Module 1

Introduction of Computing

Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computing

machinery. It includes the study and experimentation of algorithmic processes, and development
of both hardware and software. Computing has scientific, engineering, mathematical,
technological and social aspects. Major computing disciplines include computer engineering,
computer science, cybersecurity, data science, information systems, information technology and
software engineering.

The term computing is also synonymous with counting and calculating. In earlier times, it was
used in reference to the action performed by mechanical computing machines, and before that, to
human computers.

History of Computing

The history of computing is longer than the history of computing hardware and includes the
history of methods intended for pen and paper (or for chalk and slate) with or without the aid of
tables. Computing is intimately tied to the representation of numbers, though mathematical
concepts necessary for computing existed before numeral systems. The earliest known tool for
use in computation is the abacus, and it is thought to have been invented in Babylon circa
between 2700–2300 BC. Abaci, of a more modern design, are still used as calculation tools
today.

The first recorded proposal for using digital electronics in computing was the 1931 paper "The
Use of Thyratrons for High Speed Automatic Counting of Physical Phenomena" by C. E. Wynn-
Williams. Claude Shannon's 1938 paper "A Symbolic Analysis of Relay and Switching Circuits"
then introduced the idea of using electronics for Boolean algebraic operations.

The concept of a field-effect transistor was proposed by Julius Edgar Lilienfeld in 1925. John
Bardeen and Walter Brattain, while working under William Shockley at Bell Labs, built the first
working transistor, the point-contact transistor, in 1947. In 1953, the University of Manchester
built the first transistorized computer, the Manchester Baby. However, early junction transistors
were relatively bulky devices that were difficult to mass-produce, which limited them to a
number of specialised applications. The metal–oxide–silicon field-effect transistor (MOSFET, or
MOS transistor) was invented by Mohamed Atalla and Dawon Kahng at Bell Labs in 1959. The
MOSFET made it possible to build high-density integrated circuits, leading to what is known as
the computer revolution or microcomputer revolution.

Basic Components of Computer

Before diving into the functions of the components of a Computer, let’s understand the basic
components of a computer:
Input Unit

Output Unit

Memory Unit

Control Unit

Arithmetical and Logical Unit

List of Components of a Computer

The main things that comprise a computer are – the motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, and Hard
disk drive for the storage of all the data. We will discuss all these components of the computer
in detail below:

Motherboard

A motherboard is a circuit board through which all the different components of a computer
communicate and it keeps everything together. The input and output devices are plugged into the
motherboard for function.

Input Unit

Computers respond to commands given to them in the form of numbers, alphabets, images, etc.
through input units or devices like – keyboards, joysticks, etc. These inputs are then processed
and converted to computer language and then the response is the output in the language that we
understand or the one we have programmed the computer with.

Output Unit

The result of the command we provide the computer with through the input device is called the
output. The monitor is the most used since we give commands using the keyboard and the result
or outcome is displayed on the monitor after the processing.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is called the brain of the computer since no action can take place without its permission
and execution is the main processing unit. It communicates with all the other components of the
computer and has 3 components that help in the smooth functioning of the CPU. The
components of the CPU are:

Memory Unit
The information entered through the input devices is saved in the CPU’s memory and then
passed on to the other parts. Similarly, when the output is ready it is saved in the memory before
the result is given to the user.

Control Unit

This unit controls the functioning component of the computer. It collects the data entered, leads
it on for processing after the processing is done, receives the output, and provides it to the user.
So getting instructions, decoding them, signalling the execution, and receiving the output is done
by the control centre and hence it is called the centre of all processing actions that happen in the
computer.

Arithmetic and Logical Unit

This unit does mathematical calculations, arithmetic operations, comparison of data, and
decision-making. It has circuits built for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and other
calculations.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Another vital component of the computer is the GPU. The Graphics Processing Unit or the video
card helps generate high-end visuals like the ones in video games. Good graphics like these are
also helpful for people who have to execute their work through images like 3D modelers and
others who use resource-intensive software. It generally communicates directly with the monitor.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is the most commonly referred to as a component in a computer. The RAM is also known
as the volatile memory since it gets erased every time the computer restarts. It stores the data
regarding the programs which are frequently accessed programs and processed. It helps
programs to start up and close quickly. Its being slower has made it more obsolete these days.

Storage Unit

The computers need to store all their data and they have either a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or a
Solid State Drive (SDD) for this purpose. Hard disk drives are disks that store data and this data
is read by a mechanical arm. Solid-state drives are like SIM cards in mobile phones. They have
no moving parts and are faster than hard drives. There is no need for a mechanical arm to find
data on a physical location on the drive and therefore this takes no time at all.

Major Components of Computer

Hardware
The term hardware refers to mechanical device that makes up computer. Computer hardware
consists of interconnected electronic devices that we can use to control computer’s operation,
input and output. Examples of hardware are CPU, keyboard, mouse, hard disk, etc.

Computer hardware is a collection of several components working together. Some parts are
essential and others are added advantages.

Software

A set of instructions that drives computer to do stipulated tasks is called a program. Software
instructions are programmed in a computer language, translated into machine language, and
executed by computer. Software can be categorized into two types:

 System software
 Application software

System Software

System software operates directly on hardware devices of computer. It provides a platform to run
an application. It provides and supports user functionality. Examples of system software include
operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, etc.

Application Software

An application software is designed for benefit of users to perform one or more tasks. Examples
of application software include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Oracle, etc.

Humanware

Humanware is the combination of hardware and software elements that make human interaction
with a device as good as possible. Often, developing humanware begins by defining who the
computer’s potential users are, what they are interested in, and what they need before designing
the infrastructure.

BASIC APPLICATION OF COMPUTER

Computers play a role in every field of life. They are used in homes, business, educational
institutions, research organizations, medical field, government offices, entertainment, etc.

Home

Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment, watching movies or
shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet access, etc. They
provide communication through electronic mail. They help to avail work from home facility for
corporate employees. Computers help the student community to avail online educational support.
Medical Field

Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history, diagnosis, X-rays,
live monitoring of patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays use robotic surgical devices to perform
delicate operations, and conduct surgeries remotely. Virtual reality technologies are also used for
training purposes. It also helps to monitor the fetus inside the mother’s womb.

Entertainment

Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a virtual entertainer in playing
games, listening to music, etc. MIDI instruments greatly help people in the entertainment
industry in recording music with artificial instruments. Videos can be fed from computers to full
screen televisions. Photo editors are available with fabulous features.

Industry

Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing inventory, designing
purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior designing, video conferencing, etc. Online
marketing has seen a great revolution in its ability to sell various products to inaccessible corners
like interior or rural areas. Stock markets have seen phenomenal participation from different
levels of people through the use of computers.

Education

Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online examinations, referring e-
books, online tutoring, etc. They help in increased use of audio-visual aids in the education field.

Government

In government sectors, computers are used in data processing, maintaining a database of citizens
and supporting a paperless environment. The country’s defense organizations have greatly
benefitted from computers in their use for missile development, satellites, rocket launches, etc.

Banking

In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and conduct transactions,
such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs. Banks have reduced manual errors and
expenses to a great extent through extensive use of computers.

Business

Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into business. The main objective of business is
transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers, employees or customers.
Computers can make these transactions easy and accurate. People can analyze investments, sales,
expenses, markets and other aspects of business using computers.
Training

Many organizations use computer-based training to train their employees, to save money and
improve performance. Video conferencing through computers allows saving of time and
travelling costs by being able to connect people in various locations.

Arts

Computers are extensively used in dance, photography, arts and culture. The fluid movement of
dance can be shown live via animation. Photos can be digitized using computers.

Science and Engineering

Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic process in Science and
Engineering. Supercomputers have numerous applications in area of Research and Development
(R&D). Topographic images can be created through computers. Scientists use computers to plot
and analyze data to have a better understanding of earthquakes.

Module 2

INFORMATION PROCESSING

Information processing is the manipulation of data to produce useful information; it involves the
capture of information in a format that is retrievable and analyzable. Processing information
involves taking raw information and making it more useful by putting it into context. In general,
information processing means processing new data, which includes a number of steps: acquiring,
inputting, validating, manipulating, storing, outputting, communicating, retrieving, and
disposing. The future accessing and updating of files involves one or more of these steps.
Information processing provides individuals with basic skills to use the computer to process
many types of information effectively and efficiently. The term has often been associated
specifically with computer-based operations.

IMPACT OF INFORMATION PROCESSING

Information processing has had an enormous impact on modern society. The marketplace has
become increasingly complex with the escalating availability of data and information.
Individuals need a sound understanding of how to create, access, use, and manage information,
which is essential in the work environment. People need to understand the interrelationship
among individuals, the business world nationally and internationally, and government to
constructively participate as both consumers and producers. These general competencies must be
coupled with those that lead to employment in business as well as advanced business studies.

According to market intelligence provider IDC, offices around the world were on track to
produce 4.5 trillion pages of hard-copy information by 2007. Three vital factors to consider in
the management of documents are

(1) managing the documents more effectively,

(2) controlling the costs associated with the documents processed, and

(3) using available resources more efficiently.

Every organization, whether small or large, has a vested interest in information processing
technology. Smarter document management in office environments is essential. Businesses are
adding intelligence and structure to digital and paper documents in order to streamline business
processes and to aid integration within the structured data systems. The emphasis is not on
eliminating paper, but on handling the information embedded in the documents more efficiently.
The focus has shifted to tailoring and managing technology to best meet needs.