CSC 101 Introduction to Computers

CSC 101/SEN 101 Introduction

• Lecture 1, October 16th, 2023

What is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device
• It operates under the control of instructions stored in its memory
• It can accept data (input)
• It processes data according to specific rules
• It produces information (output)
• It stores information for future use

Definition

• A computer is a vital tool for accessing and processing information and data
• It is the first window to access the internet
• It is an important tool for science students
• Students use it to prepare educational reports and projects

The Importance of Computers in Daily Life

• Computers facilitate communication by editing and writing messages, and preparing reports and documents
• Computers are an effective element in achieving success in the educational process
• Distance learning is not possible without computers or laptops
• Computers help in getting current news and keeping up-to-date, acting as a means of communication with the outside world
• Computers facilitate electronic transactions like payments, purchasing, and others

The Importance of Computers in Daily Life (2)

• Computers help perform tasks assigned to the user
• They provide tools like tables, worksheets, presentations, etc. to facilitate work
• They preserve and store information, protecting it from damage compared to traditional methods
• They facilitate calculations and storing them
• They allow for leisure activities like playing games and watching videos, highlighting their role in entertainment

The Uses of Computers in Our Daily Lives

• Education
• Medicine
• Communication (Internet)
• Business
• Transportation
• Industry
• Entertainment
• Engineering/Military
• Security systems
• Automation systems
• Problem Solving

Education

• Computers are essential educational tools for teachers and students
• They are used in schools and universities to deliver information to students
• Students use them to store information for later retrieval
• Computers have restructured the education system
• Educational institutions use computers for teaching, administration, and leisure activities, and many offer online degrees

Education (2)

• Many schools and colleges globally use computers and internet technologies for digital and creative teaching
• Computer programs are used for tasks such as drawing, spreadsheets, music, video lectures, and PowerPoint presentations
• New models of education, like small classes, smart classrooms, and digital classrooms, have emerged as a result

Medicine

• Computers are integral parts of hospitals, laboratories, and medical clinics
• They are used to archive patient records and treatments
• They assist in medical diagnoses and monitoring health conditions
• They help monitor heart rates and blood pressure
• They assist in surgeries
• They enable medical professionals to connect and consult across the globe

Internet

• Computers are utilized to access the internet, a global communication tool
• The internet helps people stay in touch with friends and family
• It is a resource for searching information, opening multiple pages related to a single word or topic
• Internet-connected computers allow access to movies, videos, and news

Communication

• Computers enable communication across locations, regardless of distance
• They facilitate virtual job interviews
• They connect people through communication programs, whether visual, audio, or multimedia
• Computers facilitate social media for activities like sharing photos, videos, and interacting
• They organize phone lines, pay bills, and ensure high-quality voice calls

Business

• The business sector heavily relies on computers for numerous essential services to employers and workers
• Computers facilitate online sales, fund transfers, and significant account operations
• They help create economic forecasts based on available data
• They help secure data and information from theft and vandalism
• They make employee searches more efficient, as seen with specialized social media like LinkedIn
• Computers are used to manage employee records, create budgets, and handle tax forms and other crucial tasks

Transportation

• Computers are key in transportation, regulating transportation routes
• They are used for booking local and international travel tickets
• They manage aircraft take-offs and directions
• They store information about workers in transportation

Industry

• Computers are widely used in various industrial settings, with diverse application ranges
• Industries rely heavily on computers to operate and maintain the machinery, ensuring high quality
• Computers are necessary to efficiently allocate industrial resources
• They extend the reach to a wider customer base
• Computers have spurred growth in IT jobs as industrial operations are computer-dependent

Entertainment

• Computers offer a broad range of entertainment options through music, movies, videos, and communication with friends
• Access to daily life functionalities, including ordering breakfast online and reading newspapers

Engineering/Military

• Computers are essential in both engineering and military fields
• They facilitate advanced engineering designs, including buildings, structures, ships, and aircraft through 2D and 3D graphics
• Computers control military operations, including controlling missile launches, military communications, and the operation of smart weapons

Security Systems

• Computers are used in various security systems, like surveillance cameras, in private and government facilities
• They assist with monitoring the movement of individuals and goods
• Security features like facial recognition and fingerprinting help reduce identity fraud

Automation Systems

• Computers are integral parts of automation systems, including automated robots
• They help automate tasks, such as manufacturing and assembling auto parts
• Automated systems in scientific discovery are crucial for carrying out complex tasks, including exploring inaccessible geographical areas

Problem Solving

• Computers are used for problem solving through consulting with computer experts
• Computer experts provide solutions to technological issues, directly and indirectly impacting daily life positively

History of Computers

• The computer's history spans many years
• It has evolved through five significant generations
• Each generation reflects technological advancements that changed computer functionality
• These advancements have led to more compact, powerful, robust, and less expensive computer systems

Generations of Computers

• Computers have seen several generations with evolving hardware based on different technologies
• First generation used vacuum tubes
• Second generation utilized transistors
• Third generation integrated circuits (IC)
• Fourth generation features very large-scale integration (VLSI) and microprocessors
• Fifth generation focused on artificial intelligence and ultra large-scale integration (ULSI), with parallel processing methods

Vacuum Tube

• A vacuum tube is an electronic device that controls electron flow in a vacuum
• It functions as a switch or amplifier and was used in older radios, televisions, and computers

Transistor

• A transistor is an electronic component that serves either as an amplifier or as a switch
• It is used in radios, televisions, and computers to regulate electricity flow

Integrated Circuits

• An integrated circuit (IC) is a small electronic circuit printed on a chip, mostly silicon
• It contains several circuit elements including transistors, diodes, and resistors

Microprocessor

• A microprocessor is an electronic component, often found on integrated circuits
• It contains a computer's central processing unit (CPU) and associated circuits

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU is the central processing component of a computer, often referred to as its "brain" or "engine"
• It manages most processing and operational tasks
• The CPU is a part of a microprocessor

Magnetic Drum

• A magnetic drum is a cylinder coated with magnetic material to store data and programs

Magnetic Core

• Magnetic cores use small, magnetized rings (cores) organized as an array for data storage

Memory

• Memory is the physical device used to store data, information, and programs within a computer

Machine Language

• Machine language uses binary digits (0s and 1s) to provide instructions that the computer understands and executes

Assembly Language

• Assembly language uses abbreviations for instructions to make them easier to read for developers instead of using binary codes

Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer science area simulating and creating intelligent machines
• These intelligent machines exhibit human-like characteristics like thinking, learning, functioning, and reacting

First Generation - Main Characteristics

• The first generation of computers (1940s-1950s) relied on vacuum tubes as their core component
• The computers had magnetic drums and magnetic tapes for memory storage
• Programming was done via machine language
• The computers consumed high amounts of electricity and generated significant heat, requiring large physical space
• Computers were very slow and large

Second Generation - Main Characteristics

• The second generation of computers (1950s-1960s) primarily used transistors as their main component
• Magnetic core and magnetic tape/disk were used for storage
• Assembly language programming was available
• They improved on speed and reliability compared to the first generation, with a notable reduction in size and lowered power consumption
• Features include IBM 1401, IBM 7090, and UNIVAC 1107

Third Generation - Main Characteristics

• The third generation (1960s-1970s) heavily relied on integrated circuits (IC)
• Used large magnetic core, magnetic tapes, and disks for storage
• Introduced high-level programming languages such as FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, and COBOL
• The third generation was a significant improvement in size, speed, and reliability when compared with previous generations

Fourth Generation - Main Characteristics (1)

• Fourth generation (1970s-present) introduced very large-scale integration (VLSI) and microprocessors as the key components
• Utilizing VLSI with thousands of transistors on a single chip
• Memory used included RAM and ROM
• RAM provides temporary data storage, while ROM stores permanent data
• Input/output devices such as keyboards, monitors, printers, and others were part of the advancements

Fourth Generation - Main Characteristics (2)

• Fourth generation computers featured high-level programming languages like Python, C#, Java, etc.
• They were more compact, less expensive, and far more efficient than third-generation computers
• Features included better processing speed, accuracy, and reliability, improved networking capabilities, and expanded input/output options.

Fifth Generation - Main Characteristics (1)

• The fifth generation utilized artificial intelligence and Ultra Large-Scale Integration (ULSI)
• Involved integrating millions of transistors onto a single microchip
• Parallel processing methods became a characteristic of these advanced computers, enabling multiple processors to handle tasks concurrently

Fifth Generation - Main Characteristics (2)

• These machines could comprehend natural language (human language)
• Power consumption was reduced, alongside heat generation
• Remarkable enhancements in computing speed, reliability, and accuracy compared to earlier models
• They were more compact in size