Introduction to Computers

Introduction to
Computers
Looking Inside the Computer System

Introduction to Computers
Contents
Types of computers,
Main Components of a Computer,

Central Processing Unit,

Memory
Input and Output Devices,

Ergonomics

of computer construction

The Computer defined

Computers are automatic, electronic machines
that

accept data & instructions from a user (INPUT)

store the data & instructions (STORAGE)
manipulate the data according to the instructions
(PROCESSING)
Output the results to the user (OUTPUT)

In the Beginning

Fundamental characteristics of

a computer

Speed can work at very high speed

Accuracy produces accurate results
Large storage capacity
Versatility can handle multi tasks.
Diligence can work with out tired.
Automation most of things are done
automatically
Intelligence there are some systems, which
are intelligent.

Classification of computers
The classification of computers is based on the
following four criteria:
a)

According to purpose

b)

According to Technology used

c)

According to size and storage capacity

d)

According to Historical advancement

7

Classification of Computers
C la s s ific a t io n o f c o m p u t e r s
(B a s e d o n )
P u rp o s e

T e c h n o lo g y u s e d

S iz e & C a p a c it y

H is t o r y

G e n e ra l P u rp o s e C o m p u te rs

A n a lo g C o m p u t e r s

S u p e r C o m p u te rs

F ir s t G e n e r a t io n C o m p u t e r s

S p e c ia l P u r p o s e C o m p u t e r s

D ig it a l C o m p u t e r s

M a in fr a m e C o m p u t e r s

S e c o n d G e n e r a t io n C o m p u t e r s

H y b r id C o m p u t e r s

M in i C o m p u t e r s

T h ir d G e n e r a t io n C o m p u t e r s

M ic r o C o m p u t e r s

F o u r t h G e n e r a t io n C o m p u t e r s
F ift h G e n e r a t io n C o m p u t e r s

Types of computer

Analog Computers
Analog computers are special purpose computers that represent
and store data in continuously varying physical quantities such
as current, speed, pressure,voltage or frequency
Analog computers are mainly used for scientific and engineering
applications.
E.g.

Thermometer: to measure temperature

Speedometer: to measure speed

Accuracy

1% Approximately

High

speed

Time

is wasted in transmission time

10

Analog computer

Digital Computers

Digital computers are mainly general purpose

computers that represent and store data in
discrete(separate) quantities or numbers.

In these computers, all processing is done in

terms of numeric representation (Binary digits
0,1) of data and information.

Accuracy unlimited

low speed sequential as well as parallel

processing
12

Micro Computer

Micro computer are the smallest computer

system.
There size range from calculator to desktop
size.
Its CPU is microprocessor.
It also known as Grand child Computer
Application : - personal computer, Multi user
system, offices.

Mini Computer

Small general purpose system.

They are generally more powerful and most useful
as compared to micro computer.
Mini computer are also known as mid range
computer or Child computer. Called midrange
computers
Power between mainframe and desktop
Handle hundreds of users
Used in smaller organizations
Users access through a terminal
Application :- Departmental systems, Network
Servers, work group system.

Mini computer

Main Frame Computer

Mainframe computers are those computers that offer

faster processing and grater storage area.
Used in large organizations
Handle thousands of users
Large and powerful systems
Users access through a terminal
The word main frame comes from the metal frames.
It is also known as Father computer.
Application Host computer, Central data base server.

Mainframes

1A-17

Super Computer

Super computer are those computer which are designed for

scientific job like whether forecasting and artificial intelligence etc.
They are fastest and expensive.
The most powerful computers
Handle large and complex calculations
Process trillions of operations per second
Found in research organizations
A super computer contains a number of CPU which operate in
parallel to make it faster.
It also known as grand father computer.
Application whether forecasting, weapons research and
development.

Supercomputers

1A-19

Supercomputers

Super computer

Classification of Digital
computer

Desktop
Workstation
Notebook
Tablet PC
Handheld computer
Smart Phone

Desktop computers

1A-23

The most common type of computer

Sits on the desk
Performs a variety of tasks
Different design types

Desktop computers

1A-24

workstation

Workstations

1A-26

Specialized computers
Optimized for science or graphics
More powerful than a desktop

Tablet PC

Tablet computers
Tablet PC was designed
to simulate a piece of
paper
Newest development in
portable computers
Input is through
a digital pen (stylus)
Run specialized versions
of office products

1A-28

Handheld PC(PDA)

Handheld computers, palm

computer

1A-30

Very small computers

Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
Note taking or contact management
Data can synchronize with a desktop

Smart phone

Smart phones

Smart phones
Hybrid of
cell phone
and PDA
Web surfing,
e-mail access

1A-32

Notebook computers

1A-33

Small portable computers

Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds
About 8 by 11 inches
Typically as powerful as a desktop
Can include a docking station

Notebook computers

Computers for Individual Use

1A-35

Components of a Computer
System

Hardware
Software
Data
User(Liveware)
1B-36

Parts of the Computer

System

Hardware

Mechanical and electrionic devices in the

computer
Anything that can be touched

Software

Tell the computer what to do

Also called a program
Thousands of programs exist

1B-37

Parts of the Computer

System

Data

Pieces of information
Computer organize and present data

Users

People operating the computer

Tell the computer what to do

1B-38

Information Processing Cycle

Steps followed
to process data
Input
Processing
Output
Storage

1B-39

A simplified view of a computer system

Monitor

Keyboard

Central
Processing
Unit

Hard Disk
Main
Memory
Floppy Disk

Communications
devices

Processing
device

Control
unit

Input devices

Arithmetic/
logic unit

Register storage area

Memory

Secondary
storage

Output devices

Essential Computer
Hardware

Hardware categorized into four types

1B-42

Essential Computer
Hardware
Input and output devices
Allows the user to interact with computer

Input devices accept data

Output devices deliver data

Keyboard, mouse
Monitor, printer, speaker

Some devices are input and output

Touch screens

1B-43

Essential Computer
Hardware

Processing devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Brain of the computer
Carries out instructions from the program
Manipulate the data
Most computers have several processors
Secondary processors
Processors made of silicon and copper

1B-46

eg
The

interaction between a CPU and secondary

processors is much like the interaction between a
boss and subordinate.
The boss tells the subordinate what to do but not
necessarily how to accomplish the task.

1B-47

CPU
(Central Processing Unit)

Essential Computer
Hardware

Memory devices
Stores data or programs

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile
Stores current data and programs
More RAM results in a faster system

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Permanent storage of programs

Holds the computer boot directions

1B-49

SIMM
(Single Inline Memory Module)

Power Supply

bus
Printer
Mouse

Disk
controller
Ports

Keyboard
Graphics
card

Modem

CPU

Sound
card

Monitor

Speakers

RAM
Network
card
Computer

Essential Computer
Hardware

Storage devices

Hold data and programs permanently

Magnetic storage

Floppy and hard drive

Uses a magnet to access data

Optical storage

CD and DVD drives

Uses a laser to access data

1B-53

HDD
(Hard Disk Drive)

Hardware Devices

Storage

Two types
Primary and secondary

Primary Storage (main memory)

On board memory (located on the motherboard)

Very fast, but expensive
Two types
RAM Random Access Memory
ROM Read Only Memory

Hardware Devices
RAM - Random Access Memory

Read/write capability
Contents lost when computer is turned off (volatile)
A program must be in RAM for it to execute
128 to 256MB for a typical desktop computer

Hardware Devices
ROM - Read Only Memory
Read but not write capability
Permanent (non volatile)
Stores the preliminary instructions to be executed when the
computer is turned on, for example
To check RAM
To check communications with peripheral devices
Bootstrap loader program

Hardware Devices
Address Content
9278
9279
9280
9281
9282
10011010
9283
9284
9285
9286
Each memory cell
has a numeric
address, which
uniquely

Main
memory is
divided into
many
memory
locations
Each
memory cell
(or cells)
stores a set number
of bits (usually 8
bits, or one byte)
Large values are
stored in consecutive
memory locations

Hardware Devices
Secondary Storage (secondary memory)
External devices (not on the motherboard); either inside or
outside the computer
Store programs and data permanently
Slower, but cheaper
RAM - nanoseconds, Drive - milliseconds
Different sizes/styles
Floppy Disk - 1.4MB (portable)
Zip Drive - 100-750MB (portable)
CD - 650MB (portable)
Jaz Drive 1-2GB (portable) discontinued
Hard Disk Drive >=20GB (not portable)
Tape - 50GB (portable, very slow)
Flash drives (portable)

Hardware Devices
Other devices
Port
For connecting peripheral devices
USB, Parallel and serial ports

Modem (internal or external)

For communicating over telephone lines

Software

Software brings the machine to life

Software Runs The Machine

Tells the computer what to do

Software consists instructions
A set of instructions that computer drive to
perform specific tasks is called programs
Without instructions computer cant anything
at all.
People purchase computers as Software

1B-64

Types of Software

Main two
types

System Software
Application Software

Open source Software

Proprietary Software

System software

Manage and Controls the computers hardware

3 types of system software

Operating system

Network operating system (OS)

Windows XP
Windows Server 2003

Utility

Symantec Antivirus

Other Examples for system software : Compiler,

Loader, Linker, Interpreter
1B-66

Software Runs The Machine

Application software

Accomplishes a specific task

More than thousands of applications are
available for many purpose
Most common type of software

MS Word for creating text based document

Spreadsheets for creating numerical based documents
such as budgets
Games and entertainment software

1B-67

Open Source Software:

Open source software (OSS) is computer software

whose source code is available under a license that
permits users to use, change, and improve the software,
and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form.

It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner.

Well-known OSS products are Linux, Netscape, Apache,
etc.,

Proprietary Software:

Proprietary software (also called non-free

software) is software with restrictions on using,
copying and modifying as enforced by the proprietor.
Restrictions on use, modification and copying is
achieved by either legal or technical means and
sometimes both.

Proponents of proprietary software are Microsoft.

Ex: CAD, Nortan Antivirus etc.,

Operating System

Tells the computer how to use its own

components
Acts as an interpreter between the hardware,
application programs and user
Managing hardware and software (add or remove
programs and hardware)

Managing memory
Managing files eg: coping, deleting or printing
files

1B-70

Network Operating System

Allows computers to communicate and share
data across a network
Controlling network operations and overseeing
the networks security

1B-71

Utility
Makes the computer system easier to use
Perform highly specialized functions
Eg:
Troubleshoot hardware problems
Tasks that the OS itself may not be able to do
Magic partition software

1B-72

Question
1.

2.

File management is one of the facility

provided by an operating system. What are
the file management facilities provided by
the operating system?
What are the security facilities provided
by the windows operating system?
Explain them giving 03 example?

1B-73

1.
2.

File deleting, coping, renaming, sending

Password protection
Firewall
Virus Protection
Data backup

1B-74

Computer data

Fact with no meaning on its own

Stored using the binary number system
Data can be organized into files

File is a simply set of data that has been a given

name
Computer document : text files , video clips,
executable files

1B-75

Computer Data

Data - raw facts

Information - meaningful data
(useful output)
Chapter 5 in the text explores data processing in
greater detail.

1B-76

Computer Files

Contain data and instructions

Instructions exists as string of numbers so
the computer can use them
Programs are organized into files
Data is for people to use ; Programs are for
computers to use

1B-77

010111110010101011111101010101011
110101010101011010101000111110101
01010000001010100101010101010100
1010101010101111111111111101000001
01010101000010100100001111010110
10101010101010101000001111110101
010101000010101000001101111110001
00000000001

1B-78

Practical

How to determine file size, file properties

Bit , byte

1B-79

Computers represent data

with electrical switches.
On-off circuits are simple
and are not prone to errors.

=1
=0

One byte is made up of 8 bits.

(binary 01001000 = decimal 72)
(ASCII 01001000 = the letter H)
80

Computer parts communicate

using binary numbers.

The greater the number of bits moved at

one time, the faster the processing speed.
81

Computer users

Computer system requires human computer

interaction
Reason: tell them which problems so solve
Users Roles depending on what he or she
wants to accomplish

Setup the system

Install software
Running Programs
Mange files
Input data
Maintain the system
1B-82

Computer users

Present health and safety issues, if used

incorrectly
The science of ergonomics tells how to use
computers correctly

1B-83

Computer users

Userless computers

No human interaction
Run with no user input
Monitor operations
Automated systems

1B-84

Computer users
Userless computers

Eg:
Security systems, aircraft navigation systems,
communication system
Many new home appliance such as washers and
dryers, have built-in computers that monitor water
usage drying times, balance and other operations

1B-85

Text Codes:
EBCDIC EB-si-dic
- (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code)

ASCII As-key
- (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)

Unicode
- (Unicode Worldwide Character Standard)
86

87

 A file that user can open and use it called a

a)Application
b)Program
c)Document
d)Data

88

89

Chapter 1B

End of Chapter