Computer Notes
Computer Notes
Introduction 3
Characteristics of Computers 3
History of Computers 3
Types of Computers 4
Computer Fundamentals 4
Computer Languages 8
Computer Peripherals 9
Input Devices 9
Output Devices 9
Operating Systems 10
Denition 11
Keys In DBMS
12
Microsoft Ofce 12
Keyboard Shortcuts 13
Computer 13
File Extensions 13
Network 14
Classication of Networks 15
Transmission Media 16
Internet 17
Computer Viruses 17
Important Abbreviations 17
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INTRODUCTION
A COMPUTER is an electronic device that can be instructed to carry out an arbitrary set Computer Awareness for Banking and Government Exams
of arithmetic or logical operations automatically.
Characteristics of Computers
Speed: The speed of computation is very high as the signals pass at the speed of light. Thus, millions of calculations can be done in a second.
Accuracy: As computers work on inbuilt software programs, there is no scope for human errors and are hence, highly accurate.
Information and Storage: A computer can store a large amount of data or instructions in its memory which can be retrieved at point of time.
Other characteristics include: Consistency, Automatic Operation, and Flexibility.
History of Computers
Father of Computer: Charles Babbage
First Purpose Electronic Digital Computer: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC)
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS:
- Machine & Assembly Languages used - OS: Multi-Bag remaining, Time sharing
- Examples: ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC, IBM-701, - Memory: Magnetic cores, magnetic tapes and
disks
IBM-650
- Used assembly and high-level languages like
FORTRAN, COBOL, Algol
- Examples: IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604
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The present generation of computers is the Fifth Generation of computers, i.e. 1980 till date. The computers use ultra large scale integration (ULSI).
High level languages like C++, Java, .NET, etc. are used. Some examples are: laptop, desktop, ultrabook etc.
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
1.Personal Computers :
- Small, inexpensive computer for personal use
- Also called a micro-computers
- Popularly used at homes for playing games and/ or surng the Internet.
- Used for word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet and database management applications
2. Mini Computers
- These were designed for specic tasks but have now lost popularity due to the advent of Pcs.
3. Mainframes
- These are expensive and large sized computers
- Are capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously
- Used for specic large scale applications
4.Super Computers
- Powerful, expensive and the fastest computers
COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
A computer system has four basic components.
- Software: is a set of electronic instructions called programs that make the computer perform tasks.
- Data: the raw facts, which the computer stores and reads in the form of numbers.
- Users: the people who make use of a computer to obtain certain results/ outcomes.
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SOFTWARE
General-Purpose
Operating Systems Applications
Word Processor
Utility Programs
Spreadsheet
Special-Purpose
Disk, Defrag Firewall Applications
Web Browser
Language Translators
Accounts Management
Bespoke
Assembler Applications
Compiler
Interpreter
Library Programs
CPU 1.Input:
It refers to the commands given by a user to the computer using input devices
Memory Unit
like mouse, keyboard etc.
2.Processing:
Input Unit Input Unit in this step, the command given by the user are carried out by the computer.
Control Unit
Thus, this step produces a more useful form of data at the end.
3.Output:
Arithmetic & the result of the processing that is stored and displayed to the user by means of output
Logic Unit devices like monitor, printer etc. is called output.
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MEMORY
Computer main memory comes in two principal varieties: primary and secondary memory.
Primary Memory: Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which computer is currently working. It has limited capacity and data
is lost when power is switched off. It is generally made up of semiconductor device. It is known as the main memory as a computer cannot function without it. It
is volatile memory. The two types are: Random Access Memory or RAM & Read Only Memory or ROM.
RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program and program result. It is read/write memory which stores data
till the machine is working. Some types of RAMs are: DRAM, SRAM and SDRAM
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM): The term dynamic indicates that the memory must be constantly refreshed or it loses its contents.
This type of memory is more economical.
Static Random Access Memory (SRAM): memory that is faster and less volatile than DRAM, but requires more power and is more expensive. The
term static is derived from the fact that it does not need to be refreshed like DRAM.
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM): A type of DRAM that can run at much higher clock speeds.
ROM (Read Only Memory): RAM is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program and program result. It is read/write memory which stores data
till the machine is working. Some types of RAMs are: DRAM, SRAM and SDRAM
MROM (Masked ROM): The very rst ROMs were hard-wired devices that contained a pre-programmed set of data or instructions. These kinds
of ROMs are known as masked ROMs which are inexpensive.
PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): PROM is read-only memory that can be modied only once by a user. The user buys a blank PROM
and enters the desired contents using a PROM program
EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory): The EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of up to
40 minutes. Usually, an EPROM eraser achieves this function.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory): The EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and
reprogrammed about ten thousand times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to 10 milliseconds.
Secondary Memory: RAM is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program and program result. It is read/write memory which stores data
till the machine is working. Some types of RAMs are: DRAM, SRAM and SDRAM
Cache Memory: It is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and main memory.
Example: Registe
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1 Bit A binary digit is logical 0 and 1 representing a passive or an active state of a component in an
(Binary Digit) electric circuit.
3 Byte A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit which can represent a data item or a
character. (1 byte = B bits)
4 Word A computer word, like a byte, is a group of xed number of bits processed as a unit which varies
from computer to computer but is xed for each computer. The length of a computer word is
called word-size or word length and it may be as small as 8 bits or may be as long as 96 bits.
A computer stores the information in the form of computer words.
Logic Gates
These are the building blocks of any digital circuit. The basic logic gates and their functioning (truth table) are mentioned in the following gure.
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COMPUTER LANGUAGES
There are two major types of programming languages: Low Level and High Level Languages
Low Level languages: These are machine oriented languages and require an extensive knowledge of computer hardware and its conguration. It is further divided
in to: Machine and Assembly languages.
Machine Language (First Generation): directly understood by the computer as it written in strings of 0s and 1s. It does not need a translator program. It is also
called the machine code. For example, a program instruction may look like this: 1011000111101. It is efcient but difcult to learn.
Advantages:
- Programs run fast because no translation program is required.
Disadvantages:
- Difcult to program
- Bebugging is also an issue
Assembly Language (Second Generation): the language uses a combination of letters and numbers to code. This set of symbols and letters forms the Assembly
Language and a translator program is required to translate to the machine language. This translator program is called `Assembler'.
Advantages:
- Easier to understand and minimizes effort.
- Similar efciency of execution as the machine level language
Disadvantages:
- It is machine dependent (program written for one computer might not run in other computers with different hardware conguration)
High Level languages: In higher level languages, only the instructions in English words and logic of the problem irrespective of the type of computer
should be known.
- Higher level languages are simple languages that use English and mathematical symbols like +, -, %, / for its program construction.
- These are problem-oriented languages because the instructions are suitable for solving a problem.
For example: COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is mostly suitable for business oriented language where there is very little processing and
huge output; FORTRAN (for formula translation) and BASIC for large processing requirements.
Advantages:
- Easy to learn and use
Language Assemblers
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Computer PERIPHERALS
Input Devices: These devices serve as a link between a user and the computer. These input devices translate the information into a form that is understandable
by the computer. Some input devices are:
Keyboard: inputting data to the computer in both alpha and numeric forms
2.Insert Modier Keys - It is a special key (or a key combination) that temporarily modies the normal action of another key when pressed together.
Keys: Shift, Alt, Ctrl, Fn.
3.Function Keys- A key on a computer keyboard, distinct from the main alphanumeric keys, to which software can assign a function.
Keys: F1 through F12 keys are known as function keys and each key performs a different function.
Mouse: it is a pointing and cursor-control device. A round ball at its base senses the movement of mouse and sends corresponding signals to CPU when
the mouse buttons are pressed.
Joy Stick: To move cursor position on a monitor screen. It is mainly used in Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and playing computer games.
Light Pen: It is used to select a displayed menu item or draw pictures on the monitor screen.
Track Ball: Mostly used in notebooks or laptops. This is a ball which is half inserted and by moving ngers on ball, pointer can be moved.
Scanner: scans printed material and converts it into a le format that may be used within the PC.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR), Optical character recognition (OCR) etc.
Output Devices: Output devices translate the computer's output into a form understandable by the users. Few common output devices are as follows:
Monitors: also called Visual Display Units (VDU), these are the main output device of a computer. It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are
arranged in a rectangular form. The sharpness of the image depends upon the number of pixels.
1.Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): The CRT display is made up of small picture elements called pixels. The smaller the pixels, the better the
image clarity, or resolution
2.Flat- Panel Display: - The at-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced volume, weight and power requirement
in comparison to the CRT.
Impact Printers: The impact printers print the characters by striking them on the ribbon which is then pressed on the paper.
Non-Impact Printers: Non-impact printers print the characters without using ribbon. These printers print a complete page at a time so they are also called
as page printers. Example: Laser Printers, Inkjet Printers etc.
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OPERATING SYSTEMS
An operating system acts as an interface between a user and the computer. It is the software that manages the hardware of the computer.
Inter face
User
anagement Sys
i leM te m
F
t / O u tp
Inpu ut
Manage
or y me
em n
M
t
Kernel
Efciency
Device Management: keeps track of all devices. This is called I/O controller and decides which process gets the device, when, and for how long.
Security: prevents unauthorized access to programs and data by means of passwords etc.
Job Accounting: keeps track of time and resources used by various users.
Controls system performance: records delays between request for a service and from the system.
Error-detecting aids: Production of dumps, traces, error messages and other debugging and other error-detecting methods.
Coordination between other software and users: Coordinates and assigns compilers, interpreters, assemblers and other software to the
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Timesharing / Multitasking: Time sharing is a technique which enables many people, located at various terminals, to use a computer system at the same time.
Time-sharing or multitasking is a logical extension of multiprogramming.
Single User Operating System: It is a type of operating system (OS) that is developed and intended for use on a computer or similar machine that will only
have a single user at any given time.
Multiuser Operating System: It is a computer operating system (OS) that allows multiple users on different computers or terminals to access a single
system with one OS on it.
Real Time Operating System: It is dened as a data processing system in which the time interval required to process and respond to inputs is so
small that it controls the environment. It is always on line whereas on line system need not be real time.
Cold Boot: When you turn the computer ON from an OFF position.
Warm Boot: When you reset the computer that is already ON.
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Data Abstraction
View Level
Physical Level: It is lowest level of abstraction. It describes how the data is stored in detail.
Logical Level: It is the level of abstraction and describes what data is stored and what is the relationship among that data. At the logical level, each such
record is described by a type denition and the interrelationship of these record types. Database administrators work at this level of abstraction.
View Level: It is the highest level of abstraction and is dened by the user. It describes only a part of the entire database and hides the details of the
logical level.
KEYS IN DBMS
Super Key
It is a set of one or more attributes whose values uniquely determine each entity.
Candidate Key
It is a set of elds from which primary key can be selected. It is a set of attributes that can act as a primary key for a table to uniquely identify each record.
Primary Key
It is a key that uniquely identies each record in the table.
Microsoft Ofce
It is an ofce suite of inter-related desktop applications, servers and services for the Windows operating systems introduced by Microsoft in 1989. Some
important application software of the MS Ofce are:
MS Word
It is a word processor and offers a variety of features such as speed, editing and formatting options. Some other features include spell check, mail merge and link
embedding. Another feature is word wrapping, which means that the processor automatically adjusts all text within the specied margins.
MS Exce
It is a spreadsheet program which is used to present and organise copious amounts of data in a systematic manner. It also includes performs basics
arithmetic operations on data and creates graphs and charts based on the same
MS Power-point
It is a popular presentation program and is used to create slideshows which comprises of text, graphics, sounds and other animated media. Features such as
wordart, autoshapes etc. can also be added to the presentation. It is convenient for both school and ofce level work.
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KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
Computer
Shortcut keys Description
Alt + F File menu options in current program
Alt + E Edit options in current program
Fl Universal help ( for all programs)
Ctrl +A Select all text
Ctrl + F Find
Ctrl +X Cut selected item
Shift + Del Cut selected item
Ctrl + C Copy selected item
Ctrl + Insert Copy selected item
Ctrl + V Paste
Shift + Insert Paste
Home Go to beginning of current line
Ctrl + Home Go to beginning of document
End Go to end of current line
Ctrl + End Go to end of document
Shift + Home Highlight from current position to beginning of line
Shift + End Highlight from current position to end of line
Ctrl + <-- Move one word to the left at a time
Ctrl + --> Move one word to the right at a time
File Extensions
File Types Extension
Notepad *.txt
Database *.mdb
Executable *.exe
Word Document *.doc / *.docx
Spreadsheet *.xls
Powerpoint *.ppt
Image *.png/ *.jpg/ *.jpeg
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MS Ofce
What you want to do What you press
Bold [Ctrl][B]
Change case [Shift][F3]
Copy [Ctri][C]
Cut [Ctri][X]
Italicize [Ctrl][I]
Open [Ctrl][O]
Print [Ctrl][P]
Save [Ctrl][S]
Undo [Ctrl][Z]
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CLASSIFICATION OF NETWORKS
Based on Coverage Area
Based on Topology
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Packet/Datagram 3. Network Addressing, routing and (not necessarily reliable) IP, IPsec, ICMP, IGMP, OSPF, RIP
Media delivery of datagrams between points on a network.
Layes
Bill/Frame 2. Data link A reliable direct point-to-point data connection. PPP, SBTV, SLIP
Transmission Media
1. Network Cables: These are used to connect computers. Most commonly used cable is RJ-45.
2. Distributors: These are used to manage and distribute trafc in networks with multiple computers.
3. Repeaters: Amplify and resend a received signal to maintain signal strength for transmission over large distances.
5. Routers: forwards data packets along networks. Routers are placed at the interconnection of two or more networks.
6. Network Interface Cards (NIC): It is a network adapter that usually comes built in the computer and without which a device cannot be connected
over a network.
8. Modem: It converts digital signals to analogue and vice versa for transmission and is connected to computers.
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INTERNET
It is the global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized
communication protocols (TCP/ IP).
The World Wide Web commonly known as the Web or www was developed by Tim Berners Lee in 1989 and is a system of interlinked hypertext documents that are
accessed via the Internet. These multimedia pages are everchanging.Information on the Internet can be accessed using web browser (commonly referred to as a
browser). It is a software application for retrieving, presenting and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web.An Internet Protocol address (also known
as an IP address) is a numerical label assigned to each device (e.g., computer, printer) participating in a computer network. It acts as an identier for a computer. It is a
unique address for every computer.
COMPUTER VIRUSES
- Cluster Viruses: This type of virus creates the illusion that the virus has infected every program on the disk.
- Worms: Its purpose is to duplicate itself in the host.
- Bombs: It hides in the users disk and is triggered by a specic event.
- Trojan Horses: It is a malicious program that appears harmless. These do not duplicate themselves on the host disk.
- Stealth Viruses: These viruses reside in the computers memory and are hard to detect.
- Macro Viruses: It is designed to infect a specic le type.
IMPORTANT ABBREVIATIONS
1. ANSI American National Standards Institute
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