INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTER
What is a computer?

 A computer is a machine made of devices that enable you to

enter data(input), process it (CPU), store it (memory) and output
the result.
 A computer is an electronic device that takes input such as
numbers, text, sound, image, animations, video, etc., processes it,
and converts it into meaningful information that could be
understood, presenting the changed input (processed input) as
output.
Additional information

 A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control

of instructions (software) stored in its own memory unit, that
can accept data (input), manipulate data (process), and produce
information (output) from the processing. Generally, the term is
used to describe a collection of devices that function together as
a system.
Word computer stands for
How does a computer work

Input Process Output

Store Data
Continued…

 Computers can perform four general operations, which

comprise the information processing cycle.
 Input
 Process
 Storage
 Output
 Data and information

 All computer processing requires data, which is a collection of raw facts,

figures and symbols, such as numbers, words, images, video and sound,
given to the computer during the input phase.
 Computers manipulate data to create information. Information is data
that is organized, meaningful, and useful.
 During the output Phase, the information that has been created is put into
some form, such as a printed report.
 The information can also be put in computer storage for future use.
Primary components of Computer (Von
Neumann architecture)
Continued…
INPUT UNIT
 Computers need to receive data and instruction in order to solve any
problem. Therefore we need to input the data and instructions into the
computers.
 The input unit consists of one or more input devices.
 Keyboard is the one of the most commonly used input device. Other
commonly used input devices are the mouse, magnetic tape, etc.
Input devices
PROCESSING
 The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical
operations is called processing.
 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from
the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the
instructions given and the type of data provided.
 Result is then sent back to the storage unit.
 Assignment

 Find out the difference between microprocessor and

microcontroller.
STORAGE UNIT
 Data has to be fed into the system before the actual processing starts.
 The storage unit performs the following major functions:
 All data and instructions are stored here before and after processing.
 Intermediate results of processing are also stored here.
CONTROL UNIT (CU)

 Control Unit works as a traffic warden as it monitors and controls the

data traffic and flow between the hardware components of the
computer system such as peripheral devices etc.
 It provides the instructions to ALU and the rest components that how a
task is to be done.
 CU is responsible for coordinating between the software system and
hardware components and get them attached to working as a bridge.
ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT(ALU)

 It is the main functional component of the CPU that is responsible for

conducting all the mathematical calculations and logical operations.
 The data given as input to the computers is manipulated and processed by
ALU on the basic of instructions and directions provided by CU. ALU is
responsible for all the mathematical calculations and logical answers.
 The arithmetic operation includes the basic four mathematical operations
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
 The logical operations are the one in which there is a comparison between
different things by various traits such as equal to, greater than, other than,
less than, etc.
ALU Vs CU

 ALU is the circuit component of the CPU that deals with the mathematical and
logical operations.
 CU is the circuit component of the CPU that instructs and directs the ALU and other
computer components.
 ALU process the data provided as input and gives the processed information
conclusion as output. It works according to the instructions provided by CU.
 CU controls and monitors the data flow on the data buses between the hardware
components of the computer system.
OUTPUT
 This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful
information.
 The output produced by the computer after processing must also be kept
somewhere inside the computer before being given to you in human
readable form.
 The output is also stored inside the computer for further processing.
Output devices
Functional units of computer

 The computer system is divided into three separate units for its
operation. They are :
 Arithmetic Logical Unit(ALU)
 Control Unit(CU)
 Central Processing Unit(CPU)
Characteristics of a computer

 SPEED : In general, no human being can compete to solving the complex

computation, faster than computer.
 ACCURACY : Since Computer is programmed, so what ever input we give it
gives result with accurately.
 STORAGE : Computer can store mass storage of data with appropriate format.
 EFFICIENCY : Computer can work for hours without any break and creating
error.
 VERSATILITY : We can use computer to perform completely different type of
work at the same time.
 NO IQ : Computer does not work without instruction.
 NO FEELING : Computer does not have emotions, knowledge,
experience, feeling.
Computer Memory

 Memory is storage part in computer. It is store the data,

information, programs during processing in computer. It stores
data either temporarily or permanent basis. Memory used to
important role in saving and retrieving data.
Computer memory classification
Primary memory

 Primary memory is internal memory of the computer.

 It is also known as main memory and Temporary memory .
 Primary Memory holds the data and instruction on which computer is
currently working.
 Primary Memory is volatile in nature.
Primary memory is generally of two types.
 RAM ( volatile)
 ROM (non volatile)
Random Access Memory (RAM):
 The primary storage is referred to as random access memory (RAM) due
to the random selection of memory locations.
 RAM is known as read /writes memory.
 It generally referred as main memory of the computer system.
 It is a temporary memory. The information stored in this memory is lost as
the power supply to the computer is switched off. That’s why RAM is also
called “Volatile Memory”.
RAM
Types of RAM
 Static RAM : Static RAM also known as SRAM ,retain stored
information as long as the power supply is ON. SRAM are of higher coast
and consume more power .They have higher speed than Dynamic RAM
 Dynamic RAM : Dynamic RAM also known as DRAM, its stored
information in a very short time (a few milliseconds) even though the
power supply is ON. The Dynamic RAM are cheaper and moderate speed
and also they consume less power.
Read Only Memory (ROM) / non - volatile:
 It stands for Read Only Memory.
 ROM is a Permanent Type memory.
 Content of ROM is decided by the computer manufacturer and
permanently stored at the time of manufacturing.
 ROM cannot be overwritten by the computer. It is also called “Non-
Volatile Memory”.
 A ROM stores such instructions that are required to start a computer. This
operation is referred to as bootstrap.
ROM
ROM memory has several models such names are following.
 PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) maintains large
storage media but can’t offer the erase features in ROM.
 EPROM : Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory designed for
recover the problems of PROM and ROM. Users can delete the data of
EPROM by passing beam of ultraviolet light.
 EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
similar to the EPROM but it uses electrical beam for erase the data of
ROM.
 Cache memory

Cache Memory: Cache memory is generally joined onto the motherboard

and installed on the core processor or main RAM. It provides quicker access
by storing an instance of the programs or data regularly accessed by the
processor
SECONDARY MEMORY
 Secondary memory is where programs and data are kept on a long-
term basis.
 Eg- hard disk , optical disks, flash memory etc.
 Anything in secondary storage is available even if computer is
switched off.
Difference b/w RAM and ROM
 Difference between PM and SM
Basis for Comparison Primary Memory Secondary Memory

Primary memory is Secondary memory is

Basic directly accessible by not directly accessible
Processor/CPU. by CPU.

Altered Name Main memory. Auxiliary memory.

Instructions or data to be Data to be permanently

Data currently executed are stored is kept in
copied to main memory. secondary memory.
 Continued…
Primary memory is usually Secondary memory is
Volatility
volatile. non-volatile.
Secondary memories
Primary memories are made of
Formation are made of magnetic
semiconductors.
and optical material.
Accessing data from
Accessing data from primary
Access Speed secondary memory is
memory is faster.
slower.
Secondary memory is
Primary memory is accessed
Access accessed by input-
by the data bus.
output channels.
 The computer has a
The computer has a small primary larger secondary
Size
memory. memory.

Secondary memory is
Primary memory is costlier than
Expense cheaper than primary
secondary memory.
memory
Primary memory is an internal Secondary memory is
Memory
memory. an external memory.
 Memory Units
 Memory unit is the amount of data that can be stored in the storage unit. This storage
capacity is expressed in terms of Bytes.
Kilobyte (KB)
1
1 KB = 1024 Bytes
Megabyte (MB)
2
1 MB = 1024 KB
GigaByte (GB)
3
1 GB = 1024 MB
TeraByte (TB)
4
1 TB = 1024 GB
PetaByte (PB)
5
1 PB = 1024 TB
Memory Hierarchy
 Internal register is for holding the temporary results and variables.
Accessing data from these registers is the fastest way of accessing
memory.
 Cache is used by the CPU for memory which is being accessed over and
over again. Instead of pulling it every time from the main memory, it is
put in cache for fast access.
 Main memory or RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a type of the
computer memory and is a hardware component. It can be increased
provided the operating system can handle it.
 Hard disk: A hard disk is a hardware component in a computer. Data is
kept permanently in this memory. Memory from hard disk is not directly
accessed by the CPU, hence it is slower.
 Magnetic tape: Magnetic tape memory is usually used for backing up
large data. When the system needs to access a tape, it is first mounted to
access the data. When the data is accessed, it is then unmounted. The
memory access time is slower in magnetic tape and it usually takes few
minutes to access a tape.
Motherboard
Hardware and Software
Hardware

 Computer hardware is the collection of physical parts of a

computer system.
 Computer hardware includes the computer case, monitor,
keyboard, and mouse. It also includes all the parts inside the
computer case, such as the hard disk drive, motherboard, video
card, and many others.
 Computer hardware is what you can physically touch.
Internal hardware
Software

 Computer software, on the other hand, is not something you can

touch. Software is a set of instructions for a computer to perform
specific operations. You need both hardware and software for a
computer system to work.
Software Classification

Computer systems divide software systems into two major classes:

 System software: Helps run the computer hardware and computer
system itself. System software includes operating systems, device
drivers, diagnostic tools and more. System software is almost always pre-
installed on your computer.
 Application software: Allows users to accomplish one or more tasks. It
includes word processing, web browsing and almost any other task for
which you might install software. (Some application software is pre-
installed on most computer systems.)
Assignment

 Who invented computer?

 Study generations of computer.
Reference video links

 Computer parts
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExxFxD4OSZ0

 How does computer work

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAx_6-wdslM
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCq8-xTH7jA
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoqMiFKspAA
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USCBCmwMCDA
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnyFYiK2rSY