Lecture-1
COMPUTER BASICS
Simple Model of a Computer
A computer works like a system that takes data as input, processes it, and
gives useful output.
This process is often called the IPO Cycle (Input → Process → Output).
The simple model of a computer has the following main components:
Prepared by PG Department of Computer Science, Govt College Angul for Multi-disciplinary Course
“Computer Fundamentals”.
Input Unit
Devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone.
Function: Used to enter data and instructions into the computer.
Example: Typing numbers with a keyboard or scanning a
document.
The input unit converts user-friendly information into a form
(binary) that the computer can understand.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The Brain of the Computer
The CPU is responsible for all processing and controlling activities. It has
three important parts:
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all calculations
(addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical
operations (comparisons like greater than, less than, equal to).
Control Unit (CU): Directs the flow of data and instructions
between input, memory, and output. It works like a manager.
Memory Unit: Temporarily stores data, instructions, and results
during processing.
Memory (Storage)
Primary Memory (RAM, ROM): Fast, temporary storage for
instructions and data currently in use.
Secondary Storage (Hard disk, SSD, CDs, Pen drives): Stores data
permanently for future use.
Output Unit
Devices: monitor, printer, speakers.
Function: Converts computer-processed data into human-
readable form.
Example: After entering numbers, the result of a calculation is
shown on the monitor.
Working Flow of the Model
Step 1: Data is entered through the Input Unit.
Step 2: The CPU processes the data using its ALU and CU, storing
information in memory as needed.
Step 3: The result is displayed through the Output Unit.
Step 4: The result can also be stored in secondary storage for later use.
In short: Input → Process (CPU + Memory) → Output → Storage
Prepared by PG Department of Computer Science, Govt College Angul for Multi-disciplinary Course
“Computer Fundamentals”.
Characteristics of Computers
Computers are very powerful machines with several special qualities that make
them useful in almost every field.
➢ Speed
A computer can process data and perform calculations at very
high speed.
Modern processors can perform billions of operations per
second.
For example, tasks that would take humans hours can be
completed by a computer in seconds.
➢ Accuracy
Computers are extremely accurate in their results.
Errors usually occur because of wrong input data or faulty
program instructions, not because of the machine itself.
Example: If the formula in Excel is correct, the result will always be
correct.
➢ Automation
Once a program is given, the computer can perform tasks
automatically without asking for help in between.
Example: An ATM machine automatically performs cash
withdrawal once you enter the correct steps.
➢ Versatility
Computers can perform a wide variety of tasks.
They are used in banking, education, medicine, entertainment,
engineering, and research.
Example: The same laptop can be used to study, watch movies,
design graphics, and program software.
➢ Storage
Computers can store a huge amount of data in a very small space.
Information can be saved, modified, and retrieved quickly.
Example: A pen drive can hold thousands of documents that
would otherwise take a whole cupboard to store on paper.
➢ Connectivity & Communication
Computers can connect to the Internet and communicate with
other devices worldwide.
This allows sharing of data, video calls, emails, online shopping,
and remote working.
➢ Diligence (No Tiredness)
Unlike humans, computers do not get bored or tired.
Prepared by PG Department of Computer Science, Govt College Angul for Multi-disciplinary Course
“Computer Fundamentals”.
They can perform the same task continuously with the same
efficiency.
➢ Multitasking
A single computer can run multiple programs at the same time.
Example: You can listen to music, browse the internet, and
download a file simultaneously.
In short, computers are fast, accurate, automatic, versatile, reliable,
connected, tireless, and multitasking.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
A computer system is made up of two main parts: hardware and software.
Both are essential and depend on each other.
1. Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer – the parts
you can see and touch.
Examples: CPU, RAM, hard disk, keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer.
Hardware is like the body of a computer.
Without software, hardware cannot perform any meaningful task.
Types of Hardware:
Input Devices – Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone.
Output Devices – Monitor, printer, speakers.
Storage Devices – Hard disks, SSDs, pen drives, CDs.
Processing Devices – CPU, ALU, CU.
2. Software
Software is a set of instructions/programs that tell the hardware what
to do.
It is intangible (you cannot touch it).
Software is like the mind of a computer.
Types of Software:
System Software
Controls hardware and provides a base for running applications.
Examples: Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), Device
Drivers, Utilities, Compilers.
Functions: Manage memory, files, input/output, and system
resources.
Prepared by PG Department of Computer Science, Govt College Angul for Multi-disciplinary Course
“Computer Fundamentals”.
Application Software
Programs designed to perform specific tasks for the user.
Examples: MS Word, Excel, Photoshop, web browsers, games.
Used in education, business, design, entertainment, etc.
Firmware
Special software embedded in hardware devices.
Example: BIOS in computers, software in smartphones or washing
machines.
Middleware
Software that connects two different applications or helps
software communicate with the operating system.
Example: Database drivers, web servers.
Relationship between Hardware and Software
Hardware cannot work without software.
Software needs hardware to run.
Together, they make a complete computer system.
Example:
When you play a game:
Hardware → CPU, graphics card, monitor, keyboard.
Software → The game program that provides instructions.
In short: Hardware = Physical parts, Software = Instructions. Both are useless
without each other.
Working of a Computer
A computer works step by step in a cycle known as the IPO Cycle (Input →
Process → Output). Sometimes, storage is also added, making it the IPOS
Cycle.
1. Input Stage
The user enters data and instructions into the computer using input
devices like a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or microphone.
Example: Typing numbers into a calculator program.
The input unit converts this data into binary code (0s and 1s) that the
computer understands.
2. Processing Stage (CPU – The Brain of the Computer)
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) processes the input data according to
instructions.
It consists of:
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all arithmetic (add,
subtract, multiply, divide) and logical operations (comparison,
decision-making).
Prepared by PG Department of Computer Science, Govt College Angul for Multi-disciplinary Course
“Computer Fundamentals”.
Control Unit (CU): Directs the flow of instructions and data
between input, memory, and output units, like a traffic manager.
Memory Unit: Stores data, instructions, and results temporarily
while processing.
3. Output Stage
After processing, the results are sent to the Output Unit.
Output devices like monitors, printers, and speakers present information
in a human-readable form.
Example: After entering marks, the average is displayed on the monitor.
4. Storage Stage
Processed information can be stored for future use in storage devices.
Types of storage:
Primary Storage (RAM, ROM): Fast and temporary storage for
immediate use.
Secondary Storage (Hard disk, SSD, Pen drive, CD): Permanent
storage for long-term use.
Summary of the Process
Data is entered → Input
CPU processes it → Processing
Result is displayed → Output
Data can be kept for later → Storage
In short: Input → Process (CPU) → Output → Storage
Stored Program Concept
The Stored Program Concept was introduced by John von Neumann in the
1940s and is the foundation of all modern computers.
Von-Neumann
Architecture
of Computer
Idea Behind the Concept
Both data and program instructions are stored in the same memory of
the computer.
The CPU can fetch instructions one by one from memory, execute them,
and then move to the next.
This makes computers flexible and reprogrammable.
Prepared by PG Department of Computer Science, Govt College Angul for Multi-disciplinary Course
“Computer Fundamentals”.
Working of the Concept
Store Instructions & Data in Memory
The memory stores both the raw data (numbers, text, etc.) and
the step-by-step instructions (the program).
Fetch Instructions
The Control Unit of the CPU fetches an instruction from memory.
Decode & Execute
The CPU interprets (decodes) the instruction.
The ALU performs calculations or logical operations if needed.
Store Results
The result is stored back in memory for future use or sent to the
output unit.
Advantages of the Stored Program Concept
Flexibility – The same machine can perform different tasks by just
loading a new program.
Speed – Programs can be executed much faster since they are directly
stored in memory.
Automation – Once loaded, the computer automatically executes the
instructions step by step.
Efficiency – No need for manual rewiring of machines (as in early
computers like ENIAC).
Example
Suppose you want to calculate the average of marks:
The data (marks) and the program (steps to calculate average) are
both stored in memory.
The CPU fetches instructions one by one, processes the marks,
and gives the output.
In short: In the stored program concept, both instructions and data are
stored in memory, making computers flexible, fast, and efficient.
Prepared by PG Department of Computer Science, Govt College Angul for Multi-disciplinary Course
“Computer Fundamentals”.