What is a Computer?

Computer word is taken from Greek word ‘compute’ which means to calculate. It is
an electronic device. That can do fast and accurate calculations along with many tasks.

Working of a Computer.

Input Process Output

Input
Takes instructions and data from you using keyboard.

Processing
Solves the problem using CPU.

Output
Shows you the results using monitor.

Difference between human and computer.

Human Computer
Works Slowly Works fast
Can imagine and think Can’t imagine and think
Gets tired and bored Never gets tired
Can’t do difference things at a time Can do difference types of work at same time
Sometimes wrong Always accurate
Can remember limited information Can store lots of information

Characteristics of computer
Speed
A computer works at very high speed. It can do calculations in very short time period.

High storage capacity

A computer has a very large memory and can store large amount of data and information.

Versatility
It means to perform different activities at the same time. Computer can carry out many functions at
same time.
Accuracy
Computers are very accurate if you give them correct data and instruction they give you accurate
result.
To do some work without mistake is accuracy.

Diligence
Computer never gets tired or bored. It can work continuously for days and months.

Limitations of computers
 Computer cannot take its own decisions and provide itself input.
 Cannot detect wrong input from user.
So, neither computers nor humans can work alone very well.

Uses of computers
Problem Solving
You can do many mathematical calculations like add, subtract, divide and multiply.

Playing Games
You can play different games using computer like PUBG, Chess, Car racing etc.

Typing Practice
You can type letters and applications. It helps practice typing.

Art & entertainment

You can draw on computers and listen to music and watch movies and cartoons.

Internet
You can collect lots of information through internet.

Documentation
You can type documents on computer.

Accounting
Computer solves mathematical calculations with accuracy.

Scheduler
You can use calendar to schedule your activities and set alarms and reminders.
 History of Computers
Abacus
It is said that Chinese invented Abacus around 5,000 years ago. The first calculating device. The
rectangular frame had series of vertical rods on which a number of beads were allowed to slide or move
freely.it was used to do simple calculations.

Pascaline
Blaise Pascal invented Pascaline in 1642. The machine was used to do addition and subtraction only.
It was rectangular box with eight moveable wheels. It could also do the carry-over operations.

Napier’s bones
Napier’s bones was invented by john Napier (1550 - 1617). It consisted of a board with a rim. The left
edge had 9 squares having numbers 1 to 9. The rods had strips of wood bearing numbers for
calculations.it could do multiplication and division. It was used to find product and quotient.

Leibniz’s Calculator
Leibniz’s calculator was invented by Mathematician Gottfried. It was improved upon Pascaline made
up of steel and coppers. It could do multiplication and division.
Jacquard’s Loom
Jacquard’s Loom was invented by J.M Jacquard (Joseph Mane Jacquard) in 1801. It was first machine
to use punch cards to control a sequence of operations.
Punch card is a piece of paper contained information for calculations, which was represented by holes
in it.

Difference Engine
Difference engine was invented by Charles Babbage in 1823. Used to do complex mathematical
problems. Improvements were being made on it for years.

Analytical Engine
Analytical engine was invented by Charles Babbage in 1834. Improved version of difference engine. It
could do all the mathematical operations and comparison. It could also change the values stored in its
memory.
Based on input, processing output.
 Generations of Computers
First Generation
The First generation was based on vacuum tubes. They were very expensive and big. Their speed was
also slow. Example: UNIVAC I and ENIAC.

Second Generation
The second generation was based on transistors. It was smaller in size, faster and cheaper than previous
generation. Used assembly language. Example: IBM 1401.

Third Generation
The third generation was based on Integrated Circuit. It was smaller in size and more efficient
keyboard and monitors were used for input and output.
Example: IBM 360 and Apple 2C.
Fourth Generation
The fourth generation was based on LSI and Microprocessors. It enabled to fit millions of components
on a small chip.
Example: computers using Intel 4004 and 8080.

Fifth Generation
Latest generation of computers. Based on artificial intelligence. This is still under development. Most
efficient among all of the generations.
Example: Robots.

Types of Computers
Super Computers
Most powerful computers in the world. With large storage and high processing speed. Used in
weather forecasting and launching of rockets.
Example: Cray 1.

Main-Frame Computers
Less powerful and less expensive. Used in large industries or organizations.
Example: IBM 390, Z900 etc.

Mini Computers
General purpose of computers where a large number of computers can work together. Smaller than
Main-Frame computers.
Example: PDP-8 and VAX.

Micro Computers
Least expensive computers. They are smaller in size. Used as personal computers at home and office.
They are known as PC, Digital Computer or desktop computers.

Laptops
Smaller in size, provide mobile computing technology. They are battery operated
and can be used anywhere, anytime.

Handheld Computers / Pocket Computers

Smaller than laptops. They use electronic writing pad and touch sensitive screen.
 Computer Memory
The capacity of computer to store data is memory. Computer stores the information / data in bytes.

Memory Types

Primary Memory Secondary Memory

Primary Memory
Primary memory also known as internal / main memory. It is used to store data and programs currently
running in the computer.

Primary Memory

RAM ROM

RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It stores data temporarily. Information can be written
anytime. It is read and write memory. A computer can have RAM upto 32 GB.

ROM
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It stores data permanently. Programs are stored in ROM when the
computer is manufactured. No new information can be written / saved. It is non-volatile memory.
Secondary Memory
Secondary memory is also known as External memory. It stores data permanently. Your personal file
and programs used to run the computer are stored in secondary memory.

External storage Devices

 Hard Disk
 Floppy Disk
 CDs
 DVDs
 Pen Drive

Hard Disk
Hard disks have large storage capacity. All the programs required to work on the computer are stored
in hard disk. It is consisted on several disks called platters. They are rotated at high speed, driven by
spindle motor. Each disk surface has its own read and write head. They can operate simultaneously.
It has the capacity to store upto 4TBs.

Floppy Disk
It can only store small amount of data. It is used to store the files safely. It is a thin piece of plastic
coated with magnetic material. They can be used to transfer and carry data. Now-a-days they are not
in common use and are replaced by CDs and DVDs and USBs.

CD
Also known as Compact Disk. It has large storage capacity. The data is stored on it and you can only
read data using CD-ROM and cannot write on it. CD has the storage capacity of 700 MBs.
Types of CD

Compact Disk

CD-R CD-RW

CD-R
Also known as Compact Disk Recordable. Data can be written only once and that data becomes
permanent. It can neither be erased nor new data can be written.

CD-RW
Also known as Compact Disk Re-Writeable. It is rewriteable disk. You can store the data on it anytime
and you can also erase it.

DVD
A Digital Versatile Disk stores large amount of data. It is made up of several layers of plastic. Each
has many tracks of data. Tracks are circles that start from center and move towards the outer edge. A
DVD can store from 4 to 17 GB.

PEN-DRIVE
Small portable device, stores large amount of data. It works faster than other devices. Computer has
ports in which we can plug in pen drives these ports are USB ports.
 Computer Software
What is Software?
A set of instructions grouped into programs that make computer to function in desired ways.
A Software Can be:

 Pre-written
 Custom made

Pre-Written Software
Pre-written software address the basic processing needs of user.

Pre-Written Software

Application software System Software Utility Software

Application Software
A set of programs that allows the computer to perform specific job / task for user. It is usually user-
friendly. User-friendly means easy to learn and use for the common user.

Application package / Software may perform:

 Single Functions
 Integrated Functions

Single Function Applications

They can be special purpose or general purpose.
Special purpose are designed for a specific type of users. E.g. Medical Package for doctors.
General purpose can be used for a number of different tasks. E.g. MS Word, MS Excel etc.
Integrated Functions Applications
These are combination of several general purpose applications in a single product. They usually have
following functions.

 MS Word for (Processing Words)

 MS Excel for (Spreadsheets)
 MS PowerPoint for ( Preparing Graphics)
e.g. Microsoft Office.

System Software
A collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend processing capability of computer.
System software is generally prepared by the computer manufacturers.
There are two components of system software.

 Operating System
 Files Required For Booting

Operating System
A set of system programs that control and manage the operations of a computer system. An operating
system is the most important software. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without
knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.
For example: Windows, MS-DOS, Android, Linux, UNIX, Mac etc.
It provides:

 Easy communication b/w user and computer.

 Starting computer when power is turned on.
 Controlling input and output.
 Controlling running of a programs.
 Providing security to user’s files.

Files required for booting

Booting is the process of loading the computer operating system into the computer memory. An
operating system contains one or more files that make a disk bootable.

Utility software
Special purpose software that performs a specific task and improves the operations of system software.
Providing additional functionality like file management, disk management, virus protection and
password protection.
For example: Antivirus.
 Input and output Devices
Input Devices
What is input device?
The device used to give data and instructions to the computer.
Input devices:

 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Joystick
 Trackball
 Touch Screen
 Touchpad
 Microphone
 Scanner
 Barcode Reader
 Light Pen

Keyboard
Most commonly used input device. It has number, alphabet, special character and function keys.
You press the key and can see the character on the screen.

Mouse
A pointing device used to select objects on the computer screen. While you work on the computer the
cursor follows the movement of mouse.
Joystick
A pointing device used to play games on the computer. Stick can be rotated in different directions to
control movement of objects.

Trackball
It looks like an upside-down mouse. Trackball remains stationary it has a ball that is rotated to move
the cursor on the screen it is rotated by hand in any direction.

Touch Screen
It allows us to enter input by simply touching the display screen. It records input when the finger
contacts the screen.

Touchpad
It is used in laptops. You can move the cursor on the screen by moving yours fingers on touchpad.
Microphone
It is used to input and record voice to the computer.

Scanner
It reads and scan the text and pictures given on the paper into computer understandable text and
pictures. They can be stored in computer.

Types of scanner
1. Flatbed
2. Hand-held

Barcode Reader
It is used to read barcodes printed on different items in shops. Barcode is sequence of black line on a
white background.

Light Pen
A pen-shaped pointing device. It is connected to the monitor. They are usually used to draw. It is
used by designers and engineers.
 Output Devices
What is output device?
Shows the result of work done by computer.
Output devices:

 Monitor
 Printer
 Speaker
 Plotter
 Headphone

Monitor
The most commonly used output device. It display text and pictures. It is also known as Visual Display
Unit. LCD and LED monitors are common now a days.

Printer
It provides information on the paper. The printed copy of output known as hard copy. Hard copy has
data in the form of text and picture on it. Printer works on I.P.O principle.

Speaker
Speaker is an output device. Whenever you play any online or offline music, video or anything that has
sound in it. Speaker generates sound and it allows you to hear sound from computer or smart phone.
Plotter
A Plotter is a big size printer that allows users to get big size print that cannot be done by basic printers.
Generally, plotters are used to take prints of big maps, architecture designs, drawings etc.

Headphone
A head phone is an output device that also generates sound. Headphones are a
pair of small loudspeakers. It can be used on computers or Smartphone.
 Computers Network
What is computer network?
A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share information and
resources. The computers on a network may be linked through wires or wireless.

Types of computer network

Computer Networks

LAN WLAN WAN Internet Intranet

LAN (Local Area Network)

Computer are connected through wires in a LAN (Local Area Network). LAN covers small areas of
operations. Like: Hotels, Schools etc.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

Computer are connected through wireless using radio waves in WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
like Bluetooth and wifi. WLAN covers small areas of operations. Like: Hotels, Schools etc.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

WAN (Wide Area Network) covers large area and can use different means of communication like wires,
telephone line, wireless, fiber optic etc. Transmission speed and capacity are limited. Data transfer rates
are slower than LAN.
Internet
The full form of internet is 'International Network'. This is a global wide area network. It connects the
computer systems across the world. It covers large area than WAN. Also known as network of networks.

Intranet
Intranet is a network within one organization to connect different computer systems.

Computer Networks Applications

Here is some common application of computer networks

 Helps you to share resource such as printers

 Allows you to share expensive software's and database among network participants
 Provides fast and effective communication from one computer to another computer
 Helps you to exchange data and information among users via a network.

Networking Hardware
Networking hardware, also known as networking devices, are electronic devices which are required for
communication and interaction between devices on a computer network. Specifically, they mediate data
transmission in a computer network. Like Router, Switch, Hub, NIC, Cables, Repeater etc.

Communication protocol and networking standards

Standards and protocols provide the essential rules that enable hardware and software to work together
in order to allow devices to communicate over a computer network.
For example: TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).
 Internet
What is Internet?
A very large collection of computers connected to each other using different means of communication.
We use internet to search for information, sending emails, online chatting, online buying and selling.

History of Internet?
It began with the development of electronic computers in 1960s. In 1969 (DOD) the department of
deffence of the USA set up a network called ARPANET. In this network one computer in California
was connected to 3 in Utah.

What is World Wide Web (WWW)?

An information system contains a lot of information world wide in the form of text, picture, video and
audio.

What is a Web Page?

A page on the internet, contains information which can be accessed through Web browsers.

What is Web browser?

A software application that enables the users to access the information on the internet. First browser
was Mosaic.

What is Website?
A collection of interrelated webpages that provide information to the user.

What is ISP?
A company which provides access to the internet. They provide this service through telephone cables
or high speed wireless connectivity e.g. PTCL, Zong, Storm Fiber etc.

What is Home page?

The main page of the website. It usually contains table of contents links to other pages.

What is Hyperlink?
A link that connects the user to other parts of the same webpage or other related webpages. A hyperlink
can be a text picture or icon.

What is URL?
URL stands for (Uniform Resource Locator). It refers to the address or location of a web page or
website. E.g. https://www.google.com is a URL to google website.
 Internet Services
E-Learning
E-Learning stands for (Electronic Learning). Use of the network and communication technology in
teaching and learning.

E-Commerce
E-commerce stands for (Electronic Commerce). Use for buying and selling goods or product over
internet.

Newsgroups
Just like a notice board on a specific subject, any one can read or write messages.

E-mails
You can send messages and other documents by using emails.

Interactive TV
It allows the user to interact with the broadcaster. You can download the serials and programs.

Advertising
Means of communication used to inform people about something.

Online Games
You can play various games over internet. You can also listen to songs and watch movies.

E-Books
You can read newspapers and magazines or books over internet.

Online Banking
You can transfer money from one bank to another bank using internet.
 Computer viruses and their effects
What is computer virus?
Virus stands for (Vital Information Resource Under Siege). It’s a secretly introduced program into a
system in order to corrupt or destroy data.
A VIRUS is a set of instructions (or program) or software prepared to destroy data.

Some facts about virus:

 It’s a Latin word which means Poison.
 It infects the computer negatively without your knowledge.
 It spreads from one computer to others.
 It stands alone but it replicates itself.

How a virus enters in a computer?

CD,
Pen Drives

E-Mails Virus Internet

Computer
Networks

Symptoms of computer viruses:

1. Computer runs slower.
2. System files get corrupted.
3. It steals information from computer.
4. It shows unusual error messages.
5. It makes endless copies of infected files.
6. It makes strange noises.
7. Hard drive runs out of space.
 History of viruses

Brain
• Elk Cloner • MS Office
• 1982 • Boot Sector Virus
Virus • Mid 1990s
• 1986
By Rich Skrenta Macro Viruses

Types of computer viruses

Boot Sector Virus
Damages the stored information in hard disks.
Ex: Polyboot B & Anti ExE

Email Virus
Spread through emails & attached files & it replicates itself by emailing infected files to you email
contacts.

File Virus
Infects programs and executable files.
Ex: Cascade & Sunday.
Worms
Duplicate itself and does not need host.
Ex: Sasser & Blaster.
Trojan Horse
Seems beneficial at first but damages the computer system.

 Corrupt files
 Steal information
 Randomly restart & shutdown the computer system.
 Opening & closing CD tray.
 Slow down the computer.
Ex: Zeus & Beast
Macro Virus
It spreads through word processing or spread sheet documents.
Ex: Melissa & Concept.
 How to protect computers or systems
 Install an anti-virus.
 Don’t download files from insecure sites.
 Never open an email from unknowns.
 Use updated anti-spyware technology.
 Scan the CDs & Pendrives before using.

What is a firewall?
Firewall is a program. It helps to protect computer from hackers who try to access computers and steal
the sensitive information.

What is an anti-virus
Anti-virus is a program used to check the files for viruses and also remove them.

Anti-Viruses

Norton McAfee

Bit
Avast
Defender