CSC101

MISAU COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCE &

TECHNOLOGY
MEDICAL LABORATORY DEPARTMENT

HANDOUT
ON

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

(CSC 101)

BY

AL’AMIN SA’EED HARUNA

1
 CSC101

INTRODUCTION
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.
Functionalities of a Computer
If we look at it in a very broad sense, any digital computer carries out the following
five functions
Step 1 − Takes data as input.
Step 2 − Stores the data/instructions in its memory and uses 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.
A computer is an electronic device that accepts information using an input device,
The information is processed by a central processing unit or stored in a storage unit
i.e. Hard Disk and then processed, the result is supplied by an output device. If the
input and output units are connected to a manufacturing process, the computer can
control the process and the system is called a computing system.

A computer can also be defined as an electronic machine that accepts input (data),
processes it and gives out results (information). A program or app (short for
application program) in memory manages the processing. It can make use of data
or information stored in memory and remember the results of the processing for
later use, again in memory.
Due to the popularity and usage of computers, there is no shelter in saying that
today everyone has become dependent on them. There are some advantages and
disadvantages to computers.
Advantages of Computers
 Speed − Computers can execute programmes quickly. Thousands of
instructions can execute in milliseconds or seconds.

2
 CSC101
 Accuracy − Computers can perform very complex computations accurately
in a very short period of time. If a user inputs the correct input to the
computer, it gives accurate results that can be used in decision-making.
 Storage − Computers can store large amounts of data permanently. The
data is saved in files, which can be accessed at any time; these files are
saved for a long time period until a user deletes them.
 Power of Remembering − A computer stores data permanently. It forgets
or loses certain information only when asked to do so.
 Versatility − A computer is a versatile device. It can run different
programmes simultaneously.
 Diligently − A computer can do the assigned task diligently. A computer can
work for hours without getting tired. Hence, it can do thousands of complex
computations with the same accuracy.
 Automation − A computer is an automated device. It works without human
intervention.
 No I.Q. − A computer does not have its own I.Q.; it carries out the
predetermined tasks and does not take its own decisions.
 No Feelings − A computer does not have emotions. It works as per the
given instructions by users.
Disadvantages of Computers
 Health Issues − Working long hours on computers leads to health issues.
Student's playing games and accessing related applications for long periods
of time cause serious health problems.
 Spread of Pornography − The growing trend of the internet has spread
pornography. In today's time, pornography is a big threat to society and the
youth.
 Virus and hacking attacks − Viruses are unwanted programmes that enter
computers through networks or the internet. These programmes may steal
information or damage computers. Sometimes these lock the application
programmes of the computer to affect its working.
 No IQ − Computers cannot make their own decisions. Its functioning
depends on human interventions.
 Negative effect on the environment − The increasing use of computers
and automated devices has posed a major threat to the environment.
 Crashed Networks − Hackers may destroy the network, which affects the
overall working of the existing system. In today’s time, most of the data is on
servers, so destroying the network may be a serious threat to
communication.
 Online cybercrimes − the practise of using a computer to facilitate unlawful
activities including fraud, the trafficking of child pornography and other items
3
 CSC101
of intellectual property, identity theft, and privacy violations The relevance of
cybercrime, particularly over the Internet, has increased as the computer is
most widely used in business, entertainment, and government.
 Data and information violation − A breach of confidentiality occurs when
information is given to a third party without the data owner's authorization.
The owner of the data has the right to file for legal action to recover the
potential losses.
APPLICATION OF COMPUTER
Here, we will discuss the use of computers in various fields.
1. Business
A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or
versatility which has made it an integrated part in all business organizations.
Computer is used in business organizations for −
- Payroll calculations - Budgeting - Sales analysis - Financial
forecasting
- Managing employee database -Maintenance of stocks, etc.
2. Banking
Today, banking is almost totally dependent on computers. Banks provide the
following facilities
 Online accounting facility, which includes checking current balance, making
deposits and overdrafts, checking interest charges, shares, and trustee
records.
 ATM machines which are completely automated are making it even easier for
customers to deal with banks.
3. Education
The computer helps in providing a lot of facilities in the education system.
 The computer provides a tool in the education system known as CBE
(Computer Based Education).
 CBE involves control, delivery, and evaluation of learning.
 There are a number of methods in which educational institutions can use a
computer to educate the students.
4. Marketing
In marketing, uses of the computer are following −
 Advertising − With computers, advertising professionals create art and
graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal
of selling more products.

4
 CSC101
 Home Shopping − Home shopping has been made possible through the use
of computerized catalogues that provide access to product information and
permit direct entry of orders to be filled by the customers.
5. Healthcare
Computers have become an important part in hospitals, labs, and dispensaries.
They are being used in hospitals to keep the record of patients and medicines. It is
also used in scanning and diagnosing different diseases. ECG, EEG, ultrasounds and
CT scans, etc. are also done by computerized machines.
Following are some major fields of health care in which computers are used.
 Diagnostic System − Computers are used to collect data and identify the
cause of illness.
 Lab-diagnostic System − All tests can be done and the reports are
prepared by computer.
 Patient Monitoring System − These are used to check the patient's signs
for abnormality such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG, etc.
 Pharma Information System − Computer is used to check drug labels,
expiry dates, harmful side effects, etc.
 Surgery − Nowadays, computers are also used in performing surgery.
6. Engineering Design
Computers are widely used for Engineering purpose.
One of the major areas is CAD (Computer Aided Design) that provides creation and
modification of images. Some of the fields are −
 Structural Engineering − Requires stress and strain analysis for design of
ships, buildings, budgets, air planes, etc.
 Industrial Engineering − Computers deal with design, implementation, and
improvement of integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment.
 Architectural Engineering − Computers help in planning towns, designing
buildings, determining a range of buildings on a site using both 2D and 3D
drawings.
7. Military
Computers are largely used in defence. Modern tanks, missiles, weapons, etc.
Military also employs computerized control systems.
8. Communication
Communication is a way to convey a message, an idea, a picture, or speech that is
received and understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant.
Some main areas in this category are −

5
 CSC101
- E-mail - Chatting - Usenet - FTP -Telnet
- Video-conferencing
9. Government
Computers play an important role in government services.

Hardware and Software

In any computer system, you will find two essential elements by which the
computer works. These two parts are the Hardware and Software. You will find
plenty of differences between Hardware and Software though they both work on the
system compatibility. In this article, we will discuss the difference between
Hardware and Software in detail.

What is the Computer Hardware?

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. Computer Hardware is
any part of the computer that we can touch these parts. These are the primary
electronic devices used to build up the computer. Examples of hardware in a
computer are the Processor, Memory Devices, Monitor, Printer, Keyboard, Mouse,
and Central Processing Unit.
Different Types of Computer Hardware
 Input Devices: Input Devices are those devices through which a user enters
data and information into the Computer or simply, User interacts with the
Computer. Examples of Input Devices are Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, etc.
 Output Devices: Output Devices are devices that are used to show the
result of the task performed by the user. Examples of Output Devices are
Monitors, Printers, Speakers, etc.
 Storage Devices: Storage Devices are devices that are used for storing data
and they are also known as Secondary Storage Data. Examples of Storage
Devices are CDs, DVDs, Hard Disks, etc.
 Internal Component: Internal Components consist of important hardware
devices present in the System. Examples of Internal Components are the
CPU, Motherboard, etc.
What is the Computer Software?
6
 CSC101
Software is a collection of instructions, procedures, and documentation that
performs different tasks on a computer system. We can say also Computer
Software is a programming code executed on a computer processor. The code can
be machine-level code or code written for an operating system.
Examples of software are MS- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Chrome, Photoshop,
MySQL, etc.
Different Types of Computer Software
 System Software: System Software is a component of Computer Software
that directly operates with Computer Hardware which has the work to control
the Computer’s Internal Functioning and also takes responsibility for
controlling Hardware Devices such as Printers, Storage Devices, etc. Types of
System Software include Operating Systems, Language processors, and
Device Drivers.
 Application Software: Application Software is the software that works the
basic operations of the computer. It performs a specific task for users.
Application Software includes Word Processors, Spreadsheets, etc. Types of
Application software include General Purpose Software, Customized Software,
etc.
COMPONENTS OF THE COMPUTER
Computer systems consist of three components: Central Processing Unit, Input
devices and Output devices. Input devices provide data to the processor (processing
unit), which processes it and generates useful information that’s displayed to the
user through output devices. Output devices are used to show the processed data
to the user on computer screen or in print form. Below figure depicts the major
components of computer systems –

Fig: Components of computer systems

Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is also known as "the brain of computer". It
controls operation of all components of a computer.

7
 CSC101

Fig: Central Processing Unit

A CPU itself has three components which are as follows −
 Control Unit (CU)
 ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 Memory or Storage Unit
Control Unit
As its name implies, a control unit acts as the "brain" of the CPU. It executes
instructions and manages the flow of data inside the CPU to perform the tasks
specified by a computer program. It plays a pivotal role in the fetch-decode-execute
cycle, which is a fundamental process by which a CPU runs program instructions.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a component that has been extensively optimised
and engineered to do multiple tasks concurrently. It is commonly built to execute
operations speedily. It works in conjunction with other CPU components, such as
registers, memory, and control units, to execute complex instructions.
Memory Unit
A memory or storage unit is a hardware component which is used to store the data
and instructions and retrieve it whenever is required. Majorly computer memory has
categorised as temporary (RAM) and permanent memory (secondary memory). RAM
is used for short-term, fast data access and essential for active program execution.
On the other hand, storage or secondary memory provides permanent data storage.
Hence, memory and storage units both are critical components of a computer
system.
Functions of memory
Memory (RAM - Random Access Memory)
 RAM is also known as primary or temporary memory; it is a type of volatile
memory used for temporarily storing data.
8
 CSC101
 The contents inside the RAM are erased when computer's power get off or
restarted.

 The more RAM a computer has, the better it can handle multitasking and the
faster it can run applications since data can be accessed more quickly.
Storage (Hard Drives, SSDs, Flash Drives, etc.)
 Storage devices are used to store the data permanently, even when the
computer is powered off.
 They are non-volatile in nature; the data remains intact even when the power
is get off or system restarts.
 The most popular and commonly used storage devices are Hard Disk (HDs),
Solid-State Drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, and optical disks (e.g., DVDs),
pen drives.

 The data storage capacity varies of these devices are in gigabytes (GB) to
terabytes (TB) and more, depending on the type and size of the storage
device.
Input devices
The devices which are used to give input to the computer system is known as input
devices.
 Keyboard
Keyboard is a most common and very popular input device which helps to input
data to the computer. The layout of the keyboard is like a traditional typewriter,

9
 CSC101
although there are some additional keys provided for performing additional
functions.
The keys on the keyboard
Below table describes different keys on the keyboard and their are as follows −

S.No
Keys & Description
.

Typing Keys − These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and digit keys (0-9)
1
which generally give the same layout as that of typewriters.

Numeric Keypad − It is used to enter the numeric data or cursor movement.

2 Generally, it consists of a set of 17 keys that are laid out in the same
configuration used by most adding machines and calculators.

Function Keys − The twelve function keys are present on the keyboard which is
3 arranged in a row at the top of the keyboard. Each function key has a unique
meaning and is used for some specific purpose.

Control keys − These keys provide cursor and screen control. It includes four
4 directional arrow keys. Control keys also include Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page
Up, Page Down, Control(Ctrl), Alternate(Alt), Escape(Esc).

Special Purpose Keys − Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys
5
such as Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, Num Lock, Space bar, Tab, and Print Screen.

 Mouse
Mouse is a most popular input device. It is also known as a pointing device. It is a
very famous cursor-control device having a sensor at its base, which senses the
movement of the mouse and sends corresponding signals to the CPU when the
mouse buttons are pressed. Generally, it has two buttons called the left and the
right button and a wheel is present between the buttons. A mouse can be used to
control the position of the cursor on the screen, but it cannot be used to enter text
into the computer.

 Joystick
Joystick is also a pointing device, which is used to move the cursor position on a
monitor screen. It is a stick having a spherical ball at its both lower and upper ends.
The lower spherical ball moves in a socket. The joystick can be moved in all four
directions.
10
 CSC101

The function of the joystick is similar to that of a mouse. It is mainly used in

Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and playing computer games.
 Light Pen
Light pen is a pointing device similar to a pen. It is used to select a displayed menu
item or draw pictures on the monitor screen. It consists of a photocell and an optical
system placed in a small tube.

When the tip of a light pen is moved over the monitor screen and the pen button is
pressed, its photocell sensing element detects the screen location and sends the
corresponding signal to the CPU.
 Scanner
Scanner is an input device, which works more like a photocopy machine. It is used
when some information is available on paper and it is to be transferred to the hard
disk of the computer for further manipulation.

Scanner captures images from the source which are then converted into a digital
form that can be stored on the disk. These images can be edited before they are
printed.
 Digitizer
Digitizer is an input device which converts analog information into digital form.
Digitizer can convert a signal from the television or camera into a series of numbers
that could be stored in a computer. They can be used by the computer to create a
picture of whatever the camera had been pointed at.

11
 CSC101

Digitizer is also known as Tablet or Graphics Tablet as it converts graphics and

pictorial data into binary inputs. A graphic tablet as digitizer is used for fine works of
drawing and image manipulation applications.
 Microphone
Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then stored in a digital form.

The microphone is used for various applications such as adding sound to a

multimedia presentation or for mixing music.

 Bar Code Readers

Bar Code Reader is a device used for reading bar coded data (data in the form of
light and dark lines). Bar coded data is generally used in labelling goods, numbering
the books, etc. It may be a handheld scanner or may be embedded in a stationary
scanner.

Bar Code Reader scans a bar code image, converts it into an alphanumeric value,
which is then fed to the computer that the bar code reader is connected to.
Output Devices
 Monitors
Monitors, commonly called as Visual Display Unit (VDU), are the main output device
of a computer. It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged in a
rectangular form. The sharpness of the image depends upon the number of pixels.

12
 CSC101
There are two kinds of viewing screen used for monitors.
 Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)
 Flat-Panel Display
 Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor
The CRT display is made up of small picture elements called pixels. The smaller the
pixels, the better the image clarity or resolution. It takes more than one illuminated
pixel to form a whole character, such as the letter 'e' in the word help.

A finite number of characters can be displayed on a screen at once. The screen can
be divided into a series of character boxes - fixed location on the screen where a
standard character can be placed. Most screens are capable of displaying 80
characters of data horizontally and 25 lines vertically.
There are some disadvantages of CRT −
 Large in Size
 High power consumption
 Flat-Panel Display Monitor
The flat-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced volume,
weight and power requirement in comparison to the CRT. You can hang them on
walls or wear them on your wrists. Current uses of flat-panel displays include
calculators, video games, monitors, laptop computer, and graphics display.

 Graphic Plotter
Computer graphics and engineering applications employ graphic plotters to create
high-quality, accurate, and detailed drawings or plots on paper or other media. It
draws continuous lines accurately and is suited for vector drawings, unlike a
standard printer. Key features of graphic plotters are as −

13
 CSC101
 Vector Graphics − Vector graphics allow graphic plotters to create lines and
shapes precisely using continuous points instead of dots like raster printers.
 Pen or Pen-Like Tool − A pen or similar instrument draws on paper for
graphic plotters. The pen may move X and Y on a moveable arm to draw
complicated shapes.
 Applications − Graphic plotters are employed in engineering, architecture,
cartography, and textile design. They were popular for technical drawings
and diagrams before digital.

 Printers
Printer is an output device, which is used to print information on paper.
a. Laser Printers
These are non-impact page printers. They use laser lights to produce the dots
needed to form the characters to be printed on a page.

b. Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are non-impact character printers based on a relatively new
technology. They print characters by spraying small drops of ink onto paper. Inkjet
printers produce high quality output with presentable features.

14
 CSC101

They make less noise because no hammering is done and these have many styles
of printing modes available. Color printing is also possible.
SOFTWARES
Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function.
A program is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem.
There are two types of software −
 System Software
 Application Software
a. 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 is
generally prepared by the computer manufacturers. System software serves as the
interface between the hardware and the end users.
Some examples of system software are Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter,
Assemblers, etc.

b. Application Software
Application software products are designed to satisfy a particular need of a
particular environment. All software applications prepared in the computer lab can
come under the category of Application software.
Examples of Application software are the following −
 Payroll Software
 Student Record Software
 Inventory Management Software

15
 CSC101
 Income Tax Software
 Railways Reservation Software
 Microsoft Office Suite Software
 Microsoft Word
 Microsoft Excel
 Microsoft PowerPoint
COMPUTER CLASSIFICATION
A computer can be classified based on its size, capacity, and purpose. The following
diagram illustrates different types of computers as per their size, capacity, and
purpose.

Computer's classification based on Size

As per the size, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −
 Micro Computer
 Mini Computer
 Mainframe Computer
 Super Computer
 Micro Computer
Microcomputers, also known as personal computers (PCs), are a type of computer
designed for individual use. They are distinguished by their compact dimensions,
small size, processing power, compatibility, internet connectivity, portability, low
price, and versatility. In the 1970s and 1980s, microcomputers gained popularity
and became more popular in the modern computing era.

16
 CSC101

Fig: Micro Computer

 Size − Microcomputers are small in size. These are portable.
 Example − Some of the popular microcomputers are laptops and desktops,
standard PCs, mobile phones, and notebooks.
 Why microcomputer?
Microcomputers have become an important part of modern life. They have had a big
impact on society, companies, education, and related areas.
 Uses of Microcomputers − Microcomputers are most widely used in
education and learning, entertainment and media, innovation and creativity,
research and science, healthcare and medicine, home automation, remote
work, and e-commerce and online shopping.
 Minicomputer
A minicomputer is a type of computer that is smaller in size than large computers. It
possesses all the capabilities of a large computer. Hence, it is a midsize multi-
processing system capable of supporting up to 250 users simultaneously.

Fig: Mini Computer

 Size − Its size falls between mainframes and microcomputers. It is larger
than mainframe computers and smaller than microcomputers.
 Example − Some of the popular minicomputers are the PDP-11, IBM's
AS/400e, Honeywell 200, and TI-990.

17
 CSC101
 Why a Mini Computer? Mini computers are also known as mini PCs or
small-form-factor (SFF) computers. These have impressive computing
capabilities, high performance, connectivity options, portability, and
versatility features.
 Uses of Minicomputers − Minicomputers are most widely used in scientific
computations, engineering, business transaction processing, file handling,
and database management.
 Mainframe computer
The mainframe is very large and is an expensive computer capable of supporting
hundreds or even thousands of users simultaneously. The mainframe executes
many programmes concurrently and supports simultaneous execution of
programmes.

Fig: Mainframe Computer

 Size − Mainframe computers can vary in size; their size generally depends
on their specifications and the specific model being considered.
 Example − Some of the popular mainframe computers are IBM zSeries
mainframes (BM z14 and IBM z15), Unisys ClearPath, Fujitsu GS21 Series, and
Hitachi VOS3.
 Why a mainframe computer?
The processing capacity of mainframes is frequently measured in MIPS (million
instructions per second) or other units. This enables them to process a large volume
of transactions and perform extensive data processing.
 Uses of the Mainframe − Mainframe computers are most widely used in
finance, government, healthcare, and more.
 Supercomputer
A supercomputer is a special type of computer that is more powerful and capable of
high-performance computing. It is specifically designed to compute complex and
intensive tasks that regular computers cannot do efficiently.
 Size − Supercomputers can vary in size, from small clusters of computers to
massive installations. A supercomputer may contain 10, 100, 1000, or more
computers that all work together.

18
 CSC101

Fig: Super Computer

 Example − Some of the popular supercomputers are Fugaku, Google
Sycamore, Baidu's quantum supercomputer, and Sierra.
 Why Supercomputer?
o A supercomputer's processing speed is exceptional and can perform
billions of calculations per second. Multiple processors work in parallel
mode to execute tasks, which makes processing powerful.
o Supercomputers are specially built using specialised hardware like
GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) or TPUs (Tensor Processing Units),
which are used in graphics rendering or machine learning tasks.
o Supercomputers represent the pinnacle of computing power, and these
are very expensive and are employed for specialised applications.
 Uses of the Supercomputer − Supercomputers are most widely used in
scientific research, data analysis, weather forecasting, scientific simulations,
graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic
design, and the analysis of geological data.
Computer's classification based on Capacity
As per the capacity, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −
 Analog Computer
 Digital computer
 Hybrid computer
 Analog Computer
A computer that uses physical means like mechanical or hydraulic components to
do the computation rather than electronic circuits is called an analogue computer.
These computers work with continuous data and can manage physical quantities
efficiently. They are particularly good at solving differential equations and
simulating dynamic systems.

19
 CSC101

Fig: Analog computer

In lieu of numbers, an analogue computer performs arithmetic operations based on
measurable quantities, such as mechanical movement or the rotation of gears. In
analogue computers, data is processed as continuous signals for its operation,
whereas in digital computers, data is transmitted as discrete signals (or
discontinuous signals).
 Digital Computer
A digital computer is a type of computer that represents and processes data using
discrete, distinct values.

Fig: Digital computer

In digital computers, data is processed using binary numbers 0 and 1. These
computers are designed to perform arithmetic calculations and complex data
processing and manipulation. The main components of a digital computer are input,
processing, and output.
 Hybrid Computer
A hybrid computer is a type of computer system that integrates the features and
capabilities of both analogue and digital computers. This integration allows the
hybrid computer to perform various tasks efficiently by leveraging the strengths of
both digital and analogue technologies.

20
 CSC101

Fig: Hybrid computer

The main components of a hybrid computer are the analogue and digital
components −
 Analog Component − Analogue components in a hybrid computer can
process real-world data like voltage, current, temperature, pressure, etc.
using analogue circuits and components.
 Digital Component − Digital computers work with discrete data and are
based on binary numbers (0s and 1s). Digital components in a hybrid
computer provide the computational power to perform complex calculations
and control the overall operation of the system.
Computer's classification based on Purpose
As per the capacity, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −
 Special Purpose
 General Purpose
 Special Purpose Computer
A computer that is designed and optimised for a specific task or set of tasks is
called a special purpose computer (SPC). SPCs are designed to excel at a single or
limited set of functions, frequently with a high degree of efficiency, speed, and
accuracy.
Some of the following popular SPCs are:
 Embedded Systems − These systems are integrated with devices to control
specific functions. For example, a car's engine control unit and microwave
ovens
 Automated Teller Machines − ATMs are special-purpose computers
designed specifically for banking transactions and interactions with
customers.
 Medical Equipment − Machines like MRI and CT scanners are specialised
computers used for capturing and processing medical images.
 General Purpose Computer

21
 CSC101
A computer that is designed to perform a wide range of tasks and functions is called
A General Purpose Computer (GPC). A GPC is versatile and can be used for various
purposes by running different software and applications.
Some of the following popular GPCs are as −
 General-Purpose Operating System − GPCs like Windows, macOS, or
Linux that provide an interactive user interface and manage hardware
resources, enabling the execution of various application programmes.
 Input and Output Capabilities − GPCs have input and output devices
(keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.) that permit users to interact with the
system and receive feedback.

Data Communication & Computer Network

Data communications refers to the transmission of this digital data between two or
more computers and a computer network or data network is a telecommunications
network that allows computers to exchange data. The physical connection between
networked computing devices is established using either cable media or wireless
media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.
What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a collection of computing devices that are connected with
each other for the purpose of information and resource sharing among a wide
variety of users.
A system of interconnected computers and computerized peripherals such as
printers is called computer network. This interconnection among computers
facilitates information sharing among them. Computers may connect to each other
by either wired or wireless media.
Features of Computer Network
The features of a computer network are −
 Sharing − Computer networks enable sharing of files, software, hardware
resources and computing capabilities.
 Speed: The communication speed among the components is fast enough to
be comparable with a centralized system.
 Scalability − Sizes of computer networks dynamically increase with time.
The networks have to be scalable so that they can evolve adequately for
future deployments.
 Integration − All the components of the network work in a coordinated
manner for a seamless user experience.
 Security − Networks allow security and access rights to the users for
restricted sharing of resources and information.

22
 CSC101
 Cost Effectiveness − Networking reduces the deployment cost of hardware
and software of a centralized system.

BASIC OF COMPUTER NETWORKING

A computer network is a network of computer devices like computers, servers,
routers, switches, or other related hardware’s that are interlinked with one another
to communicate and share resources, exchange data, and shared services.

Characteristics of a Computer Network

The following are the characteristics of a computer network −
 Share resources from one computer to another.
 Create files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other
computer(s) connected over the network.
 Connect a printer, scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the
network and let other computers of the network use the machines available
over the network.
Types of a Computer Network
 PAN (Personal Area Network)
 LAN (Local Area Network)
 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
 WAN (Wide Area Network)
These networks can be built using geographical scope and the medium of
connection (wired or wireless). A computer network allows to access network, file
sharing, printing and collaboration between users at a time.
1. Personal Area Network
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is smallest network which is very personal to a user.
This may include Bluetooth enabled devices or infra-red enabled devices. PAN has
connectivity range up to 10 meters. PAN may include wireless computer keyboard
and mouse, Bluetooth enabled headphones, wireless printers and TV remotes.

23
 CSC101

For example, Piconet is Bluetooth-enabled Personal Area Network which may

contain up to 8 devices connected together in a master-slave fashion.
2. Local Area Network
A computer network spanned inside a building and operated under single
administrative system is generally termed as Local Area Network (LAN). Usually,
LAN covers an organization’ offices, schools, colleges or universities. Number of
systems connected in LAN may vary from as least as two to as much as 16 million.
LAN provides a useful way of sharing the resources between end users. The
resources such as printers, file servers, scanners, and internet are easily sharable
among computers.

3. Metropolitan Area Network

The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) generally expands throughout a city such as
cable TV network. It can be in the form of Ethernet,Token-ring, ATM, or Fiber
Distributed Data Interface (FDDI).
Metro Ethernet is a service which is provided by ISPs. This service enables its users
to expand their Local Area Networks. For example, MAN can help an organization to
connect all of its offices in a city.

24
 CSC101

4. Wide Area Network

As the name suggests, the Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a wide area which may
span across provinces and even a whole country. Generally, telecommunication
networks are Wide Area Network. These networks provide connectivity to MANs and
LANs. Since they are equipped with very high speed backbone, WANs use very
expensive network equipment.

INTERNET
A network of networks is called an internetwork, or simply the internet. It is the
largest network in existence on this planet. The internet hugely connects all WANs
and it can have connection to LANs and Home networks. Internet enables its users
to share and access enormous amount of information worldwide. It uses WWW, FTP,
email services, audio and video streaming etc. At huge level, internet works on
Client-Server model.
Internet is serving many proposes and is involved in many aspects of life. Some of
them are:
 Web sites
 E-mail
 Instant Messaging
 Blogging
 Social Media
 Marketing
25
 CSC101
 Networking
 Resource Sharing
 Audio and Video Streaming
Network Cables
Network cables are used to connect computers. The most commonly used cable is
Category 5 cable RJ-45.

Distributors
A computer can be connected to another one via a serial port but if we need to
connect many computers to produce a network, this serial connection will not work.

The solution is to use a central body to which other computers, printers, scanners,
etc. can be connected and then this body will manage or distribute network traffic.
Router
A router is a type of device which acts as the central point among computers and
other devices that are a part of the network. It is equipped with holes called ports.
Computers and other devices are connected to a router using network cables. Now-
a-days router comes in wireless modes using which computers can be connected
without any physical cable.

26
 CSC101

Network Card
Network card is a necessary component of a computer without which a computer
cannot be connected over a network. It is also known as the network adapter or
Network Interface Card (NIC). Most branded computers have network card pre-
installed. Network cards are of two types: Internal and External Network Cards.
Internal Network Cards
Motherboard has a slot for internal network card where it is to be inserted. Internal
network cards are of two types in which the first type uses Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) connection, while the second type uses Industry Standard
Architecture (ISA). Network cables are required to provide network access.

External Network Cards

External network cards are of two types: Wireless and USB based. Wireless network
card needs to be inserted into the motherboard; however, no network cable is
required to connect to the network.

27