Chapter 1 Intro to Computer PDF
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Uploaded by SereneGravity6375
Cairo
2011
Deborah Morley
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Summary
This document provides an introduction to computer systems, covering fundamental concepts, components, and operations. It explores the various types of computers, from supercomputers to microcomputers and the roles they play in different settings. The document also discusses the basic structure and functions of computer hardware and software and the essential building processes involved.
Full Transcript
Basic Information Introduction to Computer Course Code : BCS 101 Teaching Load: Lectures: 4 Tutorial: 2 Lab.: 2 Lecture Schedule: Sat. 1 & 2 Sat. 3 & 4 Deborah Morley, Understanding computers, Today and tomorrow, 13th edition, Course Technology Publishers, Inc., 2011 Cou...
Basic Information Introduction to Computer Course Code : BCS 101 Teaching Load: Lectures: 4 Tutorial: 2 Lab.: 2 Lecture Schedule: Sat. 1 & 2 Sat. 3 & 4 Deborah Morley, Understanding computers, Today and tomorrow, 13th edition, Course Technology Publishers, Inc., 2011 Course Coordinator: Dr Ahmad M. Nagm General Objective of the Course 1-2 On completion of this course the student will be able to: Define the basic concepts and components of computer system (hardware and software) Describe the computer organization and its different hardware components. Apply the algorithmic approach of problem solving and program development and translate the solution to an algorithm or flow chart. Learn the general form of a high-level language program with practical implementation in C/C++ language. Describe the basic structure of computer networks and the associated hardware. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Course Specification Course Overview Course Plan CHAPTER 1: Computer Systems General Objective of the Chapter 1-5 1. To provide you with an overview of what computers do, how they work, and how they are integrated into society. 2. To learn the correct terminologies to use when discussing computers and computer components. 3. To Compare between the various categories of computers that you may encounter. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of 1-6 the Chapter Define a computer and describe its primary operations. List some important milestones in computer evolution. Identify the major parts of a personal computer, including input, processing, and output, storage, and communications hardware. Define software and understand how it is used to instruct the computer what to do. List the six basic types of computers, giving at least one example of each type of computer and stating what that computer might be used for. Describe the computer booting steps. Chapter 1 Computer Systems 1-7 What is a computer? The computer: It is a programmable, electronic, digital device that accepts data, performs operation on the data, presents the results and stores the data or results as needed. Programmable means that a computer will do whatever the instructions (program) tell it to do. From the computer definition, There four primary operations of a computer are: 1. Input: which means entering data into the computer. 2. Processing: which means performing operations on the data. 3. Output: which means presenting the results 4. Storage: which means saving data, programs or output for future use. Chapter 1 Computer Systems The Four Computer Operations 1-8 Chapter 1 Computer Systems 1-9 Open Discussion about Computer Definition Chapter 1 Computer Systems What can computers do – today? Business productivity managers Personal information managers Spreadsheets Database software Desktop publishing Multimedia encyclopedias Simulate the physical world Produce a music video What might computers do – tomorrow? Diagnose diseases MYCIN captures medical knowledge in rules that allowed a computer to identify an ailment based on symptoms Control robots that walk, talk, and learn CMU created a program that drove a van from Pittsburgh to D.C. using cameras for eyes Compose music and create art Architecture Components 1-12 The computer system consists of 5 components: 1- Hardware 2- software 3- Data 4- Communications 5- People Chapter 1 Computer Systems Architecture Components 1-13 1- Hardware: The hardware is the physical parts of a computer, i.e., the parts you can touch. Hardware components can be internal (located inside the system unit of the computer) or external (located outside the system unit and connected to the system unit via a wired or wireless connection). The main functions of the hardware are: Provides input and output Processes data by executing instructions Chapter 1 Computer Systems 1-14 Architecture Components (Cont.) 2- Software Instructions executed by the system 3- Data Fundamental representation of facts and observations 4- Communications Sharing data and processing among different systems 5- People Hardware and software engineers / users. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Hardware Components von Neumann Machine Store programs in electronic memory along side the data (1943) Move and manipulate a program like data Enabled high-level programming languages Input Central Processing Unit (CPU) Output Memory Hardware Components 1-16 CPU ALU: arithmetic / logic unit CU: control unit Interface unit Memory Short-term storage for CPU calculations (Mainly RAM) Input / Output Devices Storage Devices Chapter 1 Computer Systems 1-17 Typical Personal Computer System 1-18 Chapter 1 Computer Systems CPU: Central Processing Unit 1-19 ALU: arithmetic / logic unit Performs arithmetic and Boolean logical calculations CU: control unit Controls processing of instructions Controls movement of data within the CPU Interface unit Moves instructions and data between the CPU and other hardware components Bus: bundle of wires that carry signals and power between different components Chapter 1 Computer Systems Memory 1-20 Also known as primary storage, working storage, and RAM (Random Access Memory) Consists of bits, each of which hold a value of either 0 or 1 (8 bits = 1 byte) Holds both instructions and data of a computer program (stored program concept) Chapter 1 Computer Systems Types of computer systems 1-21 Computers are sorted according to physical size and processing power. Computers are categorized into Six main types of computers: Supercomputers Mainframes Minicomputers Microcomputers Mobile computers Embedded computers Chapter 1 Computer Systems 1-22 Supercomputers Size: Supercomputers are the most powerful and most expensive type of computer. Used for: The applications that require extraordinary speed, and processing capabilities such as, controlling missile guidance systems and satellites, forecasting the weather, exploring for oil, and assisting with some kind of scientific research. Operated by: The roadrunner supercomputer They are operated by specialists Cost: It costs several million dollars. Accommodation: Occupies about 5200 square feet Chapter 1 Computer Systems Mainframes 1-23 Size: Mainframe computers are large machines that carry out different tasks for several people at the same time. Used for: executing millions of instructions per second. Used to process very large volumes of data. Operated by: They are operated by specialists so that ordinary users have only limited access to them. Cost: Very expensive. Accommodated: In specific rooms designed for the mainframe Users: insurance companies, banks, airlines, universities Chapter 1 Computer Systems Minicomputers 1-24 Size: A desk-sized computer Used for: doing powerful jobs once only done by mainframes Operated by: personnel specifically trained in an application Cost: Costs less than a mainframe but is powerful enough to do many jobs which only mainframes could do in the past Accommodated: In an office environment Users: medium-sized organisations or departments of large companies. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Microcomputer 1-25 Size: A small computer with a central processing unit based on a microprocessor. Used for: The least powerful but most widely used type of computer. It can be designed to be used on a desk-top or carried. Operated by: anyone requiring modest computing facilities. Cost: Cheapest type of computer Accommodated: Usually found in a home Users: Depends on the type of task. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Portable (Mobile) computers Size: they are the computers that are designed to be carried around easily (in a briefcase or pocket) depending on their size. Used for: students, individuals buying a new home computer, and many business. Operated by: individuals. Cost: Cheapest type of computer Accommodated: Usually found with individuals. Users: Depends on the type of task. PDA: Personal Digital Assistant Chapter 1 Computer Systems Embedded computers 1-27 The embedded computer: It is a tiny computer embedded into a product designed to perform specific tasks for that product. For example, computers embedded into household appliances (such as dishwashers, microwaves, ovens,…) as well as into other everyday objects (such as cars, answering machines, treadmills, DVD players and TVs). Chapter 1 Computer Systems Starting the Computer The step-by-step booting process (6 Steps): I. The BIOS (basic input/output system) and setup program II. The power-on-self-test (POST) III. The operating system loads IV. System configuration V. System utilities loads VI. Users Authenticated Chapter 1 Computer Systems 1-28 Step 1: The BIOS and Setup Program 1-29 BIOS: (Basic Input/Output System) – The part of the system software that includes the instructions that the computer uses to accept input and output BIOS is ROM Resident: ( ROM or Read Only Memory) – Permanent and unchanging memory Load: To transfer from a storage device to memory (RAM) ROM loads BIOS into the computer’s memory (RAM). Setup program: A special program containing settings that control the computer’s hardware. The program can be accessed while the BIOS information is visible. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Step 2: The Power-On-Self-Test (POST) 1-30 POST (Power-On-Self-Test) – A series of tests conducted on the computer’s main memory (random access memory or RAM), input/output devices, disk drives, and the hard disk. BIOS conducts a Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to check the input/output system for operability. The computer will produce a beeping sound and an error message will appear on the monitor if any problems are encountered. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Step 3: The Operating System (OS) Loads 1-31 BIOS searches for the OS. The operating system’s kernel is loaded into the computer’s memory. The OS takes control of the computer and begins loading system configuration information. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Step 4: System Configuration 1-32 Registry – A database that stores information about peripherals and software Peripheral – Device connected to a computer Driver – A utility program that makes peripheral devices function properly The system is configured from the operating system’s registry. Drivers are loaded into memory. Chapter 1 Computer Systems Step 5: System Utilities Loads 1-33 System utilities are loaded into memory. Volume control Antivirus software PC card unplugging utility Chapter 1 Computer Systems Step 6: Users Authentication 1-34 Authentication or user login occurs. User name Password The user interface starts, enabling user interaction with computer programs. Chapter 1 Computer Systems