INTRODUCTION

The term Computer is derived from ‘compute’ which means ‘to calculate’.
We are all familiar with calculations in our day-to-day life. We apply mathematical operations
like addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. and many other formulae for calculations. Simple
calculations take less time. But complex calculations take much longer time. Another factor is
accuracy in calculations. So man explored with the idea to develop a machine, which can
perform this type of arithmetic calculation faster, and with full accuracy. This gave birth to a
machine called ‘computer’.
What is a Computer
You have already experienced the impact of computers in our day to-day life. Reservation of
tickets in Air Lines and Railways, Payment of telephone and electricity bills, Deposits and
withdrawals of money from banks, Business data processing, Medical diagnosis, Weather
forecasting, etc. are some of the areas where computer has become extremely useful.
But as you will see later it does much more than that. It can be compared to a magic box, which
serves different purpose to different people.
Computer: It is an electronic device which processes given data to derive the required and useful
information. During the processing the computer has to perform various functions like receives
data(input) processes data(process) produces output(information) stores results (storage).
Characteristics of Computers
The characteristics which make computer make indispensable are
1. Speed
2. Accurancy
3. Reliable
4. Storage Capacity
5. Versatile
6. Automation
7. Diligent
The Computer Generations
The evolution of computer started from 16th century and resulted in the form that we see today.
The present day computer, however, has also undergone rapid change during the last fifty years.
This period, during which the evolution of computer took place, can be divided into five distinct
phases, basis of the type of switching circuits known as Generations of Computers.

1. First Generation Computers (1950’s)

These computers which used vacuum tubes (valves) as major electronic component . The
advantage of vacuum tubes technology is that it made the advent of Electronic digital computer.
Vacuum tubes were only electronic devices available during those days which made computing
possible.
2. Second Generation Computers (1960’s)
Around 1955 a device called Transistor replaced the bulky electric tubes in the first generation
computer. Transistors are smaller than electric tubes and have higher operating speed. They have
no filament and require no heating. Manufacturing cost was also very low. Thus the size of the
computer got reduced considerably.

3.Third Generation Computers (1970’s)

The third generation computers were introduced in 1964. They used Integrated Circuits (ICs).
These ICs are popularly known as Chips. A single IC has many transistors, registers and
capacitors built on a single thin slice of silicon. So it is quite obvious that the size of the
computer got further reduced. Computers of this generation were small in size, low cost, large
memory and processing speed is very high.

4. Fourth Generation (1980’s)

The present day computers that you see today are the fourth generation computers that started
around 1975. It uses large scale Integrated Circuits (LSIC) built on a single silicon chip called
microprocessors. Due to the development of microprocessor it is possible to place computer’s
central processing unit (CPU) on single chip. These computers are called microcomputers. Later
very large scale Integrated Circuits (VLSIC) replaced LSICs.
Thus the computer which was occupying a very large room in earlier days can now be placed on
a table. The personal computer (PC) that you see in your college is a Fourth Generation
Computer.

5. Fifth Generation (Late 1990’s)

These computers use optic fiber technology to handle Artificial Intelligence, expert systems,
Robotics etc., these computers have high processing speeds and are more reliable.
Classification of Computers
The computers are classified into various types depends on their purpose, operation and size.
Classification of Computers
In general computers are classified into major categories based on.
(a) According to the purpose of the computer.
(b) According to the operation of computer.
(c) According to the size of computer.
1. Classification as per purpose of the computer
 • General purpose computers.  Special purpose computer.
2. According to the operational principle of computers, they are categorized as analog, digital
and hybrid computers.

• Analog Computers: These are almost extinct today. These are different from a digital
computer because an analog computer can perform several mathematical operations
simultaneously. It uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and utilizes
mechanical or electrical energy.
• Digital Computers: They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states,
namely bits 0 and 1. They are analogous to states ON and OFF. Data on these computers
is represented as a series of 0s and 1s. Digital computers are suitable for complex
computation and have higher processing speeds. They are programmable. Digital
computers are either general purpose computers or special purpose ones. Special purpose
computers, as their name suggests, are designed for specific types of data processing
while general purpose computers are meant for general use.
• Hybrid Computers: These computers are a combination of both digital and analog
computers. In this type of computers, the digital segments perform process control by
conversion of analog signals to digital ones.
3. According to the sizes of the computers, the computers are classified as follows.
Supercomputers: The highly calculation-intensive tasks can be effectively performed by means
of supercomputers. Quantum physics, mechanics, weather forecasting, molecular theory are best
studied by means of supercomputers. Ex. PARAM developed in India.
Servers: They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a computer
network. Usually they are very large in size, as they have large processors and many hard drives.
Mainframe Computers: Large organizations use mainframes for highly critical applications
such as bulk data processing. They can substitute for several small servers.
Wearable Computers: A record-setting step in the evolution of computers was the creation of
wearable computers. These computers can be worn on the body and are often used in the study of
behavior modeling and human health.
Minicomputers: In terms of size and processing capacity, minicomputers lie in between
mainframes and microcomputers. Minicomputers are also called mid-range systems or
workstations.
Microcomputers: A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit is known as
a microcomputer. They do not occupy space as much as mainframes do. When supplemented
with a keyboard and a mouse, microcomputers can be called personal computers.
Desktops: A desktop is intended to be used on a single location.
Laptops: Similar in operation to desktops, laptop computers are miniaturized and optimized for
mobile use.
 Notebooks: They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively smaller in
size. They had a smaller feature set and lesser capacities in comparison to regular laptops.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): It is a handheld computer and popularly known as a
palmtop. It has a touch screen and a memory card for storage of data. PDAs can also be used as
portable audio players, web browsers and smart phones.
Tablet Computers: Tablets are mobile computers that are very handy to use. They use the touch
screen technology. Tablets come with an onscreen keyboard or use a stylus or a digital pen.
Anatomy of Computers
The Computer mainly consists the functions input, process, output and storage. These functions
were described in the manner of diagram as follows.
The Block diagram of computer consists mainly i.e.,

· Input unit
· CPU(Control unit, Main Memory and ALU)
· Output unit,
· Secondary Storage unit
1. Input: This is the process of entering data and programs in to the computer system.
Therefore, the input unit takes data from us to the computer in an organized manner for
processing through an input device such as keyboard, mouse, MICR, OCR, Etc.,
2. Main Memory: It is also known as internal memory. It is very fast in operation. It is
used to store data and instructions. Data has to be fed into the system before the actual
processing starts. It contains a part of the operating system Software, one or more execution
programs being executed, the data being processed and required by the programs for execution,
and processed data awaiting output.
3. Output: This is the process of producing results from the data. Similarly the output
produced by the computer after processing must also be kept somewhere inside the computer
before being given to you in human readable form through the screen or printer. Again the
output is also stored inside the computer for further processing.
4. Control Unit (CU): The next component of computer is the Control Unit, which acts like
the supervisor seeing that things are done in proper fashion. Control Unit is responsible for
coordinating various operations using time signal. The control unit determines the sequence in
which computer programs and instructions are executed. Things like processing of programs
stored in the main memory, interpretation of the instructions and issuing of signals for other units
of the computer to execute them. It also acts as a switch board operator when several users
access the computer simultaneously. Thereby it coordinates the activities of computer’s
peripheral equipment as they perform the input and output.
5. Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU): After you enter data through the input device it is
stored in the primary storage. The actual processing of the data and instruction are performed by
Arithmetic Logical Unit. The major operations performed by the ALU are addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, logic and comparison.
6. Secondary storage: It is also known as auxiliary memory. It is closely linked with the
main memory. Since main memory can’t be flooded with unwanted data at particular moment,
same is stored in auxiliary memory from which desired data is fed to main memory as and when
required by it. Thus secondary storage is used to hold mass of information i.e., system software,
application programs, cinemas, games and data files. Obviously the capacity of secondary
storage is very high compared to main memory. Auxiliary memory usually in the form of
Magnetic disk, Magnetic tape, CD’s, Memory cards, Pen drives Etc.,
Input-output Devices
Generally, we give data and program to the computer. So what we give to the Computer is
known as input. Through which device we give the input is called input device.
Generally, we get information from the computer, So what we get from the computer is called
output. Through which device we get output is called output device.
Input devices
An input device presents data to the processing unit in a machine-readable form. Although the
keyboard is a common input device for a small computer, a system may also support various
other input devices such as Optical Character
Recognition (OCR), Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR), mark sense reader, etc.
 - Key board
 QWERTY English keyboard
 AZERTY French keyboard
- Scanner
- Mouse
- Light Pen
- Speech input devices
Output Devices
Output devices receive information from the CPU and present it to the user in the desired form.
Output devices include display screen, loudspeakers, printers, plotters, etc.
- Display Screen or monitor
- Printer
a. Ink-jet Printer
b. Laser Printer
c. Line Printer
d. Thermal printer
- Plotter
- Sound Cards & Speakers
Memory unit

Memory means storage of data and the program. In computer’s memory both data and
programs are stored in the binary form. The binary system has only two values 0 and 1. These
are called bits. As human beings we all understand decimal system but the computer can only
understand binary system.
A bit is an acronym for binary digit, which stands for one binary piece of information. This can
be either 0 or 1. Memory unit is made up of several small storage locations called cells. Each of
these cells can store a fixed number of bits called word length.
Memory sizes(Capacity):
The size of memory is termed in terms KB,MB,GB etc.,
1 Byte = 8 bits
1 Kilo Byte(KB) = 1024 Bytes(210)
1 Mega Byte(MB) = 1024 KB
1 Giga Byte(GB) = 1024 MB
1 Tera Byte(TB) = 1024 GB
1 Peta Byte(PB) = 1024 TB
1 Exa Byte(EB) = 1024 PB
 1 Zetta Byte(ZB) = 1024 EB
1 Yotta Byte(YB) = 1024 ZB
Byte is used to store one character such as (alphabets (a-z), digits (0-9) or special symbols +,,$,%
etc).You know that each cell of memory contains one character or 1 byte of data. So the capacity
is defined in terms of byte or words. Thus 64 kilobyte (KB) memory is capable of storing 64 x
1024 = 32,768 bytes. (1 kilobyte is equal to 1024 bytes). A memory size ranges from few
kilobytes in small systems to several thousands of Giga bytes in large mainframe and super
computers.
Suppose a memory card size is 2 GB means that it can store
2GB = 2 x 1024 MB
= 2 x 1024 x 1024 KB
= 2 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 Bytes
= 2147483648 bytes
There are two kinds of computer memory: primary and secondary.
Primary Memory
Primary Memory is also known as internal memory or main memory.
As soon as the computer is switched off, the contents of the primary memory is lost. You can
store and retrieve data much faster with primary memory compared to secondary memory.
Primary memory is more expensive than secondary memory. When the computer is doing any
job, the data that have to be processed are stored in the primary memory. This data may come
from an input device like keyboard or from a secondary storage device like a floppy disk,
memory card or pen drive etc….
The primary memory itself is implemented by two types of memory technologies. The first is
called Random Access Memory (RAM) and the other is read only memory (ROM). A more
appropriate name for RAM is RWM (Read Write Memory), the CPU can write and read
information from any primary memory location implemented using RAM. The other part of
primary memory is implemented using ROM which stands for Read Only Memory.
(a) Random Access Memory (RAM): The primary storage is referred to as Random Access
Memory (RAM) because it is possible to randomly select and use any location of the memory
directly to store and retrieve data. It is also called read/write memory. The storage of data and
instructions inside the primary storage is temporary. It disappears from RAM as soon as the
power to the computer is switched off. The memories, which loose their content on failure of
power supply, are known as volatile memories. So now we can say that RAM is volatile
memory.
(b) Read Only Memory (ROM): There is another memory in computer, which is called Read
Only Memory (ROM). Again it is the ICs inside the PC that form the ROM. The storage of
 program and data in the ROM is permanent. The ROM stores some standard processing
programs supplied by the manufacturers to operate the personal computer. The ROM can
only be read by the CPU but it cannot be changed. The basic input/output program is stored
in the ROM that examines and initializes various equipment attached to the PC when the
switch is turned ON. The memories, which do not lose their content on failure of power
supply, are known as nonvolatile memories. ROM is nonvolatile memory.
(c) PROM: There is another type of primary memory in computer, which is called
Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM). You know that it is not possible to modify or erase
programs stored in ROM, but it is possible for you to store your program in PROM chip. Once
the programs are written it cannot be changed and remain intact even if power is switched off.
Therefore, programs or instructions written in PROM or ROM cannot be erased or changed.
(d) EPROM: This stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, which overcome the
problem of PROM and ROM. EPROM chip can be programmed time and again by erasing
the information stored earlier in it. Information stored in EPROM can be erased by exposing
it to ultraviolet light. When the EPROM is in use, information can only be read.
(e) EAPROM: This stands for Electrically Alterable Programmable Read Only Memory. This
concept is same as that of EPROM. The only difference is that the memory can be altered
using electrical signals. The whole of the memory need not be erased.
(g) Registers: The CPU processes data and instruction with high speed. The computer uses a
number of special memory units called registers. They are not part of the main memory but they
store data or information temporarily and pass it on as directed by the control unit.
Secondary Storage (Auxiliary Memory)
You are now clear that the operating speed of primary memory or main memory should be as
fast as possible to cope up with the CPU speed. Again, the storage capacity of the main memory
is also very limited. Often it is necessary to store hundreds of millions of bytes of data for the
CPU to process. Therefore, additional memory is required in all the computer systems. This
memory is called auxiliary memory or secondary storage.
In this type of memory the cost per bit of storage is low. However, the operating speed is
slower than that of the primary memory. Huge volume of data are stored here on permanent basis
and transferred to the primary storage as and when required. Most widely used secondary storage
devices are magnetic tapes, magnetic disks and floppy disks, Compact disks and Pen drives etc.,
- Magnetic Tape: Magnetic tapes are used for large computers like mainframe computers
where large volume of data is stored for a longer time.
- Magnetic Disk: You might have seen the gramophone record, which is circular like a
disk and coated with magnetic material. Magnetic disks used in computer are made on
the same principle. It rotates with very high speed inside the disk drive. Data are stored
on both the surface of the disk. Magnetic disks are most popular for direct access storage.
 - Floppy Disk: It is similar to magnetic disk discussed above. It is 3.5 inch in diameter.
The capacity of a 3.5inch floppy is 1.44 megabytes.
- Optical Disk
- With every application and software there is greater demand for memory capacity. It is
the necessity to store large volume of data that has led to the development of optical disk
storage medium. Optical disks can be divided into the following categories.
 Compact Disk/Read Only Memory (CD-ROM)
 Write Once Read Many (WORM)
 Erasable Optical Disk
- Flash drive: Flash drives have many names — jump drives, thumb drives, pen drives,
and USB keychain drives. Regardless of what you call them, they all refer to the same
thing, which is a small data storage device that uses flash memory and has a built-in USB
connection.
Software Introduction
In the previous lessons we discussed about the different parts and configurations of computer. It
has been mentioned that programs or instructions have to be fed to the computer to do specific
task. So it is necessary to provide sequence of instructions so that your work can be done. We
can divide the computer components into two major areas, namely, hardware and software.
Hardware is the machine itself and its various individual equipment. It includes all mechanical,
electronic and magnetic devices such as monitor, printer, electronic circuit, floppy and hard disk.
The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. Software, on
the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do. In this
lesson we will discuss about the other part, namely, software.
What is Software?
As you know computer cannot do anything without instructions from the user. In order to do any
specific job you have to give a sequence of instructions to the computer. This set of instructions
is called a computer program. Software refers to the set of computer programs, procedures that
describe the programs, how they are to be used. We can say that it is the collection of programs,
which increase the capabilities of the hardware. Software guides the computer at every step
where to start and stop during a particular job. The process of software development is called
programming.
You should keep in mind that software and hardware are complementary to each other. Both
have to work together to produce meaningful result. Another important point you should know
that producing software is difficult and expensive.
Software Types
Computer software is normally classified into two broad categories.
· Application Software
· System software
Application Software: Application Software is a set of programs to carry out operations for a
specific application. For example, payroll is an application software for an organization to
produce pay slips as an output. Application software is useful for word processing, billing
system, accounting, producing statistical report, analysis of numerous data in research, weather
forecasting, etc. In later modules you will learn about MS WORD, Excel, Power Point, etc. All
these are application softwares.
System Software: You know that an instruction is a set of programs that has to be fed to the
computer for operation of computer system as a whole. When you switch on the computer the
programs written in ROM is executed which activates different units of your computer and
makes it ready for you to work on it. This set of program can be called system software.
Therefore, system software may be defined as a set of one or more programs designed to control
the operation of computer system.
System software are general programs designed for performing tasks such as controlling all
operations required to move data into and out of the computer. Remember that it is not possible
to run application software without system software.
Development of system software is a complex task and it requires extensive knowledge of
computer technology. Due to its complexity it is not developed in house. Computer
manufactures build and supply this system software with the computer system. DOS, UNIX and
WINDOWS are some of the widely used system software. Out of these UNIX and Windows-NT
are multi-user operating systems whereas DOS and WINDOWS are single-user systems.
Utilities
Utility: A program that performs a specific task related to the management of computer
functions, resources, or files, as password protection, memory management, virus protection, and
file compression.
Virus: A virus is a program that replicates itself. It spreads by making copies of itself on a
computer or by inserting computer code into program or operating system files. Viruses don’t
always damage files or computers, but they usually affect a computer’s performance and
stability. Examples include;
 Worm
 Trojan horse
 Blended threat
 Autorun
 Bomb