UNIT I – COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS (DEEP TEXTBOOK NOTES)
1. DATA AND INFORMATION
Data is a collection of raw facts, figures, or symbols without
context or meaning. It could be numbers, text, images, audio, or
video. For example: 25, 'blue', 'true', '1010'. By itself, data
does not convey useful meaning.
Information is processed, organized, or structured data that is
meaningful and useful. It helps in decision-making. Example: 'The
student scored 25 marks in Mathematics' – this statement conveys
clear meaning.
Diagram:
Data → Processing → Information
Aspect Data Information
Definition Raw facts and figures Processed and meaningful data
Meaning Has no meaning by itself Conveys clear meaning
Example 25, 'Red', '1010' 'The student scored 25 marks in Math'
Usage Input to a system Output after processing
2. COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER
A computer system consists of five basic components that work
together to perform tasks.
1. Input Unit – Devices used to enter data (keyboard, mouse,
scanner, microphone).
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Known as the brain of the
computer. • Control Unit (CU): Directs flow of instructions. •
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic (+, -, *, /) and
logical (AND, OR, NOT) operations. • Registers: High-speed
temporary storage inside CPU.
3. Memory – Stores data and instructions. • Primary Memory: RAM
(volatile), ROM (non-volatile), Cache (high-speed). • Secondary
Storage: HDD, SSD, Optical Discs.
4. Output Unit – Presents results to users (monitor, printer,
speaker).
5. Storage – Permanent data storage (HDD, SSD, cloud storage).
Diagram: Simplified Computer System
Input → CPU → Memory → Output
3. CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Computers can be classified based on size, technology, and purpose.
• Microcomputers: Small, personal devices (Desktops, Laptops).
• Minicomputers: Mid-range, multiple users (used in departments).
• Mainframes: Large, powerful systems for thousands of users
(banking, railways).
• Supercomputers: Extremely fast, used for research, weather
forecasting, space exploration.
• Analog Computers: Process continuous signals (used in
engineering).
• Digital Computers: Process binary signals (used in all modern
devices).
• Hybrid Computers: Combination of analog and digital (used in
hospitals, scientific work).
4. APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERS
• Education – E-learning, smart classrooms, online exams.
• Business – Online transactions, payroll, e-commerce.
• Medicine – Patient records, diagnostic tools, surgical robots.
• Entertainment – Movies, music, video games, streaming.
• Research – Simulations, data analysis, artificial intelligence.
• Banking – ATMs, fraud detection, online banking.
• Engineering – CAD tools, circuit simulation, robotics.
5. IMPACTS OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Computers have both positive and negative impacts on society.
Positive Impacts:
• Fast processing and automation.
• Easy global communication.
• High storage capacity.
• Increased productivity.
Negative Impacts:
• Cybercrime and hacking.
• Job loss due to automation.
• Health issues (eye strain, stress).
• Digital addiction.
6. SOFTWARE TYPES
• System Software: Controls hardware (OS, device drivers).
• Application Software: Performs tasks for users (Word, Browsers).
• Programming Software: Tools for programmers (Compilers, IDEs).
7. OPERATING SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Operating System (OS) is system software that acts as an
interface between user and hardware.
• Process Management – Handles execution of programs.
• Memory Management – Allocates and manages RAM.
• File System – Organizes and manages files.
• Device Management – Controls input/output devices.
• Security – Protects data and access control.
8. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
• Machine Language – Binary code (hardware-dependent).
• Assembly Language – Mnemonics like ADD, SUB, MOV.
• High-Level Languages – C, C++, Java, Python.
• Fourth-Generation Languages – SQL, MATLAB.
• Modern Languages – R, Swift, Kotlin for specific domains.
9. TRANSLATORS
• Compiler – Converts entire source code to machine code at once.
• Interpreter – Converts and executes code line-by-line.
• Assembler – Converts assembly language into machine code.
>>> END OF UNIT I – COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS (DEEP NOTES) <<<
