Computer Fundamentals

Paper Code: 
CAI 101
Credits: 
03
Periods/week: 
03
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

To acquaint the students with the basics of computer system.

11.00
Unit I: 

Definition of Computer, Features, Parts of Computer System: Hardware, Software, Data, Users, the Information Processing Cycle. Computer Generations.

Essential Computer Hardware: Processing Devices, Memory Devices: RAM, ROM, Input And Output Devices, Storage Devices: Magnetic And Optical Storage, Software: System And Application Software.

Input Devices: Keyboard And Mouse: The Standard Keyboard Layout, Using Mouse, Other Data Input Devices: Pen, Touch Screens, Bar Code Readers, OCR.
Output Devices: CRT Monitors, Printers: Dot Matrix, Ink Jet, Laser Printers, Comparing Printers.

7.00
Unit II: 

Number Systems, Computer Arithmetic. Data Processing: The CPU, Memory, Factors Affecting Processing Speed, Bus, Cache Memory. Introduction to Microcomputer Processor and Risc Processors. Basic Concept Of Ports: Standard Computer Ports, Serial And Parallel Ports, Specialized Expansion Ports: SCSI, USB, Fire wire, Midi, Expansion Slots And Boards, Pc Cards, Plug And Play.

10.00
Unit III: 

Secondary Storage Devices: Sequential Access Devices; Magnetic Tapes: Types, Basic Principles Of Operation. Direct Access Devices, Magnetic Disks: Types, Basic Principles of Operation, Advantages, Limitations of Magnetic Disks. Optical Disks: Types, Basic Principles of Operation, Advantages, Limitations of Optical Disks, Blue Ray Disk.

10.00
Unit IV: 

Operating System: Purpose Of Operating Systems, Types Of Operating System, Managing Hardware: Processing Interrupts, Working With Device Drivers, Utility Software, Backup Utilities, and Screen Savers. PC Operating Systems: DOS, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, Macintosh Operating System, UNIX and Linux. Introduction to Productivity Software: Commercial Software, Freeware and Public Domain Software, Open-Source Software.

7.00
Unit V: 

Email and Internet: Introduction, E-Mail Account and Its Functions, Search Engines, Surfing Web Pages, Basics of Social Networking Sites. General Introduction of Virus and Antivirus.
Understanding the Need for Security Measures: Overview, Need for Computer Security, Basic Security Concepts, Threats to Users, Hacking, Hacking Methods.
Protective Measures: Keeping System Safe, Avoiding Identity Theft; Keeping Data Secure (Limiting Physical Access, Firewall), Managing Cookies, Spy ware & Other Bugs.

ESSENTIAL READINGS: 
  1. Norton Peter, “Introduction to Computers”, 6th Ed., TMH, 2006.

REFERENCES: 

1. P. K. Sinha & Priti Sinha , “Computer Fundamentals”, BPB Publications, 1992.
2. V. Raja Raman, “Introduction to Computers”, PHI,
3. Alex Leon & Mathews Leon, “Introduction to Computers”, Vikas Publishing House, 1999.
4. Vikas Gupta, “Comdex Computer Kit”, Wiley Dreamtech, Delhi, 2004

Academic Year: