Chapter 1
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Senthil NathChapter 1
Uploaded by
Senthil NathCOMPUTER
C- Commonly
O- Oriented / OPERATED
M- Machine
P- Particularly
U- Used for
T- Trading And
E- Education
R- Research
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device, which
processes the information based upon the
instructions provided, and generates the
desired output.
Data
Operation or
calculations
Result
Program
Fig:processing information
special about computers:
1. Speed
2. Accuracy
3. Consistency
4. Storage capacity
5. Flexibility
History of computers:
IN 1822 Charles Babbage, a professor of
mathematics in Cambridge university,
deviced a machine called “Difference
Engine”.
Generation of computer:
Generation Components Memory Operating Languages
of Computer used speed used
First 10,000-
Vacuum Mill Machine
generation 20,000
Tubes Seconds language(binary)
1945-1955 Characters
Assembly
Second
64,000 Micro Language
generation Transistors
Characters Seconds (mnemonics)
1955-1965
High Level
Third Upto 4
Integrated Nano Language,(Basic,
generation million
Circuits Seconds Fortran, Pascal,
1965-1980 Characters
Cobol)
Fourth Semi 1 to10
Micro
generation conductor nano 4 GL
processor
1980-1990 memory seconds
CMOS(comp
lementary 1 to 100
Fifth Artificial Artificial
metal oxide nano
generation Intelligence intelligence
semi seconds
conductor
Classification of computers:
Based on size and capacity
(a) Micro computer
(b) Mini computer
(c) Main frame computer
(d) Super computer
Micro Computer:
It is a compact relatively cheaper, single user system.
Designed to perform basic application like word processing,
Educational Training and elementary database operation.
MiNi Computer:
It is a larger than the micro computers and are more
powerful in term of processing power.
Mainframe Computer:
It is larger, faster and more expensive than other general
purpose computers, these are used to handle huge volumes
of data.
SUPER COMPUTER:
One of the most powerful of all computers, they have a high
processing speeds.
Examples: weather fore casting, space research, weapons
research , atomic research.
COMPUTER BASIC ARCHITECTURE:-
CPU
Arithmetic Control
Logic Unit Unit
Input Output
unit unit
Main
Memory
Secondary
Storage
Input Unit:
The input unit is used to send information or instruction or
commands to the computer. The input received from the
input unit is immediately stored in main memory and then
processed.
1. key board
2. Mouse
3. Light pen
4. Digitizer
5. Track ball
6. Joy stick
Output Unit:
Devices used to get the response or result of a process from
the computer is called output. Output unit is the
communication between user and the computer.
1. Visual Display Unit (VDU) (or) monitor
2. Printer
3. Plotter
4. speaker
CPU (Central Processing Unit):
This is the heart of the computer system all operations are
carried out in this unit only. It is sub-divided into 3 sub units.
Control unit:
The control unit instructs the computer how to carry out a
program instructions, it directs the flow of data between
memory and arithmetic logical unit. It controls and
coordinates the entire computer system.
ALU (Arithmetic logic Unit):
Arithmetic logical unit perform all the arithmetic and logical
operations. Arithmetic operations like additions,
subtractions, multiplications and logical operations such as
comparisons are performs in ALU.
Memory:
Memory is the part of computer which holds data for
processing and other information. It is also called as main
memory.
RAM-Random access memory (Volatile Memory) (or)
buffer storage
ROM-Read only memory (non-volatile memory)
Secondary Storage:
It is the permanently stored, in this storage will not be erased
when the power is lost.
Examples: floppy disk, hard disk, Magnetic tapes,
drums,cd,dvd,pen drive.
Software:
Software is the program that is run on the Hardware, it is
classified into Application software and System software.
Software Components:
1. Application Software
2. System Software
Application Software:
It is set of programs that are used to perform particular task.
Examples:
Accounting Software, Banking etc.
System Software:
It is a set of programs, that are used to controls and co-
ordinates the entire computer.
Examples:
Ms-Dos, Ms-Windows, windows 98, windows2000,
windows NTserver, windows xp, windows7, windows 8,
windows10
Keyboard keys:
Enter
Backspace
Delete
Ctrl (Control Key)
Alt (Alternate Key)
Shift
Tab
Arrow Keys
Caps Lock
Esc (Escape Key)
Home/End
Page Up
Page Down
F Keys (Function)
Num Lock
PRINT SCREEN
ALPHABETICALS KEYS
WINDOWS KEY
Mouse:
Actions:
1. Left Click
2. Right Click
3. Double Click
4. Drag & Drop
Examples of Storage devices:
1. Floppy Disk (capacity 1.44 MB).
2. Hard Disk (capacity 1GB-40GB).
3. CD (compact Disk) inch 1.2mm capacity 650-700 MB.
4. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) 17 GB.
5. PEN DRIVE (32 GB)
External Storage Devices:
1Byte=8bits
1 KB [kilo Byte] =1024 Bytes
1MB [Mega Byte] = 1024 Kilo Bytes
1 GB [Giga Byte] = 1024 Mega Bytes
1 TB [Tera Byte] = 1024 Giga Bytes
