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Chap 1
Chap 1
COMPUTERS
Definition of a Computer
A Computer is a machine that manipulates data acc. to a
list of instructions .
A computer can also be defined as an electronic device
that accepts input (data), processes it and gives out the
desired result (output).
A programmable machine that inputs, processes and
outputs data
Computer Consist of:
Hardware
Software
Characteristics of Computer
Application software
Primary Functions of a PC
The general function of a PC is to perform operations
on information or the data.
There are variations in performing in these operations
like how the data is handled, how much is moved
around and how efficiently the processing occurs and
how quickly it can be done.
The basic job that a computer performs are:-
• Storing the data.
• Processing of data.
Processing of data:-
• Computing or information transformation—changing
information from one form to another.
• The key part of computer that processes information is
the processor.
Movement and communication of data:-
• Movement of data:- Input/Output or I/O operation.
o Fast.
o Very reliable.
Disadvantages :-
o They over heat quickly.
o Maintenance problems.
Types of Computer System (Detail)
• Third Generation Computers:- (1964-1971) Integrated circuits
The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the
third generation of computers.
User interacted through Keyboard and monitors and interfaced
with operating system.
Computers became accessible for the first time to mass
audience.
Advantages :-
o IC’s are very small in size.
o Improved performance.
Disadvantages :-
o IC’s are sophisticated.
Types of Computer System (Detail)
• Fourth Generation Computers :- (1971-Present)
Microprocessors.
Advantages :-
o It is compact.
o Less power consumption.
o Production cost is cheap.
Disadvantage :-
o No artificial intelligence.
Types of Computer System (Detail)
• Fifth Generation Computers :- Artificial Intelligence
• Micro :-
Computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit.
• Mini :-
Large numbers of users can work from single computer.
Has high processing speed and powerful storage devices.
• Mainframe :-
These computers are shared by large number of users.
High speed.
Large Storage facilities.
Eg:- Banks, Railways/ airlines reservations.
• Super :-
Can be used by many individuals at same time.
Eg:- metrological departments for weather forecasting
,military.
Types of Computer System (Detail)
Based on Purpose:-
• General purpose :-
General Purpose computers are those that allow users to do
various tasks not a specific task.
Eg: personal computers - it helps us to do things like playing
games, chatting, organizing, authoring, internet browsing etc.
• Special Purpose :-
Special purpose computers are those that are made to do
special tasks; mostly its does only one task (task related to
that particular field) .
E.g. A TV, a washing machine, an iPod etc. are all forms of
computers, but they have only a small range of things that
they can do, and are designed specifically to do them .
Types of Computer System (Detail)
Based on User:-
• Single User
• Multiple User
Types of Computers
Desktop PC’s
Workstations
Mini Computers
Mainframe Computers
Super Computers
Multimedia Computers
Notebook Computers
Handheld Computers (Palmtops)
Servers
Data Representation
Computer receives information in digital form called binary numbers
i.e. 0’s and 1’s (power of 2).
Humans use decimal numbers i.e. power of 10.
Binary numbers are represented in terms of switches.
The “off” state is binary 0
Main Memory
(RAM)
External Storage
• Hard disk
• Floppy
INPUT DEVICE.
A hardware device that sends information into the CPU.
Characteristics of Monitors:
Resolution - The number of distinct pixels in each dimension that
can be displayed.
Dot Pitch - Is a specification for a computer display that describes
the distance between dots (sub-pixels) of the same color on the
screen.
Refresh Rate - Is the number of times in a second that display
hardware draws the data.
Size - Is measured diagonally from one corner of the screen to
another.
OUTPUT DEVICE.(contd…)
Types of Monitors :-
LED Monitors.
OUTPUT DEVICE.(contd…)
Printers :-
A printer is a peripheral which produces a hard copy of documents
stored in electronic form.
The speed of the printer is rated in ppm (page per minute) or cps
(character per second).
Printers can be classified into :-
Impact printers :- There is a direct contact between the paper and
Dot Matrix -
Impact printer.
Inkjet –
Non impact printer.
Forms character and images from dots made by spurting tiny
droplets of ink on the paper.
Has 2 cartridges (B/W & color).
0.5 -4 pages PPM.
300 dpi.
OUTPUT DEVICE.(contd…)
Laser –
Non Impact printer.
Plotters –
Attached with a pen and used for making vector graphics such as
graphs,charts using pen.
Multicolor plotters use different colour pens to draw different
colours.
Used in CAD design.
OUTPUT DEVICE.(contd…)
Sound Card - Is a computer expansion card that facilitates the input
and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of
computer programs.
E.g. RAM
ROM
RAM (Random Access Memory)