BASIC COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE

Complete Study Notes

Birla Campus | [Link]. Programme | 2025-26

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

▶ 1.1 What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according to instructions
(program), and produces useful output. The word 'Computer' is derived from the Latin word 'Computare'
meaning 'to calculate'.

Definition (परिभाषा)
Computer ek electronic machine hai jo data ko input ke roop mein leta hai, usse process karta hai,
aur result (output) deta hai. Yeh instructions (programs) ke according kaam karta hai.

◆ Characteristics of Computer (विशेषताएँ)

• Speed — Millions of calculations per second (nanoseconds / microseconds)
• Accuracy — Results are accurate if input is correct (GIGO principle)
• Storage — Can store large amounts of data permanently or temporarily
• Diligence — Works without fatigue; no loss of concentration
• Versatility — Can perform many different types of tasks
• Automation — Performs tasks automatically once programmed
• No Intelligence (No IQ) — Cannot think on its own; follows only given instructions

▶ 1.2 History of Computers (Generations)

Computers have evolved through five distinct generations based on the technology used:

Generation Period Technology Used Key Feature

1st 1940–1956 Vacuum Tubes Large size, high heat, slow
Generation
2nd 1956–1963 Transistors Smaller, faster, reliable
Generation
3rd 1964–1971 Integrated Circuits (IC) Multiple transistors on chip
Generation
4th 1971– Microprocessors (VLSI) Personal computers born
Generation Present
5th Present– AI & Parallel Processing AI, voice, expert systems
Generation Future

▶ 1.3 Types of Computers

◆ Based on Size & Capacity
• Supercomputer — Most powerful; used for weather forecasting, nuclear research (e.g., PARAM)
• Mainframe Computer — Used by large organizations for bulk data processing (e.g., IBM z15)
 • Minicomputer — Mid-range; used in medium-sized businesses
• Microcomputer (PC) — Desktop, Laptop, Tablet; used by individuals
• Embedded Computer — Built into devices like washing machines, ATMs, cars

◆ Based on Data Handling

• Analog Computer — Works with continuous physical quantities (voltage, temperature)
• Digital Computer — Works with discrete binary digits (0s and 1s)
• Hybrid Computer — Combination of Analog + Digital (used in hospitals)
UNIT 2: COMPUTER HARDWARE

▶ 2.1 What is Hardware?

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that you can see and touch. Hardware is
divided into Input devices, Output devices, Storage devices, and Processing unit.

▶ 2.2 Input Devices (इनपुट उपकरण)

Devices used to enter data and instructions into the computer.

Device Function Example

Keyboard Types text, numbers, commands Standard QWERTY keyboard
Mouse Points, clicks, selects objects on screen Optical/Wireless mouse
Scanner Converts paper documents to digital Flatbed scanner
images
Microphone Converts voice/sound to digital signal Condenser mic
Webcam Captures video/images for input Logitech C920
Joystick Controls movement in Gaming joystick
games/simulators
Touchpad Built-in laptop pointing device Laptop trackpad
Barcode Reader Scans barcodes to read product data Retail POS scanner
OMR Reads pencil/pen marks on paper MCQ answer sheets
(exams)
OCR Reads printed/handwritten text optically Document scanner

▶ 2.3 Output Devices (आउटपुट उपकरण)

Devices that display or produce processed data/results.

Device Type Description

Monitor (VDU) Visual Displays text, graphics, videos on screen
Printer Hard Copy Prints documents on paper (Inkjet, Laser, Dot Matrix)
Speaker Audio Outputs sound/audio from computer
Projector Visual Projects large images on a screen/wall
Plotter Hard Copy Draws diagrams, maps, engineering drawings
Headphones Audio Personal audio output device
◆ Types of Printers
• Inkjet Printer — Sprays ink drops; good for color photos; slow; costly ink
• Laser Printer — Uses laser beam + toner; fast; best for office use
• Dot Matrix Printer — Pins strike ribbon; used for multi-copy forms; noisy
• 3D Printer — Creates 3D physical objects layer by layer

◆ Types of Monitors
• CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) — Old bulky monitors; uses electron beam
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) — Flat, lightweight; commonly used
• LED (Light Emitting Diode) — Energy efficient; brighter; modern laptops
• OLED (Organic LED) — Best contrast, thinnest; used in smartphones & premium monitors

▶ 2.4 CPU – Central Processing Unit (केंद्रीय प्रसंस्करण इकाई)

CPU is the brain of the computer. It processes all instructions and data. It has three main components:

Compone
Full Form Function
nt
ALU Arithmetic Logic Unit Performs mathematical (+,-,x,/) and logical (AND, OR,
NOT) operations
CU Control Unit Controls and coordinates all operations of the CPU
MU / Memory Unit / Registers Temporary storage inside CPU for ongoing processing
Registers

Important: CPU Speed

CPU speed is measured in GHz (Gigahertz). 1 GHz = 1 billion cycles per second. Modern
processors range from 2 GHz to 5+ GHz. More cores = better multitasking.

▶ 2.5 Memory (मेमोरी)

◆ Primary Memory (Primary / Main Memory)
• RAM (Random Access Memory) — Temporary; data lost when power off; volatile; used during
processing
○ SRAM (Static RAM) — Faster, expensive, used as cache
○ DRAM (Dynamic RAM) — Slower, cheaper, standard RAM
• ROM (Read Only Memory) — Permanent; data stored by manufacturer; non-volatile
○ PROM — Programmable ROM (written once)
○ EPROM — Erasable by UV light
○ EEPROM — Electrically erasable; used in BIOS

◆ Secondary Memory (Secondary Storage)

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) — Magnetic storage; large capacity (TB); slower
 • Solid State Drive (SSD) — Flash memory; very fast; no moving parts; expensive
• Pen Drive / USB Flash Drive — Portable; plug and play; 8GB–1TB
• CD/DVD — Optical storage; 700MB / 4.7GB–17GB capacity
• Memory Card (SD Card) — Used in cameras, phones; up to 1TB

Memory Type Speed Volatile? Capacity Cost

Cache Memory Fastest Yes KB–few MB Very High
RAM Fast Yes 4 GB–64+ GB High
ROM Medium No KB–MB Medium
SSD Fast No 128 GB–4 TB Medium-High
HDD Slow No 500 GB–20 TB Low
Optical (CD/DVD) Slowest No 700MB–17GB Very Low

◆ Memory Units (मेमोरी मापन)

Unit Symbol Value
Bit b Smallest unit (0 or 1)
Nibble - 4 bits
Byte B 8 bits
Kilobyte KB 1024 Bytes
Megabyte MB 1024 KB
Gigabyte GB 1024 MB
Terabyte TB 1024 GB
Petabyte PB 1024 TB
Exabyte EB 1024 PB
UNIT 3: COMPUTER SOFTWARE

▶ 3.1 What is Software?

Software is a set of programs, instructions, and data that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.
Software cannot be physically touched.

Analogy (उदाहरण)
Hardware is like a human body, and Software is like the mind/soul that controls the body. Without
software, hardware is useless.

▶ 3.2 Types of Software

◆ A) System Software
Controls and manages hardware resources. Works as an interface between user and hardware.
• Operating System (OS) — Manages all hardware and software resources (e.g., Windows,
Linux, macOS)
• Device Drivers — Small programs that allow OS to communicate with hardware
• Utility Software — Performs maintenance tasks (Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, Backup tools)
• Language Processors — Translates programs: Compiler, Interpreter, Assembler

◆ B) Application Software
Designed for end-users to perform specific tasks.
• Word Processor — MS Word, LibreOffice Writer
• Spreadsheet Software — MS Excel, Google Sheets
• Presentation Software — MS PowerPoint, Google Slides
• Database Software — MS Access, MySQL, Oracle
• Web Browser — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari
• Media Player — VLC, Windows Media Player
• Email Client — MS Outlook, Thunderbird

◆ C) Programming Language Software

Level Type Examples Use
Low Level Machine Binary (0,1) Directly executed by CPU
Language
Low Level Assembly MOV, ADD, SUB Hardware programming
Language
High Level Procedural C, Pascal, FORTRAN General purpose
High Level Object-Oriented C++, Java, Python Modern applications
Very High Scripting JavaScript, PHP, Web development
Level Ruby
▶ 3.3 Operating System (OS)
An Operating System is system software that acts as an interface between the user and the computer
hardware. It manages all resources of the computer.

◆ Functions of OS
• Process Management — Controls execution of multiple programs simultaneously
• Memory Management — Allocates and deallocates memory to programs
• File Management — Creates, deletes, organizes files and folders
• Device Management — Controls input/output devices through drivers
• Security & Access Control — Password protection, user accounts, permissions
• Error Detection — Detects and reports hardware/software errors

◆ Types of OS
Type Description Example
Single User, Single One user, one task at a time MS-DOS
Task
Single User, Multi-Task One user, multiple tasks Windows 11
simultaneously
Multi-User Multiple users access same system Linux, Unix
Real-Time OS (RTOS) Immediate processing for critical VxWorks, RTOS
tasks
Distributed OS Manages multiple computers as one Amoeba, Plan 9
system
Mobile OS Designed for smartphones/tablets Android, iOS

◆ Popular Operating Systems

• Windows (Microsoft) — Most popular desktop OS; GUI-based; versions: Win 7, 8, 10, 11
• Linux — Open source; free; secure; used in servers (Ubuntu, Red Hat, Kali)
• macOS (Apple) — Unix-based; used in MacBook/iMac; premium OS
• Android (Google) — Most popular mobile OS; Linux-based
• iOS (Apple) — Used in iPhone/iPad; closed source; highly secure
UNIT 4: COMPUTER NETWORKS & INTERNET

▶ 4.1 Computer Network

A computer network is a group of two or more computers (or devices) connected together to share
resources, data, and communication. Networks allow sharing of files, printers, internet connections, etc.

▶ 4.2 Types of Networks

Type Full Form Coverage Example
PAN Personal Area Network Few meters (~10m) Bluetooth between phone & laptop
LAN Local Area Network Building/Campus School/office network
(~1km)
MAN Metropolitan Area City (~50km) City cable TV network
Network
WAN Wide Area Network Country/World Internet
(unlimited)

▶ 4.3 Network Topologies (नेटवर्क टोपोलॉजी)

Topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of computers in a network.
• Bus Topology — All devices connected to single cable (backbone); cheap but single point of
failure
• Star Topology — All devices connected to a central hub/switch; most common in LAN; easy
troubleshooting
• Ring Topology — Devices connected in a ring; data travels in one direction; failure of one
affects all
• Mesh Topology — Every device connected to every other; highly reliable; expensive; used in
WANs
• Tree Topology — Hierarchical combination of star and bus; used in large networks
• Hybrid Topology — Combination of two or more topologies

▶ 4.4 Network Devices

Device Function
Hub Broadcasts data to all connected devices; operates at Layer 1 (Physical)
Switch Sends data only to the specific destination device; smarter than hub; Layer 2
Router Connects different networks; routes data between them; assigns IP
addresses; Layer 3
Modem Modulates/demodulates signals; converts digital to analog and vice versa for
internet
Access Point (AP) Provides wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity to wired network
 Device Function
Repeater Amplifies/regenerates signals over long distances
Bridge Connects two similar network segments; filters traffic
Gateway Connects networks with different protocols
Firewall Security device; monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic
NIC Network Interface Card; hardware installed in computer for network connection

▶ 4.5 Internet (इंटरनेट)

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the standard Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) to communicate. It is often called the 'Network of Networks'.

Key Fact
The Internet was developed from ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) in the
1960s by the US Department of Defense. Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web (WWW) in
1989.

◆ Important Internet Terms

Term Full Form / Meaning
WWW World Wide Web — System of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via
browsers
URL Uniform Resource Locator — Address of a webpage (e.g.,
[Link]
HTTP/HTTPS HyperText Transfer Protocol / Secure — Protocol for web communication
IP Address Internet Protocol Address — Unique numerical address of a device on network
DNS Domain Name System — Converts domain names to IP addresses
ISP Internet Service Provider — Company providing internet access (Jio, Airtel,
BSNL)
Bandwidth Amount of data transmitted per second; measured in bps/Mbps/Gbps
HTML HyperText Markup Language — Language used to create web pages
FTP File Transfer Protocol — Used for transferring files over internet
Email Electronic Mail — Sending/receiving messages electronically
VPN Virtual Private Network — Secure encrypted connection over the internet
Cloud Remote servers on internet for storing, managing, processing data

◆ Internet Services
• Email (e-mail) — Electronic messages via Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook
• World Wide Web (WWW) — Accessing websites through browsers
• Video Conferencing — Real-time video meetings (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams)
• Social Media — Online social platforms (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• E-Commerce — Online shopping (Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho)
• Online Banking / Net Banking — Managing bank accounts online
• Streaming Services — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Hotstar
• Cloud Storage — Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox
UNIT 5: NUMBER SYSTEMS

▶ 5.1 Types of Number Systems

Computers use different number systems to represent and process data. Understanding number
systems is fundamental to computer science.

System Base Digits Used Example

Binary 2 0, 1 1010, 1101
Octal 8 0–7 17, 257
Decimal 10 0–9 255, 1024
Hexadecimal 16 0–9, A–F FF, 1A3C

Why Binary?
Computers use Binary (Base 2) because electronic circuits have only two states: ON (1) and OFF
(0). All data — text, images, audio, video — is stored as combinations of 0s and 1s.

▶ 5.2 Conversion Examples

◆ Decimal to Binary
• Divide decimal number by 2 repeatedly
• Note remainders from bottom to top
• Example: 13 (decimal) = 1101 (binary)

Decimal Binary Octal Hexadecimal

0 0000 0 0
1 0001 1 1
8 1000 10 8
10 1010 12 A
15 1111 17 F
16 10000 20 10
255 11111111 377 FF
256 100000000 400 100
UNIT 6: MS OFFICE SUITE

▶ 6.1 Microsoft Word

MS Word is a word processing application used to create, edit, format, and print documents such as
letters, reports, resumes, and assignments.

◆ Key Features
• Text formatting — Font, size, bold, italic, underline, color
• Paragraph formatting — Alignment, line spacing, indentation, borders
• Insert — Tables, images, shapes, headers, footers, page numbers
• References — Table of contents, footnotes, citations
• Review — Spell check, grammar check, track changes, comments
• Mail Merge — Sending personalized letters to multiple recipients

▶ 6.2 Microsoft Excel

MS Excel is a spreadsheet application used for calculations, data analysis, charts, and financial
modeling.

◆ Key Features
• Cells, Rows, Columns — Basic units; rows (1,2,3...), columns (A,B,C...)
• Formulas — Start with '='; used for calculations (=SUM, =AVERAGE, =IF)
• Functions — Built-in: SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, COUNT, IF, VLOOKUP
• Charts — Bar, Pie, Line, Scatter charts for data visualization
• Pivot Table — Summarize large data sets interactively
• Conditional Formatting — Highlight cells based on conditions

Function Syntax Purpose

SUM =SUM(A1:A10) Adds all values in range
AVERAGE =AVERAGE(B1:B5) Calculates average of range
MAX / MIN =MAX(C1:C20) Finds highest/lowest value
COUNT =COUNT(D1:D10) Counts numeric cells
IF =IF(A1>50,"Pass","Fail") Conditional logic
VLOOKUP =VLOOKUP(value,table,col,0) Searches table vertically

▶ 6.3 Microsoft PowerPoint

MS PowerPoint is used to create presentations with slides containing text, images, charts, animations,
and multimedia.
◆ Key Features
 • Slides — Individual pages of presentation
• Slide Layout — Predefined arrangements (Title, Content, Two-Content, etc.)
• Themes — Pre-designed color schemes and fonts
• Transitions — Animation effects when moving between slides
• Animations — Effects applied to individual objects on slides
• Slide Show — Present slides in full screen mode (F5 key)

▶ 6.4 Microsoft Excel Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + C Copy
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + X Cut
Ctrl + Z Undo
Ctrl + Y Redo
Ctrl + S Save
Ctrl + P Print
Ctrl + F Find
Ctrl + H Replace
Ctrl + A Select All
Ctrl + B Bold
Ctrl + I Italic
Ctrl + U Underline
Alt + F4 Close Window / Quit
F5 Run Slide Show (PowerPoint)
F7 Spell Check
Ctrl + Home Go to beginning of document
Ctrl + End Go to end of document
UNIT 7: COMPUTER SECURITY & VIRUSES

▶ 7.1 Computer Security (कंप्यूटर सुरक्षा)

Computer Security protects computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage,
theft, and attacks.

▶ 7.2 Common Threats

Threat Description Example
Virus Malicious program that attaches to ILOVEYOU, Melissa
files and replicates; damages data
Worm Self-replicating; spreads across WannaCry, Conficker
networks without host file
Trojan Horse Disguises as legitimate software; Zeus, RAT
creates backdoor for hackers
Spyware Secretly monitors user activity and CoolWebSearch
steals information
Ransomware Encrypts files; demands ransom for WannaCry, Petya
decryption key
Adware Displays unwanted advertisements; Fireball, Appearch
slows down computer
Phishing Fake emails/websites trick users to Bank phishing emails
reveal sensitive info
Keylogger Records every keystroke; steals Hardware/Software keyloggers
passwords
DoS/DDoS Flood server with requests making it Anonymous DDoS attacks
unavailable
Hacking Unauthorized access to Password hacking
systems/networks

▶ 7.3 Security Measures (सुरक्षा उपाय)

• Antivirus Software — Detects and removes viruses, malware (Avast, Kaspersky, Norton)
• Firewall — Monitors network traffic; blocks unauthorized access
• Strong Passwords — Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols; min 8 characters
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — Extra security layer beyond password
• Regular Updates — Keep OS and software updated to patch security vulnerabilities
• Backup — Regular backup of important data on external drives or cloud
• Encryption — Converting data into coded format; protects during transmission
• VPN — Virtual Private Network; encrypts internet connection
• Safe Browsing — Avoid suspicious links, downloads, and websites
▶ 7.4 Data Backup Types
Backup Type What it Backs Up Speed Storage Required
Full Backup Everything (all files) Slow Very High
Incremental Backup Only changes since last Fast Low
backup
Differential Backup Changes since last full Medium Medium
backup
Mirror Backup Exact copy of source Fast Very High
UNIT 8: IMPORTANT COMPUTER TERMS (A–Z)

Term Full Form / Meaning

AI Artificial Intelligence — Machines simulating human intelligence
BIOS Basic Input Output System — First program that runs when computer starts
BOOT Loading operating system into RAM when computer is switched on
BIT Binary Digit — Smallest unit of data (0 or 1)
BYTE 8 bits; basic unit of storage
CPU Central Processing Unit — Brain of the computer
CURSOR Blinking indicator showing current position on screen
DATABASE Organized collection of data (MS Access, MySQL)
DEBUGGING Finding and fixing errors in a program
DEFAULT Pre-set value or setting automatically used by software
DEFRAGMENTA Reorganizing fragmented files on hard disk for better performance
TION
DESKTOP Main screen/working area of GUI operating system
DOWNLOAD Transferring data from server/internet to your device
DRIVER Software that allows OS to communicate with hardware device
ENCRYPTION Converting data into secure coded format
EXECUTABLE File that runs a program (.exe in Windows)
FILE Suffix indicating file type (.docx, .xlsx, .jpg, .mp4)
EXTENSION
FIREWALL Security system controlling network traffic
FORMATTING Preparing storage device for use; or styling text in documents
GUI Graphical User Interface — Visual interface with icons and menus
HACKER Person who gains unauthorized access to computer systems
HARD COPY Printed output on paper
HYPERLINK Clickable link connecting to another page or file
ICON Small graphical symbol representing program or file
INTERNET Global network of connected computers using TCP/IP
IP ADDRESS Unique numerical address identifying device on network
KEYBOARD Key combination to perform actions quickly
SHORTCUT
LAN Local Area Network — Network within a limited area
LOG IN/OUT Entering or exiting a user account/session
 Term Full Form / Meaning
MALWARE Malicious Software — Any harmful program (virus, worm, trojan)
MODEM Modulator-Demodulator — Device connecting computer to internet via telephone
line
MONITOR Output device displaying visual information
MULTITASKING Running multiple programs simultaneously
NETWORK Group of connected computers sharing resources
OPERATING System software managing hardware and software resources
SYSTEM
PASSWORD Secret string of characters used for authentication
PIXEL Smallest unit of a digital image; picture element
PROGRAM Set of instructions telling computer what to do
PROTOCOL Set of rules governing communication between computers
RAM Random Access Memory — Temporary memory used while working
ROM Read Only Memory — Permanent memory with startup instructions
ROUTER Device directing data between different networks
SERVER Powerful computer providing services to other computers (clients)
SCREENSHOT Image of current screen content
SOFTWARE Programs and data that operate the computer
SPAM Unwanted junk emails or messages
SPREADSHEET Grid-based program for data and calculations (Excel)
STORAGE Media for saving data permanently
URL Uniform Resource Locator — Address of a webpage
USB Universal Serial Bus — Standard connection port
VIRUS Malicious program that damages files and replicates
WAN Wide Area Network — Network spanning large geographic area
WEB BROWSER Software for accessing internet (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
WIFI Wireless Fidelity — Wireless networking technology
WINDOW Rectangular area on screen displaying program content
WORD Software for creating text documents (MS Word)
PROCESSOR
UNIT 9: EXAM IMPORTANT Q&A

▶ One-Line Important Questions

Question Answer
Father of Computer Charles Babbage
First Computer ENIAC (1945)
First Computer Programmer Ada Lovelace
Brain of Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Smallest memory unit Bit
1 Byte = ? 8 Bits
1 KB = ? 1024 Bytes
RAM full form Random Access Memory
ROM full form Read Only Memory
Full form of COMPUTER Commonly Operated Machine Particularly Used
for Technical Education & Research
Full form of HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
Full form of HTML HyperText Markup Language
Full form of URL Uniform Resource Locator
Full form of DNS Domain Name System
Full form of ISP Internet Service Provider
Full form of LAN Local Area Network
Full form of WAN Wide Area Network
Full form of VPN Virtual Private Network
Full form of OS Operating System
Full form of GUI Graphical User Interface
Full form of ALU Arithmetic Logic Unit
Full form of CU Control Unit
Full form of NIC Network Interface Card
Full form of USB Universal Serial Bus
Full form of PDF Portable Document Format
Full form of VIRUS Vital Information Resources Under Siege
Full form of BIOS Basic Input Output System
Full form of ASCII American Standard Code for Information
Interchange
 Question Answer
Which key closes an application? Alt + F4
Which key saves a document? Ctrl + S
WWW inventor Tim Berners-Lee
Internet was developed from ARPANET
Binary number base Base 2 (digits: 0 and 1)
Decimal 10 in Binary 1010
Decimal 255 in Hexadecimal FF
Extension of MS Word file .docx
Extension of MS Excel file .xlsx
Extension of MS PowerPoint file .pptx
Fastest type of memory Cache Memory
Which topology uses a central hub? Star Topology
Which device converts digital to analog? Modem
Which software controls hardware? Operating System

Prepared for Birla Campus | [Link]. Programme 2025-26 | Best of Luck for Exams!