Computer Fundamentals

What is Computer?
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and
processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives
the result (output) and saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and
non-numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.
A computer has four functions:
a. accepts data Input
b. processes data Processing
c. produces output Output
d. stores results Storage

Input (Data):
Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the
collection of letters, numbers, images etc.

Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of
the computer system.

Output:
Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also
called as Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.

Computer System
All of the components of a computer system can be summarized with the simple
equations.

COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE+ USER

 Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices

All physical parts of the computer (or everything that we can touch) are known as
Hardware.

 Software = Programs
Software gives "intelligence" to the computer.

 USER = Person, who operates computer.

Major parts of the Computer
Input Devices

2. Keyboard
1. Mouse

4. Digital
3. Scanner
Camera

5. Web 6. Joysticks
Camera

8. Touch
Pad/
7. Track Ball
Screen

10. Bar Code

9. Light Pen
Reader

12. Graphics
11. Microphone
Tablets
 14. Optical
13. Magnetic Mark
Ink Reader
Character (Used for
Reader Answer-
(Used in Sheet
Bank) Marking
Purpose)

15. Magnetic
Card
Reader
16. Biometric
(Used in
Devices
Shops,
Colleges,
Stations etc)

17. Bluetooth
Processor
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

The main unit inside the computer is the CPU. This unit is responsible for all events
inside the computer. It controls all internal and external devices, performs arithmetic and
logic operations. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the device that interprets and
executes instructions.

Output Devices

2. Printer
1. Monitor (Dot
Matrix)

3. Projector InkJet

4. Plotter Laser

5. Speaker
Storage Devices
1. Primary memory (main memory)
A. RAM (Random Access Memory/Read-Write Memory)

B. ROM (Read-only-memory)

2. Secondary memory (storage devices)

A. Hard Disk (Local Disk)
B. Optical Disks: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW
C. Pen Drive
D. Zip Drive
E. Floppy Disks
F. Memory Cards
G. External Hard Disk

A. Hard
Disk
B. Optical
C. Pen Drive
disk

D. Zip
Disk
E. Floppy Disk
(super
disk)

F. Memory G. External
Cards Hard Disk

Peripheral Devices

1. The
Modem/ 2. Switches/H
Internet ub
Adapter

4. TV Tuner
3. Router
Card
Internal Components

1. The Mother 2. Expansion

Board Slots

3. CMOS 4. Cooling
Battery Fan

5. Network 6. Graphics
Card Card

7. Power Supply 8. Memory

Unit (SMPS) Slots

Software
Software, simply are the computer programs. The instructions given to the computer in
the form of a program is called Software. Software is the set of programs, which are used
for different purposes. All the programs used in computer to perform specific task is
called Software.

Types of software
1. System software:
a) Operating System Software
DOS, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Unix/Linux, MAC/OS X etc.
b) Utility Software
Windows Explorer (File/Folder Management), Windows Media Player, Anti-
Virus Utilities, Disk Defragmentation, Disk Clean, BackUp, WinZip, WinRAR
etc…
2. Application software:
a) Package Software
Ms. Office 2003, Ms. Office 2007, Macromedia (Dreamweaver, Flash,
Freehand), Adobe (PageMaker, PhotoShop)
b) Tailored or Custom Software
SAGE (Accounting), Galileo/Worldspan (Travel) etc.

3. Computer Languages & Scripting:

a) Low Level Language
i) Machine Level Language
ii) Assembly Language

Machine language: These language instructions are directly executed by CPU

Assembly language: The endeavor of giving machine language instructions a

name structure that means bit strings of instructions of machine language are
given name here

High Level Language: The user friendly language ...more natural language
than assembly language.

Assembler is needed to convert assembly language into machine language

Complier is needed to convert high level to machine language

b) High Level Language

COBOL (COmmon Business Oriented Language), FORTRAN (FORmula
TRANslation), BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code), C,
C++ etc. are the examples of High Level Language.

Types of Computer
On the basis of working principle
a) Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses
continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to
model the problem being solved.
1. Thermometer 2. Speedometer

3. Petrol Pump
4. Multimeter
Indicator

b) Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented
as digits, usually in the binary number system.

c) Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)

A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital
and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of
performing complex simulations.
On the basis of Size
a) Super Computer
The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for
specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For
example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers
include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and
petroleum exploration.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer
channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a
mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.

b) Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple
microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at
the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more
powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But
supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.

c) Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and
mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small
mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers
and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of
supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.
d) Micro Computer
i. Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a
desk.

ii. Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen

and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger
than a notebook computer.

iii. Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized

computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input
and output device.
e) Workstations
A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a
generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or
"mainframe."

On the basis of Brand

a) IBM/IBM Compatible Computers

c) Apple/Macintosh