FUNDAMENTALS

OF
COMPUTER
Evolution of Computers
The evolution
of computers
that spans
centuries,
marked by
groundbreaki
ng
innovations
and the
relentless
pursuit of
technological
advancement.
The whole
transformatio
n and
 and punched cards for data processing. In the picture attached below, you
4
can see a scientist using ENIAC for computational purposes. These first-gen 1
computers relied on ‘machine language’ (which is the most fundamental
programming language that computers can understand).
These computers were limited to solving one problem at a time. Input was
predicated on punched cards and paper tape. Output emerged on printouts.

Second Generation – Transistors (1956 – 1963)

In 1947, the
invention of
the transistor
by Bell Labs
revolutionized
computing.
Transistors
replaced
bulky vacuum
tubes, making
computers
smaller,
Third Generation – Integrated Circuits (1964 – 1971)
Third-generation computers started using integrated circuits instead of
transistors. Do not get overwhelmed by the new vocabulary! Just know that
IC is a hardware component of a computer. Technically, the integrated circuit
(IC) is a semiconductor material that contains thousands of transistors.
Because of IC, the computer becomes more reliable and fast, requires less 3

maintenance, is small in size, is more affordable, and generates less heat. You
can see in the image above how multiple IC racks are used to power a
computer.The third generation computers significantly reduce the
computational time. In the second generation, the computational time was
microsecond, which was decreased to the nanosecond. In this generation,
punch cards were replaced by mouse and keyboard. The Xerox Alto was
created in the ’70s as a personal computer that could print documents and
send emails. notableabout the computer was its design, which included a
mouse, keyboard, and screen.
Fourth Generation – Microprocessors (1972 – 2010)

Intel’s 4004
microprocess
or marked a
pivotal
moment in
computing
history. It was
the world’s
first
commercially
available
microprocess
or and laid
the
groundwork
for the
personal
 computer

Fifth Generation – Artificial Intelligence (2010

This is the
computer
generation
that we use.
We know that
computer
devices with
artificial
intelligence
technology
are still in
development.
Still, some of
these
technologies
FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER
Based on the fundamental working of a computer system, a computer mainly
has four basic functions that are-
 Input Function
 Processing Function
 Output Function
 Storage Function

Input Function
As we know that computer is a data processing machine that doesn’t work until
a set of information is given to the computer system via input devices. Any
device that can be used by a user to instruct the computer is known as the input
device. i.e. Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick, etc.
The input devices are responsible for getting data from the outside world and
are in charge of processing this data for further execution. Data can be entered
manually, automatically, or both.

In the case of manual data, it is generally fed through the mouse, keyboard,
joystick, etc.

In addition to this, the automated data is fed via a script, with the help of
robots, etc. and it can even be predefined to execute at the boot-up, or
according to the user-based activity.
Along with the primary input devices, other devices extract the data in various
forms such as text audio-video, and images. For example, Webcams can be used
to feed data in video or image form, microphones can be used to send data in
the form of audio, etc.
For example-
  Keyboard – A keyboard is a device consisting of several keys that are used
to input text-type data in a computer via the keyboard.
 Mouse – Mouse is a point and click device and is used more often than the
keyboard. The mouse can click, drag, and select folders in the GUI( Graphical
User Interface).

Processing Function
This is the main function of a computer system. The raw data that is fed into the
computer system vias input devices is processed here into meaningful data that
is readable and understandable by the computer system.

Data processing is the core function of a computer system. To process this raw
data the computer uses its CPU(Central Processing Unit) which is also known as
the brain of the computer as it controls all the functions. i.e run scripts, control
user commands, and many more.
With the advancement of technology, modern-day computer systems use the
CPU in conjunction with the GPU(Graphical Processing Unit) making it known as
APU(Accelerated Processing Unit).

This merger enhances the functionality and capabilities of computers in various

The Central Processing Unit consists of three main components that are:-
 Control Unit – The control units monitor all the operations and activities of
the computer. It also monitors the data fed via input devices from the user.
 Arithmetical Logical Unit – The ALU is responsible for performing the
arithmetic and logical data operations. The arithmetic data includes
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division whereas the logical data
includes logical and decision-making processes such as AND, OR, greater
than, etc.
 Memory Unit – Memory units act as a temporary storage area in the CPU
for storing the data received via input devices from the users. All the data
temporarily stored is then moved to the ALU unit.
Output Function
When the raw data supplied by the users is processed in the computer
processor then its sent to the output devices by the CPU. The primary input
device of a computer system that is set by default is Monitor.

Various output devices are used to access different types of output data forms.
ie. Headphones and Speakers are used to retrieve the sound output.
The output received from the computer system can be stored in the form of soft
copy and hard copy. Soft copy refers to the storing of processed data in the
computer storage or other peripherals such as pen drives, hard disks which can
be accessed later on the go.

Whereas hard copy refers to the output taken on cloth or paper with the help of
the printing devices i.e. printer. Various other output devices are-
 Monitor – It is one of the main parts of a computer system that is used to
access output whether it’s hard to copy or soft copy. It is also known as the
Visual Display Unit.
  Plotter – This is also similar to the printer which is used to print vector
graphics.

Storage Function
Storing data and information is the major function of a computer. A computer
stores data in the temporary memory which is known as RAM (Random Access
Memory) whereas the information can be stored permanently both internally as
well as externally. The data stored in a temporary memory can be erased during
a sudden shutdown.
As the data fed via the user is stored in temporary memory it is stored there
until the processing of data is completed, as it is converted to meaningful
information then it is transferred to permanent storage from the temporary
memory.
Various storage devices are used on a computer. Although, RAM, ROM,
SSD/HDD plays a major role in the functioning of a computer system.
 RAM – RAM stands for Random Access Memory and the data stored here is
temporary. It has a fast read and write speed. It’s a volatile memory and the
data stored can be erased in case of shutdown or power failures.
 ROM – ROM stands for Read-Only Memory. It’s a non-volatile memory and
the data stored in ROM is in read-only format and cant be modified.
 SSD/HDD – SSD stands for Solid State Drive and HDD stands for Hard Disk
Drive. Both can be connected internally as well externally.SSDs are faster in
comparison to HDDs.
USES OF COMPUTER IN BUSINESS
Below are some uses or application of computer in business.
 Inventory Management: Computers helps in tracking inventory levels and
automating reordering processes. It also helps in monitoring stock
movement. This assist in overstocking while optimizing supply chain
efficiency.
 E-commerce: Computers helps in online selling and purchasing through e-
commerce platforms. Businesses can set up online stores, process orders,
and handle payment transactions can be done by computer.
 Business Analytics: Computers are used to analyze data and perform tasks
from various sources. computer can help in business intelligence tools.
Making decisions by visualizing and interpreting data trends can be done by
computer..
 Human Resources Management: Computers can help in storing employee
datas, recruitment, calculate performance, training, and payroll processing.
 Data Management and Storage: Through computer databases and file
management systems help organize and get all information correctly.
Computers are used manage large numbers of business data, save customer
information, financial records, inventory data, and more.
 Communication: Computers help business to communicate the outside
organization. Emails, video conferencing, and collaboration sites enable
communication among employees, team members, and clients.
 Accounting and Financial Management: Computers are necessary for
accounting tasks, like financial analysis, budgeting, and payroll
management. Accounting software helps in financial operations and store
accurate record safely.
 Sales and Marketing: Computers assist in customer relationship
management (CRM) systems, tracking sales record, and marketing.
computers help businesses manage leads and handel customer interactions.
 Data Analysis and Reporting: Computers analyze business data to create
reports and guide strategic decisions. Data visualization tools through
computer make it easier to understand information.
 Remote Work and Telecommuting: Computers helps in remote work by
providing employees access to company applications, and data from any
remote locations.
 Security and Cybersecurity: Computers helps in many security measures
like firewalls, encryption, and more to secure business data from cyber
attacks.