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from computers to full screen televisions. Photo editors are available with fabulous
features.
Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing inventory,
designing purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior designing, video
conferencing, etc. Online marketing has seen a great revolution in its ability to sell
various products to inaccessible corners like interior or rural areas. Stock markets have
seen phenomenal participation from different levels of people through the use of
computers.
Education
Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online examinations,
referring e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help in increased use of audio-visual aids in
the education field.
Government
In government sectors, computers are used in data processing, maintaining a database
of citizens and supporting a paperless environment. The country‘s defense organizations
have greatly benefitted from computers in their use for missile development, satellites,
rocket launches, etc.
Banking
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and conduct
transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs. Banks have
reduced manual errors and expenses to a great extent through extensive use of
computers.
Business
Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into business. The main objective of
business is transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers,
employees or customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and accurate.
People can analyze investments, sales, expenses, markets and other aspects of
business using computers.
Training
Many organizations use computer-based training to train their employees, to save money
and improve performance. Video conferencing through computers allows saving of time
and travelling costs by being able to connect people in various locations.
Arts
Computers are extensively used in dance, photography, arts and culture. The fluid
movement of dance can be shown live via animation. Photos can be digitized using
computers.
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Science and Engineering
Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic process in Science and
Engineering. Supercomputers have numerous applications in area of Research and
Development (R&D). Topographic images can be created through computers. Scientists
use computers to plot and analyze data to have a better understanding of earthquakes.
1.1.4 Advantages of Computer
● Stores huge amount of data
● Accuracy
● Increases your productivity.
● Internet connection.
● Organizes the information.
● Keeps everyone connected.
● Helps to automate.
● Help physically challenged.
1.1.5 Terms related to Computer
[Link] Hardware
These computer science terms connect to the physical components of a computer.
Hardware represents the most tactile aspects of computer science and the materials
computers are made of.
1. CPU
CPU stands for the Central Processing Unit. It is the processing chip that serves as the
"brains" of a device that interprets (or processes) the digital instructions provided by
applications.
2. Bit
Bit is an abbreviation for ―binary digit,‖ the smallest piece of information used by a
computer. Each bit is either a 1 or a 0, which are the binary digits that make up computer
language. Bits are literally the foundation upon which computer science is built. In
modern computing, information is stored and processed at a scale that is orders of
magnitude larger than individual bits. See the conversion rate below to better
contextualize the size of a bit:
● 1 Byte = 8 bits
● 1 Kilobyte = 1,024 bytes
● 1 Megabyte = 1,024 kilobytes
● 1 Gigabyte = 1,024 megabytes
3. RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the hardware component used to store data that is
actively being used by a processor. When needed, information flows to RAM storage from
long-term secondary storage—typically a hard drive.
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4. Secondary storage
Secondary storage refers to the long-term data storage options found in a device. This
includes hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD). When you save a file to your
computer, it is sent to secondary storage.
5. ROM
ROM stands for Read-Only Memory. This is memory that can only be read from and is not
electronically modifiable after being manufactured. Computers use ROM to store critical
foundational information like start-up processes and software instructions.
6. Input/Output Devices (I/O Devices)
I/O devices refer to anything people use to input information to the computer or to take
information out (output). For example, a keyboard and mouse are input devices. A printer
is an output device.
[Link] Software
The physical components of devices are only the tip of the iceberg. Much of the computer
science field focuses on software applications and their development.
7. Algorithm
At a basic level, algorithms are simply specific procedures used to solve computational
problems. As computing power and data capabilities have grown more sophisticated, so
have the algorithms and the problems they intend to solve. For example, a shipping
company may turn to an algorithm to help determine the optimal route for delivery
drivers.
8. API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a software go-between that brings information from one application to another.
It allows applications to communicate with one another while preserving some security
measures for each end point. For example, an API can be used to securely transfer data
stored by your web browser to a mobile app.
9. Boolean
A function in programming with binary choices, like ―Yes or No‖ and ―True or False.‖ This
serves as a basic building block of programming logic.
10. Bug
A bug is a programming error that causes unexpected glitches or problems for a
program‘s end user. Debugging is the process of identifying, documenting and fixing the
issues caused by bugs.
11. Camel Case
Camel case refers to the practice of capitalizing the first letter of each compound word in
a programming variable to improve readability. For example, ―StretchLength‖ and
―FixedHeight.‖
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12. Code
Code refers to the string of commands or directions used by different programming
languages in order to create, edit or manage computer programs or applications. Code is
used by computers to determine which action should be taken, define parameters and
more.
13. Compiling
The process of taking code that‘s written in a high-level language (like C++) by human
developers and translating it into machine-readable code.
14. Conditional statements
Conditional statements, another fundamental piece of programming instructions, set the
terms for when a program moves forward. This is often expressed in an ―If, then‖ format.
If all conditions expressed are met and true, only then will the computer move on to do
the next step.
15. Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
An integrated development environment is a software tool where developers can write
code and run their programs. Many provide useful features like syntax highlighting,
debugging tools, version control and more.
16. Latency
Latency is the measure of time between entering an input and the returned output. The
higher the latency, the longer it takes. This is an important factor for web applications
and interfaces where a noticeable delay may impact user satisfaction.
17. Scripts
Similar in a way to the scripts used by Hollywood stars, a script in programming terms is
a line by line set of instructions for a computer program to follow. These are often used
for automation or for generating dynamic page content.
18. Structured data
This refers to data or information that‘s been organized and ―cleaned‖ in order to make it
easier to search, manipulate and interface well with software applications. Structured
data often is used for categories like names, addresses and credit card information but
can be used for any quantifiable data category.
19. Syntax
Syntax refers to the rules that dictate the structure of a language. Programming
languages, like all languages, need structure for the reader—whether a computer or a
human—to make sense of the information. While some elements of syntax may carry over
from language to language, most programming languages have unique and specific
syntax rules that must be followed.
[Link] Technical Industry
Computer science today is about so much more than a computer and what it can do—it‘s
a massive area of study that intersects the industry of technology in countless ways. Here
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are some of the industry terms you‘ll want to ensure you know.
20. Agile development
Agile development is a project management process for producing and releasing
software (or other projects) that calls for quick cycles that repeat, improving as they go.
This typically breaks projects down into smaller increments. This can be helpful in
software development where the individual components of a software application may
need to be adjusted or revised in order to accommodate unexpected issues or changes
downstream.
21. Big data
Big data is a quick way to refer to the massive amounts of data collected by
organizations on a day-to-day basis. Data at this scale can be tapped into for a variety of
purposes like trend analyses, forecasting, process automation and more.
22. Cloud storage
Cloud storage is an alternative to storing data on a computer‘s physical storage.
Information stored ―on the cloud‖ is kept on remote servers that can be accessed
anywhere via the Internet.
23. Cyber security
Cyber security is the process of protecting data from unauthorized users or hackers. It
also represents a huge sector of the tech industry as more and more companies race to
stay ahead of cyber criminals and security threats.
1.1.6 Characteristics of Computer
The characteristics of the computer system are as follows
Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans while
performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of
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instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their operations is
microseconds and nanoseconds.
Storage
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also
used to store data.
Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same consistency and
accuracy. It doesn‘t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its memory also makes it
superior to that of human beings.
Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works with
same accuracy and efficiency.
Hardware is further divided into four main Software is further divided into two main
categories: categories:
Input Devices Application Software
Output Devices System Software
Secondary Storage Devices
Internal Components
Developed using electronic and other Developed writing using instructions using a
materials programming language
When damaged, it can be replaced with a When damaged it can be installed once
new component more using a backup copy
Hardware is physical in nature and hence The software cannot be physically touched
one can touch and see hardware but still can be used and seen
Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses The software can be infected by Viruses
Hardware will physically wear out over Software does not wear out but it can be
time affected by bugs and glitches
An example of Hardware is hard drives, An example of software is Windows 10,
monitors, CPU, scanners, printers etc. Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome etc.
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1.1.7 Block diagram and Working Principle of Computer
Input
All the data received by the computer goes through the input unit. The input unit
comprises different devices. Like a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. In other words, each
of these devices acts as a mediator between the users and the computer. The data that
is to be processed is put through the input unit. The computer accepts the raw data in
binary form. It then processes the data, and produces the desired output. The 3 major
functions of the input unit are
● Take the data to be processed by the user.
● Convert the given data into machine-readable form.
● And then, transmit the converted data into the main memory of the computer. The
sole purpose is to connect the user and the computer. In addition, this creates
easy communication between them.
CPU – Central Processing Unit
Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It works the same way a
human brain works. As the brain controls all human activities, the CPU too controls all
tasks. Moreover, the CPU conducts all the arithmetical and logical operations in the
computer. Now the CPU comprises of two units, namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and
CU (Control Unit). Both of these units work in sync. The CPU processes the data as a
whole.
ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit
The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of two terms, arithmetic and logic. There are two major
functions that this unit performs.
1. Data inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs the basic
arithmetical operation on it. Like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. It performs all sorts of calculations required on the data. Then sends
back data to the storage.
2. The unit is also responsible for performing logical operations like, AND, OR, Equal
to, Less than, etc. In addition to this it conducts merging, sorting, and selection of
the given data.
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CU – Control Unit
The control unit as the name suggests is the controller of all the activities/tasks and
operations. All this is performed inside the computer. The memory unit sends a set of
instructions to the control unit. Then the control unit in turn converts those instructions.
After that these instructions are converted to control signals. These control signals help
in prioritizing and scheduling the activities. Thus, the control unit coordinates the tasks
inside the computer in sync with the input and output units.
Memory Unit
All the data that has to be processed or has been processed is stored in the memory
unit. The memory unit acts as a hub of all the data. It transmits it to the required part of
the computer whenever necessary. The memory unit works in sync with the CPU. This
helps in faster accessing and processing of the data. Thus, making tasks easier and
faster.
There are two types of computer memory
1. Primary memory – This type of memory cannot store a vast amount of data.
Therefore, it is only used to store recent data. The data stored in this is temporary.
It can get erased once the power is switched off. Therefore, is also called
temporary memory or the main memory.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is an example of primary memory. This
memory is directly accessible by the CPU. It is used for reading and writing
purposes. For data to be processed, it has to be first transferred to the RAM and
then to the CPU.
2. Secondary memory – As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary
data. Thus it cannot be accessed in the future. For permanent storage
purposes, secondary memory is used. It is also called the permanent memory or
the auxiliary memory. The hard disk is an example of secondary memory. Even in
a power failure data does not get erased easily.
Output
There is nothing to be amazed by what the output unit is used for. All the information
sent to the computer once processed is received by the user through the output unit.
Devices like printers, monitors, projector, etc. all come under the output unit.
The output unit displays the data either in the form of a soft copy or hard copy. The
printer is for the hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output unit accepts the
data in binary form from the computer. It then converts it into a readable form for the
user.
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1.1.8 Types of computer
[Link] Classification of Computers on the basis of working
Analog computers
Analog computers are used to process analog data. Analog data is of continuous nature
and which is not discrete or separate. Such type of data includes temperature. pressure,
speed weight, voltage, depth etc. These quantities are continuous and having an infinite
variety of values.
It measures continuous changes in some physical quantity e.g. The Speedometer of a car
measures speed, the change of temperature is measured by a Thermometer, the weight
is measured by Weights machine. These computers are ideal in situations where data
can be accepted directly from measuring instrument without having to convert it into
numbers or codes.
Analog computers are the first computers being developed and provided the basis for the
development of the modern digital computers. Analog computers are widely used for
certain specialized engineering and scientific applications, for calculation and
measurement of analog quantities. They are frequently used to control process such as
those found in oil refinery where flow and temperature measurements are important.
They are used for example in paper making and in the chemical industry. Analog
computers do not require any storage capability because they measure and compare
quantities in a single operation. Output froth an analog computer is generally in the form
of readings on a series of the dial (Speedometer of a car) or a graph on strip chart.
Digital Computers
A Digital Computer, as its name implies, works with digits to represent numerals, letters
or other special symbols. Digital Computers operate on inputs which are ON-OFF type and
its output is also in the form of ON-OFF signal. Normally, an ON is represented by a 1 and
an OFF is represented by a 0. So we can say that digital computers process information
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which is based on the presence or absence of an electrical charge or we prefer to say a
binary 1 or 0.
A digital computer can be used to process numeric as well as non-numeric data. It can
perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and
also logical operations. Most of the computers available today are digital computers. The
most common examples of digital computers are accounting machines and calculators.
Hybrid Computers
A hybrid is a combination of digital and analog computers. It combines the best features
of both types of computers, i.e. It has the speed of analog computer and the memory and
accuracy of digital computer. Hybrid computers are used mainly in specialized
applications where both kinds of data need to be processed. Therefore. they help the
user, to process both continuous and discrete data. For example a petrol pump contains
a processor that converts fuel flow measurements into quantity and price values. In
hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an analog device is used which measures patient‘s
blood pressure and temperature etc. which are then converted and displayed in the form
of digits. Hybrid computers for example are used for scientific calculations, in defense
and radar systems.
[Link] Classification of Computers on the basis of Size
● Supercomputers
● Mainframe computers
● Minicomputers
● Personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers
Supercomputers
Supercomputer – a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a
great amount of computation very quickly.
Supercomputers are used for areas related to:
● Science
● Engineering
● Education
● Defence
● Aerospace
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Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require
a great amount of computation. A supercomputer is a computer that performs at or near
the highest operational rate for computers.
Traditionally, supercomputers have been used for scientific and engineering applications
that must handle massive databases, do a great amount of computation or both.
Advances like multicore processors and general-purpose graphics processing units have
enabled powerful machines that could be called desktop supercomputers or GPU
supercomputers.
By definition, a supercomputer is exceptional in terms of performance. At any time, there
are a few well-publicized supercomputers that operate at extremely high speeds relative
to all other computers. The term supercomputer is sometimes applied to far slower -- but
still impressively fast -- computers.
Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:
● Weather forecasting
● Climate research
● Scientific simulation
● Oil and gas exploration
● Quantum mechanics
● Cryptanalysis
Mainframe computers
Mainframe computer – a high-performance computer used for large information
processing jobs.
Mainframe computers are primarily used in :
● Institutions
● Research
● Academics
● Health care
● Libraries
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● Large businesses
● Financial institutions
● Stock brokerage firms
● Insurance agencies
Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:
● Census taking
● Industry and consumer statistics
● Enterprise resource planning
● Transaction processing
● e-business and e-commerce
Minicomputers
Minicomputer – a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage
capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer.
Minicomputers are used by small organizations.
―Minicomputer‖ is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers
are often referred to as small or midsize servers (a server is a central computer that
provides information to other computers).
