Introduction to Computer Applications & IT
UNIT I – Basics of Computers
Introduction to Computers
A computer is an electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. It
works under the control of a set of instructions (called a program) to perform
tasks. Computers help in making tasks faster, accurate, and more efficient.
Characteristics of Computers
Speed: Can perform millions of instructions per second.
Accuracy: Provides high level of accuracy with minimal errors.
Automation: Can perform tasks automatically once programmed.
Diligence: Does not suffer from fatigue or loss of concentration.
Storage: Stores vast amounts of data for quick retrieval.
Versatility: Can perform various tasks simultaneously.
Evolution of Computers
1. First Generation (1940-1956): Used vacuum tubes; very bulky and
expensive.
2. Second Generation (1956-1963): Used transistors; smaller and more
reliable.
3. Third Generation (1964-1971): Used Integrated Circuits (ICs).
4. Fourth Generation (1971-Present): Used microprocessors.
5. Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond): Based on AI, machine learning,
robotics.
Generation of Computers
Categorized based on hardware technology and programming capabilities,
from vacuum tubes to AI-based processors.
Classification of Computers
Supercomputers: Most powerful; used in weather forecasting, scientific
simulations.
Mainframe Computers: Used in large organizations for bulk data
processing.
Minicomputers: Medium-sized systems; used in small businesses.
Microcomputers: Personal computers, laptops; used by individuals.
The Computer System
Consists of:
Hardware: Physical components like CPU, RAM, keyboard, etc.
Software: Programs and operating systems.
Users: People who operate the system.
Applications of Computers
Used in:
Education: Online learning, research.
Business: Billing, inventory, payroll.
Healthcare: Patient records, diagnostics.
Banking: ATM, net banking.
Entertainment: Movies, games, music.
UNIT II – Computer Networks & Software
Computer Networks
LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small geographic area like office or
school.
WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a large area, often connecting cities
or countries.
Applications: File sharing, printer sharing, communication.
Internet
A massive network connecting millions of computers worldwide. It supports
web browsing, emails, social media, etc.
Naming Computers
Domain Name System (DNS): Converts IP addresses into human-
readable names.
IP Address: Unique identifier for a device on a network.
Future of Internet
IoT (Internet of Things): Devices connected and communicating.
5G: High-speed mobile internet.
AI Integration: Smarter applications and automation.
Output Devices
Video Display Devices: CRT, LCD, LED monitors.
Flat Panel Displays: Slim, energy-efficient screens.
Printers: Inkjet, laser, dot-matrix.
Audio Output Devices: Speakers, headphones.
Computer Software
System Software
Controls hardware and runs applications (e.g., Operating Systems like
Windows, Linux).
Application Software
Performs specific tasks (e.g., MS Word, Excel, games).
Programming Languages
Low-level Languages: Machine language, Assembly language.
High-level Languages: C, Java, Python.
Classification of Programming Languages
Procedural: C, Pascal.
Object-Oriented: Java, C++.
Scripting: JavaScript, Python.
UNIT III – Data & Databases
Data Organization
Database
A structured collection of data stored electronically.
Database Structure
Tables: Collection of rows and columns.
Records: Rows in a table.
Fields: Columns in a table.
DBMS (Database Management System)
Software used to create, manage, and manipulate databases. Examples:
MySQL, Oracle.
Database Design
Use of Entity-Relationship (E-R) Model to design databases with entities
and relationships.
Non-Text Databases
Multimedia databases that include images, audio, video.
Archiving Databases
Long-term data storage for legal, historical, or analytical use.
Numerical Data Processing
Spreadsheets
Software like MS Excel or Google Sheets used for calculations and data
analysis.
Functions in Spreadsheets
SUM: Adds numbers.
AVERAGE: Finds mean.
IF: Conditional logic.
Examples
Creating budgets.
Student result analysis.
Data visualization using charts.
UNIT IV – Internet & IT Applications
Internet Applications
Email: Electronic message exchange.
Web Browsers: Chrome, Firefox for accessing websites.
Information Retrieval: Using search engines like Google to find content.
WWW (World Wide Web)
Interlinked hypertext documents accessed via internet using browsers.
Multimedia on Internet
Streaming audio, video, and animations through websites like YouTube,
Netflix.
Impacts of IT on Society
Positive Impacts
Improved communication.
Access to global information.
Automation and efficiency.
Negative Impacts
Privacy invasion.
Internet addiction.
Unequal access (digital divide).
Information Technology Concepts
Privacy & Security
Use of encryption, passwords, and firewalls to protect data.
Integrity of Information
Ensuring data is accurate and consistent.
Disaster Recovery
Procedures for recovering data after system failures using backups.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Legal rights over creative content: software, music, literature.
Careers in IT
Software Developer
Database Administrator
Network Engineer
Cybersecurity Expert
IT Support Specialist
UNIT V – Algorithms
Definition
An algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined steps to solve a particular
problem.
Types of Algorithms
Searching Algorithms:
o Linear Search: Sequential check.
o Binary Search: Divides array and searches.
Sorting Algorithms:
o Bubble Sort: Repeated swapping.
o Merge Sort: Divide and conquer approach.
Recursive Algorithms: Function calls itself to solve subproblems.
Uses of Algorithms
Programming
Data analysis
Automation tasks
Characteristics of Good Algorithm
Finiteness: Ends after a finite number of steps.
Definiteness: Clear and unambiguous.
Input: Takes input values.
Output: Produces desired result.
Effectiveness: Basic and feasible steps.
Symbols & Implications in Flowcharts
Start/End: Oval shape.
Process: Rectangle.
Decision: Diamond.
Input/Output: Parallelogram.
