CMPE

MODULE 1 — Introduction to Computers

1. What is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic data processing device that:

  • Accepts input

  • Stores data/instructions

  • Processes data

  • Produces output

• Easy formula to remember:

INPUT → PROCESS → OUTPUT

• But remember that STORAGE and CONTROL are also important functions.

2. Five Basic Functions of a Computer

Memorize these:

1. Input → receives data

2. Storage → saves data/instructions

3. Processing → converts data into useful information

4. Output → gives the result

5. Control → manages the other operations

Exam tip: If asked "What are the five functions of a computer?", these five are very important.

3. Advantages of Computers

Remember the major keywords:

• High Speed → performs calculations very quickly

• Accuracy → accurate when given correct input

• Storage → can store huge amounts of data

• Diligence → doesn't get tired or bored

• Versatility → can perform many different tasks

• Reliability → dependable

• Automation → can perform tasks automatically once programmed

• Reduced Paperwork

• Reduced Cost

Memory trick:

S-A-S-D-V-R-A

Speed – Accuracy – Storage – Diligence – Versatility – Reliability – Automation

4. Disadvantages of Computers

Know these four:

• No I.Q. → cannot independently think or make decisions

• Dependency → depends on human instructions

• Environment → needs a suitable operating environment

• No Feeling → has no emotions or human judgment

Important: A computer is fast and accurate, but it does not have human feelings or independent judgment.

MODULE 1 — Applications of Computers

You don't need to memorize every example. Understand where computers are used and why.

• Business → payroll, budgeting, sales, employee records

• Banking → accounts, transactions, ATMs

• Insurance → customer/policy records

• Education → CBE (Computer Based Education), student records

• Marketing → advertising, online shopping

• Healthcare → patient records, diagnosis, ECG, CT scans

• Engineering → CAD, design and analysis

• Military → communication, missile control, planning

• Communication → email, chatting, video conferencing

• Government → taxes, voter lists, licenses, weather forecasting

Especially remember for your course:

Industrial Engineering → computers are used to design, implement, and improve integrated systems involving people, materials, and equipment.

MODULE 2 — GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS

VERY HIGH-YIELD TOPIC

The easiest way to memorize the generations is:

1 = Vacuum Tube

2 = Transistor

3 = IC

4 = VLSI / Microprocessor

5 = ULSI / AI

The 5 Generations

These dates and technologies are explicitly given in the module.

How to Remember the Progression

Think of it as computers becoming:

BIG → SMALL → SMALLER → PERSONAL → INTELLIGENT

1st Generation

Vacuum tubes

• 1946–1959

• Huge

• Very expensive

• Generated lots of heat

• Consumed lots of electricity

• Unreliable

• Used machine language

• Examples: ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC

2nd Generation

Transistors

• 1959–1965

• Smaller than 1st generation

• Faster

• More reliable

• Less heat

• Less electricity

• Used assembly language and high-level languages

• Examples: IBM 1620, IBM 7094

3rd Generation

Integrated Circuits (IC)

• 1965–1971

• Smaller

• Faster

• More reliable

• Less heat

• Less maintenance

• High-level languages

• Jack Kilby → associated with invention of the IC in the module

4th Generation

VLSI + Microprocessors

• 1971–1980

• Very small

• Cheap

• Portable

• Reliable

• Personal Computers (PCs) became common

• Networking developed

• Examples: PDP-11, CRAY-1

5th Generation

ULSI + Artificial Intelligence

• 1980–present

• AI

• Parallel processing

• Natural Language Processing

• Robotics

• Neural networks

• Expert systems

• Modern computers: Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, Ultrabook, Chromebook

MODULE 3 — TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Another high-yield memorization topic

There are 5 major types in your module:

1. PC — Personal Computer

• Single user

• Moderately powerful

• Relatively inexpensive

• Examples: desktop, ordinary personal computers

2. Workstation

• Single user

• More powerful than a typical PC

• Used for engineering, CAD/CAM, software development

• Usually has better graphics and more RAM

3. Minicomputer

• Multi-user

• Can support up to around 250 users according to the module

• Midsize computer

4. Mainframe

• Multi-user

• Can support hundreds or thousands of users

• Large and expensive

• Can execute many programs simultaneously

5. Supercomputer

• Extremely fast

• Used for massive mathematical calculations

• Examples of applications:

  • Weather forecasting

  • Scientific simulations

  • Nuclear research

  • Geological analysis

EASY WAY TO DIFFERENTIATE THEM

Think:

PC → Workstation → Mini → Mainframe → Supercomputer

By users:

• PC = 1 user

• Workstation = 1 user

• Mini = many users

• Mainframe = hundreds/thousands

• Supercomputer = speed/calculation

Common exam trap:

Workstation ≠ multi-user computer.

Both PC and Workstation are single-user systems.

The main difference is that a workstation is more powerful and designed for demanding applications such as engineering and CAD.

MODULE 4 — COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

VERY IMPORTANT

You should know this structure:

INPUT → MEMORY/PROCESSING → OUTPUT

And the CPU controls the processing.

Five Basic Operations

1. Input

2. Storage

3. Processing

4. Output

5. Control

These are basically the same five operations introduced in Module 1, so they're worth memorizing very well.

CPU — Central Processing Unit

Think:

CPU = BRAIN OF THE COMPUTER

The CPU:

• Processes data

• Stores intermediate results/instructions

• Controls other parts of the computer

CPU has 3 major components:

ALU + Memory Unit + Control Unit

MEMORIZE THIS.

1. ALU — Arithmetic Logic Unit

ALU = performs calculations and logical operations

Arithmetic section:

• Addition

• Subtraction

• Multiplication

• Division

Logic section:

• Comparing

• Selecting

• Matching

• Merging

Easy memory:

ALU = Arithmetic + Logic

2. Memory Unit

Memory stores:

• Instructions

• Data

• Intermediate results

• Final results before output

The module identifies main/internal memory with RAM (Random Access Memory).

Two broad types mentioned:

• Primary Memory

• Secondary Memory

Easy idea:

Memory = where information is kept for use

3. Control Unit

Very easy to confuse with ALU.

Control Unit = directs and coordinates.

It:

• Controls transfer of data/instructions

• Coordinates computer units

• Gets instructions from memory

• Interprets instructions

• Directs operations

Most important distinction:

ALU → DOES calculations

Control Unit → TELLS/CONTROLS what happens

Memory → STORES information

INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES

Input Devices

These send data INTO the computer.

Memorize common ones:

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Scanner

• Microphone

• Joystick

• Light pen

• Trackball

• Graphic tablet

• Barcode reader

• OCR

• OMR

• MICR

Easy rule:

Input = information goes INTO the computer

Output Devices

These give information FROM the computer to the user.

Examples you should know generally:

• Monitor

• Printer

• Speakers

Easy rule:

Output = information comes OUT

The module describes the output unit as the link between the computer and the user that translates computer output into a form understandable to the user.

THE 15 THINGS I WOULD MEMORIZE BEFORE YOUR EXAM

If you're really short on time, focus on these:

1. Computer = Input → Processing → Output

2. The 5 functions: Input, Storage, Processing, Output, Control

3. Advantages: Speed, Accuracy, Storage, Diligence, Versatility, Reliability, Automation

4. Disadvantages: No IQ, Dependency, Environment, No Feeling

5. 1st Generation = Vacuum Tubes

6. 2nd Generation = Transistors

7. 3rd Generation = IC

8. 4th Generation = VLSI/Microprocessor

9. 5th Generation = ULSI + AI

10. PC = single user

11. Workstation = single user + more powerful

12. Minicomputer = multi-user

13. Mainframe = hundreds/thousands of users

14. Supercomputer = extremely fast + complex calculations

15. CPU = ALU + Memory Unit + Control Unit

LAST-MINUTE MEMORY SHEET

Try memorizing this one line:

Computer: Input → Storage → Processing → Output → Control

Generations: Vacuum Tube → Transistor → IC → VLSI → ULSI/AI

Types: PC → Workstation → Mini → Mainframe → Supercomputer

CPU: ALU → Memory → Control

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS — 80/20 EXAM REVIEW

PRIORITY 1: TYPES OF COMPUTER

The computers are mainly distinguished by power, speed, and number of users.

1. PC — Personal Computer

• Single-user

• Relatively small and inexpensive

• Designed for an individual

• Examples of uses:

  • Word processing

  • Accounting

  • Spreadsheets

  • Internet

  • Games

2. Workstation

• Single-user, like a PC

• But has a more powerful processor

• Designed for demanding applications

• Commonly used for:

  • Engineering

  • CAD/CAM

  • Software development

  • High-quality graphics

KEY DIFFERENCE:

PC = single user + normal power

Workstation = single user + MORE powerful

The module specifically emphasizes their similarity as single-user computers and the workstation's greater processing/graphics capability.

3. Minicomputer

• Multi-user

• Midsize computer

• Can support up to 250 users simultaneously

4. Mainframe

• Multi-user

• Very large and expensive

• Can support hundreds or thousands of users

• Can execute many programs simultaneously

5. Supercomputer

• One of the fastest types

• Extremely expensive

• Used for massive mathematical calculations

• Examples:

  • Weather forecasting

  • Scientific simulations

  • Nuclear research

  • Geological analysis

MEMORIZE THIS:

PC → Workstation → Minicomputer → Mainframe → Supercomputer

Think:

1 user → 1 powerful user → many users → MANY users → extreme calculation speed

PRIORITY 2: FIVE BASIC OPERATIONS

This is VERY HIGH-YIELD because it connects directly to the components of a computer.

The five operations are:

1. INPUT → enter data/instructions

2. STORAGE → save data/instructions

3. PROCESSING → perform calculations and logical operations

4. OUTPUT → produce useful information/results

5. CONTROL → determine the order and manner of operations

EASY FORMULA:

INPUT → STORE → PROCESS → OUTPUT

CONTROL = manages the whole process

Example:

You type 5 + 5

• Input → keyboard enters 5 + 5

• Storage → information is temporarily stored

• Processing → computer calculates

• Output → 10 appears on screen

• Control → coordinates what happens and when

PRIORITY 3: CPU

MEMORIZE THIS

CPU = Central Processing Unit = BRAIN OF THE COMPUTER

The CPU performs processing, stores intermediate information/instructions, and controls other parts of the computer.

The CPU has 3 major components:

ALU

Arithmetic Logic Unit

• Performs arithmetic

  • Addition

  • Subtraction

  • Multiplication

  • Division

• Performs logic

  • Comparing

  • Selecting

  • Matching

  • Merging

Memory Unit

• Stores:

  • Data

  • Instructions

  • Intermediate results

  • Final results before output

Control Unit

• Controls and coordinates

• Gets instructions from memory

• Interprets instructions

• Directs operations

• Controls transfer of data/instructions

• Does NOT actually process data

THE MOST IMPORTANT CPU DIFFERENCE

One-line memory trick:

ALU = DO

Memory = STORE

Control Unit = TELL

This is probably one of the most important things to memorize from the entire PDF.

PRIORITY 4: INPUT vs OUTPUT

INPUT = INTO the computer

Examples:

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Joystick

• Light pen

• Trackball

• Scanner

• Graphic tablet

• Microphone

• MICR

• OCR

• Barcode reader

• OMR

OUTPUT = OUT of the computer

The output unit gives information/results from the computer to the user.

Examples you should know:

• Monitor

• Printer

• Speaker

Easiest trick:

INPUT = you give information TO the computer

OUTPUT = computer gives information TO you

PRIORITY 5: THREE TYPES OF MEMORY

VERY IMPORTANT

The module divides computer memory into:

1. Cache Memory

2. Primary/Main Memory

3. Secondary Memory

Think of them as:

CACHE → PRIMARY → SECONDARY

from specialized/high-speed working memory toward longer-term storage.

CACHE MEMORY

Cache = VERY FAST

• Very high-speed

• Acts as a buffer between CPU and main memory

• Holds frequently used data/programs

• Helps speed up the CPU

• Limited capacity

• Expensive

Remember:

CACHE = FAST + SMALL + EXPENSIVE

PRIMARY MEMORY

Also called:

• Main Memory

• Internal Memory

• Primary Storage

Important characteristics:

• Holds data/instructions the computer is currently working on

• Faster than secondary memory

• Generally volatile

• Data is lost when power is turned off

• Includes RAM and ROM

Remember:

PRIMARY = CURRENT WORK

SECONDARY MEMORY

Also called:

• External Memory

• Backup Memory

Characteristics:

• Non-volatile

• Data remains when power is turned off

• Used for long-term/permanent storage

• Slower than primary memory

• Examples:

  • Disk

  • CD-ROM

  • DVD

The CPU does not directly access secondary memory; data is transferred to main memory first.

Remember:

SECONDARY = LONG-TERM STORAGE

PRIMARY vs SECONDARY

Super-short version:

PRIMARY = FAST + WORKING

SECONDARY = SLOWER + PERMANENT

PRIORITY 6: RAM vs ROM

MEMORIZE THIS

RAM — Random Access Memory

• Read and write

• Volatile

• Data disappears when power is turned off

• Used while the computer is working

• Two types:

  • SRAM

  • DRAM

SRAM

• Faster

• No refreshing

• More expensive

• Used as cache memory

DRAM

• Slower than SRAM

• Must be continuously refreshed

• Cheaper

• Used as regular/main RAM

Remember:

SRAM = Speed

DRAM = cheaper + needs Refresh

ROM — Read Only Memory

• Non-volatile

• Information remains when power is off

• Primarily used for instructions needed to start the computer

• This startup process is called bootstrap

ROM TYPES

You don't need to spend as much time here, but know the basic progression:

MROM → PROM → EPROM → EEPROM

PROM

• Programmable once

• Cannot be erased

EPROM

• Can be erased using ultraviolet light

EEPROM

• Can be erased/programmed electrically

• Can be reprogrammed

Easy memory:

PROM = Program once

EPROM = Erase with UV

EEPROM = Erase Electrically

PRIORITY 7: SRAM vs DRAM

This is another good comparison question.

Memorize only this:

SRAM = FAST + CACHE + NO REFRESH

DRAM = CHEAPER + MAIN RAM + REFRESH

PRIORITY 8: MOTHERBOARD

Think of the motherboard as:

THE BACKBONE OF THE COMPUTER

It connects the major components together, including:

• CPU

• Memory

• Hard drives

• Optical drives

• Video card

• Sound card

• Expansion cards

• USB and other ports

Simple definition:

Motherboard = main board that connects the computer's components so they can work together.

PRIORITY 9: MEMORY UNITS

Easy points on an exam.

BIT

• Binary Digit

• Can be 0 or 1

NIBBLE

• 4 bits

BYTE

• 8 bits

WORD

• Fixed group of bits processed as a unit

• Size varies depending on the computer

MEMORIZE:

4 bits = 1 NIBBLE

8 bits = 1 BYTE

STORAGE UNITS

Know this order:

KB → MB → GB → TB → PB

According to the module:

• 1 KB = 1024 Bytes

• 1 MB = 1024 KB

• 1 GB = 1024 MB

• 1 TB = 1024 GB

• 1 PB = 1024 TB

Memory trick:

K → M → G → T → P

Kilo → Mega → Giga → Tera → Peta

THE "MUST MEMORIZE" LIST

If you have very little time, study these first:

1. Types of computers

• PC = single user

• Workstation = single user + more powerful

• Minicomputer = multi-user, up to ~250

• Mainframe = hundreds/thousands of users

• Supercomputer = extremely fast calculations

2. Five operations

Input → Storage → Processing → Output → Control

3. CPU

ALU + Memory Unit + Control Unit

4. CPU functions

ALU = Calculate

Memory = Store

Control Unit = Direct

5. Memory

Cache → Primary → Secondary

6. RAM

Volatile + Read/Write

7. ROM

Non-volatile + Startup instructions

8. SRAM vs DRAM

SRAM = faster, cache, no refresh

DRAM = cheaper, main RAM, refresh

9. Motherboard

Backbone that connects computer components

10. Data units

Bit → Nibble → Byte → Word

30-SECOND CRAM SHEET

Before entering the exam, try to say this without looking:

PC and Workstation are single-user.

Mini and Mainframe are multi-user.

Supercomputer is for extremely fast, complex calculations.

Computer operations: Input → Store → Process → Output → Control.

CPU: ALU + Memory + Control Unit.

ALU calculates. Memory stores. Control Unit directs.

Cache is fastest and expensive.

Primary memory is working memory.

Secondary memory is long-term storage.

RAM is volatile. ROM is non-volatile.

SRAM is fast and used for cache. DRAM is cheaper and needs refreshing.

Motherboard connects everything.

4 bits = nibble. 8 bits = byte.

KB → MB → GB → TB → PB.