Fundamentals of Computer

What is a Computer ?
A device used for performing calculations automatically
• Used to create office documents or for making presentations at home
• Used to for checking e-mails, playing games or browsing internet for local news updates and

etc.,

History of Computer

13th Century (3000 BC) Abacus was the first computer invented in China. The Abacus helped in carrying
out mathematical manipulation of numbers (Soroban – Japanese version of abacus which worked
almost in the same manner of abacus with a limited capacity).

1625 Wilhelm Schickard

The invention of the first calculator in human history unfortunately his drawing for the calculator
remained on the paper and could not be built.
1640 Blaise Pascal
Built the first arithmetic calculator but soon, even this calculator turned out to be inefficient as it can
only add and subtract.

1670 Leibniz Wheel or Stepped Reckoner

Turned out to be more efficient in calculation. This wheel was important for mechanical calculators, it
could add, subtract, multiply and divide.
1752-1834 Joseph Marie Jacquard
Invented the Weaving Loom that was controlled by information coded on punched cards.
1792 –1871 Charles Babbage
He conceptualized the first computer and he was subsequently called “The Father of Computer” a British
mathematician came out with the idea of a “Difference Engine” and later on came up with another
machine called Analytical Engine.
1840 Ada Lovelace
She wrote the first computer programmed in the world. And she is considered as the first computer
programmer.

FIRST GENERATION: VACUUM TUBES

1937 – 1942 The Atanasoff–Berry computer (ABC) was the first automatic electronic digital computer.
Conventionally, the ABC would be considered the first electronic ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) - which is
integrated into every modern processor's design.
1946 ENIAC (Electrical Numerical Integrator and Computer) Which was the size of a large room, enough
to accommodate at least 80 people. This was built at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the
University of Pennsylvania. It is said that this computer weighed 30 tons, and had 18,000 vacuum tubes.
1950 EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variation Automatic Computer) was one of the earliest electronic
computers. Unlike its predecessor the ENIAC, it was binary rather than decimal, and was designed to be
a stored-program computer.
1951 UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) The first computer for commercial use was introduced to
the public.

SECOND GENERATION: TRANSISTOR AND MIRCOPROCESSOR

1937-1970 The Transistor and Microprocessor - The invention of the transistor changed the computing
drastically and making computer chips advanced and microprocessor was developed bringing a
revolution in technology 1970’s computer became faster, cheaper and more accessible for the average
person.
THIRD GENERATION: INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ERA (MODERN COMPUTING ERA)
1980 Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS) - MS-Dos was born with the invention of the
computers became smaller , more powerful reliable and they are able to run many different programs.

1981 International Business Machine (IBM) - Introduced the personal computer (PC) for home and
office use.

Classification of computer
1.Analog Computer
2.Digital Computer
3.Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
4.Work Station Computer
5.Super Computer
6.Mainframe Computer
7.Mini Computer
8.Micro Computer or Personal Computer

Analog computer- An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that
uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the
problem being solved.

Examples:
planimeter, nomogram, operational amplifiers, mechanical integrators, slide rules, tide pool predators,
electric integrators that solve partial differential equations as well as solves the algebraic equations.
Digital computer - A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities
represented as digits, usually in the binary number system. any of a class of devices capable of solving
problems by processing information in discrete form. It operates on data, including magnitudes, letters,
and symbols, that are expressed in binary code—i.e., using only the two digits 0 and 1.

Examples:
IBM PC, the Apple Macintosh as well as modern smartphones

Hybrid computer (Analog + Digital) - A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and
outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective
method of performing complex simulations.

Examples:
freedom space flights, chemical reaction kinetics, human immunosuppressive system, food processing
plants, and more.

WORK STATION COMPUTER - A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation
is just a generic term for a user’s machine (client machine) in contrast to a “server” or “mainframe.” a
high-performance computer system that is basically designed for a single user and has advanced
graphics capabilities, large storage capacity, and a powerful microprocessor (central processing unit).

Types of computer based on its size

•SUPER COMPUTER
The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed
for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For example,
weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated
graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.
•MAINFRAME COMPUTER
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at
the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In
some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more
simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
•MINI COMPUTER
A mid sized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes. In
the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred,
however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a
minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously.
•MICRO COMPUTER OR PERSONAL COMPUTER
A small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU). It
includes a microprocessor, memory and minimal input/output (I/O) circuitry mounted on a single
printed circuit board (PCB). Microcomputers became popular in the 1970s and 1980s with the advent of
increasingly powerful microprocessors.
• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
• Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is
generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.
• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook: a hand- sized computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but
the screen serves both as an input and output device.

UNDERSTANDING DESKTOP COMPUTER

DIGITAL COMPUTER

Computer Hardware
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Printer
• Speakers
•Disk
Computer Software

Two Types of Software

1. System software - Includes operating system software like Windows and Linux, it is necessary for the
computer to function.

2. Application software - Helps you to complete task like typing documents or making calculations

COMPUTER HARDWARE
INPUT DEVICES
A device takes input from the user and translates it into a form that the computer understands. Some
examples are scanner, keyboard, and mouse.
OUTPUT DEVICES
Device that display the processed data after computation once the input data has been translated and
processed by CPU.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

• Also referred to CPU. It is also often called the processor or central processor.
• CPU is like the brain of the computer where all computing and data interpretation takes place.
• It is located in a single chip called the microprocessor.
TWO MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE CPU

ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT - This is the part of the computer that performs all arithmetic computations
such as addition and multiplications all comparison operations.
CONTROL UNIT - This decides which operation has to be performed.
MOTHER BOARD - The most important component of any PC. The motherboard manages all the data
transactions between the CPU and the peripherals.
INTERNAL MEMORY/ RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY - Refers to the main memory of the computer, this is
where the CPU temporarily stores any files or documents when They are actively use.
READ-ONLY MEMORY - Holds the instructions for starting up the computer. This information is stored
into the motherboard during the computer’s production and cannot be changed.

Evolution of Microsoft Windows

Windows 1
- The original Windows 1 was released in November 1985 and was Microsoft’s first true attempt at a
graphical user interface in 16-bit.
- Development was spearheaded by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and ran on top of MS-DOS, which relied
on command-line input.
- It was notable because it relied heavily on use of a mouse before the mouse was a common computer
input device.
Windows 2
- December 1987. The big innovation for Windows 2 was that windows could overlap each other, and it
also introduced the ability to minimize or maximize windows instead of “iconizing” or “zooming”.
- The control panel, where various system settings and configuration options were collected together in
one place, was introduced in Windows 2 and survives to this day.
- Microsoft Word and Excel also made their first appearances running on Windows 2.
Windows 3
- The first Windows that required a hard drive launched in 1990.
- Windows 3 was the first version to see more widespread.
- Windows 3 introduced the ability to run MS-DOS programmes in windows, which brought multitasking
to legacy programmes, and supported 256 colours bringing a more modern, colourful look to the
interface.
- More important - at least to the sum total of human time wasted it introduced the card-moving
timesink (and mouse use trainer)
Windows 3.1
- Windows 1 and 2 both had point release updates, but Windows 3.1 released in 1992 is notable
because it introduced TrueType fonts making Windows a viable publishing platform for the first time.
- Minesweeper also made its first appearance. Windows 3.1 required 1MB of RAM to run and allowed
supported MS-DOS programs to be controlled with a mouse for the first time.
- Windows 3.1 was also the first Windows to be distributed on a CD-ROM, although once installed on a
hard drive it only took up 10 to 15MB (a CD can typically store up to 700MB).
Windows 95
-Windows 95 arrived in August 1995 and with it brought the first ever Start button and Start menu
- It also introduced the concept of “plug and play” – connect a peripheral and the operating system finds
the appropriate drivers for it and makes it work. That was the idea; it didn’t always work in practice.
- Windows 95 also introduced a 32-bit environment, the task bar and focused on multitasking. MS-DOS
still played an important role for Windows 95, which required it to run some programmes and elements.
Windows 98
- Released in June 1998, Windows 98 built on Windows 95 and brought with it IE 4, Outlook Express,
Windows Address Book, Microsoft Chat and NetShow Player, which was replaced by Windows Media
Player 6.2 in Windows 98 Second Edition in 1999.
- Windows 98 introduced the back and forward navigation buttons and the address bar in Windows
Explorer, among other things.

-USB support was much improved in Windows 98 and led to its widespread adoption, including USB
hubs and USB mice.

Windows ME
- Released in September 2000, it was the consumer-aimed operating system twined with Windows 2000
aimed at the enterprise market. It introduced some important concepts to consumers, including more
automated system recovery tools.
- IE 5.5, Windows Media Player 7 and Windows Movie Maker all made their appearance for the first
time. Autocomplete also appeared in Windows Explorer, but the operating system was notorious for
being buggy, failing to install properly and being generally poor.
Windows 2000
- The enterprise twin of ME, Windows 2000 was released in February 2000 and was based on Microsoft’s
business-orientated system Windows NT and later became the basis for Windows XP.
- Microsoft’s automatic updating played an important role in Windows 2000 and became the first
Windows to support hibernation.
Windows XP
- Arguably one of the best Windows versions, Windows XP was released in October 2001 and brought
Microsoft’s enterprise line and consumer line of operating systems under one roof.
-It was based on Windows NT like Windows 2000, but brought the consumer-friendly elements from
Windows ME. The Start menu and task bar got a visual overhaul, bringing the familiar green Start
button, blue task bar and vista wallpaper, along with various shadow and other visual effects.
Windows Vista
- Windows XP stayed the course for close to six years before being replaced by Windows Vista in January
2007.
- PC gamers saw a boost from Vista’s inclusion of Microsoft’s DirectX 10 technology.
- Windows Media Player 11 and IE 7 debuted, along with Windows Defender an anti-spyware
programme. Vista also included speech recognition, Windows DVD Maker and Photo Gallery, as well as
being the first Windows to be distributed on DVD. Later a version of Windows Vista without Windows
Media Player was created in response to anti-trust investigations.
Windows 7
- Considered by many as what Windows Vista should have been, Windows 7 was first released in
October 2009.
- It was intended to fix all the problems and criticism faced by Vista, with slight tweaks to its appearance
and a concentration on user-friendly features and less “dialogue box overload”.
- It was faster, more stable and easier to use, becoming the operating system most users and business
would upgrade to from Windows XP, forgoing Vista entirely.
Windows 8
-Released in October 2012, Windows 8 was Microsoft’s most radical overhaul of the Windows interface.
- The new tiled interface saw programme icons and live tiles, which displayed at-a-glance information
normally associated with “widgets”, replace the lists of programmes and icons. A desktop was still
included, which resembled Windows 7.
- Windows 8 was faster than previous versions of Windows and included support for the new, much
faster USB 3.0 devices.
- Programs could still be installed from third-parties like other iterations of Windows, but they could only
access the traditional desktop interface of Windows.
Windows 8.1
- Windows 8 introduced in October 2013, Windows 8.1 marked a shift towards yearly software updates
from Microsoft and included the first step in Microsoft’s U-turn around its new visual interface.
- Windows 8.1 re-introduced the Start button, which brought up the Start screen from the desktop view
of Windows 8.1.
- Users could also choose to boot directly into the desktop of Windows 8.1, which was more suitable for
those using a desktop computer with a mouse and keyboard than the touch-focused Start screen.
Windows 10
- On 30 September 2014, Windows 10 has only been released as a test version for keen users to try. The
“technical preview” is very much still a work in progress.
- Some interesting features include the ability to switch between a keyboard and mouse mode and a
tablet mode, for those computers like the Surface Pro 3 with a detachable keyboard.
- Windows 10 – despite being the ninth version of Windows – is designed to unify all Windows platforms
across multiple devices, including Windows Phone and tablets, with universal apps that can be
downloaded from the Windows Store and run on all Windows devices.
Windows 11
- June 24, 2021, Windows 11 is the successor to Windows 10, released in 2015.
- The Windows 11 name was accidentally released in an official Microsoft support document in June
2021
- Introduces new features compared to its predecessors. Some of these include a redesigned interface,
new productivity and social features, and updates to security and accessibility, alongside improvements
to performance.

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word- is the word processing component of the Microsoft Office Suite.
It is used primarily to enter, edit, format, save, retrieve and print documents.

Objectives
- know the brief history of Ms word
- Identify the main components of the user interface.
- Identify the purpose of the commands on the menu bar.
- Work with the buttons on the toolbar.
- Work with the pointer in a program.
- Work with text and characters in a program.
- Explain the use of primary keyboard shortcuts and key combinations.
- Perform basic tasks by using a word processor.
- Edit and format text.
- Identify the various benefits of using word processing software.

HISTORY
 The first ever version of Microsoft Word – Word 1.0 - was launched in October 1983 and developed by
former Xerox programmers, Charles Simonyi and Richard Brodie. The two were hired by Microsoft
founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen, in 1981. At this time, Word was called Multi-Tool Word. It was
designed for use on computers that ran the UNIX operating system.
 Version 2.0 was released in 1985, with added features including spellcheck and word count.
In 1993, Microsoft released Word 6.0 which worked on Macintosh, Windows and DOS. Word 6.0 was the
last version created to run on DOS and the last version to be identified by version number; subsequent
versions were named after their year of release.
 Since then, Microsoft has released a new version of Word at least every two years. The most recent
release was at the end of 2018, with Word 2019, part of Office 365.

Terminology
While different versions have different appearances, they all have most of the same features. If you
know what to call it, you should be able to find it in other versions.
 The area outlined in red is called the title bar. It displays the names of the open program (in this case
Microsoft Word) and the name of the current file.
 This file has not yet been saved so its name is Document.
 Files created in Microsoft Word are often referred to as documents and have the file extension .doc
or .docx
 The area outlined in red contains the minimize, maximize/restore and close buttons for the program
window.
 These three buttons are on almost every window that opens in a Windows based platform.
 They are on Mac windows as well, but they are circles instead of squares.
 When you click the minimize button the program becomes a button on the Windows taskbar located
at the bottom of the screen.
 You can restore the document to its original shape and size by either: Clicking on the button on the
task bar one time to restore it to active mode,
 If you have multiple files from the same program open you will need to select the one you want to
restore to active mode.
 When you click the maximize / restore button the program assumes the same shape and size it was
before you minimized it. Or The program window will fill the screen.
 When you click the close button the program will ask you if you want to save the changes if you have
made any changes. Once you have responded to this question the program will close.
 The area outlined in red is called the quick access toolbar.
It contains the most commonly used commands in Microsoft Word:
1.Save
2. Undo
3. Repeat or Redo
 Microsoft Office 2007 & 2010 use what is referred to as the “Ribbon” interface. The area outlined in
red comprises the Ribbon.
 The ribbons we are going to go over today are the default ribbons.
 You may customize the ribbon and or a group on the ribbon on your personal computer to have only
the features you want to use.
 In order to do this all you have to do is right mouse click on the ribbon or the group you want to
customize.
 The Words File, Home, Insert, etc... outlined in red are referred to as tabs.
 Each tab has several Groups attached to it.

The File Tab menu contains the commands most commonly associated with the file.

The Home Tab Groups contain the commands most commonly associated with the formatting and
editing of text.
Clipboard , Font , Paragraph , Styles, Editing

The Insert Tab Groups contain the commands most commonly associated with adding something to the
document.
Pages, Tables, Illustrations, Links, Header/Footer, Text, Symbols

The Page Layout Groups contain the commands most commonly associated with settings that would
affect the entire page or document. The Page Layout Groups contain the commands most commonly
associated with settings that would affect the entire page or document.
Themes, Page Setup, Page Background, Paragraph, Arrange

The References Groups contain the commands most commonly associated with writing a research
paper, essay, term paper or similarly formal documents.
Table of Contents, Footnotes, Citations & Bibliography, Captions, Index, Table of Authorities

The Mailings Tab groups contain the commands most commonly associated with documents and files
created for mass mailing.
Create, Start Mail Merge, Write & Insert Fields, Preview Results, Finish

The Review Tabs groups contain the commands most commonly associated with documents which are
shared or being prepared for publication.
Proofing, Language, Comments, Tracking, Changes, Compare, Protect

The View Tab groups contain the commands most commonly associated with the variety of ways you
can “look at” a document or documents.
Document Views, Show, Zoom, Window, Macros