Introduction to Computers

• Computing has become an essential and widespread aspect of modern life.
• This course introduces computer basics, components, historical evolution, and applications.

Introduction to Computers

• Computers are now ubiquitous, used in almost every facet of life.
• Early computers were large, expensive, and limited to laboratories and research institutions.
• Initially, computers processed only numeric data, however, with advancements they can now handle multimedia like text, audio, and video.
• ICT integrates computer and communication technologies.

Course Overview

• The rapid globalization driven by the collapse of distance barriers through ICT necessitates basic computer knowledge.
• Topics covered include the historical evolution, fundamental components, and societal applications of computers.

Study Modules

• Course consists of Modules split into Units covering the following topics:
• Understanding the computer
• Computer hardware
• Computer software
• Programming the computer
• Areas of application of computers
• The numbering system

A Computer Defined

• A computer is an electronic machine or device which is capable of accepting, processing, and storing data.
• Computers change data into information using programs and output devices like printers.
• Data goes in, is processed, then information is outputted.
• Data consists of facts about a person, object, or place, name, age, and height are some examples.
• Information is processed data that can be referred to as a meaningful statement.
• Example of information is a list of workers and their net pay.

Data Processing Methods

• Manual data involves tools like chalk, pens, and pencils to facilitate recording and classifying. The drawbacks are it is cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to human errors.
• Mechanical involves machines like typewriters and adding machines to facilitate manual labor efforts.
• Computer carries out information processing with consistent processing, little noise, and data storage which can be temporary or permanent.
• Computer data processing is accurate, reliable, and provides output in various forms like diagrams and graphs.

Characteristics of a Computer

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Storage
• Automatic operation
• Reliability
• Flexibility

The Computing system

• The computing system is setup with the following:
• The computer system, the user and the environment in which the computer is operated
• The hardware and the software of the computer.
• Computer hardware includes the input, processing, and output units.
• Software comprises instructions for tasks, and can be categorized into system, utility or application programs.

Unit Summary in Conclusion

• A computing system is able to accept data, process it, and provide and output.
• Computing systems are more effective data processors versus manual and mechanical methods.
• A computing system contains a computer system, the users, and the computing environment.

History of Computers

• The computer has changed for generations.
• The computer milestones are landmarks in the development of the computer
• Computing history includes many devices, like the Chinese abacus, the Jacquard loom (1805), the Charles Babbage's analytical engine (1834).
• It also includes mechanical analog and digital computing architectures.
• Digital computing's development divides into generations using technology, computer systems, and programming language

First Generation Electronic Computers

• Manufactured between 1945-1949.
• Made of electronic valves (vacuum tubes) in the circuit.
• Vacuum tubes required large energy and generate high heat.
• Contained digital memory with large occupance and slow processing.

Second Generation Computers

• Manufactured between 1950-1960.
• Used transistors as technology, making it smaller, faster, and cheaper than vacuum tubes, emitting less heat.
• Used transistors as digital memory and high level languages.
• Had high speed of operation than first generation computers.

Third Generation Computers

• Manufactured between the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• Used integrated circuits to replace transistors.
• Led developments in hardware technology.
• Were durable and faster than previous generations.

Fourth Generation Computers

• These are manufactured in 1975-1990
• They included Era of Microprocessors and the advent of Micro Computers
• Computers were roughly hundred times smaller than previous generations, yet, powerful.

Module Unit Conclusion

• Computer development spans many generations
• Each generation records the period's achievements within the unit

Types of Computers by Classification

• The computer is categorised, measured and classified by different attributes to each computer
• Computers are classified into three categories:
• Type of signal,
• Size
• Purpose of computer

Classification by Signal Type

• There are three types of electronic computers:
• Digital
• Analog
• Hybrid
• Digital has the benefit of converting numbers, data and symbols into binary.
• Discrete values from digital are best for businesses such as controlling inventories, invoicing and payroll.

The Analog computer

• It measures data vs counting
• Its main variables connect as electrical voltages
• Unlike digital, the analog represents quantities as the number of physical quantities and is mainly used by scientists and engineers.

Types of Purpose Computers

• Computers are classified as Special Purpose or General Purpose depending on their flexibility.
• The Special-Purpose Computer: solves one restricted problem.
• The steps for Special-Purpose Computers are programmed directly into the hardware.
• Some examples of applications: navigation, missile tracking and vehicle assembly.

Types of General Use Computers

• Handles a wide range of problems, only restricted by limitations.
• Areas where general computers have been deployed are:
• payroll
• banking
• Billing
• Scheduling

Classification Based on a Computers Capacity

• The physical size of a computer used to be an indicator of its capacity Today, computers depend on capabilities for capacity
• Listed below are classes of the most common system:
• Microcomputers
• Mini Computers
• Mainframe Computers
• Microcomputers are known as single board and are cheaper than CPUs.
• Mainframes are the counterparts as they execute to 100 MIPS and have number crunching with large memory capabilities.

Personal Computers

• Commonly placed on desks or in the form of laptops/notebook, Palm Pilots
• Personal Computer have common characteristics with each class of computer.
• Some advantages are versatility with speed, while it may be expensive to maintain the complex handling by technicians

The auxiliary Component (Modules)

• The computer require the need of extra components for smooth operation.
• Equipment are the following:
• the air conditioner, the voltage stabilizer,
• Uninterrupted Power System
• Line Transformer

Understanding Software

• Software has two main components as the backbone of the computer.
• System software- allows programs and systems to happen ( windows).
• Application software - software can also exist separate for optimal benefits (google chrome).
• System and Application can come in different forms depending on the user specifications

System Software

• An operating system is also critical for interface interaction, execution, and user functions such as data managing.
• In summary, software is the driving force for the functionality for execution and is a core function all modern computer.

Conclusion to Modules

• Program computer languages can be categorized in multiple facets.
• Machine Language
• Assembly Language
• High-Level Language
• Languages are made versatile and sophisticated for computer to translate human languages into computer readable code. Machine code are in 0s and 1s, the computer is able to interpret
• Assembly level Languages are able to recognize mnemonics and code to perform functions vs long stringing 0s and 1s
• High level languages are used to perform high level function and are similar to actual real life languages

Programming (Basics)

• Computer programming (basic) consists of art and logic.
• Logic is the use of language to control functions vs a UI representation.
• A good program should present the following characteristics:
• Accuracy
• Reliability
• Eficiency
• Robustness
• Usability

Steps of Programming

• the following represent effective programming:
• Defining the problem
• Method of solutions
• Aiding
• Instruction to the computer/machine sensible program

Application in Education

• Computers have become very effective learning/teaching in the teaching environment. They provide the ability to communicate and share data.
• Aided self-tutored application Packages, such as virtual labs, software for mentally/physically disabled, virtual programs

Effective Implementation

• PowerPoint, seminars, speeches, work, and investigation can all be conducted using computer software to reach and present to wide audiences worldwide.
• Teleconferencing technology

Industry Applications

• Computer have made it more efficient to perform scientific and engineering problems and applications.
• Business are wide ranging in the field for its wide variety of applications for computer are
• point of sales, financial marker, management systems Most services such as healthcare, transportation and production have been able to deploy the computers in modern times

Summary:

• There exists components that create the computers environment.
• Volt and surge protection with auxiliary devices help safe guard the computers from damage.
• Uninterrupted power supply help keep data safe through auxiliary hardware for the ability to maintain smooth and operational task