COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

The computers are performing many of routine activities in today society. Man has
invented many electronic devices but the computers have greater impact on society than any
other electronic device.

In earlier days the computers were used to so compute or to calculate. The problem,
which early had to solve, were mostly mathematical. Today computers are used in weather
forecasting and for reserving seats in flights or railways and even to cut the shapes out of
sheet metal.

Computers act upon information in computing terminology this is called as data. They
process data according to step-by-step instruction and gives out data as output. In brief
computer can be defined as electronic machine that accepts the data and process the data
according to the instructions and provide the results as output.

Data comes in various shapes and sizes depending upon the types of computer
application. A computer can store process and retrieve data and when needed. That is why
many people call the computer as Data Processor.
The spate of inventions during last decade led to the development of personal computers.
They become versatile and they have brief case. They have become indispensable for
engineers, doctors, teachers, managers, businessmen, administrators, students and just every
one.

What computers can do:

1. Computers perform complex calculations rapidly with higher accuracy.
2. Computers can store a large amount of data and information.
3. Provide information to the user.
4. Automatically correct or modify by providing signals certain paramameters of a system
under control.
5. Computers provide information to the user.
6. Computers can draw and prints graphs.

Computer: It is an electronic device, which performs arithmetic and logical

Operations.

Computer is a high speed electronic device which is used to perform various arithmetic
and logical operations.

Computer can accept the data as input to store and the process then for out put result.
Computer is used to store and process large amount of data and provides information to the user.
They are used to perform a large number of calculations rapidly and accurately.

The word computer came from “Compute”. It is a greek word, in greek compute means,
calculate.

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Features of computer:

 Speed: -

A computer is very speed and very fast calculating device in a few seconds, it can do a
lot of work. It maintains the same speed right from the beginning till the end. The computer
speeds will be measured in MIPS.

 Storage capacity: -

The computer has large storage capacity to store a large volume of data. The computer
has two memory capacity which is divide into two aspects called Internal Memory and External
Memory. The internal memory has not sufficient to store large capacity of data where external
memory is used to store large capacity of data. With this feature computer has become has
popular.

 Accuracy: -

Computer can perform very fast but without giving errors or wrong information. It
provides the absolute result to the user after process the data.

 Automation: -

A computer can perform a particular work continuously without getting fail. Every
operation should be done automatically by itself without getting any human interjection.

 Diligence (No Relax): -

Computer can perform or process by large volume o data and also work with without
getting any rest.

 Versatility: -

One of the most wonderful things about a computer is a capable performing any task. It
at one moment, it is processing the result of a particular examination, so every operation can
perform by the using the computer.

Application areas of computers: -

 Computers help to store the information of employees in an office like employee member,
name and address and help to prepare salaries list, in a few seconds.
 In hotels computers are used to store the work of preparing the bills of costumers gives rooms
information also.
 Computers are used to prepare the reservation tickets of railways and airways and also help to
the administration sites.
 In banks computers are used for office works the details of money depositors in banks or with
draw by the costumer from his account, which will be store in a computer.
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  Weather Forecasting: -Computers is used to determine the forecast and make predications of
rain, storms, and cyclones.
 Schools: - Computers can play the role of a teacher, they are used to display the drawing in
science, maps in social studies they are used to conduct the quiz compete ions, computer are
also used to like chess etc.

History of computers: -

There have significant technology changes and improvements from the earlier
developments of computers to the present day computers it has undergone evolutionary changes right
from its inception. The technology is changes so fast that it is becoming difficult for the professional
to keep pace with it. As and when there is a big leap in the technologically advancement. It is put into
next generation. We are presently in the era of fourth generation and are entering into fifth generation.

Generations of computers: -

They are five types: -

• First generation of computers: (1946-1955)

This generation of computers is based on the VACCUM TUBES technology, which are
very delicate devices that control electronic signals.

ENIAC:

Eckert invented electronic numerical integrator and calculator and it.

Advantages: -

1) These are used for designing the digital computers.

Disadvantages: -

1) They are two bulkily in size and occupy a lot of space.

2) Generated so much of heat.
3) Frequently failure, when we are use.
4) Limited in use.

The gradual development in computer technology is called generation.

• Second generation of computers:- (1956-1965)

Advantages:-
1) Small in size
2) Produce less heat
3) Fast Processing

Disadvantages:-
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 1. It requires frequently maintenance.
2. Very expensive.

• Third Generation of computers:- (1966-1975)

Advantages:-
1. It is very small when we are comparing first and second generation technology.
2. Low Cost
3. Widely used for commercial applications.
4. It is very fast and more compact.

Disadvantages:-

1. It requires AC
2. High advance technology is used for defining IC’s chips.

• Fourth Generation:- (1976-1985)

Advantages:-
1. Small in size and very easy to out.
2. Fast Calculation
3. Low cost
4. Minimum maintenance is required.
5. used for general purpose.

Disadvantages:-

1. It requires AC

• Fifth Generation of computers (1986-onwards)

History of computers:-

• In earlier days the computer was invented.

• Based on abacus tool it was designed.
• Abacus is a frame that is having movable beats string on the wire.
• The Chinese and Japanese develop it in 16th century.
• After this Jhon naphier was invented manual Calculating device.
• In 1642 Baise Pascal was invented Mechanical calculator, which is used for performing
arithmetic operation.
• After various developments Charles Babbage was invented powerful machine is known as
differential engine in 1822.
• And again Babbage was invented Analytical engine in 1833, which are used for performing
all operations, so he was called as father of computers.
• He invented the first digital computers in 1846. It is called as ENIAC.
• Dr. Hermen Hollerith was invented punched card device in the year of 1887,which are used
for accepting the data as input, this data is first record in a coded form by punching holes on

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 cards. After this technology we have to develop different of computers and getting more
facilities in our daily life.

Generation of computers:

The gradual development in computer technology is known as generation of computers.

Generation means such period of time to develop technology.
These generations are classifying into five types.

First generation of computers:

This generation was started from (1946-55)

These Computers are based on “Vacuum tubes” technology which are used fro control electrical
signals.
The ENIAC was developed in this generation.
This technology is used for design as digital computer

Types of computers:

The computers are mainly classified into two types.

They are;
1st Classification of computers
2nd Classification of Computers

Based on the Operating principle and working capabilities, the computers are classified into three
types.
1) Digital Computers
2) Analog Computers
3) Hybrid Computers

Digital Computers: are operated by counting are all quantities are expressed in digits are
Numbers.

Analog computers: are operated by measuring than by counting it expresses all quantities
Measurement. These computers are very powerful for solving differential
equations.

Hybrid Computers: It id partly analog and partly digital. Both features are mixing are
Provide one computer technology. It is known as Hybrid.

One computer technology. It is known as Hybrid.

2nd classification

These computers are again classified into based on their size, storage capacity and working
Speed.
They are:

1.Micro computers 2. Mini computers.

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 1. A Micro Computer is the smallest general-purpose computer. These are called as self-content
units. Hence these computers are cannot linked to other computer easily. These computers are
design for the use by one person at a time. It process the data from 80000 to 100000
instructions per second.
2. A Mini computer is a medium sized computer, which is more expensive and powerful than
micro. We have one difference e between that is to serve multiple users simultaneously. Hence
there are very easy to link to large computers.
3. Mainframe Computers: These computers are having large storage capacity and high
Speed of processing. They support a large number of terminals to use multiple users
Simultaneously.
4. Super computer: These computers are having extremely large storage capacity and computing
speed is 10 times faster than other computers. It performs MIPS. These super computer are
solving large scale numerical values and scientific and engineering.
The first super sonic computer in India is PARAM

Input device:

1. Punched hole device

2. OMR (Optical Mark reader)
3. MICR (Magnetic In Character Reorganization)
4. Mouse
5. Keyboard

Output device:

Monitor: 1. Monochrome Monitor (B/W)

2. Color Monitor

V.D.U.: Visual Display Unit.

1. Text Mode
2. Graphic Mode

Text Mode : 24 lines, 80 columns

Graphic Mode : 400 lines 640 columns

CGA card was invented by IBM Company in 1982

IBM stands for International Business machine.

HGA Hercules Graphic Adapter, this was invented by Hercules company in 1982

E.G.A. Enhonsed Graphic Adapter, introduced by IBM Company in 1984.

It supports 16 colors.

V.G.A: Visual Graphic Adapter: It as developed by IBM Company in 1987. It supports

256 colors at same time with high resolution.

S.V.G.A: Super Video Graphic adapter: This adapter was introduced by American group
of company 1988.It displays the visual effectiveness with colors in pixels parts.
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Bits and Bytes:

The bits and bytes will measure the computer data.

1Bit – 1 or 0
4Bits – 1 nibble
2nibbles – 1 Byte
1024 Bytes – 1 Kilo Bytes
1024 KB – 1Mb
1024 MB – 1GB
1024 GB – 1TB

Block Diagram of computers

Basically we are having three devices in computer
They are 1. Input devices 2.C.P.U 3. Out put devices

Computer Hardware: is some set of physical components.

Computer Software: is nothing but some collection of program

Input Devices: This input device is used to feed the used data in the computer memory.

These input devices are 4 types ;

1. Punched hole device

2. A cardpunch machine writes data into cards. Its look like a typewriter when punched sets
holes in a card instead of printing.
3. OMR: It is used to detect the marks made by pencil r ink on specially design paper. These
sheets are maintained used in competitive examinations. Which are having objective types
question. MACR stands fro Magnetic Ink Character Reorganization which is used for identify
codes and the customer account number on all free defined cheques.
4. Mouse: This mouse is also an input device.

5. Keyboard: This is very important component, which is used to feed the data. The keyboard is
divided into four parts.
a. Alphabetic keys
b. Function Keys
c. Numeric keypad
d. Speed and combination key

C.P.U: In this CPU we have 3 units.

1. Memory Unit
2. A.L.U
3. C.U (Control Unit)

Memory Unit:

The data entered into the computer it will be stores the given data in one place. This
place is known as memory. This memory is also called as Main memory.
This primary memory again classified into two types. They are
1. RAM 2.ROM
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Ram:

Random Access Memory while the program execution the data will be stored in one
place. This is known as Ram. It will be stored the given data temporally. That is the data will be lost
whenever the power switch off.

This Ram is classified into two types: DRAM, SRAM

DRAM: Dynamic Ram: It will be lost the data once power switch off.

S.RAM: Static Ram: It does not loss the data when the power switch off.

ROM: Read only Memory :In the memory the bios is permanently loaded during manufacturing
time. It provides a non-vertile storage capacity. The data does not get erased when the power switch
off. But can’t write data.

This ROM is again classified into three types:

1. PROM: Programmable will be stored once the program will be stored the record information
cannot be changed.
2. EPROM: Erasable programmable read only memory: It is similar to the PROM. But we can
erase the program through ultra violet ray.
3. EEPROM: Electrical erasable programmable read only memory: Once the chip has been
programmed it will erase through electrical signals.

ALU Stands Arithmetic Logic Unit;

This unit can perform all arithmetical and logical operation. After performing
operations, the result is send back to the memory.

CU: Control Unit:

This unit always watch the data came are not from the input device to memory unit ,
and it also controls all system devices and checks power supply.

Computer Languages

Language is nothing but a media, which is used to communicate to the others.

Computer language is an interface the user.
The function of a computer was controlled a set of instructions if we want to communicate, we can
use mainly three languages.

These are three types:

1.High Level Language
2.Assembly Language
3.Low Level Language
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Low-level Language:

The language, which is understood by the computer, is known as low-level language or

machine language. This is having electronic values, which can understand by the computer.

Assembly Language:

It is nemoic code language. It is also called as symbolic or code language. This

language must be converted into low-level language.

High Level Language:

The language, which is understood by the user, is known as High Level Language. This
language consists set of words and symbols. This is simply language. High level Languages is used
for the following applications:

1.BASIC 2.FRONTAL 3.COBOL

Computer Software:

Is nothing but some collections of programs, which are used to perform the particulars
task or work.

Software is can be classified into four types:

1.Operating System
2.Languages Process
3.Program Utility
4.Appilcation software

Operating System can be classified into 2 types:

1. Single user – Dos

2. Multi user - Windows

The software can execute their instructions automatically, which are strong in the computer.

Operating System:

The software that manages the resources of a computer system and schedules is called as
operating system. The operating system is act an interface between the user program and hardware.
Single User Operating system:

This operating system can allow only one person to work with computer is known as
single user operating system.

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Multi user operating system:

These operating systems, which allow multiple uses, work with the computer at the
same time.

Program Utility:

By using the program we can perform required operations.

Languages Process:

What we give through keyboard, this must be converted into low-level language so the
program will be return in other language.

Complier:

It is software, which will be process or converted into low-level language. It can arrange
all statements as a unit. They are process at the same time.

Interpreter:

It should be converted the given data into low-level language statement by the
statement.

Assembler:

It was all process the high level language data low level language. Based on their unique
statements.

Application software:

Application is nothing but a package, which is used to perform particular operations. It

was classified into two types:

They are
1.Standard Application software
2.Normal Product

Number system: Based on their ASCII vales the given high level data should be
converted into low level language with the help of language process and number system.

We are
1.Binary Number system
2.Decimal Number
3.Octal Number
4.Hexa Number

ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

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We are having 256 ASCII Values starting from 0 to 255.

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