Module 1

Computer
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as an input from the user and
processes it under the control of a set of instructions (called program), produces a result (output),
and saves it for future use.
The computer as we know it today had its beginning with a 19th century English mathematics
professor name Charles Babbage.
He designed the Analytical Engine and it was this design that the basic framework of the
computers of today are based on.
Today's world is an information-rich world and it has become a necessity for everyone to know
about computers. A computer is an electronic data processing device, which accepts and stores data
input, processes the data input, and generates the output in a required format.
How Computer works?
A digital computer carries out the following five functions:-
Step 1- Takes data as input.
Step 2 - Stores the data/ instructions in its memory and them as required.
Step 3 - Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
Step 4 - Generates the output
Step 5 - Controls all the above four steps
Advantages of Computers
Following are certain advantages of computers
● High Speed
Computer is a very fast device. It is capable of performing calculation of very large
amount of data. The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the pico
second. It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will
spend many months to perform the same task.
● Accuracy
In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate. The calculations are 100%
error free. Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.
● Storage Capability
Memory is a very important characteristic of computers. A computer has much more
storage capacity than human beings. It can store large amount of data. It can store any type of data
such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.
● Diligence

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Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony/ tiredness, and lack of concentration.
It can work continuously without any error and boredom. It can perform repeated tasks with the
same speed and accuracy
● Versatility
A computer is a very versatile machine. A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs
to be done. This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields. At one
instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be
playing a card game.
● Reliability
A computer is a reliable machine. Modern electronic components have long lives.
Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
● Automation
Computer is an automatic machine. Automation is the ability to perform a given task
automatically Once the computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer
memory, then the program and instruction can control the program execution without human
interaction.
● Reduction in Paper Work and Cost
The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper work and
results in speeding up the process.
Disadvantages of Computers
Following are certain disadvantages of computers,
● No I.Q.
A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task. Each instruction has to
be given to the computer.
● Dependency
It functions as per the user's instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans.
● Environment
The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.
● No Feeling
Computers have no feelings or emotions. It cannot make judgement based on feeling, taste,
experience, and knowledge unlike humans.
History of Computers
The first counting device was used by the primitive people. They used sticks, stones and
bones as counting tools. As human mind and technology improved with time more computing
devices were developed.

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Some of the popular computing devices starting with the first to recent ones are described below;
1. Abacus
The history of computer begins with the birth of abacus which is believed to be the first computer.

It is said that Chinese invented Abacus around 4,000 years ago. It was a wooden rack which has
metal rods with beads mounted on them. The beads were moved by the abacus operator according
to some rules to perform arithmetic calculation. Abacus is still used in some countries like China,
Russia and Japan. An image of this tool is shown below;
2. Napier's Bones
It was a manually-operated calculating device which was invented by John Napier (1550-
1617) of Merchiston. In this calculating tool, he used 9 different ivory strips or bones marked with
numbers to multiply and divide. So, the tool became known as "Napier's Bones. It was also the first
machine to use the decimal point.
3. Pascaline
Pascaline is also know Arithmetic Machine or Adding Machine. I was invented between
1642 and 1644 by French mathematician-philosopher Blaise Pascal. It is believed that it was the
first mechanical and automatic calculator.
He invented this machine to help his father, a tax accountant. It could only perform addition and
subtraction. It was a wood with a series of gears and wheels When a wheel is rotated one
revolution, it rotates the neighbouring wheel. A series of windows is driven on the top of the wheels
to read the totals.
4. Stepped Reckoner or Leibnitz wheel
It was developed by a German mathematician-philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1673.
He improved Pascal's invention to develop this machine. It was a digital mechanical calculator
which was called the stepped reckoner as instead of gears it was made of fluted drums.

5. Difference Engine
In the early 1820s, it was designed by Charles Babbage who is known as "Father of Modern
Computer". It was a mechanical computer which could perform simple calculations. It was a stream
driven calculating machine designed to solve tables of numbers like logarithm tables.

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6. Analytical Engine
This calculating machine was also developed by Charles Babbage in 1830. It was a
mechanical computer that used punch-cards as input. It was capable of solving any mathematical
problem and storing information as a permanent memory.

7. Tabulating Machine
It was invented in 1890, by Herman Hollerith, an American statistician. It was a mechanical
tabulator based on punch cards. It could tabulate statistics and record or sort data or information.
This machine was used in the 1890 U.S. for census. Later models were widely used for business
applications such as accounting and inventory control

8. Differential Analyzer
It was the first electronic computer introduced in the United States in 1930. It was an analog device
invented by Vannevar Bush. This machine has vacuum tubes to switch electrical signals to perform
calculations. It could do 25 calculations in few minutes.
9. Mark I
The next major changes in the history of computer began in 1937 when Howard Aiken planned to
develop a machine that could perform calculations involving large numbers. It was the first
programmable digital computer. The first program to run on the Mark I was initiated on 29 March
1944 by John von Neumann.

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Questions
2 mark
1. What is a computer?
2. What is automation feature?
3. What is abacus?
4. What is Leibnitz wheel?
5 mark
1. Explain any 5 advantages of computer.
2. Explain abacus and pascaline.

FUNCTIONAL UNITS OF A COMPUTER

There are a few basic components that aid the working-cycle of a computer i.e. the Input- Process-
Output Cycle and these are called as the functional components of a computer. The input unit takes
the input, the central processing unit does the processing of data and the output unit produces the
output. The memory unit holds the data and instructions during the processing.
1. Input Unit
The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the computer. Input devices are essential
in order to use a computer. These devices allow users to interact with the applications that the
computers display. Without input devices, the computer would be nothing more than a screen that
displays something random and of little use. There are many different types of input devices that all
allow us to interact in different ways.
● keyboard
A keyboard consists of series of keys that can be pressed to input commands and letters .These are
used to write documents but can be used to navigate user interface in lies of a mouse.
● Mouse
A Mouse consists of a ball or a laser that tracks the movement of the device. The computer is able
to register the movement of the mouse and translate it as movement of the cursor on the screen.
Mouse also contain buttons that allow the user to select objects, move windows or open
applications. It has a scrolling wheel for scrolling through long documents or webpages .
● Scanner
These devices allow a user to input a photograph or printed document into the computer. By placing
a piece of media in a scanner you can create an image file that can be opened and manipulates on
the Computer.
● microphone
This is a device used to input voice data or sound into the computer. It registers the sound and
inputs them into audio recording applications. This will let you do many things, from recording a
song, to talking to someone on Skype etc.

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● joystick
Joysticks are often used to control video games, and usually have one or more push-buttons whose
state can also be read by the computer. A popular variation of the joystick used on modern video
game consoles is the analog stick.
● Touchpad
A touchpad (also track pad) is an area that imitates functions of a computer mouse. There is no need
of an external device like a mouse. The user just runs over the small sensitive pad with one or more
fingers. Touchpad are mostly found on laptop computers.
2. Central Processing Unit
Once the information is entered into the computer by the input device, the processor processes it.
The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it is the control center of the computer. It first
fetches instructions from memory and then interprets them so as to know what is to be done. If
required, data is fetched from memory or input device. Thereafter CPU executes or performs the
required computation and then either stores the output or displays on the output device. The CPU
has three main components which are responsible for different functions – Arithmetic Logic Unit
(ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Memory registers
● Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
The ALU, as its name suggests performs mathematical calculations and takes logical decisions.
Arithmetic calculations include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical decisions
involve comparison of two data items to see which one is larger or smaller or equal.
● Control Unit
The Control unit coordinates and controls the data flow in and out of CPU and also controls all
the operations of ALU, memory registers and also input/output units. It is also responsible for
carrying out all the instructions stored in the program. It decodes the fetched instruction, interprets
it and sends control signals to input/output devices until the required operation is done properly by
ALU and memory.
● Memory
Memory attached to the CPU is used for storage of data and instructions and is called internal
memory. The internal memory is divided into many storage locations, each of which can store data
or instructions. Each memory location is of the same size and has an address. With the help of the
address, the computer can read any memory location easily without having to search the entire
memory. when a program is executed, it’s data is copied to the internal memory and is stored in the
memory till the end of the execution.
3. Output Unit
The output unit consists of output devices that are attached with the computer. An output device is
any device used to send data from a computer to another device or user. Most computer data output
that is meant for humans is in the form of text, audio or video. Thus, most output devices used by
humans are in these categories. Examples include monitors, projectors, speakers, headphones and
printers.

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● Monitor
The most common computer output device is the monitor or computer screen. Monitors create a
visual display for you to view from processed data. The monitor is the piece of computer
hardware that displays the video and graphics information generated by the computer through
the video card.
They come in a variety of screen sizes and visual resolutions. There are two common types of
modern computer monitors, Cathode Ray Tube and Flat Panel Screens. CRT monitors use
phosphorescent dots to create the pixels that make up displayed images. Flat panel monitors usually
use liquid crystals or plasma to create output. Light is passed through liquid crystals to create the
pixels. All monitors rely on a video card that is located on the computer motherboard or in a special
expansion slot. The video card processes the computer data into image details that the monitors can
display.
● Printer
Printers produce a hard copy version of processed data such as documents and photographs. The
computer sends the image data to the printer, which then physically recreates the image, usually on
paper. There are three types of computer printers: Ink Jet, Laser and Dot Matrix. Inkjet printers
spray tiny dots of ink on a surface to create an image. Laser printers use toner drums that roll
through magnetized pigment and then transfer the pigment to a surface. Dot matrix printers,
common in the 1980s and 1990s, use a print head to embed images on a surface, using an ink
ribbon.
● Audio Output (speaker and headphone)
Computers produce audio data that requires output devices such as speakers and headphones to
deliver the sound to you. Audio data is created by the computer and then sent to the audio card,
which is located in an expansion slot. The card translates the data into audio signals, which are sent
to the audio output device.
● Projectors
Projectors are display devices that project a computer-created image. The computer sends the image
data to its video card, which then sends the video image to the projector. They are typically used for
presentations or for viewing videos.
● Plotter
A plotter is a computer hardware device much like a printer that is used for printing vector
graphics. Instead of toner, plotters use a pen, pencil, marker, or another writing tool to draw
multiple, continuous lines onto paper rather than a series of dots like a traditional printer. Though
once widely used for computer-aided design, these devices have more or less been phased out by
wide-format printers. Plotters are used to produce a hard copy of schematics and other similar
applications.

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Memory

In computing, memory refers to the physical devices used to store programs (sequence of
instructions) or data on a temporary or permanent basis for use in computer or other digital
electronic device.

A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer memory is
the storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and instructions required for
processing are stored.

Memory is divided broadly classified into two

1. Primary memory
2. Secondary memory

PRIMARY MEMORY (MAIN MEMORY)

Primary memory is computer memory that is accessed directly by the CPU. Primary memory holds
only those data and instructions on which the computer is currently working This includes several
types of memory, such as the processor cache and system ROM. However, in most cases, primary
memory refers to system RAM.

Primary Memory is divided into two subcategories

 RAM(Random Access Memory)
 ROM (Read Only Memory).

 RAM(Random Access Memory)

The memory unit that communicate directly with CPU is called main memory. Another term for
main memory is RAM . The computer can manipulate only data that is in main memory. Therefore,
every program you execute and every file you access must be copied from a storage device into

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main memory. Random Access Memory takes the form of integrated circuits. It is a volatile type of
memory, so information stored is lost if the power is removed.

Types of RAM

 SRAM
 DRAM

The two main forms of modern RAM are Static RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM) The two
types of RAM differ in the technology they use to hold data, with DRAM being the more common
type. In terms of speed, SRAM is faster. DRAM needs to be refreshed thousands of times per
second while SRAM does not need to be refreshed, which is what makes it faster than DRAM.

 ROM (Read Only Memory)

Once data has been written onto a ROM chip, it cannot be removed and can only be read.
Unlike main memory (RAM), ROM retains its contents even when the computer is turned off.
ROM is referred to as being non volatile, whereas RAM is [Link] personal
computers contain a small amount of ROM that stores critical programs such as the program
that boots the computer.

Types of ROM

 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

 EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)

EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for duration of up to 40 minutes.

 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)

EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and reprogrammed about ten
thousand times.

SECONDARY MEMORY

Secondary memory, also known as Auxiliary storage, Secondary storage, Auxiliary memory or
External memory. Secondary memory is not accessed directly by the CPU. Instead, data accessed
from it is first loaded into RAM and is then sent to the processor. While secondary memory is much
slower than primary memory, it typically offers far greater storage capacity. Secondary memory is
non-volatile, meaning it retains its data with or without electrical power. Therefore, it is used to
store "permanent data," such as the operating system, applications, and user files.
 Hard Disk Drive

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A hard disk drive (HDD)/ hard disk/hard drive is the main, and usually most substantial, data
storage hardware device in a computer. The operating system, application
software, and most other files are stored in the hard disk drive. Unlike
volatile storage like RAM, a hard drive keeps a hold of its data even when
powered off. That is why we call it as permanent memory.

 Floppy Disk Drive

The floppy disk is a removable magnetic storage medium. Floppy disks are
used for moving information between computers, laptops or other devices.
Some early digital cameras, electronic music instruments and older
computer game consoles use floppy disks. Floppy disks are inserted in to
a floppy disk drive or simply floppy drive to allow data to be read or stored.
Floppy disks store much less data than a CD-ROM disk or USB flash drive.
 Digital Versatile Disc

A DVD is a type of optical media used for storing digital data. It is the same size as a CD, but has a
larger storage capacity. DVDs can be watched repeatedly without reducing the quality of the video
and also used to distribute software programs. Since some applications and other software are too
large to fit on a single 700 MB CD, DVDs provide a way to distribute large programs on a single
disc.
 Pen Drive

A pen drive is small storage device shaped like a pen with built-in data storage that connects to a
computer by a USB port. The main features of pen drive are:
 Portable: small, compact plug and play making it fit it into the hand.
 Non-volatile storage: Contents are rewritable and does not lose its content even when
removed from the USB port.
 Storage capacity: available up to 2TB and steadily incrementing in capacity and size.

Questions
2 mark
1. What is ALU?
2. Explain any two input device?
3. What is motherboard?
4. What is RAM?
5. What are the types of monitors?
6. Explain different types of printer.

5 mark
1. Explain secondary memory.
2. Explain ROM & its types.

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3. Explain output units

GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS

First Generation

Introduction:
1. 1946-1959 is the period of first generation computer.
2. The first successful electronic computer called ENIAC, which stands
for “Electronic Numeric Integrated And Calculator”.

Few Examples are:

3. ENIAC
4. EDVAC
5. UNIVAC
6. IBM-701
7. IBM-650

Advantages:
1. It made use of vacuum tubes which are the only electronic component available during
those days.
2. These computers could calculate in milliseconds.
Disadvantages:
3. These were very big in size, weight was about 30 tones.
4. These computers were very costly.
5. It could store only a small amount of information due to the presence of magnetic
drums.
6. As the invention of first generation computers involves vacuum tubes, it require a large
cooling system.
7. Very less work efficiency.
8. Limited programming capabilities and punch cards were used to take inputs.
9. Large amount of energy consumption.
10. Not reliable and constant maintenance is required.

Second Generation

Introduction:
 1959-1965 is the period of second-generation computer.
 Second generation computers were based on Transistor instead of vacuum
tubes.

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Few Examples are:

 Honeywell 400
 IBM 7094
 CDC 1604
 CDC 3600
 UNIVAC 1108
Advantages:
 Due to the presence of transistors instead of vacuum tubes, the size of
electron component decreased. This resulted in reducing the size of a
computer as compared to first generation computers.
 Less energy and not produce as much heat as the first generation.
 Assembly language and punch cards were used for input.
 Low cost than first generation computers.
 Better speed, calculate data in microseconds.
 Better portability as compared to first generation
Disadvantages:
 A cooling system was required.
 Constant maintenance was required.
 Only used for specific purposes.

Third Generation

Introduction:
 1965-1971 is the period of third generation computer.
 These computers were based on Integrated circuits.
 IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby In 1958-1959.
 IC was a single component containing number of transistors.
Few Examples are:
 PDP-8
 PDP-11
 ICL 2900
 IBM 360
 IBM 370
Advantages:
 These computers were cheaper as compared to second-generation computers.
 They were fast and reliable.
 Use of IC in the computer provides the small size of the computer.
 IC not only reduce the size of the computer but it also improves the
performance of the computer as compared to previous computers.
 This generation of computers has big storage capacity.
 Instead of punch cards, mouse and keyboard are used for input.
 They used an operating system for better resource management and used the
concept of time-sharing and multiple programming.

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 These computers reduce the computational time from microseconds to

nanoseconds.
Disadvantages:
 IC chips are difficult to maintain.
 The highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC
chips.
 Air conditioning is required.

Fourth Generation

 Introduction:
1. 1971-1980 is the period of fourth generation computer.
2. This technology is based on Microprocessor.
3. A microprocessor is used in a computer for any logical and arithmetic function to be
performed in any program.
4. Graphics User Interface (GUI) technology was exploited to offer more comfort to users.
 Few Examples are:
1. IBM 4341
2. DEC 10
3. STAR 1000
4. PUP 11
 Advantages:
1. Fastest in computation and size get reduced as compared to the previous generation of
computer.
2. Heat generated is negligible.
3. Small in size as compared to previous generation computers.
4. Less maintenance is required.
5. All types of high-level language can be used in this type of computers.
 Disadvantages:
1. The Microprocessor design and fabrication are very complex.
2. Air conditioning is required in many cases due to the presence of ICs.
3. Advance technology is required to make the ICs.

Fifth Generation

 Introduction:
1. The period of the fifth generation in 1980-onwards.

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2. This generation is based on artificial intelligence.

3. The aim of the fifth generation is to make a device which could respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.
4. This generation is based on ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology resulting
in the production of microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components.
 Few Examples are:
1. Desktop
2. Laptop
3. NoteBook
4. UltraBook
5. Chromebook
 Advantages:
1. It is more reliable and works faster.
2. It is available in different sizes and unique features.
3. It provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features.
 Disadvantages:
1. They need very low-level languages.
2. They may make the human brains dull and doomed.

Classification of computers
They are classified according to purpose and size.
Purpose
• General purpose
General purpose computers are designed to perform a range of tasks. They have the ability
to store numerous programs, but lack in speed and efficiency.
• Specific purpose.
Specific purpose computers are designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a
specific task. A set of instructions is built into the machine.
On the basis of Size: Type of Computer
Super Computer
The fastest and most powerful 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.
Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy 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.
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.
Mini Computer

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A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes.
A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously. They were actually designed for control, instrumentation, human interaction, and
communication switching as distinct from calculation and record keeping
Micro Computer or Personal Computer
A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its CPU. It
includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal I/O circuitry mounted on a single printed circuit
board.
• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
• 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.
• 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.
Questions
2 mark
1. What is first generations of computer
2. What are palmtop computers?
3. What are the features of 4th generation of computers?
5 mark
1. Explain mainframe & mini computers.
2. Explain the difference between 1st & 5nd generations.

Operating System
An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer user and computer hardware. An
operating system is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory
management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices
such as disk drives and printers.
Definition
An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer
hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.
Functions of an Operating System.
⮚ Memory Management
Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory
is a large array of words or bytes where each word or byte has its own address. It does the
following activities such as
▪ Keeps tracks of primary memory.
▪ Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.
▪ De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it or has been terminated.
⮚ Processor Management
In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which process gets the processor when and for
how much time. This function is called process scheduling.

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⮚ Device Management
An Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does the
following activities for device management −
▪ Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for this task is known as the I/O
controller.
▪ Decides which process gets the device when and for how much time.
▪ Allocates the device in the efficient way.
▪ De-allocates devices.
⮚ File Management
A file system is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and usage.
An Operating System does the following activities for file management −
• Keeps track of information, location, uses, status etc.
• Decides who gets the resources.
• Allocates the resources.
• De-allocates the resources.
⮚ Security − By means of password and similar other techniques, it prevents unauthorized
access to programs and data.
⮚ Control over system performance − Recording delays between request for a service and
response from the system.
⮚ Job accounting − Keeping track of time and resources used by various jobs and users.
⮚ Error detecting aids − Production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging
and error detecting aids.
⮚ Coordination between other softwares and users − Coordination and assignment of
compilers, interpreters, assemblers and other software to the various users of the computer
systems.

Types of Operating System

⮚ Real time OS
⮚ Single-user/single-tasking
⮚ Single-user/multitasking
⮚ Multi-user/multitasking
Real time OS
A real time operating system is a very fast ,relatively small OS. They are embedded OS when they
are built into the circuitry of a device and are not loaded from the hard disk. This OS is used to run
real time applications. Real time application is an application that responds to certain inputs
extremely quickly. E.g. of real time applications are medical diagnostics equipment, life support
system, machinery etc.
Single-user/Single-tasking OS
An OS that allow a single user to perform just one task at a time is a single user/single tasking OS.
To a user a “task” means printing a document, writing a file or editing a file. To the OS a task is a
“process” and a small or a simple OS can manage a single task at a time.

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Single-user/multitasking OS
This allows a single user to perform two or more functions at once. It takes a special operating
system to keep two or more task running at once. The multitasking feature of OS has increased the
productivity of the people in a large variety of [Link]. Printing a large document and editing
another documenting, sharing resource in a network etc. The disadvantage of this OS is the
increased size and complexity it need to support multitasking.
Multi-user/multitasking OS
It is an OS that allows multiple users to use programs that are simultaneously running on a single
network server called a terminal server. When a computer is connected to a server to access
document files to edit, the client computer performs that process in the user session ,on the server.
Each user’s applications run within their user session on the server separate from all other user
session. In a multi tasking OS all computing occurs at the server.
The advantage of these operating system is that they can be managed by simply making changes to
one server, rather than to many desktop computers. The disadvantage is that if the network
connection to the server is broken, the user cannot do any work in the application on the server.
Network
A network can be defined as two or more computers connected together in such a way that they can
share resources. A network is simply a collection of computers or other hardware devices that are
connected together, either physically or logically, using special hardware and software, to allow
them to exchange information and cooperate. The purpose of a network is to share resources such
as a file, folder, printer, disk drive etc.
Networking is the term that describes the processes involved in designing, implementing,
upgrading, managing and otherwise working with networks and network technologies.

Types of Networks
There are several different types of computer networks. Computer networks can be characterized by
their size as well as their purpose.
Some of the different networks based on size are:

● Personal area network, or PAN

● Local area network, or LAN
● Metropolitan area network, or MAN
● Wide area network, or WAN

In terms of purpose, many networks can be considered general purpose, which means they are used
for everything from sending files to a printer to accessing the Internet. Some types of networks,
however, serve a very particular purpose. Some of the different networks based on their main
purpose are:

● Storage area network, or SAN

● Enterprise private network, or EPN

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● Virtual private network, or VPN

● Personal Area Network

A personal area network, or PAN, is a computer network organized around an individual person
within a single building. This could be inside a small office or residence. A typical PAN would
include one or more computers, telephones, peripheral devices, video game consoles and other
personal entertainment devices.
If multiple individuals use the same network within a residence, the network is sometimes referred
to as a home area network, or HAN. In a very typical setup, a residence will have a single wired
Internet connection connected to a modem. This modem then provides both wired and wireless
connections for multiple devices. The network is typically managed from a single computer but can
be accessed from any device.

 Local Area Network

A local area network, or LAN, consists of a computer network at a single site, typically an
individual office building. A LAN is very useful for sharing resources, such as data storage and
printers. LANs can be built with relatively inexpensive hardware, such as hubs, network adapters
and Ethernet cables.
The smallest LAN may only use two computers, while larger LANs can accommodate thousands of
computers. A LAN typically relies mostly on wired connections for increased speed and security,
but wireless connections can also be part of a LAN. High speed and relatively low cost are the
defining characteristics of LANs.

 Metropolitan Area Network

A metropolitan area network, or MAN, consists of a computer network across an entire city,
college campus or small region. A MAN is larger than a LAN, which is typically limited to a single
building or site. Depending on the configuration, this type of network can cover an area from
several miles to tens of miles. A MAN is often used to connect several LANs together to form a
bigger network. When this type of network is specifically designed for a college campus, it is
sometimes referred to as a campus area network, or CAN.

 Wide Area Network

A wide area network, or WAN, occupies a very large area, such as an entire country or the entire
world. A WAN can contain multiple smaller networks, such as LANs or MANs. The Internet is the
best-known example of a public WAN.
Benefits of networking
There are lots of advantages from build up a network, but the three big facts are-

File Sharing
From sharing files you can view, modify, and copy files stored on a different computer on
the network just as easily as if they were stored on your computer.

Resource Sharing

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Resources such as printers, fax machines, Storage Devices (HDD, FDD and CD Drives),
Webcam, Scanners, Modem and many more devices can be shared.

Program Sharing
Just as you can share files on a network, you can often also share program on a network.
For example, if you have the right type of software license, you can have a shared copy of
Microsoft Office, or some other program, and keep it on the network server, from where it
is also run
 Intranet
An intranet is basically a network that is local to a company. In other words, users from within this
company can find all of their resources without having to go outside of the company. An intranet
can include LANs, private WANs and MANs,
 Extranet
An extranet is an extended intranet, where certain internal services are made available to known
external users or external business partners at remote locations.
 Internet
An internet is used when unknown external users need to access internal resources in your
network. In other words, your company might have a web site that sells various products, and you
want any external user to be able to access this service.
 VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a special type of secured network. A VPN is used to provide a
secure connection across a public network, such as an internet. Extranets typically use a VPN to
provide a secure connection between a company and its known external users or offices.

Mother board
The motherboard is a circuit board and is the biggest board in a computer chassis. It allocates
power and allows communication to and between the CPU, RAM, and all other
computer hardware components. Each type of motherboard is designed to work with specific types
of processors and memory, so they are not capable of working with every processor and type of
memory.

Computer parts are divided into

 Hardware

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 software

Computer hardware
Computer hardware is the collection of physical parts of a computer system. It is what we can
physically touch. This includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse etc
Computer software
Computer software, or just software, is the collection of computer programs and related data that
provide the instructions telling a computer what to do.
There are two types of software
 System Software
 Application Software

System Software
The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the
processing capabilities of the computer itself. System software serves as the interface between the
hardware and the end users.
Application software
Application software (app for short) is a program or group of programs designed for end users.
Examples of an application include a word processor, an accounting application, a web browser, a
console game or a photo editor.
Questions
2 mark
1. What is PAN?
2. What is real time OS?
3. What is network?
4. What is extranet and intranet?
5. What is mother board?
6. What is application software?

5 mark
1. Explain the functions of operating system.
2. Explain LAN & WAN.

15 mark
1. Explain the functions units of computer.
2. Explain the types of network.
3. Explain the generations of computers.
4. Explain OS types and functions.

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