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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, DEFINITION, ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES
What is a Computer? A computer is an electronic device that processes raw data, perform mathematical and logical operations. Modern computers perform a wide range of tasks, store, retrieve, and process information. Using, and produces output. Using a computer we can create/modify documents, send/receive emails, browse information on the internet, and play video games. After the invention of computer science and technology became too advanced. Today we cannot imagine growing our technology without computers. Components of the Computer System The various components of the computer system are classified into two groups. Hardware Software
1. Hardware Hardware is the physical tangible component of the computer system. This type of component is touchable. Some examples of computer hardware include: CPU, Mouse, Keyboard and monitor. So, the hardware of the computer system are: Block diagram of a Computer. Input Device: Input devices allow the user to enter data in the CPU (Central Processing Unit). Mouse, Keyboard, scanner, barcode reader are general examples of input devices.
Output Device: Output devices allow the user to output the processed data or information into human-readable form. Monitor, speaker, projector, printer are general examples of output devices. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is referred to as the brain of a computer system. It is used to process data and provides output to output devices. The CU (control unit), ALU (arithmetic and logical unit), and registers are components of the CPU. Storage: In a computer, storage devices are used to store the data or information that entered into the computer system and the output comes from processing the information or data.
2. Software: Software is a collection of programs (set of instructions), data, and protocols. It is not in material form so we cannot touch such types of components. The execution of software programs is performed by hardware. Firmware, operating systems, applications are examples of software. 1. Operating system (OS): The software that manages the resources of a computer system and schedules its operation is called Operating System. The operating system acts as interface between the hardware and the user programs and facilitates the execution of the program. Examples of OS include: Windows, UNIX, Lunix, Ubuntu etc 2. Translators: Computers can understand instructions only when they are written in their own language- the machine language. Therefore, aa program written in any other language should be translated into machine language. 3. Application Programs: these are user written programs to do a specific job which can be changed to meet the individual needs. 4. General Purpose Packages: These packages are developed to Suit the needs of research workers/ scientists in different fields. Examples are Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access. Characteristics of Computer System
Versatility: A computer can perform more than one task at the same time, this characteristic is called versatility. For example, we can create our project using PowerPoint and Word while listening to music or we can design a website while listening to music. Automation: Today the world is moving toward AI (Artificial Intelligence) based technology. Once instructions are programmed, a computer can perform work automatically. This feature of the computer replaces thousands of workers by performing tasks automatically. Reliability: A computer is a reliable device. The output results never differ until the input is different. If an input is the same then output won’t be different. Diligence: A human cannot work for several hours without taking a rest whereas a computer device never gets tired. A computer can perform millions of calculations constantly with full accuracy without taking a rest. Basic 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 cannot imagine growing our technology without computers. The various field where the computer is very essential are: Science Today computer is the primary work tool in the field of science. It 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 A computer performs a vital to control defense 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 is also used for GPS tracking, controlling defense vehicles, records of all members of the military. Medical
The computer plays a very important role in medical science such as 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. Research is also spread with the help of computers in the health sector. Education Today learning becomes easy because of computers. Anyone employed or student can learn any stage of life with the help of a computer. Computers are very crucial for online classes, and download study material on the internet. Computers are also used to track student attendance and learning strategies. Coaching and institutes increased their areas by audio- visual aids using computers. Banking A computer performs a crucial role in banking sectors, by storing several account holder details on a bank server and all transactions such as deposits and withdrawals performed 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 Today most people are so busy and they do not easily get time to fresh their mind. 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. Advantages
- High speed : Computers have the ability to perform routine tasks at a greater speed than human beings. They can perform millions of instructions in seconds.
- Accuracy: Computers are used to perform tasks in a way that ensures accuracy
- Storage: Computers can store large amount of information. Any item of data stored in the memory can be retrieved by the computer at lightning speed.
- Automation: Computers can be instructed to perform complex tasks automatically.
Job Accounting: It keeps track of time and resources used by various jobs or users. Error-detecting Aids: These contain methods that include the production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and error-detecting methods. Memory Management: It keeps track of the primary memory , like what part of it is in use by whom, or what part is not in use, etc. and It also allocates the memory when a process or program requests it. Processor Management: It allocates the processor to a process and then de- allocates the processor when it is no longer required or the job is done. Control on System Performance: It records the delays between the request for a service and the system. Security: It prevents unauthorized access to programs and data using passwords or some kind of protection technique. Convenience: An OS makes a computer more convenient to use. Efficiency: An OS allows the computer system resources to be used efficiently. Ability to Evolve: An OS should be constructed in such a way as to permit the effective development, testing, and introduction of new system functions at the same time without interfering with service. Throughput: An OS should be constructed so that it can give maximum throughput (Number of tasks per unit time). Functionalities of Operating System Resource Management: When parallel accessing happens in the OS means when multiple users are accessing the system the OS works as Resource Manager, its responsibility is to provide hardware to the user. It decreases the load in the system. Process Management: It includes various tasks like scheduling and termination of the process. It is done with the help of CPU Scheduling algorithms. Storage Management: The file system mechanism used for the management of the storage. NIFS , CIFS , CFS , NFS , etc. are some file systems. All the data is
stored in various tracks of Hard disks that are all managed by the storage manager. It included Hard Disk. Memory Management: Refers to the management of primary memory. The operating system has to keep track of how much memory has been used and by whom. It has to decide which process needs memory space and how much. OS also has to allocate and deallocate the memory space. Security/Privacy Management: Privacy is also provided by the Operating system using passwords so that unauthorized applications can’t access programs or data. For example, Windows uses Kerberos authentication to prevent unauthorized access to data. Computer Virus A virus is a program that can infect other programs by modifying them. The modification includes a copy of the virus program which then goes on to infect other programs. Viruses are self-replicating and can cause havoc in a system by modifying or destroying files and causing system crashing and program malfunction. VIRUS (Vital Information Resources Under Siege) is the malware that supports Spyware-the process in which personal details are kept an eye on to hack the accounts and reveal personal data. Virus can be a simple program that affects the computer system and allows the hacker to get into your files. Virus is nothing on its own and thus needs a host. The host helps the virus get into other systems and execute it when triggered. The common route is through emails, where the attachments contain the virus. Going into the detailed structure of a ‘virus’, it has two parts the transmission mechanism part that controls its transfer mechanism and the payload, the part responsible for its execution. This second part is again divided into two parts namely infection program mechanism and actual destructive component, this part contains the virus code. Virus has the characteristics of self-replicating and being non-detectable, which makes it easier for hackers to make viruses to earn money illegally. When it comes to malware, not only the viruses but the Trojan horse, Ransomware, worms also are included. Viruses are self-replicating while Trojans are not, Ransomware done for ransom while worms do not need a host, which makes it differ from viruses.
An unprotected computer is like an open door for computer viruses. Firewalls monitor Internet traffic in and out of your computer and hide your PC from online scammers looking for easy targets. Products like Webroot Internet Security Complete and Webroot Antivirus provide complete protection from the two most dangerous threats on the Internet
- spyware and computer viruses. They prevent viruses from entering your computer, stand guard at every possible entrance of your computer and fend off any computer virus that tries to open, even the most damaging and devious strains. Assignment 1 In today’s digital landscape, proficiency in various computer packages is essential for academic success and future career opportunities. This assignment will help you explore and apply key computer applications commonly used in business environments. Assignment Tasks
- Spreadsheet Analysis (Excel) Task: Create a budget plan for a hypothetical event (e.g., a college festival). Requirements: Use formulas and functions to calculate total costs, potential revenue, and profit. Create a visual representation (e.g., charts or graphs) of your budget. Include at least three different types of charts.
- Presentation Design (PowerPoint) Task: Prepare a presentation summarizing your budget plan. Requirements: Create a minimum of 5 slides, including: Title slide Overview of the event Detailed budget breakdown Visual data representation Conclusion and next steps
Use design elements (e.g., images, animations) to enhance your presentation.
- Word Processing (Word) Task: Write a report summarizing your event planning process and budget analysis. Requirements: The report should be 2-3 pages long, formatted with headings and subheadings. Include a title page. Use features such as bullet points, tables, and styles to improve readability.
- Data Management (Access) Task: Create a simple database to track event attendees and their contributions. Requirements: Include at least five fields (e.g., Name, Contact Information, Contribution Type, Amount). Create a report that summarizes total contributions. [email protected]
