Introduction to Computers

• The presentation is about computer technology and computer systems.
• It is presented by Princess Alyssa D. Tee-Anastacio.

Introduction to Computers

• A computer is a fast electronic computational device.
• It operates under the control of instructions stored in its memory.
• It accepts data as input, processes the data, and produces results as output.
• It also stores results for future use.
• A computer is an electronic device that can store and manipulate data.
• The term "computer" comes from "compute," suggesting calculation.
• This is misleading as it’s only one function of a computer.
• A computer works efficiently if properly instructed through a program.
• A program is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
• A program won’t work effectively unless a computer user manipulates it correctly.

Advantages of Computers

• Computers generate information at a high speed.
• They can manipulate huge amounts of data in nanoseconds (1 x 10-9 seconds).
• This helps the user to be more productive.
• Computers process data accurately and are reliable.
• Errors are rare and usually caused by enormous data input.
• Computers save and retrieve information.
• They can store data on hard disks, external hard drives, CD/DVD ROMs, flash memory cards (SD cards), and USB flash drives.
• Computers perform logical operations.
• Computers are helpful in solving complex problems and making decisions.
• Logical operators such as (>, <, +, /, x, =) manipulate data logically.
• Computers communicate with other users or the machine itself.
• They can instruct the user on how to debug their work.
• Certain messages appear on the screen when the user commits an error.

Limitations of Computers

• Computers cannot generate information on their own.
• They require correct data or instructions, which highlights the concept of GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out).
• Computers cannot derive their own meaning from objects.
• While they can perform arithmetic and logical operations, they don't interpret results.
• They can not respond to human emotions
• Requires human thinking to analyze the output.
• They cannot come up with original decisions.
• Information produced is based on instructions; users can’t dictate computer output.
• Computers cannot correct wrong instructions.
• They execute correct instructions and discard erroneous ones.
• They prompt users about errors but cannot change them or identify wrong instruction sequences.
• They do what they are tasked to do, regardless of meaning.
• Computers are subject to occasional breakdowns.
• Storage devices like hard drives are mechanical and prone to wear and failure.
• The failure of a storage device can lead to the loss of stored data

Systems and Information

• A system consists of interrelated components.
• It has a clearly defined boundary.
• The components work together.
• It’s used to achieve a common set of objectives.
• An information system is an organized combination of computer hardware, software, telecommunications, databases, human resources, and procedures.
• Information systems include resources to deliver information and functions to an organization
• Could be paper based
• Information Technologies include hardware, software, networking, and data management.
• Computer-based information systems (CBIS) is a specific focus.

Components of Information Systems

• Computer hardware is the physical technology for processing information.
• It ranges from small smartphones to large supercomputers.
• Computer software informs hardware on what to do.
• Software consist of device software and program software; operating systems like Windows or iOS.
• Telecommunications connect hardware through wired Ethernet or fiber optic cables.
• They can also use wireless connections like Wi-Fi through a Local Area Network (LAN).
• Databases and data warehouses store data that the other components use.
• A database is a collection of information that is accessed by querying it with unique parameters.
• Human resources and procedures are significant.
• The human element involves individuals operating the system and processes for data transformation into learning and actions.

Computer Technology: From Analog to Digital Age

• Early ancestors used fingers, toes, stones, pebbles, and bones for simple calculations.
• They used different objects to represent numbers or quantities.
• In 1200 AD, the Chinese developed the Abacus.
• It has beads or pebbles in rows for calculation.
• Some Chinese merchants still use the abacus.
• In 1614, John Napier invented Napier's Bone.
• Could perform multiplication and division.
• Used a set of 11 sticks (bones) placed side by side
• In 1632, William Oughtred developed the Slide Rule.
• It has two movable rulers were placed side by side and used for multiplication and division.
• In 1642 Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, invented The Pascaline Machine
• It worked mechanically and adds/subtracts by rotating ten-toothed wheels and cogs.
• In 1694, Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz improved Pascal's work to make the first calculator to perform the 4 fundamental arithmetic operations and even extract square roots
• A Frenchman invented the Jacquard Loom in 1780.
• First automatic weaving loom using punched cards to encode weave patterns.
• In 1833 Charles Babbage invented the first automatic calculator with the ideas of a machine: Babbage’s Difference Engine
• Could store numbers to perform arithmetic computations and logical operations
• In Mid 1800 Boolean algebra was developed which contributed much in the switching circuits for Arithmetic Logic Unit
• William Thompson introduced the concept of automatic analog computer was designed to solve complex differential equations in 1876. _ Herman Hollerith invented the first electro mechanical system in, 1887.
• It finished census of 1890; adapted Jacquard's punched card device with electricity for first time data processing
• In 1930 Vannevar Bush developed the first reliable analog computer: Differential analyzer
• Howard Aiken developed Mark I in 1944 that could be built using electromechanical power based on Babbage’s idea resulting in birth of Mark I with his work sent to IBM
• In 1945, Dr. John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert introduced general-purpose electronic computer ENIAC.
• Can perform a calculation in less than a second
• It utilized 18,000 vacuum tubes but it was not programmable
• In 1949 EDVAC was developed as the first digital computer with a stored program improving ENIAC and can process more than one calculation
• Remington Rand release the first electronic digital computer developed for dat processing: UNIVAC
• UNIVAC managed to predicted Eisenhower as US President

Key Computer Developments

• 1963: BASIC (Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) was developed at Dartmouth.
• 1964: IBM SYSTEM/360 was introduced.
• 1967: The first handled calculator was produced.
• 1969: ARPANET was established, which led to the development of the internet.
• 1970: Microprocessor chips came into use, and floppy disks were introduced for storing data.
• 1975: The first pocket calculator was introduced.
• 1977: The first microcomputer (MITs ALTAIR 8800) was developed.
• 1977-1978: The Apple II was unveiled as the first personal computer sold in assembled form.
• 1978: The 5 1/4 floppy disk and Atari Home videogame were developed.
• 1981: IBM introduced business personal computers
• 1981 Apple Macintosh and desktop publishing were introduced
• 1993: Multimedia desktop computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) proliferated.
• 1994 Apple and IBM introduced with full-motion video, wireless data transmission and Mosaic was introduced as Web browser
• 1997 Apple and IBM with full-motion video and wireless data transmission
• 1998 – 2000; Home video computer became used for teleconferencing to limit business travel
• 2001–Present: Faster PCs are made more affordable with changes due to technological convergence (messaging, teleview etc)

Parts of a Computer

• Case: Protects against damage, dirt, and moisture.
• Power Source: Needs electricity to operate from an internal battery or an electrical outlet.
• Moherboard (Main Board): Main board connect all components
• CPU: Can be regarded as computer’s brain and manages the whole data
• GPU: Render all images, videos and animations improving the performance of gaming/video editing.
• Cooling System: Reduce operation heat to prevent overheating

Memory Chips

• Memory (ROM and RAM): Chips that hold information that the computer needs to use with Microprocessor.
• Read-Only Memory (ROM): Used to power/boot for DVD drives, hard disk drives and graphic cards that is also known as a flash memory
• Ramdom Access Memory (RAM): Used to find data storages to write and read as quickly as possible (If power loss the data will be remove)
• Persistent Storage (HDD/SSD): Storage for computer to hold data when disconnected.
• HDD: Standard method for persistent data to split sectors and units
• SSD: Not using moving parts but rather use computer chips to hold data

Input and Devices

• Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Touchpad): Function: Allow users to interact with the computer/typing

Output Devices

• (Monitor, Speakers, Printer): Function: Display text, images, and the processed product by the computer

Internet Interface

• Network Interface Card (NIC): Function: Enable the computer to connect into internet such as LAN, network,etc.

Computer Software

• Computer software refers to a series of instructions that will perform tasks

• The boot process, starting with a piece of system firmware known as the BIOS/UEFI, that locates the operating system on the hard drive and loads the necessary boot program into RAM.

• Boot Sequence Instructions: Necessary steps to taken to power the computer to become usable (Pulled itself by as in bootstraps") CMOS located on the hard drive

• An operating system (OS) is a piece of software that runs user applications and provides an interface to the hardware

• Application software: A prepackaged instruction allowing users to perform variety of functions

Cybercriminals

• Script kiddies/Skidiots: the lowest life form of cybercriminal, inexperienced, uses scripts authorized from others to exploit the security and data of others
• Cyberpunks: hacker/crackers programs that write code, breaching that are complexed classified for their motivation
• Cybercriminal Organizations: individuals who communitcate using cybercrime using political extremism and economic greed.
• Hackers/crackers: Used at data at its face value
• Hack: allows technology to be used at its face value, legitimate or illegitimate purpose.
• Hacker: Users who gain access with no permission
• Cracking: Someone accessing a computer system to cause danger and crime.
• Hacktivists: Used to describe the technological movements of cybercriminals
• White hats: those who prevent hackers from entering the personal and economic values.
• Hack: allows technology to be used at its face value, legitimate or illegitimate purpose.
• Hacker: Users that are not permissioned to enter
• Cracking: A someone accessing a computer system to cause danger and crime.
• Cybercriminals:
• Black hats: Illegal acts that harms people (Information and steals them)
• Gray hat hackers: shifts in values who falls in between ethical situations