Chapter 1 | Introduction to Computing

1.1 Introduction
Counting things and calculating simple types of additions were done earlier by using pebbles and
fingers. Understanding why we need such calculating machines is giving rise to what we called
as the computer. The earlier versions of man’s calculating devices include sand tables, abacus,
slide rule, Pascaline, stepped reckoner, punch card system, difference engine, and then analytical
engine. All these were developed to help humans in performing a calculation in a better manner.
It must be known by the student that Charles Babbage was acknowledged as the ‘father of the
modern digital computer’. He suggested the base of modern digital computer architecture which
helped the earlier engineers to build the initial generation of computers. Lady Ada Lovelace is
considered as ‘first computer programmer’ because she worked with Babbage on his analytical
engine, and write programs for the analytical engine.

The word “Computer” comes from the Latin word “pature” which means to calculate, to sum, or
to think as well. A computer is an electronic device, which stores and processes data to give
meaningful information. Processing is done with the help of instructions given by the user, which
are also stored within the computer. During early times humans were assigned this title as they
use to do calculations but with the passage of time, this term was specifically used for machines.

1.2 Types of Computers

Generally, there are four types of computers based on the characteristics like speed, size,
performance, and its use. These types have been described below:

Microcomputer

Microcomputers are nothing but personal computers. These are single-chip (processor)
systems. These are useful for personal use (as well as for small business use) and can perform all
the basic functions of the computer. Examples of microcomputers are desktops, tablets,
smartwatches, laptops etc. as shown in figure below.

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Figure 1.1: Laptop, Tablet, Hybrid Tablet

Server

A server is generally a computer attached to a network of other workstations called 'client

machines'. Client computers send / request information to / from the server over the network /
internet. Servers machines have more storage, memory and processing power as compared to an
ordinary computer system. How a server functions depends on the type of network it is on. A
datacenter (or server room) is a place where hundreds or thousands of servers work jointly to
make a cloud. Examples of Server Computers are Web, Email, Database etc.
as shown in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2: Server Computers in a network

Mainframe

Mainframe computers are considered as high-performance machines having large amounts of

memory and processors that can process billions of calculations and transactions in real time.
The mainframe computer is critical to commercial databases, transaction servers, and
applications that require high resiliency, security, and agility. These computers are just below the
supercomputers. Examples – IBM z Series, System z900, etc. as shown in Figure 1.3

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Figure 1.3: IMB Z-series computer

Supercomputers

A supercomputer is a type of computer that has the architecture, resources, and components to
achieve massive computing power. Today's supercomputers consist of tens of thousands of
processors that can perform billions and trillions of calculations or computations per second. We
generally use MPIS (Millions of Instructions Per Second) to measure their performance. These
computers are specifically designed for scientific
applications for example:
• Encryption & decryption of passwords
• Weather forecasting
• Testing of nuclear weapons
• Scientific research about earth and other planetary systems, etc.
The Fugaku supercomputer has defended its
title as the world's fastest supercomputer,
beating competitors from China and the U.S.

Figure 1.4: Supercomputer

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1.3 Importance of Computer

Computer is an electronic device used in almost every field of life. That is why this age is called
as the era of Information Technology. And now we cannot imagine a world without computers.
These days computers are the tools for not only engineers and scientists but also, they are being
used by millions of people around the world.

Computer has become very important nowadays because it is very much accurate, fast and can
accomplish many tasks easily. Otherwise, to complete those tasks manually, much more time is
required. It can do very big calculations in just a fraction of a second. Moreover, it can store huge
amount of data in it. We also get information on different aspects using internet on our computer.

The first electronic computers were used to perform difficult numerical calculations, but
gradually they have come to take on much wider and more complicated roles. They now perform
a diverse array of services and functions, and play a major role in most people's personal and
professional lives.

The usage of computer from our daily life is listed as:

1. Business
Nowadays, almost every business uses computers. They can be deployed to store and maintain
accounts, personnel records, manage projects, track inventory, and business intelligence reports.
They enable communication with people both within and outside the business, using various
technologies, including e-mail. These can be used to promote the business and enable direct
interaction with customers.

2. Education
Computers can be used to give learners audio-visual aids, interactive environment and remote
learning including tutoring over the internet. They can be used to access educational resources
from intranet and internet or via e-books. Modern way of teaching with technology is equally
beneficial for institutions, teachers and learners. By using Learning Management Systems, we
can monitor and evaluate the students’ performance, as well as this is greatly helpful to organize
and deliver study material, plan & execute academic calendar etc. Resources have been

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transformed in the

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shapes of Digital Libraries where latest research is available in a few clicks. Many organizations,
even have designed and providing free educational resources for learners.

3. Healthcare
Healthcare sector is supposed to be continuedly revolutionized by the use of modern computer
systems. Digitized medical systems are making it easier to store and analyze patients’ data.
Complex information can also be analyzed by software to diagnoses and proposing solutions for
medical treatment of the diseases. Computers are being used in diagnostics labs, to monitor heart
rate and blood pressure etc. These enable doctors to have greater access to information on the
latest drugs, as well as the ability to share information on diseases with other medical specialists.

4. Marketing
Computers enable marketing campaigns to be more precise through the analysis and
manipulation of data. They facilitate the creation of websites and promotional materials. They
can be used to generate social media campaigns. They enable direct communication with
customers through email and online chat.

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5. Communication
Computers have made real-time communication over the internet easy, thanks to software and
videoconferencing services such as Skype. Families can connect with audio and video, businesses
can hold meetings between remote participants, and news organizations can interview people
without the need of a crew. Modern computers usually have microphones and webcams built-in
nowadays to facilitate conferences for businesses. Older communications technologies such as
email are also still being used widely.

6. Transport
Road vehicles, trains, planes, and boats are increasingly being automated with GPS based
computer systems to uphold safety and navigation systems. Many types of sensors can be
installed to monitor & highlight problems that require attention such as low fuel levels,
temperature of engine, or a failing mechanical part. Computers can be used to customize settings
for individuals, for example, seat setup, air-conditioning temperatures etc.

7. Science
Scientists were one of the first groups to adopt computers as a work tool. In science, computers
can be used for research, sharing information with other specialists both locally and internationally,
as well as collecting, categorizing, analyzing, and storing data. Computers also play a vital role
in launching, controlling, and maintaining spacecraft, as well as operating other advanced
technologies. Use of Computes have been drastically increased in the areas of science, technology
and engineering.

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Chapter 1 | Introduction to Computing

1.4 Components of Computer

A computer device is made up of various elements which help in its effective functioning and
processing. There are five basic components of the computer which help in making this
processing of data easier and convenient. By definition, components of a computer system are
the primary elements that make the functioning of an electronic device smooth and faster. The
exterior of any computerized device may look different and may also have varied features, but the
basic components remain the same for their functionality. There are five basic components which
include:

Input Unit
A computer will only respond when a command is given to the device. These commands can be
given using the input unit or the input devices.

For example: Using a keyboard we can type things in Notepad and the computer processes the
entered data and then displays the output of the same on the screen. Example of input devices are
keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, scanner, digital tablet and touch-screen etc.

Figure 1.5: Keyboard and Mouse used as input devices

Output Unit
When we command a computer to perform a task, it returns the result after processing the
command and gives us output. There are various output devices connected to the computer. The
most basic of which is a monitor. Whatever we write using a keyboard or click using a mouse, is
displayed on the monitor. Thus, the output unit gives us the final result once the entire processing
is done within the mechanism of a device. Examples of output devices are monitor, speaker,
printers etc. and can be seen in figure 1.6.

Figure 1.6: An LCD which is the most essential output unit.

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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The central processing unit (CPU) directs the computer through the various steps of solving a problem.
Data enters the computer through an input unit, is processed and executed by the central processing
unit, and is then made available to the user through an output unit. CPU contains other
components i.e. Control Unit, Memory Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit as well.

Figure 1.7: Central Processing Unit

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