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computer system.
What is Block Diagram of a
Computer?
The block diagram represents how data
and instructions flow between the CPU,
memory, and I/0 devices, managed by the
Control Unit. In simple terms, a Block
Diagram of a Computer helps us
understand how a computer works, from
collecting input data, processing &
formatting the data, and generating the
output results in the way user commands.
The computer system consists of three
main parts: Input Units, CPU, and Output
Units.
Data = Input Units
(Keyboard/Mouse etc.) — Central
Processing Unit (CPU) = Output
Unit (Monitor, Speaker, Printer)
Explanation for Block6:30 3292 te8 ahd wal
Explanation for Block
Diagram of Computer
Every student while learning the Block
Diagram of a Computer must be aware of
how the data flows inside the computer.
Below we have discussed step-by-step
working of how data is received and
displayed on the computer.
Step 1: Input devices allow the users to
provide data and commands to the
computer. The data inserted manually is
collected by input devices like keyboard,
mouse, scanners, and others. These
devices generate electrical signals or data
packets representing the input.
Step 2: The data generated by input
devices is sent to the computer's input
interface/Memory Unit which processes
and formats the data for further use by
the computer.
Step 3: The processed input data is then
sent to the computer's Central Processing
Unit (CPU) which temporarily stores this
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data in memory (RAM) for immediate
processing. The CPU executes
instructions related to the input data.
For example, if you're typing a document,
the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
processes the keystrokes and stores them
in memory. The control unit schedules all
the activities for the smooth working of
the computer.
Step 4: After processing, the CPU sends
the results or instructions to the
computer's output interface where the
data is formatted for transmission to the
output devices.
Step 5: Then the output unit receives the
final processed output. Output devices
such as monitors, printers, speakers, and
others receive the formatted data.
Monitors display visual information,
printers produce hard copies, and
speakers play audio, based on the data
they receive.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
‘Arithmetic & Loaic Unit
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
‘Arithmetic & Logic Unit
+t
20 Keyboard Mouse Y t ‘ea MoritecPinter
‘Memory Unit
The components included in the Block
Diagram of a Computer have been
discussed in detail below.
1. Input Unit
The input unit takes all the data received
by the computer. The input unit comprises
different devices such as a mouse,
keyboard, scanner, etc. All of these
devices act as intermediaries between the
users and the computer. The input unit
takes the data that has to be processed.
The raw data is accepted by the computer
in binary form. This data is then processed
and the desired output is produced
The major functions of the Input Unit are-
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/‘ Characteristics
of
Computer
Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and
accuracy compared to humans while
performing mathematical calculations.
Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of
instructions per second. The time taken by
computers for their operations is
microseconds and nanoseconds.
Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100%
accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy.
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Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or
calculations with the same consistency and
accuracy. It doesn't feel any fatigue or lack of
concentration. Its memory also makes it
superior to that of human beings.
Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a
computer to perform different kinds of works
with same accuracy and efficiency.
Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent
result for similar set of data i.e., if we give
same set of input any number of times, we will
get the same result.
Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically
i.e. it performs tasks without manual
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In today's world, we use computers for all our
tasks. Our day-to-day activities: paying bills,
buying groceries, using social media, seeking
entertainment, working from home,
communicating with a friend, etc., can all be
done using a computer. So it is important not
only to know how to use a computer, but also
to understand the components of a computer
and what they do.
This topic explains all concepts related to
computer in detail, from origin to end. The idea
of computer literacy is also discussed, which
includes the definition and functions of a
computer. You learn about the components of
a computer, the concept of hardware and
software, representation of data/information,
the concept of data processing and
applications of IECT.
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that
accepts data from the user, processes it,
produces results, displays them to the users,
and stores the results for future usage.
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Functions of Computers
1 GD
A computer performs the following functions -
Receiving Input
Data is fed into computer through various input
devices like keyboard, mouse, digital pens, etc.
Input can also be fed through devices like CD-
ROM, pen drive, scanner, etc.
Processing the information
Operations on the input data are carried out
based on the instructions provided in the
programs.
Storing the information
After processing, the information gets stored
in the primary or secondary storage area.
Producing output
The processed information and other details
are communicated to the outside world
through output devices like monitor, printer,
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Types of Computer
There are two bases on which we can define
the types of computers. We will discuss the
type of computers on the basis of size and
data handling capabilities. We will discuss
each type of computer in detail. Let's see first
what are the types of computers.
* Super Computer
¢ Mainframe computer
¢ Mini Computer
* Workstation Computer
* Personal Computer (PC)
Server Computer
« Analog Computer
¢ Digital Computer
« Hybrid Computer
¢ Tablets and Smartphone
Now, we are going to discuss each of them in
detail.
Supercomputer
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Supercomputer
When we talk about speed, then the first
name that comes to mind when thinking of
computers is supercomputers. They are the
biggest and fastest computers (in terms of
speed of processing data). Supercomputers
are designed such that they can process a
huge amount of data, like processing trillions
of instructions or data just in a second. This is
because of the thousands of interconnected
processors in supercomputers. It is basically
used in scientific and engineering applications
such as weather forecasting, scientific
simulations, and nuclear energy research. It
was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
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Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a
way that they can support hundreds or
thousands of users at the same time. It also
supports multiple programs simultaneously.
So, they can execute different processes
simultaneously. All these features make the
mainframe computer ideal for big
organizations like banking, telecom sectors,
etc., which process a high volume of data in
general.
Characteristics of Mainframe Computers
« It is also an expensive or costly computer.
elt has high storage capacity and great
performance.
* It can process a huge amount of data (like
data involved in the banking sector) very
quickly.
¢ It runs smoothly for a long time and has a
long life.
Minicomputer
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Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium _ size
multiprocessing computer. In this type of
computer, there are two or more processors,
and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time.
Minicomputer is similar to Microcontroller.
Minicomputers are used in places like
institutes or departments for different work
like billing, accounting, inventory
management, etc. It is smaller than a
mainframe computer but larger in comparison
to the microcomputer.
Characteristics of Minicomputer
« Its weight is low.
* Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry
anywhere.
« less expensive than a mainframe computer.
« Itis fast.
Workstation Computer
A workstation computer is designed for
Open In App
= O JBasic Terms
Vacuum tube - an elec-
tonic device that controls ‘i
the flow of electrons in a va-
cuum. It used as a switch,
amplifier, or display screen in many
older model radios, televisions, com-
puters, etc.
Transistor ~ an electronic &
component that can be used Y |
as an amplifier or as a J
switch, It is used to control
the flow of electricity in radios, televi-
sions, computers, etc.
Integrated circuit (IC) - a small elec-
tronic circuit printed on a chip (usu-
ally made of silicon) that contains
many its own circuit elements (e.g.
transistors, diodes, resistors, etc.).
tronic component held on
an integrated circuit that contains a
computer's central processing unit
(CPU) and other associated circuits.
CPU (central processing unit) @often referred to as the brain or en-
gine of a computer where most of the
processing and operations take place
(CPU is part of a microprocessor).
Magnetic drum - a cylin-
der coated with magnetic
material, on which data
and programs can be
stored.
Magnetic core - uses arrays of small
rings of magnetized material called
cores to store information.
Machine language
—a low-level pro-
gramming language
comprised of a col-
lection of binary digits (ones and
zeros) that the computer can read and
understand.
Assembly language is like the ma-
chine language that a computer can
understand, except that assembly lan-
guage uses abbreviated words (e.g.
ADD, SUB, DIV...) in place of numbers
(Os and 1s).
Memory - a phys-
ical device that is
used to store data,
information and
program in a computer. °eArtificial intelligence (AD - an area
of computer science that deals with
the simulation and creation of intelli-
gent machines or intelligent behave
in computers (they think, learn, work,
and react like humans).
First Generation of Computers
Classification of generations of
computers
The evolution of computer technology
is often divided into five generations.
Five Generations of Computers
Generations | Generations Evolving
Computers | timeline hardware
First Vacuum tube
generation | 19405-19505 jyased
Second Transistor
generation | 19505-19605 jsased
Third Integrated
generation | 19608-19708 | Girewtit based
Fourth 1970s- Microprocessor
generation | present based
Fifth The present | Artificial
and the intelligence
generation | future based
The main characteristics of first
generation of computers (1940s-
1950s)
» Main electronic component -— va-
cuum tube
+ Main memory ~ magnetic t
drums and magnetic
tapes
* Programming language — 1
chine language~~ —
tapes =m
+ Programming language - ma-
chine language
+ Power — consume a lot of electri-
city and generate a lot of hee
+ Speed and size
very slow and
very large in
size (often tak-
ing up entire
room),
+ Input/output devices — punched
cards and paper tape.
* Examples ~ ENIAC, UNIVAC1, IBM
650, IBM 701, etc.
» Quantity — there were about 100
different vacuum tube computers
produced between 1942 and1963.
Second Generation of
Computers
The main characteristics of second
generation of computers (1950s-
1960s)
* Main electronic component- @
transistor
+ Memory ~ magnetic core and
magnetic tape / disk
+ Programming lan-
guage - assembly
language
* Power and size - low
power consumption,
generated less heat,
and smaller in size (in compar-
ison with the first generation,
computers).