Introduction to Computers: Course Overview

• The lecture covers the application of information and communication technology (AICT).
• Credit for the course is (2+1) / Week .

Peter Norton's "Introduction to Computers"

• Peter Norton is the author of the textbook.
• The book was published in 2011.
• The edition is the 7th edition.
• McGraw-Hill publishes the textbook.
• Reference books include:
  • "Discovering Computers" by Vermaat, Shaffer, and Freund
  • "Computing essentials" by Morley and Parker
  • "Technology in action" by Evans, Martin, and Poatsy

Mobile Device Policy

• Mobile/Cell phones should be switched off.
• Mobile/Cell phones must should be switched to silent mode.

Course Assessment Breakdown

• Assignments are 10% of the course grade.
• Quizzes are 15% of the course grade.
• Mid-term exams are 25% of the course grade.
• Lab/Project is 10% of the course grade.
• Final exam is 40% of the course grade.
• Total assessment adds up to 100%.

Lecture Overview

• Presented by Kubra Bashir.
• Key topics include Computers, History, and the Internet.
• Kubra Bashir has a MS in Data Science from NED University.
• Kubra Bashir has a ME in Telecommunication from NED University.
• Kubra Bashir has a BE Telecommunication Engineering From NED University.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding what is computer.
• Understanding roles of Software and Hardware.
• Understanding role of Data.
• Understanding role of Information.
• Learning Data Processing Life Cycle.
• Identifying Components of Computer.
• Understanding the Characteristics of Computer.
• Covering the History of Computer.
• Studying the Generations of Computer.
• Figuring out the Categories of Computer.
• Learning the Types of Computer.
• Identifying Categories of IT Professionals.
• Covering Uses of Computers.

Computer Fundamentals

• A computer can be programmed to accept data.
• Computers process data into useful information for later use.
• Computers consist of hardware and software.
• Hardware refers to the physical components/machines of a computer.
• Software refers to the programs that run on a computer.
• Processing from input to output is directed by the software, but performed by the hardware.

Computer Processing

• A computer system includes input, processing, output, and storage.

Software and Hardware Defined

• Software is a set of instructions telling a computer what to do.
• Computers function according to the given instructions in the software.
• Hardware is the physical parts of a computer.
• The user can see and touch the computer hardware.
• A keyboard and mouse are examples of hardware.

Relationship of Software and Hardware

• Software instructs computer hardware on appropriate actions.
• Hardware cannot perform tasks without software instructions.
• Software cannot be executed without hardware.
• Computers become functional when combining hardware and software.

Software vs Hardware

• Software is a set of instructions for a computer.
• Hardware consists of the physical components of a computer that process data.
• Software cannot be executed without hardware, and hardware unable to perform any task without software.
• Software cannot be touched, but hardware can be seen and touched.
• Software is reinstalled if there are issues that can't be resolved with software.
• Hardware is replaced if the problem is not solved with new software.

Data

• Data is a collection of raw facts and figures collected from different sources for different purposes.
• Data may consist of numbers, characters, symbols, or pictures.

Information

• Information is data that has been processed and organized, making it is more meaningful when making decisions.
• Information is the output generated by processing data.
• Information can be used as data input in another processing cycle.

Data Processing Example Block Diagram

• Student marks in different subjects are data.
• Total marks are calculated using the marks in different subjects as data.
• Average marks are calculated using the total marks which is used as the data for the 2nd processing cycle.

Information Technology

• Information technology uses computing with high-speed communication links.
• This spreads information between different locations.
• Computer interconnection allows the sending and receiving of data.
• Communication links are used for interacting with people.
• Computers are important in IT as they enable use to solve problems.

"Global Village" Concept

• Global Village is a result of advancements in IT, with people knowing one another as if living in a village.
• Fast communication links enable quick transfer of information from one place to another.

Data Processing Life Cycle

• Collection of steps required to convert data into information.
• Input: data is collected and entered into the computer for processing.
• Process: In this step, data is processed to generate information.
• Output: Here information is shared/given to the user.
• Storage: It is optional and is used to store the information for future use.

Computer Characteristics

• Speed
• Storage
• Processing
• Accuracy
• Recalling
• Control Sequence
• Consistency
• Communication
• Versatile
• No Feelings
• No Intelligence
• Cost Reduction

Detailed Look at Computer Characteristics

• Computers are faster than humans and capable of billions of calculations per second.
• Processing speed is measured in MegaHertz (MHz).
• Computers can store large amounts of data permanently as text, graphics, pictures, audio, and video files, with increasing storage capacities.
• Computers can process given instructions by performing different types of processing like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division plus logical functions.
• Accuracy means delivering results free of errors, with modern computers performing millions of operations in one second without any error.
• Computers can recall stored data and information when required within a few seconds.
• Computers execute instructions strictly according to the program's control sequence.
• Computers work consistently, maintaining equal attention without fatigue or boredom.
• Most computers are able to communicate with other computers via devices like modems to share data and instructions.
• Connected computers are called networks, enabling communication with people around the world through networks like the Internet.
• Computers are versatile and can be used in hospitals, banks, or at home for various tasks.
• Computers have no feelings or emotions and cannot be affected by sorrows and happiness.
• Computers are not intelligent and only follow the given instructions.
• Computers reduce costs by enabling single person handle tasks that previously required many employees.

Computer Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages of computers include speed, reliability, consistency, storage, and communications.
• Disadvantages of computers include violation of privacy, impact on labor force, and health risks.

Computer History

• Consists of First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth generations of computers.

First Generation of Computers (1942-1955)

• UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) marked the beginning of the commercial computer age.
• UNIVAC was developed by the Census Department of the United States and scientists MAUCHLY and ECHERT in 1947.
• First-generation computers (1942-1955) used vacuum tubes to control/amplify electronic signals.

First Generation Advantages and Disadvantages

• Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available at the time.
• Vacuum tube technology enabled electronic digital computers.
• The computers were able to calculate data in milliseconds.
• Disadvantages of first generation computers involved large size, high energy consumption, rapid heating, unreliability, air conditioning requirements, constant maintenance, lack of portability, and costly production.

Second Generation of Computers (1955-1964)

• Bell Laboratories developed the transistor in 1948.
• J. Bardeen, H.W. Brattain and W. Shickley are attributed to developing the Transistor.
• A transistor is a small device which transfers electronics signals across a transistor.
• By 1956, the transistor was used in second-generation computers.

Second Generation Advantages and Disadvantages

• Smaller in size compared to first gen.
• Considered more reliable resulting in more energy-efficient.
• Did not exhibit rapid heating with wider spread commercial use.
• Better portability and faster speed with the ability to in microseconds.
• Improved accuracy
• Disadvantages included the continuous utilization of air conditioning and consistent periodic maintenance.
• Commercial use was difficult as they were only used for specific purposes and extremely costly.
• Not versatile for various coding languages/programs.
• Punchcards were only used for the primary input.

Third Generation of Computers (1964-1975)

• Jack Kilby developed the Integrated Circuit (IC) in 1958.
• An IC combined three electronic components on a small silicon disc.
• Scientists fit more components on single chip on a semiconductor, reducing computer sizes.
• Operating Systems were practiced at this time.

Third Generation Advantages and Disadvantages

• Smaller in size compared to the previous generation and more reliable.
• Used less energy and produced less heat in comparison to previous generations.
• General purpose for a variety of coding languages with better accuracy.
• Commercialized use with storage
• Main disadvantages included the use of air conditioning with the requirements of more sophisticated technology for manufacturing IC chips.

Fourth Generation of Computers (1975-present)

• Microprocessors were used, which is a small chip containing thousands of ICs leading to reduced computer sizes.

Fourth Generation Advantages and Disadvantages

• Very small in size.
• Less power consumption.
• Less heat generated.
• Used larger fan for heat discharging in order to remain cold.
• Air conditioning was not required with the ability to ready instruction rates within a billionth second.
• Reliable and Powerful
• General purpose for commercial use.
• Main disadvantage included more sophisticated technology for manufacturing.

Fifth Generation of Computers (present and beyond)

• Scientists are working on fifth generation to use spoken words, instructions and human reasoning including translation ability with 5th gen computers.