HSTR Computer Science – Unit 1
Fundamentals of Computers – Study Notes
Syllabus coverage: Introduction, functional components, evolution and generations, classification, applications,
input/output and memory devices, software concepts, problem-solving methodology, Word Processing, Spreadsheets,
PowerPoint, typical computer configuration, motherboard, memory, power supply and assembling a computer system.
1. Introduction to Computers
• A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according to instructions, stores
data/results, and produces meaningful information as output.
• Basic working: Input → Processing → Output, with storage used throughout.
• Data: Raw facts and figures. Information: Processed and meaningful data.
• Characteristics: Speed, accuracy, storage, diligence, versatility, automation and reliability.
2. Functional Components of a Computer
• Input Unit: Accepts data and instructions. Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone.
• CPU: Central Processing Unit; commonly called the brain of the computer. Main parts include ALU, Control Unit and
registers.
• ALU: Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
• Control Unit: Controls and coordinates computer operations.
• Registers: Small, high-speed storage locations inside the CPU.
• Memory Unit: Stores data, instructions, intermediate and final results.
• Output Unit: Presents processed information. Examples: monitor, printer, speaker and projector.
3. Evolution of Computers
• Early devices: Abacus, Napier's Bones, Pascaline, Leibniz's calculator, Difference Engine and Analytical Engine.
• Charles Babbage: Known as the Father of the Computer; associated with the Difference Engine and Analytical
Engine.
• Ada Lovelace: Often regarded as the first computer programmer.
4. Generations of Computers
• First: Vacuum tubes – examples include ENIAC and UNIVAC.
• Second: Transistors – example: IBM 1401.
• Third: Integrated Circuits (ICs) – example: IBM System/360.
• Fourth: Microprocessors – personal computers.
• Fifth: AI and advanced computing technologies.
• Memory trick: Vacuum → Transistor → IC → Microprocessor → AI.
5. Classification of Computers
• By size/capacity: Supercomputer, mainframe, minicomputer and microcomputer.
• By purpose: General-purpose and special-purpose computers.
• By data handled: Analog, digital and hybrid computers.
6. Applications of Computers
• Education, banking, business, healthcare, communication, science and research, defence, transportation,
entertainment, government and weather forecasting.
7. Input Devices
• Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam, joystick, touch screen, light pen, trackball, barcode/QR reader and
biometric devices.
8. Output Devices
• Monitor: Displays information; important terms include resolution and pixel.
• Printers: Impact (dot matrix, daisy wheel, line printer) and non-impact (inkjet, laser, thermal).
• Other output devices include speakers, projectors and plotters.
9. Memory Devices
• Primary memory: Directly accessible by the CPU.
• RAM: Random Access Memory; volatile and used for temporary storage. Types include SRAM and DRAM.
• ROM: Read Only Memory; non-volatile. Types include PROM, EPROM and EEPROM.
• Secondary memory: HDD, SSD, pen drive, memory card, CD/DVD and other long-term storage.
10. Units of Memory
• Order: Bit → Byte → KB → MB → GB → TB.
• 1 Byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB; 1 TB = 1024 GB.
11. Software Concepts
• Software: A set of programs/instructions used to perform tasks.
• System software: Manages/controls computer hardware; examples include operating systems, device drivers,
language translators and utilities.
• Application software: Performs user tasks; examples include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, browsers and media
players.
12. Problem-Solving Methodology
• 1. Problem definition → 2. Analysis → 3. Algorithm → 4. Flowchart → 5. Coding → 6. Testing and debugging → 7.
Documentation → 8. Maintenance.
13. Word Processing
• Word processing software is used to create, edit, format, save and print documents. Example: Microsoft Word.
• Important features: editing, formatting, copy/paste, find and replace, spell checking, tables, headers/footers, page
numbering and printing.
14. Spreadsheets
• Example: Microsoft Excel. Used for calculations, data organization, tables, charts and data analysis.
• Workbook: Excel file. Worksheet: Individual spreadsheet. Cell: Intersection of a row and column.
• Common functions: SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN and COUNT. Example formula: =A1+B1.
15. PowerPoint Presentation
• Used to create presentations. Important terms: slide, presentation, theme, template, animation, transition and slide
show.
• Uses include teaching, seminars, business presentations and training.
16. Typical Configuration of a Computer System
• Processor/CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, power supply, monitor, keyboard, mouse, network interface and
graphics components.
17. Motherboard
• The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer and connects major components.
• Important components: CPU socket, RAM slots, expansion slots, chipset, storage connectors, power connectors,
USB connectors and BIOS/UEFI firmware.
18. Types of Motherboards
• Common motherboard form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX. They differ in size, expansion capability
and compatibility.
19. Computer Memory and Cache
• Memory hierarchy: Registers → Cache → Main Memory → Secondary Storage.
• As we move toward secondary storage, capacity generally increases, cost per bit generally decreases and speed
generally decreases.
• Cache memory: Very fast memory associated with the CPU; stores frequently used data/instructions.
20. Power Supply
• SMPS: Switched-Mode Power Supply. It converts incoming electrical power into suitable DC voltages for computer
components and supplies power to the motherboard, storage devices, fans and other internal components.
21. Assembling a Computer System
• Basic sequence: prepare case/components → install CPU → install cooling → install RAM → install motherboard →
connect power supply → install storage → install expansion cards if required → connect cables → connect
monitor/keyboard/mouse → power on and test → install operating system and drivers.
■ Most Important for HSTR
• Functional components and CPU; generations of computers; input/output devices; RAM and ROM; primary vs
secondary memory; memory units; software concepts; problem-solving methodology; motherboard and components.
• Also revise evolution, classification, applications, Word Processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, cache memory,
SMPS and computer assembly.
Source basis
These notes are organized from the Unit 1 topics in the uploaded HSTR Computer Science syllabus (Paper 2).