INTRODUCTION TO

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

 Speed - The speed of a computer is incredibly faster

than what man can possibly record or calculate normally.
 Storage - A computer system can store a large amount
of data in a systematic manner.
 Accuracy and Reliability - Inspite of high speed, the
computers are quite accurate and reliable in their
calculations. the accuracy of operation of a computer is
always 100%.
 Automatic - Once the process has been initiated,
computer is quite capable of functioning automatically. it
does not require a prompt from an operator at each
stage of the process.
Characteristics of Computer (contd…)

 Diligence/Endurance - Is capable of operating at

exactly the same level of speed and accuracy even if it
has to carry out the most voluminous and complex
operations for a long period of time.
 Scientific Approach - The entire approach to solving
problems is highly scientific, objective and sequentially
carried out, leaving no room for emotional & subjective
evaluations made by man.
 Versatility - The wide use of computers in so many
areas in day-to-day life is an ample evidence of its
versatility.
MERITS
 Makes work easier
 Saves Time
 Less paper work due to the use of computerized
transactions.
 Storage space greatly increased to store huge
amounts of data running into terabytes.
 Transactions can be done in more efficient way
 Data can be presented through graphs and bars
 Multitasking is possible
 Communication is faster
 New way of socializing
MERITS CONTINUED…
 Communication today is less expensive and in most
cases almost free as many calls happen online using
free softwares like skype and other online chat and
messenger applications.
 Powerful access to the information warehouses
 Use of sophisticated databases have also brought in
data security leading to overall information security
and safety. This allows for only authorized users to
communicate and access data from the databases
 Information has now become more Accessible,
Reachable, Portable and Editable across mediums
and devices and across users as well.
DEMERITS
 Can perform only what has been programmed
 Dependent on humans for programming
 Restricted only to programs
 Problems in disposal of waste
 Dependent on electricity
 Cannot act on its own
 Machines can breakdown
HARDWARE
 The physical equipment of a computer system,
including the monitor, keyboard, central
processing unit, and storage devices.

 Physical equipment used to perform computing

tasks (ie, machinery and equipment such as
CPU, disks, tapes, modem, cables, etc.); in
operation, a computer is both hardware and
software.
SOFTWARE
 A program or set of instructions that controls
the operation of a computer. Distinguished
from the actual hardware of the computer.

 A series of instructions for the computer that

perform a particular task, called a program; the
two major categories of software are:
 System software

 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.

• Movement and Communication of the data.

Primary Functions of a PC (contd…)
 Storage of data:-
• Short term storage ( RAM)

• Long term storage (Hard Disk drive)

 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.

• Communication of data:- Information exchange

between machines using networking components like
cables and modems which allow it to communicate
with other machines.
Types of Computer System
 Based on Working principles:-
• Analog.
• Digital.
• Hybrid.
 Based on Electronic Technology:-
• First Generation.
• Second Generation.
• Third Generation.
• Fourth Generation.
• Fifth Generation.
 Based on Functional Capabilities:-
• Micro.
• Mini.
• Mainframe.
• Super.
 Based on Purpose:-
• General.
• Special.
 Based on User:-
• Single.
• Multiple.
Types of Computer System (Detail)
 Based on Working Principles:-

• Analog :-Computer that uses the continuously-changeable

aspects of physical phenomena such as electrical,
mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem
being solved.
• Digital :- A computer that stores data in terms of digits
(numbers) and proceeds in discrete steps from one state to
the next. The states of a digital computer typically involve
binary digits 0’s & 1’s.Eg:- Apple, HP, Dell, etc.
• Hybrid :- Computers that exhibit features of analog
computers and digital computers. Eg. the computer used in
hospitals to measure the heartbeat of the patient. Hybrid
Machines are generally used in scientific applications or in
controlling industrial process.
Types of Computer System (Detail)
 Based on Electronic Technology:-

• First Generation Computer :- (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes.

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and
magnetic drums for memory.
Machine language.
Input based on punch cards and output as printouts.
Advantages:-
o It was only electronic device.
o First device to hold memory.
Disadvantages:-
o Too bulky i.e. large in size.
o Vacuum tubes burns frequently.
o They were producing heat.
o Maintenance problem.

Examples :- UNIVAC (1951).

Types of Computer System (Detail)
• Second Generation Computers:- (1956-1963) Transistors.
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second
generation of computers.
Assembly language.
High level languages like COBOL, FORTRAN (early version).
Input still on punch cards and output as printouts.
Advantages :-
o Size reduced considerably.

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.

The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers,

as thousands of integrated circuits we rebuilt onto a single
silicon chip.
In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and
in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh.

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

Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence

are still in development, though there are some applications such
as voice recognition that are being used today.
Types of Computer System (Detail)
 Based on Functional Capabilities:-

• 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

 The “on” state is binary 1

 Each switch is a “bit” – one binary digit

 A single bit represents 2 numbers .i.e 2n where n=no. of bits.
21=2
22=4 …
28=256 = 1 byte
Data Representation (contd…)
 1 byte = 8 bits
 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 210 = 1024 bytes
 1 Megabyte (MB) = 220 = 1048576 bytes
 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 230 = 1,073,741,824 bytes
 1 Terabyte (TB) = 240 = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes
 1 Petabyte (PB) = 250 = 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes
Decimal to Binary Conversion
Decimal Binary Decimal Binary
0 000 10 1010
1 001 11 1011
2 010 12 1100
3 011 13 1101
4 100 14 1110
5 101 15 1111
6 110
7 111
8 1000
9 1001
Binary to Decimal Conversion
 1111 = 1*20 + 1*21 + 1*22 + 1*23
=1+2+4+8
= 15

 1010 = 0*20 + 1*21 + 0*22 + 1*23

=0+2+0+8
=10
FOUR OPERATIONS OF COMPUTER
SYSTEM
Input Devices
•Keyboard
•Mouse
•Joystick
Process Arithmetic
Control Unit Logic Unit
Output Devices
•Monitor
•Printer

Main Memory
(RAM)

External Storage
• Hard disk
• Floppy
Components of a PC
Components of a PC (contd…)