A computer is an electronic device which consists of hardware and software.

Hardware components describe the physical parts of the computer and software controls
hardware and run the operating system, different programs & applications like Microsoft
Windows, Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel etc.

Review of brief history of Computer

1. The history of computers starts out about 2000 years ago in Babylonia (Mesopotamia), at the birth
of the abacus, a wooden rack holding two horizontal wires with beads strung on them.

2. Blaise Pascal has credited the first digital computer in 1642. The basic principle of his calculator is
still used today in water meters and modern-day odometers.

3. Punched cards, which were first successfully used with computers in 1890 by Herman Hollerith and
James Powers. They developed devices that could read the information that had been punched into
the cards automatically, without human help.

4. Punch-card using computers created by International Business Machines (IBM), Remington,

Burroughs. These computers used electromechanical devices in which electrical power provided
mechanical motion -- like turning the wheels of an adding machine. Such systems included features
to: o feed in a specified number of cards automatically add, multiply, and sort

Input Unit
The devices which are used to input the data and programs in the computer are known as "Input
Devices". Input unit accepts instructions and data from the user and converts these instructions and
data in computer acceptable format which are sent to computer system for processing.

Keyboard: Keyboard is most common input device. The data and instructions are input by typing
on the keyboard. The message typed on the keyboard reaches the memory unit of a computer. It is
connected to a computer via a cable. Apart from alphabet and numeral keys, it has other function keys
for performing different functions.

Mouse: It is a pointing device. The mouse is rolled over the mouse pad, which in turn controls the
movement of the cursor in the screen. You can click, double click or drag the mouse. Its sensor notifies
the speed of its movements to the computer, which in turn moves the cursor/pointer on the screen.

Scanner: Scanners are used to enter information directly in to the computer memory. This device
works like a Xerox machine. The scanner converts any type of printed or written information including
photographs into digital pulses, which can be manipulated by the

computer.

Track Ball: Track ball is similar to the upside- down design of the mouse. The user moves the ball
directly, while the device itself remains stationary. The user spins the ball in various directions to effect
the screen movements.

Light Pen: This is an input device which is used to draw lines or figures on a computer screen. It is
touched to the CRT screen where it can detect raster on the screen as it passes.
Optical Character Reader (OCR): It is a device which detects alpha numeric characters printed
or written on a paper. The text which is to be scanned is illuminated by a low frequency light source.
The light is absorbed by the dark areas but reflected from the bright areas. The reflected light is
received by the photocells.

Bar Code Reader: This device reads bar codes and coverts them into electric pulses to be
processed by a computer. A bar code is nothing but data coded in form of light and dark bars.

Voice Input Systems: It converts spoken words to machine language form. A microphone is used
to convert human speech into electric signals. The signal pattern is then transmitted to a computer
when it is compared to a dictionary of patterns that have been previously placed in a storage unit of
computer. When a close match is found, the word is recognized.

Digital Camera: It converts graphics directly into digital form. An electronic chip in used in
camera, when light falls, on the chip though the lens, it converts light waves into electrical waves

Output Unit Output Device produces the final results of computer into human understandable
form. Output unit accepts the results produced by the computer which are in coded form and it
converts these coded results to human readable form.

Monitor: The monitor looks like a television screen. It is also called Visual Display Unit (VDU) and it
is used to display information from the computer. There are coloured as well as black and white
monitors. The monitor displays text and graphics. Based on the technology used, monitor is classified
into two types. They are Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor.

Printer: A printer is used for transferring data from the computer to the paper. There are colour
printers as well as black and white printers. The different types of printers are Dot Matrix Printers,
Inkjet Printer and Laser Printers.

Touch Screen: A touch screen is a display screen that is sensitive to human touch. It allows the user
to interact with the computer by touching pictures or words displayed on the screen. Touch screens
are used to display the output information on the screen as well as to give input by touching the words
or pictures on the screen. Thus it is an input/output device. Touch screens are normally used when
information has to be accessed with minimum effort.

Plotter: Plotter is very large in size and is used to produce graphical output on papers. It uses single
or multi color pens to draw pictures as blue print, posters etc.

Storage Unit
The data and instructions that are entered into the computer system through input units have to be
stored inside the computer before the actual processing starts.

Similarly, the results produced by the computer after processing must also be kept somewhere inside
the computer system before being passed on to the output units.

The Storage Unit or the primary / main storage of a computer system is designed to do all these things.
It provides space for storing data and instructions, intermediate results and for the final results.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The main unit inside the computer is the CPU.
• This unit is responsible for all events inside the computer.
• It consists of Control Unit and Arithmetic and Logic unit.
• The CPU is the brain of any computer system.
• In a human body, all major decisions are taken by the brain and the other parts of the body
function as directed by the brain.
• Similarly, in a computer system, all major calculations and comparisons are made inside the
CPU and it activates and controls the operations of other units like Hard disk, Printer etc. of a
computer system.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):

• The arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) is the part where actual computations take place.
• It consists of circuits that perform arithmetic operations (e.g. addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division over data received from memory and capable to compare numbers
(less than, equal to, or greater than etc). Control Unit:
• The control unit acts as a central nervous system for the components of the computer. It
manages and coordinates the entire computer system.
• It obtains instructions from the program stored in main memory, interprets the instructions,
and issues signals that cause other units of the system to execute them. the control unit
directs and controls the activities of the internal and external devices.

Computer Language
• A language is defined as the medium of expression of thoughts.
• All the human beings in this world communicate with each other by a language. Similarly,
computer also needs some expression medium to communicate with others.
• A computer follows the instructions given by the programmer to perform a specific job. To
perform a particular task, programmer prepares a sequence of instructions, known as
program.
• A program written for a computer is known as Software.

1)First Generation Languages -1GLs (Machine language)

• :When the human being stared programming, the computer the instruction were given to it
in a language that it could easily understand is called as machine language.
• The binary language of 1 and 0 is known as Machine language. Any instruction in this language
is given in the form of 1s and 0s.

2) Second Generation Languages- 2GLs (Assembly Language):

• The first language similar to English was developed in 1950 which was known as Assembly
Language or Symbolic Programming Languages.
• An assembly language is a low-level programming language for microprocessors (CPU) and
other programmable devices.
3) Third Generation Languages- (3GLs ) (High Level Languages):The languages
developed which were nearer to the English language in 1960 were known as High Level languages.
The different high level languages are FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, PASCAL, PL-1 and many others.

4) Fourth Generation Languages- (4GLs) (Query languages):The 3GLs are procedural

in nature means HOW the problem get programmed and the procedures require the knowledge of
HOW the problem will be solved. .4GLs are non-procedural that focuses on WHAT of the problem is
coded means ‘WHAT is required’. The main aim of 4GLs is to be cut down on developed and
maintenance time and making it easier for users. Example of 4GL is SQL (Structured Query Language).

5) Fifth Generation Language-(5GLs)

:The 5GLs are designed to make the computer “Smarter”. The use of 5GLs language touches on expert
systems, computerized collection of the knowledge of many human experts, artificial intelligence and
independently smart computer systems. Examples of 5GL are Prolog, OPS5 and Mercury.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) based languages: These are the languages which use a
Graphical User Interface to write, compile & execute the program with ease. Some of them are-

Visual Basic Visual C++ C# (Pronounced as C sharp) Visual Basic.NET Visual Basic 2005

Software Computer software also called program is a set of instructions that directs a computer to
perform specific tasks or operations. Computer software consists of computer programs and libraries.

System software:
• Software that directly operates the computer hardware to provide basic functionality needed
by users and other software and to provide a platform for running application software.
• System software includes: Operating system (OS): Operating system manages resources of
computer system like memory, CPU, hard disk, printer etc. also provides an interface between
user and computer system & provides various services to other software.

Language Processor & Device drivers:

• All the devices like mouse, keyboard, modem etc needs at least one corresponding device
driver. A device driver is a program that controls a device.
• A language processor is a hardware device designed or used to perform tasks, such as
processing program code to machine code. Language processors are found in languages such
as Fortran and COBOL

Application software:
• Software that performs special functions or provides entertainment functions beyond the
basic operation of the computer itself.
• There are many different types of application software. General purpose: Microsoft Word,
Microsoft Excel, MS PowerPoint, Photoshop etc. Customized: Invoice Management System,
Airline Reservation System etc. Utilities: Antivirus, Memory tester, Disk partitioning and Disk
defragmenter etc.
Computer Memory:
• A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer
memory is the storage space in computer where data is to be processed and instructions
required for processing are stored.
• Memory is primarily of three types Cache Memory Primary Memory or Main Memory
Secondary Memory

Cache Memory:
• Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up CPU. It acts
as a buffer between the CPU and main memory
• It is used to hold those parts of data and program which are most frequently used by CPU.
• The parts of data and programs are transferred from disk to cache memory by operating
system from where CPU can access them.

Advantages

The advantages of cache memory are as follows

• Cache memory is faster than main memory.

• It consumes less access time as compared to main memory

• It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time. • It stores data for
temporary use.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows:

• Cache memory has limited capacity.

• It is very expensive.

Primary Memory (Main Memory):

• Primary memory is also known as main memory.
• It holds only those data and instructions on which computer is currently working.
• It has limited capacity and data is lost when power is switched off.
• It is generally made up of semiconductor device.

Characteristics of Main Memory

• These are semiconductor memories

• It is known as main memory.

• Usually volatile memory.

• Data is lost in case power is switched off.

• Faster than secondary memories.

• A computer cannot run without primary memory. Primary memory can be divided into RAM
(Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

Secondary Memory
It is also known as external memory or non-volatile memory.

It is slower than main memory.

These are used for storing data or information permanently.

For example: hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD etc.

Characteristic of Secondary memory

• These are magnetic and optical memories

• It is non-volatile memory which is used for storage of data in a computer.

• Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.

• Computer may run without secondary memory.

• Slower than primary memories.

Printers :
Printers are output devices which are used to prepare permanent output on paper.

Types of Printers

Printers can be divided into two main categories:

Impact Printers:

It uses hammers or pins strike against a ribbon and paper to print the text.

This mechanism is known as electro-mechanical mechanism.

They are of two types.

* Character Printer *Line Printer

Character Printer: It prints only one character at a time. It has relatively slower speed. e.g. Dot matrix
printers. Dot Matrix Printer: It prints characters as combination of dots. These have a matrix of pins
on the print head of the printer which form the character. There is a carbon between the pins & the
paper. The words get printed on the paper when the pin strikes the carbon. There are generally 9 or
24 pins.

Line Printer The line printer is an impact computer printer that prints one entire line of text at a time.
It is mostly associated with unit record equipment and the early days of digital computing, but the
technology is still in use.

Non-Impact Printers

There printers use non-Impact technology such as ink-jet or laser technology.

There printers provide better quality of output at higher speed.

These printers are of two types:

Ink - Jet Printer: It prints characters by spraying patterns of ink on the paper from a nozzle or jet. It
prints from nozzles having very fine holes, from which ink is pumped out to create various letters and
shapes.

Laser Printer: It utilizes a laser beam to produce an image on a drum. The light of the laser alters the
electrical charge on the drum wherever it hits. The drum is then rolled through a reservoir of toner,
which is picked up by the charged portions of the drum. Finally, the toner is transferred to the paper
through a combination of heat and pressure. They are much quieter than dot-matrix. They are also
relatively fast. The speed of laser printers ranges from about 4 to 20 pages of text per minute (ppm).
WORKSHEET
 Word Processing (MS Word)
Microsoft word or MS-Word (often called word) is a graphical word processing program by Microsoft
Corporation.
The purpose of the MS Word is to allow the users to type and save documents. Similar to other
word processors, it has various helpful tools to make documents

How to start MS Word

Click on start menu and find Microsoft Office ->Microsoft Word 2010
You will see the application window of MS Word as below After

Working with Headers and Footers

• Headers and footers can help keep longer documents organized and make them easier to
read.
• Text entered in the header or footer will appear on each page of the document.
• Let us see a demonstration.

1. Click on Insert menu

 2. Find Header and Footer
3. Click on Header and select Blank (Three Columns) option

The Design tab will appear on the Ribbon, and the header or footer will appear in the
document.
Here you can place Date & Time, Page number, Picture Clip Art and other desired
information.
When you have finished editing, click Close Header and Footer in the Design tab

, or hit the Esc key. After you close the header or footer, it will still be visible,
but it will be locked. To edit it again, just double-click anywhere on the header or footer
margin and it will become unlocked for editing.
Paragraph
MS Word includes many features designed to assist you in placing text on the page just the
way you want it.
You can align text left to right using tabs or alignment options, or you can adjust your text
vertically using line spacing options.
Following are some of the available paragraph formatting choices.
Aligning Text:
• Alignment arranges the text to line up at one or both margins, or in center between
the margins. Alignment applies to entire paragraphs.
• You can align text to the left, right, or center, or you can justify your text, which
means that the text becomes evenly spaced across the page from the left margin to
the right margin.
• Apply alignment options by selecting the text you want to align, then choosing Home
> Paragraph and clicking one of the following alignment buttons: Align Text Left:
The text aligns evenly at the left margin. This is the default choice.
• Center: The text centers evenly between the left and right margins.
• Align Text Right: The text aligns along the right document margin.
• Justify: The text fills with micro spaces so it aligns evenly on both the left and right
margins.
Following picture illustrates a document with text matching each alignment option.

Microsoft Word shortcut keys

Ctrl+a Select all contents of the page.

Ctrl+b bold the highlighted content

Ctrl+c Copy the selectecd text
Ctrl+I italic highlighted section
Cntrl+n open new blank document
Ctrl+x cut the selected text
Ctrl+p paste the selected text
 HTML
What is HTML?
• HTML is a computer language invented to allow website creation.
• The websites can then be viewed by anyone else connected to the Internet.
• It is relatively easy to learn, with the basics being accessible to most people in one
sitting and quite powerful in what it allows you to create.
• HTML is used to build the websites or web based applications.
• HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language.
• HyperText is the method by which you move around on the web by clicking on
special text called hyperlinks which bring you to the next page.
• Markup is what HTML tags do to the text inside them. They mark it as a certain
type of text for example italicized text.

How does it work?

• HTML consists of a series of short codes typed into a text-file called as tags.
• The text is then saved as html file, and viewed through a browser like Internet
Explorer.
• This browser reads the file and translates the text into a visible form, hopefully
rendering the page as the author had intended.
• Some of the most popular HTML editors, such as FrontPage or Dreamweaver will let
you create pages more or less as you write documents in Word or whatever text
editor you are using.
Essential HTML Tags
There are four sets of HTML tags that form the basic structure needed for every HTML file:
• <html></html>
• <head></head>
• <title></title>
• <body></body>
<html> </html>
This basically defines the document as web page. It also identifies the beginning and end of
the HTML document. All other tags must fall between the html tags.
<head> </head>
The header contains information about the document that will not appear on the actual
page, such as the title of the document, the author etc.
<title> </title>
The title tag defines the title that will appear in the title bar of your web browser. The title
must appear between the head tags.
<body> </body>
The body tags contain all the information and other visible content on the page. All your
images, links and plain text must go between the <body> and </body> tags.
You may also be interested in the basic tags for adding content and headings.
Example:
Below is a basic html document. Notice that everything falls between the html tags, the title
appears within the head of the document, and that the body comes after the head.
1. Open Notepad.
2. Type the HTML program as given below.
3. Click file->Save as

4. Select Desktop, type the file name as myfile.html and select All files in Save as type box
and Click on save.
Your HTML file will be save to desktop
5. Double click on the file(as shown below) and your webpage is ready for display.
Empty tag and Container tag
A container tag has two ends (an opening and a closing) whereas an empty tag doesn't. The
paragraph tag is an example of a container tag: <p>Our paragraph text here.</p> The image
tag is a good example of an empty tag. <img src="kvslogo.png" > See how the initial
paragraph tag (<p>) has a corresponding end tag? The text in between is "contained" by the
tag.
The majority of tags are "container" tags. They have an opening and a closing tag.
However, a few tags are "self-contained" or "empty" tags in that they have an opening tags
but not a closing one.
They common ones are:
• <br> = break
• <img> = image
• <meta> = metadata within an HTML document
WORKSHEET
Fill in the blanks with correct option
<BR>, <HTML>, header, .html, container, tag, title, body, empty , web programming
1. Extension of a HTML file is……………………
2. Predefined command in HTML is knows as…………………
3. HTML is a ………………………language.
4. All HTML programs must have………………tag the begging of program.
5. The ………………contains information about the document that will not appear on the
actual page.
6. The ………… tag must appear between the head tags.
7. The ……………tags contain all the information and other visible content on the page.
8. A ……….……………tag has an opening and a closing end.
9. A…………………tag doesn't have a closing end.
10....................is an example empty tag.

Practice Questions:
1. Who is the father of Computers?

a) James Gosling

b) Charles Babbage

c) Dennis Ritchie

d) Bjarne Stroustrup

2. Which of the following is the correct abbreviation of COMPUTER?

a) Commonly Occupied Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research

b) Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Environmental Research

c) Commonly Oriented Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research

d) Commonly Operated Machines Used in Technical and Educational Research

3. Which of the following is the correct definition of Computer?

a) Computer is a machine or device that can be programmed to perform arithmetical or logic operation
sequences automatically

b) Computer understands only binary language which is written in the form of 0s & 1s

c) Computer is a programmable electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes the data

d) All of the mentioned

4. What is the full form of CPU?

a) Computer Processing Unit
b) Computer Principle Unit
c) Central Processing Unit
d) Control Processing Unit
5. Which of the following language does the computer understand?
a) Computer understands only C Language
b) Computer understands only Assembly Language
c) Computer understands only Binary Language
d) Computer understands only BASIC

6. Which of the following computer language is written in binary codes only?

a) pascal
b) machine language
c) C
d) C#
7. Which of the following is the brain of the computer?
a) Central Processing Unit
b) Memory
c) Arithmetic and Logic unit
d) Control unit
8. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a computer?
a) Versatility
b) Accuracy
c) Diligence
d) I.Q.
9. Which of the following is the smallest unit of data in a computer?
a) Bit
b) KB
c) Nibble
d) Byte
10. Which of the following unit is responsible for converting the data received from the
user into a computer understandable format?
a) Output Unit
b) Input Unit
c) Memory Unit
d) Arithmetic & Logic Unit

11. Which of the following monitor looks like a television and are normally used with non-
portable computer systems?
a) LED
b) LCD
c) CRT
d) Flat Panel Monitors

12. Which of the following is not a type of computer code?

a) EDIC
b) ASCII
c) BCD
d) EBCDIC
13. Which of the following part of a processor contains the hardware necessary to
perform all the operations required by a computer?
a) Controller
b) Registers
c) Cache
d) Data path