all users the ability to quickly communicate with
each other using chat, instant messaging, e-mail, and videoconferencing.
3. Share hardware - Hardware devices connected to a network can be shared with all
users. Below are a few examples of network hardware that can be shared.
– NAS (network-attached storage) can store and access vast amounts of
information.
– A network printer allows all network users to print to one printer.

4. Share software - With the proper software license, software can also be shared.

5. Transferring money - Being connected to a secure network allows a person or

business to digitally transfer money between banks and users. For example, a
network could allow a company to not only manage employees' payroll, but also
transfer their pay to the employee's bank account.
• Disadvantages of Network

1. Virus and malware - Networks make sharing information between

network users easy. Unfortunately, this also means that viruses and
malware have an easier time spreading between computers on a network.

2. Vulnerabilities - When a network is created, it introduces new methods of

accessing the computers remotely, especially if they're connected to the
Internet. With these potential new methods of accessing the computer, it
can introduce new vulnerabilities to computers, users, and data on a
network.

3. Complexity - Networks are complex, and setting up and managing a

network for a business or corporation requires someone with a lot of
experience or certification.
• Types of Network

• A computer network is a group of computers connected with each other through a

transmission medium such as cable, wire etc. In this guide, we will discuss the
types of computer networks in detail.
• There are mainly three types of computer networks based on their size:
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide area network (WAN)

4. WLAN

5. Wi-Fi

6. Bluetooth
1. Local Area Network(LAN)
• Local area network is a group of computers connected with each other in a small
places such as school, hospital, apartment etc.
• LAN is secure because there is no outside connection with the local area network
thus the data which is shared is safe on the local area network and can’t be
accessed outside.
• LAN due to their small size are considerably faster, their speed can range anywhere
from 100 to 100Mbps.
• LANs are not limited to wire connection, there is a new evolution to the LANs that
allows local area network to work on a wireless connection.
2. Metropolitan Area Network(MAN)
• MAN network covers larger area by connections LANs to a larger network of computers.
• In Metropolitan area network various Local area networks are connected with each other
through telephone lines.
• The size of the Metropolitan area network is larger than LANs and smaller than WANs(wide
area networks), a MANs covers the larger area of a city or town.
3. Wide Area Network(WAN)
• Wide area network provides long distance transmission of data.
• The size of the WAN is larger than LAN and MAN.
• A WAN can cover country, continent or even a whole world. Internet connection is an
example of WAN. Other examples of WAN are mobile broadband connections such as 3G, 4G
etc.
4. Wireless LAN(WLAN)
• A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a wireless computer network that links two or more devices
using wireless communication to form a local area network (LAN) within a limited area such
as a home, school, computer laboratory, campus, or office building.
5. Wi-Fi
• A Wi-Fi network is simply an internet connection that's shared with multiple
devices in a home or business via a wireless router. The router is connected
directly to your internet modem and acts as a hub to broadcast the internet signal
to all your Wi-Fi enabled devices.
6. Bluetooth

• Bluetooth is a radio communication technology that enables low-power, short

distance wireless networking between phones, computers, and other network
devices.