Module 1

Information Technology and

Business Applications

Section F

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Index

S. No. Topic Page No.

1 Computer fundamentals 1
1.1 Functioning of a computer
1.2 Definition of a computer
1.3 Components of a computer
1.4 Advantages and disadvantages of computer

2 History of computers 2
2.1 Introduction
2.2 First generation
2.3 Second generation
2.4 Third generation
2.5 Fourth generation
2.6 Fifth generation

3 Introduction to hardware and software 4

3.1 Computer hardware
3.2 Computer software

4 Computer software 5
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Generations of computer software
4.3 System software
4.4 Application software
1. Computer Fundamentals
1.1 Functioning of a Computer

Output of a commuter is known as information. Information is the processed form of data. A

computer carries out five functions:
1. Inputting: accepting the data as input
2. Storing: storing the data and instructions in the memory and recalling the same when
required
3. Processing: processing the data as per instructions
4. Outputting: communication the information as output
5. Controlling: controlling all the above mentioned functions

1.2 Definition of a Computer

A computer is a electronic data processing device that automatically accepts and stores input
data, processes the input data, and output the processed results.

1.3 Components of a Computer

There are three components of a computer:

1. Input unit: devices that help user to input data into computer. They translate the
human being information to computer understandable form. Examples of input
devices are: keyboard, mouse, scanner, and joystick.
2. Output devices: devices that help user to get information from the computer. Output
device translate the computer’s output to user understandable form. Examples of
output devices are: visual display unit, printers and speakers.
3. Central processing unit: it is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs
all types of processing operations. CPU itself has three components: arithmetic and
logic unit, control unit, and storage unit.

1.4 Advantages and disadvantages of Commuters

Advantages of computers are: Disadvantages of computers are:

1. High speed 1. No IQ
2. Accuracy 2. No feelings
3. Automation 3. No judgments
4. Huge storage space 4. Dependent on human being
5. Facilitates report preparation 5. Output depends on the logic stored
6. Reduces manpower requirement
7. Reduces space requirement

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2. History of Computers
2.1 Introduction

Although the modern electronic computers are only a recent phenomenon, the ideas and
devices leading to the advent of computers date far back. Abacus is the first known
calculating device. It was invented by the Chinese almost 5000 years back. Abacus had
several rows of beads strung on rigid wires, fixed on a rectangular frame.

The year 1822 could be considered the golden year in the history of computer science. In
1822 Charles Babbage developed and demonstrated a mechanical computer called the
DIFFERENCE ENGINE. It could solve complex algebraic equations.

The first electro-mechanical computer was developed by Dr. Howard Aiken and produced by
IBM in the year 1944. The computer was called HAWARD MARK 1. It was very fast and
could add two 20-digit numbers in a span of about 5 seconds.

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was designed in 1945 to calculate
figures for thousands of gunnery tables for the accuracy in artillery fire. It was the first
general purpose electronic computer put to large scale practical use, but it had no internal
memory. From ENIAC starts the first generation of computers.

2.2 First Generation (1946 – 1959)

First generation computers started with using arrays of vacuum tubes as the basic components
for memory and circuitry of CPU. These computers were very expensive and hard to
maintain. They were very large in size, slow and had limited memory. Some computers of
this generation are: ENIAC, IBM 701, and IBM 650.

2.3 Second Generation (1959 – 1965)

Second generation machines used transistor. Transistors were cheap, consumed less power,
more compact in size, more reliable faster than the first generation computers. In second
generation computers, magnetic cores were used as primary memory, magnetic tapes and
magnetic disks as secondary storage devices. These computers used assembly language and
high level programming languages like FORTRAN. Some computers of this generation are:
IBM 1620, and IBM 7094.

2.4 Third Generation (1965 – 1971)

The third generation computers used integrated circuits. A single IC has many transistors,
resistors and capacitors along with associated circuitry. IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This
development made computers smaller in size, reliable and efficient. Remote processing, time

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sharing, real time and multi time programming were introduced. Significant improvements
were made in OS and application software. Mini computers were introduced.

2.5 Fourth Generation (1971 – present)

ICs which have the entire computer circuitry on a single chip are called micro-processors.
The development of micro-processors made it possible to place the complete CPU on a single
chip. Fourth generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable.
As a result it gave rise to personal computers. Computer networking was done in this
generation. GUI was introduced and programming languages like C++ were developed in this
generation. The computers were portable, very cheap, and very reliable and heat generation
was negligible. Some computers of this generation are: STAR 100, and CRAY 1.

2.6 Fifth Generation (1980 – present)

The fifth generation machines are proposed to be based on parallel processing hardware and
Artificial Intelligence. AI includes:
1. Expert systems to make decisions in real life situations
2. Natural language understanding and generation
3. Robotics
4. Neural networks

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3. Introduction to Hardware and Software
3.1 Computer hardware

Computer hardware refers to any physical equipment used for the input, processing, output,
and storage activities of a computer. It consists of the following:

1. Central Processing Unit: it performs the computation inside any computer. The CPU
is a microprocessor inside any computer. ALU performs the mathematical
calculations and makes logical comparisons. The control unit directs the flow of data
and instructions within the chip.

2. Memory: computer has two types of memory, primary memory and secondary
memory. Primary memory holds small amounts of data and information that will
immediately be used by the CPU. Secondary memory holds larger amounts of data
and information.

3. Input technologies: devices that help user to input data into computer. They translate
the human being information to computer understandable form. Examples of input
devices are: keyboard, mouse, scanner, and joystick.

4. Output technologies: devices that help user to get information from the computer.
Output device translate the computer’s output to user understandable form. Examples
of output devices are: visual display unit, printers and speakers.

5. Communication technologies: they consist of hardware and software that transmits

information from one location to another. These systems can transmit text, data,
voice, and video. The major components are: communication hardware,
communication media, communication networks, communication protocols,
communication applications

3.2 Computer software

Computer software consists of computer programs which are sequences of instructions for the
computer. Computer software can be classified into two parts:
1. System software: set of instructions that serve primarily as an intermediary between
computer hardware and all application programs.
2. Application software: set of all computer instructions that provide more functionality
to the user.

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4. Computer Software
4.1 Introduction

Software is a set of programs which is designed to perform a well defined function. Software
is responsible for controlling, integrating and managing the hardware components of a
computer system and to accomplish specific tasks. There are two types of softwares:
1. System software
2. Application software

4.2 Generation of computer software

First generation: machine language was used in first generation software. Machine language
is the lowest level computer language consisting of internal representation of instructions and
data. 0s and 1s are used to represent the data and instructions.

Second generation: assembly language was used in second generation software. The
programming became user friendly because it used mnemonics. This reduced the errors in
programming and made programs more readable.

Third generation: procedural language was used in third generation software. Evolution of
user oriented programming languages took place. Third generation programming languages
were close to nautical language. The programs need to be compiled and translated to the
machine language.

Fourth generation: non-procedural language was used in fourth generation software. Non-
procedural language allows user to specify desired results without having to specify the
detailed procedures needed for achieving the result.

Fifth generation: natural language will be used in the fifth generation software. Natural
language will be translated to the machine language. It required complex compilers and
interpreters to do the translation.

4.3 System software

System software is collection of programs designed to operate, control and extend the
processing capabilities of the computer itself. Features of system software are: close to
system, fast in speed, written in low level, difficult to manipulate, and less intractable. There
are three types of system software:

1. System control programs: operating software supervises the overall operation of

computer including monitoring the computer’s status and scheduling operations
which include input and output processes. It is also responsible for file management,
security and access of secondary storage devices.

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 2. System support programs: provide routine service functions to other computer
programs and computer user. They perform day-to-day tasks related to the
maintenance of the computer system. They are used to support, enhance, expand and
secure excising programs and data.

3. System development programs: assist in creation of computer programs. They include

programming languages and language translators.

4.4 Application software

Set of all computer instructions that provide more functionality to the user. Application
software is designed to satisfy a particular need of a particular environment. Software
package is the collection of programs written to accomplish a certain task. Features of
application software are: it is close to the user, slow in speed, written in high level language,
easy to manipulate, and more intractable. There are two types of application software:

1. General purpose: are designed to satisfy common needs of various businesses. These
are developed by leading companies and are sold as products in the market. Examples
include: word processor, spreadsheet, database management systems, and web
browsers.

2. Special purpose: are created to satisfy the specific needs of an organization. Software
engineers are hired to create such software. Examples include: payroll software and
inventory control software.

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