What is Computer

•In 1640, the term ‘Computer’ was initially referred to as ‘one who calculates’.
Later in 1897, it was called the ‘Calculating Machine’. In 1945, it was
indicated as ‘programmable digital electronic computer’ which is now called
a ‘computer’.
What is Computer definition?
•A computer is an electronic device used to process data.
•A computer is a programmable electronic machine designed to take input,
perform prescribed arithmetic and logical operations at fast speeds, and provide
the output of these operations.

•A computer is an electronic machine, operating under control of instructions

stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), manipulate the data
according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the
results for future use
• The term ‘COMPUTER’ is an acronym for ‘Common
Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and
Educational Research’
• The term ‘Computer’ is derived from the Latin word
‘computare’, which is defined as- “to calculate”, “to count” or
‘to sum up”, etc. In other words, “a computer is a device that
performs computation”.
CLASSIFICATION OF
COMPUTERS
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO
SIZE & CAPACITY
• Classification of computers according to size and capacity.
• Super Computers
• Mainframe Computers
• Minicomputers
• Microcomputers
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO SIZE &
CAPACITY
• Supercomputer:
• Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. (Most
powerful computers)
• They are used for problems requiring complex calculations.
• Because of their size and expense, super computers are
relatively rare.
• Supercomputers are used for highly calculation-intensive tasks,
such as, weather forecasting,
• climate research (global warming), molecular research, biological
research, nuclear research and aircraft design. They are also used
in major universities, military agencies and scientific research
laboratories. Some examples of supercomputers are IBM
Roadrunner, IBM Blue gene and Intel
• ASCI red.
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO SIZE &
CAPACITY
• Mainframe Computers:
Mainframe computers can support hundreds or
thousands of users, handling massive amounts
of input, output, and storage.
Mainframe computers are used in large
organizations where many users need access
to shared data and programs.
Mainframes are also used as e-commerce
servers, handling transactions over the
Internet.
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO SIZE &
CAPACITY
• Minicomputers:
• Minicomputers are smaller than mainframes but
larger than microcomputers.
• Minicomputers usually have multiple terminals.
• Minicomputers may be used as network servers
and Internet servers.
• Minicomputers are digital computers, generally
used in multi-user systems. They have high
processing speed and high storage capacity than
the microcomputers. Minicomputers
• can support 4–200 users simultaneously.
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO SIZE &
CAPACITY
• Microcomputers:
• Microcomputers are more commonly
known as personal computers (PC).
• Full-size desktop computers are the
most common type of PC.
• Other types are Notebook (laptop)
computers and handheld PCs (such
as PDAs)
 BASICS OF COMPUTER
APPLICATIONS
A computer is an electronic machine, operating under control of instructions stored in its
own memory, that can accept data (input), manipulate the data according to specified rules
(process), produce results (output), and store the results for future use
Data
Data is a collection of unorganized facts, which can include words, numbers,
images and sounds. Computers manipulates and process data to create
information
Information
Information is data that is organized, has meaning and is usefully. Examples are
reports, newsletters, a receipt, a picture, an invoice or a cheque.
• Data entered into a computer is called input. The processed results are called
output. Thus a computer processes input to create output. A computer can
also hold data and information for future use in an area called storage. This
cycle of input, process, output and storage is called the Information processing
cycle
• A person that communicates with a computer or uses the information it
generates is called a user
• A person that communicates with a computer or uses the information it
generates is called a user
• The electric, electronic and mechanical equipment that makes up a
computer is called Hardware.
• Software is a series of instructions that tells the hardware how to
perform task. Without software, hardware is useless, hardware needs
the instructions provided by software to process data into information

QN.Explain the differences between data and information

 THE PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
• A complete computer system includes four distinct parts:
Hardware
Software
Data
User
 THE PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
• A complete computer system includes four distinct parts:
• Hardware-The hardware consists of physical components/devices of
the computer that you can see and touch.
• Software- is a series of instructions that tells the hardware how to
perform task. Without software, hardware is useless, hardware
needs the instructions provided by software to process data into
information
• Data-Data is a collection of unorganized facts, which can include
words, numbers, images and sounds. Computers manipulates and
process data to create information
• User- A person that communicates with a computer or uses the
information it generates
HARDWARE
Hardware consists of the mechanical parts that make up the computer as a
machine. The hardware consists of physical components/devices of the
computer that you can see and touch.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER
HARDWARE
• CPU
A CPU, or central processing unit, is the brain of a computer. The CPU
processes information and runs programs. It functions as a control unit
that executes programs according to instructions in its program memory.
• Motherboard
• The motherboard provides the structure for all other components and
connects them, while also providing a way to distribute power, deliver
information and connect to devices such as a printer or mouse. It controls
how data transfers and what type of monitor or screen device to use, for
example. It houses the CPU, memory and secondary storage devices such
as hard drives.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER
HARDWARE CONTINUE…
• Mouse
A mouse is a hardware input device that is used to move the cursor or pointer
on computer screens.
• keyboard
A keyboard is an input device that you use to enter data into a computer.

It's also called the input device for your computer. Keyboards are used with
PCs, laptops, tablets, and other devices.
• Monitor
Personal computers uses a monitor to display data, run the software, and
interact with the user. A monitor is an electronic visual display that connets to
your computer or laptop. It is used for displaying images, text, videos, games,
web pages, and more.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER HARDWARE CONTINUE…

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is where data lives temporarily while it's being actively used by
programs, such as when a user launches a computer application
Power supply
A power supply provides electricity to all components of a computer
system. Typically, it's a power cord connected from the back of a PC
tower into an electricity socket
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
A hard disk drive is a piece of hardware inside a computer that stores
information.
It's used to store software and data in a safe place, which can be
accessed when needed.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER
HARDWARE CONTINUE…
• A solid-state drive (SSD)
is a new generation of storage device used in computers. SSDs store data
using flash-based memory, which is much faster than the traditional
hard disks they've come to replace.
• Optical Drive
Optical Drives are used in PCs to read and write CDs and DVDs. The
optical drive reads the data from the disc, which can then be
transformed into a digital file that is readable by the computer.

This makes it easy to backup files, play music or movies, or copy data
from one disc to another. The term "CD" refers to Compact Discs, which
are the most common type of optical drive on modern computers.
• IO System
The IO system is the set of devices that are used to access data. There
are three major parts of the IO system: input, output, and storage.
• Input devices, also called input peripherals, are typically what data is
first inputted into the computer.
• Output devices are where data is displayed. Storage devices store
data so it does not need to be present in memory or processed by a
CPU.
QUESTIONS.
1.Briefly explain the different types of input/output devices
2. Explain differences between input/output devices.
INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES
SOFTWARE
Software can be defined as a series of detailed instructions that control the
operation of a computer system.
Software is a set of instructions that tells the computer about the tasks to be
performed and how these tasks are to be performed
Note: The instructions that make up a program are translated into binary
instructions (a series of 0 and 1 digits) for the processor hardware
•There are two major categories of software:
systems software and
applications software.
Types of software
Types of software continues..
• System software provides the basic functions that are performed by
the computer. It is necessary for the functioning of a computer. It
interacts with hardware at one end and with application software at
the other end.
• Application software is used by the users to perform specific tasks.
The user may choose the appropriate application software, for
performing a specific task, which provides the desired functionality.It
interacts with the system software and the users of the computer.
• The purposes of the system software are:
i. To provide basic functionality to computer,
ii. To control computer hardware, and
iii. To act as an interface between user, application software and
computer hardware.
• On the basis of their functionality, system software may be broadly
divided into two categories as follows:
i. Computer management
ii. Developing software
Types of system software
Operating system, device drivers, and system utilities
constitute the system software for management of computer
and its resources.
System software for the development of application software
provides services required for the development and execution
of application software.
The programming language software, translator software,
loader, and linker are also categorized as system software,
and are required for the application software development
For Computer Management -
Operating System
Operating System (OS)
•An OS is a program that allows applications software to communicate with the
hardware. A computer is useless without an OS.
•Operating System (OS) is an important part of a computer. OS intermediates
between the user of a computer and the computer hardware.
•OS controls and coordinates the use of hardware among the different
application software and the users.
•It provides an interface that is convenient for the user to use, and facilitates
efficient operations of the computer system resources.
For Computer Management -
Operating System
• Some available operating systems are Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-
DOS), UNIX, and Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows,
Google's Android OS, Linux Operating System, and Apple iOS
• Linux is an operating system or a kernel which germinated as an idea in the
mind of young and bright Linus Torvalds when he was a computer science
student. E.g. Debian, Knoppix, Ubuntu, and Fedora.

• Android OS is a Linux-based mobile operating system that primarily runs on

smartphones and tablets. E.g. Android 10, Android 11

• Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface based operating systems

developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh family of personal computers and
workstations.
• Eg of such series are:
• macOS 10.15: Catalina (Jazz) – of 2019
• macOS 11: Big Sur – of 2020
• macOS 12: Monterey – of 2021
 Windows is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft.

iOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system created and

developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware
Originally unveiled in 2007 for iPhone
•NB: According to https://www.statista.com/ research website;

•Market share held by the leading computer (desktop/tablet/console) operating systems worldwide from
January 2012 to September 2021
•Microsoft’s Windows is the most widely used computer operating system in the world,
accounting for 71.06 percent share of the desktop, tablet, and console OS market in
September 2021. Apple’s mac OS and iOS rank as the next most widely used operating
systems, with the latter being the standard installation on all iPad devices. Linux OS versions
serve as the primary option for users who prefer open-source software and intend to avoid
the influence of major OS developers.
FUNCTION - OPERATING SYSTEM
• The key functions of OS are:
• Managing Resources: Programs that manage the resources of a computer such as the
printer, mouse, keyboard, memory and monitor.
• Providing User Interface: Graphical user interface (GUI) is something developers create to
allow users to easily click something without having to understand how or why they clicked
an icon. Each icon on a desktop represents code linking to the spot in which the icon
represents. It makes it very easy for uneducated users.
• Running Applications, is the ability to run an application such as Word processor by locating
it and loading it into the primary memory. Most operating systems can multitask by running
many applications at once.
• Support for built-in Utility Programs: This is the program that find and fixes errors in the
operating system.
• Control Computer Hardware: All programs that need computer hardware must go through
the operating system which can be accessed through the BIOS (basic input output system)
or the device drivers.
 For Computer Management - Device
•Drivers
Device Drivers:
Device driver is actually a communication device between device and computer
• When a new device is added the driver should be installed in order to run the
program. The device driver software is typically supplied by the respective
device manufacturers.
• Some devices that are commonly connected to the computer are—keyboard,
mouse, hard disk, printer, speakers, microphone, joystick, webcam, scanner,
digital camera, and monitor.
For Computer Management - System
Utilities
System Utilities:
•System utility software is required for the maintenance of computer. System
utilities are used for supporting and enhancing the programs and the data in
computer. Some system utilities may come embedded with OS and others may
be added later on.
•Some examples of system utilities are:
• Anti-virus utility to scan computer for viruses.
• Data Compression utility to compress the files.
• Cryptographic utility to encrypt and decrypt files.
• Disk Compression utility to compress contents of a disk for increasing the capacity of a
disk.
• Disk Partitioning to divide a single drive into multiple logical drives. Each drive is then
treated as an individual drive and has its own file system.
• Disk Cleaners to find files that have not been used for a long time. It helps the user to
decide what to delete when the hard disk is full
• Backup Utility to make a copy of all information stored on the disk. It also
restores the backed up contents in case of disk failure.
• System Profiling Utility provides detailed information about the software
installed on the computer and the hardware attached to it.
• Network Managers to check the computer network and to log events

• The system utilities on a computer working on Windows 10 OS can be

viewed by clicking control panel -> System and Security.
For Developing software- Programming
Languages
• Programming Languages:
• A Programming Language consists of a set of vocabulary and grammatical rules,
to express the computations and tasks that the computer has to perform.
• Programming languages are used to write a program, which controls the
behavior of computer, codify the algorithms precisely, or enables the human-
computer interface.
• Each language has a unique set of keywords (words that it understands) and a
special syntax for organizing program instructions. The programming language
should be understood, both by the programmer (who is writing the program)
and the computer.
• A computer understands the language of 0∙s and 1∙s, while the programmer is
more comfortable with English-like language. Programming Language usually
refers to high-level languages like COBOL, BASIC, FORTRAN, C, C++, Java, Python
etc.
For Developing software-
Programming
• Programming Languages: Languages
• Programming languages fall into three categories.
• Machine Language is what the computer can understand but it is difficult for
the programmer to understand. Machine languages consist of numbers only.
Each kind of CPU has its own unique machine language.
• Assembly Language falls in between machine language and high-level language.
They are similar to machine language, but easier to program in, because they
allow the programmer to substitute names for numbers.
• High-level Language is easier to understand and use for the programmer but
difficult for the computer. Regardless of the programming language used, the
program needs to be converted into machine language so that the computer
can understand it. In order to do this a program is either compiled or
interpreted.
 For Developing software - Translator
Software
Translator Software
•Translator software is used to convert a program written in high-level language
and assembly language to a form that the computer can understand.
•Translator software converts a program written in assembly language, and high-
level language to a machine-level language program. The translated program is
called the object code.
•There are three different kind of translator software:
• Assembler,
• Compiler, and
• Interpreter.
•Assembler converts a program written in assembly language to machine
language. Compiler and interpreter convert a program written in high-level
language to machine language. Let’s now discuss, briefly, the different kinds of
translator software.
Assembler:
Assembly language is also referred to as a symbolic representation of the
machine code. Assembler is a software that converts a program written in
assembly language into machine code
Compiler:
•A program written in a high-level language has to be converted to a language
that the computer can understand, i.e. binary form.
•Compiler is the software that translates the program written in a high-level
language to machine language. The program written in high-level language is
referred to as the source code and compiled program is referred as the object
code.
•The object code is the executable code, which can run as a stand-alone code. It
does not require the compiler to be present during execution. Each programming
language has its own compiler.
• Interpreter:
• The purpose of interpreter is similar to that of a compiler. The interpreter is
used to convert the high-level language program into computer-
understandable form.
• However, the interpreter functions in a different way than a compiler.
Interpreter performs line-by-line execution of the source code during program
execution.
• Interpreter reads the source code line-by-line, converts it into machine
understandable form, executes the line, and then proceeds to the next line.
Some languages that use an interpreter are BASIC and Python.
LINKER AND LOADER
Linker:
•Linker is a program that links several object modules and libraries to a single
executable program
•Before execution of the program, these modules and the required libraries are
linked together using the linker software.
•The compiled and the linked program are called the executable code
Loader:
•The loader software is used to load and re-locate the executable program in
the main memory.
•Software has to be loaded into the main memory during execution. Loader
assigns storage space to the program in the main memory for execution.
Application Software
 Types Of Software -Application
Software
• The software that a user uses for accomplishing a specific task is the
application software.
• Application software may be a single program or a set of programs. A set of
programs that are written for a specific purpose and provide the required
functionality is called software package.
• Some examples of application software packages are as follows:
• Word Processing Software: For writing letter, reports, documents etc. (e.g. MS-WORD).
• Image Processing Software: For assisting in drawing and manipulating graphics(e.g.
Adobe Photoshop).
• Accounting Software: For assisting in accounting information, salary, tax returns (Tally
accounting software).
Types Of Software -Application
Software
• Spreadsheet Software: Used for creating budget, tables etc. (e.g. MS-Excel).
• Presentation Software: To make presentations, slide shows (e.g. MS-
PowerPoint)
• Suite of Software having Word Processor, Spreadsheet and Presentation
Software: Some examples are MS-Office, Google Docs, Sun Open office, Apple
iWork.
• CAD/CAM Software: To assist in architectural design. (e.g. AutoCAD, Autodesk)
• Geographic Information Systems: It captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and
presents data, images and maps that are linked to different locations. (e.g.
ArcGIS)
• Web Browser Software: To access the World Wide Web to search documents,
sounds, images etc. (e.g. Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, Chrome)