Fundamentals of

Computer
Basic concepts
What is a computer ?

• An electronic device that process data, converting it into information

that is useful to people
• Any computer – regardless of its type – is controlled by programmed
instructions, which give the machine a purpose and tell it what to do.
• Shortly computer is a device that accepts input, processes data, store
data and produce output
Parts of Computer System
• Four components
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software
• Computer Data
• Computer User
Computer Hardware
• Hardware is the physical aspect of computers,
telecommunications and other information
technology devices.
• Mechanical/Electrical devices
Computer Hardware
Computer Software

• Software is general term for the various kinds of programs used to

operate computers and related devices.
• Set of instruction that tells the computer what to do.
• A computer works according to the given instructions in the software.
• 2 Types of Computer Software :
• System Software
• Application Software
Computer Data

• A collection of raw facts and figures is called data

• Data is not meaningful for making decision
• Data may consist of numbers, symbols, characters or pictures etc
• Data is collected for different purposes
• A computer primary job is to process data in various ways, converting
them into useful information
Computer User

• People operating the computer

• Drives the computer what to do
• Most important part
• Userless computers?
• No computer is totally autonomous
• Even if a computer can do its job without a person sitting in front of it
• People a still needed to design, build, program, and repair computer systems
Data, Information, and Data
Processing
• DATA is a collection of independent and unorganized facts
• INFORMATION is the processed and organized data presented in a
meaningful form
• DATA PROCESSING is the course of doing things in a sequence of
steps
• Transforming raw data into useful information
 PROCESSING
SYSTEM

DATA INFORMATION
Data/Information Processing
Lifecycle
• Data processing life cycle is a collection of steps required to convert
data into information
• Different Steps data processing life cycle are:
• Input
• Processing
• Output
• Storage
Data/Information Processing
Lifecycle
• Steps followed to process data:
• Input.
• Data is collected and given to the computer for processing
• Processing.
• Computers processing components perform actions on the data
based on instructions from user or program
• Output.
• Computer conveys result (information) to user as output
• Text, numbers, graphic, image, video, sound etc
• Storage.
• The information is stored in the computer for future use
• This step is optional
 Essential Computer Hardware
• A computer's hardware devices fall into one of
four categories
• Processor
• Memory
• Input and Output
• Storage
Essential Hardware Device
PROCESSING

MEMORY

bo ard
Key

Mouse
STORAGE
Printer

Floppy Disk Hard Disk

Input Devices

 The computer accepts input in the form of data and instruction from the user
or from another computer system such as computer on the internet
 Input can be in different forms such as letters, numbers, instructions and etc
 Example of input devices : Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick, Scanner, Touch pad,
Touch Screen
Input Devices
• Commonly used input devices are:
• Keyboard:
• Keyboard is used to enter text.
• It contains alphabetic, numeric and other
keys for entering different types of data.
• Mouse:
• Mouse is a pointing device.
• The user gives instructions to the to the
computer through mouse.
• It contains different buttons.
Input Devices
• Microphone:
• It is used to enter voice data to the
computer.
• Scanner:
• It reads printed text and graphics
and then translates the results into
digital form.
• Digital Camera:
• Digital camera is used to take and
store pictures in digital form.
Processing Device

• It is the brain of computer

• The computer processes data by using Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• In microcomputer, the CPU is a single integrated and circuit called a
microprocessor
• The microprocessor retrieves the inputs, and then process it’s by following
the instructions. The result will temporarily held in memory. From memory
the result can be output or stored.
• Example of microprocessor :
Processor Speed
• Determined by: - Type of processor e.g., Pentium IV, AMD Athlon
etc.
• Clock speed:
• 1 Hz = 1 pulse is sent out each second (1 second passes between each
pulse).
• 10 Hz = 10 pulses are sent out each second (0.1 seconds passes between
each pulse).
:
• 25 MHz = 25 million pulses sent out each second (0.000 000 04 seconds
between each pulse or 40 ns between pulses)
• 3.6 Ghz = 3.6 billion pulses sent out each second (0.27 ns between
pulses).
Memory Device

• The hardware component that stores data and instructions

temporarily.
• It consist of electronic chips connected to motherboard.
• Memory hold data and program instructions as the CPU works with
them. This memory is called Random Access Memory (RAM).
• The CPU finds any piece of data in RAM, when it needs it for
processing.
• RAM is volatile, meaning it holds the data when the power is on.
When the power is off, RAM contents are lost.
• Currently typical range is from 256MB to 8GB.
 Memory Device

RAM

ROM
• Another type of memory is
Read Only Memory.
• Also called ROM and
Permanent storage of
programs.
• Holds the computer boot
directions.
• Typically in KiloBytes.
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Storage Capacity Representation
• Storage capacity is represented in:
• 1 byte - 1 character of data.
• 1 kilobyte – 210 bytes; 1,024 characters.
• 1 megabyte - 220 bytes; 1,048,576 characters.
• 1 gigabyte – 230 bytes; more than 1 billion characters.
• 1 terabyte – 240 bytes; more than 1 trillion characters.

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Storage Devices
• The hardware components used to store data,
instructions and information permanently.
• These are different from RAM because they are non-
volatile.
• A disk drive is a deice that reads data from and writes
data to a disk.
• Some important storage devices are:
• Magnetic Storage.
• Magnetic Disks Drive.
• Floppy Disks Drive.
• Optical Storage.
• CD-ROM Drive.
• CD-RW Drive.
• DVD-ROM Drive.
Output Devices

• The computer produces output. Using output devices, the computer

produces the result of processing.
• Example of output devices: Printer, Monitor
Output Devices
• Sound Card:
• Coverts audio signal from
digital to analog and vice
versa
• Both Input and Output
device
• Speakers:
• The devices that play
sounds transmitted as
electrical signals from the
sound card.
Output Devices
• Video card:
• Converts the processor’s
output information into a
video signal that can be sent
through a cable to the
monitor.
• Monitor:
• The display device that
takes the electrical signals
from the video card and
forms an image using points
of colored light on the
screen.
 Output Devices

• Printer:
• An output device that produces text and graphics on paper.

Dot matrix printer

Inkjet printer
Laser printer
How does everything
connected?
• Mother Board:
• The main printed
circuit board in the
computer.
• Everything connects to
the motherboard.
• Expansion slots -
“plugs” on the
motherboard for
expanding the PC’s
capabilities via
additional circuit
boards
Computer Categorization

• In several ways
• Usage
• Some computers are designed for use by one person, some are meant to be used by
group of people, and some are not used by people at all
• Power
• The speed at which they operate and the tasks they can handle
• Size
• Physical appearance of computer
• Many more …..
Categories of Computer
1. Super Computer:
1. Super computers are the most powerful and advanced computers.
1. They have very large storage capacity and processing power.
2. The can execute more than 50 millions instructions per second.
3. The are used for problems requiring complex calculations.
4. Because of their size and expenses, super computers and relatively rare.
5. They are used by universities, government agencies and large
businesses.
Categories of Computer
6. Super computer are used for weather forecasting, weapon system
design and scientific research
7. Examples are CRAY-T90, ETA-10 etc
Categories of Computer
2. Mainframe Computers:
1. Main frame computers can support hundreds or millions of users,
handling massive amount of input, output and storage
2. They also have large capacity and processing power (but less than super
computer)
3. They can execute 5 millions of instructions per second
4. Mainframe can be used in large organizations where many users needs
to have access to share data and programs
5. They are used in banks, educational institutions, financial institutions
and atomic research centers
6. Examples are IBM 4381, NEC 610 and DEC 10 etc
Categories of Computer
Mainframe Computer
Categories of Computer
3. Minicomputers:
1. Minicomputers are smaller than mainframes but larger than
microcomputers
2. Minicomputers usually have multiple terminals
3. Minicomputers are usually may be used as network servers and Internet
server
Categories of Computer
• Microcomputers or Personal Computers:
• Microcomputers are known as personal computers
• PC are compatible computers follow the specification of the original IBM
personal computer
• Some PC compatible computers includes Compaq, Dell and Toshiba
• Full type desktop computers are most common type of PC
• Notebook (laptop) are used by the people who needs the power of a desktop
but also needs portability
• Handhold (such as PDA) lack the power of desktop or laptop PC, but offer the
features for users who need limited functions and small size
Categories of Computer
Characteristics of
Computer
1. Speed:
1. Computer work at a very high speed and are much faster than humans.
2. A computer can perform billions of calculations in a second.
3. Computer speed is measured in Mega Hertz (MHz)/Giga Hertz (GHz).
2. Storage:
1. A computer can store a large amount of data permanently.
2. We can store any type of data in a computer:
1. Text, graphics, pictures, audio or video etc.
3. Storage capacity of computer is increasing rapidly.
Characteristics of
Computer
3. Processing:
1. A computer can process the given instruction.
2. It can perform both arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division) as well as logical operations (comparing two numbers to decide
which one is bigger etc).
4. Accuracy:
1. Accuracy mean to provide result without any error.
2. Computer can process large amounts of data and generate error-free
results.
Characteristics of
Computer
6. Consistency:
1. A compute works in a consistent way.
2. It does not lose concentration due to heavy work.
3. It does not become tired or bored.
7. Communication:
1. Computers today can communicate with each other.
2. The computers connected with each other using some communication
devices (modem, cables etc) can share data, instructions and
information.
3. The connected computers are called network.
4. Internet is an example of computer network.
Characteristics of
Computer
8. Versatile:
1. A computer can perform different types of tasks.
2. A computer can be used for calculations, playing games, watching
videos, video games, designing, text writing etc.
9. Not intelligent:
1. Computer itself is not intelligent.
2. It only follows the given instructions.
3. It uses the intelligence of human beings not its own.
4. If a computer is given a program for addition it cannot perform
subtraction by itself.
Characteristics of
Computer
10. Cost Reduction:
1. We can perform a difficult task or a large amount of work by using
computer in less time and less cost.
2. For example, we may have to hire many people to handle an office, but
by using computer, the same work can be performed by single person.
3. It reduces the cost.
Computer Software

• A set of instruction that drive a computer to perform a specific task is

called a program
• A set of programs that utilizes the hardware and uses its’ capabilities
to perform various tasks.

• These instructions tell the computer what to do

• Without instructions a computer could not do anything

• Program : A program is a set of instructions stored in the computer to

solve specific problems.
Classification of Software

• System software
• Operating system
• Network operating system
• Utility
• Device drivers
• Translators
• Compilers
• Interpreters

• Application software
• Tailored
• Customized
SYSTEM SOFTWARE :
The system s/w are a set of programs
specially designed for performing tasks
such as, controlling the computer
hardware, and utilizing the resources to
help the application software solve specific
problems.
OPERATING SYSTEM :
Programs to control the hardware and provide user
interface. It is essential for every computer.
OS tells the computer how to use its own components
Essential for any computer because it acts as interpreter
between the hardware, application programs, and the
user
Examples
Windows
Macintosh OS
Linux
Etc.
OPERATING SYSTEM :
Functions :

•Memory management
•CPU management
•Input / Output management
•Storage / File management
•Provide user interface
Network Operating System

• Allows computer to connect and communicate and share data across

a network while controlling network operations and overseeing the
network’s security
• Examples
• Windows Server Editions
• Linux
• Unix
Utility

• A program that makes the computer system easier to use or perform

highly specialized functions
• Utilities are used to manage disks, trouble shoot hardware problems,
and perform other tasks that the operating system itself may not be
able to do
• Examples
• Device drivers
• Compilers
TRANSLATOR : Translates high level language to
low level language and vice-versa.

LOW LEVEL LANGUAGE : The language of bits

understood directly by the computer. It is also
called the machine language.

HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE : The language of users

understood by the computer only after
translation.
A computer language comprises of key
words and syntax. Using the key words
and following the syntax, commands
and instructions are written step by
step to develop the program.

The program is then translated into

machine language by using the
translators.
There are many languages and any one can be
used to develop programs.
Each language has it’s capabilities and limitations.

COBOL Commercial applications

BASIC Beginners’ language
FORTRA Mathematical and scientific
N applications
C System level programming
Application Software

• Tells the computer how to accomplish a specific task such as word

processing or drawing for the user
• Thousands of application software are available for many purposes
and for people of all ages
• Word processing software for creating text based documents
• Spreadsheets for creating numeric based documents
• These are programs developed using one of the languages to perform
a specific task.
READY MADE :
These are programs developed by software
companies for general purpose applications.
These programs can be bought and can be
installed in the hard disk of a computer.
Examples : MS-WORD, FACT, TALLY, FOXPRO etc.
CUSTOMISED OR TAILOR MADE :
These are programs developed for SPECIFIC USER
REQUIREMENT within an organisation. These
programs are developed by programmers as per
the user requirements.
Examples : Mark-sheet, Salary, Sales information,
Railway reservation etc.
Application Software

• Database Management software for building and maintaining large sets of

data
• Presentation software for creating and presenting electronic slide shows
• Graphics software for creating and manipulating graphics such as
photographs, videos, and animations
• Entertainment and education software
• Web designing and web browsers
• Games
• And many many more
Why are computers so important?

• Countless reasons for the importance of computers

• For disables
• Freedom to communicate, learn, and work without leaving home
• For sales professionals
• To communicate whenever necessary, to track leads and to manage ever-changing
schedule
• For researchers
• Like workhorse to do painstaking and time-consuming calculations etc.
Computers in Homes

• Computer in a home is as important as a refrigerator or washing

machine
• People cannot imagine living without it
• A family can have multiple PCs
• Connected with the Internet
• Why do home user need their computer?
• Communication
• E-mail enable home member to communicate with one another and to stay in contact
with friends and coworkers
Computers in Homes
• Business Work Done at Home
• Users can connect to their employer’s
network form home and do work that
could not be done during regular business
hours
• Easier to start home-based business
• School Work
• Replacer of type writer
• Digital books replacing printed books
• Easy-to-use software enables user to create
polished documents
Computers in Homes

• Entertainment
• Computer games
• Home cinema
• Finances
• Paying bills, shopping, investing, and other financial chores
Computers in Education

• Schools are adding computer technology in their curricula

• Computer literacy requires at all levels
• Students may use drawing programs to draw images
• Student may use spread sheets software to perform certain calculations and
charts creation using data collected in various practical's such as voters
turnout in an election etc.
Computers in Small Business

• Small companies cannot exist without computer technology

• Rely on inexpensive computers and software not only perform basic
functions but to manage and grow their companies
• Daily accounting problems solving, inventory management, marketing,
payroll, and many others
• Small businesses become more self-sufficient and reduce their
operating expenses
Computers in Industry

• Computers are applied in industry

• Design
• Companies that design and produce products uses computer-aided design and
computer-aided manufacturer in their creation
• Shipping
• Computers are used to manage thousands of ships, trains, planes, and trucks that are
moving goods at any moment
• Tracking vehicles locations and contents, maintenance, deriver schedule, invoices, billings,
and many other activities
Computer Aided Design
Computers in Industry

• Process Control
• Modern assembly lines can be massive, complex systems, and a breakdown at one
point can cause chaos throughout a company
• Sophisticated process control system can control the entire process with very little
human intervention
Computers in Government

• Computer play a crucial role in nearly every government agency

• Population
• Telling about population – census
• Taxes
• Tax calculation and collection
• Military
• Calculating trajectory of missals, weapon control system
• Police
• Information on criminals, crime scene, procedures etc.
Computer use in Police
Computers in Healthcare

• Hospitals filled with computerized equipments of all kinds

• Healthcare procedure uses computers
• Ultrasound, laser surgery etc
• Using robots for delicate operations or conduct surgery remotely
• Doctors training for cutting edge techniques using virtual reality
• Other uses includes
• Managing schedules, keeping patients records, perform billings