Semester 2

Basic Computer Application

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 Module 1: Computer Fundamentals

Introduction:
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and
processes it under the control of set of instructions (called program), gives the result (output),
and saves it for the future use. This Computer Fundamentals tutorial covers a foundational
understanding of computer hardware, software, operating systems, peripherals etc. These notes
provide a general introduction to computers systems. A computer system is made up of both
hardware and software. Software is another term for computer program. Software controls the
computer and makes it do useful work. Without software a computer is useless. Hardware refers
to the physical components that make up a computer system. These include the computer's
processor, memory, monitor, keyboard, mouse, disk drive, printer and so on. In these notes we
take a brief look at the functions of the different hardware components. In addition we describe
the some of the essential software required for the operation of a computer system.
Basic Applications of Computer:
Computers have a wide range of applications across various fields due to their versatility and
ability to process information quickly and accurately. Some of the basic applications of
computers include:
Graphics and Design:
●​ Graphic design applications (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW) for creating
and editing visual content.
●​ Computer-aided design (CAD) software for engineering and architectural design.
Programming and Software Development:
●​ Writing, testing, and debugging code for creating software applications.
●​ Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) facilitate the software development
process.
Gaming:
●​ Designing and playing computer games, ranging from simple 2D games to
complex 3D simulations.
●​ Game development involves programming, graphic design, and sound
engineering.
Financial Applications:
 ●​ Accounting software for managing financial transactions and generating financial
reports.
●​ Online banking and financial planning tools.
E-learning and Educational Software:
●​ Educational software for interactive learning, simulations, and tutorials.
●​ Learning management systems for administering and tracking online courses.

Medical Applications:
●​ Medical imaging and diagnostic tools for healthcare professionals.
●​ Electronic health records (EHR) for managing patient information.
Scientific Research and Simulation:
●​ Performing complex calculations and simulations in scientific research.
●​ Modeling and analyzing scientific phenomena using specialized software.
Business Management:
●​ Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for integrated business processes.
●​ Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for managing customer
interactions.
Communication and Collaboration Tools:
●​ Video conferencing, project management, and collaborative platforms for
teamwork.
●​ Virtual collaboration tools for remote work environments.
These applications showcase the diverse ways in which computers are integrated into our daily
lives and various industries, contributing to increased efficiency, productivity, and innovation.

Block Diagram:
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 computer.
CPU itself has following three components
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): It contains programmed transistors that perform mathematical and
logical calculations on the data.
CU (Control Unit): It directs the flow of data and instructions within the processors and
electronic memory.
Memory Unit: The registers are special transistors that store data and instructions as they are
being manipulated by the control unit and ALU. New microprocessors also have additional high
speed memory called cache, on the chip to store frequently used data and instructions.
Input Output Devices:

Input and output devices are essential components of computer systems that facilitate the
interaction between users and computers. Here's a brief description of each:

Input Devices - Input devices are hardware components that allow users to provide data and
instructions to a computer.

Examples:
Keyboard: Allows users to input alphanumeric characters and commands.
Mouse: Enables pointing, clicking, and selecting on graphical interfaces.
Touchscreen: Accepts touch gestures for input.
Scanner: Converts physical documents or images into digital format.
Microphone: Captures audio input for voice commands or recording.

Output Devices - Output devices present processed data or information to users in a

human-readable form.

Examples:
Monitor/Display: Shows visual output, including text, images, and videos.
Printer: Produces hard copies of digital documents or images.
Speakers: Output audio for music, alerts, or other sound-related applications.
Projector: Displays computer screen content on a larger surface, such as a wall or screen.
Headphones: Provide personal audio output.

Keyboard shortcuts:

The keys on the keyboard are as follows:

Computer Memory:

Computer memory is a fundamental component of computing systems, responsible for storing

and retrieving data for processing. It is broadly categorized into primary and secondary memory.
Primary Memory (RAM - Random Access Memory):
●​ Volatile Nature: RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its stored data when
the power is turned off. This makes it suitable for temporary storage during active
computer operations.
●​ Fast Access Speed: RAM allows quick access to data, facilitating the rapid
execution of programs and the smooth functioning of applications.
●​ Direct Interaction with CPU: The CPU interacts directly with RAM to read and
write data, making it a crucial component for real-time data processing.
RAM is of two types
• Static RAM (SRAM)
• Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Static RAM (SRAM) The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as
power is being supplied. However, data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile nature.
SRAM chips use a matrix of 6-transistors and no capacitors. Transistors do not require power to
prevent leakage, so SRAM need not have to be refreshed on a regular basis. 16 Because of the
extra space in the matrix, SRAM uses more chips than DRAM for the same amount of storage
space, thus making the manufacturing costs higher. So SRAM is used as cache memory and has
very fast access.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order to
maintain the data. This is done by placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data
several hundred times per second. DRAM is used for most system memory because it is cheap
and small. All DRAMs are made up of memory cells which are composed of one capacitor and
one transistor
Secondary Memory (Storage Devices):
●​ Non-volatile Nature: Secondary memory, such as hard disk drives (HDDs),
solid-state drives (SSDs), and external drives, is non-volatile and retains data even
when the power is off. This makes it suitable for long-term storage.
●​ High Capacity: Storage devices offer higher capacity compared to RAM, allowing
for the storage of large volumes of data, including the operating system,
applications, and user files.
●​ Slower Access Speed: While secondary memory provides ample storage space, it
generally has slower access speeds compared to RAM. Retrieving data from
storage devices takes more time than accessing data from RAM.
Following are the various types of ROM

1)MROM (Masked ROM) The very first ROMs were hard-wired devices that contained a
pre-programmed set of data or instructions. These kind of ROMs are known as masked ROMs
which are inexpensive.

2)PROM (Programmable Read only Memory) PROM is read-only memory that can be modified
only once by a user. The user buys a blank PROM and enters the desired contents using a PROM
program. Inside the PROM chip there are small fuses which are burnt open during programming.
It can be programmed only once and is not erasable.

3)EPROM(Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) The EPROM can be erased by
exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of up to 40 minutes. Usually, an EPROM eraser
achieves this function. During programming, an electrical charge is trapped in an insulated gate
region. The charge is retained for more than ten years because the charge has no leakage path.
For erasing this charge, ultra-violet light is passed through a quartz crystal window(lid). This
exposure to ultra-violet light dissipates the charge. During normal use the quartz lid is sealed
with a sticker.

4)EEPROM(Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) The EEPROM is

programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and reprogrammed about ten thousand
times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to 10 ms (milli second). In EEPROM, any
location can be selectively erased and programmed. EEPROMs can be erased one byte at a time,
rather than erasing the entire chip. Hence, the process of reprogramming is flexible but slow.

Hardware:

Computer hardware refers to the physical components and devices that make up a computer
system. These components work together to process and store data, allowing the computer to
perform various tasks. Here's an overview of key computer hardware components:

Central Processing Unit (CPU):

Often referred to as the brain of the computer, the CPU performs most of the processing tasks. It
executes instructions stored in memory and coordinates the operations of other hardware
components.

Memory (RAM - Random Access Memory):

RAM provides temporary storage for data and program instructions that are actively being used
by the CPU. It allows for quick access to information during computer operations.

Storage Devices:
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Offers high-capacity, non-volatile storage for the long-term storage of
data and applications.
Solid-State Drive (SSD): Provides faster data access compared to HDDs and is becoming
increasingly popular for both system and data storage.

Motherboard:
The main circuit board that connects and integrates various hardware components. It houses the
CPU, memory, and other essential connectors for peripherals.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU):

Specialized hardware designed for rendering graphics and performing parallel processing tasks.
GPUs are crucial for gaming, multimedia, and certain scientific applications.

Power Supply Unit (PSU):

Converts electrical power from an outlet into a usable form for the computer components.

Input Devices:
Devices that allow users to input data into the computer, such as keyboards, mice, touchpads, and
touchscreens.

Output Devices:
Devices that present processed information to users, including monitors, printers, speakers, and
headphones.

Networking Components:
Network Interface Card (NIC): Enables the computer to connect to a network for
communication.
Wi-Fi Adapters: Allow wireless connectivity.

Peripheral Devices:
Additional hardware devices that can be connected to the computer, such as printers, scanners,
external drives, and USB devices.

Software:
Computer software refers to a set of instructions or programs that tell a computer how to perform
specific tasks or operations. Software is a crucial element that allows hardware components to
function and enables users to interact with computers. Here are the main categories of computer
software:
System Software:
●​ Operating System (OS): The core software that manages hardware resources,
provides a user interface, and facilitates communication between the user and the
computer. Examples include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
●​ Device Drivers: Software that allows the operating system to communicate with
and control hardware devices like printers, graphics cards, and peripherals.
Application Software:
●​ Productivity Software: Tools that help users create, edit, and manage documents,
spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. Examples include Microsoft Office
(Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, and LibreOffice.
●​ Graphics and Multimedia Software: Applications for creating and editing
graphics, images, audio, and video content. Examples include Adobe Photoshop,
Illustrator, and video editing software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.
●​ Web Browsers: Software for accessing and interacting with websites on the
internet, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
●​ Communication Software: Tools for communication, including email clients,
messaging apps, and video conferencing software like Outlook, WhatsApp, and
Zoom.
●​ Entertainment Software: Includes video games, media players, and other
applications designed for entertainment purposes.
●​ Utility Software: Programs that perform specific tasks to optimize system
performance, enhance security, or manage system resources. Examples include
antivirus software, disk cleanup tools, and system maintenance utilities.
Programming Software:
●​ Compilers and Interpreters: Tools that convert high-level programming languages
into machine code or execute code directly without the need for compilation.
Examples include GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) and Python interpreters.
●​ Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Software that provides a
comprehensive environment for software development, combining code editing,
debugging, and project management. Examples include Visual Studio, Eclipse,
and IntelliJ IDEA.

Application Software:

Application software refers to a category of computer programs designed to perform specific

tasks or applications for end-users. Unlike system software, which manages hardware and
provides a platform for running applications, application software is user-facing and addresses
the diverse needs of individuals and organizations. Here are some common types of application
software:
1.​ Word Processing Software:
 ●​ Allows users to create, edit, and format text documents. Examples include
Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer.
2.​ Spreadsheet Software:
●​ Enables users to create, organize, and analyze numerical data in tabular form.
Examples include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice Calc.
3.​ Presentation Software:
●​ Facilitates the creation of slideshows and presentations with text, images, and
multimedia elements. Examples include Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides,
and Apple Keynote.
4.​ Graphics and Design Software:
●​ Used for creating and editing visual content, including images, illustrations, and
layouts. Examples include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW.
5.​ Web Browsers:
●​ Applications that allow users to access and interact with information on the
internet. Common browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft
Edge, and Safari.
6.​ Email Clients:
●​ Software for managing and sending emails. Examples include Microsoft Outlook,
Mozilla Thunderbird, and Apple Mail.
7.​ Media Players:
●​ Applications that play audio and video files. Examples include VLC Media
Player, Windows Media Player, and iTunes.
8.​ Antivirus Software:
●​ Designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from a
computer. Examples include Norton, McAfee, and Windows Defender.
9.​ Database Management Software:
●​ Allows users to create, manage, and manipulate databases. Examples include
Microsoft Access, MySQL, and Oracle Database.
10.​Web Development Tools:
●​ Software used by web developers to create and maintain websites and web
applications. Examples include text editors (e.g., Visual Studio Code), integrated
development environments (IDEs), and content management systems (e.g.,
WordPress).
11.​Project Management Software:
●​ Facilitates planning, organizing, and tracking tasks and projects. Examples
include Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Project.
12.​Accounting Software:
●​ Helps businesses manage financial transactions, budgets, and accounts. Examples
include QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage.

Systems Software:

Systems software is a category of computer programs that provides a foundational framework for
computer hardware and assists in managing various aspects of the computer system. Unlike
application software, which is user-facing and addresses specific tasks, systems software focuses
on supporting the overall operation of the computer. Key components of systems software
include:
1.​ Operating Systems (OS):
●​ The core software that manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and
facilitates communication between the user and the computer. Common operating
systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
2.​ Device Drivers:
●​ Specialized programs that enable the operating system to communicate with and
control hardware devices. Device drivers are essential for the proper functioning
of components like printers, graphics cards, and peripherals.
3.​ Utilities:
●​ System utilities are programs designed to perform specific tasks to optimize
system performance, enhance security, or manage system resources. Examples
include:
●​ Antivirus Software: Protects the system from malware and viruses.
●​ Disk Cleanup Tools: Remove unnecessary files to free up storage space.
●​ Defragmentation Tools: Optimize the arrangement of data on storage
devices for faster access.
●​ Backup and Recovery Tools: Facilitate the creation of backups and
recovery of data in case of system failures.
4.​ Language Translators:
●​ Programs that convert high-level programming code into machine code that the
computer's CPU can execute. This category includes:
●​ Compilers: Translate the entire program into machine code before
execution.
●​ Interpreters: Execute the program line by line without creating a separate
machine code file.
5.​ System Libraries:
●​ Collections of pre-written code routines that provide standard functions and
services to applications. These libraries simplify software development by
offering reusable code for common tasks.

Module 2: Operating Computer using GUI Based Operating System

Operating System Introduction: