Introduction of computer

Prepared by: Mazhar Javed Awan 1

Lecture 1

Computer Fundamentals


Learning Objectives

Computer Data Information Data Processing How computer works? Overview of Computer Parts Types of Computer


What is a Computer? “It is an electronic device that processes data,

converting it into information that is useful to people.”


Computers for Individuals Personal Computers (PCs) – Used by only

one person at a time Also known as microcomputers Considered to be among the smallest

computers created for people to use


Concept of data & Information

Data The collection of raw

facts and figures It may be in the form of

characters, digits and symbols

Information The processed and

organized form of data. Reprocessed data to

get more result.


Data Examples

A set of names and addresses written on student’s admission form

A telephone conversation converted to electrical signals to be sent down the wires

A song written in sheet music so that it can be played


Information Example

The sorted data for those students in admission form which have taken computer subject.

Listening the songs Reading a map from one place to other What does the number 29061996 mean? Is it:

A birthday? (29th June 1996) A bank account number? A club membership number? A telephone number?

Without processing or more information this data is meaningless.

[email protected](0333-4461420) 8

Data Processing

Input

Process

Data Collection

Output


Processing

Processing has various operations Calculation Analysis Comparison Manipulation


The three stages of doing tasks

Input Process Output

• Data is put into the information system. (INPUT)

• The data is processed. (PROCESS)

• Information comes out of the information system.

(OUTPUT)


Manual information systems

We are all used to using manual information systems.

An example of a manual information system is a telephone directory.

All we need to know to find a person’s telephone number in the telephone book is their name and address. (INPUT)

We look up the name and the address (PROCESS), and we find their telephone number. (OUTPUT)


Manual information systems

Input Process Output

• Have the name and address. (INPUT)

• Look up the name and address. (PROCESS)

• Find the telephone number. (OUTPUT)


Computerised information systems

Computerised information systems have several advantages over manual information systems.

These include:

Greater flexibility Speed


Examples of computerised information systems DVLA – Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority The DVLA has a computerised database

about every driver and vehicle in the country. This database can be used to find information

about a vehicle or driver even if the data is incomplete.


Advantages of computerised information systems A single computer can store all the

information needed. By using several terminals different people

can access information at the same time. Information is not duplicated. Information can be transferred to other

computer systems easily.


Brain vs. Computer

As the computer is also a device similar to the way in which the human brain functions, the process of calculating the sum of two values can also be easily performed by the computer.

=


Input

Processing(Brains)

Output


15

5 + 10 = 15

Input

Processing

Output

5 10

Let us assume we are interested in calculating the sum of 5 and 10.


Input Device

Output Device

CPU(Brains)



CPU and Main Memory

CentralProcessing

Unit

MainMemory

Chip that executes program commands

Intel Pentium 4

Primary storage area for programs and data that are

in active use

Synonymous with RAM


Secondary Memory Devices

Information is movedbetween main memoryand secondary memoryas needed

CentralProcessing

Unit

MainMemory

Floppy Disk

Hard Disk

Secondary memorydevices providelong-term storage

Hard disksFloppy disksZIP disksWritable CDsWritable DVDsTapes


Input / Output Devices

CentralProcessing

Unit

MainMemory

Floppy Disk

Hard Disk

Monitor

Keyboard

I/O devices facil i tateuser interaction

Monitor screenKeyboardMouseJoystickBar code scannerTouch screen


Computers for Individuals Six primary types:

1. Desktop Computers

2. Workstations

3. Notebook Computers

4. Tablet Computers

5. Handheld computers

6. Smart phones


Desktop Computers Desktop computer – a PC designed to sit on

a desk/table Most common type of computer Used in schools, homes and offices Enable people to do their tasks with greater

ease and efficiency


Desktop Computers Used to

Communicate Produce music Edit photographs and videos Play sophisticated games

Used by Everyone from Preschoolers to Nuclear

Physicists


Desktop Computers Two common designs

Horizontally oriented design Vertically oriented design


Workstations Specialized, single user computer Has more power and features as compared to

desktop PC Workstations have

Large, high resolution monitors Accelerated graphics handling capabilities

Used by people requiring system with greater-than-average speed and power Scientists Engineers Animators


Notebook Computers Approximate shape – 8.5 by 11 inches Easily fits in a brief case Also known as laptops Operate on alternating current or batteries Are light weight devices – generally less than eight

pounds Portable devices – mobile computers Docking Stations


Tablet PCs Newest development with following features

Portable Full-featured computer Lighter than Notebooks Capable of accepting input from stylus or digital

pen Also capable of accepting input from micro-

phone via special software


Tablet PC


Handheld PCs Small devices – Small enough to fit in your

hand Example: PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) Capable of connecting to exchange data with

large computers Input via pen, built-in keyboards, micro-

phone


Personal Digital Assistant - PDA


Smart Phones Hybrid of cell phone and PDA Cellular phones with advanced features like:

Web and email access Special Software

Personal Organizers Special Hardware

Digital Cameras Music Players At times built-in keyboards


Smart Phones


Computers for Organizations Computers that can handle the needs of

many users at the same time Used by

Organizations Businesses Schools Commonly found at the heart of organization’s

network


Computers for Organizations Types of organizational computers:

1. Network Server

2. Mainframe computers

3. Minicomputers

4. Supercomputers


Network server A powerful PC with special software and equipment

that enable it to function as primary computer in a network Clusters or Server Farms Blades

All other computers connect Provides access to network resources Often simply a powerful desktop


Mainframe Computers Used in large organizations Where many people frequently need to use

the same data Terminal – Device through which user

accesses the mainframe’s resources Dumb Terminal Intelligent Terminal


Mainframe Computers


Mainframe Computers Large, powerful special purpose computers Can handle processing needs of thousands

of users Lack flexibility – can perform limited number

of tasks


Minicomputers Mini – Small size Called midrange computers Capabilities somewhere between those mainframes

and personal computers Can handle much more input and output than PCs

can Can serve dozens or hundreds of users at a time Used in smaller organizations Users access through a terminal


Minicomputers


Supercomputers Most powerful computers Physically largest Can process huge amount of data – trillions

calculation per second Ideal for handling large, highly complex

problems Found in research organizations


Supercomputers

A technician monitors IBM's ASCI White in 2000, then the world's fastest supercomputer, that is capable of 12 trillion calculations per second. The

Department of Energy uses ASCI White to analyze and protect the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile.


Information Technology

Uses Computing with high speed communication links to spread information from one place to other.

All types of equipment or programs that are used in processing information

World has become a global village Information can be communicated in any shape such

as Photographs Movies Text Digital diagrams

Introduction of computer

Education

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computer systems

persons telephone number

reprocessed data

inputthe data

computer fundamentals