Chapter One

Introduction to Computer
After going through this chapter you will be able to define:

 Concept of computer
 Applications of computers
 Characteristics of computer
 Classification of computers

1.1. What is computer?

Let us begin with the word ‘compute’. It means ‘to calculate’. We all are familiar with
calculations in our day to day life. We apply mathematical operations manually, like addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division. But, these types of manual calculation take much
longer time and less accuracy. So human being explored with the idea to develop a machine
which can perform this type of arithmetic calculation with faster and full accuracy. Both factors
brought us to the innovation of a new device called ‘computer’. Therefore the word ‘computer’
came from ‘calculate’.

Computer is an electronic device which processes information based upon the instructions
provided, and generates the desired output. The term is used to describe a collection of devices
that function together as a system that can:

 Accept data: the computer can accept data from the external environment as an input.
 Processed data: it can process the given data depending on the instructions to give the
desired output.
 Stored data: it can store the processed data for the future use.
 Retrieve the stored data when required.
 Print the result in desired format.
In general, the computer can work on any kind of data like: text, numeric, alpha-numeric,
images, pictures, sound, video clippings etc. you will know more about these functions as you
go through the later chapters.

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1.2. Applications of computers
Why we use Computers?
The following are some of the capability of Computers, which are reasons to use Computers.

 Store and process large amount of information with high speed and accuracy;
 Transmit information across continents via communication channels;
 Simulate events;
 Perform complex mathematical computations and make comparisons;
 Monitor ongoing industrial operations;
 Perform repetitive processes with great ease, speed, and reliability;

Therefore, computers are applicable for any functions or process that requires these abilities.

1.2.1 The main areas of computer applications

Commercial or business applications
Computers are needed to perform business operations that require handling large amounts of
data. Several computer applications are available to assist business in working with large
volumes of data.

Examples are:
 Text processing
 Accounting and Finance management
 Inventory control
 Database management
 Statistical analysis
Scientific – engineering and research applications
Using computers for scientific research, complex mathematical calculations, design work, and
analysis and control of physical systems.

Examples are:

 Space technology
 Meteorological observatory systems
 Astronomical investigations
 Design of machines and
 Control of manufacturing process

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Shopping from Home
Individual may now shop by computer in the comfort of their home.

Household Control
A growing number of the newer houses hold devices are computers controlled. For example:
Security systems, refrigerators, microwave ovens, washers, stereos, and televisions. This
computer controlled home security system monitors movements, broken glass, unlawful entry
without a security code, and so on, and alerts the local police department.

Weather and Environment

Computer equipment may show temperature ranges, precipitation levels and wind flow and
can used in weather forecasting. Computer can also help in overcoming environmental hazards.

Transportation
Computers have affected almost every kind of transportation. Many aircraft can fly under the
control of the computer; in this situation, the captain simply serves as a manger by telling the
computer what to do. In Cars, computers have provided functional controls such as spark and
fuel control.

Medical and Health Care

Computers have long been used by hospitals for routine record keeping. Today, however, many
people owe their lives to the computer. Computers are used in hospitals as sensors (device that
detect changes in blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), testing (scan the body and provide
3-D figure), patient treatment.

Routine and Dangerous Tasks

Computers are used in routine tasks. And they can perform task in environments to dangerous
for human workers.

Consultant (Expert system)

An Expert system is a computer program, which can solve problems from a specific knowledge
base. These systems don't replace expert humans because the knowledge base of expert
system is given from the skilled specialist.

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1.3. Characteristics of computer
All computers have certain common characteristics irrespective of their type and size.
Computers are capable of doing complex activities and operations.

The following are the major characteristics of computers which have made them so powerful
and useful are:

1. Word length: Word length is the number of bits that the computer can process at a time in
parallel. Commonly used word lengths are 8 bits, 16 bits, 32 bits or 64 bits. Word length is
the measure of the computing power of computer. Therefore a computer that has longer
word length is more powerful.
2. Speed: As you know computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for calculations
that we take hours to complete. Therefore, we determine the speed of computer in terms of
milliseconds(10-3) , microsecond(10-6) ,nanosecond(10-9) , picoseconds(10-12), i.e. one
thousandth, one millionth , one billionth ,and one trillionth of a second respectively.
3. Accuracy: Suppose someone calculates faster but commits a lot of errors in computing. Such
result is useless. The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is
performed with the same accuracy. The accuracy level is determined on the basis of design
of computer. The errors in computer are due to human and inaccurate data. Then, it either
gives the correct answer or do not answer at all. If faulty instructions are provided for
processing the data, obviously faulty answers will be given. This is also called GIGO, i.e.
Garbage in Garbage Out.
4. Versatility/flexibility: It means the ability to perform completely different type of work. You
may use your computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment you may use it for inventory
management or to prepare electric bills.
5. Diligence: A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can work
for hours without creating any error. If millions of calculations are to be performed, a
computer will perform every calculation with the same accuracy. Due to this capability it
overpowers human
6. Storage capacity: Today's computers can store huge amount of data. Once recorded a piece
of information is never forgotten (unless some problem takes problem) and any information
can be retrieved almost instantaneously. To give you an idea of storage capacity, a single CD
ROM can contain the entire Encyclopedia Britannica, and more.
The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of data. You can
also store data in secondary storage devices such as floppies, flash disk, which can be kept
outside your computer and can be carried to other computers.

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 1.4. Classification of computers
Computers also differ based on their data processing capabilities, computational power,
memory, cost, purpose, method of operation and size. Because of these factors, computers are
classifies into the following categories.

A. Classification based on purpose

According to their purpose or it provides, a computer can be classified in two. Special and
general purpose computers

I. Special purpose computer

Special purpose computers are designed with a specific task in mind, and are not used for any
other purpose. They are pre-programmed with instructions to perform a specific role.

For example, air traffic control systems, airline reservation, satellite tracking and many
household appliances such as TVs and video cassette recorders will make use of such tailor
made computers.

II. General purpose computer

General-purpose computers can be used to meet the needs of many different applications.
They are programmable, in that they allow the user to specify different sets of instructions to
program them for different tasks e.g. desktop computers we use in lab class.

B. Classification based on method of operation

Based on the way they process data, computers are classified in to three; Such as analog, digital
and hybrid computers.

I. Analog computers

Analog computers operate by measuring. They deal with continues variable. They can’t
calculate directly with numbers, rather, they operate by measuring physical magnitude such as
pressure, temperature, voltage, current and etc. e.g. Thermometer, voltmeter, speedometer.
Generally, they are computers designed for special purpose.

II. Digital computers

Unlike the analog computers, digital computers operate by counting rather than measuring.
Deal with discrete variables (0s and 1s). They operate directly upon numbers (digits) that

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 represent numbers, letters, or other special symbols. They have very high accuracy and speed
than analog ones.
Examples:

 Desk & pocket computers

 The general purpose computers

III. Hybrid computers

It is a device formed from the best futures of analog and digital computers. It processes the
information by collecting input data with analog method, converts it into digital quantities,
process the digital values and provide the output in analog form.

Example:
Patient monitoring system in hospital: In hospital insensitive-care unit analog devices may
measure a patient’s heart function, temperature and other vital signs. These measurements
may then be converted into numbers and supplied to a digital component in the system. This
component is used to monitor the patient’s vital signs and to send an immediate signal to the
nurse’s station. If any abnormal readings are detected.

C. Classification based on functionality

Depending on the functionality (their computational power, memory access time, processing
capabilities, and physical size), computers can be classify into four: Microcomputer,
minicomputer, mainframe and supercomputer.

I. Micro computer
 It is the most frequently available computers (pc).
 Use microprocessor as its central processing unit.
 Are also called personal computers(PC), home computers etc.
 Differ in size and function
 Micro computers are classified into three. These are palmtops, laptops and desktops.
o Palmtop computers-are the smallest computers that can be held on one hand
and have size of pocket calculator
 It is movable
 Used for limited function, i.e. calculation
o Laptop- Is a smaller version of micros, about the size of briefcase designed for
portability;
 Have high capacity and processing speed as desktops.
 It is movable
o Desktops- The most widely used types of computers.

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Desktop PCs and laptops are similar in power, but laptops are designed to be as small and
portable as possible. Therefore they are slightly more expensive than desktops. Handheld PCs
are designed to be small enough to hold in your hand. This is only made possible by reducing
their computing power.

II. Mini computers

 Are mid-level computers and are built to perform complex computations.

 Are larger and more powerful than most micro computers (PCs).
 Are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computers.
 Used for large number of business and scientific applications.
 Play a major role in CAD (computer aided design).
III. Mainframe computers

 Are high-level computers designed for most intensive computational tasks;

 Are often shared by multiple users connected to the computer by terminals;
 Are larger, more powerful and have processor with faster instruction processing speed
than micros and mini computers.
IV. Super computers

 Are extremely powerful computers designed for high speed processing;

 Are characterized as being the fastest, most expensive computers.
 It designed for huge company. E.g. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA): an independent agency of the United States government responsible for
aviation and spaceflight.

As we go down this group the characteristics like speed, power etc increases.

1.5 Limitation of computers

Although computers can be applied in different areas, there are activities that computers can’t
perform. Some of them are:

 Computers can’t decide how to be programmed. It is always humans that are

responsible for programming the computers.
 Computers do not provide their own inputs unless people provide it with the inputs.
 Interpretation of data and implementation of decisions is always left for humans. That is
a computer does not interpret the information it produces based on the information
obtained unless it is programmed.