Computer - Applications

The computer's characteristic as

high speed of calculation, diligence,
accuracy, reliability, or versatility has
made it an integrated part in all
business organizations.
Computer is used in business
organization for:
 Payroll Calculations
 Budgeting
 Sales Analysis
 Financial forecasting
 Managing employees database
 Maintenance of stocks, etc.
Banking - Today Banking is almost
totally dependent on computer.

Banks provide following facilities:

 Banks on-line accounting facility, which includes current
balances, deposits, overdrafts, interest charges, shares and
trustee records.
 ATM machines are making it even easier for customers to
deal with banks.
Insurance- Insurance companies are keeping all
records up-to-date with the help of computers. The
Insurance Companies, Finance houses and Stock
broking firms are widely using computers for their
concerns.
Insurance Companies are maintaining a database of all clients
with information showing:
 how to continue with policies
 starting date of the policies
 next due installment of a policy
 maturity date
 interests due
 survival benefits
 bonus
Education- The computer has provided a
lot of facilities in the Education System.
 The uses of computer provide a tool in the Education
system known as CBE (Computer Based Education).
 CBE involves Control, Delivery and Evaluation of learning.
 The computer education is very familiar and rapidly
increasing the graph of computer students.
 There are number of methods in which educational
institutions can use computer to educate the students.
 It is used for prepare a database about student
performance and analyses are carried out.
Marketing

 In Marketing uses of computer are following:

 Advertising: With computers, advertising professionals
create art and graphics, write and revise copy, and print
and disseminate ads with the goal of selling more
products.
 At Home Shopping: Home shopping has been made
possible through use of computerized catalogues that
provide access to product information and permit direct
entry of orders to be filled by the customers.
Health Care - Computers have become
important part in all Medical Systems.
The computers are being used in hospitals
to keep the record of patients and
medicines. It is also used in scanning and
diagnosing different diseases. ECG, EEG,
Ultrasounds and CT Scans, etc., are also
done by computerized machines.
Some of major fields of health care in which computers
are used:
 Diagnostic System: Computers are used to collect
data and identify cause of illness.
 Lab-diagnostic System: All tests can be done and
reports are prepared by computer.
 Patient Monitoring System: These are used to
check patient's signs for abnormality such as in Cardiac
Arrest, ECG, etc.
 Pharma Information System: Computer checks
Drug-Labels, Expiry dates, harmful drug side effects, etc.
 Nowadays, computers are also used in performing
surgery.
Engineering Design- Computers are
widely used in Engineering purposes.
 One of major areas is CAD (Computer aided design).
CAD provides creation, edition, and modification of
image. Some fields are:
 Structural Engineering: Requires stress and strain
analysis required for design of Ships, Buildings, Budgets,
Airplanes, etc.
 Industrial Engineering: Computers deal with design,
implementation and improvement of Integrated systems
of people, materials and equipments.
 Architectural Engineering: Computers help in
planning towns, designing buildings, determining a range of
buildings on a site using both 2D and 3D drawings.
Military
Computers are largely used in defense. Modern tanks, missiles,
weapons, etc., employ computerized control systems. Some
military areas where a computer has been used are:
 Missile Control
 Military Communication
 Military operation and planning
 Smart Weapons
Communication
Communication means to convey a message, an idea, a
picture or speech that is received and understood clearly
and correctly by the person for whom it is meant. Some
main areas in this category are:
 E-mail
 Chatting
 Usenet
 FTP
 Telnet
 Video-conferencing
Government Applications

Computers play an important role in government

applications. Some major fields in this category are:
 Budgets
 Sales tax department
 Income tax department
 Male/Female ratio
 Computerization of voters lists
 Weather Forecasting.
Computer - Ports
What is a Port?
 A computer port is a physical docking point
using which an external device can be
connected to the computer.
 A computer port can also be programmatic
docking point through which information flows
from a program to computer or over the
internet.
Characteristics
 External devices are connected to a computer
using cables and ports.
 Ports are slots on the motherboard into which
a cable of external device is plugged in.
 Examples of external devices attached via
ports are mouse, keyboard, monitor,
microphone , speakers, etc.
Following are few important types of
ports:
Serial Port
 Used for external modems and older
computer mouse.
 Two versions: 9 pin, 25 pin model.
 Data travels at 115 kilobits per second.
Parallel Port
 Used for scanners and printers
 Also called printer port.
 25 pin model.
 Also known as IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port.
PS/2 Port
 Used for old computer keyboard and mouse
 Also called mouse port.
 Most of the old computers provide two PS/2 ports, each
for mouse and keyboard.
 Also known as IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port.
Universal Serial Bus (or USB) Port

 Can connect all kinds of external USB devices such as

external hard disk, printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, etc.
 Introduced in 1997.
 Most of the computers provide two USB ports as
minimum.
 Data travels at 12 megabits per second.
 USB compliant devices can get power from a USB port.
VGA Port
 Connects monitor to a computer's video card.
 Has 15 holes.
 Similar to serial port connector but serial port connector
has pins, it has holes.
Power Connector

 Three-pronged plug
 Connects to the computer's power cable that plugs into a
power bar or wall socket.
Firewire Port
 Transfer large amounts of data at very fast speed.
 Connects camcorders and video equipments to the
computer
 Data travels at 400 to 800 megabits per second.
 Invented by Apple
 Three variants: 4-Pin FireWire 400 connector, 6-Pin
FireWire 400 connector and 9-Pin FireWire 800 connector
Modem
 Connects a PC's modem to the telephone network.
Ethernet Port
 Connects to a network and high speed Internet.
 Connects network cable to a computer.
 This port resides on an Ethernet Card.
 Data travels at 10 megabits to 1000 megabits per second
depending upon the network bandwidth.
Game Port
 Connect a PC to a joystick.
 Now replaced by USB.
Digital Video Interface, DVI port
 Connects a Flat panel LCD monitor to the computer's
high-end video graphic cards.
 Very popular among video card manufacturers.
Sockets
 Connect microphone, speakers to sound card of the
computer
Computer - CPU

 CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.

 CPU performs all types of data processing
operations.
 It stores data, intermediate result and
instructions (program).
 It controls the operations of all parts of
computer.
CPU itself has the following three
components.
 Memory or Storage Unit:
 Control Unit
 ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Memory Or Storage Unit:

This unit can store instructions, data and

intermediate results. This unit supplies
information to the other units of the
computer when needed. It is also known as
internal storage unit or main memory or
primary storage or Random access
memory(RAM).
Its size affects speed, power and capability. There
are primary memory and secondary memory,
two types of memories in the computer.
Functions of Memory Unit are:
 It stores all the data to be processed and the
instructions required for processing.
 It stores intermediate results of processing.
 It stores final results of processing before these
results are released to an output device.
 All inputs and outputs are transmitted through
main memory.
Control Unit

This unit controls the operations of all parts of computer. It

does not carry out any actual data processing operations.
 Functions of this unit are:
 It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and
instructions among other units of a computer.
 It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
 It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets
them and directs the operation of the computer.
 It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer
of data or results from storage.
 It does not process or store data.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
This unit consists of two subsections namely:
 ARITHMETIC SECTION
Function of Arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division. All complex operations are done by making
repetitive use of above operations.
 LOGIC SECTION
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations
such as comparing, selecting, matching and merging of data.
Computer - Memory
 A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store
data and instructions. Computer memory is the storage
space in computer where data is to be processed and
instructions required for processing are stored.
 The memory is divided into large number of small parts.
Each part is called cell. Each location or cell has a unique
address, which varies from zero to memory size minus
one.
 For example, if computer has 64k words, then this
memory unit has 64 * 1024=65536 memory location. The
address of these locations varies from 0 to 65535.
 Memory is primarily of three types:
Cache Memory
 Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory,
which can speed up CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and
main memory.
 It is used to hold those parts of data and program which are most
frequently used by CPU. The parts of data and programs are
transferred from disk to cache memory by operating system, from
where CPU can access them.
ADVANTAGE
 Cache memory is faster than main memory.
 It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
 It stores the program that can be executed within a short period
of time.
 It stores data for temporary use.
DISADVANTAGE:
 Cache memory has limited capacity.
 It is very expensive.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)

 Primary memory holds only those data and

instructions on which computer is currently
working. It has limited capacity and data gets lost
when power is switched off.
 It is generally made up of semiconductor device.
These memories are not as fast as registers. The
data and instructions required to be processed
earlier reside in main memory. It is divided into two
subcategories RAM and ROM.
Characteristic of Main Memory
 These are semiconductor memories.
 It is known as main memory.
 Usually volatile memory.
 Data is lost in case power is switched off.
 It is working memory of the computer.
 Faster than secondary memories.
 A computer cannot run without primary
memory.
 Secondary Memory

 This type of memory is also known as external

memory or non-volatile. It is slower than main
memory. These are used for storing
Data/Information permanently.
 CPU directly does not access these memories,
instead they are accessed via input-output
routines. Contents of secondary memories are
first transferred to main memory and then CPU
can access it. For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD,
etc.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
 These are magnetic and optical memories.
 It is known as backup memory.
 It is non-volatile memory.
 Data is permanently stored even if power is
switched off.
 It is used for storage of the data in the
computer.
 Computer may run without secondary
memory.
 Slower than primary memories.
Computer - Memory Units
 Itis the amount of data that can be
stored in the storage unit.
 The storage capacity are expressed in
terms of Bytes.
 Following are the main memory storage
units:
Sr.
No.
Unit Description
Bit (Binary A binary digit is logical 0 & 1 representing a passive or an active
1
Digit) state of a component in an electric circuit.

2 Nibble A group of 4 bits is called nibble.

A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit, which

3 Byte
can represent a data item or a character.

A computer word like a byte, is a group of fixed number of bits

processed as a unit which varies from computer to computer
but is fixed for each computer.
The length of a computer word is called word-size or word
4 Word
length and it may be as small as 8 bits or may be as long as 96
bits.
A computer stores the information in the form of the computer
words.
Few higher storage units are the following:

Sr.
N Unit Description
o.

1 Kilobyte (KB) 1 KB = 1024 Bytes

1 Megabyte (MB) 1 MB = 1024 KB

1 GigaByte (GB) 1 GB = 1024 MB
1 TeraByte (TB) 1 TB = 1024 GB
1 PetaByte (PB) 1 PB = 1024 TB
Computer - Networking
What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a system in which multiple
computers are connected to each other to share
information and resources.
 Characteristics
 Share Resources from one computer to another
 Create files and store them in one computer, access those
files from the other computer(s) connected over the
network
 Connect a printer, scanner or a fax machine to one
computer within the network and let other computers of
the network use the machines available over network.
 Following is the list of hardwares required to set up a
computer network:
 Network Cables
 Distributors
 Router
 Internal Network Cards
 External Network Cards
Network Cables
 Network cables are used to connect computers. The
most commonly used cable are Category 5 cable RJ-45.
 Distributors
 Each and every computer can be connected to another one
via a serial port, but if we need to connect many computers
to produce a network, this serial connection will not work.
The solution is to use a central body to which other
computers, printers, scanners, etc., can be connected and
then this body will manage or distribute network traffic.
Router
 A router is a type of device, which acts as
the central point among computers and
other devices that are part of a network.
 A router is equipped with holes called
ports.
 Computers and other devices are
connected to a router using network
cables.
 Nowadays, router comes in wireless
modes using which computers can be
connected without any physical cable.
Network Card
 Network card is a necessary component of a computer
without which a computer cannot be connected over a
network.
 Also known as network adapter or Network Interface
Card (NIC).
 Most of branded computers have network card pre-
installed.
 Network cards are of two types: Internal and External
Network Cards
Internal Network Cards

 Motherboard has a slot for internal

network card where it is to be
inserted.
 Internal network cards are of two
types:
 First type uses Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) connection.
 Second type uses Industry Standard
Architecture (ISA).
 Network cables are required to
provide network access.
External Network Cards

 Comes in two flavors: Wireless and USB based.

 Wireless network card needs to be inserted into the
motherboard but no network cable is required to
connect to network.
 USB cards are easy to use and
connect via USB port.
 Computer automatically detects USB
card and can install the drivers
required to support the USB network
card automatically.
Computer - Data & information

What is Data?
 Data can be defined as a representation of facts, concepts or
instructions in a formalized manner, which should be suitable
for communication, interpretation or processing by human or
electronic machine.
 Data is represented with the help of characters like alphabets
(A-Z, a-z), digits (0-9) or special characters(+,-,/,*,<,>,=, etc.).
 What is Information?

 Information is organized or classified data so that it has

some meaningful values to the receiver.
 Information is the processed data on which decisions and
actions are based.
For the decision to be meaningful, the processed data must
qualify the following characteristics:
 Timely - Information should be available when required.
 Accuracy - Information should be accurate.
 Completeness - Information should be complete.
Data Processing Cycle

 Data processing is the re-structuring or re-ordering of

data by people or machine to increase their usefulness &
add values for particular purpose.
 Data processing consists of basic steps input, processing
and output. These three steps constitute the data
processing cycle.
 Input - In this step, the input data are prepared in some
convenient form for processing. The form will depend on the
processing machine. For example, when electronic computers
are used, the input data could be recorded on any one of several
types of input mediums, such as magnetic disks, tapes and so on.
 Processing - In this step, input data are changed to produce
data in a more useful form. For example, pay-checks may be
calculated from the time cards or a summary of sales for the
month may be calculated from the sales orders.
 Output -Here, the results of the proceeding processing step
are collected. The particular form of the output data depends on
the use of the data. For example, output data may be pay-checks
for employees.
 Computer - Number System

When we type some letters or words, the computer

translates them in numbers as computers can understand
only numbers.
A computer can understand positional number system where
there are only a few symbols called digits and these symbols
represent different values depending on the position they
occupy in the number.
 A value of each digit in a number can be determined using:
 The digit
 The position of the digit in the number
 The base of the number system (where base is defined as
the total number of digits available in the number system).
Decimal Number System

The number system that we use in our day-to-day life is the

decimal number system. Decimal number system has base 10
as it uses 10 digits from 0 to 9. In decimal number system, the
successive positions to the left of the decimal point represent
units, tens, hundreds, thousands and so on.
Each position represents a specific power of the base (10). For
example, the decimal number 1234 consists of the digit 4 in
the units position, 3 in the tens position, 2 in the hundreds
position, and 1 in the thousands position, and its value can be
written as
 (1x1000)+ (2x100)+ (3x10)+ (4xl)
 (1x103)+ (2x102)+ (3x101)+ (4xl00)
 1000 + 200 + 30 + 4
 1234
As a computer programmer or an IT professional, you should
understand the following number systems, which are frequently
used in computers.

S.N. Number System & Description

Binary Number System
1
Base 2. Digits used: 0, 1
Octal Number System
2
Base 8. Digits used: 0 to 7
Hexa Decimal Number System
4 Base 16. Digits used: 0 to 9, Letters used:
A- F
Binary Number System
Characteristics
 Uses two digits, 0 and 1.
 Also called base 2 number system.
 Each position in a binary number represents a 0
power of the base (2). Example, 20.
 Last position in a binary number represents a x
power of the base (2). Example, 2x where x
represents the last position - 1.
EXAMPLE
 Binary Number: 101012
 Calculating Decimal Equivalent:
Step Binary Number Decimal Number
Step ((1 x 24) + (0 x 23) + (1 x 22)
101012
1 + (0 x 21) + (1 x 20))10
Step
101012 (16 + 0 + 4 + 0 + 1)10
2
Step
101012 2110
3
Octal Number System
Characteristics
 Uses eight digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
 Also called base 8 number system.
 Each position in a octal number represents a 0
power of the base (8). Example, 80.
 Last position in a octal number represents a x
power of the base (8). Example, 8x where x
represents the last position - 1.
EXAMPLE
 Octal Number: 125708
 Calculating Decimal Equivalent:

Step Octal Number Decimal Number

((1 x 84) + (2 x 83) + (5 x 82)
Step 1 125708
+ (7 x 81) + (0 x 80))10
(4096 + 1024 + 320 + 56 +
Step 2 125708
0)10
Step 3 125708 549610
Hexadecimal Number System
Characteristics
 Uses 10 digits and 6 letters: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C,
D, E, F.
 Letters represent numbers starting from 10. A = 10. B =
11, C = 12, D = 13, E = 14, F = 15.
 Also called base 16 number system.
 Each position in a hexadecimal number represents a 0
power of the base (16). Example, 160.
 Last position in a hexadecimal number represents a x
power of the base (16). Example, 16xwhere x represents
the last position - 1.
EXAMPLE
 Hexadecimal Number: 19FDE16
 Calculating Decimal Equivalent:
Step Binary Number Decimal Number
((1 x 164) + (9 x 163) + (F x 162) +
Step 1 19FDE16
(D x 161) + (E x 160))10
((1 x 164) + (9 x 163) + (15 x 162)
Step 2 19FDE16
+ (13 x 161) + (14 x 160))10
(65536+ 36864 + 3840 + 208 +
Step 3 19FDE16
14)10
Step 4 19FDE16 10646210
END