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Module 1: World of Computers

This module helps you understand the basics of computers, how they have
changed over time, what they are used for, different types of computers, and
their main parts.

Unit 1.1: Introduction to World of Computers

* What is a Computer?

* The word "computer" comes from "compute," meaning "to calculate."

* Initially, computers were super-fast calculators solving complex math and

science problems quickly.

* Now, they do much more: sorting, accepting, moving, selecting, and

comparing different types of information.

* They also perform math and logic operations on text, numbers, and other
programs.

* A computer is a digital electronic device that works based on instructions

stored in its memory.

* It takes raw information (input), processes it, and gives out desired
results (output) following a set of instructions called "Programs."

* Computers are also called "data processors" because they convert input
data into the required output form using programs.

* How Computers Evolved (Generations of Computers):

* Computers have changed a lot, from huge room-sized machines to the

small laptops and pocket devices we use today.

* The idea of machine-assisted calculation goes back much further than

modern computers.

* First Generation (1946-1959):

* Used vacuum tubes.

* Input and output were mainly done with punched cards and paper tape.

* Used magnetic tapes and drums for storage.

 * Programs were written in "Machine Language."

* The Abacus, an ancient counting tool, is considered an early form of

computer technology.

* Second Generation (1959-1965):

* Vacuum tubes were replaced by smaller, more efficient transistors.

* Computers became less bulky.

* "Assembly Language" replaced machine language for programming.

* Higher-level programming languages started to appear.

* Third Generation (1965-1971):

* Introduced Integrated Circuits (ICs).

* Computers became much smaller, used less power, and were incredibly
fast (millions of instructions per second).

* Could perform multiple tasks at the same time (multiprogramming).

* New programming languages like Pascal, COBOL, FORTRAN, and PL/1

were developed.

* Operating Systems (OS) were invented.

* Fourth Generation (1971-1980):

* The era of Personal Computers (PCs) began, making computers

affordable for everyone.

* Used Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) for microcomputers.

* Networking started to become important.

* New "Fourth Generation Languages" were introduced.

* Fifth Generation (1980-Present):

* Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ultra Large-Scale Integration

(ULSI) technology.

* Computers are designed to think like humans.

* Focus on natural language processing and multiprocessing.

* Includes powerful and compact devices like Desktops, Laptops,

Notebooks, Ultrabooks, and Chromebooks.
* Key Features of Computers:

* Speed: Computers work incredibly fast, doing complex tasks much

quicker than humans. Their speed is measured in milliseconds,
microseconds, nanoseconds, and picoseconds.

* Accuracy: They perform tasks without mistakes if the input and

instructions are correct.

* Storage: They can store vast amounts of information.

* Versatility: Computers can perform many different tasks.

* Diligence: They can work continuously without getting tired or losing

accuracy.

* Reliability: They are consistent in their output.

* Automation: They can perform tasks automatically once programmed.

* Basic Structure of a Computer System:

* A computer system is a group of parts like hardware, software, and

"liveware" (people) that work together to receive, process, store, and show
data in a useful way.

* Hardware: These are the physical parts you can touch, like the keyboard,
mouse, monitor, CPU, memory, and storage devices.

* Software: These are the programs and instructions that tell the hardware
what to do. Without software, hardware can't do anything on its own.

* Liveware: This is a term for the people who use computers.

Unit 1.2: Applications of Computer

Computers are used everywhere in our daily lives, in various fields like
research, medicine, engineering, and business.

* Computers in Home:

* Used for things like entertainment, managing household budgets, online

shopping, and communication.

* Computers in Education:

* Help in learning and mastering skills.

 * Used for online learning, accessing educational materials, lectures,
books, and presentations.

* Enable quick information search and provide audio-visual aids for better
understanding.

* Help students find solutions to problems.

* Computers in Workplace:

* Improve efficiency by allowing electronic record-keeping, complex

calculations with spreadsheets, and creating documents without paper.

* Reduce the need for paper.

* Help in organizing and analyzing large amounts of data, leading to better

decision-making.

Unit 1.3: Types of Computer

Computers can be classified based on their size, power, and how they are
used.

* Computers on the Move: This refers to portable computing devices like

laptops, notebooks, and mobile phones, which are a rapidly growing part of
the computer industry.

* Types of Computer (Size and Technology wise):

* Personal Computer (PC): A small, affordable computer designed for one

user. They use microprocessors and are used for tasks like word processing,
accounting, and database management.

* Workstation: More powerful than a PC, designed for single users for
demanding tasks like engineering or graphics.

* Minicomputers: These are mid-sized computers that are more powerful

than personal computers but less powerful than mainframes. They are often
used in smaller organizations.

* Mainframe Computers: Large, powerful computers used by big

organizations to handle huge amounts of data and run many programs at
once for many users. They are very reliable.

* Supercomputers: The most powerful and fastest computers, used for

extremely complex tasks like weather forecasting, scientific simulations, and
analyzing large structures.
Unit 1.4: Software

* Software: These are the programs, procedures, and related documents

that tell a computer system how to operate and perform specific tasks.
Software uses and enhances the abilities of the hardware.

* System Software: Programs that manage and control the computer's

basic operations and resources. Examples include operating systems (like
Windows or macOS), compilers, and assemblers. System software acts as a
bridge between the user and the computer hardware.

* Application Software: Programs designed for specific tasks that users

want to perform (e.g., word processors, web browsers, games).

Unit 1.5: Computer Peripherals

* Peripheral Device: Any device (internal or external) connected to a

computer that adds extra functionality.

* Input Devices: Send data to the computer.

* Keyboard: The main input device used to type letters, numbers, and
symbols.

* Mouse: A pointing device used to control the cursor and select items on
the screen.

* Trackball: A stationary pointing device with a movable ball on top, useful

when there's not much space for a mouse.

* Touchpad: A flat surface on laptops where you slide your finger to

control the pointer.

* Pointing Stick: A small, pressure-sensitive knob found between keys on

some laptops to control the pointer.

* Touchscreen: Allows interaction by touching the screen with a finger.

Common in smartphones, tablets, ATMs.

* Multi-touch Screens: Detects multiple finger touches at once.

* Pen Input/Light Pen/Digital Pen/Digitizer: Devices that use pen-like tools

to input handwriting or drawings, often used by artists and engineers.

* Scanning Devices: Capture documents or objects directly into electronic

form. Examples include scanners, Optical Mark Readers (OMR), Barcode
readers, and Optical Character Readers (OCR).
 * Microphone: Used to get spoken input.

* Webcam: Video cameras connected to a computer, used for video calls

or recording.

* Output Devices: Receive data from the computer and display or present
it.

* Monitor: An output device that displays images and what's happening

on the computer screen.

* Printer: Produces printed copies of computer output on paper.

* Speakers: Used to produce audio output.

* Projector: Displays computer output onto a larger surface.

* Input/Output Devices (Storage Devices):

* Hard Drive: Stores programs and most data inside the system unit.

* CD/DVD Drive: Reads CD/DVD discs for programs or large files.

* USB Flash Drive/External Hard Drive: Portable storage devices.

Unit 1.6: Memory

* Memory Management: This unit discusses how computers store and

retrieve data.

* CPU (Central Processing Unit) / Processor: Often called the "brain" or

"heart" of the computer. It processes data, controls all parts of the computer,
and manages the sequence of operations.

* It has three main parts: Main Memory Unit (MMU) or Storage unit,
Control Unit (CU), and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).

* RAM (Random Access Memory): Provides temporary storage for data that
is being actively used by the computer. Data in RAM is lost when the
computer is turned off.

* ROM (Read-Only Memory): Provides permanent storage for essential

instructions that the computer needs to start up.

* Storage Devices: Include internal hard drives, external hard drives, USB
drives, CDs, and DVDs for saving data permanently.

This module provides a foundational understanding of computer systems and

their various components and applications.