Introduction to

Computer
System
WEEK 5
 Introduction to Computer
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw
data as input from the user and processes these data
under the control of set of instructions (called program)
and gives the result (output) and saves output for the
future use.
A computer is a combination of hardware and
software resources which integrate together and provides
various functionalities to the user. Hardware are the
physical components of a computer like the processor,
memory devices, monitor, keyboard etc. while software is
the set of programs or instructions that are required by
the hardware resources to perform various operations as
per the requirement of users.
Introduction to
Computer
EVOLUTION OF COMPUTING DEVICE
First Generation (1940-56):
The first generation computers used vacuum tubes &
machine language was used for giving the instructions. These
computers were large in size & their programming was difficult task.
The electricity consumption was very high. Some computers of this
generation are ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC & UNIVAC-1.
In this generation, mainly batch processing
operating system was used. Punch cards, paper tape, and magnetic
tape was used as input and output devices. The computers in this
generation used machine code as the programming language.
Second Generation (1956-63):
In 2nd generation computers, vacuum tubes were
replaced by transistors. They required only 1/10 of
power required by tubes. This generation
computers generated less heat & were reliable. The
first operating system developed in this generation.
IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604 are the examples of
this generations computers.
In 2nd generation, magnetic cores
were used as the primary memory and magnetic
tape and magnetic disks as secondary storage
devices.
In this generation, assembly language and high-
level programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL
were used. The computers used batch processing
Third Generation (1964-71):
The 3rd generation computers replaced transistors
with Integrated circuit known as chip. From Small
scale integrated circuits which had 10 transistors
per chip, technology developed to MSI circuits with
100 transistors per chip. These computers were
smaller, faster & more reliable. High level
languages invented in this generation.
The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This
development made computers smaller in size,
reliable, and efficient. In this generation remote
processing, time-sharing, multiprogramming
operating system were used. High-level languages
(FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC,
ALGOL-68 etc.) were used during this
generation. IBM-360 series, Honeywell-6000 are some
Fourth Generation (1972- 1980):
LSI & VLSI were used in this generation. As a result
microprocessors came into existence. The
computers using this technology known to be Micro
Computer. High capacity hard disk were invented.
There is great development in data communication.
Fourth generation computers
became more powerful, compact, reliable, and
affordable. As a result, it gave rise to Personal
Computer (PC) revolution. In this generation, time
sharing, real time networks, distributed operating
system were used. All the high-level languages like
C, C++, DBASE etc., were used in this generation.
Fifth Generation (1980-Present &
Beyond):
Fifth generation computing devices, based on
artificial intelligence, are still in development,
though there are some applications, such as voice
recognition, that are being used today. The use of
parallel processing and superconductors is helping
to make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum
computation and molecular and nanotechnology will
radically change the face of computers in years to
come.
Some computer types of this generation are −
Desktop
Laptop
Note
Group Discussion Task

Research: Each group should research the following aspects for their 
:assigned generation
Hardware Architecture: Key components and their roles (e.g., vacuum 
.tubes, transistors, integrated circuits)
Processing Power and Speed: How it evolved compared to previous 
.generations
.Storage Devices: The types and capacities of storage systems used 

Programming Languages: Dominant languages and their impact on 

.system architecture
Energy Consumption: How energy efficiency changed with architectural 
.advancements
Key Systems/Computers: Examples of important machines from that 
.generation (e.g., ENIAC for 1st generation, IBM System/360 for 3rd)
COMPONENT OF A COMPUTER
SYSTEM
In the above diagram, both control (control
unit or CU) and arithmetic & logic unit (ALU)
combinely called as Central Processing Unit (CPU).
Let's describe about all the parts as included in
the above
diagram one by one.

The Processor Unit (CPU)

It is the brain of the computer system. All major
calculation and comparisons are made inside the
CPU and it is also responsible for activation and
controlling the operation of other unit.
This unit consists of two major components, that are
arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU).
Arithmetic Logic Unit
(ALU)
Arithmetic logic unit performs all arithmetic
operations such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. It also uses logic
operation for comparison like comparison or decision
making (>, <, <=, >=, = etc.).
Control Unit (CU)
The control unit of a CPU controls the entire
operation of the computer. It also controls all
devices such as memory, input/output devices
connected to the CPU.
CU fetches instructions from memory, decodes the
instruction, interprets the instruction to know what
the task are to be performed and sends suitable
control signals to the other components to perform
Input/Output Unit
The input/output unit consists of devices used to transmit
information between the external world and computer
memory.
The information fed through the input unit is stored in
computer's memory for processing and the final result
stored in memory can be recorded or display on the
output medium.
Memory unit
It is an essential component of a digital computer. It is
where all data intermediate and find results are stored.
The data read from the main storage or an input unit
are transferred to the computer's memory where they
are available for processing. This memory unit is used to
hold the instructions to be executed and data to be
Primary
:Memory
Primary memory has direct link with input unit
and output
unit. It stores the input data, intermediate
calculation, result.

Secondary Memory:
The primary storage is not able to store data
permanently for future use. So some other types of
storage technology is required to store the data
permanently for long time, it is called secondary or
auxiliary memory.
:Step-by-Step Example Flow

Step 1 (Booting Up): When you turn on your computer, the ROM initiates the •
boot process, loading the operating system from the hard disk to RAM. This
.allows you to use your computer
Step 2 (Opening the Document): When you open your word processor and load •
a document, the CPU retrieves the application and document from the hard disk
and loads them into RAM for quick access. Data paths (buses) transfer the file’s
.content from storage to RAM
Step 3 (Editing the Document): As you type, the CPU processes your inputs •
(keystrokes) and updates the document in RAM. The CU manages these actions,
.sending the right instructions to the CPU and handling input/output
Step 4 (Saving the Document): When you click "Save," the CU sends control •
signals via the control path, telling the CPU to copy the document from RAM to
the hard disk. The data is moved through the data paths between memory and
.storage
This example shows how each part of the computer system works together during 
.a common task, such as editing and saving a document
 Input & Output
Device
:Input Device
Input devices are those devices which help to enter data into 
computer system. E.g. Keyboad, Mouse, Touchscreen, Barcode
.Reader, Scanner, MICR, OMR etc

Bar Code Reader MICR used in Bank OMR

KEYBOARD: This is the most common input device which uses an
arrangement of buttons or keys. In a keyboard each press of a key
typically corresponds to a single written symbol. However some
symbols require pressing and holding several keys simultaneously or
in sequence. While most keyboard keys produce letters, numbers or
characters, other keys or simultaneous key presses can produce
actions or computer commands.
Mouse:
A computer mouse (plural mice or mouses) is a
hand- held pointing device that detects two-
dimensional motion relative to a surface. This
motion is typically translated into the motion of a
pointer on a display, which allows a smooth control
of the graphical user interface of a computer.
:Scanner
Scannerisa device that optically scans
images, printed text, handwriting, or an
.object, and converts it to digital image

JOYSTICK:
A joystick isan input device
consistingof a stick that pivots ona
base and reports its angle or direction
to the device it is controlling.
Many people usejoysticks on computer
games involving flight suchas
flight simulator.
Joysticks are often used to control video games, and usually
Output Device:
Output devices are those devices which help to
display the processed information. Eg. Monitor,
Printer, Plotter, Projector etc.
PRINTER:
 Printer produces result on the paper.
 There are various types of printers available in
the market:
DOT MATRIX PRINTER:
 Uses ribbon and hammer technology.
 Its quality is not very good. It prints by making
the object using
small dots.
:INKJET PRINTER
It creates a digital image by
propelling droplets of ink onto the
.paper

LASERJET PRINTER:
They uses laser technology to print documents. It produce
high quality printing at very high speed.
MONITOR
 It is the primary output device
where we
see the output. It looks like TV.
 It is also known as VDU(Visual
Display Unit).
 Its display may be in the form of CRT

LED, LCD.
1. CRT(CATHODE RAY TUBE)
2. LCD(LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY)
3. LED(LIGHT EMITTING DIODE)
MEMORY UNITS: Memory is used to store the data
for later
reference. The smallest unit is bit, which mean
either 0 or 1.
 1 bit = 0 or 1
 1 Byte = 8 bits
 1 Nibble = 4 bits
 1 Kilo Byte = 1024 Byte= 210 Byte
 1 Mega Byte = 1024 KB= 210 KB
 1 Giga Byte = 1024 MB= 210 MB
 1 Tera Byte = 1024 GB= 210 GB
 1 Peta Byte =1024 TB= 210 TB
 1 Exa Byte =1024 PB= 210 PB
 1 Zetta Byte = 1024 EB= 210 EB
PRIMARY
MEMORY
 SECONDARY MEMORY
The primary storage is not able to store data
permanently for future use. So some other types of
storage technology is required to store the data
permanently for long time, it is called secondary or
auxiliary storage.
EXAMPLES OF SECONDARY
STORAGE
 SOFTWARE AND ITS TYPE
SOFTWARE: Software, simply are the computer
programs. The instructions given to the computer
in the form of a program is
called Software. Software is the set of programs,
which are used for different purposes. All the
programs used in computer to perform specific task
is called Software.
 Created By: Sachin Bhardwaj, PGT(CS) KV NO.1
Tezpur,Mr. Vinod Verma PGT(CS) KV OEF Kanpur
SOFTWARE
TYPES OF
 1. SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The system software is a collection of programs
designed to operate, control, and extend the
processing capabilities of the
computer itself.
These software products comprise of
programs
written in low-level languages, which interact
with the
hardware at a very basic level. System software
serves as the interface between the hardware and
the end users.
OPERATING
SYSTEM
 Created By: Sachin Bhardwaj, PGT(CS) KV NO.1
Tezpur,Mr. Vinod Verma PGT(CS) KV OEF Kanpur
OPERATING SYSTEM
ARCHITECTURE
FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING
SYSTEM
TYPES OF OPERATING
SYSTEM
SINGLE USER OS: As the name implies, this
operating system is designed to manage the

Tezpur,Mr. Vinod Verma PGT(CS) KV OEF Kanpur

Created By: Sachin Bhardwaj, PGT(CS) KV NO.1
computer so that one user can effectively do one
thing at a time.
MULTI USER OS: A multi-user operating system
(OS) is a computer system that allows multiple users
that are on different computers to access a single
system's OS resources simultaneously.
MULTI TASKING OS: Multitasking, is an
operating system, that allows a user to
perform more than one computer task (such as
the multiple operation of an application program) at
a time. The operating system is able to keep track
of where you are in these tasks and go from one to
the other without losing information.
MULTI PROCESSING OS: Multiprocessing is
sometimes used to refer to the
execution of multiple concurrent processes in a
system. A program in execution is called process.

EMBEDDED OS: Embedded Operating System

is an Embedded System’s Operating System.
Embedded Systems are a specially designed
computer system that essentially contains
software and hardware for performing specific
tasks. Mobile Phones, Laptops, Cameras, Washing
Machines, ATMS, and Hair Straightener etc are
examples of embedded operating sytem.
REAL TIME OS: It is used to control machinery,
industrial systems, scientific instruments ,tasks

Tezpur,Mr. Vinod Verma PGT(CS) KV OEF Kanpur

Created By: Sachin Bhardwaj, PGT(CS) KV NO.1
where time deadlines may be forced to execute a
task.
•Single-user OS:
Example: MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
•MS-DOS is a single-user, single-tasking operating system that allows only one
user and one task at a time.
•Multi-user OS:
Example: Unix
•Unix allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously and run multiple
tasks on a single machine, making it a multi-user OS.
•Multiprocessor OS:
Example: Linux (with SMP support)
•Linux with Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) support can run on systems with
multiple CPUs, enabling parallel processing.
•Multitasking OS:
Example: Windows 10
•Windows 10 allows multiple applications to run at the same time, using
multitasking techniques like time-sharing and context switching.
•Embedded OS:
Example: VxWorks
•VxWorks is an embedded OS used in real-time systems such as spacecraft,
automotive systems, and medical devices, designed for specific hardware.
•Real-time OS:
Example: RTLinux
•RTLinux is a real-time operating system that ensures tasks are completed within
strict time constraints, often used in systems like robotics or avionics.
Multitasking on a single CPU is achieved by:
Time slicing, where the CPU gives a small
amount of time to each task.
Context switching, where the state of
tasks is saved and restored as the CPU
switches between them.
The operating system plays a critical role
in managing this process through
scheduling and handling interrupts.
 LANGUAGE
PROCESSOR
We generally write a computer program using a
high-level language. A high-level language is one
that is understandable by us, humans. This is called
source code.
However, a computer does not
understand high-level language. It only
understands the program written in 0's and 1's in
binary, called the machine code.

To convert source code into machine code, we

use either a compiler or an interpreter. Compiler,
Interpreter are known as language processor. Both
compilers and interpreters are used to convert a
program written in a high-level language into
machine code understood by computers. However,
 APPLICATION
satisfy a
SOFTWARE
Application software products
particular need
are designed to
of a particular
environment. All software prepared in the computer
lab may come under the category of Application
software.
Examples of Application software are the following −
 Payroll Software
 Student Record Software
 Inventory Management Software
 Income Tax Software
 Railways Reservation Software
 Microsoft Office Suite Software
 Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
 UTILITY SOFTWARE
Utility software is designed to aid in analyzing,
optimizing, configuring and maintaining a
computer system. It supports
the computer infrastructure. This software focuses
on how an OS functions and then accordingly it
decides its trajectory to smoothen the functioning
of the system. Software’s like
antiviruses, disk cleanup & management tools,
compression tools, defragmenters, etc are all utility
tools. Some examples of
Home Task-Week 5

Begin by researching the characteristics of each generation of 

:computer systems
Create a figure that visually represents the input-process- 
output (I/O) cycle for each of the 5 generations of computer
systems. Ensure that each generation is clearly differentiated
in terms of the key technological advancements for input,
.processing, and output
Highlight the major differences in input, processing, and output 
.technologies for each generation
Create a comparison table that summarizes the key differences 
between the generations (e.g., speed, size, efficiency, languages
.used, etc.)