Merged1-5 Fundamental of It
Merged1-5 Fundamental of It
Merged1-5 Fundamental of It
TECHNOLOGY.
Unit – I Introduction
Definition of an Electronic Digital Computer, characteristics, capabilities and limitation of computer,
Generation of computers, Types of computers, Classification of computers on size, Computer
Hardware components and their functions, Characteristics and Applications of Computers.
Functions: Digital computers can perform input, storage, control, processing, and output functions.
Data storage: Digital computers can store large amounts of data.
Calculations: Digital computers can perform arithmetical computations and logical processes at high
speed.
Problem solving: Digital computers can solve problems involving words and numbers.
Examples of digital electronic computers include IBM PCs, Apple Macintosh, and modern
smartphones
1. Speed
Executing mathematical calculation, a computer works faster and more accurately than human.
Computers have the ability to process so many millions (1,000,000) of instructions per second.
Computer operations are performed in micro and nano seconds. A computer is a time saving device. It
performs several calculations and tasks in few seconds that we take hours to solve. The speed of a
computer is measure in terms of GigaHertz and MegaHertz.
2. Diligence
A human cannot work for several hours without resting, yet a computer never tires. A computer can
conduct millions of calculations per second with complete precision without stopping. A computer can
consistently and accurately do millions of jobs or calculations. There is no weariness or lack of
concentration. Its memory ability also places it ahead of humans.
3. Reliability
A computer is reliable. The output results never differ unless the input varies. the output is totally
depend on the input. when an input is the same the output will also be the same. A computer produces
consistent results for similar sets of data, if we provide the same set of input at any time we will get the
same result.
4. Automation
The world is quickly moving toward AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based technology. A computer may
conduct tasks automatically after instructions are programmed. By executing jobs automatically, this
computer feature replaces thousands of workers. Automation in computing is often achieved by the
use of a program, a script, or batch processing.
5. Versatility
Versatility refers to a capacity of computer. Computer perform different types of tasks with the same
accuracy and efficiency. A computer can perform multiple tasks at the same time this is known as
versatility. For example, while listening to music, we may develop our project using PowerPoint and
Wordpad, or we can design a website.
6. Memory
A computer can store millions of records. these records may be accessed with complete precision.
Computer memory storage capacity is measured in Bytes, Kilobytes(KB), Megabytes(MB),
Gigabytes(GB), and Terabytes(TB). A computer has built-in memory known as primary memory.
7. Accuracy
When a computer performs a computation or operation, the chances of errors occurring are low.
Errors in a computer are caused by human’s submitting incorrect data. A computer can do a variety of
operations and calculations fast and accurately.
First generation
Vacuum tubes were the main electronic component of computers from the 1940s to the 1950s. These
computers were used by large companies and organizations, like NASA and the United States military.
Second generation
Transistors and diodes were the main electronic components of computers from the 1950s to the
1960s. These computers were smaller, more reliable, and used less power than the first generation.
Third generation
Integrated circuits were the main electronic components of computers from the 1960s to the 1970s. This
generation also saw the introduction of keyboards and monitors.
Fourth generation
Microprocessors and very large scale integration (VLSI) were the main electronic components of
computers from the 1970s to the present
Fifth generation
Ultra large scale integration technology (ULSI) and artificial intelligence (AI) are the main electronic
components of computers from the present to the future. These computers are portable and have a
good storage capacity.
The term "generation" in computer technology refers to the changes a computer goes
through. It can refer to both software and hardware, which together make up the entire
computer system.
Types of computers :-
There are two bases on which we can define the types of computers. We will discuss the type
of computers on the basis of size and data handling capabilities. We will discuss each type of
computer in detail. Let’s see first what are the types of computers.
Super Computer
Mainframe computer
Mini Computer
Workstation Computer
Personal Computer (PC)
Server Computer
Analog Computer
Digital Computer
Hybrid Computer
Tablets and Smartphone
Supercomputer
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when thinking of
computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest computers (in terms of speed
of processing data). Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount
of data, like processing trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the
thousands of interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific
and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations, and nuclear
energy research. It was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
Characteristics of Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the computers that are the fastest and they are also very expensive.
It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is also the reason
which makes it even faster.
It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online currency world
such as Bitcoin etc.
It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from exploring the solar
system, satellites, etc.
Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support hundreds or
thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So,
they can execute different processes simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe
computer ideal for big organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high
volume of data in general.
Characteristics of Mainframe Computers
It is also an expensive or costly computer.
It has high storage capacity and great performance.
It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very
quickly.
It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.
Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are
two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time. Minicomputer is similar to
Microcontroller. Minicomputers are used in places like institutes or departments for different
work like billing, accounting, inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a mainframe
computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.
Characteristics of Minicomputer
Its weight is low.
Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
less expensive than a mainframe computer.
It is fast.
Workstation Computer
A workstation computer is designed for technical or scientific applications. It consists of a fast
microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic adapter. It is a single-
user computer. It is generally used to perform a specific task with great accuracy.
Server Computer
Server Computers are computers that are combined data and programs. Electronic data and
applications are stored and shared in the server computer. The working of a server computer
is that it does not solve a bigger problem like a supercomputer but it solves many smaller
similar ones. Examples of server computer are like Wikipedia, as when users put a request for
any page, it finds what the user is looking for and sends it to the user.
Analog Computer
Analog Computers are particularly designed to process analog data. Continuous data that
changes continuously and cannot have discrete values are called analog data. So, an analog
computer is used where we don’t need exact values or need approximate values such as
speed, temperature, pressure, etc. It can directly accept the data from the measuring device
without first converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous changes in
physical quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example speedometer,
mercury thermometer, etc.
Digital Computer
Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can easily perform calculations and
logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as input and processes it with programs
stored in its memory to produce the final output. It only understands the binary input 0 and 1,
so the raw input data is converted to 0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the
computer to produce the result or final output. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops
including smartphones are digital computers.
Hybrid Computer
As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different things. Similarly,
the hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers
are fast like analog computers and have memory and accuracy like digital computers. So, it
has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts
analog signals as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the input data.
So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analog and digital data are
required to be processed. A processor which is used in petrol pumps that converts the
measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is an example of a hybrid computer.
Tablet and Smartphones
Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers that are pocket friendly and easy to
carry is these are handy. This is one of the best use of modern technology. These devices
have better hardware capabilities, extensive operating systems, and better multimedia
functionality. smartphones and tablets contain a number of sensors and are also able to
provide wireless communication protocols.
Application of Computer :-
Computers have many applications, including:
Business: Computers are used for payroll, budgeting, sales analysis, financial forecasting, and managing
employee databases.
Accounting: Computers are used to manage daily and financial accounts, and inventory management.
Banking: Computers are used for checking balances, withdrawals, and deposits.
Insurance: Computers are used to maintain policyholder details.
Education: Computers are used to create virtual classrooms and universities.
Hospitals: Computers are used to maintain patient details, diseases, and treatments.
Communication: Computers are used for email, voice mail, and video conferencing.
Entertainment: Computers are used to play movies and games.
Designing: Computers are used to draw new designs, such as blueprints for buildings.
Transportation: Computers are used for ticket reservations and cancellations.
Scientific research: Computers are used to solve complicated problems involving numbers.
Space technology: Computers control space research stations.
Publishing: Computers are used to prepare and format the contents of books
FUNDAMENTAL OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY.
Unit – II
Operating system concepts Introduction to OS, components of OS, Types of OS,
multiprogramming, multitasking & time sharing, File & Directories & their use in different OS,
DOS operating system, Window operating system, Unix operating system
Components of OS :-
An operating system (OS) has several components, including:
• Kernel: The software that controls most of the OS's tasks, such as memory and process management.
• Shell: One of the two main components of an OS.
• Process management: Creates, deletes, suspends, and resumes processes.
• Memory management: Allocates and deallocates physical memory.
• Virtual memory management: Maintains mapping from virtual to physical memory.
• I/O management: Defines device drivers to provide a uniform interface to devices.
• Secondary storage management: Allocates and deallocates blocks, and manages recovery blocks.
• File management: Handles naming, directories, creation, use, deletion, locks, protection, backups, and
accounting.
• Network services: Supports various protocols and communication facilities.
• Command language interpreter (CLI): An interface that allows users and operators to give commands
to the OS
An OS acts as an interface between the hardware, the application software, and the
users. It has many functions, including:
• Controlling hardware components
• Providing a platform for software to run on
• Providing a user interface
• Managing processes
• Managing the computer's memory
• Managing input and output devices
• Managing applications
• Managing security
Batch Operating System :- This type of operating system does not interact with
the computer directly. There is an operator which takes similar jobs having the
same requirements and groups them into batches. It is the responsibility of the
operator to sort jobs with similar needs. Batch Operating System is designed to
manage and execute a large number of jobs efficiently by processing them in
groups.
File & Directories :- Files and directories are components of a file system that work
together to store and access data on a computer or network:
• Files:- Collections of data that can be read from or written to
Directories:- Containers that store files and other directories, and provide an organized way to access
them
Here are some more details about files and directories:
• File systems
Manage all aspects of data storage, including disk space allocation, security permissions, and access
control
• Directories contain information
Directories contain information about the files they store, including their attributes, location, and
ownership
• Directory structure
Directories branch downward from the root directory, forming a tree structure. The root directory is the
parent of all other directories, and every file's absolute path must pass through it.
• Creating directories
The mkdir command creates a new directory, as long as a file or directory with the same name doesn't
already exist
• Directory types
There are different types of directory structures, including single-level and two-level. A single-level
directory has only one directory in the system. A two-level directory structure has a single master file
directory that contains individual directories for each user.
.
MS-DOS (Microsoft –Disk Operating System) :-
DOS, or Disk Operating System, is a family of operating systems for IBM PC compatible
computers. The most well-known DOS operating systems are IBM PC DOS and Microsoft's
MS-DOS, which were both released in 1981.
1. Internal Commands
2. External Commands
Internal Commands
Internal commands are loaded into the system memory during system booting. These internal
commands may not be seen, modified, detected, or deleted because they do not exist in the
form of a file. An internal command is the MS-DOS command stored in system memory and
loaded from command.com or cmd.exe. Internal commands include MD, DATE, COPY, CD,
TIME, COPR CON, TYPE, etc.
External Commands
External commands are stored in the system memory after system booting. These external
commands may easily be viewed, changed, deleted, or copied as they are present in the form of
a file. External commands include FORMAT, SYS, EDIT, PROMPT, COPY, PRINT, TREE,
SORT, etc.
move
It is used to move one or multiple
files from one directory to another.
By definition, an Operating System is a group of several GUIs (Graphical User Interface) families, all of
which are developed, sold and marketed by Microsoft.
The latest version of Microsoft Operating System which is being widely used across the world is Windows
10.
For conceptual clarity and understanding the context well, candidates are advised to check out the video
given below:
Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute
specific tasks. It is the opposite of hardware, which describes the physical aspects of a computer.
Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that run on a
device. It can be thought of as the variable part of a computer, while hardware is the invariable
part.
The two main categories of software are application software and system software. An application
is software that fulfills a specific need or performs tasks
computer's hardware and provides a platform for applications to run on top of.
• Programming software, which provides the programming tools software developers need.
Early software was written for specific computers and sold with the hardware it ran on. In the
1980s, software began to be sold on floppy disks and, later, CDs and DVDs. Today, most software
is purchased and directly downloaded over the internet. Software can be found on vendor
and application service provider websites.
• Driver software:- Also known as device drivers, this software is often considered a type
of system software. Device drivers control the devices and peripherals connected to a
computer, helping them perform their specific tasks. Every device that's connected to a
computer needs at least one device driver to function. Examples include software that comes
with any nonstandard hardware, including special game controllers, as well as the software
that enables standard hardware, such as USB storage devices, keyboards, headphones and
printers
• Middleware:- The term middleware describes software that mediates between application
and system software or between two different kinds of application software. For example,
middleware lets Microsoft Windows talk to Excel and Word. It's used to send a remote work
request from an application in a computer that has one kind of OS to an application in a
computer with a different OS. It also lets newer applications work with legacy ones.
Introduction to programming languages :-
A programming language is a set of instructions and syntax used to create software programs.
Some of the key features of programming languages include:
1. Syntax: The specific rules and structure used to write code in a programming language.
2. Data Types: The type of values that can be stored in a program, such as numbers, strings,
and booleans.
3. Variables: Named memory locations that can store values.
4. Operators: Symbols used to perform operations on values, such as addition, subtraction,
and comparison.
5. Control Structures: Statements used to control the flow of a program, such as if-else
statements, loops, and function calls.
6. Libraries and Frameworks: Collections of pre-written code that can be used to perform
common tasks and speed up development.
7. Paradigms: The programming style or philosophy used in the language, such as
procedural, object-oriented, or functional.
Types of Assembler :-
The assembler generates instructions by evaluating the mnemonics (symbols) in the operation
field and finding the value of symbols and literals to produce machine code. On the basis of
this functionality, assembler has two types:
• Single-Pass Assembler: If an assembler does all this work in one scan then it is called a
single-pass assembler.
• Multiple-Pass Assembler: If it does it in multiple scans then called a multiple-pass
assembler.
Working of Assembler :-
Assembler divides tasks into two passes:
Pass-1
• Define symbols and literals and remember them in the symbol table and literal table
respectively.
• Keep track of the location counter.
• Process pseudo-operations.
• Defines a program that assigns the memory addresses to the variables and translates the
source code into machine code.
Pass-2
• Generate object code by converting symbolic op-code into respective numeric op-code.
• Generate data for literals and look for values of symbols.
• Defines a program that reads the source code two times.
• It reads the source code and translates the code into object code.
Firstly, We will take a small assembly language program to understand the working in their
respective passes. Assembly language statement format:
Compiler and Interpreter:- A compiler and an interpreter are both programming tools that
convert high-level programming languages into machine-readable instructions, but they differ in
how they process and run programs:
Compiler:-
• C
Translates the entire source code into machine code before the program runs. The compiler saves the object
code as a file before executing it. Compilers are ideal for applications that require high
performance. Examples of compiled languages include C, C++, COBOL, and Fortran.
Interpreter:-
• I
Translates and executes the code line by line as the code runs. The interpreter points out errors along the
way. Examples of interpreted languages include Python, JavaScript, Perl, and BASIC
High-level language :-
A more abstract language that is closer to human language and uses higher-level concepts like variables,
functions, and control structures. High-level languages are designed to be easier to write and understand,
and are more focused on usability than optimal program efficiency. Examples of high-level languages include
C, C++, Python, and Java.
Assembly language is rarely written directly today, but it's still used in some applications where
performance is a priority.
Assembly language is a low-level language that helps to communicate directly with computer
hardware. It uses mnemonics to represent the operations that a processor has to do. Which is
an intermediate language between high-level languages like C++ and the binary language. It
uses hexadecimal and binary values, and it is readable by humans.
Unit – IV
Data Communication & networks
Types of Network – LAN, MAN, WAN, Internet, Intranet, Topologies of LAN – Ring, Bus,
Star, Mesh and Tree.
_______________________________________________________________________
The first example of a computer network was the Advanced Research Projects Agency
Network. This packet-switched network was created in the late 1960s by ARPA, a U.S.
Department of Defense agency.
• Local area network (LAN): Connects devices within a limited area, such as an office
building, school, or hospital LAN stands for Local Area Network, which is a network that
connects devices within a specific geographic area, such as a home, office, or
plant. LANs are made up of cables, often called Ethernet cables, that transmit data
between devices.
• Personal area network (PAN): A network that allows one person to connect multiple
devices, such as a laptop to a scanner
• Metropolitan area network (MAN): A large network that spans across a city MAN or
Metropolitan area Network covers a larger area than that covered by a LAN and a smaller
area as compared to WAN. MAN has a range of 5-50km. It connects two or more computers
that are apart but reside in the same or different cities.
• Wide area network (WAN): A network that covers larger areas, such as countries, states,
and large cities WAN or Wide Area Network is a computer network that extends over a large
geographical area, although it might be confined within the bounds of a state or country. WAN
has a range of above 50 km. A WAN could be a connection of LAN connecting to other LANs
via telephone lines and radio waves and may be limited to an enterprise (a corporation or an
organization) or accessible to the public.
• Storage area network (SAN): A dedicated network that facilitates block-level data
storage
• Campus area network (CAN): A collection of interconnected LANs, used by larger
organizations like governments and universities
• Enterprise private network (EPN): A single network that connects multiple office
locations of a large organization
• Virtual private network (VPN): An overlay private network that is stretched on top of a
public network
• Cloud network: A WAN whose infrastructure is delivered via cloud services
The Internet is the foremost important tool and the prominent resource that is
being used by almost every person across the globe. It connects millions of
computers, webpages, websites, and servers. Using the internet we can
send emails, photos, videos, and messages to our loved ones. Or in other
words, the Internet is a widespread interconnected network of computers
and electronic devices(that support Internet). It creates a communication
medium to share and get information online. If your device is connected to
the Internet then only you will be able to access all the applications,
websites, social media apps, and many more services. The Internet
nowadays is considered the fastest medium for sending and receiving
information.
Working of Intranet :-
An intranet is a network confined to a company, school, or organization that
works like the Internet. Let us understand more about the working of the
intranet with the help of a diagram, as shown below:
Topologies :- Network topology is the way devices are connected in a
network. It defines how these components are connected and how data
transfer between the network.
There are two major categories of Network Topology i.e. Physical Network
topology and Logical Network Topology.
The structure of the network is important for the proper functioning of the
network. one must choose the most suitable topology as per their
requirement.
In a point-to-point topology, one node acts as the transmitter and the other as
the receiver. The entire bandwidth of the connection is reserved for
communication between the two nodes, which can help reduce congestion
and improve connection reliability.
Mesh Topology
.Algorithm:
1. Start
2. Input 2 variables from user
3. Now check the condition If a > b, goto step 4, else goto step 5.
4. Print a is greater, goto step 6
5. Print b is greater
6. Stop
Algorithm:
1. Start
2. Put input a
3. Now check the condition if a % 2 == 0, goto step 5. Else goto step 4
4. Now print(“number is odd”) and goto step 6
5. Print(“number is even”)
6. Stop
Flow chart:- A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a process, system or computer
algorithm. They are widely used in multiple fields to document, study, plan, improve and
communicate often complex processes in clear, easy-to-understand diagrams.
Flowcharts, sometimes spelled as flow charts, use rectangles, ovals, diamonds and
potentially numerous other shapes to define the type of step, along with connecting
arrows to define flow and sequence.
Here are some rules for making a flowchart:-
• Start and end: The flowchart should begin with the word "start" and end with the
word "end"
• Direction: The flow should generally move from left to right or top to bottom.
• Symbols: Connect all symbols with arrow lines. Maintain consistent spacing
between symbols.
• Decision points: Each decision point should have at least two distinct
outcomes. All decision point paths should connect to another step or a terminal
symbol.
• Return lines: Run return lines under the flowchart and ensure they don't overlap
• Design elements: Use consistent design elements, such as shapes, lines, and
texts
• Page: Keep everything on one page
• Trigger: Every flowchart should start with a trigger.
• End: The flowchart should have a defined end, but it may have multiple ends due
to multiple decision points.
Some other steps you can take to create a flowchart include:
1. Determine the flowchart's purpose and scope.
2. Identify the steps and sequence of the process.
3. Choose the appropriate symbols and shapes.
4. Draw the flowchart.
5. Test and improve the flowchart.
Process flowchart
The most common type of flowchart, which shows every action in a process from start
to finish. They are often used in manufacturing to show the production journey of a
product
Workflow diagram :-
Defines a process for how an item should work, and shows who is responsible for
work at what point in the process
Swimlane flowchart:-
Shows a process from start to finish, and also shows who is responsible for each step
in the process.
Decision flowchart:-
A graphical representation of different courses of action and their outcomes.
Program flowchart:-
Represents the sequence of steps and decisions in a computer program or algorithm.
System flowchart:-
A diagrammatic representation that depicts the workflow or processes involved in a
system
The type of flowchart used depends on the specific context and industry.
What it is
Pseudocode is a blueprint for a program or algorithm that's written in a natural
language like English. It's not a programming language and can't be compiled into an
executable program.
Why it's used
Pseudocode is used to design, plan, and create algorithms and prototypes. It's a good
starting point for documentation, and it can help with communication between
designers, coders, and project managers.
Top Down :- Top-down programming is a programming style that starts with a general
concept and breaks it down into smaller, more manageable parts. It's a common
technique in traditional procedural languages.
Here are some steps in the top-down programming process:
1. Specify the high-level functions: Start by defining the complex pieces of the program.
2. Break down into smaller parts: Divide the program into smaller, more manageable
subcomponents.
3. Repeat: Repeat the process until the subcomponents are simple enough to code.
4. Test: Once all the subroutines are coded, the program is ready to be tested.
Top-down programming is often visualized as a tree structure, with the main system or
problem at the root and smaller parts branching out from there. This hierarchical
decomposition allows developers to focus on the high-level design first.
Bottom-up :- In this design, individual parts of the system are specified in detail. The
parts are linked to form larger components, which are in turn linked until a complete
system is formed. Object-oriented language such as C++ or java uses a bottom-up
approach where each object is identified first.
Mobile offices
These offices have features that allow the occupants to function as if they were in a
permanent office.
Remote locations
Modular construction is well-suited for remote locations where building on-site would
be difficult or expensive.