CBSE Class 11 Computer Science

Revision Notes
Chapter-1
Computer Fundamentals class 11 Notes Computer Science
Objective:
• To impart in-depth knowledge of computer related basic terminologies.
• To inculcate the skills of implementation of basic theory in troubleshooting the
software & hardware problems.
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.
A computer has four functions

a. accepts data Input

b. processes data Processing

c. produces output Output

d. 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.
Generation of computer:
First Generation (1940-56):
The first generation computers used vaccum tubes & machine language was used for
giving the instructions. These computer were large in size & their programming was
difficult task. The electricity consumption was very high. Some computers of this
generation are ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC & UNIVAC-1.
Second Generation(1956-63):
In 2nd generation computers, vaccum tubes were replaced by transistors. They
required only 1/10 of power required by tubes. This generation computers generated
less heat & were reliable. The first operating system developed in this generation.
The Third Generation(1964-71):
The 3rd generation computers replaced transistors with Integrated circuit known as
chip. From Small scale integrated circuits which had 10 transistors per chip,
technology developed to MSI circuits with 100 transistors per chip. These computers
were smaller, faster & more reliable. High level languages invented in this
generation.
The fourth Generation(1972- present):
LSI & VLSI were used in this generation. As a result microprocessors came into
existence. The computers using this technology known to be Micro Computers. High
capacity hard disk were invented. There is great development in data
communication.
The Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond):
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. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to
make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum computation and molecular and
nanotechnology will radically change the face of computers in years to come.
ARCHITECTURE OF COMPUTER
Input Devices: Those devices which help to enter data into computer system. Eg.
Keyboad, Mouse, Touchscreen, Barcode Reader, Scanner, MICR, OMR etc.

Output Devices: Those devices which help to display the processed information. Eg.
Monitor, Printer, Plotter, Projector
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
The main component to make a computer operate is the computer chip or
microprocessor. This is referred to as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and is housed
in the computer case. Together, they are also called the CPU. It performs arithmetic
and logic operations. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the device that interprets
and executes instructions.

Memory: It facilitates the remembrance power to computer system. It refers to the

physical devices used to store programs (sequences of instructions) or data (e.g.
program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer
or other digital electronic device. The term primary memory is used for the
information in physical systems which are fast (i.e. RAM), as a distinction from
secondary memory, which are physical devices for program and data storage which
are slow to access but offer higher memory capacity. Primary memory stored on
secondary memory is called virtual memory. Primary Memory can be categorized as
Volatile Memory & Non-Volatile Memory.
Volatile memory(RAM)
Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored
information. Most modern semiconductor volatile memory is either Static RAM or
dynamic RAM.
SRAM retains its contents as long as the power is connected and is easy to interface
to but uses six transistors per bit.

Dynamic RAM is more complicated to interface to and control and needs regular
refresh cycles to prevent its contents being lost. However, DRAM uses only one
transistor and a capacitor per bit, allowing it to reach much higher densities and, with
more bits on a memory chip, be much cheaper per bit. SRAM is not worthwhile for
desktop system memory, where DRAM dominates, but is used for their cache
memories.
Non Volatile Memory (ROM)
Non-volatile memory is computer memory that can retain the stored information
even when not powered.

Examples of non-volatile memory are flash memory and

ROM/PROM/EPROM/EEPROM memory (used for firmware such as boot programs).
Cache Memory:
Cache memory is random access memory (RAM) that a computer microprocessor can
access more quickly than it can access regular RAM. As the microprocessor processes
data, it looks first in the cache memory and if it finds the data there (from a previous
reading of data), it does not have to do the more time-consuming reading of data
from larger memory. It is of two types- L1 cache is on the same chip as the
microprocessor. L2 is usually a separate static RAM (SRAM) chip.
Secondary Memory:
A. Hard Disk (Local Disk)
B. Optical Disks: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW
C. Pen Drive
D. Floppy Disks
F. Memory Cards
G. External Hard Disk
H. Blu Ray Disk

Blu-Ray Disk:
Blu-ray (not Blue-ray) also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), is the name of a new optical
disc format. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional
DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc.
While current optical disc technologies such as DVD, DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-
RAM rely on a red laser to read and write data, the new format uses a blue-violet
laser instead, hence the name Blu-ray.

Units of Memory:
The smallest unit is bit, which mean either 0 or 1.
1 bit = 0 or 1
1 Byte = 8 bit
1 Nibble = 4 bit
1 Kilo Byte = 1024 Byte= 210 Byte
1 Mega Byte = 1024 KB= 210 KB
1 Gega Byte = 1024 MB= 210 MB
1 Tera Byte = 1024 GB= 210 GB
1 Peta Byte =1024 TB= 210 TB
1 Exa Byte =1024 PB= 210 PB
1 Zetta Byte = 1024 EB= 210 EB
1 Yotta Byte = 1024 ZB= 210 ZB
Booting
The process of loading the system files of the operating system from the disk into
the computer memory to complete the circuitry requirement of the computer system
is called booting.
Types of Booting:
There are two types of booting:
• Cold Booting: If the computer is in off state and we boot the computer by pressing
the power switch ‘ON’ from the CPU box then it is called as cold booting.
• Warm Booting: If the computer is already ‘ON’ and we restart it by pressing the
‘RESET’ button from the CPU box or CTRL, ALT and DEL key simultaneously from the
keyboard then it is called warm booting.
Types of Computer
On the basis of working principle
a) Analog Computer
An analog computer is a form of computer that uses continuous physical
phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the
problem being solved.
Eg: Thermometer, Speedometer, Petrol pump indicator, Multimeter
b) Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities
represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.
c) 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. The instruments used in medical lies in
this category.
On the basis of Size
a) Super Computer
The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed
for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical
calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses
of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear
energy research, and petroleum exploration. PARAM, Pace & Flosolver are the
supercomputer made in India.

b) Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple
microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to
supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some
ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support
more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program
faster than a mainframe.

c) Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations
and mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers
and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small
minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing
system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously. Generally,
servers are comes in this category.
d) Micro Computer
i. Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
ii. Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and
keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a
notebook computer.
iii. Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer.
Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output
device.
e) Workstations
A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a
generic term for a user’s machine (client machine) in contrast to a “server” or
“mainframe.”
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. All the programs 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), Compression Tool, Anti-Virus Utilities,
Disk Defragmentation, Disk Clean, BackUp, WinZip, WinRAR etc…
c) Language Processors
Compiler, Interpreter and Assembler
2. Application software:
a) Package Software/General Purpose software
Ms. Office 2003, Ms. Office 2007, Macromedia (Dreamweaver, Flash, Freehand),
Adobe (PageMaker, PhotoShop)
b) Tailored or Customized Software
School Management system, Inventory Management System, Payroll system,
financial system etc.
Operating system
Operating system is a platform between hardware and user which is responsible for
the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of a
computer. It hosts the several applications that run on a computer and handles the
operations of computer hardware.
Functions of operating System:
• Processor Management
• Memory Management
• File Management
• Device Management
Types of Operating System:
• Real-time Operating System: It is a multitasking operating system that aims at
executing real-time applications. Example of Use: e.g. control of nuclear power
plants, oil refining, chemical processing and traffic control systems, air
• Single User Systems: Provides a platform for only one user at a time. They are
popularly associated with Desk Top operating system which run on standalone
systems where no user accounts are required. Example: DOS.
• Multi User Systems: Provides regulated access for a number of users by
maintaining a database of known users. Refers to computer systems that support two
or more simultaneous users. Another term for multi-user is time sharing. Ex: All
mainframes are multi-user systems. Example: Unix
• Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating Systems: When a single program is
allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped under the single-tasking system
category, while in case the operating system allows for execution of multiple tasks at
a time, it is classified as a multitasking operating system.
• Distributed Operating System: An operating system that manages a group of
independent computers and makes them appear to be a single computer is known
as a distributed operating system. Distributed computations are carried out on more
than one machine. When computers in a group work in cooperation, they make a
distributed system.
Commonly used operating system
UNIX: Pronounced yoo-niks, a popular multi-user, multitasking operating system
developed at Bell Labs in the early 1970s. UNIX was one of the first operating
systems to be written in a high-level programming language, namely C. This meant
that it could be installed on virtually any computer for which a C compiler existed.
LINUX: Pronounced lee-nucks or lih-nucks. A freely-distributable open source
operating system that runs on a number of hardware platforms. The Linux kernel was
developed mainly by Linus Torvalds and it is based on Unix. Because it’s free, and
because it runs on many platforms, including PCs and Macintoshes, Linux has
become an extremely popular alternative to proprietary operating systems.
Windows: Microsoft Windows is a series of graphical interface operating systems
developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft. Microsoft introduced an operating
environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in
response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Microsoft
Windows came to dominate the world’s personal computer market with over 90%
market share, overtaking Mac OS, which had been introduced in 1984.The most
recent client version of Windows is Windows 7; the most recent server version is
Windows Server 2008 R2; the most recent mobile version is Windows Phone 7.5.
SOLARIS: Solaris is a Unix operating system originally developed by Sun
Microsystems. It superseded their earlier SunOS in 1993. Oracle Solaris, as it is now
known, has been owned by Oracle Corporation since Oracle’s acquisition of Sun in
January 2010.
BOSS: BOSS (Bharat Operating System Solutions) GNU/Linux distribution developed
by C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) derived from Debian
for enhancing the use of Free/ Open Source Software throughout India. This release
aims more at the security part and comes with an easy to use application to harden
your Desktop.
Mobile OS: A mobile operating system, also called a mobile OS, is an operating
system that is specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as mobile phones,
smartphones, PDAs, tablet computers and other handheld devices. The mobile
operating system is the software platform on top of which other programs, called
application programs, can run on mobile devices.
• Android: Android is a Linux-based mobile phone operating system developed by
Google. Android is unique because Google is actively developing the platform but
giving it away for free to hardware manufacturers and phone carriers who want to
use Android on their devices.
• Symbian: Symbian is a mobile operating system (OS) targeted at mobile phones
that offers a high-level of integration with communication and personal information
management (PIM) functionality. Symbian OS combines middleware with wireless
communications through an integrated mailbox and the integration of Java and PIM
functionality (agenda and contacts).
The Symbian OS is open for third-party development by independent software
vendors, enterprise IT departments, network operators and Symbian OS licensees.
LANGUAGE PROCESSORS: Since a computer hardware is capable of understanding
only machine level instructions, So it is necessary to convert the HLL into Machine
Level Language. There are three Language processors:
A. Compiler: It is translator which coverts the HLL language into machine language
in one go. A Source program in High Level Language get converted into Object
Program in Machine Level Language.
B. Interpreter: It is a translator which converts the HLL language into machine
language line by line. It takes one statement of HLL and converts it into machine
code which is immediately executed. It eliminate the need of separate
compilation/run. However, It is slow in processing as compare to compiler.
C. Assembler: It translate the assembly language into machine code.
Microprocessor:
A microprocessor is a semiconductor chip, which is manufactured using the Large
Scale integration (LSI) or Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), which comprises
Arithmetic Logic Unit, Control unit and Central Processing Unit (CPU) fabricated on a
single chip.
Terminologies:
Registers: A register is a very small amount of very fast memory that is built into the
CPU (central processing unit) in order to speed up its operations by providing quick
access to commonly used values. All data must be represented in a register before it
can be processed. For example, if two numbers are to be multiplied, both numbers
must be in registers, and the result is also placed in a register.
Bus: