CSE 111: Intro to Computer Science

• CSE 111 Introduction to Computer Science is offered in Fall 2024 at the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST).
• The instructor is Dr. Ahmed Gomaa.
• The course is designed for undergraduate students.
• There are no pre-requisites for the course.
• Course materials will be available on Blackboard.
• Classes are held on Mondays from 02:15 to 03:45 PM.
• A minimum of 75% attendance is expected.
• Contact Dr. Gomaa by email at [email protected].
• The grading scheme includes: Final Exam (80 points), Mid Term Exam (60 points), and Class work (60 points).
• The course provides a general introduction to computing principles and the field of computer science.
• The first half covers computer essentials like hardware, software, operating systems, application software, and fields within computer science.
• The second half introduces principles of computer programming, algorithms, logical thinking, flow charts, and computer programming using a high-level language.
• Expected outcomes include gaining a basic understanding of hardware, software, operating systems, and application software.
• Students will develop an understanding of algorithms and logical thinking and learn to create flowcharts.
• Introductory experience in computer programming using a high-level language is provided.
• Students will learn to break down problems and design algorithmic solutions and build a foundation for further computer science studies.
• Recommended textbooks: "Computing Essentials 2021" by Daniel A. O'Leary and Timothy J. O'Leary (28th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education, 2020).
• "Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, Comprehensive, 13th Edition" is also recommended.
• Course slides are based on these textbooks and may be modified from slides provided by the textbook publishers and authors.
• A computer is defined as an electronic machine that uses stored instructions to accept data as input, process it, produce information as output, and store results.
• Computers transform data into information through input, processing unit, output, and storage devices.
• Data is a collection of unprocessed items including numbers, text, figures, video, and audio.
• Information refers to processed, organized, and structured data that conveys knowledge, facts, and insights.
• Information is a valuable resource for individuals and organizations to make informed decisions, solve problems, and communicate.
• IT refers to the use of computer systems, software, networks, and other technology resources to store, process, transmit, secure, and manage digital data and information.

IT Components

• Hardware: Physical devices and equipment used to process and store data, including computers, storage devices (HDDs, SSDs, SANs), networking equipment, peripheral devices, and servers.
• Software: Programs and applications that run on hardware, enabling users to perform various tasks, including operating systems, application software, programming languages, and utilities.
• Networking: Technologies that enable the exchange of data and information between devices using LANs, WANs, routers, switches, and protocols like TCP/IP.
• Data Storage and Management: Components for the storage, retrieval, and organization of data, including databases, data centers, and cloud computing.
• Cybersecurity: IT security components protect systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats, using firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption.
• Human Resources: Skilled IT professionals are essential for designing, managing, and supporting IT infrastructure and applications.
• Procedures and Policies: Guidelines and best practices for IT governance, compliance, and management.
• Emerging Technologies: Advancements in IT like AI, IoT, and blockchain shape and expand the IT landscape.

The History of Computers

• The abacus, appearing before 2500 BC, was one of the first mechanical calculating devices.
• Different types of abaci include the Chinese abacus (suanpan), Japanese abacus (soroban), and Roman abacus.
• In 1936, Alan Turing developed the Turing machine, using mechanical technology for binary calculations.

Computer Generations

First Generation (1946-1958): Vacuum Tubes

• Computers were huge, very expensive, slow, and had limited application capabilities.
• ENIAC was the first computer constructed with vacuum tubes in 1946 by J. P. Eckert and J. Mauchly.
• The computers relied on machine language and could only solve one problem at a time with input via punched cards and paper tape, and output on printouts.

Second Generation (1959-1964): Transistors

• Vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors, with one transistor replacing the equivalent of 40 vacuum tubes.
• This generation was smaller, faster, cheaper, and more efficient than the first.
• Computers moved to symbolic or assembly languages, using punched cards for input and printouts for output.
• The first computers stored instructions in their memory and moved from magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
• COBOL and FORTRAN versions appeared in this generation.

Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated Circuits (IC)

• The appearance of integrated circuits allowed reduced transistors to be placed on silicon chips.
• Computers increased their speed and became more efficient.
• They had operating systems that allowed multiple applications and keyboards and monitors appeared instead of punched cards; computers became smaller and cheaper.

Fourth Generation: Microprocessors

• Appearance of the microprocessor allowed the fourth generation of computers to appear.
• This took one step further LSI and VLSI.
• Started by Intel 4004 chip was developed in 1971 and in 1981, IBM introduced the first computer for home use.
• Apple introduced Macintosh three years after the creation of IBM.
• Development of computer networks began, and led to the invention of the Internet.

Information System Parts

• People
• Procedures
• Software
• Hardware
• Data
• The Internet

Information System Elements

• Hardware : Tangible technology used to manage data (e.g., computers, smartphones).
• Software : Set of instructions to control computer, converting data into information.
• Data : Consists of individual facts including text, numbers, images and sound.
• People : Essential, Information systems make users more productive.
• Procedures : Instructions/rules while using hardware, software and data.

Computer Importance

• Education Use: assisting with learning.
• Communication Use: E-mail Use: sending information.
• Health Care Use: to offer better precision during operations, and help with medical tests.
• Entertainment Use: playing videos games, storing music, videos and movies.

Classification of Computers by Size

• Supercomputers: Most powerful for accuracy and speed. Weather forecasting and climate.
• Mainframe: Large sized multi-user computers support simultaneous programs. Airline and Bank orginizations.
• Minicomputers: General computers and multi processing. maintaining a small database of information about registations.
• Microcomputers: Smallest and least expensive computers such as PC's.
• Personal Computers: Most popular type of computer being used.

Personal Computer Types

• Desktop Computers: Largers and more powerful, which consist of a system unit: motherboard, processor, memory, disk drive, ports, and cards.
• Monitor: Used to display all information such as software output.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Provide computer inputs.
• Mobile Computers: Use laptops and tablets online with cloud storage.
• Laptop computers
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Personal Digital Assistants
• Computer components are broken down by: hardware and software.
• Computer Hardware are the physical parts.
• Software: Computerized instructions; to handle data.
• There are two types of software: system software and application software.
• System software: manages hardware resources. Contains Windows, Linus and Mac OS X, Android, Apple iOS and Blackberry.
• Application Software: programs to perform task. Contains Web browsers, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation graphics software.