COMPUTER

SYSTEMS SERVICING NCII

COMPUTER
FUNDAMENTALS AND INTRODUCTION
What is Computer?

A computer is a general-purpose
device that can be programmed
to carry out a set of arithmetic
or logical operations
automatically. Since a sequence of
operations can be readily
changed, the computer can solve
more than one kind of problem.
A computer is an electronic device that takes input raw data
such as numbers, text, sound, image, animations, video, and etc.,
process it and converts it into meaning full information,
presenting the changed input (processed input) as output. All
numbers, text, sound, images, animations, and video used as
input are called data, and all numbers, text, sound, images,
animations, and video returned as output are called information.
Data Processing

The activity of processing data

using a computer is called Data
processing.

Data is raw material used an

input and information is
processed data obtained as
output data processing
• The data is inserted using an input device.
• The central processing unit (CPU) converts data to information.
• The information is put on an output device.
A storage device is an apparatus for storing data and information.
Basic computer hardware consists of the following components:
An input Device, a CPU, output devices, and memory.
Characteristics of Computer
1. Automatic:
Given a job, computer can work on
it automatically without human
interventions.
2. Speed:
Computer can perform data
processing jobs very fast, usually
measured in microseconds (10-6),
nanoseconds (10-0), and
picoseconds (10-12)
3. Accuracy:
Accuracy of a computer is
consistently high and the degree
of its accuracy depends upon its
design. Computer errors caused
due to incorrect input data or
unreliable programs are often
referred to as Garbage-In-
Garbage-Out (GIGO)
4. Diligence:
Computer is free from monotony,
tiredness, and lack of
concentration. It can continuously
work for hours without creating
any error and without grumbling.
5. Versatility:
Computer is capable of performing
almost any task, if the task can be
reduced to a finite series of logical
steps.

6. Power of Remembering:
Computer can store and recall any
amount of information because of
its secondary storage capability. It
forgets or loses certain information
only when it is asked to do so.
7. No I.Q.:
A computer does only what it is
programmed to do. It cannot take
its own decision in this regard.

8. No feelings:
Computers are devoid of
emotions. Their judgment is based
on the instructions given to them in
the form of programs that are
written by us (human beings).
Basic Operations performed
by computer

1. Inputting
The process of entering data and
instructions into the computer
system

2. Storing
Saving data and instructions to
make them readily available for
initial or additional processing
whenever required.
3. Processing
Performing arithmetic operations
(add, subtract, multiply, divide,
etc.) or logical operations
(comparison like equal to, less
than, greater than etc.) on data to
convert them into useful
information.
4. Outputting
The process of producing useful
information or results for the user
such as a printed report or visual
display.
5. Controlling
Directing the manner and
sequence in which all of the above
operations are performed.
 Evolution of Computer
Blaise Pascal invented the first
mechanical adding machine in
1642
Charles Babbage is considered to
be the father of modern digital
computers. He designed
“Difference Engine” in 1822. He
designed a fully automatic
analytical engine in 1842 for
performing basic arithmetic
functions. His efforts established
a number of principles that are
fundamental to the design of
any digital computer.
CHARLES BABBAGE
Some Well Known Early Computers
• The Mark I Computer (1937-44)
• The ABC (Atanasoff-Berry Computer) (1939-42)
• The ENIAC (1943-46) Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer
• The EDVAC (1946-52) Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic
Computer
• The EDSAC (1947-49) Electronic Delay Storage Automatic
Calculator
• Manchester Mark I (1948)
• The UNIVAC (1951): UNIVersal Automatic Computer
Computer Generations

“Generation” in computer talk is a step in technology. It

provides a framework for the growth of computer industry till
today, there are five computer generations.
First Generation (1940-56):
“Vacuum Tubes”
The first generation computers
used Vacuum Tubes & Machine
Language was used for giving the
data instructions. These
computer were large in size&
their programming was difficult
task. The electricity consumption
was very high. Some computers of
this generation are –
ENIAC
EDVAC
EDSAC
UNIVAS-1
Second Generation (1956-63):
“Transistors”
In 2nd generation computers,
Vacuum tubes were replaced by
transistors. This generation
computers generated less heat
& were reliable. The first
operating system developed in
this generation.
Third Generation (1964-71):
“Integrated Circuit”

The 3rd generation computers

replaced transistors with
Integrated Circuit known as chip.
From small scale integration
circuits which had 10 transistors
per chip, technology developed to
MSI circuits with 100 transistors
per chip. These computers were
smaller, faster & more reliable.
High level languages invented
in this generation.
Fourth Generation (1975-1989):
“Microprocessor”
LSI, VLSI& ULSI were used in this
generation. As a result
microprocessors came into
existence. The computers using
this technology known to be
Micro Computers. High capacity
hard disk were invented. There
is great development in data
communication.
Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond)
Fifth generation computing
devices, based on artificial
intelligence, are still in
development, through there are
some applications, such as voice
recognition, that are being used
today. The use of parallel
processing and superconductors
is helping to make artificial
intelligence a reality. Quantum
computation and molecular and
nanotechnology will radically
change the face of computers in
year to come.
Basic Parts of Computer

Keyboard

One of the most common

input devices is the
keyboard, used to enter
text.
Mouse

A mouse is a pointing device that

detects two-dimensional motion
relative to a surface. This motion is
typically translated into the motion
of a pointer on a display, which
allows for fine control of a
graphical user interface.
Computer Case / System
Unit
The CPU and Memory are
put into a computer case/
housing or system unit.
Monitor

A computer monitor is the most

commonly used output device,
for the information processed by
the CPU.
Types of Computer
A computer is a machine that can
be programmed to manipulate
symbols. There are 4 common
types of computer:

• Supercomputer
• Mainframes
• Minicomputer
• Microcomputer
 Supercomputer
The most powerful computers
in terms of performance and
data processing are the
Supercomputers. These are
specialized and task specific
computers used by large
organizations.

These computers are used for research and exploration purposes, like
NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling
them and for space exploration purpose
The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can
be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms; some super
computers can span an entire building.
Seymour Cray designed the first Supercomputer "CDC 6600" in 1964. CDC
6600 is known as the first ever Supercomputer.
Uses of Supercomputer

1. Space Exploration
Supercomputers are used to study
the origin of the universe, the dark-
matters. For these studies scientist
use IBM’s powerful supercomputer
“Roadrunner” at National
Laboratory Los Alamos.

2. Earthquake studies
Supercomputers are used to study the Earthquakes phenomenon.
Besides that supercomputers are used for natural resources exploration,
like natural gas, petroleum, coal, etc.
3. Weather Forecasting
Supercomputers are used for weather forecasting, and to study the
nature and extent of Hurricanes, Rainfalls, windstorms, etc.

4. Nuclear weapons testing

Supercomputers are used to run weapon simulation that can test the
Range, accuracy & impact of Nuclear weapons.
Mainframe Computer
Although Mainframes are not
as powerful as
supercomputers, but certainly
they are quite expensive
nonetheless, and many large
firms & government
organizations uses
Mainframes to run their
business operations.
The Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large air-
conditioned rooms because of its size. Super-computers are the fastest
computers with large data storage capacity, Mainframes can also process
& store large amount of data. Banks educational institutions &
insurance companies use mainframe computers to store data about
their customers, students & insurance policy holders.
Minicomputer
Minicomputers are used by small
businesses & firms.
Minicomputers are also called as
“Midrange Computers”. These are
small machines and can be
accommodated on a disk with not
as processing and data storage
capabilities as super-computers &
Mainframes. These computers are
not designed for a single user.
Individual departments of a large
company or organizations use Mini-
computers for specific purposes.
For example, a production
department can use Mini-computers
for monitoring certain production
process.
Microcomputer
Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets
& smartphones are all types of microcomputers. The micro-computers
are widely used & the fastest growing computers. These computers are
the cheapest among the other three types of computers. The Micro-
computers are specially designed for general usage like entertainment,
education and work purposes. Well known manufacturers of Micro-
computer are Dell, Apple, Samsung, Sony & Toshiba.
Desktop computers, Gaming consoles, Sound & Navigation system of
a car, Netbooks, Notebooks, PDA’s, Tablet PC’s, Smartphones,
Calculators are all type of Microcomputers.
 Components of Computer System

A computer is a machine that can be programmed to manipulate

symbols. There are 3 components of computer:

• Hardware
• Software
• Peopleware
Hardware
The term "Hardware" refers to the physical elements of a computer; the
machinery or the electronics in a computer. A basic computer hardware
consists of 4 components:

• Input device (or input unit)

• CPU (Central Processing Unit)
• Memory (or Memory unit)
• Output device (Output unit)
Input unit and Output unit (I/O)

Input unit sends things (data) to the computer and output unit
presents things (information). Input unit: keyboard, mouse, flash drive,
etc. Output unit: monitor, printer, speaker, etc.

Input and output unit or Input and output device (I/O) provide a way to
interact with a computer. Some examples of I/O devices are: keyboard
used to input text, mouse, touch pad, camera, monitor, speakers, touch
screen for simultaneous input and output.

Examples of hardware (I/O) in a computer are:

Keyboard Monitor Mouse Printer Speaker

Most of a computer's hardware cannot be seen as it is inside the
computer case. Example: Memory, CPU, etc.

Memory Unit

The memory unit is what allows a computer to remember data and

information. Similar to human memory, there is short term memory
(RAM) and long term memory (Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid-State
Drive (SSD) or Compact Disk Drive (CDD)).

Examples of hardware (Memory) in a computer are:

RAM Hard Disk Drive Optical Disk Drive Solid State Drive
When a computer is turned off, it forgets everything in the RAM (short
term memory), while it saves everything it will need later into a disk
drive (long term memory). When data is needed by the CPU, it's sent
from the hard disk drive (HDD) or compact disk drive (CDD) to the RAM.
RAM tends to be faster to process, whereas HDD/CDD have more data
and require longer to process. CDDs let you change certain parts of the
memory, essentially like a book or notebook that you might read and get
information from.

A storage medium gives your computer a place to store data and

information that it might need in order to operate. Some things that could
be stored in memory might be: text documents, photos, programs, and
the operating system (OS).
CPU

The CPU (or Central Processing Unit) performs arithmetical and logical
operations of the computer system.
Examples of hardware (CPU) in a computer:

The central processing unit, or processor, is the component of a

computer that performs processes. Examples of other tasks performed
by the CPU include:
 Input / Output directions (reading data from an input device/writing
information to an output device)
 Storing data in memory
Motherboard

The motherboard is hardware that makes connections between all of the

other components in a computer, effectively telling data where it should
go.
Example of hardware (Motherboard) in a computer:
Expansion cards

The expansion cards are electronic circuits that add specific ability to a
computer system.

Examples of hardware (Expansion cards) in a computer are:

Graphics Card Sound Card Expansion Card

Power supply

A power supply (power supply unit) is a device that provides electrical

energy to the computer system.

Examples of hardware (Power supply) in a computer:

Assembled Personal
Computer Hardware

The hardware as assembled with a

typical personal computer include:

Inside a personal computer

1. Monitor
2. Motherboard
3. CPU (Microprocessor)
4. Main memory (RAM)
5. Expansion cards
6. Power supply unit
7. Compact disk drive (CDD)
8. Hard disk drive (HDD)
9. Keyboard
10. Mouse
Software

Software enables computer hardware to perform specific tasks.

Software, commonly known as programs or applications, consists of
all the electronic instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a
task. Google Chrome is a type of program called a web browser. A
browser contains all the instructions that tell your computer how to
display a web site. Software is capable of performing many
different specific tasks, as opposed to hardware which only perform
mechanical tasks that they are designed for.

There are three major types of software:

1. Operating System Software

2. Application Software
3. Programming Software
Operating System software:

Helps run computer hardware and computer system. Computer

software includes the operating system, device drivers, diagnostic tools
and more; the stuff that makes your computer useable by most people.
The most commonly used operating systems software are:
Application software:

Allows users to accomplish one or more tasks; browsing the

internet or writing a text document, for example:

Word Processor Graphics Software

Programming software:

Software that assists a programmer in writing more computer

software. Programming software makes it easier to come up with ideas
for a program and make them a reality. Programming an application is
done with a special language that the computer understands, called a
programming language.
Peopleware

Peopleware is a term used to refer to one of the three core aspects of

computer technology, the other two being hardware and software.
Peopleware can refer to anything that has to do with the role of people
in the development or use of computer software and hardware
systems, including such issues as developer productivity, teamwork,
group dynamics, the psychology of programming, project management,
organizational factors, human interface design, and human-machine-
interaction.

Users Developer