,About the Tutorial
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as an input from the user
and processes it under the control of a set of instructions (called program), produces a
result (output), and saves it for future use.
This tutorial explains the foundational concepts of computer hardware, software, operating
systems, peripherals, etc. along with how to get the most value and impact from computer
technology.
Audience
This tutorial has been prepared for beginners as well as advanced learners who want to
deal with computers. The tutorial is also very useful for undergraduate students of
computer science, engineering, business administration, management, science, commerce
and arts, where an introductory course on computers is a part of curriculum.
After completing this tutorial, you will find yourself at a moderate level of expertise in the
knowledge of computer basics from where you can take yourself to the next level.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of computers is not a prerequisite to follow the contents of this tutorial. This
tutorial assumes no background in Computers or Computer programming.
Copyright & Disclaimer
Copyright 2017 by Tutorials Point (I) Pvt. Ltd.
All the content and graphics published in this e-book are the property of Tutorials Point (I)
Pvt. Ltd. The user of this e-book is prohibited to reuse, retain, copy, distribute or republish
any contents or a part of contents of this e-book in any manner without written consent
of the publisher.
We strive to update the contents of our website and tutorials as timely and as precisely as
possible, however, the contents may contain inaccuracies or errors. Tutorials Point (I) Pvt.
Ltd. provides no guarantee regarding the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of our
website or its contents including this tutorial. If you discover any errors on our website or
in this tutorial, please notify us at
i
, Table of Contents
About the Tutorial .................................................................................................................................. i
Audience ................................................................................................................................................ i
Prerequisites .......................................................................................................................................... i
Copyright & Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................... i
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................. ii
1. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ OVERVIEW........................................................................ 1
Functionalities of a Computer ............................................................................................................... 1
Advantages of Computers ..................................................................................................................... 1
Disadvantages of Computers ................................................................................................................. 3
2. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ APPLICATIONS .................................................................. 4
3. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ GENERATIONS .................................................................. 8
First Generation Computers .................................................................................................................. 8
Second Generation Computers ............................................................................................................ 10
Third Generation Computers ............................................................................................................... 11
Fourth Generation Computers ............................................................................................................. 12
Fifth Generation Computers ................................................................................................................ 13
4. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ TYPES ............................................................................. 15
5. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ COMPONENTS................................................................ 18
6. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT........................................... 20
7. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ INPUT DEVICES ............................................................... 22
ii
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as an input from the user
and processes it under the control of a set of instructions (called program), produces a
result (output), and saves it for future use.
This tutorial explains the foundational concepts of computer hardware, software, operating
systems, peripherals, etc. along with how to get the most value and impact from computer
technology.
Audience
This tutorial has been prepared for beginners as well as advanced learners who want to
deal with computers. The tutorial is also very useful for undergraduate students of
computer science, engineering, business administration, management, science, commerce
and arts, where an introductory course on computers is a part of curriculum.
After completing this tutorial, you will find yourself at a moderate level of expertise in the
knowledge of computer basics from where you can take yourself to the next level.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of computers is not a prerequisite to follow the contents of this tutorial. This
tutorial assumes no background in Computers or Computer programming.
Copyright & Disclaimer
Copyright 2017 by Tutorials Point (I) Pvt. Ltd.
All the content and graphics published in this e-book are the property of Tutorials Point (I)
Pvt. Ltd. The user of this e-book is prohibited to reuse, retain, copy, distribute or republish
any contents or a part of contents of this e-book in any manner without written consent
of the publisher.
We strive to update the contents of our website and tutorials as timely and as precisely as
possible, however, the contents may contain inaccuracies or errors. Tutorials Point (I) Pvt.
Ltd. provides no guarantee regarding the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of our
website or its contents including this tutorial. If you discover any errors on our website or
in this tutorial, please notify us at
i
, Table of Contents
About the Tutorial .................................................................................................................................. i
Audience ................................................................................................................................................ i
Prerequisites .......................................................................................................................................... i
Copyright & Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................... i
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................. ii
1. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ OVERVIEW........................................................................ 1
Functionalities of a Computer ............................................................................................................... 1
Advantages of Computers ..................................................................................................................... 1
Disadvantages of Computers ................................................................................................................. 3
2. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ APPLICATIONS .................................................................. 4
3. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ GENERATIONS .................................................................. 8
First Generation Computers .................................................................................................................. 8
Second Generation Computers ............................................................................................................ 10
Third Generation Computers ............................................................................................................... 11
Fourth Generation Computers ............................................................................................................. 12
Fifth Generation Computers ................................................................................................................ 13
4. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ TYPES ............................................................................. 15
5. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ COMPONENTS................................................................ 18
6. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT........................................... 20
7. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS ─ INPUT DEVICES ............................................................... 22
ii
