Computer is a data processing machine which

is derived from human intelligence, for

processing it has to perform the following
task:
Accept data from user (Input)
Accept instructions from user (Input)
Convert data into instruction (Processing)
Display the result (Output)



Input processing output
Data
Instructions
Output
information
Garbage In Garbage Out
Fast in processing,
storage and retrieval
Large storage space
Accurate
Versatile
Works automatically
Diligent
Compactness


No intelligence
No decision power
Cannot learn with
experience

Characteristics
Limitations
Digital Computer:
Accepts digits and alphabets,
works upon discrete data (0,1)
Ex: Mini, micro, mainframe and super computers used business
purpose

Analog Computers:
Using signals as input,
Operate by measuring rather then counting
mostly used in scientific or engineering application
Ex: thermometer, speedometer, voltmeter, Complex scientific
calculation

Hybrid Computers:
Use signals and digits as input, special purpose computers
Ex: Used in hospitals to know the radio activity level & ICU
used in mines, chemical processing.





Input
Control unit
ALU
Memory
Output
Central Processing Unit
CPU: Brain of computer to control all inputs
Process the instructions, perform arithmetic and logical
operations, data flow with in the computer, communicate
with input and out units
ALU: Electronic circuit, Arithmetic operations like +,-,*,%,

CU: Electronic circuit, to control the activities of the computer

Memory: active part to store, process and deliver the data when
required


2 types : primary memory
Secondary memory

Primary memory 2 types 1. random access memory
2. read only memory
Read only memory (ROM): data resides permanently, non
volatile, stores the program which is required to run the
computer EX: Operating system, boot strap loader
Random access memory (RAM): data required by the program is
stored in RAM, temporary memory, volatile, random access,
also called as read/write only memory,
Expensive memory
Secondary memory:

called as external memory or main memory,
high speed,
Low cost, cost per bit is low,
Ex: magnetic disk, magnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk, CD
ROM, zip disk, Winchester disk, optical disk.

Smallest unit: bit 0,1

1 byte=8 bits
1024 bits=1 kilo byte
1024 bytes=1 mega byte
1024 megabyte=1gigabyte
1024 gigabyte=1 terra byte

Input: the process of entering and transforming data into
machine readable form so that it can be processed by the computer.

Keyboard
Joy stick
Mouse
MICR (Magnetic ink character recognition)
OCR (Optical character reader)
OBR (Optical bar code reader)
Web camera
Scanner

Out put devices: Electromechanical devices, accept data
from computer and transfer into output device.

Monitors
Printers
Plotters
Screen image projectors
Voice response system.