Zagol Academy

Introduction to computer
What is computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that accepts information, stores it until the
information is needed, processes the information according to the instructions provided
by the user, and finally returns the results to the user. A computer is a programmable
machine designed to automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical
operations.
 It can store and manipulate large quantities of data at very high speed, but a
computer cannot think.
 It makes decisions based on simple comparisons such as one number being
larger than another.
 It can help solve a tremendous variety of problems, it is simply a machine. It
cannot solve problems on its own.

Characteristics of computer
1. Speed
Computer can work very fast.
2. Accuracy
The degree of accuracy of computer is very high.

3. Diligence
A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can
work for hours without creating any error.
4. Versatility
It means the capacity to perform completely different type of work.
Now a day’s most computers are considered as general computers.
5. Storage
The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large
amount of data.
6. Durability and Reliability
Computers are durable and extremely reliable. They can
operate error-free over a long period of time.

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Application of computers
 Learning aids
Example: Learning toys, programs range from simple arithmetic to
calculus, etc
 Entertainment
Example: Games
 Commercial and business applications
Computers are needed to perform business operations that require
handling large amount of data. Example: Text processing, accounting
and finance management, inventory control, database management,
statistical analysis, shopping from home, electronic banking and services
etc
 Scientific engineering and research applications
Computers are used for scientific researches, complex mathematical
calculations, design work, and analysis and control physical systems.
Example: Space technology, meteorological observatory systems,
Astronomical investigation, design of machines and control of
manufacturing process.
 Weather and environment
Computer can be used in weather forecasting.
 Medical and health care
Computers are used in hospitals as sensors (devises that detect change in
blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), testing (scan the body and
provide 3-D figure), patient treatment.

 Transportation
Computers have affected almost every kind of transportation.
Example: Many aircrafts can fly under the control of computer,
computers have provided functional controls such as spark and fuel
control in cars, for booking tickets and controlling traffic etc

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Limitations of computer
Even if computer is a powerful device which has the ability to perform
tremendous activities, it also has some drawbacks, this includes:-

 It is not an intelligent device (it doesn’t think by its own). It can only
perform what it is instructed to do, nothing more and nothing less.
 It can’t decide how to be programmed.
 It is not a self-directing independent machine (it doesn’t operate by its
own).
 It doesn’t provide its own input, unless people provide it with the inputs.

Types of computers
A. Based on the operational principle of computers, they are categorized as analog,
digital and hybrid computers.

1. Analog commuters operate by measuring. They deal with continuous variables;

they don’t compute directly with numbers, rather, they operate by measuring
physical magnitude like pressure, temperature, voltage, current etc. They are
special purpose computers and have limited accuracy. Example: Thermometer,
voltmeter, speedometer etc.
2. Digital computers operate by counting not by measuring. They operate directly
up on numbers (digits) that represent numbers, letters or other special symbols.
They have higher accuracy and speed than the analog ones. Example: Desk and
pocket computers, general purpose computers
3. Hybrid computers are the combination of best features of analog and digital
computers into a single device. They process the information by collecting input
data with analog method, convert it into digital quantity and process it, and
convert output from digital t analog form. Example: Insensitive-care devices in
hospitals.

B. Based on their size, price, capacity, and processing powers.

1. Microcomputers:
- The smallest and cheapest type of computer.
– Contain a single microprocessor chip.
– Used as personal computer for business and home purpose where data is
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small and seed required is not very high.

- Has CD drive, Floppy Drive and Hard Disk.
– Example: Desktops, Laptops, Palmtops, Personal Digital Assistance (PDA).
2. Minicomputers:
- Five times faster than microcomputers.
– Has large main memory and secondary memory to process faster.
– Can handle multi users at a time.
– Larger more expensive than microcomputers.
– Use terminals (microcomputers) for input and output.
– Used in small organizations.
3. Mainframe computers:
- Can process large amount f data quickly.
– Larger, more expensive and higher memory capacity than minicomputers.
– Handle hundreds f users.
– Usually used in large organizations.
4. Super computers:
- The fastest, largest, most expensive and most potential computer.
– Can perform millions of operations per second.
– They are multi-user systems in intercontinental range.
– Can be used for complex scientific applications like space technology , weather
forecasting, molecular theory, astronomical observatories etc

Computer Tasks
When a computer is asked to do a job, it handles the task in a very special way.

1. It accepts the information from the user. This is called input.

2. It stored the information until it is ready for use. The computer has
memory chips, which are designed to hold information until it is needed.
This is called storage.
3. It processes the information. The computer has an electronic brain called
the Central Processing Unit, which is responsible for processing all data and
instructions given to the computer. This is called processing.
4. It then returns the processed information to the user. This is called output.

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Computer system
A computer system is composed of components which are classified as
Hardware and Software.

I. Hardware

It is the physical component of the computer. Example: monitor,

keyboard, mouse, System unit, printer and other peripherals like
speaker, web camera etc, and the wires, cables and other mechanical
components.

II. Software

The set of commands and instructions that a computer follows to do a

given job are called software. They make the hardware work. The
operating system, packages and application programs are categorized as
software. Example: MS-Windows, MS-Office, Games, Peach Tree
Accounting etc.

Input/ Output device and CPU

Input devices are used to enter raw data or instruction into the computer.

Example: mouse, scanner, disk drives, digitizer, keyboard, microphone etc

Output devices are used t display the output or the result.

Example: monitor, printer, speaker, plotter and disk drives .

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

It controls and coordinates the computer’s activities. It performs arithmetic

and logic operations. It can be named as brain f the computer or
microprocessor. CPU consists of three parts.

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1. Arithmetic and Logical Unit(ALU)

It is designed to perform basic arithmetic and logical operations, register

operations, memory operations, program sequencing, control operations
and input/output operations.

2. Memory Unit(MU)

It is a place where the computer holds the information until it is needed.

3. Control Unit(CU)

It is responsible to control the overall operation of the computer system.

The CU tells: - the input device what data to be input.

: – the memory unit where to store data

:– the ALU where to find the data, what operation to perform

and where to store the result.

:– the out put device what information to record and where

to record it.

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