CS25C03 Essentials of Computing

Computers: Computer, Characteristics of Computers, History of Computers, Classification of Computers,

Applications of Computers, Basic Organization of a Computer. Data Representation, Using spread sheets for basic
operations on data and visualize the data.

WHAT IS COMPUTER?
The word “computer” is comes from the word “TO COMPUTE” means to calculate.

 A computer is normally considered to be a calculation device which can perform the arithmetic
operations very speedily.
 A computer may be defined as a device which operates upon the data.
 Data can be in the form of numbers, letters, symbols, size etc. And it comes in various shapes
& sizes depending upon the type of computer application.
 A computer can store, process & retrieve data based on input.
 A computer first it gets the Data, does Process on it and then produces Information.

DEFINATION OF COMPUTER

A computer is an electronic device which takes input from the user, processes it and gives the output
as per user’s requirement.
So the main tasks of performed by the computer are:

 Input
 Process
 Output

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
Some important characteristics of the computer are as follow:
1. High Speed
o Computer is a very fast device.
o It can perform millions of operations in a second.
o The speed of computer is measured in microseconds, nanoseconds.
o A powerful computer is capable of performing about 3-4 million instructions per second.
o The calculation speed is very high compared to human beings.
2. Accuracy
o In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
o The calculations are 100% error free.
o The errors can occur only if the input is wrong.
 3. Storage
o Memory is a very important characteristic of computer.
o A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
o It can store large amount of data like images, videos, text, audio and many others.
o Memory size is expressed in terms of Kilobytes (KB), Megabytes (MB), Gigabytes (GB) and
Terabytes (TB).
4. Diligence
o Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration.
o It can work continuously without any error or boredom.
5. Versatility
o A computer is a very versatile machine.
o It can do different types of jobs with the same accuracy and speed.
o At one moment it may be playing a game and the next moment it may be solving a complex
scientific problem.
6. Automation
o Computer is an automatic machine.
o Once instructed, it can perform the task automatically.
o Once a program is entered, the program and instructions stored in the memory will direct the
computer for all its operations.
7. Reduction in Paper Work
o The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction of paper work and
results in speeding up the process.
8. Multitasking
o Computer has the ability to perform more than one task at the same time.
o It allows the user to perform different operations with different applications.
9. Reduction in Cost
o Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially reduces the cost of
each of its transactions.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER BY DATA PROCESSING:
Based on Size, Computers Are:
 Digital Computer
o Works on binary (0s and 1s).
o Used in general-purpose tasks.
o Example: Personal computer.
 Analog Computer
o Works with continuous data (e.g., speedometer, thermometer).
  Hybrid Computer
o Combines analog and digital features.
o Used in scientific applications.

The computers are classified in four types on the based on data processing.
 Micro computer
 Mini computer
 Mainframe computer
 Super computer
Micro Computer:
 Micro computers are the computers with having a microprocessor chip as it central
processing unit.
 Originated in late 1970s.
 First micro computer was built with 8 bit processor.
 Microcomputer is known as personal computer.
 Designed to use by individual whether in the form of pc’s, workstation or notebook
computers.
 Small in size and affordable for general people.
 Ex: IBM PC, IBM PC/XT(Extended Technology-10-20 MB), IBM PC/AT(Advanced Technology-
60 MB)
Mini Computer:
 Mini computers are originated in 1960s.
 Small mainframes that perform limited tasks.
 Less expensive than mainframe computer.
 Mini computers are Lower mainframe in the terms of processing capabilities.
 Capable of supporting 10 to 100 users simultaneously.
 In 1970s it contains 8 bit or 12 bit processor.
 Gradually the architecture requirement is grown and 16 and 32 bit.
 Minicomputers are invented which are known as supermini computers.
 Ex: IBM AS400
Mainframe Computer:
 A very powerful computer which capable of supporting thousands of user
simultaneously.
 It contains powerful data processing system.
 It is capable to run multiple operating systems.
  It is capable to process 100 million instructions per second.
 Mainframes are very large & expensive computers with having larger internal storage
capacity & high processing speed.
 Mainframes are used in the organization that need to process large number of transaction
online & required a computer system having massive storage & processing capabilities.
 Mainly used to handle bulk of data & information for processing.
 Mainframe system is housed in a central location with several user terminal connected to it.
 Much bigger in size & needs a large rooms with closely humidity &
temperature.
 IBM & DEC are major vendors of mainframes.
 Ex : MEDHA, SPERRY, IBM, DEC, HP, HCL
Super Computer:
 Most powerful & most expensive computer.
 Used for complex scientific application that requires huge processing power.
 Used multiprocessor technology to perform the calculation very speedy.
 They are special purpose computers that are designed to perform some specific task.
 The cost of the super computer is depended on its processing capabilities & configuration.
 The speed of modern computer is measured in gigaflops, teraflops and petaflops.
o Gigaflops= 109 arithmetic operation per second.
o Teraflops=1012 arithmetic operation per second.
o Petaflops=1015 arithmetic operation per second.
 Ex: PARAM , EKA, BLUE GENE/P

1. Microcomputers
Definition: Small, personal computers designed for individual use.

Examples: Laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones.

Uses: Office work, gaming, study, internet browsing.

We are mostly using these today.

2. Minicomputers

Definition: Medium-sized computers, more powerful than microcomputers but smaller than mainframes.

Examples: Used in banks, factories, hospitals (less common now).

Uses: Multi-user tasks, small business servers.

3. Mainframes (sometimes called Macro computers)

Definition: Large, powerful computers that handle lots of users and data.

Examples: IBM mainframes used by banks, airlines, government.

Uses: Large-scale enterprise computing.

4. Supercomputers

Definition: Extremely fast and powerful computers.

Examples: NASA, weather forecasting, AI research.

Uses: Scientific simulations, big data processing, research.

 GENERATION OF THE COMPUTERS.
In Computer language, “Generation” is a set of Technology. It provides a framework for the
growth of the computer technology. There are totally Five Computer Generations till today.
Discussed as following.
First Generation:
 Duration: 1942-1955
 Technology: vacuum tube
o Used as a calculating device.
o Performed calculations in milliseconds.
o To bulky in size & complex design.
o Required large room to place it.
o Generates too much heat & burnt.
o Required continuously hardware maintenance.
o Generates much heat so must air-conditioner rooms are required.
o Commercial production is difficult & costly.
o Difficult to configure.
o Limited commercial use.
o ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC are example of 1st generation computer.

Second Generation:
 Duration: 1955-1964
 Technology: transistor
o 10 times Smaller in size than 1st generation system.
o Less heat than 1st generation computers.
o Consumed less power than 1st generation system.
o Computers were done calculations in microseconds.
o Air-conditioner is also required.
o Easy to configure than 1st generation computers.
o More reliable in information.
o Wider commercial use.
o Large & fast primary/secondary storage than 1st generation computers.
Third Generation:
 Duration: 1965-1975
 Technology: IC chip
 o Smaller in size than 1st & 2nd generation computers.
o Perform more fast calculations than 2nd generation systems.
o Large & fast primary/secondary storage than 2nd generation computers.
o Air –conditioner is required.
o Widely used for commercial applications.
o General purpose computers.
o High level languages like COBOL & FORTAN are allowed to write programs.
o Generate less heat & consumed less power than 2nd generation computer.
Fourth Generation:
 Duration: 1975-1989
 Technology: Microprocessor chip
o Based on LSI & VLSI microprocessor chip.
o Smaller in size.
o Much faster than previous generations.
o Minimum hardware maintenance is required.
o Very reliable as computer to previous generation computers.
o Totally general purpose computer.
o Easy to configure.
o Possible to use network concept to connect the computer together.
o NO requirement of air-conditioners.
o Cheapest in price.
Fifth Generation:
 Duration: 1989 to Present
 Technology: ULSI microprocessor chip
o Much smaller & handy.
o Based on the ULSI chip which contains 100 million electronic components.
o The speed of the operations is increased.
o Consumed less power.
o Air-conditioner is not required.
o More user friendly interface with multi-media features.
o High level languages are allowed to write programs.
o Larger & faster primary/secondary storage than previous generations.
o Notebook computers are the example of 5th generation computers.
 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER OR SIMPLE MODELCOMPUTER.
A simple computer system comprises the basic components like Input Devices, CPU
(Central Processing Unit) and Output Devices as under:

Input Devices:

o The devices which are used to entered data in the computer systems are
known as input devices.
o Keyboard, mouse, scanner, mike, light pen etc are example of input devices.
FUNCTION OF INPUT DEVICES
o Accept the data from the outside worlds.
o Convert that data into computer coded information.
o Supply this data to CPU for further processing.
Output Devices:

o The devices which display the result generated by the computer are known as
output devices.
o Monitor, printer, plotter, speaker etc are the example of output devices.
FUNCTIONS OF OUTPUT DEVICES
o Accept the result form the CPU.
o Convert that result into human readable form.
o Display the result on the output device.
Memory Unit:
 o The data & instruction have to store inside the computer before the actual
processing start.
o Same way the result of the computer must be stored before passed to the output
devices. This tasks performed by memory unit.

The memory unit stores data and instructions for processing. It is divided into two main types:

1. Primary Memory (Main Memory): A small, fast, volatile memory (e.g., RAM) used for temporary
storage of data and programs the CPU is actively using.

2. Secondary Memory: A large, slower, non-volatile storage used for long-term data storage (e.g.,
hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB drives).

FUNCTIONS OF MEMORY UNIT

o Store data & instruction received from input devices.
o Store the intermediate results generated by CPU.
o Store the final result generated by CPU.
Arithmetical & Logical Unit:
o The ALU is the place where actual data & instruction are processed.
o All the calculations are performed & all comparisons are made in ALU.
o Performs all arithmetical & logical operations.
o An arithmetic operation contains basic operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division.
o Logical operations contains comparison such as less than, greater than, less than
equal to, greater than equal to, equal to, not equal to.
Control Unit:

o It controls the movement of data and program instructions into and out of the
CPU, and to control the operations of the ALU.
o In sort, its main function is to manage all the activities within the computer
system.
o Controls the internal parts as well as the external parts related with the
computer.
CPU:

o The Unit where all the processing is done is called as Central Processing Unit.
o It contains many other units under it.
 o Main of them are:- Control Unit And ALU (Arithmetic & Logic Unit)
Buses:

A bus is a collection of electrical wires that provides a communication path between the different
components of a computer system. There are three main types:

 Data Bus: Carries the actual data between the processor, memory, and I/O devices.

 Address Bus: Carries the address of the memory location or I/O device that the CPU wants to access.

 Control Bus: Carries control signals from the CPU to manage the flow of data and synchronize
operations.

How the components work together

1. Input: An input device, such as a keyboard, is used to enter data and instructions.

2. Storage: The input is stored in the memory unit, particularly the main memory (RAM).

3. Processing: The Control Unit fetches instructions from memory and directs the ALU to perform the
required operations on the data.

4. Output: The final results are stored back in memory and sent to an output device, such as a monitor, for
the user to see.

5. Control: The Control Unit coordinates and manages all of these steps, ensuring the correct sequence of
events.

APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERS
 Computers are used in every field of life, such as homes, businesses, educational institutions,
research organizations, the medical field, government offices, entertainment, etc.
 Today we can not imagine growing our technology without computers.
Science
Today computer is the best-suited machine for collecting, analyzing, classifying, and storing data. It
becomes the most essential medium to spread knowledge internally and internationally. It allows
scientists from different locations to work together and share ideas on the same project.
Defence System
Computers are used to track airplanes, missiles, tanks, and different kinds of weapons. Once the radar
system tracks a missile and artificial intelligence is programmed to target a missile and destroy it before
it comes on the surface. It also used for GPS tracking, controlling defense vehicles, records of all
members of the military.
Medical
Computers are used to record patients’ information, monitoring heart rate, oxygen level, and blood
pressure. To conduct various surgeries junior doctors get the help of another professional doctor by web
conferencing.
Education
Computers are very crucial for online classes, download study material on the internet and interact with
fellow learners. Computers are also used to track student attendance and learning strategies.
Banking
A computer help in storing several account holder details on a bank server. All transactions such as
deposits and withdrawals perform by a computer. A banking company can easily monitor all ATMs and
passbook printing machines.
Government Sectors
Government can easily monitor government sectors such as road services, railway, development, and
other rising funds. The information of every citizen is stored on the server through the computer.
Entertainment
We can play various interesting video games using a computer. We can watch movies, TV shows, and
reality shows on the computer. A computer is also used to create sarcastic memes and make us happy.
Data & Information
Difference Between Data and Information
Data Information
Data is unorganised and unrefined facts Information comprises processed, organised data
presented in a meaningful context

Data is an individual unit that contains raw materials Information is a group of data that collectively
which do not carry any specific meaning. carries a logical meaning.

Data doesn’t depend on information. Information depends on data.

Raw data alone is insufficient for decision making Information is sufficient for decision making
An example of data is a student’s test score The average score of a class is the information
derived from the given data
 DATA REPRESENTATION, USING SPREADSHEET FOR BASIC OPERATIONS ON DATA
AND VISUALIZE THE DATA
A spreadsheet represents data in a tabular format of rows and columns, making it an accessible tool for
performing basic operations and generating powerful visualizations. Programs like Microsoft Excel and
Google Sheets offer robust features for storing, manipulating, and analyzing data.
Data representation in spreadsheets:
A spreadsheet organizes data into a grid of cells, with each cell referenced by its column letter and row
number (e.g., cell A1).
 Cells: Each cell can hold text, numbers, dates, or formulas.
 Rows: Organized horizontally and identified by numbers.
 Columns: Organized vertically and identified by letters.
 Worksheets: A single spreadsheet document, or workbook, can contain multiple worksheets, each on its
own tab.

Basic spreadsheet operations:

Spreadsheets are designed for efficient data manipulation through a range of built-in functions and tools.
Sorting and filtering
 Sorting: Arranges data in a specific order (ascending or descending) based on selected columns. This
helps organize data and identify patterns.
 Filtering: Hides rows that don't meet specific criteria, allowing you to focus on a particular subset of your
data.
Formulas and functions
Formulas are equations that perform calculations and manipulate data. They always begin with an equals

sign ( = ). Functions are predefined formulas that simplify complex calculations.

Common functions include:

 =SUM() : Adds all the numeric values in a range of cells.

 =AVERAGE() : Calculates the average of a range of numbers.

 =COUNT() : Counts the number of cells in a range that contain numbers.

 =MIN() and =MAX() : Finds the smallest and largest values in a range, respectively.

 =IF() : A logical function that returns one value if a condition is true and another if it's false.
 =VLOOKUP() : Searches for a value in one column of a table and returns a corresponding value from
another column in the same row.
 Pivot tables
 Pivot tables are a powerful feature for summarizing and reorganizing large datasets. You can
dynamically drag and drop data fields to quickly see trends and aggregate information in different
ways.
 Data visualization
 Spreadsheets turn raw data into a visual story by generating charts and graphs, which are easier to
interpret and present.
Creating a chart
1. Organize data: Arrange your data in a clear, labeled table of rows and columns.
2. Select data: Highlight the cells you want to include in your chart.
3. Insert chart: Go to the Insert tab and choose your desired chart type from the options, which include
column, line, and pie charts.
4. Customize: Customize elements such as the title, axis labels, legend, and colors using the chart design
tools.
Chart types and uses
 Column charts: Use vertical bars to compare values across different categories or show changes over
time.
 Bar charts: Similar to column charts but use horizontal bars. They are effective for comparing values
when category names are long.
 Line charts: Plot data points connected by lines to show trends and patterns over a continuous
period, such as sales over several months.
 Pie charts: Display data as slices of a circle, illustrating the proportion of each category to the
whole.
 Scatter plots: Show the relationship between two variables and can identify potential correlations.
 Heat maps: Use color to represent the magnitude of a value in a matrix, helping to visualize
patterns in large datasets.
 Sparklines: Miniature charts placed within a single cell to provide a quick visual summary of data
trends.
Conditional formatting
Conditional formatting applies a cell format (like color or data bars) based on its value. This adds a visual
layer to the data in your spreadsheet without needing a separate chart. For example, you can automatically
color-code cells to highlight low, medium, and high values.