COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

What is Computer?
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and
processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the
result (output) and saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and non-
numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.
The word of computer comes from the word “Compute” which is LATIN word.
 Father of computer is Charles Babbage
 Father of Modern computer is John Van Neamann
Computer means calculation. Computer abbreviation
C-Calculate
O-Operate
M-Memorize
P-Print
U-Update
T-Tabulate
E-Edit
R-Response
A Compute has four functions there are:
 Accepts data –Input
 Process data- Processing
 Produces output- Output
 Stores Results-Storage
Input (Data):
Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the
collection of letters, numbers, images etc.
Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of the
computer system.
Output:
Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also called as
Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.
Computer System:

All of the components of a computer system can be summarized with the simple equations.

COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE+ USER

• Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices
All physical parts of the computer (or everything that we can touch) are known as
Hardware.
• Software = Programs
Software gives "intelligence" to the computer.
• USER = Person, who operates computer.

There are two types of device :

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1. Input device: Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Digital camera, Web camera, Joysticks,
Trackball.

2. Output device: Monitor, Printer, Laser, Projector, speaker

Processor
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
The main unit inside the computer is the CPU. This unit is responsible for all events inside
the computer. It controls all internal and external devices, performs arithmetic and logic
operations. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the device that interprets and executes
instructions.

Central processing unit: CPU is known as the brain of computer system. Once the
information is entered into the computer by the input device the cpu processes it. It consists
of three components

1. Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU): ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations such
as addition, subratraction, multiplication, division etc.

2. Control unit (CU): as the name suggest control unit controls all the activities and
operations of the computer system.

3. Memory unit: Memory is a storage media which is used to store data and instructions
before and after processing.

There are two types of storage devices:

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1. Primary memory (main memory)

A. RAM- ( Random Access Memory/Read-Write Memory)
B. ROM- (Read-only-memory)
2. Secondary memory (storage devices)

A. Hard Disk (Local Disk)

B. Optical Disks: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW
C. Pen Drive
D. Zip Drive
E. Floppy Disks
F. Memory Cards
G. External Hard Disk

Peripheral Devices
1. The Modem/ Internet Adapter
2. Switches/Hub
3. Router
4. TV Tuner Card

Internal Components
1. The Mother Board 5. Network Card
2. Expansion Slots 6. Graphics Card
3. CMOS Battery 7. Power Supply Unit (SMPS
4. Cooling Fan) 8. Memory Slots

Computer system are divided into two parts they are:

1. Hardware
2. Software
1. Hardware : It is general term used to represent the physical and tangible component(i.e,
those which can see tough and fact) of the computer. It is included
Input devices
Output devices
Central processing unit
Auxiliary memory unit
2.Software
 Software, simply are the computer programs.
 The instructions given to the computer in the form of a program is called Software.
 Software is the set of programs, which are used for different purposes.
 used in computer to perform specific task is called Software.

Types of software
1. System software:
a) Operating System Software : DOS, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Unix/Linux,
MAC/OS X etc.
b) Utility Software :Windows Explorer (File/Folder Management), Windows Media Player,
Anti-Virus Utilities, Disk Defragmentation, Disk Clean, Backup, WinZip, WinRAR etc…

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2. Application software:
a) Package Software :Ms. Office 2003, Ms. Office 2007, Macromedia (Dreamweaver,
Flash, Freehand), Adobe (PageMaker, Photoshop)
b) Tailored or Custom Software: SAGE (Accounting), Galileo/Worlds pan (Travel) etc.
3. Computer Languages & Scripting:
a) Low Level Language
i) Machine Language
ii) Assembly Language
i).Machine language: These language instructions are directly executed by CPU
ii).Assembly language: The endeavor of giving machine language instructions a name
structure that means bit strings of instructions of machine language are given name here
b) High Level Language: The user friendly language ...more natural language than
assembly language.
 Assembler is needed to convert assembly language into machine language
 Complier is needed to convert high level to machine language

Eg., of High level language is COBOL,FORTRAN,C, C++ ETC.

4. Translator:

Translator is used to translate user programs (low or high level) into machine
language. The following are the translator programs.

i. Complier
ii. Assembler
iii. Interpreter

Complier: Compiler is a translator program. It translate program written in a high level

language into machine language. For each high level language corresponding compiler is
used in computer.

Assembler: Assembler is a translator program. It is used to translate the assembly language

(Low level) into machine language.

Interpreter: Interpreter is also translator program. This is also used to translator program
written high level language into machine language and interpreter. The main different
between an interpreter and a compiler is to translate easier when compare to compiler

Types of Computer
On the basis of working principle
1. Analog Computer : An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form
of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or
hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
2. Digital Computer : A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with
Quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.

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3. Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital) :A combination of computers those are capable

of inputting and outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system
setup offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulations.
4. SUPER COMPUTER: A supercomputer is the world's fastest machine, capable of
Processing and counting massive datasets very quickly.
5. Mainframe Computer: A mainframe computer is a large computer capable of rapidly
processing massive amounts of data at high speeds.
6. Mini Computer: minicomputer, computer that was smaller, less expensive, and less
powerful than a mainframe or supercomputer but more expensive and more powerful than
a personal computer.

7. Micro Computer: A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer

having a central processing unit (CPU) made out of a microprocessor.
Eg. Desktop computer, notebook, laptop
8.Workstations computer: Workstations are computers that are specifically configured
to meet the most demanding technical computing requirements.

Keyboard

 A keyboard is the most common input device.

 Several kinds of keyboards are available, but they resemble each
other with Minor variations.
 The keyboard in most common use is the QWERTY board.
 Generally standard keyboard has 104 keys.
 In these keyboards, the cursor control keys are duplicated to
allow easier use of the numeric pad.
 Different types of keyboards is there
o Gaming Keyboards. Designed with gamers in consideration, these keyboards
frequently have extra macro keys, backlighting, and configurable keys. ...
o Mechanical Keyboards. ...
o Virtual Keyboards. ...
o Projection Keyboards. ...
o Wireless Keyboard. ...

Mouse
 A mouse is an electro-mechanical, hand-held device
 It is used as a pointer.
 It can perform functions like selecting menu commands, moving
icons, resizing windows, starting programs, and choosing options.
 Different types of mouse is there
 Optical Mouse. (most common type of mouse)
 Wireless Mouse
 Wired Mouse.
 Gaming Mouse.

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 Ergonomic Mouse.
 Trackball Mouse.
 Vertical Mouse.

Computers have evolved significantly over the years, and the history of computers is often
divided into generations based on the technology used. Here are the five generations of
computers:

1. First Generation (1940s-1950s): The first computers used vacuum tubes for
processing and magnetic drums for storage. They were large, expensive, and
unreliable.
2. Second Generation (1950s-1960s): The second generation of computers replaced
vacuum tubes with transistors, making them smaller, faster, and more reliable.
Magnetic core memory was also introduced, which was faster and more reliable than
magnetic drums.
3. Third Generation (1960s-1970s): The third generation of computers used integrated
circuits, which allowed for even smaller and faster computers. They also introduced
magnetic disk storage and operating systems.
4. Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s): The fourth generation of computers saw the
introduction of microprocessors, which made personal computers possible. They also
introduced graphical user interfaces and networking.
5. Fifth Generation (1980s-Present): The fifth generation of computers is still ongoing,
and is focused on artificial intelligence and parallel processing. This generation also
saw the development of mobile computing and the internet.

Classification of generations of computers

Five Generations of Computers

Generations of computers Generations timeline Evolving hardware

First generation 1940s-1950s Vacuum tube based

Second generation 1950s-1960s Transistor based

Third generation 1960s-1970s Integrated circuit based

Fourth generation 1970s-present Microprocessor based

1980- The present and the

Fifth generation Artificial intelligence based
future

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The main characteristics of first generation of computers (1940s-1950s)

 Main electronic component – vacuum tube

 Main memory – magnetic drums and magnetic tapes
 Programming language – machine language
 Power – consume a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat.
 Speed and size – very slow and very large in size (often taking up entire room).
 Input/output devices – punched cards and paper tape

 Examples – ENIAC, UNIVAC1, IBM 650, IBM 701, etc.

 Quantity – there were about 100 different vacuum tube computers produced between
1942 and1963.

The main characteristics of second generation of computers (1950s-1960s)

 Main electronic component – transistor

 Memory – magnetic core and magnetic tape / disk
 Programming language – assembly language
 Power and size – low power consumption, generated less heat, and smaller in size (in
comparison with the first generation computers).
 Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison with the first generation
computers).
 Input/output devices – punched cards and magnetic tape.
 Examples – IBM 1401, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107, etc.

The main characteristics of third generation of computers (1960s-1970s)

 Main electronic component – integrated circuits (ICs)
 Memory – large magnetic core, magnetic tape / disk
 Programming language – high level language (FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, COBOL,
C, etc.)
 Size – smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than second generation computers (they
were called minicomputers).
 Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in comparison with the second
generation computers).
 Input/ output devices- magnetic tape, keyboard, monitor, printer,etc.
 Examples – IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, UNIVAC 1108, etc.

The main characteristics of fourth generation of computers (1970s-1980s)

 Main electronic component – very large-scale integration (VLSI) and microprocessor.
 VLSI– thousands of transistors on a single microchip.
 Memory – semiconductor memory (such as RAM, ROM, etc.)

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 RAM (random-access memory) – a type of data storage (memory element) used in

computers that temporary stores of programs and data (volatile: its contents are
lost when the computer is turned off).
 ROM (read-only memory) – a type of data storage used in computers that
permanently stores data and programs (non-volatile: its contents are retained even
when the computer is turned off).
 Programming language – high level language (Python, C#, Java, JavaScript, Rust,
Kotlin, etc.).
 A mix of both third- and fourth-generation languages
 Size – smaller, cheaper and more efficient than third generation computers.
 Speed – improvement of speed, accuracy, and reliability (in comparison with the
third generation computers).
 Input / output devices – keyboard, pointing devices, optical scanning, monitor,
printer, etc.
 Network – a group of two or more computer systems linked together.
 Examples – IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh, etc.

The main characteristics of fifth generation of computers (the present and the
future)

 Main electronic component: based on artificial intelligence, uses the Ultra Large-Scale
Integration (ULSI) technology and parallel processing method.
o ULSI – millions of transistors on a single microchip
o Parallel processing method – use two or more microprocessors to run tasks simultaneously.

 Language – understand natural language (human language).

 Power – consume less power and generate less heat.
 Speed – remarkable improvement of speed, accuracy and reliability (in comparison with the
fourth generation computers).
 Size – portable and small in size, and have a huge storage capacity.
 Input / output device – keyboard, monitor, mouse, track pad (or touchpad), touch screen, pen,
speech input (recognize voice / speech), light scanner, printer, etc.
 Example – desktops, laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc.