Introduction of computer

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? (29 th June 1996) A bank account number? A club membership number? A telephone number? Without processing or more information this data is meaningless.

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 Central Processing Unit Chip that executes program commands Intel Pentium 4 Primary storage area for programs and data that are in active use Synonymous with RAM Main Memory

Secondary Memory Devices Information is moved between main memory and secondary memory as needed Central Processing Unit Secondary memory devices provide long-term storage Hard disks Floppy disks ZIP disks Writable CDs Writable DVDs Tapes Main Memory Floppy Disk Hard Disk

Input / Output Devices Central Processing Unit I/O devices facilitate user interaction Monitor screen Keyboard Mouse Joystick Bar code scanner Touch screen Main Memory Floppy Disk Hard Disk Monitor Keyboard

Computers for Individuals Six primary types: Desktop Computers Workstations Notebook Computers Tablet Computers Handheld computers 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

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

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: Network Server Mainframe computers Minicomputers 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 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

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

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