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Computer
Computer
Introduction to Computers
Many people believe that knowing how to use a computer, is one of the basic skills needed to succeed in the
workplace. In order to use the computer, it is necessary to understand how the computer works.
What is a Computer
The computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs operations on that data, presents the results,
and stores the data or results as needed. and give you desired result.
Data
Data is a collection of facts, figures and statistics related to an object.
Data can be processed to create useful information.
Data is a valuable asset for an organization.
Data can be used by the managers to perform effective and successful operations of management. It provides a
view of past activities related to the rise and fall of an organization. It also enables the user to make better decision
for future.
Data is very useful for generating reports, graphs and statistics.
o Example: Students fill an admission form when they get admission in college. The form consists of raw facts
about the students. These raw facts are student's name, father name, address etc. The purpose of
collecting this data is to maintain the records of the students during their study period in the college.
Information
The manipulated and processed form of data is called information. It is more meaningful than data. It is used for
making decisions. Data is used as input for processing and information is used as output of this processing.
Example:
o Data collected from census is used to generate different type of information. The government can use it to
determine the literacy rate in the country. Government can use the information in important decision to
improve literacy rate.
Characteristics of a Computer
Now-a-days computer is playing a main role in everyday life it has become the need of people just like television,
telephone or other electronic devices at home. It solves the human problems very quickly as well as accurately. The
important characteristics of a computer are described below:
2. Spontaneous (Automatic): The computers are automatic. It may execute the process without any intervention
of user once they are assigned to a work. Once the data or instruction are fetched from the secondary devices
such as optical disks, hard disks etc. Immediately they get stored into RAM (primary memory) and then
sequentially they get executed.
3. Storage: A computer has internal storage (memory) as well as external or secondary storage. In secondary
storage, a large amount of data and programs (set of instructions) can be stored for future use. The stored data
and programs are available any time for processing. Similarly, information downloaded from the internet can
be saved on the storage media.
4. No Feelings: Computer is an electronic machine. It has no feelings. It detects objects on the basis of instructions
given to it. Based on our feelings, taste, knowledge and experience: we can make certain decisions and
judgments in our daily life. On the other hand, computer cannot make such judgments on their own. Their
judgments are totally based on instructions given to them.
5. Consistency: People often have difficulty to repeat their instructions again and again. For example, a lecturer
feels difficulty to repeat a same lecture in a class room again and again. Computer can repeat actions
consistently (again and again) without losing its concentration.
6. Communications: Today computer is mostly used to exchange messages or data through computer networks
all over the world. For example, the information can be received or send through the internet with the help of
computer. It is most important feature of the modern information technology.
7. Diligence: A computer can continually work for hours without creating any error. It does not get tired while
working after hours of work it performs the operations with the same accuracy as well as speed as the first one.
Generations of Computers
The term generation indicates the type of technology used in the computer construction. As new technology was
emerging, it was being used in the making of computer. The new technology improved the speed, accuracy and
storage capacity of the computers. Different technologies have been used for computers in different times.
Therefore, computers can be divided into five generations depending upon the technologies used. These are:
o First Generation (1942 - 1955)
o Second Generation (1955 - 1964)
o Third Generation (1964 - 1975)
o Fourth Generation (Since 1975)
o Fifth Generation (Since 1980)
Advantage of Computer
Easy processing of complex tasks.
It saves time by quick manipulation of data as compared to when done manually.
The errors in data processing are minimized when a computer is used.
It has helped in making communication easier by using internet.
It stores, retrieves, and processes a large amount of data.
It helps in multitasking of various jobs.
Disadvantage of Computer
Un-Employment
Cyber-crime
Computer can perform only what is it programmed to do.
Computer need well defined instructions to perform any operation
Computer System
Computer is an electronic machine that is used to solve different kinds of problems according to a set of
instructions given to it.
Computer consists of different units that perform various functions.
All the operations of the computer are controlled by the program instructions. These program instructions are known
as software.
A system is a group of related components that make up a body to perform a specific function.
Therefore, computer system is defined as:
o The computer along with various units and software that performs different activities in data processing are
collectively known a computer system.
o A computer system is divided into two sub- systems:
1. Computer Software
2. Computer Hardware
Computer Software
A set of instructions given to the computer in machine code that tells the computer what to do and how to perform
the given task of the user is known as computer software.
The software is developed in computer programming languages. You cannot feel, touch or see software inside the
computer memory.
The Computer software is classified into two main categories:
1. Application software.
2. System software.
Application Software
A set of programs used to solve particular problems of user through computer is called Application
software.
It is also known as application package. The ready packages are also available in market on CDs
for various purposes. These are used by user who does not know the computer programming. The
users solve their problems by using ready packages more easily and quickly.
Some of application packages are:
1. Word processing software (e.g. Word)
2. Spreadsheet software. (e.g. Excel)
3. Database Management System software. (e.g. Oracle, Microsoft Access)
4. Graphics software (e.g. PowerPoint)
5. Communication software (e.g. Internet Explorer)
System Software
The operating system and utility programs are the two major categories of system software. Just as
the processor is the nucleus of the computer system, the operating system is the nucleus of all
software activity.
The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-
purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems
perform basic tasks, such as
1. Recognizing input from the keyboard
2. Sending output to the display screen
3. Keeping track of files and directories on the disk
4. Controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
It is the first program loaded into memory when the computer is turned on and, in a sense, brings
life to the computer hardware. Without it, you cannot use your word processing software,
spreadsheet software, or any other applications.
Without an operating system, you cannot communicate with your computer. When you give the
computer a command, the operating system relays the instructions to the 'brain' of the computer,
called the microprocessor or CPU. You cannot speak directly to the CPU because it only
understands machine language. When you are working in an application software program, such
as Microsoft Word, commands that you give the application are sent through the operating system
to the CPU. Windows2000, Window95/98, Mac OS, Unix and DOS are all examples of operating
systems. 37
Utility programs help manage, maintain and control computer resources. These programs are
available to help you with the day-to- day chores associated with personal computing and to
keep your system running at peak performance. Some examples of utility programs include:
o Virus scanning software
o Backup software
o Scandisk
o Disk defragmenter, Virus Scanning Software are utility programs designed to protect your
computer from computer viruses.
Backup software is software that assists you in backing up your files and even the entire computer
hard drive.
Scandisk is a utility provided with Windows computers. Scandisk scans your disks to see if there are
any potential problems on the disk, such as bad disk areas. • Disk Defragmenter software assists
you in keep reorganizing your disk drives. After files are saved, deleted and resaved again, the disk
can become fragmented --- available space is in small blocks located throughout the disk. Disk
defragmenters gather those free spots and put them together to enable you to continue to save
your data in the most efficient manner. 39
Computer Hardware
The physical parts of a computer are known as computer hardware You can touch, see and feel the hardware. The
hardware consists of electronic circuits and mechanical equipment etc. used to perform various functions in the computer.
Memory
Memory refers to chip-based storage. When the term “memory” is used alone, it refers to chip–based storage used
by the computer-usually the amount of the computer’s main memory (called RAM), which is located inside the system unit.
In contrast, “storage” refers to the amount of long-term storage available to a PC- usually in the form of the PC’s hard drive
or removal storage media such as CDs, DVDs, and USB flash drives.
EEPROM
EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. This kind of
ROM can be re-written by using electrical devices and so data stored on this ROM chip
can be easily modified.
Cache memory
Data and program instructions are moved from RAM to CPU's registers during data processing. It is most
time consuming method and CPU has to waste a lot of time to access data from memory.
Cache memory is similar to RAM but it is extremely fast than RAM. It is normally used between RAM and
CPU. Cache speeds up processing speed of computer because CPU stores frequently used instructions and
data in it. When the program is running and the CPU needs a specific data or program instructions, the CPU
first checks it in cache memory. If the data is not there, the CPU reads the data from RAM into its registers,
but it also loads a copy of the same data or instruction in cache memory. The next time the CPU uses it if
required again and saves the time needed to load it from RAM.
Types of Computers
Computers can also be divided into three categories depending upon their instruction and form of input data that
they accept and process. These are: Analog Computers Digital Computers Hybrid Computers
1. Analog Computers
The word "Analog" means continuously varying in quantity. The analog computers accept input data in
continuous form and output is obtained in the form of graphs.
It means that these computers accept input and give output in the form of analog signals. The output is
measured on a scale. The voltage, current, sound, speed, temperature, pressure etc. values are examples
of analog data. These values continuously increase and decrease.
The analog computers are used to measure the continuous values. The thermometer is an example of
analog device because it measures continuously the length of a mercury column.
2. Digital Computers
The word "Digital" means discrete. It refers to binary system, which consists of only two digits, i.e. 0 and 1.
Digital data consists of binary data represented by OFF (low) and ON (high) electrical pulses. These pulses
are increased and decreased in discontinuous form rather than in continuous form.
The digital computer is designed using digital circuits in which there are two levels for an input or output
signal. These two levels are known as logic 0 and logic 1. Digital Computers can give more accurate and
faster results.
Digital computer is well suited for solving complex problems in engineering and technology. Hence digital
computers have an increasing use in the field of design, research and data processing.
3. Digital Computers
Digital computers can be further classified as,
i. General Purpose Computers
ii. Special Purpose Computers Special purpose computer is one that is built for a specific application.
General purpose computers are used for any type of applications. They can store different
programs and do the jobs as per the instructions specified on those programs. Most of the
computers that we see today, are general purpose computers.
4. Hybrid Computers
A hybrid computer combines the desirable features of analog and digital computers. It is mostly used for
automatic operations of complicated physical processes and machines. Now-a-days analog-to- digital
and digital-to-analog converters are used for transforming the data into suitable form for either type of
computation.
For example, in hospital’s ICU, analog devices might measure the patient’s temperature, blood pressure
and other vital signs. These measurements which are in analog might then be converted into numbers and
supplied to digital components in the system. These components are used to monitor the patient’s vital sign
and send signals if any abnormal readings are detected. Hybrid computers are mainly used for specialized
tasks.
5. ANALOG DIGITAL Accept input data in continuous form and output is measured on a scale Accept input data in
digital form and output is received in digital form. It may have some errors in output. Output is accurate. Have low
internal memory. Have large internal memory. Have fewer functions. Have large number of functions. It is used only
in scientific, industrial and medical fields. It is general purpose in use. It is costly. It is low in cost. It is not easily
programmed. It is easily programmed. Difference between Analog and Digital
On the Basis of Processing Speed and Storage Capacity Computers are classified according to their data processing
speed, amount of data that they can hold and price. Generally, a computer with high processing speed and large internal
storage is called a big computer. Due to rapidly improving technology, we are always confused among the categories of
computers.
Depending upon their speed and memory size, computers are classified into following four main groups.
1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Mini-computer
4. Microcomputer
Super Computer
Supercomputer is the most powerful and fastest, and also very expensive. It was developed in 1980s. It is
used to process large amount of data and to solve the complicated scientific problems. It can perform
more than one trillions calculations per second. It has large number of processors connected parallel. So
parallel processing is done in this computer. In a single supercomputer, thousands of users can be
connected at the same time and the supercomputer handles the work of each user separately.
o Supercomputer are mainly used for:
1. Weather forecasting.
2. Nuclear energy research.
3. Aircraft design.
4. To control industrial units.
Mainframe Computers
Mainframe computers are also large-scale computers but supercomputers are larger than mainframe.
These are also very expensive. The mainframe computer specially requires a very large clean room with air-
conditioner. This makes it very expensive to buy and operate. It can support a large number of various
equipment. It also has multiple processors. Large mainframe systems can handle the input and output
requirements of several thousands of users. For example, IBM, S/390 mainframe can support 50,000 users
simultaneously. There are basically two types of terminals used with mainframe systems.
o Dumb Terminal - terminal does not have its own CPU and storage devices. This type of terminal uses
the CPU and storage devices of mainframe system. Typically, a dumb terminal consists of monitor
and a keyboard (or mouse).
o Intelligent Terminal has its own processor and can perform some processing operations. Usually, this
type of terminal does not have its own storage. The mainframe computers are specially used as
servers on the World Wide Web. The mainframe computers are used in large organizations such as
Banks, Airlines and Universities etc. where many people (users) need frequent access to the same
data, which is usually organized into one or more huge databases. IBM is the major manufacturer
of mainframe computers.
Minicomputers
These are smaller in size, have lower processing speed and storage capacity as compared to mainframe.
They are also less expensive than a mainframe . Hence, their performance also will be less than that of
mainframes. The minicomputers are used in business, education and many other government
departments. Although some minicomputers are designed for a single user but most are designed to
handle multiple terminals. Minicomputers are commonly used as servers in network environment and
hundreds of personal computers can be connected to the network with a minicomputer acting as server
like mainframes, minicomputers are used as web servers.
Microcomputer
The invention of microprocessor (single chip CPU) gave birth to the much cheaper micro-computers. They
are further classified into
o Desktop Computers Laptop Computers Handheld Computers(PDAs) Desktop Computers
o Desktop computers are also known as personal computers or simply PCs. They are usually easier to
use and more affordable. They are normally intended for individual users for their word processing
and other small application requirements.
Laptop Computers
Laptop computers are portable computers. They are lightweight computers with a thin screen. They are
also called as notebook computers because of their small size. They can operate on batteries and hence
are very popular with travelers. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.
o Handheld Computers: Handheld computers or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are pen-based
and also battery-powered. They are small and can be carried anywhere. They use a pen like stylus
and accept handwritten input directly on the screen. They are not as powerful as desktops or
laptops but they are used for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and playing games. They
have touch screens which we use with a finger or a stylus. 76