Manual for computer application-I by :Er.

A Yadav

Block diagram of computer

A computer can be defined as an electronic device that accepts data from an
input device, processes it, stores it in a disk and finally displays it on an output
device such as monitor.
To understand the basic rudiments of the functioning of the computer refer to
the basic block diagram of a computer as shown in Fig. This flow of
information holds true for all types of computers such as Personal Computers,
Laptops, and Palmtops etc. In other words, the fundamental principle of
working is the same.

The Input Unit’s Primary Functions Are As Follows:

1. With the use of input devices, collect data from the user.
2. Convert the data from electrical signals to computer-readable machine
language.
3. Instruct the CPU to receive data from the input devices.
4. Provide the transformed data to the CPU through the memory unit for further
processing.

Output Unit
The computer’s output unit communicates the results of processing and
information to the outside world. In general, the output unit reverses the process
of the input unit, converting machine language into electronic signals readable
by the output devices. The Visual Display Unit (VDU), usually known as the
monitor, is the most commonly utilized output device. Other popular output
devices include a projector, headphones, speakers, etc.

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the backbone of the computer system. Without it, a computer is
nothing. All the instructions that the computer receives from the user, or a set of
instructions, are processed by this ‘brain’. This brain then prints out the desired
result based on the instructions received and the input that the user made.
Rephrase It plays a crucial role in performing arithmetic and logical operations.
It is responsible for controlling the operations of other devices.
Three Major Components Of the CPU Are:-
 Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU)
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a major part of the computer’s Central
Processing Unit (CPU). The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is the portion of the
Central Processing Unit (CPU) that handles all of the Central Processing Unit
(CPU’s) calculations.
The ALUs work for all math and operations that are related to arithmetical and
logical operations. Also, they work on the basis of comparisons. Mostly, they
are responsible for performing the decision-making so that they can do most of
the operations.
When any calculations must be performed, the Control Unit (CU) passes the
data from the memory unit to the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). When the
computation is completed and the results are created by the ALU, the CU
returns the computation data to the memory unit. The arithmetic unit performs
logical, arithmetic, and bit-shifting operations.
 Central Unit (CU)
Another important part of the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) is the
control unit (CU). The control unit, which coordinates and controls other
functional units of the computer, is sometimes known as the “central nervous
system” of the machine. All CPU functions, including ALU operations and data
flow inside the CPU, are under the direction of CU.
The CU plays some important functions in the system which are:-
1. When data is received from users via input devices, the control unit informs
the input unit where to keep it.
2. The control unit (CU) gets one instruction at a time from memory and then
executes the instruction at ALU during program execution; thus, the Govern
unit also serves to control the flow of data and instructions from memory to
ALU.
3. And the result of the calculation provided by ALU is given over to CU,
which directs it back to memory as well as to the output unit for display on
the screen. The Control Unit (CU) manages the flow of data from the ALU to
the memory and output units.
Memory Unit (MU)
The memory unit is responsible for storing data and information for the
computer’s other functional components. The computer’s memory unit stores

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the data and information received from the input unit before it is processed by
the central processing unit (CPU). A memory unit is also known as a memory
unit.
The memory unit also plays some major functions in the system, which are:-
1. The data received from the input unit is stored in the memory unit.
2. Data and information are passed to the CPU for further processing.
3. Variable stores any data or instructions created by the CPU during
intermediate processing.
4. After that, the variable stores the final result of data processing in the CPU.
5. Finally, sends the processed data results to the output devices.
6. It also stores data and information for future use.
.
Input/output Devices
The computer will be of no use unless it is able to communicate with the outside
world. Input/Output devices are required for users to communicate with the
computer. In simple terms, input devices bring information INTO the computer
and output devices bring information OUT of a computer system. These
input/output devices are also known as peripherals since they surround the CPU
and memory of a computer system.
Some commonly used Input/Output devices are listed in table below.
1. Keyboard
A keyboard is certainly the most popular input device. A lot of the data we input
into a computer is done through a keyboard. The main set of keys on a keyboard
include:

o Typing keys – These include the alphabet and digit keys.

o Numeric Keypad- As its name suggests, it is used to enter numeric data and
consists of 17 keys.
o Function keys – These are a set of 12 keys. Each key has a specific function to
perform.
o Control keys – These are meant for cursor and screen control. Broadly, control
keys include the Arrow keys, Home, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down,
Control, Alternate, and Escape Keys.
o Special Purpose Keys – These keys include Enter, Shift, Num Lock, Space Bar,
Tab, and Print Screen with a particular function.

2. Mouse
A popular pointing device, it helps control the
cursor. It has a left and a right button. The
primary purpose of the mouse is to send
appropriate signals to the CPU.

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3. Joystick
Similar to a mouse, a joystick serves as a
pointing device, allowing the movement
of a cursor. The joystick can be
maneuver in all directions. Notably, the
cursor continues moving toward the
joystick unless it is in an upright
position, distinguishing its operation
from that of a mouse, where the cursor
moves with the mouse’s motion.
Joysticks find significant applications in
areas such as computer-aided design
(CAD) and gaming.

4. Trackball
A cursor control device, the trackball,
was invented in 1952 by Tom Cranston
and Fred Longstaff. It is used in some
keyboards as well as older versions of
the mouse. Essentially, it has a socket
holding a ball with sensors that can
detect the ball’s rotation.

5. Scanner
This input device resembles a photocopy
machine and is used when transferring
information on paper onto the computer.
What the scanner does is that it captures
the images from the paper and converts
them into their digital form.

6. Digitizer
Like a scanner, a digitizer converts
analog information into digital. A
digitizer can then convert signals from
the television or camera. It can convert

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graphics into binary inputs. A graphic tablet is often used as a digitizer.

7. Microphone
Through this input device, you can
input sound into the computer
system. Using a microphone, both
live audio and pre-recorded audio
can be fed into the computer-based
recorder. The microphone
functions by converting acoustic
energy into an electric signal. Its
low cost, compact size, and high
sensitivity make it advantageous

8. Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)

You may have encountered this device
being used in banks to process checks.
The reader scans both the bank’s code
and check numbers, ensuring a swift and
error-free process.
What is Output Device?
An output device is a computer hardware device that retrieves and presents the
result of the inserted input data from the computer system and further translates
that data into human-understandable language. The output or result is then
presented to us in the form of text, visuals, audio or a hard copy (printed on
paper
Monitor
A monitor is an electronic output device that is also known as a video display
terminal (VDT) or a video display unit (VDU). It is used to display images,
text, video, and graphics information generated
by a connected computer via a computer's
video card.
1. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors
It is a technology used in early monitors. It uses
a beam of electrons to create an image on the
screen. It comprises the guns that fire a beam of
electrons inside the screen. The electron beams
repeatedly hit the surface of the screen. These
guns are responsible for generating RGB (Red,
Green, Blue) colors, and more other colors can

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be generated with the help of combining these three colors. Today's Flat Panel
Monitors replace the CRT monitors.
2Liquid Crystal Display: LCD (Liquid crystal
display) screen contains a substance known as liquid
crystal. The particles of this substance are aligned in
a way that the light located backside on the screens,
which allow to generate an image or block. Liquid
crystal display offers a clear picture as compared to
CRT display and emits less radiation. Furthermore, it
consumes less power and takes less space than a
CRT display.
3 LED Monitors
It is a flat screen computer monitor, which stands for light-
emitting diode display. It is lightweight in terms of weight
and has a short depth. As the source of light, it uses a panel
of LEDs. Nowadays, a wide number of electronic devices,
both large and small devices such as laptop screens, mobile
phones, TVs, computer monitors, tablets, and more, use
LED displays.

Printer, electronic device that accepts text files or images from a computer and
transfers them to a medium such as paper or film. Printers are classified as
impact printers (in which the print medium is physically struck) and non-impact
printers. Most impact printers are dot-matrix printers, which have a number of
pins on the print head that emerge to form a character. Non-impact printers fall
into three main categories: laser printers; ink-jet printers and thermal printers
Important printer characteristics include resolution (in dots per inch), speed (in
sheets of paper printed per minute), colour (full-colour or black-and-white),
and cache memory (which affects the speed at which a file can be printed).

Key Impact Printers Non-Impact Printers

Characters, graphics are printed on a paper Characters, graphics are printed on a paper
Concept
by striking. without striking.

Printing is done by hammering a metal pin Printing is done by depositing ink on paper
Process
or character dye. in any form.

Mechanical Electro-mechanical devices are used for No electro-mechanical device is used for

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printing. printing.

Speed Slow − covers 250 words per second. Fast − covers a page in 30 seconds.

Noise Noisy Silent

Dot-matrix printers, Daisy-wheel printers,

Examples Inkjet printers and Laser printers.
and line printers.

Non-impact printers use tonner or cartridge

Printing ink Impact printers use an inked ribbon.
for printing.

Impact printers use old or traditional Non-impact printers use modern printing
Technology
printing technologies. technologies.

Cost Impact printers are less expensive. Non-impact printers are expensive.

Print Non-impact printers produce high-quality

Impact printers produce low quality prints.
quality prints.

1. Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers utilize ink cartridges to create images and text on paper. They are
ideal for printing high-quality images, photos, and color documents. Inkjet
printers are used in homes and small offices for printing documents, graphics,
and photographs. They are very affordable and easy to
use.

Advantages
 Affordable price
 Produces high-quality printing
 Can print on various paper types, including photo
paper
 Excellent for printing images and graphics
Disadvantages
 Ink cartridge replacements can be expensive
 Ink may smudge on certain paper types
 Ink may fade with time and light exposure

2. Laser Printers
Laser printers use toner cartridges to print text and
images on paper. They are ideal for printing large
volumes of office documents quickly and

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efficiently. They are used in offices and businesses that require high volumes of
printing.

Advantages
 Fast printing speed
 High-quality text printing
 Lower cost per page than inkjet printers
 Good for printing documents
Disadvantages
 Expensive initial cost
 Capable but not suitable for printing images and graphics
 Limited paper types, cannot print on glossy photo paper
3 Dot Matrix Printers
Dot matrix printers utilize pins that strike an
ink ribbon, creating dots that form images and
text on paper. They are ideal for printing multi-
part forms and invoices. They can print on
continuous paper and make clear and legible
carbon copies.

Advantages
 Prints on multi-part forms and carbon copies
 Affordable price
 Long-lasting, reusable ink ribbons
 Suitable for printing in harsh industrial or factory environments
Disadvantages
 Low-quality printing
 Slow printing speed
 Limited resolution
 Inconveniently loud and noisy

Multimedia Projector
A projector is a device that uses light and
lenses to project an image or video onto a
surface mostly a wall or screen. projectors
are used at various occasions and locations
due to their compatibility to adjust
according to the requirements of the user
most common use of projectors is
presentations, classrooms, open-air theaters
and much more . usually, the image or video
is fed into the projector using a computer,
laptop, or other media source.

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(c) Plotter
Plotters are used to print graphical output on paper. It is capable of producing graphs,
drawings, charts, maps etc. Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) applications like CAD
(Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) are typical usage
areas for plotters. A plotter is a large printer that generates high-quality documents by
moving ink pens over the surface of a page. Plotters are particularly useful to engineers and
architects, as they produce high-quality blueprints, maps, and floor plans. Plotters are
expensive.

(d) Sound Cards and Speakers:

The Audio output is the ability of the computer to output sound. Two components are needed:
Sound card – Plays contents of digitized recordings, Speakers – Attached to sound card.
A speaker or speaker system converts an electrical signal to sound. The term loudspeaker can
refer to individual transducers (known as drivers), or to complete systems consisting of a
enclosure incorporating one or more drivers and electrical filter components. Loudspeakers
are the most variable elements in an audio system and are responsible for the greatest degree
of audible differences between sound systems.

Computer’s memory

The Term Computer Memory is defined as one or more sets of chips those store
Data/program instructions, either temporarily or permanently.
Characteristics of Main Memory
1. Primary memory is also known as Main memory or Internal memory
2. In primary memory, data is directly accessed by the processing unit.
3. Semi conductor chips are used to store information in primary memory.

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4. Information stored is temporary and it can be lost when there is a sudden power cut.
5. Data operated and stored in uniform manner.
6. Primary memory devices are more expensive than secondary storage devices.
7. Nature of Parts of Primary memory varies. RAM- volatile in nature. ROM- Non-volatile
8. It is very fast in interacting with micro processor.
9. Primary memory has limited storage capacity.
10. Examples: RAM, ROM, Cache memory, PROM, EPROM, Registers etc

• Secondary Memory/Auxiliary Memory

1. Secondary memory is also known as External memory or Auxiliary memory
2. In secondary memory, data is first transferred to main memory and then routed to processing
unit.
3. Magnetic disk, optical disks are used to store information in secondary memory.
4. Information stored is permanent unless one deletes it intentionally.
5. Data stored is not uniform in secondary memory.
6. Secondary memory devices are less expensive when compare to primary memory devices.
7. It’s always Non-volatile in nature.
8. It is little slow in interacting with micro processor.
9. Whereas secondary memory can store bulk amounts of data in a single unit.
10. Examples: Magnetic Tapes, Optical Disc, Floppy Disks, Flash memory [USB drives], Paper
Tape, Punched cards etc.
BASIS FOR
PRIMARY MEMORY SECONDARY MEMORY
COMPARISON

Basic Primary memory is directly accessible by Secondary memory is not directly

Processor/CPU. accessible by CPU.

Altered Name Main memory. Auxiliary memory.

Data Instructions or data to be currently executed Data to be permanently stored is kept in

are copied to main memory. secondary memory.

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BASIS FOR
PRIMARY MEMORY SECONDARY MEMORY
COMPARISON

Volatility Primary memory is usually volatile. Secondary memory is non-volatile.

Formation Primary memories are made of Secondary memories are made of

semiconductors. magnetic and optical material.

Access Speed Accessing data from primary memory is Accessing data from secondary memory

faster. is slower.

Access Primary memory is accessed by the data bus. Secondary memory is accessed by input-

output channels.

Size The computer has a small primary memory. The computer has a larger secondary

memory.

Expense Primary memory is costlier than secondary Secondary memory is cheaper than

memory. primary memory

Primary Memory
It is also known as the main memory of the computer system. It is used to
store data and programs or instructions during computer operations. It uses
semiconductor technology and hence is commonly called semiconductor
memory. Primary memory is of two types:
 RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a volatile memory. Volatile
memory stores information based on the power supply. If the power supply
fails/ interrupted/stopped, all the data and information on this memory will
be lost. RAM is used for booting up or start the computer. It temporarily
stores programs/data which has to be executed by the processor. RAM is of
two types:

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S RAM (Static RAM): S RAM uses transistors and the circuits of this
memory are capable of retaining their state as long as the power is applied.
This memory consists of the number of flip flops with each flip flop storing 1
bit. It has less access time and hence, it is faster.
D RAM (Dynamic RAM): D RAM uses capacitors and transistors and stores
the data as a charge on the capacitors. They contain thousands of memory
cells. It needs refreshing of charge on capacitor after a few milliseconds. This
memory is slower than S RAM.
ROM (Read Only Memory): It is a non-volatile memory. Non-volatile
memory stores information even when there is a power supply failed/
interrupted/stopped. ROM is used to store information that is used to operate
the system. As its name refers to read-only memory, we can only read the
programs and data that is stored on it. It contains some electronic fuses that
can be programmed for a piece of specific information. The information stored
in the ROM in binary format. It is also known as permanent memory. ROM is
of four types:
PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): This read-only memory is
modifiable once by the user. The user purchases a blank PROM and uses
a PROM program to put the required contents into the PROM. Its content can’t
be erased once written.
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): EPROM is an
extension to PROM where you can erase the content of ROM by exposing it to
Ultraviolet rays for nearly 40 minutes.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory): Here the written contents can be erased electrically. You can delete
and reprogramme EEPROM up to 10,000 times. Erasing and programming
take very little time, i.e., nearly 4 -10 ms(milliseconds). Any area in an
EEPROM can be wiped and programmed selectively.

Sr. Key RAM ROM

No.

Definition RAM stands for Random Access ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
1
Memory.

Data RAM data is volatile. Data is present ROM data is permanent. Data remains
2
Retention till power supply is present. even after power supply is not present.

Data RAM data can be read, erased or ROM data is readonly.

3
Access modified.

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Sr. Key RAM ROM

No.

Usage RAM is used to store data that CPU ROM is used to store data that in needed
4 needs for current instruction to bootstrap the computer.
processing.

5 Speed RAM speed is quite high. ROM speed is slower than RAM.

CPU CPU can access data stored on RAM. Data to be copied from ROM to RAM so
6
Access that CPU can access its data.

Capacity RAM memory is large and high ROM is generally small and of low
7
capacity. capacity.

Usage RAM is used as CPU Cache, Primary ROM is used as firmware by

8
Memory. microcontrollers.

9 Cost RAM is costly. ROM is cheap.

Auxiliary Storage Devices-Magnetic Tape, Floppy Disk, Hard Disk.

The Magnetic Storage Exploits duality of magnetism and electricity. It convert electrical
signals into magnetic charges, captures magnetic charge on a storage medium and then later
regenerates electrical current from stored magnetic charge. Polarity of magnetic charge
represents bit values zero and one.

Floppy Disk
These are small removable disks that are plastic coated with magnetic recording material.
Floppy disks are typically 3.5″ in size (diameter) and can hold 1.44 MB of data. This
portable storage device is a rewritable media and can be reused a number of times. Floppy
disks are commonly used to move files between different computers. The main disadvantage
of floppy disks is that they can be damaged easily and, therefore, are not very reliable. The
following figure shows an example of the floppy disk.

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HARD DISK

Another form of auxiliary storage is a hard disk. A hard disk consists of one or more rigid
metal plates coated with a metal oxide material that allows data to be magnetically recorded
on the surface of the platters. The hard disk platters spin at a high rate of speed, typically
5400 to 7200 revolutions per minute (RPM). Storage capacities of hard disks for personal
computers range from 10 GB to TB
A disk is divided into tracks, cylinders, and sectors. A track is that portion of a disk which
passes under a single stationary head during a disk rotation, a ring 1 bit wide. A cylinder is
comprised of the set of tracks described by all the heads (on separate platters) at a single seek
position. Each cylinder is equidistant from the center of the disk. A track is divided into
segments of sectors, which is the basic unit of storage

Optical Memory
Optical memory uses light beam for its operation. It is developed in fourth generation of
computer. It is mainly used for storing audio/video, backup as well as for carrying data. It
requires optical drive for its operation. Its read/write speed is slower compared to hard disk
and flash memories.
Example: CD, DVD, BD

What is Compact Disk (CD) Optical Memory?

It stores data and it has circular plastic, a single side of the plastic is coated by
aluminum alloy which stores data. It is protected by an additional thin plastic
covering. CD requires a CD drive for its operation. A CD could store much
more data than a personal computer hard drive. The CD has storage typically
up to 700 MB (up to 80 minutes audio).

DVD
It stands for Digital Versatile Disk. It has the storage capacity of 4.7GB to
17GB. Its shape and size is similar to CD but the difference in storage capacity
is due to different chemical component and data is compressed before storing. It
requires DVD drive for its operation. Read/write speed of DVD is slower than
that of CD. Types of DVD are:

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DVD-R DVD-ROM DVD-RW

DVD can also be classified as:
v Single sided single layered DVD (4.7GB)
v Single sided dual layered DVD (7-8GB)
v Dual sided single layered DVD (9GB)
v Dual sided dual layered DVD (17GB)
Blu-ray Disk
It is regarded as the third generation of compact disk technology, following the
launch of CDs and DVDs. It is the most recent optical storage medium for
storing high-definition (HD) audio and video. It contains about 128 GB of
storage space.
Working mechanism of CD
The surface of the CD contains land and pit. Land represents binary 1 and pit
represents binary 0. During CD reading process a beam of light is emitted which
strikes the surface of CD and gets reflected. The reflection is captured by lens in
the CD drive. Difference in reflection from land and pit is identified to
determine 1 and 0. Land is actually in a crystalline form and pit is in amorphous
form. The size of land and pit is smaller in DVD compared to CD.
Flash Drive – A flash drive or pen drive is available in a variety of storage
capacities, including 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 GB, and 1 TB. Data is transferred and
stored using a flash drive. To use a flash drive, it must be plugged into a
computer’s USB port. A flash drive is quite popular nowadays because it is
simple to use and small in size.

7. Solid-state Disk – A Solid-state Disk (SSD) is a data storage and retrieval

device that is non-volatile. It’s faster, makes no noise (since it doesn’t have any
moving parts like a hard drive), uses less electricity, and so on. If the price is
right, it’s a perfect replacement for regular hard drives in laptops and desktops,
and it’s also ideal for tablets, notebooks, and other devices that don’t require a
lot of storage.

8. SD Card – A Secure Digital Card (SD Card) is commonly used to store data
in portable devices such as cell phones and cameras. It comes in a variety of
capacities, including 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 GB. You can access the data
present in the SD card by removing it from the device and inserting it into a
computer using a card reader. The data in the SD card is stored in memory chips
(which are included in the SD card), and there are no moving elements like
there are on a hard disc.

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