Session - 1

Basics Of Computers

T. Mutero
1. A book is 1.2MB, Convert it to:
•i. bits
•Ii. GBytes
2. 01101 + 1111001=?
3. 1111001-01101=?

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 2

A Desktop Machine

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 3

A Computer System

User
• Hardware
• Software
• User
Software

Hardware

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 4

A Computer System
(Contd.)
• In general, a computer is a machine which
accepts data, processes it and returns new
information as output.

Processing

Data Information

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 5

Software
• Software is set of programs (which are step by
step instructions) telling the computer how to
process data.

• Software needs to be installed on a computer,

usually from a CD.

• Softwares can be divided into two groups:

- System SW
- Application SW

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 6

Software
(Contd.)
System Software
• It controls the overall operation of the system.

• It is stored in the computer's memory and

instructs the computer to load, store, and
execute an application.

• Examples: Operating System (OS), Translators

DOS, Windows, Unix etc.
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Software
(Contd..)
Application Software
• They are Softwares written to perform specific
tasks.

• The basic types of application software are:

word processing, database, spreadsheet,
desktop publishing, and communication.
Examples: MSOffice, Tally, MSOutlook,
ISBS, MODBANKER BANKSOFT

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 8

Advantages of Using
Computers
• Speed: Computers can carry out instructions in less
than a millionth of a second.

• Accuracy : Computers can do the calculations without

errors and very accurately.

• Diligence : Computers are capable of performing any

task given to them repetitively.

• Storage Capacity : Computers can store large

volume of data and information on magnetic media.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 9

History of Evolution Of
Computers
Two Eras:
• Mechanical Era (Before 1945)
• Electronic Era (1945 - )

Can be divided into generations.

• First Generation (1945 – 1954)
• Second Generation (1955 – 1964)
• Third Generation (1965 – 1974)
• Fourth Generation (1975 - )

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Types of
Computers
On the basis of Computing Power & Size:
• Laptop / Palmtop
• Micro Computer / Desktop
• Mini Computer / Mainframe
• Super Computer

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Language of
Computers
• Computers only understand the electronic
signals.
Either Current is flowing or not.
• Current Flowing : ON
• Current Not Flowing : OFF
• Binary Language
• ON : 1
• OFF : 0
• Bit, Byte, KB, MB, GB

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 12

Computer Network
• A Computer Network is interconnection of
Computers to share resources.

• Resources can be : Information, Load,

Devices etc.

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Types Of Computer
Networks
On the basis of Size:
• Local Area Network (LAN)
Its a network of the computers locally i.e. in
one room, one building.
• Wide Area Network (WAN)
Its a network of the computers spread widely
geographically.

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Benefits of Computer
Networks
• Information Sharing
• Device Sharing
• Load Sharing
• Mobility
• Fast Communication
• Anywhere Anytime Banking

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Internet

• Internet is a huge network of computer networks.

• Internet provides many services:

– Email
– World Wide Web (www)
– Remote Login (Telnet)
– File Transfer (FTP)

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 16

 End Of Session #1

ANY Queries ??????

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 17

 CPU ( Central Processing
Unit)
• The central processing unit (CPU), also
known as just a "processor”, is the "brain"
of your computer.

• It contains various electronic circuits.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 18

VDU (Monitor)

• This is the television-like screen where the results

of a computer's tasks are displayed.

• Monitors come in all sizes, but most commonly

they are either 15 or 17 inches
(measured diagonally from one corner of the
screen to the opposite corner).

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 19

Keyboard

• The keyboard looks like a typewriter.

• It contains all the letters of the alphabet,

numbers and some special symbols.

• It operates like a typewriter keypad, but

instead of moving an arm, which strikes the
paper, it sends an electronic impulse to the
computer, which displays a character on the
monitor.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 20

Mouse
• Its
a device that is used to control the computer.
A cable connects the mouse to the computer.

• When the mouse is moved on a pad, called a

mouse pad, the cursor on the screen moves.

• A cursor is a small symbol displayed on the

computer screen (normally a diagonal arrow that
is used as a pointer) that shows you what the
mouse is referencing on the screen.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 21

 Printer

• A printer is designed to output information

from a computer onto a piece of paper.

• There are three kinds of printers:

dot matrix, laser, and inkjet.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 22

Scanner

• A scanner is a device used to copy an image off

paper and convert it into a digital image, which
can be saved as a computer file and stored on a
hard drive.

• Scanners can also use a special kind of

technology called Optical Character Recognition
(OCR) to read text from paper and save it as an
editable document file

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 23

 Session # 2
Inside The CPU
Cabinet
A Look Inside.

Floppy

CD

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 25

A Look
Inside ..
power
supply CD-ROM
drive

floppy
drive
cards
hard
drive

motherboard
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 26
A Look Inside…

• Identify all the major components:

– Power Supply
– Motherboard
– Memory
– Card Slots
– Cards (sound, video, network)
– CPU, heatsink and fan
– Drives (floppy, hard and CD-ROM)

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 27

 What these components do.

• Power Supply – (heart) supplies power to all the circuitry

and devices.

• Motherboard – (body) acts as a manager for everything

on the computer – connects all the other components
together.

• CPU – Central Processing Unit – (brain) this does all the

work of computing.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 29

 What these components do..

• RAM – Random Access Memory – (short-term

memory) holds data and program instructions
that the computer is currently using.

• Hard Drive – (long-term memory) holds all of the

information that needs to be stored between
uses of the computer.

• Floppy and CD-ROM drives – (mouth/ears) allow

you to give data to the computer and take data
away from the computer.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 30

 What these components do…

• Card Slots – (fingers) Allows other components to

be added to the computer.

• Video card – (face) Does all of the processing

necessary to get stuff looking nice on screen,
quickly.

• Sound card – (vocal cords) Allows sounds from

HD or CD-ROM to be played.

• Network Card – (telephone) allows computer to

talk to other computers over a wire.
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 31
Power Supply

SMPS – Switch Mode Power Supply

Switching Transistors

Outputs + 5V, -5V, +12 V, -12 V

Typical Costs are:

• ATX – Rs.700
• Non ATX – Rs.300

Usually, SMPS comes with the CPU Cabinet.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 32

Motherb
oard

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 33

 CPU
CU
• A Single Chip
ALU

Memory
Registers

Examples: Intel Family – Pentium 4, 3, 2, Pentium,

XEON, Itanium
AMD -- Athlon, K62
IBM -- Cyrix
Motorola -- 68000 Series
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 34
 RAM

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Hard Drive

We won’t remove this.

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 Floppy Drive

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CD-ROM Drive

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 Ribbon Cables

polarized

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Video Card

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Sound Card

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 Back of
Computer

Remove these screws

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 42

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 43
 End of Session # 2

Queries???

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 44

 CPU
• The central processing unit or (CPU) is the "brain"
of your computer. It contains the electronic circuits
that cause the computer to follow instructions
from memory.

• The CPU contains three main parts, all housed

in a single package (Chip):
– Control Unit (CU)
– Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
– Memory

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers

BACK 45
 Session # 3
Computer Peripherals
Major Peripherals

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Hard Disk
• Floppy Disk
• CD ROM
• Printer
• Scanner
• Joystick

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 47

Keyboard
• Keypad contains:
– Alphabets
– Numbers
– Special Symbols
– Function Keys

• qwert Keyboard (Typewriter Keyboard).

• On key press it sends a code (ASCII Code) to the CPU.
• Plug N Play device.
• Typical Cost is Rs.300 – Rs.1200

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 48

Mouse

• Pointing & Click Device.

• Two / Three Buttons
• Wheel / Optical Mouse
• Normally Left Click – Select/ Run
Right Click – Popup Menu
• Typical Cost is Rs.100 – Rs1000

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 49

 Hard Disk

• Magnetic Memory Device.

• Non-removable storage device.
• Several Circular Magnetic Disks are housed in a
single case.
• Data is stored as 1s & 0s.
• Typical Capacity is 20 GB -80 GB
• Typical Cost is Rs.2200 – Rs6000
• Cost/Bit is Low.
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 50
Floppy Disk

• Magnetic Memory Device.

• Removable storage.
• A single circular mylar plastic disk, coated with magnetic
material is packed in a protective plastic casing.
• Typical size is 3.5” & Capacity is 1.44MB
• Typical Costs are:
• Floppy Drive -- Rs.300
• Floppy Disk -- Rs.10

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 51

CD ROM
• Optical Device.
• Removable Storage.
• Read Only Memory.
• Typical Capacity is 550 Mb – 800MB
• Typical Costs are:
• Drive -- Rs.1000
• Disk Rs10 – Rs.35
• Related Terms:
• CD Writer
• WORM
• CD RW
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 52
Printer
• Output Device, Produces Hard Copy
• Types:
– Dot Matrix
– Inkjet
– Laser
• Typical Cost Ranges from Rs.3500 – Rs.2 lacs
• Related Terms:
– Impact – Non Impact
– Ribbon, Cartridge, Toner, Duty Cycle
• Major Vendors in India:
– HP, Cannon, Samsung, TVS, Epson etc.
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 53
 Scanner

• Input Device, Converts a hard copy into a

computer file.
• Used to Scan Signatures, Photographs etc.
• Optical Device.
• Typical Cost Rs.4000 – Rs.75000
• Major Vendors in India:
– HP, Umax, Cannon
• Nowadays Scanners with OCR produces
editable documents.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 54

 End of Session #3

Queries???

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 55

 Session - 4

Overview of Operating System

 What is Operating System

 OS is system software, which may be viewed as

collection of software consisting of procedures for
operating the computer.

 It provides an environment for execution of programs

(application software).

 It’s an interface between user & computer.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 57

 Computer Machine
(Hardware)

Machine Language
(Low Level Language)

Operating System

Human Understandable
Language (High Level
Language)

User / Programmer

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 58

 Types of OS

 Multiprogramming OS

 Multitasking/Multiprocessing

 Multiuser OS

 Time Sharing OS

 Real Time OS

 Distributed OS
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 59
 A Second Classification
This Classification is based on the type of interface
Operating System provides for the user to work in.

Character User Interface (CUI)

The User has to type the commands on the
command prompt to get the work completed.
Ex. DOS, UNIX.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The User need not type any commands.
He/She just point and clicks on the desired Icon
to get the work done.
Ex. Windows (9X, XP, NT, 2000), Linux.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 60

 Functions of OS

File Management

Memory Management

Process Management

Device Management

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 61

 Types of Processing

Serial Processing
The job is processed at the time
when it is submitted.

Batch Processing
The similar jobs are bunched together and
are kept for processing at an later time.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 62

 MS-DOS Overview
 MS-DOS is an acronym for MicroSoft Disk Operating System

 It is a CUI based operating system.

 It provides user with a command prompt (generally called as C:\) where

various command could be typed.

 When one operates in the DOS environment, one interacts with the
command interpreter, which interprets the commands given by user.

 It provides an environment for execution of various application programs

like MS-Word, MODBANKER, ISBS etc.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 63

 What is Command

 It is a string of characters which tells the computer what to do.

 When one types commands to a computer, one is conversing

with the operating system's command interpreter.

 For example, to copy a file called file.txt from the 3-1/2"

floppy drive to the hard drive, one could type

C:\> copy a:\file.txt c:\

The word "copy" is a DOS command which causes files to be

copied from one location to another

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 64

 Entering the DOS Environment
 If the OS is DOS then the system will directly show prompt (C:\>)

 If the OS is windows one must either terminate the Windows environment, or

open a DOS shell within the Windows environment.

Ist Method: Terminating Windows Environment

Select “Restart in MS-DOS Mode” from Shut Down in Start

Menu.

IInd Method: Opening DOS Shell in Windows

Select Start>Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt (XP)

Start>Programs>Accessories>MS-DOS Prompt (98)

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 65

 Files and Directory
Files
 A file is a collection of Records.
 It is the smallest unit of File System (Storage) in a computer.
 Any document created using computer is a file. This document could either be
a letter, any excel sheet, any image or even a database.

Directory
 A collection of files is directory (in DOS) or folder (in Windows)
 It is analogous to the Office Folder which contains various documents.
 A directory/folder eases the management of related files/ documents, like the
various circulars related to personnel could be placed in a directory called
“personnel” and all the circulars related to loans could be placed in a directory
called “loans”.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 66

 Filenames in DOS?

 The filename in DOS have the following format.

<name>.<ext>

 It has two parts the name and the extension.

 The name could be of 8 characters and the extension of 3

characters.

 The filename can contain alphabets and numbers. It cannot

contain any special character other than underscore (_) and
also no spaces.
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 67
 Organization of files in DOS

The DOS file system is a hierarchical file system.

Files are collected into directories, and directories may contain

both files and other directories.

There is always a directory which is not contained by any

other, called the root which is represented by the backslash '\'
character.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 68

 Organization of files in DOS (Contd.)

Concept of Path: Every file can be specified by enumerating

all of the directories between the root and it, separated by the
backslash '\' character, and appending the file name to the end.

The drive which contains the root is specified at the head of

the path, separated from the root by a colon (':')

The hard drive is most commonly known as the C: drive, and

the floppy drives are usually called A:(3-1/2 inch) and B: (5-
1/4 inch).

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 69

 Organization of files in DOS (Contd.)

circulars loans personnel

officer.txt new.dat

january february

retire.txt

rest.txt abc.txt
Fig. Hierarchical Structure of Files
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 70
 Some DOS Commands
dir: Listing of all the directories.
C:\> dir

cls: Clears the screen.

C:\> cls

copy con: Creates a file.

C:\> copy con <filename>
< Write your Contents Here>
Press Ctrl-Z (^Z) to finish writing.

Ex: C:\> copy con test.dat

Lets Make UCO a top class Bank.
Ctrl-Z (^Z)
1 file(s) copied. (A Message will be shown on the system)

This will create a file named test.dat having some data.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 71

 Some DOS Commands (Contd.)
edit: Edits a file.

C:\> edit <filename>

This will open a editor window where the contents of file can be seen. These
contents could also be edited here and on saving, the contents of file will
change.

type: Displays the content of a file.

C:\> type <filename>

This will display the contents of file on the computer. The contents of file could
only be viewed but could not be changed, as in the case of edit.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 72

 Some DOS Commands (Contd.)
md: Make Directory.

C:\> md (directory name>

This will create a directory with the specified name.

cd: Change Directory.

C:\> cd (directory name>

This will change the directory from current directory to the specified directory.

rd: Remove Directory.

C:\> rd (directory name>

If the directory is needed to be removed permanently from the computer, use
this command. For this command to be executed it is necessary that the
directory should be empty andIntroduction
06/12/25 user should be on a directory above it.
to Computers 73
 Some DOS Commands (Contd.)
copy: Copies a file.

C:\> copy <source> <destination>

This will copy the file from the source location to the specified destination. The
command creates a copy of the file on the destination i.e. the file would be
found on both the location.

move: Moves a file.

C:\> move <source> <destination>

This will move the file from the source location to the specified destination.
The file from the source location would be removed and would be moved to the
destination.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 74

 Some DOS Commands (Contd.)
ren: Renames a file.
C:\> ren <old filename> <new filename>
This will change the name (rename) of the file to a new name as
specified.

del: Deletes a file.

C:\> del <filename>
This will delete the file permanently from the system.

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 Overview of Windows

 Windows is an GUI based operating system.

 It is also developed by Microsoft Corporation, which is headed by

Mr. Bill Gates.

 Over the years the Microsoft have evolved various versions of

Windows. Win95, Win98, Win2000, Win ME, Win NT, Win XP.

 It gives user a handy environment where he doesn’t have to

remember and learn the syntaxes of various commands as is the case
in DOS.

 The user can just point and click on the Icons provided to him on the
screen.
06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 76
 Folders and Documents

 Folders are a way to organize your documents within drives in Windows as

are the directories in DOS.

 A document is each thing that you create on a computer. A document can

be made using any type of software.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 77

 End of Session #4

Queries???

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 78

 QUIZ
1. Name any four devices of a Computer.
Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Light Pen.

2. What is the job of CPU?

Central Processing Unit controls and
coordinates all the activities of the computer.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 79

 QUIZ

3. What is the unit of measuring the speed of the

processor?
Mega Hertz or Kilo Hertz ( No. of CPU
Cycles/second)

4. What is a computer network?

It is interconnection of computers to make a
LAN,MAN or WAN.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 80

 QUIZ

5. Name any three storage devices.

Hard Disk, Magnetic Tape, Compact Disk.

6. What is command to create directory?

C:\>MD <<dir-name>>

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 81

 QUIZ

7. What is Internet?
It is the network of networks.

8. What are different types of printers?

Dot Matrix Printer, Inkjet
Laser

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 82

 QUIZ

9.What is the use of Scanner?

It is used to copy the real image on
paper to be stored as digital image in
the computer.

10. Why Operating system is required?

It is required to provide the interface
between the user and the computer.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 83

 QUIZ

11. What is the difference between Primary

Storage and Secondary Storage?

Primary Storage is temporary storage,

fast and costly.
Secondary storage is permanent, slow
and
cheap.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 84

 QUIZ

12. What is MODEM. Why it is required?

It is Modulator Demodulator. It is used to
connect the PC to the Internet using Analog
Telephone Lines.

13. What is the maximum length of

file name in DOS?
First Name- 8 characters, Last Name-
3 characters.

06/12/25 Introduction to Computers 85

 QUIZ

14. What is the command in DOS to see the

contents of the file?
C:\> Type<<File Name>>

15. What are the two types of Software?

Systems Software
Application Software

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