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Introduction to Information Technology
UNIT 1 Computer
“The Computer is an Electronic Device which accepts the input data processing according to their Instruction and it gives output result”.
Charles Babbage is called the "Grand Father" of the computer. The First mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage was called Analytical Engine. It uses read-only memory in the form of punch cards.
Basic Fundamental Functions of Computer
- Accepts data (Input)
- Processes data (Processing)
- Produces rsult (Output)
- stores results (Storage)
Input :: The Computer receives its data from input devices in the form of raw data and later this data is processed inhuman readable form with the help of other PC devices. The primary input devices of computer system are
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Scanner
- Trackball
- Lightpen
- Joystick
Output :: The output devices of computer receives data from system and further process the data in human readable form .Some Common Output devices are
- Printers
- Monitors
- Speakers
- Headphones
- Projectors
Processing :: This is the core function of modern day PC when the data is received from the memory it receives the data for further processing.
Storage :: There are mainly two storage unit of PC
- Primary Storage
- Secondary Storage
A computer System: COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE+ USER
- Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices ( All physical parts of the computer. )
- Software = Programs (Software gives "intelligence" to the computer.)
- User = Person (who operates computer.)
Characteristics of a Computer
- Speed
- Accuracy
- Diligence
- Storage capacity/memory
- Versatility
- Reliability
- Power of remembering
Analog:- A computer designed to respond to an infinite number of variations and signals. It operates by measuring rather than counting. These computers are mostly used in scientific applications. Ex. Thermometer, Speedometer.
Digital:- These computers converts data into digits and then count the numbers that represent numbers, letters or other symbols. Mostly these computers are used for scientific and business purpose. Ex. PC, PC-XT, PC-AT
Hybrid:- A computer which behave like both analog and digital is known as hybrid computer. It is mostly used for individual process controls in plants. Ex. E.C.G, Intensive Care Unit etc.
Further a digital computer can be classified the four classes
- Micro Computer :- The computer uses Microprocessors are called Micro computer. The first microprocessor computer was built of 8-bit chip. Means 8-bit of data can be send for process into C.P.U. Further it improved to 16-bit system. Which is known as 8086 and 8088,80486. These computers were first introduced by Intel Corporation. The storage capacity of this computer is about 1 GB and onwards.
- Mini Computer:- Mini computers are the multi-user systems. It is mainly used in a official networks or like that networks. Where some terminals are connected trough this computer. Mini computers have large storage capacity and have high C.P.U speed.
- Mainframe Computer :-Mainframe computers are generally 32-bit machines or the higher sides. These are suited to big organization , to manage high volume applications. Few of the mainframe machines are IBM, HP etc. Mainframe computers provides inlarge storage capacity and faster C.P.U speed rather than mini computer.
- Super Computer :-The upper end of the state of the art mainframe machine are the super computer These are amongest the fastest machines in term of processing speed and multiprocessing techniques, Where a number of processors are used for solving a problem. Super computers mainly are being used for weather forecasting, remote sensing, image processing, biomedical applications etc. Example- CRYPT, XMP-14, PARAM- 10000 etc.
Application of computer
The various applications of computers in today's arena :
- Business
- Education
- Marketing
- Banking
- Insurance
- Communication
- Health Care
- Military
- Engineering Design › Business A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or versatility which made it an integrated part in all business organisations.Computer is used in business organisations for: Payroll calculations, Sales analysis, Budgeting, Financial forecasting, Managing employees database and Maintenance of stocks etc. › Education Computers have its dominant use in the education field which can significantly enhance performance in learning. Even distance learning is made productive and effective through internet and video-based classes. Researchers have massive usage of these computers in their work from the starting to till the end of their scholarly work. › Marketing In marketing, uses of computer are : Advertising - With computers, advertising professionals create art and graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal of selling more products. Home Shopping - Home shopping has been made possible through use of computerised catalogues that provide access to product information and permit direct entry of orders to be filled by the customers. › Banking Today banking is almost totally dependent on computer. Banks provide the facilities of: Banks provide online accounting facility, which includes current balances, deposits, overdrafts, interest charges, shares, and trustee records. ATM machines are making it even easier for customers to deal with banks. › Insurance Insurance companies are keeping all records up-to-date with the help of computers. The insurance companies, finance houses and stock broking firms are widely using computers for their concerns.
>Communication Communication means to convey a message, an idea, a picture or speech that is received and understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant for. Some main areas in this category are: Chatting, E-mail, Usenet, FTP, Video-conferencing and Telnet. › Health Care Most of the medical information can now be digitized from the prescription to reports. Computation in the field of medicine allows us tooffer varied miraculous therapies to the patients. ECG’s, radiotherapy wasn’t possible without computers. › Military Computers are the main tools which help in developing missiles and other equipment in the deference system. Designing and the maintenance are possible only through computers. Computer builds the links between the soldiers and commanders through the satellite. Construction of weapons and controlling their function is not possible without the aid of
Benefits of CBT
Some benefits of CBT are as follows:
- The students can learn new skills at their own pace. They can easily acquire knowledge in any available time of their own choice.
- Training time can be reduced.
- Training materials are interactive and easy to learn. It encourages students to learn the topic.
- Planning and timing problems are reduced or eliminated.
- The skills can be taught at any time and at any place.
- It is very cost effective way to train a large number of students.
- Training videos and audios are available at affordable prices.
Computer Aided Learning (CAL)
Computer aided learning is the process of using information technology to help teaching and enhance the learning process. The use of computer can reduce the time that is spent on preparing teaching material. It can also reduce the administrative load of teaching and research. The use of multimedia projector and PowerPoint presentations has improved the quality of teaching. It has also helped the learning process.
Distance Learning
Distance learning is a new learning methodology. Computer plays the key role in this kind of learning. Many institutes are providing distance learning programs. The student does not need to come to the institute. The institute provides the reading material and the student attends virtual classroom. In virtual classroom, the teacher delivers lecture at his own workplace. The student can attend the lecture at home by connecting to a network. The student can also ask questions to the teacher.
Online Examination
The trend of online examination is becoming popular. Different examination like GRE, GMAT and SAT are conducted online all over the world. The questions are marked by computer. It minimizes the chance of mistakes. It also enables to announce the result in time.
Online Training Resources
- Lynda.com (For different Software training and Web development and CMS tutorials)
- CBT Nuggets (For certification in Networking Technologies by CISCO & Microsoft)
- Nettuts + (For web technologies and web programming languages)
- Byte-Notes (And of course Byte-Notes.com for intrudctory level programming tutorials and lecture notes)
Uses of Computers in Business
The use of computer technology in business provides many facilities. Businessmen are using computers to interact with their customers anywhere in the world. Many business tasks are performed more quickly and efficiently. Computers also help them to reduce the overall cost of their business. Computer can be used in business in the following ways.
Marketing
An organization can use computers for marketing their products. Marketing applications provide information about the products to customers. Computer is also used to manage distribution system, advertising and selling activities. It can also be used in deciding pricing strategies. Companies can know more about their customers and their needs and requirements etc.
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange is the most important place for businessmen. Many stock exchanges use computers to conduct bids. The stockbrokers perform all trading activities electronically. They connect with the computer where brokers match the buyers with sellers. It reduces cost as no paper or special building is required to conduct these activities.
Uses of computers in Medical Field
Hospital Management System
Specialized hospital management softwares are used to automate the day to day procedures and operations at hospitals. These tasks may be Online appointments, payroll admittance and discharge records etc.
Patient History
Hospital management systems can store data about patients. Computers are used to store data about patients, their diseases & symptoms, the medicines that are prescribed.
Patients Monitoring
Monitoring systems are installed in medical wards and Intensive care units to monitoring patients continously. These systems can monitor pulse, blood pressure and body temperature and can alert medical staff about any serious situations.
Life Support Systems
Specialised devices are used to help impaired patients like hearing aids.
Diagnosis Purpose
A variety of softwares are used to investigate symptoms and prescribed medication accordingly. Sophisticated systems are used for tests like CT Scan, ECG, and other medical tests.
The Anatomy of a Computer When breaking down the components of a computer, they are oftentimes likened to the parts of the body. The processing unit may be compared to the brain, with the access memory and hard
Hard Drive
While RAM could be regarded as short term memory, a hard drive is long term storage. It is a high-capacity, self-contained storage device with the ability to both store and recall data. It includes one or more hard disk inside a sealed unit, each of which can hold up to 12 terabytes of information.
All data created on the computer - from work files to installed programs - are stored on the hard drive. IBM compatible computers often labeled alphabetically, starting at "C:", with A and B reserved for removable media. Hard drives can also be external as well and are often used for backing up computer data or storing exceptionally large files.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main printed circuit board in a computer. It holds and allows communication between essential electrical components of a system, such as the CPU and the memory, and provides input connectors. Without it, nothing else would work.
Selection of a motherboard depends mostly on size restrictions and the types of components that will be included. It is suggested that at least two USB ports be included, but more may be required depending on which attachments will be used internally and externally and how they connect.
Video, Graphics & Sound Cards
Most motherboards come with a integrated processors for these functions. If higher performance is required for graphics or audio, like for running games or multimedia programs, a dedicated processing unit comes highly recommended. They can also be upgraded over time fairly easily, with laptops being the exception, by plugging into the motherboard.
Keyboard & Monitor
A keyboard and monitor are required for inputting commands and receiving output. There is a large variety of monitors available, but the specs required are determined along the same lines as the graphics card. If large programs with high graphics are frequently used, a monitor to compliment that will make the dedicated processor worth the investment. Keyboards offer less of a variety, though there are some styles that provide specialized tools or additional buttons for various uses.
Block Diagram of Computer A computeris an electronic device that can perform arithmetic operations at high speed and it can process data, pictures, sound and graphics. It can solve highly complicated problems quickly and accurately.
Input Unit :- An Input Unit accept the input from the outside world. There are many kinds of input devices like Keyboard , Mouse etc.
There are mainly 3 functions of input device are as follows:-
- It accepts (or reads) instructions and data from outside world.
- It converts these instructions and data in computer acceptable form.
TEXT BOOKS:
- Alexis Leon and Mathews Leon, “Fundamentals of Information Technology”, Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
- Introduction to Information Technology, P.Rizwan Ahmed, Second Edition, Margham Publications, 2016
- Introduction to Information Technology, PelinAksoy, Laura DeNardis, Cengage Learning India Private Limited.
