Computer Fundamentals – MCA 1st Semester (Outline)

Module 1: Introduction to Computers

1.1 What is a Computer?

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A computer is an electronic machine capable of accepting raw data as input, processing it according to a set of instructions, storing it, and producing meaningful results as output.

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Key Characteristics: Speed, accuracy, automation, storage capacity, diligence, versatility, and memory power.

Types of Computers:

Analog Computers – Handle continuous data like temperature and pressure.
Digital Computers – Work on discrete values, such as personal computers.
Hybrid Computers – Blend analog and digital features for specialized use.

Generations of Computers: From the first generation (vacuum tubes) to the fifth generation (artificial intelligence and modern microprocessors).

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1.2 Components of a Computer System

Hardware:
- Input devices: Keyboard, mouse, scanner
- Output devices: Monitor, printer, speakers
- CPU: ALU, CU, and registers
- Storage: HDD, SSD, optical disks
Software:
- System software: Operating systems, device drivers
- Application software: Word processors, browsers, games
Communication Devices: NIC cards, modems, Wi-Fi adapters

1.3 Computer Organization and Architecture

CPU: Executes instructions and coordinates the system
Memory: RAM (volatile) and ROM (non-volatile)
Data Bus: Transfers data among components
ALU: Handles arithmetic and logical operations
Control Unit: Directs the sequence of operations

Module 2: Number Systems and Data Representation

2.1 Number Systems

Decimal (Base 10), Binary (Base 2), Octal (Base 8), Hexadecimal (Base 16)
Conversions between these systems (e.g., binary ↔ decimal)

2.2 Data Representation

ASCII: Standard character encoding
Unicode: Extended encoding for global characters
BCD: Decimal digits represented in binary form

2.3 Binary Arithmetic

Addition, subtraction (with borrow), multiplication, and division

Module 3: Computer Hardware and Software

3.1 Hardware

Input devices: Keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner
Output devices: CRT, LCD, LED monitors; printers (dot-matrix, inkjet, laser)
Storage: RAM, ROM, hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, CDs/DVDs
Motherboard and system ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet)

3.2 Software

System Software: Operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), utilities like antivirus
Application Software: Word processors, image editors, browsers

3.3 Peripheral Devices

Printers, external storage, routers, modems

Module 4: Basics of Operating Systems

4.1 Functions of OS: Process management, memory allocation, file management, and security.

4.2 Process and Memory Management:

Process states: New, Ready, Running, Waiting, Terminated
Scheduling: Allocation of CPU time
Memory techniques: Paging and segmentation

4.3 File Systems and Directories:

File operations: Create, read, write, delete
File systems: FAT, NTFS, EXT
Directory structures for organization

Module 5: Software Applications and Productivity Tools

5.1 Productivity Software:

Word processing (MS Word, Google Docs)
Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets)
Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Google Slides)

5.2 Database Basics:

DBMS and SQL basics (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE)

5.3 Internet and Web Basics:

Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
Web concepts: URL, HTTP/HTTPS, DNS
HTML for web page design

Module 6: Networking Basics

6.1 Types of Networks: LAN, MAN, WAN
6.2 Network Topologies: Star, Bus, Ring, Mesh
6.3 OSI Model: Seven layers and their functions
6.4 Internet Protocols: IP, TCP/UDP, HTTP/HTTPS

Module 7: Security and Privacy

7.1 Cybersecurity Threats: Viruses, malware, phishing, DoS attacks
7.2 Security Measures: Firewalls, antivirus, encryption
7.3 Privacy and Data Protection: Concepts of encryption, GDPR, HIPAA

Module 8: Introduction to Programming

8.1 Programming Concepts: Algorithms, flowcharts, pseudocode
8.2 Constructs: Data types, operators, control structures (loops, if-else, switch)
8.3 Functions and Arrays: Modular programming with functions, one- and two-dimensional arrays

Module 9: Trends in Computing

9.1 Cloud Computing: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS; platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
9.2 Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Basics and applications
9.3 Big Data and IoT: Handling massive datasets and smart connected devices

one solution

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

MCA I FCET outline