Course Title:- Fundamentals of IT and C Programming
Unit 1.0 - Basics of Computer System
1.1 Computer System and its
Components
Definition: A Computer System is an electronic
device that takes input (data), processes it using
instructions (programs), and produces output
(information).
It consists of hardware (physical parts) and software
(programs/instructions).
Hardware: Physical components of computer system
Software: Collection of programs
Main Components
Input Unit → The input unit of a computer system consists of devices that
allow data and instructions to be entered into the computer from the
external world. It is a device that provide data (keyboard, mouse,
scanner) to computer for processing.
Processing Unit (CPU) → The processing unit, commonly known as the
Central Processing Unit (CPU), is the primary component responsible for
executing instructions and performing calculations within a computer
system. It is often referred to as the " brain” of the computer.
Memory (Storage) →The memory unit is a critical component of the
computer system that stores data and instructions for immediate use by
the CPU.
Primary memory (RAM, ROM).
Secondary memory (Hard Disk, SSD).
Output Unit → The output unit is responsible for presenting the processed
data or results from the computer in a form that is understandable to
the user. It converts the computer's internal binary output into a human-
readable format, such as visual, audio, or printed information.
Peripherals → additional devices connected to the computer.
Generation of Computer
First Generation (1940–1956):
The first generation computers were developed by using vacuum tube or thermionic valve
machine.
The first generation computers worked on binary-coded concept (i.e., language of 0-
1). Examples: ENIAC, EDVAC, etc.
Second Generation (1956–1963):
The second generation computers were developed by using transistor technology.
In comparison to the first generation, the size of second generation was smaller.
In comparison to computers of the first generation, the computing time taken by the
computers of the second generation was lesser.
Third Generation (1964–1971):
The third generation computers were developed by using the Integrated Circuit (IC)
technology.
The third generation computer consumed less power and also generated less heat.
The maintenance cost of the computers in the third generation was also low.
The computer system of the computers of the third generation was easier for commercial
use.
Generation of Computer
Fourth Generation (1971–1980s):
The fourth generation computers were developed by using microprocessor technology.
By coming to fourth generation, computer became very small in size, it became portable.
The machine of fourth generation started generating very low amount of heat.
It is much faster and accuracy became more reliable.
It became available for the common people as well.
Fifth Generation (1980s–present):
The period 2010 to till date and beyond, roughly considered as the period of fifth
generation of computers.
By the time, the computer generation was being categorized on the basis of hardware
only, but the fifth generation technology also included software.
The computers of the fifth generation had high capability and large memory capacity.
Working with computers of this generation was fast and multiple tasks could be performed
simultaneously.
Some of the popular advanced technologies of the fifth generation include Artificial
intelligence, Quantum computation, Nanotechnology, Parallel processing, etc.
Anatomy of Computer
Systems
The anatomy means the internal structure.
System Unit → Main box of the computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Motherboard (main circuit board)
RAM (Temporary memory)
Storage devices (HDD/SSD)
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Cooling fans
Input device
Keyboard: A keyboard is undoubtedly the most popular input
device. A lot of the data we input into a computer is done
through a keyboard. The main set of keys on a keyboard
include: Typing keys, Numeric Keypad, Function keys, Control
keys, Special Purpose Keys
Mouse: A popular pointing device, it helps control the cursor. It
has a left and a right button. The primary purpose of the
mouse is to send appropriate signals to the CPU.
Scanner: This input device resembles a photocopy machine
and is used when transferring information on paper onto the
computer. What the scanner does is that it captures the
images from the paper and converts them into their digital
form.
Microphone: Through this input device, you can input sound
into the computer system. Using a microphone, both live audio
and pre-recorded audio can be fed into the computer-based
recorder. The microphone functions by converting acoustic
energy into an electric signal.
Input device
Touchscreen: A display that functions as both an output
and input device, allowing users to interact directly with
on-screen elements by touching them with their fingers.
Webcam: Captures real-time video images and streams
them to the computer.
Digital Camera: Stores images and videos in digital form,
which can then be transferred to a computer.
Barcode Reader: Reads information encoded in a
barcode, commonly used in retail for pricing and inventory
management.
Touchpad: A touch-sensitive surface used as a pointing
device, standard on laptops.
Light Pen: A pen-shaped device used to input data directly
onto a computer screen with high accuracy.
Output device
Monitor: Monitors are the primary visual output devices, displaying
processed data as images, videos, and text on a screen. They work by
arranging microscopic dots called pixels into a rectangular pattern to
form images, with image sharpness determined by the number of pixels.
Monitors are classified into two main types: Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)
and flat-panel displays.
Printers: produce hard copies of digital information on paper. They are
divided into two categories: Impact and Non-Impact printers. Impact
printers, like dot matrix and daisy wheel printers, create images by
physically striking an ink ribbon against paper, resulting in a noisy
operation but low consumable costs. Non-impact printers, such as inkjet
and laser printers, do not require physical contact with the paper,
operate silently, and produce higher quality prints with a wider range of
fonts and character sizes.
Speakers and headphones: are audio output devices that convert
electronic signals from the computer into audible sound
waves. Speakers are typically used for shared audio experiences, while
headphones allow for private listening without disturbing others.
Output device
Projectors: Projectors are output devices that magnify and display
computer output onto a large screen or wall using light and lenses. They
are commonly used for presentations, teaching, and home
entertainment, allowing large groups to view content
simultaneously. Projectors are lightweight and can be easily mounted
on walls or ceilings, taking up minimal floor space.
Plotters: Plotters are specialized output devices used for printing high-
quality, large-format vector graphics such as architectural drawings,
maps, and engineering designs. However, they are generally slower
and more expensive than regular printers.
3D Printers are advanced output devices that create three-dimensional
physical objects from digital models by adding material layer by
layer. They are used in manufacturing, prototyping, and healthcare for
producing complex parts and custom designs.
Braille Embossers (Braille Readers) are output devices that convert
digital text into Braille characters on paper, enabling visually impaired
individuals to read printed information. They are essential tools for
accessibility in education and information access.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the
main circuit board of the
computer.
A motherboard is made
of plastic and silicon as
well. A motherboard is a
complex component
with various kinds of
ports, slots, and cables
connected to it.
Components of the
Motherboard
CPU Slot: The CPU can be installed in this space. It serves as a connector
between a motherboard and a microprocessor. It makes the CPU easier to
operate and guards against harm when installing or removing it. It also has a
lock to stop the CPU from moving and a heat sink to get rid of the additional
heat.
RAM Slot: The RAM (Random Access Memory) is installed in a memory slot or
socket on the motherboard. A computer may have two or more memory
slots.
Expansion Slot: It is often referred to as an extension port or a bus slot. It is a
connection or port on the motherboard that offers a place to put an
expansion card for components. It goes by the name bus slot and expansion
port as well. It is a port or connection on the motherboard that offers a place
to add a hardware expansion card. For instance, you could buy a video
expansion card, put it in the expansion slot, and then install a new video card
in the computer. AGP, AMR, CNR, PCI, and other popular expansion slots in
computers are only a few examples.
Capacitor: Two conducting plates and a thin insulator are placed together
to form a capacitor. These components are contained in a plastic bag.
Inductor(Coil): A conducting wire is wrapped around an iron core to create
an electromagnetic coil known as an inductor. It stores magnetic energy by
functioning as an electromagnet or inductor.
Components of the
Motherboard
USB Port: You can attach hardware like a mouse and keyboard to your
computer using the USB port.
PCI Slot: This term refers to a slot. It enables you to connect Peripheral
Component Interconnect Slot hardware, like as sound and video cards,
network hardware, and modems. These are used to connect the
peripherals.
Heat Sink: The heat created by the computer processor is absorbed
and dispersed by the heat sink. Its main function is to cool down the
CPU by absorbing the heat while the system is running.
Power Connector: The purpose of the power connector is to give power
to the motherboard.
CMOS Battery: Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor is the
abbreviation for the CMOS Battery. It is a storage memory. A battery
that provides backup power.
Integrated Circuits (IC): IC is also a very important component of the
motherboard. Integrated Circuits is used for data processing and
storage.
Peripherals
A peripheral device is any external device
connected to a computer that adds functionality
but is not part of the core computer system.
Peripherals are external devices that connect to the
computer to extend its functions.
Input peripherals: keyboard, mouse, scanner.
Output peripherals: monitor, printer, speakers.
Storage peripherals: external hard drives, USB
drives.
Networking peripherals: routers, modems.
Backend and Front end of
System Unit
Frontend (Visible part to the user):
Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers.
What you directly interact with.
Backend (Internal workings):
CPU, RAM, motherboard, storage, GPU.
Processes all instructions behind the scenes.
1.2 Storage Device in Computer System
Primary Storage : Primary Memory is a type of
Computer Memory that the Preprocessor directly
accesses. It is used to store data on which computer
is currently working. It has less storage than
Secondary Memory. It is basically of two types: RAM
and ROM.
Secondary Storage: Secondary Memory is a type of
Computer Memory which is used to permanently
store the data and information. It has a larger data
storage capacity than Primary Memory. Secondary
Memory is not directly accessible from CPU. It is
basically of four types: Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid
State Drives (SSD), Optical Discs (CD/DVD) and USB
Flash Drives
Primary Storage
Random Access Memory (RAM) : RAM is a type of computer memory
that is used to temporarily store data that the computer is currently using or
processing.
RAM is volatile memory, which means that the data stored in it is lost when
the power is turned off.
RAM is typically used to store the operating system, application programs,
and data that the computer is currently using.
It is also called read-write memory or the main memory or the primary
memory .
Read Only Memory (ROM): ROM is a type of computer memory that is
used to permanently store data that does not need to be modified.
ROM is non-volatile memory, which means that the data stored in it is
retained even when the power is turned off.
ROM is typically used to store the computer's BIOS (basic input/output
system), which contains the instructions for booting the computer, as well as
firmware for other hardware devices.
Secondary Storage
Hard Disk Drives (HDD): They consist of a series of circular disks
called platters, arranged one over the other around a spindle.
The disks are made of non-magnetic materials and coated
with magnetic material. A typical modern HDD has a storage
capacity measured in terabytes (TB).
Solid State Drives (SSD): These devices store data using flash-
based memory much faster than traditional hard disks. SSDs
have no moving parts and upgrading to one is a great way to
speed up your computer and make it more resilient.
Optical Discs (CD/DVD) : These devices use optical storage
technology to read and write data. Data gets stored digitally,
and lasers are used in these devices to read and write data.
USB Flash Drives: USB flash drives are essential for quickly
moving files from one system to another. They can now hold
up to 2TB of storage and are a convenient medium to store
and transfer smaller files.
1.3 Central Processing
Unit(CPU)
The CPU is the primary component of a computer that
interprets and executes instructions from software (programs).
It processes data, performs arithmetic and logic
operations, and controls the flow of information between
different parts of the computer.
Workflow of CPU:
Fetch → The CPU takes (fetches) an instruction from
memory (RAM).
Decode → The Control Unit interprets (decodes) what the
instruction means.
Execute → The ALU executes the instruction (arithmetic,
logic, or data transfer).
Store → The result is stored back in memory or a register.
This is called the Instruction Cycle (or Fetch–Decode–
Execute cycle).
CPU Components
Control Unit: The control unit manages
the CPU by sending signals like clock,
hold, and reset to its parts. It ensures all
components work together to complete
tasks.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The
ALU handles arithmetic tasks (like
addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division) and logical tasks (like AND, OR,
comparisons).
Memory Unit: The memory unit stores
data and instructions. Older CPUs used
registers, but modern ones also have fast
cache memory. The CPU fetches data
from RAM, ROM, or hard disks and stores
it in registers or cache during tasks.
1.4 Bus and its Types
A bus is a communication pathway that
transfers data, addresses, and control
signals between different components of a
computer (like CPU, memory, and
input/output devices). There are 3 types as
following:
Address Bus: The address bus transports
memory addresses which the processor
wants to access in order to read or write
data.
Data Bus: A collection of wires through
which data is transmitted from one part of a
computer to another is called Data Bus.
Control Bus: The connections that carry
control information between the CPU and
other devices within the computer is called
Control Bus. The control bus transports
orders and synchronization signal coming
from the control unit and travelling to all
other hardware components
1.5 Search Engine and
Internet Applications
Search Engine: Tool to find information on the
internet (Google, Bing, etc.)
Search Query: Words or phrases entered to find
specific info
Applications of Internet Digital Platforms:
- BHIM: Digital payment system
- DigiLocker: Cloud-based document storage
- m-Parivahan: Digital vehicle documents
- NPTEL: Online education platform
