Basics of Computer

Presented by :
Er. Reshma
Assistant Professor
Applied Science(CSE)
Chandigarh University
Gharuan (Mohali).
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Contents

Definition
Classification of computers
Computers generations
Applications of computers
Block Diagram and its working
Peripheral Devices
Primary Storage Devices
Auxiliary Storage Devices
Computer Hardware and Software

Definition: Computer

Computer is an electronic device that can perform a variety of

operations in accordance with a set of instructions called program.
The term computer is derived from the term computare, this means to
calculate.
It takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the
control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output)
and saves output for the future use.
It can process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical)
calculations.

Classification of computers

Computers differ based on their data processing abilities.

They are classified according to
purpose,
functionality and
size.

On the basis of purpose

Computers are classified as follows:
General purpose computers
designed to perform a range of tasks. They have the ability to store
numerous programs, but lack in speed and efficiency.
Specific purpose computers
designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a specific task. A
set of instructions is built into the machine.

On the basis of functionality

According to functionality, computers are classified as :
Analog Computer:
It uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical,
or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
Digital Computer:
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with
quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.
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.

On the basis of size

On the basis of size, computers are classified as follows:
1. Super Computer
. The fastest and most powerful type of computer.
. 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, nuclear energy
research, and petroleum exploration.

2. Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or
even thousands, of users simultaneously.
Mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support
more simultaneous programs.
But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
Difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast
as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently.

3. Mini Computer
A midsized computer.
In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and
mainframes.
A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4
to about 200 users simultaneously.

4. Micro Computer or Personal Computer

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 /PDAs: a hand-sized
computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an
input and output device.

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5.
.

Workstation
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.

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Features:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Transistor replaced the bulky Vacuum tubes in the first generation

computer.
Processing speed is faster than First Generation Computers (Micro
Second).
Manufacturing cost was also very low.
The size of the computer got reduced considerably.
The input and output devices were faster.
Example: IBM 1400 and 7000 Series, Control Data 3600 etc.

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Block diagram
and
working of computer system

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Block Diagram of computer

Program
and
Data

Input
Unit

Storag
e Unit

Output
Unit

Control
Unit

ALU

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Results

Primary Components Of A Computer

Input devices.
Central Processing Unit
(containing the control unit and
the arithmetic/logic unit).
Memory.
Output devices.
Storage devices.

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Input Unit
This is the process of entering data and programs in to the computer
system.
It takes as inputs raw data and performs some processing, giving out
processed data.
Therefore, the input unit takes data from us to the computer in an
organized manner for processing.
Examples: Keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, touch screen etc .

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Storage Unit

The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known as storage.

For faster access and processing, data is first stored in the storage unit.
Storage devices are divided into two classes:
Primary Devices : e.g. RAM,ROM
Secondary Devices: e.g. HDD, Floppy Disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD etc.

The storage unit performs the following major functions:

All data and instructions are stored here before and after processing.
Intermediate results of processing are also stored here.

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Processing Unit
The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is
called processing.
Working: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions
from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the
instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then sent back to the
storage unit.
It is further divided into two units:
Control Unit (CU)
Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU)
The ALU and the CU of a computer system are jointly known as the central
processing unit.

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Control Unit

The next component of computer is the Control Unit, which acts like the
supervisor seeing that things are done in proper fashion.
Control Unit is responsible for coordinating various operations using time
signal. It determines the sequence in which computer programs and
instructions are executed.
Things like processing of programs stored in the main memory,
interpretation of the instructions and issuing of signals for other units of
the computer to execute them.
It coordinates the activities of computers peripheral equipment as they
perform the input and output.

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Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU)

After you enter data through the input device it is stored in the primary
storage unit.
The actual processing of the data and instruction are performed by
Arithmetic Logical Unit.
The major operations performed by the ALU are addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, logic and comparison.
Data is transferred to ALU from storage unit when required.
After processing the output is returned back to storage unit for further
processing or getting stored.

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Output Unit

This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful
information.
Output is also stored inside the computer for further processing.
Examples: Printers, Monitors, LCD etc.

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Peripheral Devices

A peripheral is a device connected to a host computer, but not part of it.

It expands the host's capabilities, but does not form part of the core
computer architecture. It is often, but not always, partially or completely
dependent on the host.
A peripheral is generally defined as any auxiliary device such as a
computer mouse, keyboard, hard drive, etc. that connects to and works
with the computer in some way.
There are three different types of peripherals:
Input,
Output, and
Storage

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Input/Output Devices

Input/output devices are required for users to communicate with the

computer.
Input devices bring information INTO the computer
Output devices bring information OUT of a computer system.
These input/output devices are also known as peripheral devices.

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Role of Input/output Devices

Input
Data from
external
world

INPUT
DEVICES

Input data
coded in
internal form

CPU AND
MEMORY

OUTPUT
DEVICES

Results of
Processing in
human
acceptable
form

Processed data
in internal form

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Input Devices

Keyboard Devices
Point and Draw Devices
Data Scanning Devices
Digitizer
Electronic Card based Devices
Voice Recognition Devices
Vision Based Devices

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Keyboard

The most common method of data input device is the keyboard.

It is a text base input device that allows the user to input alphabets,
numbers and other characters.

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Alphanumeric Keypad
It consists of keys for English alphabets, 0 to 9 numbers, and special
characters like + / * ( ) etc.
Function Keys
There are twelve function keys labeled F1, F2, F3 F12.
The functions assigned to these keys differ from one software package
to another.
Special-function Keys
These keys have special functions assigned to them and can be used
only for those specific purposes. Functions of some of the important
keys are defined below.
Enter
It is similar to the return key of the typewriter and is used to execute a
command or program.

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Point & Draw Devices

Used to rapidly point to and select a graphic icon or menu item from
multiple options displayed on GUI of screen.
Used to create graphic elements on screen like lines, curves, freehand
shapes.
Examples:
Mouse, Trackball, joystick, light pen, touch screen.

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Mouse

The mouse is a small device used to point to a particular place on the

screen and select in order to perform one or more actions.
It can be used to select menu commands, size windows, start programs etc.

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Mouse Actions

Left Click : Used to select an item.

Double Click : Used to start a program or open a file.
Right Click : Usually used to display a set of commands.
Drag and Drop : It allows you to select and move an item from one
location to another.
To achieve this ,place the cursor over an item on the screen, click the left
mouse button and while holding the button down move the cursor to where
you want to place the item, and then release it.

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Trackball

It acts as a type of overturned mouse.

The ball is on the top side of object.
By rolling the ball you can move pointer on screen.
Some keyboards have inbuilt trackball.
The advantage of a track ball over a mouse is that it does not require as
much space as a mouse

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Joytstick

The joystick is a vertical stick which moves the graphic cursor in a

direction the stick is moved.
It typically has a button on top that is used to select the option pointed by
the cursor.
Joystick is used as an input device primarily used with video games

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Electronic Pen

It is a pen shaped device used to select objects on a display screen.

It is quite like the mouse (in its functionality) but uses a light pen to move
the pointer and select any object on the screen by pointing to the object.
Users of Computer Aided Design (CAD) applications commonly use the
light pens to directly draw on screen.

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Touch Screen

It allows the user to operate/make selections by simply touching the

display screen.
Common examples of touch screen bank ATMs.

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Touchpad

It is device that senses pressure to guide the pointer on the computer

screen.
It has two buttons used for clicking in same way as mouse.
It is popular pointing device in laptops.

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Scanning Devices

Data scanning devices are input devices, which are used for direct data
entry into the computer system from source documents.
Characteristics:
Reduction in time
Demand high quality of input documents.

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Scanner

Scanner is an input device used for direct data entry from the source
document into the computer system.
It converts the document image into digital form so that it can be fed into
the computer.
Capturing information like this reduces the possibility of errors typically
experienced during large data entry.

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Bar Code Reader

A bar code is a set of lines of different thicknesses that represent a number.

Bar Code Readers are used to input data from bar codes. Most products in
shops have bar codes on them.
Bar code readers work by shining a beam of light on the lines that make up
the bar code and detecting the amount of light that is reflected back.

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Optical Character Recognition Device

It is a scanner equipped with character recognition software (OCR

Software) that converts images of the characters to equivalent ASCII
codes.
One widely known application is in banking, where OCR is used to
process checks without human involvement. A check can be inserted into a
machine, the writing on it is scanned instantly, and the correct amount of
money is transferred.

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Optical Mark Reader

It is a scanner capable of recognizing pre-specified set of marks made by

pencil or pen.
Very useful for grading tests for objective type questions, or any input data
that is of choice or selection nature.
Technique used for recognition of marks involves focusing a light on a
page being scanned and detecting the reflected light patterns from marks.

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Digitizer

Input device for converting pictures, maps and drawings into digital form
for storage in computer.
This enables the operator to draw sketches directly.
Commonly used in area of computer aided design(CAD) by architects and
engineers for design cars, building, medical devices, robots, mechanical
parts etc.

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Voice Recognition Devices

Input device that allow a person to enter a data into computer system by
speaking.
The Microphones - Speech Recognition is a speech Input device. To
operate it we require using a microphone to talk to the computer. Also we
need to add a sound card to the computer.
The Sound card digitizes audio input into 0/1s .

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Vision Input Systems

Allows the computer to accept input just by seeing the object.

Digital Camera
A digital camera can store many more pictures than an ordinary camera.
Pictures taken using a digital camera are stored inside its memory and can
be transferred to a computer
A digital camera takes pictures by converting the light passing through the
lens at the front into a digital image.

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Output Devices

These usually receive data from the CPU and change it into a form which
can be understood by humans.
Monitors
Printers
Plotters
Screen Image Projectors
Voice Response Systems

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Types of Output

Soft Copy Output

Not produced on paper or some material that can be touched.
Temporary in nature and vanish after use.
Examples.
Output displayed on terminal screen, spoken out by voice response
systems.

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Hard Copy Output

Produced on a paper or some material that can be touched.

Permanent in nature can be kept in paper files and used later without using
computer.

Examples are output produced by printers and plotters.

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Monitors

Monitor is an output device that resembles the television screen and uses a
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) to display information.
The monitor is associated with a keyboard for manual input of characters
and displays the information as it is keyed in.
It also displays the program or application output.
Like the television, monitors are also available in different sizes.
A beam of electrons is fired from an electronic gun at back of the tube.
This strikes with the front of tube that is covered with phosphors cent
material which glow when struck by electrons.

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LCD

It stands for Liquid Crystal Display.

It make use of tiny transistors to emit light and create an image.
They are thinner and lighter and draw much less power than cathode ray
tubes (CRTs).

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LED

LED (Light Emitting Diode) TVs are simply LCD TVs with a different
kind of backlighting. The screen remains the same but LEDs are used in
place of Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL) that are found in most
LCD TVs.
The use of LED lighting allows the TV to be thinner than standard LCD
TVs.
LED TVs can consume up to 40% less power than a LCD TV of similar
size.

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Printers

Printers produce hard copy of the output on paper.

Based on the technology used, they can be classified as Impact or Nonimpact printers.
Impact printers use the typewriting printing mechanism wherein a hammer
strikes the paper through a ribbon in order to produce output. Eg. Dot
Matrix, character printers.
Impact printers can be used to generate multiple copies by using carbon
paper or its equivalent.
Non-impact printers do not touch the paper while printing. They use
chemical, heat or electrical signals to carve the symbols on paper. Eg.
Inkjet, Laser etc.

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Dot Matrix Printers

These are character printers that form characters and all kind of images as
pattern of dots.
Can print many special characters, different sizes of print and graphics
such as graphs and charts.
Slow, with speeds ranging from 30 to 600 characters per second.
Cheap in both initial cost and cost of operation.

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Inkjet Printers

Character printers that form characters by and all kinds of images by

spraying small drops of ink on paper.
Can print many special characters, different sizes of print and graphics
such as graphs and charts.
These are non-impact printers . Hence, they cannot produce multiple
copies of document in single print.
Slower than dot matrix printers with speeds between 40 to 300 characters
per second.
Offer higher quality than dot matrix printers.
More expensive.
They preferred by individuals and organizations if the speed of printing is
not an important factor.

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Drum Printers

Line printers that print one line at a time.

Have a solid cylindrical drum with characters embossed on its surface in
the form of circular bands.
Set of hammers mounted in front of the drum in such a manner that an
inked ribbon and paper can be placed between hammers and the drum.
Can print a pre-defined set of characters in a pre-defined style as that is
embossed on the drum.
Cannot print any shape of characters, different sizes of print, and graphics
such as charts and graphs.
Impact printers and usually monochrome.
Drum of these printers is expensive and cannot be changed often.
Typical speeds are 300 to 2000 line per minute.

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Chain/Band Printers

Can only print pre-defined set of characters that are embossed on the chain
used in the printer.
Cannot print any shape of characters, different sizes of print, and graphics
such as charts and graphs.
Are Impact printers can be used to generate multiple copies by using
carbon paper or its equivalent.
Are usually monochrome.
Speed are from 400 to 3000 lines per minute.
Chain/band of these printers can be easily changed.

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Laser Printers

Page printers that print one page at a time.

Produce very high quality output having resolution in the range 600 to
1200 dpi(dots per inch).
Can print any shape of characters, different sizes of print, and graphics
such as charts and graphs.
Non-impact printers.
Very high speed laser printers can print 500 to 1000 pages per minute.
More expensive than other printers.

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Plotters

Plotters are an ideal output device for architects, engineers, who need to
routinely generate high precision hard copy graphics out of widely varying
sizes.
Eg. Used in design of mechanical components of aircraft or car,
architectural plan of buildings, engineering design applications etc.
Two commonly used types:
Drum Plotters
Flatbed Plotters
Drum: Paper on which the design has to be made is placed on drum that
can rotate in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
Flatbed: Paper on which design has to be made is spread and fixed over a
rectangular flatbed table.

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57

Screen Image Projectors

An output device that can be directly plugged to a computer system for

projecting a information from computer onto a large screen.
Useful for making presentations for group of people with direct use of
computer.
Full-fledged multimedia presentation with can be prepared and presented
using this facility.

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Voice Response Systems

Voice response systems has an audio response device, which produces

audio output.
Output is temporary.
Types
Voice Reproduction Systems
Speech Synthesizer

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Voice Reproduction Systems

Produces audio output by selecting from a set of pre-recorded audio

responses.

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Speech Synthesizer

It converts text input into spoken words.

Used for applications such as:
For reading out text information to blind persons.
Allowing those persons who cannot speak to communicate effectively.
Translating entered text into spoken words in a selected language.

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Memory and Storage Devices

62

Storage

Information and documents are stored in computer storage so that it can be

retrieved whenever they are needed later on.
Computer storage is the storing of data in an electromagnetic or optical
form to be accessed by a computer processor.
It is a hardware designed to store information.
It is of two types:
Primary storage device : It is main storage unit to hold information ready
for processor to use while processing. It is small and quick. Exp:- RAM
and Cache Memory.
Secondary storage device : It is a device that hold information until it is
deleted of overwritten. It also called additional or auxiliary memory. It is
used to store large volume of data on permanent basis. Exp:- Hard disk
drive, floppy disk drive etc.

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Methods of accessing data

Sequential or Serial Access: information can only be retrieved in the
same sequence in which it is stored. So access time depends upon
data location. Eg. Magnetic Tape.
Direct or Random Access : information can be retrieved randomly
from any where within the storage locations. It is need not to go
sequentially. Hence for retrieval of information required
approximately equal time for each location.
Eg. Magnetic Disk, Optical Disk.

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Units for data Measurement

Bit:Short for binary digit, the smallest unit of information on a machine.

A single bit can hold only one of two values: 0 or 1. More meaningful
information is obtained by combining consecutive bits into larger units.
Byte: a byte is composed of 8 consecutive bits.
Kilobyte (KB)
Megabyte (MB)
Gigabyte (GB)
8 Bits = 1 Byte
1024 Byte = 1 KB
1,048,576 Bytes = 1024 KB = 1 MB
1,073,741,824 Bytes = 1024 MB = 1 GB

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Primary Memory

Volatile
RAM(Random Access Memory)
DRAM
SRAM
Nonvolatile
ROM(Read Only Memory)
PROM
EPROM
EEPROM

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Primary Memory

Also known as main storage or memory.

It is the main area in a computer in which data is stored for quick access by
the computer's processor.
Nowadays, the term random access memory (RAM) - or just memory - is
used instead of primary, main storage or core memory.
It is directly accessible to the CPU.
The capacity of RAM in terms of data storage is less, but it offers a very
fast access rate.
Therefore, it is relatively more expensive.
It is highly volatile in nature.
The problem of volatility can be avoided using Read Only Memory
(ROM). Though ROM retains the program instructions it does not allow to
add or change them.

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The Read and write (R/W) memory of a computer is called RAM. User can
write information to it and read information from it.
With RAM any location can be reached in a fixed ( and short) amount of
time after specifying its address.
RAM holds data and processing instructions temporarily until the CPU
needs it.
There are two basic types of RAM :
(i) Dynamic RAM
(ii) Static RAM

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Dynamic RAM
DRAM refreshed there data every instance of time and retain the data for a very short
span of time.
It loses its stored information in a very short time (for milli sec.) even when power
supply is on.
They store information in memory cell made up of transistors and capacitors.
Three to four transistors are required for a Dynamic RAM,
D-RAMs are cheaper.
This refresh operation happens automatically thousands of times per second.
The downside of all of this refreshing is that it takes time and slows down the
memory.
Dynamic RAM is used to create larger RAM space system

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Static RAM

S-RAM retains stored information only as long as the power supply is on.
Costlier.
Higher speed than D-RAMs.
Store information in Flip-Flop.
Six to eight transistors are necessary for a Static RAM.
No refreshing option is available in Static RAM.
Static RAM create speed- sensitive cache.
Consumes more power than Dynamic RAM.
For accessing a data or information, Static RAM takes less time than
Dynamic RAM.
Dynamic RAM has higher storage capacity than Static RAM.

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Some other RAMS are :

(a) SDRAM (Synchronous DRAMS), SGRAMs (Synchronous Graphic
RAMs)
RAM chips use the same clock rate as CPU uses.
They transfer data when the CPU expects them to be ready.
(b) DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM)
This RAM transfers data on both edges of the clock T i.e. 2
operations per clock cycle
therefore the transfer rate of the data becomes doubles.

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ROM
Read only memory
Its non volatile memory.
Its used for the permanent storage of information.
Information can not be written into a ROM by the users/programmers.
The contents of ROMs are decided by the manufactures.

Types of ROM:
1.
.
.
.

Programmable ROM
Its contents are decided by the user.
The user can store permanent programs, data etc in a PROM.
The data is fed into it using a PROM programs.
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2.

3.

Erasable PROM
The stored data in EPROMs can be erased by exposing it to UV
light for about 20 min.
Its not easy to erase it because the EPROM IC has to be removed
from the computer and exposed to UV light.
The entire data is erased and not selected portions by the user.
EPROMs are cheap and reliable.
Electrically Erasable PROM
The chip can be erased & reprogrammed on the board easily byte by
byte.
It can be erased with in a few milliseconds.
There is a limit on the number of times the EEPROMs can be
reprogrammed, i.e.; usually around 10,000 times.

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4. Flash Memory
. It is a variation of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM)
. EEPROM unlike flash memory, is erased and rewritten at the byte level,
which is slower than flash memory updating.
.
. It uses one transistor memory .
. Low power consumption
. Lower cost &
. Higher reliability.
. Its used in all power, digital cameras, MP3 players, Memory Card etc.

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Cache Memory

Cache memory
High speed memory that a processor can access more rapidly than main
memory.
It is commonly used for minimizing processor memory speed mismatch.
It is extremely small fast memory between CPU and main memory whose
access time is closer to the processing speed of CPU.
It is temporarily used to store very active data and instructions during
processing.
It can be either a reserved section of main memory or an independent highspeed storage device.

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Cache memory is sometimes described in levels of closeness and

accessibility to the microprocessor.
An L1 cache is on the same chip as the microprocessor.
L2 is usually a separate static RAM (SRAM) chip. The main RAM is
usually a dynamic RAM (DRAM) chip.
When data are found in the cache, it is called a cache hit, and the
effectiveness of a cache is judged by its hit rate
Many cache systems use a technique known as smart caching, in which the
system can recognize certain types of frequently used data.
The strategies for determining which information should be kept in the
cache constitute some of the more interesting problems in computer
science.

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Registers

Registers are special memory units that are used to hold information on a
temporary basis as the instructions are executed by CPU.
Registers are a part of CPU (not main memory) of computer.
The length of the register sometimes called the word size equals the
number of bits it can store.
With all other parameters same CPU with 32-bit register can process data
twice larger than 16-bit register.

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Auxiliary Memory

Also known as external memory or secondary memory.

It holds information until it is deleted or overwritten regardless if the
computer has power.
Primary storage is accessed much faster than secondary storage because of
the price and size limitations.
Example: Floppy disk drive , Hard disk drive, CD-ROM, DVD etc.

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Examples of Auxiliary Devices

Floppy Disk

Its a circular disk coated with magnetic oxide and enclosed within square
plastic cover (Jacket).
Its available in different size, but the most commonly used floppy is 3.
Data up to 1.44 MB can be stored in it.
Floppies are available in 2 sizes, 3.5 inch & 5.25 inch. The 3.5 inch size
floppy is mostly used

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Hard Disk

Hard disks are made of aluminum or other metal alloys which are coated
on both sides with magnetic material.
Unlike floppy disks, hark disks are not removable from the computer.
For increasing storing capacity several disks are packed together &
mounted on a common drive to form a disk pack.
A disk is also called a platter.

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81

Disk Access Time

Disk access time is the interval between the instant a computer makes a
request for transfer of data from disk system to primary storage and the
instant this operation is completed.
Disk access time depend upon following three parameters
Seek Time: It is the time required to position the read/write head over
the desired track.
Latency: Time required to spin the desired sector under the read/write
head
Transfer Rate: Rate at which data is read/written to the disk

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Magnetic Tape

Magnetic Tape can be used to perform both functions -input and output.
Magnetic tapes are used for large computers like mainframe computers
where large volume of data is stored for a longer time.
The cost of storing data in tapes is inexpensive.

Advantages
Compact
Economical
Fast
Long term Storage and Re-usability

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Magnetic disk

Circular like a disk and coated with magnetic material.

It rotates with very high speed inside the computer drive.
Data is stored on both the surface of the disk.
Magnetic disks are most popular for direct access storage device.
Each disk consists of a number of invisible concentric circles called tracks.
The information stored in a disk can be read many times without affecting
the stored data.
But to write a new data, then the existing data is erased from the disk and
new data is recorded.

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Optical Disk

Information is written to or read from an optical disk or tape using laser

beam.
Optical disks are not suitable memory storage units because their access
time is more than that of hard disks.
Their advantage is that they have very high storage capacity.
Types of optical memory are: CD ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM,
DVD-R and DVD-RW.
Information on a CD-ROM is written at the time of manufacture.
CD-R/W of 700 MB are available.
A DVD-ROM is similar to CD-ROM. It uses shorter wave length of laser
beam and hence, stores more data than CD-ROM.

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Compact Disk/ Read Only Memory (CD-ROM)

CD-ROM disks are made of reflective metals.

CD-ROM is written during the process of manufacturing by high power
laser beam.
Here the storage density is very high, storage cost is very low and access
time is relatively fast.
Each disk is approximately 4 1/2 inches in diameter and can hold over
600 MB of data.
As the CD-ROM can be read only we cannot write or make changes into
the data contained in it.

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Write Once Read Many (WORM)

WORM allows the user to write data permanently on to the disk.

Once the data is written it can never be erased without physically
damaging the disk.
Data can be recorded from keyboard, video scanner, OCR equipment and
other devices.
The advantage of WORM is that it can store vast amount of data
amounting to gigabytes.
Any document in a WORM can be accessed very fast, say less than 30
seconds.

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Erasable Optical Disk

These are optical disks where data can be written, erased and re-written.
This also applies a laser beam to write and re-write the data.

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Computer Components

The two main components which when combined makes a computer

system are:
Hardware
Software

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Computer Hardware

Hardware means the physical structure of a computer.

Example: RAM, ROM, motherboard, modem, wireless chip, Keyboard,
Mouse, Monitor, Printers etc.

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Computer Software

It is the collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation

that performs different tasks on a computer system.
Different types of software are:
Application Software: It enables the end users to accomplish certain
specific tasks.
Business software, databases and educational software are some forms
of application software.
Different word processors, which are dedicated to specialized tasks to
be performed by the user, are other examples of application software.

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Programming Software: These software come in the form of tools that

assist a programmer in writing computer programs.
Computer programs are sets of logical instructions that make a
computer system perform certain tasks.
Compliers, interpreters, linkers and text editors are some of the basic
tools used in programming software.
Compilers translate source code written in a programming language into
the language which a computer understands (mostly the binary form).
Compilers generate objects which are combined and converted into
executable programs through linkers.
Debuggers are used to check code for bugs and debug it.
Interpreters execute programs. They execute the source code or a
precompiled code or translate source code into an intermediate language
before execution.

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System Software
It helps in running computer hardware and the computer system.
System software refers to the operating systems; device drivers,
systems and utilities..
Malware
Malware refers to any malicious software that is a threat to computer
security.
Computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses and shareware are malware.

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 Utility Software

Also known as service routine, utility software helps in the

management of computer hardware and application software.
It performs a small range of tasks. Disk defragmenters, virus scanners
are some of the typical examples of utility software.
Data Backup and Recovery Software
An ideal data backup and recovery software provides functionalities
beyond simple copying of data files.
This software often supports user needs of specifying what is to be
backed up and when.
Backup and recovery software preserve the original organization of
files and allow an easy retrieval of the backed up data.

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Thanks..

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