ENG3201 – COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

MODULE I
1.1 Recap of Introduction to Computer

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes it
under the control of set of instructions (called program), gives the result (output), and saves it for the
future use.

A computer system is made up of both hardware and software. Software is another term for computer
program. Software controls the computer and makes it do useful work. Without software a computer is
useless. Hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. These include
the computer's processor, memory, monitor, keyboard, mouse, disk drive, printer and so on.

1.1.1 Advantages of Computers in Today's Arena.

1) 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 picosecond.
• It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will spend many
months for doing the same task.

2) 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 correct input has been given.

3) 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 and many others.

4) Diligence

• 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 do repeated work with same speed and accuracy.

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5) 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.

6) Reliability

• A computer is a reliable machine.

• Modern electronic components have long lives.
• Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

7) Automation

• Computer is an automatic machine.

• Automation means ability to perform the given task automatically.
• Once a program is given to computer i.e., stored in computer memory, the program and instruction
can control the program execution without human interaction.

8) Reduction in Paper Work

• The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paperwork and
results in speeding up a process.
• As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of
large number of paper files gets reduced.

9) Reduction in Cost

• Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high but it substantially reduces the cost of
each of its transaction.

1.1.2 Disadvantages

Following list demonstrates the disadvantages of computers in today's arena

1) No I.Q

• A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.

• Each instruction has to be given to computer.
• A computer cannot take any decision on its own.

2) Dependency

• It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on human being

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3) Environment

• The operating environment of computer should be dust free and suitable.

4) No Feeling

• Computers have no feelings or emotions.

• It cannot make judgement based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike a human being.

1.1.3 Components of a computer

Input Unit

This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into computer. This unit makes link
between user and computer. The input devices translate the information into the form understandable by
computer.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data processing operations. It
stores data, intermediate results and instructions(program). It controls the operation of all parts of
computer.

CPU itself has following three components

• ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)

• Memory Unit
• Control Unit

Output Unit

Output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information from computer. This unit
is a link between computer and users. Output devices translate the computer's output into the form
understandable by users.

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1.1.4 Types of Computer

As mentioned earlier, a computer system has both hardware and software components. The time taken
by the system to respond to an input and display the required updated information is termed as response
time. The following are the types of Computers broadly classified by their speed and computing power:

1. PC (Personal Computer): It is a single user computer system having moderately powerful

microprocessor. It is a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. PCs
are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one
chip. Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and
for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most popular use for
personal computers is playing games and surfing Internet.

2. WorkStation: It is also a single user computer system which is similar to personal computer but have
more powerful microprocessor. It is used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop
publishing, software development, and other such types of applications which require a moderate
amount of computing power and relatively high-quality graphics capabilities.

3. Minicomputer: It is a midsize, multi-processing and multi-user computer system which is capable of

supporting hundreds of users simultaneously capable of supporting up to 250 users simultaneously.

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4. Main Frame: It is a multi-user computer system which is capable of supporting hundreds of users
simultaneously. Software technology is different from minicomputer. It is very large in size and is
an expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds or even thousands of users simultaneously.
Mainframe executes many programs concurrently and supports many simultaneous executions of
programs

5. Supercomputer: It is an extremely fast computer which can execute hundreds of millions of

instructions per second. They are one of the fastest computers currently available. Supercomputers
are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amount of
mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example, weather forecasting, scientific
simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic
design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting)

1.1.5 Computer System Hardware

Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a computer i.e. the components that can
be seen and touched.

Examples of Hardware are following:

Input devices -- keyboard, mouse etc.
Output devices -- printer, monitor etc.
Secondary storage devices -- Hard disk,
CD, DVD etc.
Internal components -- CPU, motherboard,
RAM, ROM etc.

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 MODULE 2

2.1 Operating System:

“An Operating system (OS) is a program that controls the execution of application programs and acts as an
interface between the user of a computer and the computer hardware.” A more common definition is that
the operating system is always the one program running on the computer (usually called the kernel), with
all else being applications programs.

An OS is concerned with the allocation of resources and services, such as memory, processors, devices and
information. It includes programs to manage these resources, such as a traffic controller, a scheduler,
memory management module, I/O programs, and a file system.

2.1.1 Functions of an OS:

Following are some of important functions of an OS:

• Memory Management: Refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory i.e. what part of
it are in use by whom, what part are not in use. In multiprogramming, OS decides which process will get
memory when and how. Allocates the memory when the process requests it to do so and de-allocates the
memory when the process no longer needs it or has been terminated.

• Processor Management: In multiprogramming environment, OS decides which process gets the

processor when and how much time. This function is called process scheduling. Thus, it keeps tracks
of processor and status of process. Program responsible for this task is known as traffic controller.

• Device Management: OS manages device communication via their respective drivers thereby keeping
track 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.
These directories may contain files and other directions thereby keeping track of information, location,
uses, status etc. The collective facilities are often known as file system.
• Decides who gets the resources.
• Allocates and de-allocates the resources.

• Security: By means of password and similar other techniques, preventing unauthorized access to
programs and data.

• Control over system performance: Recording delays between request for a service and response from
the system.

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• 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 software and users: Coordination and assignment of compilers,
interpreters, assemblers and other software to the various users of the computer systems.

2.1.1 Types of OS:

Following are few of the important types of operating system which are most used.

1) Batch OS
The users of batch OS do not interact with the computer directly. Each user prepares his job on an off-line
device like punch cards and submits it to the computer operator. To speed up processing, jobs with similar
needs are batched together and run as a group. Thus, the programmers left their programs with the operator.
The operator then sorts programs into batches with similar requirements.

The problems with Batch Systems are:

• Lack of interaction between the user and job.
• CPU is often idle, because the speeds of the mechanical I/O devices are slower than CPU.
• Difficult to provide the desired priority.

2) Time Sharing Operating System

Time sharing is a technique which enables multiple users, located at various terminals, to use a particular
computer system at the same time. Time-sharing or multitasking is a logical extension of
multiprogramming. Processor's time, which is shared among multiple users simultaneously, is
termed as time-sharing. The main difference between Multi-programmed Batch Systems and Time-
Sharing Systems is that in case of multi-programmed batch systems, objective is to maximize processor
use, whereas in Time-Sharing Systems objective is to minimize response time.
OS uses CPU scheduling and multiprogramming to provide each user with a small portion of a
time. Computer systems that were designed primarily as batch systems have been modified to time-
sharing systems.

Advantages of Timesharing operating systems are following

• Provide advantage of quick response.
• Avoids duplication of software.
• Reduces CPU idle time.

Disadvantages of Timesharing operating systems are following.

• Problem of reliability.
• Question of security and integrity of user programs and data.
• Problem of data communication.

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 3) Distributed Operating System
Distributed systems use multiple central processors to serve multiple real time application and multiple
users. Data processing jobs are distributed among the processors accordingly to which one can perform
each job most efficiently. The processors communicate with one another through various communication
lines (such as high-speed buses or telephone lines). These are referred as loosely coupled systems or
distributed systems. Processors in a distributed system may vary in size and function. These processors
are referred as sites, nodes, and computers and so on.

The advantages of distributed systems are following.

• With resource sharing facility user at one site may be able to use the resources
available at another.
• Speedup the exchange of data with one another via electronic mail.
• If one site fails in a distributed system, the remaining sites can potentially continue
operating.
• Better service to the customers.
• Reduction of the load on the host computer.
• Reduction of delays in data processing.

4) Network Operating System

Network Operating System runs on a server and and provides server the capability to manage data, users,
groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The primary purpose of the network
operating system is to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network,
typically a local area network (LAN), a private network or to other networks. Examples of network
operating systems are Microsoft Windows Server2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux,
Mac OS X, Novell NetWare, and BSD.

The advantages of network operating systems are following.

• Centralized servers are highly stable.
• Security is server managed.
• Upgrades to new technologies and hardware can be easily integrated into the system.
• Remote access to servers is possible from different locations and types of systems.

The disadvantages of network operating systems are following.

• High cost of buying and running a server.
• Dependency on a central location for most operations.
• Regular maintenance and updates are required.

5) Real time Operating System

Real time system is defined as a data processing system in which the time interval required to process
and respond to inputs is so small that it controls the environment. Real time processing is always online
whereas online system need not be real time. The time taken by the system to respond to an input and
display of required updated information is termed as response time. So, in this method response time is
very less as compared to the online processing.

Real-time operating system has well-defined, fixed time constraints or rigid time requirements
of a processor or the flow of data. Real-time systems can be used as a control device in a dedicated

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application such as Scientific experiments, medical imaging systems, industrial control systems, weapon
systems, robots, and home-appliance controllers, Air traffic control system etc.

There are two types of real-time operating systems:

• Hard real-time systems guarantee that critical tasks complete on time. In hard real-time
systems secondary storage is limited or missing with data stored in ROM. In these systems
virtual memory is almost never found.
• Soft real time systems are less restrictive. Critical real-time task gets priority over other tasks
and retains the priority until it completes. Soft real-time systems have limited utility than hard
real-time systems. For example, Multimedia, virtual reality, Advanced Scientific Projects like
undersea exploration and planetary rovers etc.