INTRODUCTION

UNIT 1
 COMPUTER
• The computer is a multi-tasking programmable electronic
machine which performs the calculations and processes
information with extremely high speed. It can calculate thousands
of information with flash speed and almost 100% accuracy. The
computer can perform both computation and logical action at
enormous speed.
• In other words, a computer is an electronic device that
manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store,
retrieve, and process data.
• Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about
two things all computers have in
common: hardware and software.
• Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such
as the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal
parts, which you can see in the image below.
• Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to
do and how to do it. Examples of software include web browsers, games,
and word processors.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
• Every computer has certain common characteristics irrespective of their type and
size. The computer is not just adding machines; they are capable of doing complex
activities and operations. They can be programmed to do complex tasks. Computers
are what they are because of the following characteristics:
• Speed
• The calculation in the computer is at very high speeds. For example, a micro computer can
perform millions of instructions per second as many times without any mistake. The speed
increases, as the power of computer increase. For example, a super computer can operate at
speed measures on nanoseconds and even picosecond.
• Storage
• The computer has main memory and auxiliary memory. The computer can store a large amount
of data. With more and more auxiliary storage devices, which are capable of storing huge
amounts of the data, the storage capacity of a computer is virtually unlimited. The reason that
makes computer storage unique is not that it can store huge amount of data, but the fact that it
can retrieve the information that the user wants in a few seconds.
• Accuracy
• The accuracy of a computer is very high unless the input is given correctly. In most cases, the
error is because of human factor rather that technology mistake. For example, if the person input
wrong code or the data is corrupted, the processing result is also wrong or corrupted. So if wrong
input is given, the output also will be wrong.
• Versatility
• Computers can perform activities ranging from simple calculation like arithmetic calculation, to a
complex calculation like launching a missile, which it makes a computer a versatile machine. some
application area of computers like a business, bank medical diagnosis, science and technology,
communication and astronomy, so it is a versatile machine.
• Diligence
• Diligence means being constant and determined in effort and application. The computer can
perform the repetitive task without being a bore and it never gets tired. It can work continuously
for several hour or day without getting bored and tired. Unlike human beings, a computer is free
from tiredness, weakness and lack of concentration..
• Automation
• A computer is an automatic machine, capable of functioning automatically once they are an
appropriate set of instruction and data provided to the computer. Once the task is initiated on a
computer it can proceed continuously. The computer can be programmed to perform a series of a
task involving multiple programs. Computers are capable of these levels of automation if the
instruction is provided correctly.
• Reliability
• Computers are used widely as they are reliable. The computer never gives the wrong result as
long as the input is given correctly. The probability of error in the computer is negligible. A Huge
amount of verities of data like monetary transaction, banking account, personal information is
stored in a computer with the strong reliability to the computer.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
• ADVANTAGES
• The computer can perform a complex operation in a short time.
• The computer can process a large volume of data.
• Computer can work continuously for a long time
• A single computer can perform multiple tasks such as watching a movie, playing
games, listening song and others.
• The computer does not make a mistake.
• Computer increases the curricular performance of the student.
• DISADVANTAGES
• The computer does not have a brain and cannot decide itself.
• It does not have its own intelligence.
• The computer does not have emotion and feelings.
• It needs electricity to operate.
• It cannot operate itself, unless, a human command is given.
 Basic Applications of Computer
• Computers play a role in every field of life. They are used in homes, business,
educational institutions, research organizations, medical field, government offices,
entertainment, etc.
• Home
• Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment, watching movies or
shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet access, etc. They
provide communication through electronic mail. They help to avail work from home facility for
corporate employees. Computers help the student community to avail online educational support.
• Medical Field
• Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history, diagnosis, X-rays, live
monitoring of patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays use robotic surgical devices to perform delicate
operations, and conduct surgeries remotely. Virtual reality technologies are also used for training
purposes. It also helps to monitor the fetus inside the mother’s womb.
• Entertainment
• Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a virtual entertainer in playing
games, listening to music, etc. MIDI instruments greatly help people in the entertainment industry in
recording music with artificial instruments. Videos can be fed from computers to full screen
televisions. Photo editors are available with fabulous features.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS
• Computer generations classification is mainly based on the basic devices
used. Also, the considerations are the architecture, languages, modes of
operation, etc. The function performed by the computer and the speed of
their operations have been changing since the old days to the most modern
computer. Based on the period of development and the added features , the
computers are classified into different generations- First generation to Fifth
generation. This is called the computer generation.
• The classification and time periods are given below:
1.First Generation Computer (1945-1955)
2.Second Generation Computer (1957-1963)
3.Third Generation Computer (1964-1971)
4.Fourth Generation Computer (1972 onward)
5.Fifth Generation Computer (Present and future)
 First Generation Computer (1945-1955)
• The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers of first generation used
vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing
Unit).
• Features of first generation computers:
• Technology used: vacuum tube
• Machines languages were used to instruct the computer.
• Magnetic core memory was used as primary memory.
• Secondary memory: Electrostatic tubes, Paper tape, punch card, magnetic tape
• Punched card, printing devices were used for input/output operations and store the result.
• It occupies very large space, slow processing, inefficient and unreliable due to low accuracy.
• Power consumption was very high and it generated much heat.
• It could only perform straight forward simple numerical calculation.
• Computer used to be much expensive.
• The example of first generation computers is ENIAC, UNIVAC,EDVAC, and EDSAC.
 Second Generation Computer (1957-1963)
• Second generation computer replaced machine language with assembly language, allowing
abbreviated programming codes to replace long, difficult binary codes. The transistor was
developed in this generation. A transistor transfers electric signals across a resistor. A
transistor was highly reliable compared to tubes.
• Some of its features are:
• Technology used: Transistor
• Operating speed was in terms of a microsecond.
• Assembly language and machines independent language such as COBOL (Common
Business Oriented Language) and FORTRAN (Formula Translation) were introduced
• Transistor reduce the size of the computer.
• Magnetic core memory was used as primary memory.
• Magnetic drum and magnetic tape were used as secondary memory.
• Power required to operate them was low.
• It could perform scientific calculation such as solving differential equations.
• Storage capacity and use of computers are increased.
 Third Generation Computer (1964-1971)
• Transistors were replaced with an integrated circuit known popularly as chips. Scientist
managed to fit many components on a single chip. As a result, the computer became ever
smaller as more components were squeezed on the chip.
• Features of the third generation computers are:
• The technology used: IC (Integrated Circuit).
• Transistors were replaced by IC in their electronic circuitry.
• High-level languages like FORTAN , BASIC and other are used to develop programs.
• Semiconductor memory like RAM and ROM were used as primary memory.
• Hard disk, magnetic disk were used as secondary memory.
• Monitor and keyboard were introduced for data input and output respectively.
• Multiprogramming facility was developed.
• The computer was used in census calculation, military, banks and industries.
• Size, cost, power requirement and heat generation decreased.
• Processing speed and storage capacity used of computer increased.
 Fourth Generation Computer (1972 onward)
• The invention of microprocessor chip marked the beginning of the fourth generation
computers. Semiconductor memories replaced magnetic core memories. The invention of
microprocessors led to the development of microcomputer or the personal computer.
• Features of the fourth generation computer are:
• Technology in use: VLSI is introduced and used Microprocessor-based technology.
• Problem-oriented fourth generation language (4GL) is used to develop the program.
• Semiconductor like RAM, ROM and cache memory is used as a primary memory.
• Magnetic disks like hard disk, optical disk (CD,DVD), Blue-ray disk, flashes memory (memory
chip, pen drive) are used as secondary memory.
• E-mail, Internet and mobile communication are developed.
• Advanced, user-friendly, web page software are developed.
• Size, cost, power requirement, heat generation decreased compared to the previous
generation.
• Operating speed, storage capacity ,use of computer increased compared to the previous
generation
• The example of the fourth generation computer is IBM-PC, HP laptops, Mac notebook etc.
Fifth Generation Computer (Present and future)
• The aim is to bring machines with genuine IQ, the ability to reason logically and
with real knowledge of the word. Thus, this computer will be totally different,
totally new than last four generations of computer.
• Fifth generation computer was based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and that is still
developing process, but not yet a reality i.e this computer is incomplete. The
scientists are working on it still.
• Features of the fifth generation computers are:
• Technology to be used: These machines will incorporate Bio-chip and VVLSI (Very
Very Large Scale Integration) or Ultra-Large Scale Integration (ULSI)
• The computer will have Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Natural language will be used to develop programs.
• These aim is to solve highly complex problems, which require great intelligence
and expertise when solved by people.
Measurement unit of processing speed and
storage unit
• A computer’s processor clock speed
determines how quickly the central
processing unit (CPU) can process
the data. Processing speed are
expressed in megahertz(MHz), with
1MHz equal to 1 million beats per
second.
• The storing capacity of computer is
measured in term of Byte, kilobyte,
megabyte, gigabyte. A binary
number either 0 or 1 is called a bit.
• Broadly, digital computers may be classified in four
major categories:
1. Micro computers
2. Mini computers
3. Mainframe computers
4. Super computer
Supercomputer
• The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data
processing are the Supercomputers.
• These are specialized and task specific computers used by large
organizations.
• These computers are used for research and exploration purposes, like
NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling
them and for space exploration purpose.
• The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can
be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms; some super
computers can span an entire building.
• Example: CRAY X-MP/24, NEC-500, PARAM etc.
Mainframe Computer
• Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers, but certainly
they are quite cheap than super computer, and many large firms &
government organizations uses Mainframes to run their business
operations.
• The Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large air-
conditioned rooms because of its size.
• Super-computers are the fastest computers with large data storage
capacity, Mainframes can also process & store large amount of data.
• Banks educational institutions & insurance companies use mainframe
computers to store data about their customers, students & insurance
policy holders.
• It can handle the processing need of hundreds of user.
• Example: IBM 1401, ICL2950/10 etc.
Minicomputer
• Minicomputers are used by small businesses & firms. Minicomputers
are also called as “Midrange Computers”.
• These are small machines and can be accommodated on a desk with
not as processing and data storage capabilities as super-computers
& Mainframes.
• These computers are not designed for a single user. Individual
departments of a large company or organizations use Mini-
computers for specific purposes.
• For example, a production department can use Mini-computers for
monitoring certain production process.
• Example: Prime 9755, VAX 7500 etc.
​Microcomputer
• Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets
& smartphones are all types of microcomputers.
• The micro-computers are widely used & the fastest growing
computers.
• These computers are the cheapest among the other three types of
computers.
• The Micro-computers are specially designed for general usage like
entertainment, education and work purposes.
• Well known manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell, Apple,
Samsung, Sony & Toshiba.
• Desktop computers, Gaming consoles, Sound & Navigation system of
a car, Netbooks, Notebooks, PDA’s, Tablet PC’s, Smartphones,
Calculators are all type of Microcomputers.
Mobile Computing and its Application
• Mobile computing is a generic term describing one's ability to use
technology while moving.
• A mobile computing device is created using mobile components, such
as mobile hardware and software.
• Mobile computing devices are portable devices capable of operating,
executing, providing services and applications like a computing
device. It is a computing device used in transit. Users can access data
and information from wherever they are.
• Many types of mobile computers have been introduced since the
1990s, including a wearable computer, PDA, enterprise digital
assistant, smart phone, UMPC (Ultra mobile PC), Tablet PC.
 Features of Mobile Computing device are
• It is a portable device that can be used during mobility.
• It has limited processing and storage capability.
• It includes mobile communication, mobile hardware, and mobile software.
• It usually contains a touch screen for providing input. It contains an on-screen or
virtual keyboard for proving text inputs. However, an external keyboard can be
connected by using the USB port, infrared, or Bluetooth.
• It contains camera, speaker, and microphone.
• It contains handwriting recognizing software.
• Most of the mobile computing devices contain a memory card slot to expand the
storage Capacity.
• It has wireless connectivity such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi to connect the Internet or with
other computing devices as well as a wired connection through the USB port.
MOBILE COMPUTING APPLICATIONS
• In business
• Mobile business applications include mobile access to existing e-business
applications so that mobile users can use these applications from anywhere.
It helps to achieve strategic business benefits.
. In Rural areas
• Mobile computing technology would be very effective and invaluable in the
rural setup where basic infrastructure like power may be either unreliable or
lacking to support conventional computing technology.
• In Education field
• Mobile computing application is also used in the filed of education. Now a
days many examination results are displayed on the mobile devices.
• In Medical field
• For patients whose health is on the line the benefits are even greater. They have
increased access to specialized doctors. They don't have to stick around the
hospital any longer.
• In banking field
• Many banks are offering banking services over Internet, voice and mobile phones
through SMS. All updates in transactions are provided to customers on their
mobile devices.
• In Airline industry
• Mobile devices such as PDAs or tablet PCs are used for grading in a simulator
training environment. Access reservation, flight schedule and ticketing
information by busy travelers using handheld devices.
• In construction
• Recording project data, such as supply delivery records and progress updates,
directly at the jobsite is one of the basic functionalities of such systems.