MODULE 1: INTRUDUCING COMPUTER HARDWARE ANS SOFTWARE WEEK 1

After completing this course you are expected to demonstrate the following:
1. Understand the origin, history and evolution of the computer in terms of its
genertion which includes its various harware and software components.

Trivia
Figure 1.1
The man in this figure is Charles Babbage was an English mathematecian,
philosopher and
inventor born on December 26, 1791, in London, England. Often called “The
Father of
Computer,” Babbage detailed plans for mechanical Calculating Engines, Difference
Engines, and Analytical Engines. Babbage died on October 18, 1871, in London.

The computer was born not for entertainment or email but out of a need to
solve a serious number-crunching crisis. By 1880, the U.S. population had grown
so large that it took more than seven years to tabulate the U.S. Census results.
The government sought a faster way to get the job done, giving rise to punch-
card based computers that took up entire rooms.
Today, we carry more computing power on our smartphones than was available
in these early models. The following brief history of computing is a timeline of
how computers evolved from
their humble beginnings to the machines of today that surf stream multimedia in
addition to crunching numbers.
the Internet, play games and

D. Elaborate

How the Computer Boom?

A complete history of computing would include a multitude of diverse devices

such as the ancient Chinese abacus, the Jacquard loom (1805) and Charles
Babbage's ``analytical engine'' (1834). It would also include discussion of
mechanical, analog and digital computing architectures. As late as the 1960s,
mechanical devices, such as the Marchant calculator, still found widespread
application in science and engineering. During the early days of electronic
computing devices, there was much discussion about the relative merits of
analog vs. digital computers. In fact, as late as the 1960s, analog computers were
routinely used to solve systems of finite difference equations arising in oil
reservoir modeling. In the end, digital computing devices proved to have the
power, economics and scalability necessary to deal with large scale
computations. Digital computers now dominate the computing world in all areas
ranging from the hand calculator to the supercomputer and are pervasive
throughout society. Therefore, this brief sketch of the development of scientific
computing is limited to the area of digital, electronic computers.

What is Computer?

Computer

An electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data, and can be
programmed with instructions. A computer is composed of hardware and
software, and can exist in a variety of sizes and configurations.

Hardware Components

Input Devices

A keyboard and mouse are the standard way to interact with the computer.
Other devices include joysticks and game pads used primarily for games.

Output Devices

The monitor (the screen) is how the computer sends information back to
you. A printer is also an output device.

Computer Generations
 

Computer generations are based on when major technological changes in

computers occurred, like the use of vacuum tubes, transistors, and the
microprocessor. As of 2020, there are five generations of the computer.

Figure 1.2
First generation (1940 - 1956)

The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes as a major piece of

technology. Vacuum tubes were widely used in computers from 1940 through
1956. Vacuum tubes were larger

components and resulted in first generation computers being quite large in size,
taking up a lot of space in a room. Some of the first generation computers took
up an entire room.

The ENIAC is a great example of a first generation computer. It consisted of

nearly 20,000 vacuum tubes, as well as 10,000 capacitors and 70,000 resistors. It
weighed over 30 tons and took up a lot of space, requiring a large room to house
it. Other examples of first generation computers include the EDSAC, IBM 701,
and Manchester Mark 1.

Figure 1.3
Second generation (1956 - 1963)

The second generation of computers saw the use of transistors instead of

vacuum tubes. Transistors were widely used in computers from 1956 to 1963.
Transistors were smaller than vacuum tubes and allowed computers to be
smaller in size, faster in speed, and cheaper to build.
The first computer to use transistors was the TX-0 and was introduced in 1956.
Other computers that used transistors include the IBM 7070, PhilcoTransac S-

1000, and RCA 501.

Figure 1.4
Third generation (1964 - 1971)

The third generation of computers introduced the use of IC (integrated circuits)

in computers. Using IC's in computers helped reduce the size of computers even
more compared to second- generation computers, as well as make them faster.

Nearly all computers since the mid to late 1960s have utilized IC's. While the
third generation is considered by many people to have spanned from 1964 to
1971, IC's are still used in computers today. Over 45 years later, today's

computers have deep roots going back to the third generation.

Figure 1.5
Fourth generation (1972 - 2010)

The fourth generation of computers took advantage of the invention of the

microprocessor, more commonly known as a CPU. Microprocessors, along with
integrated circuits, helped make it possible for computers to fit easily on a desk
and for the introduction of the laptop.

Some of the earliest computers to use a microprocessor include the Altair 8800,
IBM 5100, and Micral. Today's computers still use a microprocessor, despite the
fourth generation being considered to have ended in 2010.

Figure 1.6
Fifth generation (2010 to present)

The fifth generation of computers is beginning to use AI (Artificial Intelligence),

an exciting technology that has many potential applications around the world.
Leaps have been made in AI technology and computers, but there is still room
for much improvement.

One of the more well-known examples of AI in computers is IBM's Watson,

which was featured on the TV show Jeopardy as a contestant. Other better-
known examples include Apple's Siri on the iPhone and Microsoft's Cortana on
Windows 8 and Windows 10 computers. The Google search engine also utilizes
AI to process user searches.

Computer Types

1.

PC (Personal Computer) – it is a single user computer system having

moderately powerful microprocessor.

2.
3.

Workstation – it is also a single user computer system, similar to personal

computer however has much more powerful microprocessor.

4.
5.

Mini Computer – it is a multi-user computer system, capable of supporting

hundreds of users simultaneously.

6.
7.

Main Frame - it is a multi-user computer system, capable of supporting

hundreds of users simultaneously, Software technology is different from
minicomputer.

8.
9.

Super Computer – it is an extremely fast computer, which can execute

hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

10.

Inside a Computer

Have you ever looked inside a computer case, or seen pictures of the inside of
one? The small parts may look complicated, but the inside of a computer case
isn't really all that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic
terminology and understand a bit more about what goes on inside a computer.
 Figure 1.7
Motherboard

The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds
the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion
cards to control the video and audio, and connections to your computer's ports
(such as USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every
part of the computer.

Figure 1.8
CPU/Processor

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called a processor, is located inside the
computer case on the motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the
computer, and its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click
the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.

Figure 1.9
RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is your system's short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs

calculations, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed.

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off. If you're
working on a document, spreadsheet, or other type of file, you'll need to save it
to avoid losing it. When you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive,
which acts as long-term storage.
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The hard drive is where your software, documents, and other files are stored.
The hard drive is long-term storage, which means the data is still saved even if
you turn the computer off or unplug it.

Expansion cards

Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that allow you to add
various types of expansion cards. These are sometimes called PCI (Peripheral
Component Interconnect) cards. You may never need to add any PCI cards
because most motherboards have built-in video, sound, network, and other
capabilities.
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Pow
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Supp
ly
Unit

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to
the type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through cables to

the motherboard and other components.

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The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. Most computers
have a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) built into the motherboard instead of
having a separate video card. If you like playing graphics-intensive games, you
can add a faster video card to one of the expansion slots to get better
performance.

Sound card
The sound card—also called an audio card—is responsible for what you hear in
the speakers or headphones. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but
you can upgrade to a dedicated sound card for higher-quality sound.

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The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network and
access the
Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless
connection (often called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network
connections, and a network card can also be added to an expansion

slot.
Figur
e 1.14
Bluetooth
 card (or
adapter)

Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication over short distances. It's

often used in computers to communicate with wireless keyboards, mice, and
printers. It's commonly built into the motherboard or included in a wireless
network card. For computers that don't have Bluetooth, you can purchase a USB
adapter, often called a dongle.

Two Types of Memory

Primary Memory
The main features of primary memory, which distinguish it from secondary
memory are −

It is accessed directly by the processor

It is the fastest memory available

Each word is stored as well as

It is volatile, i.e. its contents are lost once power is switched off


As primary memory is expensive, technologies are developed to optimize its

use.
Figure 1.15
These are broad types of primary memory
available.

RAM

it stands for Random Access Memory. The processor accesses all memory
addresses directly, irrespective of word length, making storage and retrieval
fast. RAM is the fastest memory available and hence most expensive.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

Each memory cell in a DRAM is made of one transistor and one capacitor,
which store one bit of data. However, due to small size of each cell, one
DRAM can have large number of cells. Primary memory of most of the
personal computers is made of DRAM.

SRAM (SRAM)

Each cell in SRAM is made of a flip flop that stores one bit. It retains its bit
till the power supply is on and doesn’t need to be refreshed like DRAM. It
also has shorter read-write cycles as compared to DRAM. SRAM is used in
specialized applications.


ROM

It stands for Read Only Memory. As the name suggests, ROM can only be
read by the processor. New data cannot be written into ROM. Data to be
stored into ROM is written during the manufacturing phase itself. They
contain data that does not need to be altered, like booting sequence of a
computer or algorithmic tables for mathematical applications. ROM is
slower and hence cheaper than RAM. It retains its data even when power is
switched off, i.e. it is non-volatile.

PROM (Programmable ROM)

Can be programmed using a special hardware device called PROM

programmer or PROM burner.

EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM)

Can be erased and then programmed using special electrical signals or UV

rays. EPROMs that can be erased using UV rays are called UVEPROM and
those that can be erased using electrical signals are called EEPROM.
However, handling electric signals is easier and safer than UV rays.

Cache Memory

Small piece of high speed volatile memory available to the processor for
fast processing is called cache memory. Cache may be a reserved portion of
main memory, another chip on CPU or an independent high speed storage
 device. Cache memory is made of fast speed SRAMs. The process of keeping
some data and instructions in cache memory for faster access is called
caching. Caching is done when a set of data or instructions is accesses again
and again.

Secondary Memory

Characteristics of Secondary Memory:

These are some characteristics of secondary memory, which distinguish it from

primary memory −

It is non-volatile, i.e. it retains data when power is switched off

It is large capacities to the tune of terabytes

It is cheaper as compared to primary memory

Depending on whether secondary memory device is part of CPU or not, there are
two types of secondary memory – fixed and removable.

Figure 1.16
Let us look at some of the secondary memory devices available.

Hard Disk Drive

 

Is made up of a series of circular disks called platters arranged one over the
other almost ½ inches apart around a spindle. Disks are made of non-
magnetic material like aluminium alloy and coated with 10-20 nm of
magnetic material.Standard diameter of these disks is 14 inches and they
rotate with speeds varying from 4200 rpm (rotations per minute) for
personal computers to 15000 rpm for servers. Data is stored by magnetizing
or demagnetizing the magnetic coating. A magnetic reader arm is used to
read data from and write data to the disks. A typical modern HDD has
capacity in Terabytes (TB).

CD Drive

CD stands for Compact Disk. CDs are circular disks that use optical rays,
usually lasers, to read and write data. They are very cheap as you can get
700 MB of storage space for less than a dollar. There are three types of CDs
−

1.

CD-ROM (Compact Disk – Read Only Memory) − the data on these CDs are
recorded by the manufacturer. Proprietary Software, audio or video are
released on CD-ROMs.

2.
3.

CD-R (Compact Disk – Recordable) − Data can be written by the user once
on the CD-R. It cannot be deleted or modified later.

4.
5.

CD-RW (Compact Disk – Rewritable) − Data can be written and deleted on

these optical disks again and again.
 6.

DVD Drive

DVD stands for Digital Video Display. DVDs are optical devices that can
store 15 times the data held by CDs. They are usually used to store rich
multimedia files that need high storage capacity. DVDs also come in three
varieties – read only, recordable and rewritable.

Pen Drive

Is a portable memory device that uses solid state memory rather than
magnetic fields or lasers to record data. It uses a technology similar to RAM,
except that it is non- volatile. It is also called USB drive, key drive or flash
memory.

Blu-Ray Disk (BD)

Is an optical storage media used to store High Definition (HD) video and
other multimedia filed. BD uses shorter wavelength laser as compared to
CD/DVD. This enables writing arm to focus more tightly on the disk and
hence pack in more data. BDs can store up to 128 GB data.

Input / Output Ports

A connection point that acts as interface between the computer and external
devices like mouse, printer, modem, etc. is called port. Ports are of two types −

1.
 Internal port − It connects the motherboard to internal devices like hard
disk drive, CD drive, internal modem, etc.

2.
3.

External port − It connects the motherboard to external devices like

modem, mouse, printer, flash drives, etc.

4.

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Serial ports transmit data sequentially one bit at a time. So they need only one
wire to transmit 8 bits. However it also makes them slower. Serial ports are
usually 9-pin or 25-pin male connectors. They are also known as COM
(communication) ports or RS323C ports.
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Parallel ports can send or receive 8 bits or 1 byte at a time. Parallel ports come in
form of 25- pin female pins and are used to connect printer, scanner, external
hard disk drive, etc.

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USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is the industry standard for short
distance digital data connection. USB port is a standardized port to connect a
variety of devices like printer, camera, keyboard, speaker, etc.

PS-2 Port

PS/2 stands for Personal System/2. It is a female 6-pin port standard that
connects to the male mini-DIN cable. PS/2 was introduced by IBM to
connect mouse and keyboard to personal computers. This port is now
mostly obsolete, though some systems compatible with IBM may have this
port.

Infrared Port

is a port that enables wireless exchange of data within a radius of 10m. Two
devices that have infrared ports are placed facing each other so that beams
of infrared lights can be used to share data.

Bluetooth Port

a telecommunication specification that facilitates wireless connection

between phones, computers and other digital devices over short range
wireless connection. Bluetooth port enables synchronization between
Bluetooth-enabled devices. There are two types of Bluetooth ports −
 

1.

Incoming − It is used to receive connection from Bluetooth devices.

2.
3.

Outgoing − It is used to request connection to other Bluetooth devices.

4.

FireWire Port

is Apple Computer’s interface standard for enabling high speed

communication using serial bus. It is also called IEEE 1394 and used mostly
for audio and video devices like digital camcorders.

What is Network Hardware and How Does It Work?

Network hardware

Is the individual components of a network system that are responsible for

transmitting data and facilitating the operations of a computer network.
Although a network contains many hardware components, there are
several basic categories that make up the complete operations of a network
system. Here are some of the different categories and how they contribute
as a whole to the overall functioning of a network system.

Categories of Different Network Hardware

Basic network infrastructure is connected by components that fall under several
categories of different types of network hardware.

1.
 Network Router:

2.

Is a hardware device that is connected to multiple channels for different

networks through an interface that is situated on each network. The router
is usually located within the layers of a network that determine the path for
the transfer of data with

Why computers need software?

Software provieds the means for accomplishing many different tasks with the
same basic hardware. Practical computer systems divide software systemsinto
two major classes: System software helps run the computer hardware and
computer system itself. Application Software allows users to accomplish one or
more tasks.

What is Software?

Is a computer program that provides instructions and data to execute a

user’s commands. It is an indispensable part of the machine you cannot see,
but it allows you to use the computer … just like how a mouse, monitor,
hard drive and keyboard help you use the computer.

Some common examples of software include Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop,

Adobe Reader, Google Chrome, Gmail, PowerPoint, VLC, and many other similar
computer programs that we often use in our daily life. If we sat down to list all
the examples of software, the list would never end, but what’s more important
than that is to understand how they differ from each other.

What Are the Two Major Software Types?

The two major types of computer software are:

1.
 Application Software

2.
3.

System Software

4.

Whereas, two other types of computer software are:

1.

Programming Software

2.
3.

Driver Software

4.

Major Types of Software

Application Software

As a user of technology, application software or ‘apps’ are what you engage

with the most. These types of computer software are productive end-user
programs that help you perform tasks. Following are some examples of
application software that allow you to do specific work:

1.

MS Excel: It is spreadsheet software that you can use for presenting and
analyzing data.

2.
3.
 Photoshop: It is a photo editing application software by Adobe. You can use
it to visually enhance, catalogue and share your pictures.

4.
5.

Skype: It is an online communication app that you can use for video chat,
voice calling and instant messaging.

6.

System Software

System software helps the user, hardware, and application software to

interact and function together. These types of computer software allow an
environment or platform for other software and applications to work in.
This is why system software is essential in managing the whole computer
system.

When you first power up your computer, it is the system software that is initially
loaded into memory. Unlike application software, the System software is not
used by end-users like you. It only runs in the background of your device, at the
most basic level while you use other application software. This is why system
software is also called “low-level software”.

Example of System Software

Operating systems are an example of system software. All of your computer-like

devices run on an operating system, including your desktop, laptop, smartphone,
and tablet, etc. Here is a list of examples of an operating system. Let’s take a
look and you might spot some familiar names of system software:

For desktop computers, laptops and tablets:

Microsoft Windows



 Mac (for Apple devices)




Linux

For smartphones:

Apple’s iOS




Google’s Android




Windows Phone OS

Programming Software

Is the type of software that is not used by end-users. It is not for you unless,
of course, you are a programmer who writes code. Programming software
are programs that are used to write, develop, test, and debug other
software, including apps and system software. For someone who works at a
bespoke software development company, for example, this type of
software would make their life easier and efficient.




Is used by software programmers as translator programs. They are

facilitator software used to translate programming languages (i.e., Java, C++,
 Python, PHP, BASIC, etc) into machine language code. Translators can be
compilers, interpreters and assemblers. You can understand compilers as
programs that translate the whole source code into machine code and
execute it. Interpreters run the source code as the program is run line by
line. And assemblers translate the basic computer instructions called
“Assembly Code” into machine code.

Different programming language editors, debuggers, compilers and IDEs are

examples of programming software. For example:

Eclipse – a Java language editor




Coda – programming language editor for Mac




Notepad++ – an open-source editor for windows




Sublime Text – a cross-platform code editor for Mac, Windows, and Linux

Driver Software

Often classified as one of the types of system software. They operate and
control devices and peripherals plugged into a computer. Drivers are
important because they enable the devices to perform their designated
tasks. They do this by translating commands of an Operating System for the
Hardware or devices, assigning duties. Therefore, each device connected
with your computer requires at least one device driver to function.
 

Since there are thousands of types of devices, drivers make the job of your
system software easier by allowing it to communicate through a standardized
language. Some examples of driver software that you may be familiar with are:

Printer Driver




Mouse Driver




Network Card

Usually, the operating system comes built-in with drivers for mouse, keyboard,
and printers by default. They often do not require third-party installations. But
for some advanced devices, you may need to install the driver externally.
Moreover, if you use multiple operating systems like Linux, Windows, and Mac,
then each of these supports different variants of drivers. For them, separate
drivers need to be maintained for each.

BIOS may refer to any of the following:

1. Short for Basic Input/Output System, the BIOS (pronounced bye-oss) is a

ROM chip found on motherboards that allows you to access and set up your
computer system at the most basic level. The picture below is an example of
what a BIOS chip may look like on a computer motherboard. The BIOS
pictured is of an early AMIBIOS, a type of BIOS manufactured by

AMI.
Figure 1.24
The Operating System (OS)

What is an Operating System?

An Operating System is the most important software that runs on a

computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all
of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the
computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without
an operating system, a computer is useless.

The Operating System's job

Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and
hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are several different
computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access
your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The
operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets
what it needs.

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most
people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's
possible to upgrade or even change operating systems. The three most common
operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and
Linux.

Modern operating systems use a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced

gooey). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and
everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and

text.
Figure 1.25

Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a
different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern
operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic
principles are the same.

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There

have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones
are Windows 10 (released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009),
and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs,
which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

Figure 1.26

MacOS

MacOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by

Apple. It comes preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of
 the specific versions include Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017),
and Sierra (2016).

According to StatCounter Global Stats, MacOS users account for less than
10% of global operating systems—much lower than the percentage of
Windows users (more than 80%). One reason for this is that Apple
computers tend to be more expensive. However, many people do prefer
the look and feel of MacOS over Windows.

Figure 1.27

Linux

Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems,

which means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the
world. This is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can
only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are
that it is free, and there are many different distributions—or versions—you
can choose from.
 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Course Modules
CC112 – Fundamentals of Computer Programming 1
(C/C++ Language) 1 Year – 1 Semester
st st

According to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of
global

operating systems. However, most servers run Linux customize.

because it's relatively easy to

Figure 1.28

Microsoft Word is a word processor developed by Microsoft. It was first

released on October 25, 1983under the name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix systems.
Subsequent versions were later written for several other platforms including
IBM PCs running DOS (1983), Apple Macintosh
running the Classic Mac OS (1985), AT&T Unix PC (1985), Atari ST (1988), OS/2
(1989),
Microsoft Windows (1989), SCO Unix (1994), and macOS (formerly OS X;

2001).
Figure 1.29

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet developed by Microsoft for Windows, MacOS,

Android and iOS. It features calculation, graphing tools, pivot tables, and a macro
programming language called Visual Basic for Applications. It has been a very
widely applied spreadsheet for these platforms, especially since version 5 in
1993, and it has replaced Lotus 1-2-3 as the industry standard for spreadsheets.
Excel forms part of the Microsoft Office suite of software.
 Figure 1.30

Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation program, created by Robert Gaskins and

Dennis Austin at a software company named Forethought, Inc. It was released
on April 20, 1987, initially for Macintosh computers only. Microsoft acquired
PowerPoint for $14 million three months after
it appeared. This was Microsoft's first significant acquisition, and Microsoft set up
a new
business unit for PowerPoint in Silicon Valley where Forethought had been
located. Microsoft PowerPoint is one of many programs run by the company
Microsoft and can be identified by
its trademark orange,
and P initial on the logo. It offers
users many ways to display
information from simple presentations to complex multimedia presentations.

Figure 1.31