UNIT 1: Introduction to Computer Science
1.1 Introduction to Computer:
● Definition: A computer is a programmable electronic device that processes input
data to produce output results.
● Components: Hardware (CPU, memory, input/output devices) and Software
(operating systems, applications).
● History: From mechanical devices to modern electronic computers, shaping
today's technology.
● Types: Personal computers, laptops, servers, mainframes, and supercomputers.
● Role: Revolutionizing communication, education, healthcare, and entertainment.
1.2 Characteristics of Computer:
● Speed: Rapid processing with millions of calculations per second.
● Accuracy: Precise results with accurate input and instructions.
● Versatility: Performs diverse tasks from simple calculations to complex
simulations.
● Automation: Executes tasks automatically, reducing human intervention.
● Storage: Stores vast data types including text, images, videos, and databases.
● Reliability: Redundancy and error-checking mechanisms enhance reliability.
● Security: Employs encryption and firewalls to protect data and prevent
unauthorized access.
1.3 Function of Computer:
● Data Processing: Converts raw data into meaningful information through
calculations and operations.
● Communication: Facilitates global communication via email, social media, and
video conferencing.
● Control: Manages devices and processes, from industrial machinery to home
automation.
● Entertainment: Enables gaming, multimedia playback, streaming, and virtual
reality experiences.
● Scientific Research: Supports simulations, data analysis, and modeling in various
scientific fields.
● Education: Enhances learning through online resources, digital textbooks, and
interactive simulations.
● Business Applications: Utilized in accounting, inventory management, customer
relationship management (CRM), and data analytics.
● Healthcare: Manages patient records, medical imaging, research, and drug
discovery.
● Creativity: Empowers artists, musicians, and designers through graphic design,
music composition, and digital art software.
● Navigation: Powers GPS systems, enabling precise navigation for vehicles, ships,
and aircraft.
● Online Transactions: Facilitates e-commerce, online banking, and digital
payments for financial transactions.
1.4 Application of Computer:
● Business: Data management, financial analysis, inventory control, and customer
relationship management.
● Education: E-learning, interactive tutorials, digital libraries, and online
assessments.
● Healthcare: Electronic health records, medical imaging, drug discovery, and
patient monitoring.
● Entertainment: Video games, multimedia production, streaming services, and
virtual reality experiences.
● Scientific Research: Simulations, data analysis, modeling, and computational
experiments.
● Communication: Email, social media, video conferencing, and instant messaging.
● Governance: Electronic voting systems, public service management, and digital
identity systems.
1.5 Generation of Computer:
● First Generation (1940-1956): Vacuum tubes, limited programming languages,
and punched cards for input.
● Second Generation (1956-1963): Transistors, magnetic core memory, and
assembly languages.
● Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated circuits (ICs), operating systems, and
high-level programming languages.
● Fourth Generation (1971-Present): Microprocessors, personal computers,
graphical user interfaces, and networking.
● Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond): Artificial intelligence, quantum
computing, and advanced parallel processing.
1.6 Classification of Computer:
● Supercomputers: High processing power for complex calculations, used in
scientific research and weather forecasting.
● Mainframe Computers: Large-scale data processing for organizations, handling
extensive databases and transactions.
● Minicomputers: Mid-sized computers, used for specific tasks like industrial
automation and engineering simulations.
● Microcomputers: Personal computers, laptops, and workstations for general-
purpose use by individuals and businesses.
UNIT 2: Basic Computer Organization, Types of Memory, Central Processing Unit (CPU)
and Its Components, ROM, RAM, and Their Importance, Impact of Configuration on
Performance
2.1 Basic Computer Organization:
● Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse, scanners.
● Output Devices: Monitor, printer, speakers.
● CPU: Processes instructions, performs calculations.
● Memory: Temporary and permanent data storage.
● Storage Devices: Hard drives, SSDs, CDs, DVDs.
2.2 Types of Memory:
● RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory for temporary data storage,
quick access by CPU.
● ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory containing firmware, used for
booting the computer.
● Cache Memory: High-speed memory between RAM and CPU, storing frequently
accessed data.
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Its Components:
● ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
● Control Unit: Manages instructions and controls data flow within the CPU.
● Registers: Small, fast storage locations inside the CPU for immediate data
access.
2.4 Importance of ROM and RAM:
● ROM: Stores firmware and bootstrap loader, ensuring the computer can start
when powered on.
● RAM: Provides fast, temporary storage for running applications and data,
enhancing system performance.
2.5 Impact of Configuration on Performance:
● RAM: More RAM allows for running multiple applications simultaneously without
slowing down the system.
● Chip Speed (Clock Speed): Faster processing for quicker execution of
instructions.
● Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Specialized processor for rendering graphics,
crucial for gaming and multimedia tasks.
● Storage Type (HDD vs. SSD): SSDs offer significantly faster data access times
compared to traditional hard disk drives.
UNIT 3: Number Systems: Positional and Non-Positional Number Systems, Binary
Number System, Decimal Number System, Octal and Hexadecimal Number Systems,
Conversion between Number Systems
3.1 Positional and Non-Positional Number Systems:
● Positional: Value of a digit depends on its position within the number (e.g.,
decimal system).
● Non-Positional: Value of a digit is fixed, regardless of its position (e.g., Roman
numerals).
3.2 Binary Number System:
● Base 2 system using 0s and 1s, fundamental in digital systems and computing.
3.3 Decimal Number System:
● Base 10 system using digits 0 to 9, widely used in everyday arithmetic.
3.4 Octal and Hexadecimal Number Systems:
● Octal: Base 8 system using digits 0 to 7.
● Hexadecimal: Base 16 system using digits 0 to 9 and letters A to F (representing
10 to 15 in decimal).
3.5 Conversion between Number Systems:
● Binary to Decimal: Convert binary digits to decimal using powers of 2.
● Decimal to Binary: Divide decimal number by 2 repeatedly, noting remainders.
● Binary to Octal/Hexadecimal: Group binary digits into sets of 3 (octal) or 4
(hexadecimal), then convert each group.
● Octal/Hexadecimal to Binary: Convert each digit to 3 (octal) or 4 (hexadecimal)
binary digits.
● Decimal to Octal/Hexadecimal: Convert decimal number to binary, then group
binary digits for conversion.
