1. What is computer? Explain its characteristics.

Definition: Computer is an electronic device that takes raw data as input from the
user and processes these data and gives the result (output) and saves output for the
future use. It can process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical)
calculations.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

A computer has four functions:

a. Accepts data Input
b. Processes data Processing
c. Produces output Output
d. Stores results Storage
Computer characteristics:

i) Speed:
 Computer performs calculations at a greater speed when compared with other
calculating devices.

ICT
 Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

Normal person may have taken a few minutes to calculate the operation, but in
the case of computer system it can perform operations within seconds.
 The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond and even the
picoseconds.
ii) Accuracy:

 In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.

 The computer has performed calculations 100% error free.

 Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy.

 If the input data is wrong, then the output will also be wrong. It is called as
Garbage-In, Garbage-Out (GIGO).

iii) Data storage:

 Computer has large storage capacity, which is called as memory.
 It can store large amount of data and instructions in its memory.

 Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.

 It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio and any other
type.

iv) Diligence:
 Unlike humans, computers never get tired of a repetitive task.
 It can continually work for hours without creating errors.
v) Versatility:

 It is the ability to perform many operations without getting any tired.

 Today, Computers are used in our daily life in different fields.

For Example, computers are used for home purpose, business-purpose,

teaching, railways, banking, and medicine and so on.
vi) Automation:
 A Computer can perform a task without any user’s involvement.
 The user just assign the task into the computer, it works automatically without
any user involvement until the completion of task.

vii) Security:

ICT
ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

 Computers provide powerful security for information or data.

 The data which is stored computers with password cannot be opened by others,
until and unless the password is correct.

2. What are the Applications (uses) of Computers?

Computers are seen everywhere around us, in all spheres of life. Computers have now
become an essential part of our lives. Today, computers are widely used in fields such
as engineering, health care, banking, education and research, travel and tourism,
weather forecasting, social networking, Ecommerce and so on.
1. Government: Computers are used in government Organizations to keep records
on governmental actions.
2. Legal System: - Computers are used by lawyers to conduct case research.
3. Retail Business:-Computers are used in retail shops to enter orders, calculate
costs and print receipts.
4. Sports: - In sports, computers are used to identify weak players and strong
players by analyzing statistics.
5. Music: - All computers have Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) facility
to generate variety of sounds.
6. Movies:- Computers are used to create sets, special effects, animations,
cartoons and videos etc.,
7. Hospitals: - Hospitals use computers to record information about patients like
admit time to exit time, Blood pressure, lab reports etc.
8. Weather Forecasting: - Weather forecasting is the process of predict the state
of the weather for a given location.
9. Education: - A Computer is a powerful teaching aid and acts as another
teacher in the classroom.
10. Online Banking: - Now a day’s bank transactions can be made
anywhere and anytime using computers.
11. Examinations: We can give online exams and get instant results. You
can check your examination results online.
12. Robots: - Robots are computer-controlled machines. Robots are able to
perform various tasks, which could not be done by the humans.
13. Defense: There is software embedded in almost every weapon. Software
is used for controlling the flight and targeting in ballistic missiles. Software is
used to control access to atomic bombs.
14. Desktop publishing:- With desktop publishing, you can create page
layouts for entire books on your personal computer.
15. Mathematical Calculations:- Thanks to computers, which have
computing speeds of over a million calculations per second we can perform the
biggest of mathematical calculations.

ICT
ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

3. Explain the block diagram of computers? (OR)

Explain the logical organization of a digital computer. (OR)
Explain functional units of digital computers. (OR)

Definition: Computer is an electronic device that takes raw data as input from the
user and processes these data and gives the result (output) and saves output for the
future use. It can process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical)
calculations.

CPU C.P.U
Input MMU Out put

CU

ALU

A general purpose computer has three main components. They are

1. Input unit
2. Central processing unit (C. P. U )
3. Out Put Unit
Input unit: The units which are used to feed or give data are known as “INPUT
UNITS”.
Ex: - Key board, Mouse, Joystick, CD, DVD, Scanner, Floppy, etc.

C.P.U: C.P. U stands for “Central Processing Unit”. This is used to process the data,
process the instructions which are given by the user. C.P.U has mainly three units.
They are
1. M.M.U (Main memory Unit )
2. C.U ( Control Unit )
3. A.L.U ( Arithmetic & Logical unit)

M.M.U:- “M.M.U” stands for “Main memory Unit”. This is used to store data. M.M.U is
also known as “primary memory”. Primary memory means, for the first time data will
be stored in M.M.U. M.M.U have mainly two types of memories.
1. ROM (Read Only Memory)
2. RAM (Random access Memory)

ICT
 ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

C.U:- C.U stands for “control Unit” This is used to control the input and output along
with the processing of the computer. This is the main part of the computer. C.U is also
called as Heart of the computer.
A. L.U:- A.L.U stands for “Arithmetic & Logical Unit” This is used to perform all
types of calculations like arithmetic, scientific and logical calculations.

Output unit: The units which are used to get or extract the result from the given data
are known as OUTPUT UNITS.
Ex: - Monitor Printer, CD, DVD, Floppy, etc.

4. What are different types of Computers? Explain?

1. Based on operating principles (working) computers are classified into the

below three types.
1. Digital computers
2. Analog computers
3. Hybrid computers
i) Analog computers:
 Analog is the Greek word, which means similar.
 Analog computers operate by measuring instead of counting.
 In analog computers, the similarities between any two quantities are measured
by electrical voltages or current.
 The analog computers works on the supply on continuous electrical signals.
 The display is also continuous and its output is in the form of graphs.
 These computers are powerful to solve differential equations.

Ex: Thermometer, Speedometer, Petrol pump indicator, Multi meter

ii) Digital computers:
 Digital computers operate essentially by counting.
 All quantities are expressed as discrete digits or numbers.
 It is represented by binary notation in the form of 0’s and 1’s.
 Digital computers are much faster than analog computers
 These types of computers are useful for evaluating arithmetic expressions
and manipulations of data.
Ex: Business, Research& Development.
iii) Hybrid computers: (Analog + Digital)

ICT
ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

 A computer that combines features of both analog and digital computer types is
called as Hybrid computer.
 The instruments used in medical science are in this category.

Ex: Weather monitoring systems, Devices used in ICU, Research institutions.

2. Based on different sizes and capacities computers are classified into four
types. They are:
1. Micro computers
2. Mini computers
3. Mainframe computers
4. Super computers
i) Micro computers:
 Micro computers are small sized general purpose processing systems.
 These are designed for use by single user at a time.
 A micro computer is also called as a personal computer.
 These computers are very small and cheap compared to other computers.
 The first micro computers was designed by IBM in 1981 and named “IBM-PC”
 Generally these are used in office, banks, and business and in all small
organizations.

PCs can be classified into the following Categories.

Desktop Computer: A desktop PC is the most popular model. It can be placed on a
desk or table. It is commonly used in homes and offices.
Laptop Computer: A portable computer complete with an integrated screen and
keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a
notebook computer.
Workstations: Workstations are single user computers. It is a terminal or desktop
computer in a network. However, workstations are normally linked together to form a
local-area network.
Network computers: These computers are used to access data from Internet or
Intranet.
Handheld Computers: A hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the
screen serves both as an input and output device.
. Ex: Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Cellular telephones, H/PC Pro device.21
ii) Mini computers:
 Mini computers are medium sized systems which are more powerful and cost
than a micro computer.
 The major difference is that the mini computer is a multi user multi processing
system.

ICT
ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

 Generally, servers are comes in this category.

 These computers are used in Business, education, hospitals, government
organizations etc.
Ex: IBM AS/400 , VAX 8842 etc.
iii) Mainframe computers:
 Computers with large storage capacity and high speed of processing are called
as Mainframe computers.
 In main frame computers input/output operations are very fast.
 These computers are very expensive and need a very large room with AC.
 These Computers are used in large organizations such as banks, airlines,
Universities etc.
 Mainframe Computers are accessed by terminals (PCs). Terminals are two
types. They are
(i) Dumb Terminals: These terminals consist of only monitor and keyboard,
but do not have CPU and memory.
(ii) Intelligent Terminals: Intelligent terminals consist of monitor, keyboard
and CPU, but do not have memory.
Ex: IBM 4300, IBM S/390, IBM 3090 series, CYBER 176 etc.
iv) Super Computer:
 A super computer contains large storage capacity and very high computing
speeds, which are at least ten times faster than other computers.
 The Super Computer is the fastest, most powerful and Expensive Computer.
 It was first developed in the 1980’s, process to solve Complex Scientific
problems.
 It can perform more than one Trillion calculations in a Second. It can support
thousands of users at the same time.
 These computers are mainly used for weather forecasting, nuclear energy
research, aircraft design etc.
Ex: CRAY-1, CRAY-2, PARAM etc.

5) List and explain the various Input Devices.

Input devices:
The units which are used to feed or give data are known as “INPUT UNIT”. Input may
be in the form of text, images, audio, video etc. The following are the different input
devices.

ICT
ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

1. Keyboard:
 A Keyboard is similar to the typewriter.

 The key board is the main input device to enter text into the computer.
 It contains alphabets, digits, special characters, function keys, numeric keys and
some control keys.
 a) Alpha Numeric or Main Keypad:- i.e alphabets (A to Z), and Digits (0 to 9).
b) Functional Keypad :-That contains 12 keys (F1, F2,F3…..F12)
c) Numerical Keypad :- The Numerical keypad contains digits( 0 - 9),
d) Arrow keys: Direction Keys ( ↓ ↑ ) , Page Up, Page Down, Insert, Del etc.
2. Pointing devices: Pointing devices are used to move the pointer and select items on
screen.
i) Mouse:
 A mouse is a pointing device.
 Mouse is used to locate a particular position on the screen.
 The mouse has two buttons (Left Button, Right Button) and a
scroll wheel.
 The mouse operations are Point, Click, Drag and Scroll.
 Mouse is three types: Mechanical, Optical and Wireless.
Mouse Operations:
 Point Place the mouse pointer over the word or the object.
 Click Press either left or right mouse button.
 Drag Move an object from one place to another.
 Scroll Rotating scroll wheel to view long documents.
3. Handheld devices:
A handheld device is a pocket-sized computing device. Joystick

(i) Joystick:

ICT
 ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

 A Joystick is a cursor control device, which is used for computer games,

and CAD/CAM applications.
 It is used to move the cursor position on a CRT screen.

 The joystick can be moved right or left, forward or backward.

4. Optical devices:
Optical devices are also known as data-scanning devices. It uses “light” to
detect different types of objects such as characters, marks, codes and images.
Image scanners:
 A Scanner is used to capture images, printed text, photographs, etc., and
converts into digital images.
 The digital images can be edited and produced color images and Black-and-White
images.
5. Audio/video Input devices:
 Audio Input devices are used to create or capture sound.
o Ex: Micro Phones and CD players.
 Video input devices are used to create or capture video.
Ex: Digital camera and Web camera.

6) Write about Output Devices? Or Explain Output Devices?

Output units: The units which are used to get or extract the result from the given
data are known as OUTPUT UNITS.

Soft copy devices:

Softcopy devices produce an electronic version of output. For example, the content of a
file display on the computer screen (monitor).
Features:
 The user can easily edit soft copy output.
 Searching of data in a soft copy is easy and fast.
 Distribution of softcopy is cheaper and fast.
(i) Monitors:
 It is the most commonly used output device to display the information.
 Computer monitors are similar to the television screens.

ICT
 ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

The monitor is connected to video card placed on the motherboard.


Monitors are three types

a) CRT(Cathode Ray Tube) monitors
b) LCD(Liquid crystal Display) monitors
c) Plasma monitors
(ii) Projectors:
 A projector is a device that takes an image from a video source and displays it
on a big screen.
 Projector uses a bright light and lens to display images on the screen.
 Generally, Projectors are used for projecting movies, images,
presentations etc.
 Projectors are classified in to two categories:
a) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors
b) DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors
(iii) Speakers:
Speakers are used to produce audio from computer.

Speakers receive audio input either in analog form or digital form.

Analog speakers amplify the analog waves into sound waves.

Digital speakers convert the digital waves to analog waves, and then

generate the sound waves.
Hard Copy devices:
Hard Copy Output devices produce a physical form of output. For example, the
content of a file printed on paper.
Features:
 A computer is not needed to see the output.
 Editing in the hard copy is difficult.
 Distribution of a hard copy is costly and slow.
(i) Printers:
 Printers are used to print textual and graphical information on a paper.
 Printers are available in various sizes, speeds, and costs.
 Printers can be classified into two types:
a) Impact printers
b) Non-Impact printers

ICT
 ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

a)

Impact Printers:
These printers print characters by pressing an inked ribbon against the paper.
 Produce carbon copies.
 Slow and Print quality is poor.

 Dot Matrix Printers

 Dot matrix printer prints characters in the “form of dots”.
 In this printer, the “print head” strikes the “Ink ribbon” on the paper.
 The “print head” consists of 9-pins or 24-pins to print the characters.
 Daisy Wheel Printers
In Daisy wheel printer, the “print head” is a “circular wheel”.

To print a character, by rotating wheel and placing the character in front

of the ribbon.
 Line Printers:
Line printers are High-speed impact printers, in which one line is printed at

a time.
 Generally, Line printers are used in data centers.
b) Non-Impact Printers:
These printers “Print head” do not pressing the paper while printing. Non-printers
use either powder cartridge (Toner) or Ink cartridge.
 Print quality is good and Noiseless, fast.
 Ink cartridges are expensive.
 Inkjet Printers
 In Inkjet printer, the “print head” has small Nozzles, also called “jets”.
 The nozzles spray ink on the paper in the form of character shape.
 Laser Printers
 In Laser printer, the “print head”consists of “Laser beams”.
 A laser beam ‘draws’ the document on a drum.
 After the drum is charged , it is rolled in a toner.
(ii) Plotters:
 A plotter is a special kind of Output device.

ICT
ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

 Plotters are used to print large size of images such as maps, blue print of the
structure etc.
 Plotters are much more expensive than printers.
 Plotters are two types. They are
a) Drum plotter
b) Flat bed plotters
a) Drum plotter:
 A drum plotter is also known as “Roller Plotter”.
 Drum Plotters are used to produce very large papers upto 1 metre.
b) Flat bed plotters:
 The paper is fixed on the flat surface of the plotter, and the pen is moved
to draw the image.
 The size of the paper and image is limited

Unit-II

1) Define memory. Write a short note on Primary memory.

Memory: Memory is an internal storage area in the computer, which is used to store
data and programs either temporarily or permanently.
Computer memory can be broadly divided into two groups -
 Primary memory
 Secondary memory
1. Primary memory:
 Primary memory is also called as “Main memory” or “Internal Memory”.
 Primary memory is the only type memory that is directly accessed by the CPU.
 Any data operated by the CPU, is stored in primary memory.
 There are two types of Primary memories. They are
a. Random Access Memory (RAM)
b. Read Only Memory (ROM)
PRIMARY MEMORY

RAM ROM CACHE

ICT Prepared by Mahesh MCA

ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

SRAM PROM
DRAM EPROM
EEPROM
i) Random Access Memory (RAM):
 RAM stands for “Random Access Memory”.
 We can store, read, modify and delete the data from RAM.
 RAM is also called “volatile memory” (or) “temporary memory”. Because when
the power switched off it losses their information.
 In RAM the data stored by the user at the time of operation during work.
 In RAM data can be modified, added, deleted, re-writing can do any operation
during the work.

There are 2 types of RAMs.

a) SRAM
b) DRAM
ii) Read Only Memory (ROM):
 ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
 The information stored in ROM is only for reading purpose.
 ROM is also called “permanent memory” (or) “Non-volatile memory”. Because
ROM holds always same data.
 ROM performs the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) function to start the
computer system.
 In ROM, the data stored by manufacturers at the time of manufacturing
computers.
 In ROM, programs cannot be modified or do not allow any operations except
read the information.

 There are 3 types of ROMs.

a) PROM(Programmable Read only memory)
b) EPROM(Erasable Programmable Read only memory)
c) EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read only memory)
c ) Cache Memory:-

 Cache memory is an intermediate storage between the CPU Registers and Main
memory.
 It is small and fastest memory
 CACHE memories are accessed much faster than RAM.

2) Define memory. Write a short note on Secondary memory.

ICT
ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

Secondary storage (also known as external memory or auxiliary storage) differs from
main memory in that it is not directly accessible by the CPU.
 Secondary storage devices are also called as “Auxiliary Storage devices”.
 These memories are used to store the data permanently.
 Secondary storage devices hold data, even the computer is switched off.
 These memories are cheaper and high storage capacity than primary memory.
The following are the various types of secondary storage devices.
 Magnetic Tape
 Floppy Disk
 Hard Disk
  Optical Drives (CD, DVD)
  USB Flash Drives
i. Memory Cards
ii. Mass Storage Device
i. Magnetic Tape:
 Magnetic Tape is a plastic ribbon with ½ inch wide, which is
available in reels, cassettes.
 In Magnetic Tape, data can be accessed sequentially.
 It is cheaper, smaller in size, less weight, can store large
amount of data.
 These storage devices are basically used as sequential access.
 These are much slower and easily damaged due to heat, dust and miss
handling.
ii. Floppy Disk:
A Floppy Disk is a flexible plastic disk, which contains a Magnetic
Disk.
 The magnetic Disk is coated with magnetic oxide.
 The storage capacity of Floppy Disk is 1.44MB.
 Data can be lost, if the disk is bended or removed while in use.
iii. Hard Disk:
 A Hard Disk is a set of magnetic disks, stacked together.
 Each disk requires two R/W heads, one for each side.
 The data is stored on the surface of a disk in “Tracks” and “Sectors”.
 It stores large amount of data, which can be accessed randomly.
 Hard Disks are larger in size and heavier in weight.
Optical Drives:
 The Optical Drives are latest technology devices, that uses “Light Sensors” to
store the information.
 The Light Sensors are called “Lasers”.

ICT Prepared by Mahesh MCA

 ICT – I Computer Fundamentals and Office Tools

Optical drives are most widely used and reliable storage devices.
The most popular optical storage devices are:
a) CD-ROM
b) DVD-ROM
c) CD-R
d) CD-RW
a) CD-ROM:
  A CD-ROM can store large amount of data permanently.
  Once the data is stored on CD-ROM, it cannot be changed.
  The storage capacity of CD-ROM is 700MB.
  CDs are easily portable and transfer the data from one computer
to another.
b) DVD-ROM:
 DVD-ROM is similar to CD-ROM, but it stores large amount of
data.
 A standard DVD can store seven times more data than CD,
because of its multi-layer storage technique.
 The storage capacity of DVD-ROM is 4.7GB.
c) CD-R (Recordable):
 It is a blank disk that can be used by the user to store information.
 The process of writing data on the Optical Disk is called “Burning”.
 Once the data is stored on CD-R, it cannot be changed.
 They are more expensive than CD-ROM drives.
d) CD-RW (Rewritable):
 CD-RW is an erasable Optical disk.
 The user can write and over-write the data on CD-RW in multiple times.
 The CD-RW drive is expensive than CD-R drive.
i. USB Flash Drives:
 USB-Flash drives are removable, rewritable and smaller drives.
 In 2010, the storage capacity of USB-Flash drive is 256GB.
 Data will not be damaged , due to scratches and dust.
 It is a portable drive, easily carried in a pocket.
ii. Memory Cards:
 Memory card is a small device that can store/delete files multiple
times.
 They are easily movable from one place to another place.
 It requires less power, having high storage capacity and faster access
data.
iii. Mass storage device
 Mass storage refers to storing enormous amounts of data in a persistent
manner.
 Mass storage devices can store up to several trillion bytes of data.

ICT