2. 2
Computer Basics
CO
Number
Title Level
CO1 Students will be able to understand the basics of
computer.
Remember
CO2 Applications of computer. Understand
CO3 Computer technology and its role in society. Understand
CO4 Concepts of architecture of a computer Understand
Course Outcome
Students will be able to understand the basics of
computer.
Applications of computer.
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4. SYLLABUS
UNIT-I
Computer Basics
• Introduction
• Characteristics
• Criteria for Using Computers
• History of Computers
• Generations of Computer
• Classification of Computers
• Applications of Computer
• Basic Components of PC & Computer Architecture
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6. RELEVANCE
This course provides an overview of fundamental topics in basics of computer.
The course will provide a foundation for further education in computers.
It will enhance the knowledge of the students in the concepts related to Computer
Architecture, Computer Peripherals, and Software requirements.
It will give thorough knowledge of the discipline to enable students to disseminate
knowledge in pursuing excellence in academic areas ,Business, Banking, Marketing
and Healthcare.
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7. COURSE OBJECTIVES
The basic objective of the course is to introduce the students to the computer
The course offers a good understanding of the various functional units of a
computer system.
The students are also exposed to the recent trends in Computer applications, and
productivity software.
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8. Introduction to Computers
The full form of computer is Commonly Operated Machine Particularly Used for
Technology Education and Research.
A Computer is a multipurpose electronic device that can receive, process and store
data.
It is used as tools in every part of society together with the Internet.
There are a lot of different components inside the computer, and they all serve
different purposes.
They all need to work together for the computer to work
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366&bih=608
9. Introduction to Computers
A computer is an electronic device that takes input such as numbers, text, sound,
image, animations, video, etc., processes it, and converts it into meaningful
information that could be understood, presenting the changed input (processed
input) as output.
All numbers, text, sound, images, animations, and video used as input are called data
All numbers, text, sound, images, animations, and video returned as output are
called information.
Input is the raw data entered into the computer by using input devices.
The data consists of numbers, text, sound, images, animations, and video
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10. Introduction to Computers
The process converts numbers, text, sound, images, animations, and video (data)
into usable data, which is called information.
The information consists of numbers, text, sound, images, animations, and video that
has been converted by the process.
The data is inserted using an input device.
The central processing unit (CPU) converts data to information.
The information is put on an output device.
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11. DATA vs INFORMATION
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•Derived from Latin word
‘Datum’.
•Data is raw fact.
•May or may not be
meaningful.
•Input to any system may be
treated as data.
•Understanding is difficult
•Data may not be in order
•Derived from word
‘informare’.
•Processed form of data.
•Always meaningful.
•Output after processing
system is information.
•Understanding is easy.
•Information should be in
Order
INFORMATION
DATA
12. Characteristics of a Computer
1. Speed: -
• Computer is a very fast device.
• It takes only few seconds for calculations that we take hours to complete.
• The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the
picoseconds.
2. Accuracy: -
• In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
• The calculations are 100% error free.
• Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is
correct
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13. Characteristics of a Computer
3. Diligence: -
• Unlike human beings, a computer is free from tiredness, and lack of
concentration.
• It can work for hours without creating any error.
• If millions of calculations are to be performed, a computer will perform every
calculation with the same accuracy.
4. Versatility: -
• Versatile means the capacity to perform completely different-different type of
work.
• You may use your computer to prepare payroll slips, next moment you may use it
for inventory management or to prepare electric bills.
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14. Characteristics of a Computer
5. Power of Remembering:-
• Computer has the power of storing any amount of information or data.
• Any information can be stored and recalled as long as you require it, for any
numbers of years.
6. No I.Q.: -
• Computer is a dumb machine and it cannot do any work without instruction
from the user.
• It is you to decide what you want to do and in what sequence. So a computer
cannot take its own decision as you can.
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15. Characteristics of a Computer
7. No Feeling:-
• It does not have feelings or emotion.
• It can not make judgment based on feeling, knowledge and experience unlike
humans.
8. Storage: -
• Storage is a very important characteristic of computers
• The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of
data.
• You can also store data in secondary storage devices such as Pen Drives, which
can be kept outside your computer and can be carried to other computers.
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16. Criteria for Using Computers
Business
A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or versatility which
has made it an integrated part in all business organizations.
• Computer is used in business organizations for −
1. Payroll calculations
2. Budgeting
3. Sales analysis
4. Financial forecasting
5. Managing employee database
6. Maintenance of stocks, etc.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_applications.htm
17. Criteria for Using Computers
Banking
Today, banking is almost totally dependent on computers.
• Banks provide the following facilities −
1. Online accounting facility, which includes
checking current balance, making deposits
and overdrafts, checking interest charges,
shares, and trustee records.
2. ATM machines which are completely automated are making it even easier for
customers to deal with banks.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_applications.htm
18. Criteria for Using Computers
Education
The computer helps in providing a lot of facilities in the education system.
The computer provides a tool in the education system known as CBE (Computer
Based Education).
There are a number of methods in which educational institutions can use a computer
to educate the students.
It is used to prepare a database about performance of a student and analysis is
carried out on this basis.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_applications.htm
19. Criteria for Using Computers
Marketing
In marketing, uses of the computer are following−
1. Advertising − With computers, advertising professionals create art and graphics,
write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal of selling more
products.
2. Home Shopping − Home shopping has been made possible through the use of
computerized catalogues that provide access to product information and permit
direct entry of orders to be filled by the customers.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_applications.htm
20. Criteria for Using Computers
Healthcare
Diagnostic System − Computers are used to collect data and identify the cause of
illness.
• Lab-diagnostic System − All tests can be done and the reports are prepared by
computer.
• Patient Monitoring System − These are used to check the patient's signs for
abnormality such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG, etc.
• Pharma Information System − Computer is used to check drug labels, expiry dates,
harmful side effects, etc.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_applications.htm
21. Criteria for Using Computers
Communication
Some main areas in this category are −
1. E-mail
2. Chatting
3. Usenet
4. FTP
5. Telnet
6. Video-conferencing
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_applications.htm
22. Criteria for Using Computers
Government
Computers play an important role in government services. Some major fields in this
category are −
1. Budgets
2. Sales tax department
3. Income tax department
4. Computation of male/female ratio
5. Computerization of voters lists
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_applications.htm
23. History of Computers
• The computer as we know it today had its beginning with a 19th century English
mathematics professor name Charles Babbage.
• Generally speaking, computers can be classified into five generations.
• Each generation gave us either a new and improved computer.
• Conventionally, a modern computer consists of at least one processing element,
typically a central processing unit (CPU), some form of memory and Input/output
device.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer
24. Generations of Computer
First Generation
• The period of first generation was from 1946-1959.
• The computers of first generation used vacuum tubes as the basic components.
• 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
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_generations.htm
25. Generations of Computer
First Generation
• In this generation, mainly batch processing operating system was used.
• Punch cards, paper tape, and magnetic tape was used as input and output devices.
• The computers in this generation used machine code as the programming language.
• Some computers of this generation were IBM-701 and IBM-650
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26. Generations of Computer
The main features of the first generation are −
• Vacuum tube technology
• Supported machine language only
• Very costly
• Generated a lot of heat
• Slow input and output devices
• Huge size
• Need of AC
• Non-portable
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_generations.htm
27. Generations of Computer
Second Generation
• The period of second generation was from 1959-1965.
• In this generation, transistors were used that were cheaper, consumed less power,
more compact in size, more reliable and faster than the first generation machines
made of vacuum tubes.
• In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and magnetic
tape and magnetic disks as secondary storage devices.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_generations.htm
28. Generations of Computer
Second Generation
• In this generation, assembly language and high-level programming languages like
FORTRAN, COBOL were used.
• The computers used batch processing and multiprogramming
operating system.
• Some computers of this generation were IBM 1620 and IBM 7094.
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29. Generations of Computer
Second Generation
The main features of second generation are −
• Use of transistors
• Smaller size as compared to first generation computers
• Generated less heat as compared to first generation computers
• Consumed less electricity as compared to first generation computers
• Faster than first generation computers
• Still very costly
• AC required
• Supported machine and assembly languages
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30. Generations of Computer
Third Generation:
• The period of third generation was from 1965-1971.
• The computers of third generation used Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of
transistors.
• A single IC has many transistors, resistors, and capacitors along with the associated
circuitry.
• The IC was invented by Jack Kilby.
• This development made computers smaller in
size, reliable, and efficient.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_generations.htm
31. Generations of Computer
Third Generation:
• In this generation remote processing, time-sharing, multiprogramming operating
system were used.
• High-level languages (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68
etc.) were used during this generation.
• Some computers of this generation were −
• IBM-360 series
• Honeywell-6000 series
• PDP (Personal Data Processor)
• IBM-370/168
• TDC-316
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_generations.htm
32. Generations of Computer
The main features of third generation are −
• IC used
• More reliable in comparison to previous two generations
• Smaller size
• Generated less heat
• Faster
• Lesser maintenance
• Costly
• AC required
• Consumed lesser electricity
• Supported high-level language
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33. Generations of Computer
Fourth Generation
• The period of fourth generation was from 1971-1980.
• Computers of fourth generation used Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits.
• VLSI circuits having about 5000 transistors and
other circuit elements with their associated circuits
on a single chip made it possible to have microcomputers
of fourth generation.
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_generations.htm
34. Generations of Computer
Fourth Generation
• Fourth generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable, and
affordable.
• In this generation, time sharing, real time networks, distributed operating system
were used.
• All the high-level languages like C, C++, DBASE etc., were used in this generation.
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35. Generations of Computer
Fourth Generation
The main features of fourth generation are −
• VLSI technology used
• Very cheap
• Portable and reliable
• Use of PCs
• Very small size
• No AC required
• Concept of internet was introduced
• Great developments in the fields of networks
• Computers became easily available
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36. Generations of Computer
Fifth Generation
• The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date.
• In the fifth generation, VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration)
technology.
• This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial
Intelligence) software.
• AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets the means and
method of making computers think like human beings.
• All the high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.
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37. Generations of Computer
Fifth Generation
The main features of fifth generation are −
• ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of Natural language processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• 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
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_generations.htm
38. Classification of Computers
• Traditionally, computers were classified by their size, processing speed, and cost
• Based on these factors, computers were classified as microcomputers,
minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.
• However, with rapidly changing technology, this classification is no more relevant
• According to functionality, Type of computers are classified as :
• Analog Computer
• Digital Computer
• Hybrid Computer(Analog + Digital)
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39. Classification of Computers
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.
Digital Computer
• A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities
represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.
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.
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40. Classification of Computers
On the basis of Size: Type of Computers are classified as :-
• Super Computer
• Mainframe Computer
• Mini Computer
• Micro Computer or Personal Computer
• Workstations
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41. Classification of Computers
Super Computer :-
• Most powerful and most expensive computers available at a given time.
• Used for processing complex scientific applications that require huge processing power
• Supercomputers also support multiprogramming
• Well known supercomputing applications include:-
• Weather forecasting
• Solving complex structure engineering problems
• Simulation of airflow around an aircraft
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42. Classification of Computers
Super Computer
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http://ecomputernotes.com/fundamental/introduction-to-computer/write-a-detailed-note-on-classification-of-computers
43. Classification of Computers
Mainframe Computer
• A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously.
• Mainly used by large organizations as banks, insurance companies, hospitals,
railways, etc.
• In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they
support more simultaneous programs.
• Supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
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44. Classification of Computers
Mainframe Computer
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http://ecomputernotes.com/fundamental/introduction-to-computer/write-a-detailed-note-on-classification-of-computers
45. Classification of Computers
Mini Computer
• It is a midsize multi-processing system.
• It is capable of supporting up to 250 users simultaneously.
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http://ecomputernotes.com/fundamental/introduction-to-computer/write-a-detailed-note-on-classification-of-computers
46. Classification of Computers
Micro Computer or Personal Computer
• Desktop Computer: A personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
• 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.
• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook : A hand-sized computer. Palmtops
have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.
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47. Classification of Computers
Workstation
• Powerful desktop computer designed to meet the computing needs of engineers,
architects, and other professionals
• Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, large
amount of RAM, inbuilt network support.
• Common operating systems for workstations are
UNIX and Windows NT.
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http://ecomputernotes.com/fundamental/introduction-to-computer/write-a-detailed-note-on-classification-of-computers
48. Components of computer system
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_components.htm
49. Components of computer system)
Input Unit
• This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the computer.
• This unit creates a link between the user and the computer.
• The input devices translate the information into a form understandable by the
computer.
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50. Components of computer system
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
• CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data
processing operations. It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions
(program). It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.
• CPU itself has the following three components −
• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
• Memory Unit
• Control Unit
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https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_components.htm
51. Components of computer system
Memory or Storage Unit
• This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results.
• This unit supplies information to other units of the computer when needed.
• It is also known as internal storage unit or the main memory or the primary storage
or Random Access Memory (RAM).
• Primary memory and secondary memory are two types of memories in the
computer.
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52. Components of computer system
Control Unit
• This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer.
• It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other units of a
computer.
• It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
• It communicates with Input/output devices for transfer of data or results from storage.
• It does not process or store data.
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53. Components of computer system
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
• This unit consists of two subsections namely,
Arithmetic Section Logic Section
• Arithmetic Section
• Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• All complex operations are done by making repetitive use of the above
operations.
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54. Components of computer system
Logic Section
• Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selecting,
matching, and merging of data.
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http://www.byte-notes.com/five-basic-components-computer-system
55. Components of computer system
Output Unit
• The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information
from the computer.
• This unit is a link between the computer and the users. Output devices translate the
computer's output into a form understandable by the users.
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60. APPLICATIONS
• Students will learn about the basics of computer.
• Students will learn about the use of computer in various fields.
• Students will learn about the input and output devices of computer.
• Students will learn about the history and generation of computer.
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61. FAQ’s
• What is Computer ?
• What are the characteristics of Computer ?
• What are the types of Computer Generation ?
• What are the Basic Component of PC ?
• Difference between Data and Information
• What are various input and output devices ?
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62. REFERENCES
• P.K Sinha `Computer Fundamentals`, BPB Publications
• E. Balaguruswamy ‘FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTERS’ , McGraw Hill Education
• Anita Goel, ‘Computer Fundamentals’, Pearson
• https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals
• http://ecomputernotes.com/fundamental/introduction-to-computer/
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