Introduction to Computers

and Logic
What is Computer?
- an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in
binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable
program.

- a machine that can be instructed to carry out sequences of

arithmetic or logical operations automatically via computer
programming. Modern computers have the ability to follow
generalized sets of operations, called programs. These programs
enable computers to perform an extremely wide range of tasks.
The Hardware
- The hardware was the machinery itself. It was made up of the
physical parts or devices of the computer system like the
electronic Integrated Circuit (ICs), storage media and input
devices, output devices and other peripherals.

- All this various hardware was linked together to form an

effective functional unit. The various types of hardware used in
the computers, has evolved from vacuum tubes of the first
generation to Ultra Large Scale Integrated Circuits of the present
generation which we used now.
The Software
- The computer program is the one which controls the processing
activities of the computer hardware. The computer thus functions
according to the instruction written or given in the program to
perform the task. Software mainly consist of these computer
programs, procedures and other documentation used in the
operation

- Software is a collection of programs which utilize and enhance

the capability of the hardware to work accurately at a constant
speed at a desired time to finish. And there is lot of software
programs to consider like for example the so-called windows
operation system that operates the computer to work.
PC (Personal Computer)
- A PC can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer
designed for a individual user. PCs are based on the
microprocessor technology the enables manufacturers to put an
entire CPU on one chip.

- Mostly PCs use for playing games and business for word
processing, accounting, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, and
data base management etc.
Mini Computer
- A minicomputer is a type of computer that possesses most of
the features and capabilities of a large computer but is smaller in
physical size.

- A minicomputer, or colloquially mini, is a class of smaller

computers that was developed in the mid-1960s and sold for
much less than mainframe and mid-size computers from IBM and
its direct competitors

- It is a multi-user computer system, capable of supporting

hundreds of users simultaneously and mostly used in small
industries
Main Frame
- Mainframe computers or mainframes, also known as "big iron",
are computers used primarily by large organizations for critical
applications; bulk data processing, such as census, industry and
consumer statistics; enterprise resource planning; and transaction
processing.
- It is a multi-user computer system, capable of supporting
hundreds of users simultaneously. Software technology is
different from minicomputer and it is powerful and fast

- Is very large in size and is an expensive computer. Mainframes

executes many programs concurrently and supports much
simultaneous execution program.
Supercomputer
- A supercomputer is a computer that performs at or near the
currently highest operational rate for computers.
Traditionally, supercomputers have been used for scientific and
engineering applications that must handle very large databases
or do a great amount of computation (or both).
- A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of performance
as compared to a general-purpose computer. The performance of
a supercomputer is commonly measured in floating-point
operations per second instead of million instructions per second.
Applications of a Computer
System
Scientific, Engineering and Research

- This is the major area where computers find vast application.

They are used in areas which require a lot if experiments,
mathematical calculations, weather forecasting and complex
mathematical and engineering applications. Computer Aided
Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) help in
designing robotics, automobile manufacturing, automatic
process control devices etc.
Business
- Record keeping, budgets, reports, inventory, payroll, invoicing,
accounts are all areas of business and industry where computers
are used to a great extent. Database management is one of the
major area where computers are used on a large scale. The areas
of application here include banking, airline reservation, etc. where
large amounts of data need to be updated, edited, sorted, and
searched from large databases.
Medicine
- Computerized system are now in widespread use in monitoring
patient data like pulse rate, blood pressure etc. resulting in faster
and accurate diagnosis. Modern day medical equipment is highly
computerized today. Computers are also widely use for medical
research.
Information
- This is the age of information. Television, satellite
communication, internet, networks are all base on computer s
and all connected even far distances. A message nowadays is not
a major problem at all. People can access everything on the
website for searching information or doing a research
Education
- The use of computers in education is increasing day by day. The
students develop the habit of thinking more logically and are able
to formulate problem solving techniques.
Games, Entertainment, Banking
- Computer games are popular with children and adults alike.
Computers are nowadays also used in entertainment areas like
movies, sports, advertising etc.
- Today, banking is almost totally dependent on computers.
Banks provide the following facilities for users to make
transaction on fast and easy:
• Online Accounting facility, which includes checking
current balance, making deposits and overdrafts,
checking interest charges, shares and trustee record.
• ATM machines which are completely automated,
making it even easier for costumers to deal with
banks in every transaction
Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
Central Processing Unit

CPU consist of the following features:

• CPU is considered as the brain of the
computer as it works.
• CPU performs all types of data
processing operations.
• It stores data, intermediate results,
and program instructions
• It control the operation of all parts of the computer to work a
specific task

CPU itself has following three components.

Memory or Storage Unit

This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate result. This
supply information to other units of the computer when needed for
instructions. It is also known as internal storage unit or the main
memory or the primary storage or Random-Access Memory called
RAM. Its size affects speed, power, and capability and performance
of the machine. Primary and secondary memory are two types of
memories in the computer.

• It store all the data and the instructions required for processing.
• It store intermediate results of processing.
• It store results of processing and display in an output devices.
• All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main
memory.
Control Unit

This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but
does not carry out any actual data processing operation.
Functions of this unit are:

• It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and

instructions among other units of computer.
• It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer
• It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them,
and direct the operation of the computer
• It communicates with input/output devices for transfer of data
or results from storage.
• It does not process or store data.
Arithmetic Logic Unit

This unit consists of two subsection namely:

• Arithmetic Section
- Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
All complex operations are done by making repetitive use of the
above operation
• Logic Section
- Function of a logic section is to perform logical operations such
as comparing, selecting, matching and merging data.