Introduction to Computer

Overview

 About Computer
 Definition of Computer
 Parts of Computer
 Basic structure of computer
Who invented Computer?
 Who Invented Computer?

 Charles Babbage- Father of Computer

1822
What is Computer?
 Define Computer?

 A Computer is an electronic device which accepts

input data, processes the data and outputs the desired
information.
 Device capable of performing all computations and
making logical decisions.

 Generally a Computer is a device that accepts input,

processes it, stores data, and produces output.
Five major operations of computer

 It accepts data or instructions as input.

 It stores data and instructions.
 It Processes data as per the instructions.
 It controls all operations inside computer.
 It gives results in the form output.
 Information Processing Cycle

 Steps followed to process data

 Input

 Processing

 Output

 Storage
 Structure of Computer

CPU
Control
Unit
Input Unit Output Unit
Arithmetic
Logic Unit

Memory
System Unit
 Input

 Input: Information provided to the computer by a

person, the environment, or another computer.
Examples of Input
 words and symbols
 numbers
 pictures
 audio signals from a microphone
 signals from another computer
 temperature, speed, pressures, etc. from sensors
Different Input Devices?
 Input Unit

 Input Unit is one which accepts input

 Example of input device: keyboard, joystick,
trackball, mouse etc.,
 Output

 Output - the result produced by a computer after

processing the data.
 Examples of Output
 images on a monitor
 printed documents
 sounds
 signals to device controllers
Different Output Devices?
 Output Unit

 Output Unit is one which display or transmit the result

 Some of the output devices are Monitor, Printer, Plotters,
Speakers etc.
 Memory and Storage

 Memory - It is an area in which data is stored.

 Two classes of storage:
 Primary Memory
 Secondary Memory
Memory unit
 Primary Memory

 Primary Memory:
 Fast memory
 Program must be stored in memory while they are
being executed
 Memory contains large number of semiconductor
storage cells
 Primary Memory:
 READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)
 RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)
 RAM

• RAM is used to store the programs

and data that you will run.
• Exists only when there is power.
• RAM is temporarily while the CPU works with them.
• RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data only when the
power is on. When the power is off, RAM's contents
are lost.
• The “random” in RAM implies that any portion of
RAM can be accessed at anytime. This helps make
RAM very fast.
• More RAM results in a faster system.
 ROM

• Permanent storage of programs.

• ROM contains the pre-programmed
computer instructions such as the Basic
Input Output System (BIOS).
• ROM is called non-volatile memory because
it never loses its contents.
• Holds instructions that the computer needs
to operate.
RAM and ROM on the Motherboard
 RAM and ROM
KEY RAM ROM

Stands for Random Access Memory Read Only Memory

Data Retention RAM data is volatile. ROM data is permanent.

Data is present till power Data remains even after
supply is present. power supply is not present.

Data Access RAM data can be read, ROM data is read only.
erased or modified.

RAM is used to store data ROM is used to store data

Usage that CPU needs for current that in needed to bootstrap
instruction processing. the computer.
 RAM and ROM
KEY RAM ROM

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

RAM.

Capacity RAM memory is large and ROM memory is small and

high capacity. low capacity.

Cost RAM is costlier ROM is cheaper compared

to RAM

Accessibility Processor can access data Processor cannot directly

stored on RAM access ROM,
 Secondary Storage Devices

 Attached to the computer system to allow you to

store programs and data permanently for the
purpose of retrieving them for future use.
 The purpose of storage is to hold data permanently,
even when the computer is turned off.
 Storage devices hold data not currently being used by
the CPU.
 Data is commonly stored on a magnetic or optical disk.
Secondary Storage Devices?
 Secondary Storage Devices

 Solid-State Storage
 Floppy disk,

 Hard disk,

 CD Rom,

 Pen drives etc.,

 Units of Memory Measurement

 Memory is measured in terms of:

 1 Bit = Binary Digit (0 or 1)

 1 Nibble = 4 bits

 1 Byte = 8 bits

 1 Kilo byte (KB) - 1024 bytes

 1 Mega byte (MB) – 1024 KB

 1 Giga byte (GB) – 1024 MB

 1 Tera byte (TB) – 1024 GB

 1 Peta byte (PB) – 1024 TB

 Processing Unit

 The procedure that transforms raw data into useful

information is called processing.
 It is used for processing data.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Processor is called
Brain of the Computer.
 CPU performs all types of data processing.
 Consists of ALU(Arithmetic and Logical Unit) and
CU (control Unit)
 Arithmetic Logic Unit

 Arithmetic and Logical operation are done here

 Suppose two numbers located in memory are to be
added.
 They are brought into the processor and actual
addition is carried by ALU
 The sum may be then stored in the memory or
retained in processor for immediate use.
 Control Unit

 It tells the computer's memory, ALU and input

and output devices how to respond to the
instructions that have been sent to the processor
 It generates the signal to coordinate with all the
functional units of computer
 Data transfer between processor and memory are
also controlled by control unit
 Most computer resources are managed by the
CU
That’s about Basic Structure of Computer
Computer Hardware
 Computer Hardware

 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 Memory Unit
 Input Devices
 Output Devices
 Secondary Storage Devices
 Parts that Build Up A System Unit

 Casing or cover  Sound card

 Power Supply  Floppy disk drive
 Motherboard  Hard disk drive
 Microprocessor  CD-ROM drive
 Memory  MODEM
 Video Card
 Computer Software

 Software is a set of instructions that drive a

computer to perform specific tasks.
 These instructions tell the machine’s physical
components what to do.
 A set of instructions is often called a program.
 When a computer is using a particular program, it is
said to be running or executing the program.
 The two most common types of programs are system
software and application software.
 Two types of Software

 Software's are classified into two broad categories

 System Software

 Application Software
 System Software

 System Software is a Computer Software designed

 to operate computer hardware,

 to provide basic functionality and

 to provide a platform for running application software

 It includes Operating Systems, device drivers,

servers and other utilities
 It is responsible for managing a different
independent hardware components, so that they can
work together
 Application Software

 Application Software is a Computer Software

designed to perform a specific task
 It includes programs that do a task that user needs
 EX: Word processor, Spreadsheets, Database
Software, Media Players, etc
Application Software
 Data and Information

 DATA is a collection of independent and

unorganized facts.
 Ex of Data: Student test score
 INFORMATION is the processed and organized data
presented in a meaningful form.
 Ex of Information: Average test score

2, 3, + Processing 2+3=5
 PROCESSING
SYSTEM

INFORMATION
DATA
What are the factors that you check while
buying a Computer?
Thank You