Course Title: Computer in Business

Course Code:MKT2105

Course Title: Computer in Business

Text Book: Computer Fundamentals by Dr. Lutfor Rahman and M Alamgir Hossain

Introduction Chapter
• What is computer?
The word ‘computer’ come from Latin word computare.

A computer is an electronic machine that store, retrieves and process data. It cannot think or reason, it
can only carry out instructions given to it.

Computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. Data can be anything like marks
obtained by you in various subjects. It can also be name, age, sex, weight, height, etc. of all the students
in a class.

Computer can also be defined in terms of functions it can perform. A computer can i) accept data, ii)
store data, iii) process data as desired, and iv) retrieve the stored data as and when required and v) print
the result in desired format.

The major characteristics of a computer are high speed, accuracy, versatility and storage.

The computer performs basically five major operations of functions irrespective of their size and make.
These are :

1) It accepts data or instruction by way of input,

2) It stores data,

3) It can process data as required by the user,

4) It gives results in the form of output, and

5) It controls all operations inside a computer.

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 • Computer Organization
• The block diagram of computer is shown in following Figure

Memory Unit

Input Unit Control Unit

Output Unit

Arithmetic Logic Unit

• Figure: Block diagram of Computer Organization

1. Input: This is the process of entering data and programs into the computer system.

2. Control Unit (CU): The process of input, output, processing and storage are performed under the
supervision of a unit called 'Control Unit'. It decides when to start receiving data, when to stop it, where
to store data, etc. It takes care of step -by-step processing of all operations in side the computer.

3. Memory Unit: Computer is used to store data and instructions.

4. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The major operations performed by the ALU are addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, logic and comparison.

5. Output: This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful information.

The ALU and the CU of a computer system are jointly known as the central processing unit (CPU). It may
call CPU as the brain of any computer system.

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 • Factors affecting Computer
1. Heat:

2. Dust:

3. Water:

4. Corrosive Liquids:

5. Power line Problems:

6. Magnetism:

7. Computer Virus:

• Computer System
All of the components of a computer system can be summarized with the simple equations.

COMPUTER SYSTEM = Hardware + Software +Human ware + Operational procedure

Hardware : All physical parts of the computer (or everything that we can touch) are known as Hardware.

Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices.

Software: The terms software refers to the organized set of instructions that tell the hardware what to
do? Programs Software gives "intelligence" to the computer.

Human ware : Person, who operates computer.

Operational Procedure: Operations of a data processing center require an intensive and clearly defined
set of procedures for performing the essential functions.

• Types of Computer
On the basis of working principle/signals:

a) Analog Computer: An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that
uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the
problem being solved.

For example: Thermometer , Speedometer, Petrol Pump Indicator etc.

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b) Digital Computer: A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities
represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.

c) Hybrid Computer(Analog + Digital): A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and
outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective
method of performing complex simulations.

On the basis of Size/ capacity:

a) Micro Computer: It also known as personal computer (PCs). It’s includes:

i. Desktop Computer: A personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.

ii. 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.

iii. Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook : A hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no keyboard
but the screen serves both as an input and output device. It also known as PDAs (Personal Digital
Assistants.)

( Workstations: A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a

generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe.“

Servers: It not designed to used directly. It make program and data available for users having access to a
computer network. A computer network is a collection of computers connected together.

Clients: To use servers, user run desktop computer called clients. Which know how to contact the server
and obtain information from the server.

b) Mini Computer: A mini computer system perform the basic arithmetic and logic functions and
support some of the programming language used with large computer systems. They are physically
smaller, less expensive and have small storage capacity compared to mainframes.

In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes. A minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.

c) Mainframe Computer: A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in
watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just
below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because
they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster
than a mainframe.

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They have greater processing speed, greater storage capacity, a large variety of input/output devices.

d) Super Computer: The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are
employed for specialized applications that require huge amounts of mathematical calculations. For
example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include
animated graphics, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration, national security etc..

The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all
its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to
execute many programs concurrently. The Cary X-MP is an example of super computer.

On the basis of purpose:

a)Special purpose computer: It designed for specific application. For example, for control traffic signal.

b) General purpose computer: It used to handle a variety of tasks.

On the basis of Brand:

a) IBM/IBM Compatible Computers

b) Dell

c) Apple/Macintosh etc.

• Use of computer in various sectors

1. Everyday life:

2. Industry:

3. Medical science:

4. Bank insurance:

5. Engineering:

6. Business:

7. Education and research;

8. Defense:

9. Entertainment:

10. Communication and Information Technology:

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 • Terminologies
Adapter : Most of the time it refers to a card that plugs into the motherboard adding special capabilities
not originally found on the computer. Other times it refers to tools to convert one connector type to
another.

Cables: A thick wire that connects the computer to the external device or power.

Cache: An interface between the CPU and the memory (RAM and ROM). It helps the CPU keep running
even though the RAM may be too slow. It does this by keeping a copy of what the processor has
read/written.

Card Slot: The slots found on the PC motherboard may be one of five types: ISA, EISA, MCA, VESA & PCI.
Slower adapters (like I/O boards) can be ISA. But for the best performance, use VESA or PCI for hard
drives, CD-ROMs or Video adapters.

Cards: An option (adapter) which is a printed circuit board that plugs into the motherboard.

Microprocessor: A CPU that composes only one chip. Some CPUs may actually be several square feet is
size; but, the microprocessor is designed to be 100% self-contained in a single chip.

Modem: A device that will let your computer talk to other computers or internet through the telephone
line.

CD-ROM: A disk made of plastic and aluminum which can store data.

CPU : Central Processing Unit. The “brain” of the computer. It executes commands which, eventually,
we see as a response to our input. Without the CPU, the computer is nothing.

Disk: A storage medium to keep data while the computer is turned off.

Floppy: A disk that has flexible media (the actual material onto which the data is recorded). The
material and flexibility is a lot like that of a cassette tape.

Hard disk: A medium to store data for the computer while the power is out. It uses a hard material
(typically aluminum).

Keyboard: A typewriter-like tool that has keys. Sends letters or commands to the computer.

Jargon Monitor: The display that shows the words, graphics, etc. to the user.

Motherboard: A printed circuit board that has (at least) slots to connect cards into. Often, they also
include a CPU and memory.

Mouse: An input device which has one to three buttons and when you move it, it causes the arrow in a
Windows display to move.

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Open Architecture: The original computer companies hide their secrets from competitors by keeping
their architecture closed (proprietary). IBM made the IBM PC an open architecture, allowing anyone to
make options for it.

Parallel: A type of port which transmits and receives several bits of data at a time (typically 8 bits).
Typically used to connect to printers.

Ports : Connectors (usually in the back of the computer) which connect to external devices (e.g. mouse,
keyboard, modem, printer, display, etc.)

Power supply: A basic component in the computer that converts the outlet power into power that the
computer can use.

Printer: An external device that takes commands and data from the computer to place on paper. There
are several types of printers: matrix, laser, thermal, inkjet, and plotter.

RAM: “Random Access Memory“. A pool of storage for the CPU. It can be written to/read from in any
order. There are several types of RAM: SRAM, DRAM, EDO-RAM.

ROM : “Read Only Memory“. Memory that has imprinted in it data and programs for the CPU which
cannot be erased or written to.

Scanner: An external device that is able to optically read in printed material like a copier, but it stores
the image on the computer instead.

Serial : A type of port that transmits only one bit at a time.

Surge protector: A device that will isolate your computer from outlet power problems (spikes and
noise).

Trackball: A mouse replacement that is a small box with a ball in the center. You roll the ball in the
direction you want the pointer to go.

UPS “Uninterruptable Power Supply”: This is a box that is like a surge protector but will keep you going
even if you lose power. You can plug your computer into. If black-out, this unit will keep you running
for 3 minutes to an hour (certainly enough time to save your work and shutdown the computer).

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 • Computer Generations
Computer development over the year categorized by generation which are:

1. First Generation (1942-1959) Vacuum Tubes:

2. Second Generation (1960-1964) Transistors:

3. Third Generation (1965-1971) Integrated Circuits:

4. Fourth Generation (1972-Present) Microprocessors:

5. Fifth Generation :

1. First Generation (1942-1959) Vacuum Tubes

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuit and magnetic drums for memory and were often
enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great
deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.

First generation computers relied on machine language the lowest-level programming language
understood by computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time.
Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.

Major features of first generation:

i) Use vacuum tube;

ii) Store data and instruction;

iii) Tremendous heat problem, number of breakdown and inefficient operation, not a reliable
device;

iv) Program were written in machine language.

v) Example: IBM 650, IBM 704, Mark II, UNIVAC and ENIAC etc.

The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to a business client, the U.S. Census Bureau in
1951.

2. Second Generation (1960-1964) Transistors:

Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and entered in the second generation of computers. The transistor
was invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 1960s. The transistor

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was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more
energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors.

Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output. Second-
generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly languages,
which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming languages were
also being developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the
first computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to
magnetic core technology.

The first computers of this generation were developed for the atomic energy industry.

• Major features:

i) Use of transistors in spite of vacuum tubes;

ii) High speed operation and small size;

iii) Free from heat problem;

iv) Program were written in machine and symbolic languages

v) Example: IBM1400, CDC 1604, IBM 1600, NCR 300 etc

3. Third Generation (1965-1971) Integrated Circuits:

The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers.
Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically
increased the speed and efficiency of computers.

Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers
through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to
run many different applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory.
Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and
cheaper than their predecessors.

Major features:

i) Characterized by integrated circuits with components;

ii) Circuit and components are so small that in many cases they were hardly visible to the naked
eye.

iii) Increase input/output, storage and processing capabilities;

iv) Use of printer;

v) It could process instructions in nanosecond;

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 vi) Its able to process several programs or sets of instruction simultaneously.

4. Fourth Generation (1972-Present) Microprocessors:

The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits
were built onto a single silicon chip. The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components
of the computer—from the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls—on a single
chip.

In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the
Macintosh.

As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks,
which eventually led to the development of the Internet.

Major Features:

i) Greater input/output, store and processing capabilities;

ii) Use of semiconductor storage devices;

iii) Use of microprocessor;

iv) Virtual storage capacity in billions and trillions of characters;

v) Impressive advancement has occurred software like Dos, MAC, Windows, UNIX

vi) Grate use of microcomputer;

vii) Example, IBM3033, HP3000, etc.

5. Fifth Generation :

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. The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.

Major features will be :

i)Fifth generation computer is yet to come;

ii) It will be capable of reasoning, learning, making inference;

iii) Massive primary store capabilities;

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iv) Extremely fast processing speeds;

v) Software will proliferate and get much bigger;

vi) Hardware will continue to shrink in size but internal memory will increase dramatically;

vii) Expert systems software will place the knowledge of expert and consultants(Doctor, lawyer, teacher
etc.)

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