INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
World Prospective of Computer.
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The world today is characterized by modern technologies which

continue to create good and bad for mankind as a whole .The areas of
computerization in the world started just from a small prospective an
now a day is been considered as the world modern tools for any
discipline. The word computer has been used in many sectors of the
world, to name few in the school, hospital, science, sport,
entertainment, war, plus many other areas of professional discipline. As
we continue to improve in the era of modern technology .The wonder
is that whether modern technology is doing more good than bad thing
in the world as a whole. To answer this question, let us begin to explore
some of the way these good or bad technologies started in the world.
.
What is Computer? Zd
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input
from the user and processes these data under the control of set of
instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves
output for the future use. It can process both numerical and nonnumerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.
A computer has four functions:
a. accepts data
b. processes data
c . p r o d u c e s o ut p ut
d. stores results

Input
Processing
O u t p u t
S t o r a g e

Input (Data):

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Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input
devices. It is the collection of letters, numbers, images etc.

Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally
internal process of the computer system.

Output:
Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing.
Output is also called as Result. We can save these results in the storage
devices for the future use.
Computer System
All of the components of a computer system can be summarized with
the simple equations.
COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE+ USER
Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices
All physical parts of the computer (or everything that we can
touch) are known as Hardware.
Software = Programs
Software gives "intelligence" to the computer.
USER = Person, who operates computer.

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The Five Generations of Computers

The history of computer development is often referred to in reference to the differe

First Generation (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memo
First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest-level programm
The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing devi
Vacuum Tubes
Magnetic Drum

Second Generation(1956-1963) Transistors replaced vacuum tubes

and ushered in the second generation of computers. The transistor was
invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the
late 1950s. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing
computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient
and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors. Though the
transistor still generated a great deal of heat that subjected the
computer to damage, it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube.
Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input
and printouts for output.
Transistors

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Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine

language to symbolic, or assembly, languages, which allowed
programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming
languages were also being developed at this time, such as early
versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the first computers
that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a
magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
The first computers of this generation were developed for the atomic
energy industry.

Third Generation(1964-1971) Integrated Circuits the development of

the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of
computers. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips,
called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and
efficiency of computers. Instead of punched cards and printouts, users
interacted with third generation computers through keyboards and
monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the
device to run many different applications at one time with a central
program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first time
became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and
cheaper than their predecessors.
Integrated Circuits

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Fourth Generation (1971-Present) Microprocessors The microprocessor

brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of
integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. What in the first
generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand.
The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of
the computerfrom the central processing unit and memory to
input/output controlson a single chip.
In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in
1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh. Microprocessors also moved out
of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas of life as more
and more everyday products began to use microprocessors.
As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked
together to form networks, which eventually led to the development of
the Internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development
of GUIs, the mouse and handheld devices.

Microcircuits

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Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond) Artificial Intelligence Fifth

generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still
in development, though there are some applications, such as voice
recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing
and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality.
Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will radically
change the face of computers in years to come. The goal of fifthgeneration computing is to develop devices that respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning and self-organization

Types of Computer
On the basis of working principle
a) Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of
computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical,
mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.

Speedometer
Thermometer

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b) Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with
quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.

c) Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)

A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and
outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system
setup offers a cost effective method of performing complex
simulations.

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On the basis of Size

a) Super Computer
The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and
are employed for specialized applications that require immense
amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather
forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers
include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy
research, and petroleum exploration.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that
a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs
as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute
many programs concurrently

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b) Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds,
or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts
with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom
and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below
supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs.
But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a
mainframe.

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c) Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between
workstations and mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction
between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred,
however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and
workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing
system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously.

d) Micro Computer
i. Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient
to fit on a desk.

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ii. Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an

integrated screen and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size
than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.

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iii. Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized

computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an
input and output device.

COMPUTER BASIC PARTS

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The basic parts of a desktop computer are the System unit, monitor,
keyboard,and mouse. Each part plays an important role whenever you
use a computer.
Watch the video to learn about the basic parts of a desktop computer.

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Computer case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main
components of the computer. It houses the motherboard, central
processing unit (CPU), power supply, and more.
Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies
flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is
tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. The front of the case
usually has an on/off switch and one or more optical drives.
Most of the personal computers you can purchase today include tower
cases rather than desktop cases; however, some computers are being
made with all of the internal components built into the monitor, which
completely eliminates the tower.

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The monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case,
to display images and text on the screen. Newer monitors usually have
LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. These
can be made very thin, and they are often called flat-panel displays.
Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors are
much larger and heavier, and they take up more desk space.
Most monitors have control buttons that allow you to change your
monitor's display settings, and some monitors also have built-in
speakers.
LED displays are actually LCDs that are backlit with light-emitting
diodes. This allows for greater contrast than a traditional LCD.
Monitor
Power cord

The power cord is the link between the power outlet and the power
supply unit in the computer casing. If the power cord is not plugged in,
the computer will not power on. To protect your computer from
voltage spikes, you can plug the power cord into a surge protector. You
can also use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS), which acts as a
surge protector and provides temporary power if there is a blackout.

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Keyboard
The keyboard is one of the primary ways we communicate with the
computer and enter data. There are many different types of computer
keyboards, such as wired, wireless, ergonomic, and multimedia.
Although there may be differences in the location of some keys or
features, keyboards are very similar and allow you to accomplish
basically the same tasks.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn about the different
parts of the keyboard.

Mouse

The mouse is a peripheral that is known as a pointing device. It lets you

point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them.
There are two main types of mice: optical and mechanical. The optical
mouse uses an electronic eye to detect movement and is easier to
clean. The mechanical mouse uses a rolling ball to detect movement.
Generally, a mechanical mouse is less expensive, although it may
require regular cleaning to keep it working properly.
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Traditionally, a mouse connects to the computer using a USB or PS/2

connection. However, you can also buy a wireless mouse, which can
reduce clutter on your desktop.
To learn the basics of using a mouse, check out our interactive Mouse
Tutorial.
Mouse alternatives
There are other devices that can do the same thing a mouse can do, but
with a different look and feel. Many people find them to be easier to
use, and they also require less desk space than a mouse. The most
common mouse alternatives include:

Trackball: A trackball has a ball on top that can rotate freely.

Instead of moving the device like a mouse, you can simply roll the
ball with your fingers to move the pointer. Some mobile devices
have miniature trackballs that can be controlled with your thumb.
Touchpad: A touchpad (also called a trackpad) is a touch-sensitive
pad that lets you control the pointer by making a "drawing"
motion with your finger. Touchpads are common on laptop
computers.

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What is Windows?
An operating system and Graphical User Interface (GUI) created by
Microsoft and found on most computer systems (but not all!).
Allows for easy point and click operations between the user and the
different files and programs with which they wish to work.
While there are many different versions of Windows, the
fundamentals are the same.
The Desktop

The Desktop is the general work area of your computer. It gives you
access to programs, folders and documents that you use frequently.
This area is customizable on your own computer, though it is not
something that can be changed on a public computer at the library

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Icons
An icon is a symbol/picture that acts as a button to open up a folder,
document, application or other object.
All icons need to be double clicked in order to open

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Icons vs. Programs

You double click on the icon to execute the program.

When inside of the program, you single click on the commands or

icons for that program. (Examples: MS Office, Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Windows Media Player, etc.)

Different Types of Icons

Application Icons open up a program (an executable file), like Internet
Explorer, Microsoft Word, etc.
Folder Icons store and organize documents and applications. Often
you will find folders within folders.
Document icons represent a specific file, like a word document,
picture, etc. These files typically have an association with the program
that is used to open them.

The Taskbar
The taskbar is what you see at the very bottom of your screen.
Contains the Start button, which allows access to other Windows
programs and features that are not on the desktop

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System tray shows programs running in the background, the clock,

volume control, etc

Start Clicking on the Start button (not accessible on public library

computers) will give you access to settings, help, other programs and
documents and many other features.

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What about Windows?

The window refers a program or document or other object that is
open
You can have multiple windows open at once and easily switch back
and forth between them.
You can move windows around, resize them or have a particular
window expand onto the entire screen.
Types of Windows
Program Windows Applications like Word, Internet Explorer
Document Windows Open to a specific document within the
applicable program window
Folder Windows A folder, like My Documents that may contain
other folders, documents, programs, etc.
Parts of a Window
Title Bar at the top of the
window.
Most contain these buttons
Minimize

Maximize

Restore

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Close

Adjusting the size and position of a window

You can click and drag on the title bar to move your window to another
position
You can resize your window by clicking on the resize button here.

Booting
The process of loading the system files of the operating system from
the disk into the computer memory to complete the circuitry
requirement of the computer system is called booting. The system files
of MS. DOS are:
Types of Booting:
There are two types of booting:
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 Cold Booting: If the computer is in off state and we boot the

computer by pressing the power switch ON from the CPU box
then it is called as cold booting.

Warm Booting: If the computer is already ON and we restart it by

pressing the RESET button from the CPU box or CTRL, ALT and DEL key
simultaneously from the keyboard then it is called warm booting.

How to start the Computer in Ms. Windowss mode?

There is nothing special you need to start this system. Just,
1. Switch ON the Power Supply.
2. Switch ON the CPU and,
3. Switch ON the Screen (Monitor).
How to Shutdown (Turn Off) the Computer?
Before shutting down the Computer, close all opened windows at first.
Then,
1. Click on Start button.
2. Click on Shutdown (Turn Off Computer).
Then, Computer asks you:
What do you want the Computer to do?
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 Standby
Shutdown (Turn Off)
Restart
Restart in MS-DOS mode.

Note: The options will be different from one OS to another.

3. Choose 2nd option (i.e. Shutdown/Turn Off).
4. Click on OK.
Then, wait until the message Its now safe to turn off your Computer.
5. Then, Switch Off the screen.
6. Switch Off the CPU.
7. At last, Switch Off the power supply.

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