Karnataka composite pu college

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Chapter 1 overview of computer
Science students

2023
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CHAPTER 1

Overview of computers

Definition of computer
Computer is an electronic machine that recall
and process data
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How does the computer work?

The computer works based on the input, processing and output. Input-
Process-Output cycle (IPO Cycle)

Characteristics of Computer:
 Speed

 Storage

 Accuracy

 Diligence

 Versatility

 Flexibility

 Cost effectiveness

 Speed: The computer works very fast. The speed of Computer is

measured in terms of MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) or BIPS
(Billion Instructions Per Second). For Example A money counting
machine counts money faster

 Storage: The computer can store a large volume of data and

information. The storage capacity of the computer is measured in
terms of Bytes. A group of 8 Bits is called a Byte.

 Accuracy The computer generated results are exact and without any
mistakes with high rate of consistency.
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 Diligence Unlike human beings, a computer does not suffer from

limitations like tiredness and lack of concentration. It can work for
hours without making any errors.

 Versatility Computers are capable of performing any task. Multi-

processing features of computer make it quite versatile in nature. The
computer can be adapted to any field easily. It is used for scientific
calculations, business processing, for playing games, teaching, training
etc.
Flexibility Flexibility would involve the number of things you can do
with a computer. While some are best used for simple business tasks,
and filing of tasks, others are good for multimedia, gaming, and so on

.  Cost effectiveness Computers reduce the amount of paper work

and human effort, thereby reducing costs

Components of computer
There are four components in the computer system. They are:
 Hardware  Software  Data & Information  User(s)
 Hardware
The physical parts of a computer system called as hardware.
The hardware components can be
seen, touch and feel. The hardware components are fixed inside
or outside the computer system
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Example: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer, RAM, CPU etc

 Software
A Set or collection of programs is known as software. The software is a
computer programwritten using some computer programming
languages to operate the computer. Software tells the hardware what
to do. Unlike hardware, we can’t touch the software.
Example: Operating System, TUX Paint, Office Packages etc

The software is broadly classified into two types. They are:

1. System Software: It is a type of computer program that is designed
to control and work with
computer hardware, to run a computer's hardware and application
programs.
Example: Microsoft Windows, Linux, DOS etc
2. Application software: It is a type of Software written by the user to
perform a particular task like
drawing a picture, playing computer games.
Example: Paint, and Office Package etc.
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Difference between Hardware and Software

Hardware Software

Physical components of a Set of programs is called Software

computer are
called Hardware.
Hardware can touch, see and feel. The software can not touch and
feel.
Constructed using physical Developed by the programming
materials or language.
components.
Not affected by computer viruses. Not affected by computer viruses.
User cannot make copies User can make copies

Example: Monitor, Keyboard, RAM Example: OS, Text Editor

- Data
Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text,
numbers, audio or video. Data
is the raw information or basic facts that computer can process.

The computer processed data is called information, which gives

particular meaning
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-User(s)
People who use the computers are called users. These computer
operators are called computer
users.

-Functional components of a computer:

Basically any computer is supposed to carry out the following
functions.

 Accepts the data and program as input.

 Stores the data, program and retrieve as and when required.

 Process the data as per instructions given by the program and

convert it into useful information.

 Communicate the information as output.

Block diagram of a computer

A computer is designed using four basic units. They are:
1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit(CPU)

 Control Unit

 Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

3. Memory Unit
4. Output Unit
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Input Unit
Computers need to receive data and instructions in order to
solve a problem.
The Input unit performs this operation. The Input Unit basically
links the external world .
The input unit may consist of one or more input devices.
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 Central Processing Unit (CPU): It is the main part of a

computer system like the heart of a human being. Most computers are
identified by the type of CPU that is present in them. The function of
the CPU is to interpret the instructions in the program and execute
them one by one. It consists of two major units

1. Control Unit: It controls and directs the transfer of program

instructions and data between various units. The main activity is to
maintain order and direct the operations of the entire system .

2. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Arithmetic and Logic Unit

performs arithmetic and logical operations and controls the speed of
these operations.

Memory Unit
The data and the instructions required for processing have to be stored
in the memory unit before the actual processing starts.
Note: The input unit, an output unit, and secondary storage devices
are together known as Peripheral Devices

Output Unit
It is used to print or display the results, which are stored
in the memory unit. The actual
function of the output unit is just the reverse of the input
unit. Thus, the output unit links the computer to the
outside world
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Evolution of computer:
 Abacus
 Adding Machine-Pascaline
 Leibniz Calculator
 acquard loom
 Napier’s bones
 he slide Rule

1. Generations of Computer
Depending on the development of the technology the
generation of computer is classified into
five generations:
1. First Generation of Computer (1940-1956)
1. The first generation of computers is started with using
vacuum tubes as the basic components.
2. The speed of these computers was very slow, storage
capacity was very less and these computers
are large in size.
3. This generation computers operated only on machine
language.
4. Input was based on punched card, paper tapes an output
was obtained as printout.
Some computers of this generation were ENIAC (Electronic
Numerical Integrator and calculator)
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2. Second Generation of Computer (1956-1963)

1. In this generation transistors were used in place of vacuum
tubes.
2. These machines were much faster, more reliable than their
earlier machines.
3. It generates less heat and consumed less electricity as
compared to first generation computers.
4. Second Generation computers used punched cards for input
and printout for output.
5. This computer moved from the use of machine language to
assembly languages.
6. The computer stored their instructions in their memory,
which moved from magnetic drum to
magnetic core technology.

3. Third Generation of Computer (1964-1971)

1. In the third generation of computer Integrated Circuits (IC's)
were used in place of transistors.
2. In this generation, Keyboard and monitors were used instead
of punched cards and printout.
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3. These IC’s were increased the speed of processing and

storage capacity.
4. These computers were more reliable, smaller in size and
faster.
5. Maintenance cost was low comparing to the previous
generation and consumed less electricity.
4. Fourth Generation of Computer (1971-1980)
1. In the fourth generation of computer, microprocessors were used in
place of Integrated Circuits
(IC’s).
2. The fourth generation of computers is marked by the use of Very
Large Scale Integrated (VLSI)
circuits.
3. This made computers smaller in size became more powerful, they
could bi linked to form network.

5. Fifth Generation of Computer (1980-till date)

1. Fifth generation computer involves the concept of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) which made the
computer think like human beings.
2. This generation uses VLSI (Very Large Scale integration) and
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale
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Integration) technology.
3. These computers are more intelligent and faster comparing
to other generation computers.
4. Types of this generation computers are Desktop, Laptop,
Notebook, and Robot. etc.

Classification of computers
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 Analog Computers
Analog computers work upon continuous data. Analog computer
operates by measuring rather
than counting. The analog computers are that all calculation take
place in parallel, hence faster.

 Digital Computer
The digital computer works upon discontinuous data. A digital
computer operates on digital
data such as numbers. It uses binary number system in which
there are only two digits 0 and 1. Each
one is called a bit.

 Hybrid Computers
Hybrid computer are the combination of both analog and digital
computer. They accept both the
analog and digital data for processing. Hybrid computers incorporate
the measuring feature of an analog computer and counting feature of a
digital computer.
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 Differences between Analog & Digital computers

Analog Digital
Operates on continuous values of Operates on discrete values of
data data
They give only approximate They give accurate results
results
Processing is slow Processing is fast
They have very limited use They are versatile
They have small memory & less They have large memory & more
reliableThey have small memory reliable
& less reliable

 Classification based on Configuration

1. Micro Computers
2. Mini Computers
3. Mainframe Computers
4. Supercomputer

 Micro Computers
1. Also, know as PC (Personal Computer), it was introduced in 1970.
2. The number of processors in microcomputers will be one or two
processors.
3. It contains input devices, output devices, storage device and
processor.
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4. The number of processor will be one or two. It is used by one person

at a time.
5. Example: Desktops (PC, Macintosh), Laptops, Notebooks, Tablets,
Palmtops, Smart Phones.
Uses of Micro computers
 They are used as desktops either in offices or even in homes.
 Children enjoy playing games & watching movies in these
computers.
 They are cheap and user-friendly.
 Their operation can be easily learned by anyone having the logical
aptitude.

Mini Computers
1. Mini computers were introduced in the 1960’s.
2. Minicomputer is larger and more powerful than personal
computer.
3. In can execute five million instructions per second.
4. It generally consists of two or more processors.
5. Minicomputer can serve up to 4000 connected users
simultaneously.
Uses of Mini computers
 They are often used by small and medium sized companies to
provide centralized store ofinformation.
 They are used for data processing.
Mainframe Computers
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1. Mainframe computers were introduced in 1975.

2. It is very large computer in size.
3. It is more powerful than mini computers and consists of multiple
processors. 4. It is designed to perform multiple tasks for multiple
users at the same time.
5. The user access a mainframe computer through personal computer
Uses of Mainframe Computers
 Mainframe computers are used in large organizations.
 They are big computer systems sensitive to temperature,
humidity, dust etc.
 Qualified & trained operators are required to operate them. 
They have a wide range of peripherals attached.

 Supercomputers
1. Supercomputers were introduced in 1980. Super computer
is the fastest computer.
2. Supercomputer is the biggest in size and the most
expensive in price than any other computers.
3. Supercomputer is the most sophisticated, complex and
advance computer.
4. It has a very large storage capacity.
5. It can process trillions of instructions in one second

Uses of Supercomputers
 Weather Forecasting
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 Animated Graphics like Hollywood Movies  Nuclear energy

research
 Space Science  Weapons and Missile design
 Petroleum Exploration etc.

Applications of computers:

 Schools and colleges

 Banks
 Office
 Stock control in business firms
 Stock exchange  Research and developments
 Entertainment and news

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