Module I

Computer Systems: Introduction – Features and Parts of new

generation Computers-Factors to be considered while selecting
computer - Importance of computers in business –Network- Types
of network, LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN ,BAN, SAN & CAN. Computer
applications in various areas of business- Internet, Features and
uses in business- Social media & its uses in business.
Introduction to Computer Systems
• A computer system is an integrated set of hardware and software
designed to process data and perform various tasks efficiently.
• Modern computers are used in business, education, healthcare, and
personal applications, making them an essential part of daily life.
Features of New Generation Computers
1. High-Speed Processing
• Use of RISC architecture, pipelining, and multiprogramming increases speed.
• Capable of executing millions of instructions per second.
2. Advanced Memory Systems
• Includes cache memory, virtual memory, and DMA (Direct Memory Access).
• Faster access and better memory management.
3. Improved Input/Output Devices
• Touchscreens, voice input, and high-resolution displays.
• Faster and more user-friendly interfaces.
4. Wireless Communication
• Support for WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, and CDMA.
• Enables mobile computing and internet access anywhere.
5. Multimedia Capabilities
• Built-in support for audio, video, and image processing.
• Use of MP3 and MPEG compression standards.
6. Cloud and Grid Computing
• Access to computing resources over the internet.
• Enables peer-to-peer, grid, and cloud environments.
Parts of a Computer System
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The brain of the computer that executes instructions. Consists of:
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – Performs mathematical and logical operations.
• Control Unit (CU) – Directs the flow of data and manages execution.
• Registers – Small storage locations for quick data access.
• Modern CPUs have multiple cores for parallel processing.
2. Memory (RAM & ROM)
• RAM (Random Access Memory) – Temporary memory that stores active programs and data.
• Types: DDR4, DDR5.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) – Stores firmware and essential system instructions.
• Cache Memory – Ultra-fast memory between CPU and RAM (L1, L2, L3 levels).
3. Storage Devices
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive) – Traditional storage with spinning disks.
• SSD (Solid State Drive) – Faster, more reliable storage with no moving parts.
• NVMe SSDs – High-speed storage used in gaming and professional computing.
• Cloud Storage – Online storage accessible from anywhere.
4. Motherboard
• The main circuit board that connects all components.
• CPU socket
• RAM slots
• Expansion slots (for graphics cards, sound cards, etc.)
• Power connectors
• Data buses for communication.
5. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Converts AC power from the wall into DC power for the computer.
• Supplies power to all components.
• Modern PSUs have energy-efficient designs.
 6. Input Devices
• Devices that allow users to interact with the computer.
• Examples:
• Keyboard – For typing commands.
• Mouse – For navigation.
• Touchscreen – Found in tablets and modern laptops.
• Microphone – For voice input.
• Scanner – Converts physical documents into digital format.
7. Output Devices
• Devices that display or present processed data.
• Examples:
• Monitor – Displays visuals (LCD, LED, OLED screens).
• Printer – Produces hard copies of documents.
• Speakers – Outputs sound.
• Projector – Displays visuals on a larger screen.
8. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
• Handles visual processing for gaming, video editing, and AI tasks.
• Types:
• Integrated GPU – Built into the CPU.
• Dedicated GPU – Separate graphics card for high-performance tasks.
9. Cooling System
• Prevents overheating by dissipating heat.
• Types:
• Air cooling – Fans and heat sinks.
• Liquid cooling – Advanced cooling for gaming and high-performance computing.
10. Network Components
• Enable internet connectivity and communication.
• Examples:
• WiFi Card – Wireless internet access.
• Ethernet Port – Wired internet connection.
• Modem & Router – Manage internet traffic.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Computer
1. Purpose & Usage
• Identify whether the computer is needed for gaming, office work, programming, or general
use.
• High-performance tasks require powerful processors and dedicated GPUs.
2. Desktop vs. Laptop
• Desktops offer better performance and upgradeability.
• Laptops provide portability but may have limited upgrade options.
3. Processor (CPU)
• Choose between Intel or AMD based on performance needs.
• Higher clock speeds and multi-core processors improve multitasking.
4. Memory (RAM)
• 8GB RAM is sufficient for basic tasks, while 16GB or more is ideal for gaming and professional
work.
• Faster RAM speeds enhance performance.
5. Storage (SSD vs. HDD)
• SSD (Solid State Drive) is faster and more reliable than HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
• Hybrid storage (SSD + HDD) balances speed and capacity.
6. Graphics Card (GPU)
• Integrated GPUs are suitable for basic tasks.
• Dedicated GPUs (NVIDIA, AMD) are essential for gaming, video editing, and AI
applications.
7. Operating System (OS)
• Windows is versatile, macOS is optimized for Apple devices, and Linux is preferred
for developers.
8. Battery Life (For Laptops)
• Consider battery backup if portability is a priority.
• Look for fast-charging and long-lasting battery options.
9. Connectivity & Ports
• Ensure the computer has USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and WiFi support.
• Thunderbolt ports (high-speed input/output (I/O) interfaces developed by Intel in
collaboration with Apple. They combine data transfer, video output, and power
delivery into a single compact connector)offer high-speed data transfer.
NETWORK
What is a network?
• A network is a computer system that allows devices to interact with
each other.
• A network can connect to the internet, share files and print
documents, depending on which type you're using.
• Based on the scale and ability of the network, it may be private or
available in a specific geographical area.
• Networks vary in size, accessibility and location, making it necessary
to match the network type to the specific needs of a residence or
company.
Types of computer networks
1. Local area network (LAN)
• A local area network, or LAN, is the most common network type.
• It allows users to connect within a short distance in a common area. Once
they connect, users have access to the same resources.
• For example, you might use a LAN when you connect your laptop to the
internet at your home and print a document from a printer on the same
network.
2. Wide area network (WAN)
• A wide area network, or a WAN, is an extensive network that's not
confined to geographical space.
• Corporations and international companies may use WANs to provide a
common network with far-reaching connectivity.
• For example, remote workers who use the internet to access information
from their company make use of a WAN.
3. Metropolitan area network (MAN)
• A metropolitan area network, or a MAN, is a medium-sized network that's
larger than a CAN.
• While a MAN is a costly network, it provides efficient connectivity between
devices across a wide geographical range.
• For example, a city government might operate with a MAN if it has offices
across the entire metropolitan area.
4. Personal area network (PAN)
• A personal area network, or PAN, is a small-scale network that revolves
around one person or device.
• A PAN connects just a few devices in a small localized area. Rather than
including many devices, PANs usually operate from one or two main
devices.
• For example, if you use the Bluetooth functionality on your smartphone to
share a photo with a nearby device, you're using a PAN.
5. Storage area network (SAN)
• A storage area network, or a SAN, is a network that teams use to store mass
amounts of sensitive data.
• It provides a way to centralize data on a non-localized network that differs from
the main operating one.
• One example of a SAN is if your team stores customer information on a separate
network to maintain the high speeds of your main network.
6. Campus area network (CAN)
• A campus area network, or CAN, is a network used in educational environments
such as universities or school districts.
• While each department in a school might use its own LAN, all the school's LANs
could connect through a CAN.
• Campus area networks combine several independent networks into one cohesive
unit.
• For example, the commerce and computer departments at a university might
connect through a CAN to communicate with each other directly.
What is Internet?
• The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers and devices
that allows users to access and share information and devices, allowing
them to communicate and exchange data.
• It enables users to access a wide range of services, such as websites,
emails, social media, online applications, and cloud storage.
• Through standardized communication protocols, the Internet facilitates the
sharing of information, resources and media across vast distances, making
it an essential tool for education, business, entertainment and personal
communication worldwide.
• The internet is set up with the help of physical optical fiber data
transmission cables or copper wires and various other networking
mediums like LAN, WAN, MAN, etc.
• For accessing the Internet even the 2G, 3G and 4G services and the Wifi
require these physical cable setups to access the Internet.
How Does the Internet Work?
• The actual working of the internet takes place with the help of clients
and servers. Here, the client is a laptop that is directly connected to
the internet.
• Servers are computers connected indirectly to the Internet and they
store all the websites in those large computers.
• These servers are connected to the internet with the help of ISP
(Internet Service Providers) and are identified with an IP address.
• Each website has its Domain Name, as it is difficult for a person to
remember long numbers or strings (IP addresses).
• When you search for a domain name in the browser's search bar, the
request is sent to the server.
• The server tries to find the IP address from the domain name because
it cannot understand the domain name directly.
• After getting the IP address, the server will try to search the IP address of the
domain name in a huge phone directory, known in networking as a DNS server
(Domain Name Server).
• Example: Just like if we have the name of a person, we can easily find their
Aadhaar number from a long directory — it works the same way with domain
names and IP addresses.
• Once the IP address is found, the browser will pass on the request to the
respective server.
• The server then processes the request and displays the content of the website
that the client wants.
• If you are using a wireless medium of internet like 3G, 4G, or other mobile data,
then data flows from optical cables to towers. From towers, signals reach your
cell phones and PCs through electromagnetic waves.
• If you are using routers, then Optical fiber connects to your router and converts
light-induced signals to electrical signals. Using ethernet cables, the internet
reaches your computers, delivering the required information.
What is an IP Address?
• IP Address stands for Internet Protocol Address. Every PC/Local
machine is having an IP address and that IP address is provided by the
Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
• These are some sets of rules which govern the flow of data whenever
a device is connected to the Internet.
• It differentiates computers, websites and routers. Just like human
identification cards like Aadhaar cards, Pan cards or any other unique
identification documents.
• Every laptop and desktop has its own unique IP address for
identification. It's an important part of Internet technology. An IP
address is displayed as a set of four-digit like [Link].
• Here each number on the set ranges from 0 to 255. Hence, the total
IP address range from [Link] to [Link].
World Wide Web (WWW)
• The world wide web is a collection of all the web pages and web
documents that you can see on the Internet by searching their URLs
(Uniform Resource Locator) on the Internet.
• For example, [Link] is the URL of the GFG website and all
the content of this site like webpages and all the web documents are
stored on the world wide Web.
• The world wide web is an information retrieval service of the web. It
provides users with a huge array of documents that are connected to each
other by means of hypertext or hypermedia links.
• Here, hyperlinks are known as electronic connections that link the related
data so that users can easily access the related information hypertext
allows the user to pick a word or phrase from text and using this keyword
or word or phrase can access other documents that contain additional
information related to that word or keyword or phrase.
Uses of the Internet
• E-Commerce & Online Shopping: Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and
Myntra allow users to buy products with ease, providing a seamless
shopping experience, home delivery and multiple payment options.
• Digital Payments & Cashless Transactions: UPI-based platforms (e.g.,
Paytm, Google Pay) enable users to make instant payments, bank transfers
and bill payments, driving the growth of the cashless economy.
• Remote Education & Online Learning: Educational platforms like Coursera,
Khan Academy and YouTube offer a wide range of online courses, making
quality education accessible to people worldwide.
• Social Connectivity: Social media apps like Facebook, Instagram and
LinkedIn allow people to stay connected, share content, network
professionally and create online communities.
• Streaming & Entertainment: Services like Netflix, Spotify and YouTube
provide on-demand access to movies, music, TV shows and online gaming,
offering endless entertainment options.
• Telemedicine & Health Services: Online consultations, fitness apps and
digital health tracking allow individuals to monitor their well-being and
consult healthcare professionals remotely.
• Online Banking & Financial Services: Internet banking enables users to
transfer funds, pay bills and manage finances without visiting a bank.
Cryptocurrencies are also becoming more mainstream through online
platforms.
• News & Information Access: The Internet serves as a hub for real-time
news, articles, blogs and live updates from around the world, making it
easier to stay informed on global events.
• Travel Planning & Navigation: Travel websites and navigation apps like
Google Maps and Waze help users plan trips, book accommodations and
navigate through traffic efficiently.
• Remote Work & Collaboration: Cloud-based tools such as Google Drive,
Slack and Zoom enable teams to collaborate, store files and work remotely,
improving productivity and communication across distances.
Social media & its uses in business
• Social media significantly influences businesses by enhancing brand visibility, customer
engagement, and marketing strategies, while also presenting challenges such as negative
feedback and privacy concerns.
Positive Impacts of Social Media on Business
• Increased Brand Visibility: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow
businesses to reach vast audiences at little to no cost. Engaging content can enhance brand
recognition and establish a strong online presence, which is crucial for attracting new customers.
• Enhanced Customer Engagement: Social media provides a direct channel for businesses to
interact with their customers. This engagement fosters a sense of community and builds
meaningful relationships, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Improved Customer Service: With real-time communication capabilities, businesses can address
customer inquiries and complaints promptly. This responsiveness not only enhances customer
satisfaction but also builds trust and loyalty.
• Valuable Market Insights: Social media platforms offer businesses access to data on consumer
behavior and preferences. Analyzing this data helps businesses tailor their marketing strategies
and product offerings to better meet customer needs.
• Facilitates Direct Sales: Many social media platforms now support e-commerce features, allowing
businesses to sell products directly to consumers. This streamlines the purchasing process and
can lead to increased sales.
Negative Impacts of Social Media on Business
• Negative Feedback and Public Relations Crises: A single negative post or
comment can quickly escalate and damage a brand's reputation. Businesses must
be prepared to manage their online presence carefully to mitigate potential
backlash.
• Privacy and Security Concerns: With the increasing amount of data shared on
social media, businesses face risks related to data privacy and security. Protecting
customer information is crucial to maintaining trust.
• Demand for Instant Responses: Customers expect quick replies to their inquiries
on social media. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and
loss of business.
• Resource Intensive: Managing social media accounts effectively requires time
and resources. Businesses must invest in content creation, monitoring, and
engagement strategies to reap the benefits of social media.
• While social media presents numerous opportunities for businesses to enhance
their marketing efforts and customer relationships, it also requires careful
management to navigate the associated risks effectively. Embracing a strategic
approach to social media can lead to significant business growth and success.