UNIT I

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
 A computer is an electronic device that accepts
data from the user, processes it, produces
results, displays them to the users, and stores the
results for future usage.
 Data is a collection of unorganized facts & figures
and does not provide any further information
regarding patterns, context, etc. Hence data
means "unstructured facts and figures".
 Information is a structured data i.e. organized
meaningful and processed data. To process the
data and convert into information, a computer is
used.
FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTERS
A computer performs the following functions −
 Receiving Input: Data is fed into computer

through various input devices like keyboard,

mouse, digital pens, etc. Input can also be
fed through devices like CD-ROM, pen drive,
scanner, etc.
 Processing the information: Operations

on the input data are carried out based on

the instructions provided in the programs.
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 Storing the information: After processing,
the information gets stored in the primary or
secondary storage area.
 Producing output: The processed
information and other details are
communicated to the outside world through
output devices like monitor, printer, etc.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS
CONTINUE..
 Speed: A computer works with much higher
speed and accuracy compared to humans
while performing mathematical calculations.
Computers can process millions (1,000,000)
of instructions per second. The time taken by
computers for their operations is
microseconds and nanoseconds.
 Accuracy: Computers perform calculations

with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to

data inconsistency or inaccuracy.
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 Diligence: A computer can perform millions
of tasks or calculations with the same
consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any
fatigue or lack of concentration. Its memory
also makes it superior to that of human
beings.
 Versatility: Versatility refers to the capability

of a computer to perform different kinds of

works with same accuracy and efficiency.
 Automation: Computer performs all the tasks

automatically i.e. it performs tasks without

manual intervention.
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 Reliability: A computer is reliable as it gives
consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if
we give same set of input any number of
times, we will get the same result.
 Memory: A computer has built-in memory

called primary memory where it stores data.

Secondary storage are removable devices
such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also
used to store data.
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 Storage: Computer systems have a very
large capacity to store any type of data. A
computer can store and resell any
information due to its storage capacity.
 Computers have the ability to store all types

of data such as data, pictures, files,

programs, games, and sound for many years
and later we can get any data in a few
seconds at any time for taking that
information and for future retrieval.
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 No Feeling: In computers, like humans, there is
no feeling and emotion, nor does the computer
have any knowledge and experience, because a
computer is a machine which works
continuously on the instruction of humans
without any selfishness and without tiredness.
 No IQ: A computer is a dumb machine, without

a user, a computer is a useless machine and

device. Until a user does not give any
instruction, it cannot do any work and only after
completing the instruction, he completes that
work very fast. A computer system is
completely dependent on us humans how to
work.
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER
 The development of computer systems is
normally discussed as the development over
different generations.
 With the succession of different generations,

came the advancement in computer

technology.
FIRST GENERATION
 The period 1942 to 1955, roughly considered
as the First Generation of Computer.
 The first generation computers were
developed by using vacuum tube or
thermionic valve machine.
 The input of this system was based on

punched cards and paper tape; however, the

output was displayed on printouts.
 The first generation computers worked on

binary-coded concept (i.e., language of 0-1).

Examples: ENIAC, EDVAC, etc.
CONTINUE.
SECOND GENERATION
 The period 1955 to 1964 is roughly
considered as the period of Second
Generation of Computers.
 The second generation computers were
developed by using transistor technology.
 In comparison to the first generation, the size

of second generation was smaller.

 In comparison to computers of the first

generation, the computing time taken by the

computers of the second generation was
lesser.
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THIRD GENERATION
 The period 1964 to 1975 is roughly considered
as the period of Third Generation of
computers.
 The third generation computers were
developed by using the Integrated Circuit (IC)
technology.
 In comparison to the computers of the second

generation, the size of the computers of the

third generation was smaller.
 In comparison to the computers of the second

generation, the computing time taken by the

computers of the third generation was lesser.
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 The third generation computer consumed
less power and also generated less heat.
 The maintenance cost of the computers in

the third generation was also low.

 The computer system of the computers of

the third generation was easier for

commercial use.
CONTINUE..
FOURTH GENERATION
 The period 1975 to 1989 is roughly considered as
the fourth generation of computers.
 The fourth generation computers were developed
by using Large Scale Integrated Circuit/
microprocessor technology.
 By coming to fourth generation, computer became
very small in size, it became portable.
 The machine of fourth generation started
generating very low amount of heat.
 It is much faster and accuracy became more
reliable.
 The production cost reduced to very low in
comparison to the previous generation.
 It became available for the common people as well.
CONTINUE..
FIFTH GENERATION
 The period 1989 to till date and beyond, roughly
considered as the period of fifth generation of
computers.
 By the time, the computer generation was being
categorized on the basis of hardware only, but the fifth
generation technology also included software/VLSI.
 The computers of the fifth generation had high
capability and large memory capacity.
 Working with computers of this generation was fast
and multiple tasks could be performed simultaneously.
 Some of the popular advanced technologies of the fifth
generation include Artificial intelligence, Quantum
computation, Nanotechnology, Parallel processing, etc.
CONTINUE..
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER
INPUT UNIT
 All the data received by the computer goes
through the input unit. The input unit
comprises different devices. Like a mouse,
keyboard, scanner, etc. In other words, each
of these devices acts as a mediator between
the users and the computer.
 The data that is to be processed is put

through the input unit. The computer accepts

the raw data in binary form. It then processes
the data, and produces the desired output.
CONTINUE..
 The 3 major functions of the input unit are-
 Take the data to be processed by the user.
 Convert the given data into machine-readable
form.
 And then, transmit the converted data into the
main memory of the computer. The sole purpose
is to connect the user and the computer. In
addition, this creates easy communication
between them.
CPU – CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
 Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the
brain of the computer. It works the same way
a human brain works. As the brain controls
all human activities, the CPU too controls all
tasks.
 Moreover, the CPU conducts all the
arithmetical and logical operations in the
computer.
 Now the CPU comprises of two units, namely

– ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control

Unit). Both of these units work in sync. The
CPU processes the data as a whole.
ALU – ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT
 The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of two terms,
arithmetic and logic. There are two major
functions that this unit performs.
 Data inserted through the input unit into the

primary memory. Performs the basic arithmetical

operation on it. Like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. It performs all sorts
of calculations required on the data. Then sends
back data to the storage.
 The unit is also responsible for performing logical

operations like, AND, OR, Equal to, Less than,

etc. In addition to this it conducts merging,
sorting, and selection of the given data.
CU – CONTROL UNIT
 The control unit as the name suggests is the
controller of all the activities/tasks and
operations. All this is performed inside the
computer.
 The memory unit sends a set of instructions to

the control unit. Then the control unit in turn

converts those instructions. After that these
instructions are converted to control signals.
 These control signals help in prioritizing and

scheduling the activities. Thus, the control unit

coordinates the tasks inside the computer in
sync with the input and output units.
MEMORY UNIT
 All the data that has to be processed or has
been processed is stored in the memory unit.
The memory unit acts as a hub of all the
data. It transmits it to the required part of
the computer whenever necessary.
 The memory unit works in sync with the CPU.

This helps in faster accessing and processing

of the data. Thus, making tasks easier and
faster.
OUTPUT
 There is nothing to be amazed by what the
output unit is used for. All the information
sent to the computer once processed is
received by the user through the output unit.
Devices like printers, monitors, projector, etc.
all come under the output unit.
 The output unit displays the data either in

the form of a soft copy or hard copy. The

printer is for the hard copy. The monitor is for
the display. The output unit accepts the data
in binary form from the computer. It then
converts it into a readable form for the user.
APPLICATIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(IT) IN VARIOUS SECTORS
 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
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.
NUMBER SYSTEM CONVERSION
There are many methods or techniques which
can be used to convert numbers from one base
to another. We'll demonstrate here the
following −
 Decimal to Other Base System

 Other Base System to Decimal

 Other Base System to Non-Decimal

 Shortcut method − Binary to Octal

 Shortcut method − Octal to Binary

 Shortcut method − Binary to Hexadecimal

 Shortcut method − Hexadecimal to Binary

DECIMAL TO OTHER BASE SYSTEM
 Step 1 − Divide the decimal number to be
converted by the value of the new base.
 Step 2 − Get the remainder from Step 1 as the
rightmost digit (least significant digit) of new base
number.
 Step 3 − Divide the quotient of the previous
divide by the new base.
 Step 4 − Record the remainder from Step 3 as the
next digit (to the left) of the new base number.
 Repeat Steps 3 and 4, getting remainders from
right to left, until the quotient becomes zero in
Step 3.
 The last remainder thus obtained will be the Most
Significant Digit (MSD) of the new base number.
EXAMPLE −
 Decimal Number: 29
 Calculating Binary Equivalent −

Step Operation Result Remainder

Step 1 29 / 2 14 1
Step 2 14 / 2 7 0
Step 3 7/2 3 1
Step 4 3/2 1 1
Step 5 1/2 0 1
CONTINUE..
 As mentioned in Steps 2 and 4, the
remainders have to be arranged in the
reverse order so that the first remainder
becomes the Least Significant Digit (LSD)
and the last remainder becomes the Most
Significant Digit (MSD).
 Decimal Number − 29 = Binary Number −

11101.
OTHER BASE SYSTEM TO DECIMAL
SYSTEM
 Step 1 − Determine the column (positional)
value of each digit (this depends on the
position of the digit and the base of the
number system).
 Step 2 − Multiply the obtained column values

(in Step 1) by the digits in the corresponding

columns.
 Step 3 − Sum the products calculated in Step

2. The total is the equivalent value in

decimal.
EXAMPLE
 Binary Number − 111012
 Calculating Decimal Equivalent −

Step Binary Decimal Number

Number
Step 1 111012 ((1 × 24) + (1 × 23) + (1 × 22) + (0 × 21)
+ (1 × 20))10
Step 2 111012 (16 + 8 + 4 + 0 + 1)10

Step 3 111012 2910

 Binary Number − 111012 = Decimal Number

− 2910
OTHER BASE SYSTEM TO NON-
DECIMAL SYSTEM
 Step 1 − Convert the original number to a
decimal number (base 10).
 Step 2 − Convert the decimal number so

obtained to the new base number.

 Example

 Octal Number − 258

 Calculating Binary Equivalent −

STEP 1 − CONVERT TO DECIMAL

Step Octal Number Decimal Number

Step 1 258 ((2 × 81) + (5 × 80))10

Step 2 258 (16 + 5 )10

Step 3 258 2110

 Octal Number − 258 = Decimal Number −

2110
STEP 2 − CONVERT DECIMAL TO
BINARY
Step Operation Result Remainder
Step 1 21 / 2 10 1
Step 2 10 / 2 5 0
Step 3 5 / 2 2 1
Step 4 2 / 2 1 0
Step 5 1 / 2 0 1
CONTINUE..
 Decimal Number − 2110 = Binary Number −
101012

 Octal Number − 25 = Binary Number −

8

101012
SHORTCUT METHOD - BINARY TO
OCTAL
 Step 1 − Divide the binary digits into groups
of three (starting from the right).
 Step 2 − Convert each group of three binary

digits to one octal digit.

 Example: Binary Number − 10101 2

 Calculating Octal Equivalent − Binary

Number − 10101 = Octal Number − 258

2

Step Binary Number Octal Number

Step 1 101012 010 101
Step 2 101012 28 58
Step 3 101012 258
SHORTCUT METHOD - OCTAL TO
BINARY
 Step 1 − Convert each octal digit to a 3 digit
binary number (the octal digits may be
treated as decimal for this conversion).
 Step 2 − Combine all the resulting binary

groups (of 3 digits each) into a single binary

number.
 Example: Octal Number − 25 8
CONTINUE..
 Calculating Binary Equivalent −

Step Octal Number Binary Number

Step 1 258 210 510

Step 2 258 0102 1012

Step 3 258 0101012

 Octal Number − 25 = Binary Number −

8

10101 2
SHORTCUT METHOD - BINARY TO
HEXADECIMAL
 Step 1 − Divide the binary digits into groups
of four (starting from the right).
 Step 2 − Convert each group of four binary

digits to one hexadecimal symbol.

 Example: Binary Number − 10101 2
CONTINUE..
 Calculating hexadecimal Equivalent −

Step Binary Hexadecimal

Number Number
Step 1 101012 0001 0101
Step 2 101012 110 510
Step 3 101012 1516
 Binary Number − 101012 = Hexadecimal
Number − 1516
SHORTCUT METHOD - HEXADECIMAL
TO BINARY
 Step 1 − Convert each hexadecimal digit to a
4 digit binary number (the hexadecimal digits
may be treated as decimal for this
conversion).
 Step 2 − Combine all the resulting binary

groups (of 4 digits each) into a single binary

number.
 Example: Hexadecimal Number − 1516
CONTINUE..
Step Hexadecimal Binary Number
Number
Step 1516 110 510
1
Step 1516 00012 01012
2
Step 1516 000101012
3
 Hexadecimal Number − 1516 = Binary

Number − 10101 2
THANK YOU