B.

SCSCCT1101(Theory):

Fundamentals of Computer Science

Module Unit Hrs. required to cover

Topic
No. No. the contents
Basics of Computer System
1.1 Computer Architecture: CPU (ALU, MU, CU),
1.0 Input Ports, Output Ports 09
1.2 Input / Output Devices: Keyboard, Mouse,
Monitor, Printer
1.3 Memory: Main Memory, Secondary Memory
1.4 Introduction to Algorithm
1.5 Introduction to Flowcharts and its symbols
Input /Output Devices
2.1 Input Devices: Keyboard, Point & Draw
Devices, Data Scanning Devices,
2.0 2.2 Digitizer, Electronic Card Reader, Voice Recognition 09
Devices
2.3 Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Plotter

2.4 Screen Image Projector, Voice Response System

Introduction to Number System

3.1 Introduction to Decimal, Binary, Octal,
3.0 Hexadecimal. 05
3.2 ASCII Code, Gray Code
3.3 BCD Code

Computer Software and OS

4.1 Introduction to Software
4.2 Types of Software
4.0 07
4.3 Operating System and its functions
4.4 Introduction to DOS and Windows
4.5 DOS Internal and External Commands

Reference Books / Text Books:

1. Fundamentals of Computers, V. Rajaraman
2. Computers and Common Sense, R. Hunt and Shelly Y.
3. Computer Fundamentals (5Th Edition ), P. K. Sinha
Unit.1 Basics of Computer System
1.1 Computer Architecture: CPU (ALU, MU, CU), Input Ports, Output Ports
Architecture of Computer:
Computer Architecture is a specification detailing of how a set of software and
hardware technology standards interact to form a computer system. In short,
computer architecture refers to how a computer system is designed and how it
works.

Every computer system has the following three basic components:

1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit
3. Output Unit
1. Input Unit : This unit helps users to enter data and commands into a computer
system. Data can be in the form of numbers, words, actions, commands, etc. The main
function of input devices is to direct commands and data into computer. Computer then uses
its CPU to process data and produce output.
For example, a keyboard is an input device that enters numbers and characters. Similarly,
even a mouse can be an input device for entering directions and commands. Other examples
include barcode reader, Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR), Optical Character
Recognition (OCR), etc. Another example of input devices is touch-screens. Users can
simply touch these screens without using any other device to enter commands. From
smartphones to ATM machines, these input devices are becoming very popular now a days.

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) : After receiving data and commands from
users, a computer system has to process it according to the instructions provided. Here,
it has to rely on a component called the Central Processing Unit. The CPU further uses
these three elements :
Arithmetic and Logic Unit : This part of the CPU performs arithmetic operations. It
does basic mathematical calculations like addition, subtraction, division, multiplication,
etc. Further, it can even perform logical functions like the comparison of data.

a) Control Unit: This unit is the back bone of computers. It is responsible for
coordinating tasks between all components of a computer system. The control
unit collects data from input units and sends it to processing units depending
 on its nature. Finally, it further transmits processed data to output units to
facilitate users.
b) Memory Unit: Once a user enters data using input devices, the computer
system stores this data in its memory unit. This data will now remain here
until other components of CPU process it. The memory unit uses a set of pre-
programmed instructions to further transmit this data to other parts of the
CPU.

Input Ports, Output Ports

1.2 Input / Output Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer
 1.3 Memory: Main Memory, Secondary Memory

Computer memory encompasses the designated storage capacity within a computer,

serving as the repository for both transient and enduring data, programs, and directives.
It stands as a fundamental element of any computing system, facilitating the swift retrieval
and processing of information by the central processing unit (CPU). Within a computer,
memory is categorized into two primary forms: primary memory, encompassing Random
Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM), and secondary memory, which
includes Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid State Drives (SSDs), among others. Primary
memory offers rapid data access, and it is tasked with retaining data actively used by the
CPU. Conversely, secondary memory provides larger storage capacity at a comparatively
slower data access rate, designed to store data that is not immediately required by the
CPU. The quantity and type of memory a computer is equipped with wield substantial
influence over its overall performance and operational speed.

What is Primary Memory?

Primary memory, often referred to as main memory or internal memory, represents a

category of computer memory situated directly on the central processing unit (CPU). This
memory module temporarily houses data and instructions during their processing.
Notably, it operates as a swift and volatile form of memory, signifying that data is retained
temporarily and is erased when the power supply is discontinued.

There are two types of primary memory:

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that is used to store data
that is being actively used by the processor. RAM allows the processor to quickly read
and write data, which is essential for the smooth operation of a computer. Unlike other
forms of memory, such as hard drives and solid state drives, data stored in RAM is lost
when the computer is powered off. There are two types of RAM:

 Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) is a type of

random access memory (RAM) that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within
 a memory cell, with the level of charge in the capacitor representing a 0 or 1. The
capacitors in DRAM cells slowly leak their charge over time, so the memory has to be
constantly refreshed in order to maintain its data. This makes DRAM slower than other
types of RAM, but it is also less expensive to produce, which has made it the most widely
used type of memory in computers and other electronics.

 Static RAM (SRAM): Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) is a type of random
access memory (RAM) that uses bitable latches instead of capacitors to store each bit of
data. Unlike DRAM, SRAM does not need to be constantly refreshed, which makes it
faster and more reliable than DRAM. However, SRAM is also more expensive to produce,
and it requires more transistors per bit of memory, which makes it less dense and more
expensive to implement in large quantities. As a result, SRAM is typically used in
applications where high-speed and low-latency access to data is critical, such as in cache
memory, but it is not used as widely as DRAM in general-purpose computing applications.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory that is used to store

permanent data in a computer or other electronic device. Unlike RAM, data stored in ROM
cannot be easily modified or deleted. Instead, it is meant to be read by the processor and
used as a starting point for the device’s operation. There are several subtypes of ROM:

 Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM): It is a type of non-volatile memory

that can be programmed by the user, but once programmed, the data cannot be modified
or deleted. Unlike other types of ROM, such as EPROM and EEPROM, PROM can be
programmed by the user to store specific data.

PROM chips were commonly used in early computer systems, as well as in other types
of electronic devices, to store permanent data such as firmware and other system
parameters. The user would program the PROM using a special device called a PROM
programmer, which would write the desired data to the memory.

Once the data was written to the PROM, it could not be changed, which made the device
useful for storing data that was intended to be permanent and unchanging. Over time,
other types of non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM and flash memory, have become
more popular, as they offer more flexibility and the ability to change the stored data
without physical manipulation. However, PROM remains an important type of memory,
especially in embedded systems and other applications where the data needs to be
locked and unchangeable.

 Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM):

It is a type of non-volatile memory that can be programmed and reprogrammed multiple

times. Unlike traditional Read-Only Memory (ROM), which is permanent and cannot be
altered, EPROM can be erased using ultraviolet light and reprogrammed with new data.
 This makes it useful in various applications such as embedded systems, computer
firmware, and other devices that require rewritable memory.

EPROMs use a floating gate transistor to store each bit of data. When the gate is charged,
it traps electrons and creates a threshold voltage that represents a binary 1. When the
gate is discharged, it represents a binary 0. To erase the EPROM, ultraviolet light is used
to discharge the floating gate, effectively wiping the memory.

EPROMs have been largely replaced by other forms of non-volatile memory, such as
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) which offer higher
density, faster reprogramming speeds, and lower power consumption.

 Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM): It is a type of

non-volatile memory that can be programmed and reprogrammed electrically, rather than
using ultraviolet light as in the case of Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
(EPROM). EEPROMs are often used in a wide range of applications, including embedded
systems, computer firmware, automotive systems, and other devices that require
rewritable memory.

EEPROMs store data in a similar way to EPROMs, by using a floating gate transistor to
represent each bit of data. However, in EEPROMs, the gate can be charged or discharged
using electrical signals, rather than ultraviolet light. This allows for faster and more
convenient reprogramming of the memory.

One of the key advantages of EEPROM over other types of memory is its ability to retain
data even when the power is turned off. This makes it ideal for applications where data
must be preserved even if the device is not in use. In addition, EEPROMs can be
reprogrammed many times over their lifespan, making them more flexible and cost-
effective than other types of memory in certain applications.

There are several different types of EEPROMs available, including Serial EEPROMs,
Parallel EEPROMs, and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) EEPROMs. Each type offers
different advantages and trade-offs in terms of speed, density, and other characteristics.

What is Secondary Memory?

Secondary memory, also recognized as external memory or non-volatile memory,

constitutes a category of computer memory designated for the extended storage and
retrieval of data. In contrast to primary memory, which is volatile and positioned directly
on the CPU, secondary memory is non-volatile, signifying that it preserves its data even
when the power source is disconnected. Additionally, secondary memory operates at a
more leisurely pace compared to primary memory but compensates for this by offering
greater storage capacity at a lower cost.
There are several types of secondary memory:

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

It is a type of storage device that uses rotating disks, or platters, to store and retrieve
digital data. The data is stored on the magnetic surface of the platters using read/write
heads that float on an air cushion above the platters. The platters are housed in a sealed
unit and are rotated by a spindle motor at a constant speed.

HDDs are one of the most common forms of data storage and have been used in
computers and other electronic devices for decades. They offer a large capacity for
storing data, relatively low cost per unit of storage, and are relatively durable.

However, HDDs are also relatively slow compared to other forms of storage such as solid-
state drives (SSDs). This is because the read/write heads must physically move to the
location on the disk where the data is stored, and the platters must rotate to the correct
position, which takes time. In addition, HDDs are prone to mechanical failure, which can
result in data loss.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

It is a type of storage device that uses NAND-based flash memory to store and retrieve
digital data. Unlike traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which use rotating disks to store
data, SSDs have no moving parts, which makes them faster, more reliable, and more
durable.

In an SSD, data is stored in a series of interconnected flash memory chips, which are
organized into pages and blocks. Data is read from and written to the flash memory using
a controller, which manages the movement of data between the flash memory and the
computer.

One of the key advantages of SSDs over HDDs is their speed. Because there are no
moving parts, data can be accessed much more quickly, leading to faster boot times,
faster application launches, and overall improved system performance. Additionally,
SSDs are less prone to mechanical failure and can withstand physical shocks and
vibrations better than HDDs.

Another advantage of SSDs is their lower power consumption, which can result in longer
battery life in laptops and other mobile devices. In addition, SSDs are generally quieter
and generate less heat than HDDs, making them ideal for use in compact and silent
systems.
Optical Disk Drive (ODD)

An Optical Disk Drive (ODD) is a type of storage device that uses laser technology to
read and write data on optical disks, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray disks. The laser
reads the data from the disk by reflecting off of the bumps and valleys in the disk’s surface,
which represent binary data. The drive then converts the binary data into digital data that
can be used by a computer.

ODDs are commonly used for a variety of applications, including data backup and
storage, software installation, and multimedia playback. CDs and DVDs are particularly
popular for data backup due to their low cost and ease of use, while Blu-ray disks are
used for high-definition video playback.

One of the key advantages of ODDs is their portability, as the disks can be easily
transported and played on any compatible drive. Additionally, ODDs are relatively
inexpensive and have a large storage capacity compared to other forms of storage, such
as floppy disks or early forms of solid-state storage.

However, ODDs have some disadvantages compared to other forms of storage, such as
solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard disk drives (HDDs). Optical disks are prone to scratches
and other physical damage, which can result in data loss. In addition, ODDs are slower
than other forms of storage, as the laser must physically scan the disk to read the data.

USB Flash Drive

A USB flash drive, also known as a thumb drive or flash drive, is a small, portable storage
device that connects to a computer via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The device
uses NAND-based flash memory to store and retrieve data, which is accessed by the
computer using a built-in controller.

One of the key advantages of USB flash drives is their portability and compact size, as
they can be easily carried in a pocket or on a keychain. They are also relatively
inexpensive and offer a convenient way to store and transfer data between computers.

Another advantage of USB flash drives is their speed, as they can transfer data much
faster than traditional storage devices, such as floppy disks or CDs. Additionally, USB
flash drives are durable and are not prone to physical damage like disks, which can be
scratched or damaged.

One of the main disadvantages of USB flash drives is their relatively small storage
capacity compared to other forms of storage, such as hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-
state drives (SSDs). Additionally, USB flash drives are prone to data loss if they are lost,
stolen, or damaged.
In other words, secondary memory provides long-term storage for data and programs and
is an essential part of a computer system. It is less expensive and provides larger storage
capacity than primary memory but is also slower in access time.

Difference between Primary Memory and Secondary Memory

Here is a comparison table between primary memory (also known as main memory or
internal memory) and secondary memory (also known as external memory or non-volatile
memory) in computer systems:

Feature Primary Memory Secondary Memory

Definition Volatile memory located Non-volatile memory for long-
on CPU term data storage
Speed Fast Slow
Cost Expensive Inexpensive
Capacity Limited Large
Volatility volatile (data is lost when Non-volatile(retains data
power is turned off) even after power is turned off)
Access Time Fast Slow
Purpose Stores data and Stores data and programs for
instructions temporarily long-term storage and
for quick access by the retrieval
CPU
Examples Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid
Static RAM (SRAM) State Drive (SSD), Optical
Disk Drive (ODD), USB Flash
Drive, Memory Card
Used as Main memory Backup and archival storage
Uses Holds data and Stores data and programs for
instructions temporarily long-term use
while they are being
processed
Storage Dynamic capacitors, flip- Magnetic disks, flash memory
Technology flops
Method of data Directly Indirectly
transfer to CPU
Endurance Limited by number of Durable
write cycles
Reliability Less reliable due to More reliable due to non-
volatility volatility
Upgradability Easy to upgrade Hard to upgrade
1.4 Introduction to Algorithm
1.5 Introduction to Flowcharts and its symbols
 Flowchart Symbols

Here is a chart for some of the common symbols used in drawing flowcharts.

Symbol Symbol Name Purpose

Used at the beginning and end of

Start/Stop the algorithm to show start and
end of the program.

Indicates processes like

Process
mathematical operations.

Used for denoting program

Input/ Output
inputs and outputs.

Stands for decision statements in

Decision a program, where answer is
usually Yes or No.

Shows relationships between

Arrow
different shapes.

Connects two or more parts of a

On-page Connector flowchart, which are on the same
page.

Connects two parts of a

Off-page Connector flowchart which are spread over
different pages.