1.

Introduction

The word computer is derived from the Latin word 'computare',

which means 'to calculate', 'to count'. In 1822, Charles Babbage created the
first mechanical computer, which was not really considered to resemble the
used computer today. Later, he was known 2. Mouse: The mouse is the other commonly used input device. It
as the Father of Computers is used to scroll through the monitor. It is the cursor on the
monitor. The mouse has two buttons: the right click left click
A computer is an electronic device
and a wheel in the centre for scrolling.
that manipulates information, or data. It has
the ability to store, receive, and process data.

Software & Hardware

The Software describes a collection of 3.

programs and procedures that perform tasks on a computer. For example, 4. Scanner: It is an important input device that allows converting
Google Chrome, Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, etc... The Hardware is hard copy documents into digital files. There are different
physical component connected to a computer. For example, Monitor, types of scanners based on their functionality.
Printer, Mouse, etc…

1.1Input & Output devices

Input Devices

Input: Inputs are the set of instructions that are given to the computer for
processing. These inputs are controlled by the user.

1. Keyboard: Keyboard is an input device that looks like a 1.2 Working Principle
typewriter that's commonly present in all computer systems.
The basic working principle of a computer involves the following.
Keyboard has all alphabets, numbers and special characters.
We use a keyboard to enter the required information in the text  Input
form.  Processing
 Output
Input 1. Input Unit:
The Input unit is responsible for receiving data and storing it in the
computer's main memory. The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the computer.
These devices take input and convert it into binary language. Some of the
Processing common input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc. The
The Central Processing Unit is responsible for processing. When a Input Unit is created by attaching one or more input devices to a computer.
command is processed, the information that is stored in memory will be The input unit is used to provide data to the processor for further
sent to the processor. After getting the result (i.e) the output is stored in the processing.
main memory
2. Central Processing Unit:
Save
The used programs or derived results can be stored in the secondary Once the information is entered into the computer by the input device, the
storage devices, which can be used again and again. processor processes it. The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it
is the control centre of the computer. The data is fetched from memory or
1.3 Components of Computer input device. The CPU executes the required computation, and then stores
The basic components of a computer are the output or displays it on the output device. The CPU has three main
components, which are responsible for different functions: Arithmetic Logic
 Input Unit Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Memory registers
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):
 Output Unit
Arithmetic Logical Unit is the main component of the CPU. It is the
fundamental building block of the CPU. Arithmetic and Logical Unit is
a digital circuit that is used to perform arithmetic operations such as +,
-, *, / and logical operations. Logical decisions involve the comparison
of two data items to see which one is larger or smaller or equal.
B. Control Unit:
The Control unit coordinates and controls the data flow in and out of
the CPU, and also controls all the operations of ALU, memory registers
and also input/output units. It is also responsible for carrying out all
the instructions stored in the program. It is also called the central
nervous system of the computer.

Fig 1: Components of Computer

 C. Memory Registers: the data from the measuring device without first converting it into
A register is a temporary unit of memory in the CPU. These are used to numbers and codes. It allows real-time operations and computation
store the data, which is directly used by the processor. Registers can be at the same time and continuous representation of all data within
of different sizes(16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit and so on) Accumulator (ACC) is the range of the analogue machine.
the main register in the ALU and contains one of the operands of an
operation to be performed in the ALU. Memory attached to the CPU is
used for the storage of data and instructions, and is called internal
memory. The internal memory is also called the Primary memory or
Main memory. This memory is also called RAM, i.e., Random Access
Memory.

3. Output Unit:
The output unit consists of output devices that are attached to the
computer. It converts the binary data coming from the CPU to human
b. Digital Computers
understandable form. The common output devices are monitor, printer,
plotter, etc. The output unit displays or prints the processed data in a user- Digital computers are designed to perform calculations and logical
friendly format. The output unit accepts the information from the CPU and operations at high speed. It accepts the raw data as input in the
displays it in a user-readable form. form of digits or binary numbers 0 and 1. All modern computers
like laptops, desktops including smart phones are digital
1.4 Types of Computers computers. It allows you to store a large amount of information
The computers can be classified into two types based on and to retrieve it easily. You can easily add new features to digital
1. Data handling Capability 2. Based on the size systems. Different applications can be used in digital systems just
by changing the program without making any changes in
Based on data handling capabilities, the computer is of three types: hardware.
a. Analogue Computers
b. Digital Computers
c. Hybrid Computers

a. Analogue Computers
Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data.
Analogue data is continuous data that changes continuously and
cannot have discrete values. Analogue computers directly accept
c. Hybrid Computers
 Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of
computer. It is fast like an analogue computer and has memory users simultaneously. They can support multiple programs at the same
and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both continuous time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously. It can
and discrete data. It accepts analogue signals and converts them process huge amount of data, e.g. millions of transactions in a second in the
into digital form before processing. The computing speed is very banking sector. It has a very long life. It can run smoothly for up to 50 years
high due to the all-parallel configuration of the analogue after proper installation. It gives excellent performance with large scale
subsystem. It produces precise and quick results that are more memory management. It has the ability to share or distribute its workload
accurate and useful. It has the ability to solve and manage big among other processors and input/output terminals.
equation in real-time.
3. Mini Computers
Based on the Size, the computer can be classified into
Minicomputers also known as miniframe computer Miniframe computers
1. Super Computer are used in institutes and departments for tasks such as billing, accounting
2. Mainframe Computer and inventory management. A minicomputer lies between the mainframe
3. Mini Computer and microcomputer as it is smaller than mainframe but larger than a
4. Workstation microcomputer. It is light weight that makes it easy to carry and fit
5. Micro Computer anywhere. It is less expensive than mainframe computers. It is very fast
compared to its size.
1. Super Computer
4. Workstation
The first supercomputer was developed by Roger Cray in
1976.Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are Workstation is a single user computer that is designed for technical or
designed to process huge amount of data. A supercomputer can process scientific applications. It has a fast microprocessor, a large amount of RAM
trillions of instructions in a second. It has thousands of interconnected and high speed graphic adapters. It generally performs a specific job with
processors. It has the ability to decrypt your password to enhance great expertise; accordingly, they are of different types such as graphics
protection for security reasons. It produces excellent results in animations. workstation, music workstation and engineering design workstation. It is a
It is used for virtual testing of nuclear weapons and critical medical tests. high-performance computer system designed for a single user for business
They are particularly used in scientific and engineering applications such as or professional use. It has larger storage capacity, better graphics, and more
weather forecasting, scientific simulations and nuclear energy research. powerful CPU than a personal computer. It can handle animation, data
analysis, CAD, audio and video creation and editing.

Microcomputer
2. Mainframe Computer
Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-
purpose computer that is designed for individual use. It has a
microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input
unit and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of
microcomputers. They are suitable for personal work that may be making
an assignment, watching a movie, or at office for office work. It is the
smallest in size among all types of computers. A limited number of
software can be used. It is designed for personal work and applications.
Only one user can work at a time. It is less expansive and easy to use.

1.5 Characteristics of Computers

Speed: A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared Versatility: Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform
to humans while performing mathematical calculations. Computers can different kinds of works with same accuracy and efficiency.
process millions (1,000,000) of instructions per second. The time taken by
computers for their operations is microseconds and nanoseconds. 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 time and gives the
Diligence: A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with same result.
the same consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of 1.6 Generations of computers
concentration. Its memory also makes it superior to that of human beings.
Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer
Accuracy: Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may is/was being used. Initially, the generation term was used to distinguish
occur due to data inconsistency or inaccuracy. between varying hardware technologies. Nowadays, generation includes
both hardware and software, which together make up an entire computer
Memory: A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it
system. There are five computer generations known till date
stores data. Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen
drives, etc., which are also used to store data. 1.6.1First Generation Computers

Automation: Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers
tasks without manual intervention. of first generation used vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory
and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing Unit). These tubes, like electric
bulbs, produced a lot of heat and the installations used to fuse frequently.
Therefore, they were very expensive and only large organizations were able
to afford it. In this generation, mainly batch processing operating system
was used. Punch cards, paper tape, and magnetic tape were used as input computers used batch processing and multiprogramming operating
and output devices. The computers in this generation used machine code as system.
the programming language. The main features of second generation are:
• Use of transistors
The main features of the first generation are: • Reliable in comparison to first generation computers
• Smaller size as compared to first generation computers
• Vacuum tube technology
•Generates less heat as compared to first generation computers
• Unreliable
• Consumed less electricity as
• Supported machine language only
compared to first generation
• Very costly
computers
• Generates lot of heat
• Faster than first generation
• Slow input and output devices
computers
• Huge size
• Still very costly
• Need of AC
• AC required
• Non-portable
•Supported machine and assembly
• Consumes lot of electricity
languages

Some computers of this generation were:

Some computers of this generation
• ENIAC
were:
• EDVAC
• IBM 1620
• UNIVAC
• IBM 7094
• IBM-701
• CDC 1604
• IBM-750
• CDC 3600
• UNIVAC 1108
1.6.2 Second Generation Computers
The period of second generation was from 1959-1965. In this
1.6.3Third Generation Computers
generation, transistors were used that were cheaper, consumed less power,
The period of third generation was from 1965-1971. The computers
more compact in size, more reliable and faster than the first-generation
of third generation used Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of transistors. A
machines made of vacuum tubes. In this generation, magnetic cores were
single IC has many transistors, resistors, and capacitors along with the
used as the primary memory and magnetic tape and magnetic disks as
associated circuitry. The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This development
secondary storage devices. In this generation, assembly language and high-
made computers smaller in size, reliable, and efficient. In this generation
level programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL was used. The
remote processing, time-sharing, multi-programming operating system
were used. High-level languages (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL • Very cheap
PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68 etc.) were used during this generation. • Portable and reliable
The main features of third generation are: • Use of PCs
• IC used • Very small size
• More reliable in comparison to previous two generations • Pipeline processing
• Smaller size • No AC required
• Fast & Less Maintenance • Concept of internet was introduced
• Costly • Great developments in the fields of networks
• AC required • Computers became easily available
•Consume less electricity
•Supported high-level language Some computers of this generation were:
• DEC 10
Some computers of this generation • STAR 1000
were: • PDP 11
• IBM-360 series • CRAY-1(Super Computer)
• Honeywell-6000 series • CRAY-X-MP
• PDP (Personal Data Processor)
• IBM-370/168 1.6.5 Fifth Generation Computers
• TDC-316 The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In the fifth
generation, VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration)
1.6.4 Fourth Generation Computers technology, resulting in the production of microprocessor chips having ten
The period of fourth generation was from 1971-1980. Computers of million electronic components. This generation is based on parallel
fourth generation used Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. AI is an
circuits having about 5000 transistors and other circuit elements with their emerging branch in computer science, which interprets the means and
associated circuits on a single chip made it possible to have method of making computers think like human beings. All the high-level
microcomputers of fourth generation. Fourth generation computers became languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.
more powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable. As a result, it gave rise to The main features of fifth generation are:
Personal Computer (PC) revolution. In this generation, time sharing, real • ULSI technology
time networks, distributed operating system were used. All the high-level • Development of true artificial intelligence
languages like C, C++, DBASE etc., were used in this generation. • Development of Natural language processing
The main features of fourth generation are: • Advancement in Parallel Processing
• VLSI technology used
• Advancement in
Superconductor technology
• More user-friendly interfaces
with multimedia features
• Availability of very powerful and
compact computers at cheaper
rates

Some computer types of this

generation are:
• Desktop
• Laptop
• Notebook
• Ultrabook
• Chromebook

2. COMPUTER SOFTWARE

2.1Definition