Computer Science: History and Generalities - PDF

University of Blida 1 Department of Biology Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences Chapter 1 Generalities, history of computers Dr. Zatout. R E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] 2024/2025...

University of Blida 1 Department of Biology Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences Chapter 1 Generalities, history of computers Dr. Zatout. R E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] 2024/2025 1  Computer science Definition  Computer science is a field of scientific, technical, and industrial activity related to the automatic processing of digital information (data) through the execution of computer programs (algorithms + instructions/commands) by machines (computers, smartphones, tablets, robots, automata, embedded systems, etc.).  Computer science is the science of the automatic processing of information by machines, considered as the support for human knowledge and communication in technical, economic, and social fields (1966 French Academy).  Its fields of application can be divided into two branches: Hardware and Software. Several terms in English refer to computer science: § Informatics (en) : Mainly used as a scientific field (common in Western Europe). § Computer science : Fundamental computer science or the science of computers, a branch of science related to the automatic processing of information. § Computing : Refers to activities involving a large number of mathematical and logical operations (e.g., in cloud computing or decision support computing). § Electronic data processing :The processing of data using electronics. § Information technology : Often used to refer to the industrial sector of information technologies. In the world of work, we talk about I.T., with the IT department being the Information Technology department. 4  History of Computer Science The abacus “the first automatic computer” is the earliest known tool of computing § It was thought to have been invented in Babylon, circa 2400 BCE. § The abacus generally features a table or tablet with beaded strings. Roman abacus Chinese abacus  Analog Computers § Analog computers are a form of computer that use electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic means to model the problem being solved (simulation). § Analog computers are believed to have been first developed by the Greeks with the Antikythera mechanism, which was used for astronomy. The Antikythera mechanism was discovered 1901 and was dated back to circa 100 BCE. § There are still analog computers in use, such as the ones for research at the University of Indiana and the Harvard Robotics Laboratory.  Examples of Analog Computers The Polish analog computer ELWAT The Norden bombsight A typical student slide rule  Modern Computing Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace together are often thought of as the founders of modern computing. Charles Babbage Ada Lovelace  Modern Computing q Babbage invented the Difference Engine, and, more importantly, the Analytical Engine. The latter is often recognized in 1837 as a key step towards the formation of the modern computer. q Ada Lovelace is known for describing-in algorithms- the processes the Analytical Engine was intended for. In this sense she is considered a pioneer in computer programming. A replica of the Difference Engine  Computer Science: Beginnings § Charles Babbage laid the foundations of Computer Science, but it was Alan Turing of England who is regarded as the “Father of Computer Science”. § He provided a new concept of both algorithms and the process of calculations with the invention of his Turing Machine. Alan Turing. He described the Turing Machine and the Turing Test, and is known as the Father of Computer Science. As a runner, his best marathon time was only eleven minutes behind the winner of the 1948 Olympics. The Turing Machine is a basic abstract symbol manipulating device that can be used to simulate the logic of any computer that could possibly be constructed.  Generations of computers Any major development in computer technology is referred to as a new generation of computers, and the developments so far can be classified into five generations as follows: Generation Period Technology FIRST 1946-1955 Vacuums Tubes SECOND 1955-1965 Transistors THIRD 1965-1975 Integrated Circuits (ICs) FOURTH 1975-1988 Microprocessors/Large Scale Integrations FIFTH Since 1988 Artificial Intelligence First generation : Electromechanical Relays to Vacuum Tubes  ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) RAM = 2 000 Octets 10 000 instructions/s 19 000 tubes à vide Poids = 30 tonnes Surface = 167 m² Volume = 30 m³ Consommation = 160 kW. 100 000 additions ou 357 multiplications /s IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator  Second generation : Transistors Some models of transistors - RAM : 32 kilo-octets. - 300000 intstruction/S - Weight: tons - Sureface: 10 m²  Third generation: Integrated Circuits (ICs) Minicomputers Integrated circuits Program 101 -RAM: 2 megabytes. -5 million intst/S -Weight: 35.5 kg Fourth generation : Microprocessors/Large Scale Integrations Apple I by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (1976)  Fifth generation : Artificial Intelligence Graphical interface, networks, internet, smartphones  References § http://www.myoddpc.com/other/history_of_computer.php § http://www03.ibm.com/ibm/history/history/history_intro.ht § http://www.cs.uwaterloo.ca/~shallit/Courses/134/history.h § http://www.eingang.org/Lecture/toc.html  University of Blida 1 Department of Biology Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences Chapter 2 Basic computer hardware and software components Dr. Zatout. R E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] 2024/2025 1  Definition A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. Computers are versatile tools used for a wide range of tasks, including typing documents, sending emails, playing games, browsing the web, and editing or creating spreadsheets, presentations, and videos.  Field Applications of Computer All computers share two fundamental components: hardware and software. q Hardware: This refers to the physical elements of a computer system. - Hardware includes external components like the keyboard and mouse, as well as internal parts such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory modules, storage drives, and graphics cards. These components work together to perform various computing tasks. The computer's internal parts (Laptop & Desktop).  Different types of computers Computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. Ø Desktop computers: Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of a few different parts, including the case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and school.  Different types of computers Ø Laptop computers: Laptops, also known as notebooks, are portable, battery-powered computers that offer greater mobility than desktop computers, enabling use in various locations. They typically feature an integrated screen, keyboard, and battery, facilitating use almost anywhere. The term "laptop" is commonly used to refer to these devices.  Different types of computers Ø Tablet Computers: Tablet computers, commonly referred to as tablets, are portable, handheld devices that are even more mobile than laptops. They typically feature a touch-sensitive screen for input and navigation, eliminating the need for a physical keyboard and mouse. The iPad, developed by Apple, is a prominent example of a tablet.  Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer The computer hardware components are divided into four types: 1. Input Devices Hardware used to input data into computer system like keyboard, mouse q Keyboard: The keyboard is essential for tasks like typing, coding, and navigating the operating system. The keyboard is indeed a key input device for communication with a computer. Keyboard of PC Computer  Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer q Mouse The mouse is another important tool for communicating with computers. Commonly known as a pointing device, it allows you to point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them. Pointing device (mouse)  Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer 2. Output Devices Hardware used to output processed data from computer system like Monitor, printer qMonitor: The monitor indeed works with the video card (also called the graphics card), which is typically inside the computer case. The video card processes data and sends it to the monitor for display. The video card determines the quality and performance of the images shown. Monitor of PC Computer  Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer qPrinter: A printer is an output device that prints paper documents. This includes text documents, images, or a combination of both. Printer of PC Computer  Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer 3. System Unit: Hardware present in System Unit Like CPU , Motherboard, Graphics Card, Data Bus, System Cables, Ports etc q Computer case (Chassis): The computer case, is the enclosure that contains most of the hardware of a computer. It provides mechanical support and protection for internal components such as the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, and power supply unit (PSU). Additionally, the case helps control and direct airflow over internal components to manage heat dissipation. Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets may vary from one computer to another. There are certain ones an expect to find on most desktop computers. These ports are essential when you need to connect devices to your computer, such as a printer, keyboard, or mouse. Front and Back of a computer case  Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer Ø Motherboard The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board, It connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer. Main circuit board (motherboard of PC computer & phone) Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer Ø CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the processor: The "brain" of the computer where programs are run. It is one of the most expensive parts of the hardware. Ø RAM (Random Access Memory): The computer's high-speed, short-term memory. It temporarily stores data and instructions for programs that run on the computer.  Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer Ø Expansion Cards: Circuit boards that can be inserted to add functionality to a computer system (for example: network, sound, or video cards). Ø Power Supply: Converts electricity from the wall into the form that the other computer components use.  Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer 4. Storage Devices Hardware used to store the data like hard disk ,Pen, Drive, CD  Software Component q Software: Software consists of the programs and operating systems that instruct the hardware on what tasks to perform and how to execute them. - Software include web browsers, games, word processors, and operating systems like Windows or macOS. - Software enables users to interact with hardware to accomplish specific objectives. A computer’s operating system (OS) and all its applications are software as well. What Does Operating System (OS) An operating system (OS), in its most general sense, is software that allows a user to run other applications on a computing device. The operating system manages a computer's software hardware resources, including: q Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse. q Output devices such as display monitors, printers and scanners. q Network devices such as modems, routers and network connections. q Storage devices such as internal and external drives.  Examples for OSs Some examples for OSs include: Android Android is an open-source mobile operating system based on the Linux kernel and sponsored by Google. iOS iOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system developed by Apple for its mobile devices.  Mac OS X MacOS is a Unix-like operating system developed and marketed by Apple. Microsoft Windows Windows is a product line of proprietary graphical operating systems developed and marketed by Microsoft. Linux Linux is an operating system kernel released by Linus Torvalds.  University of Blida 1 Department of Biology Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences Chapter 3 Essential Guide to Microsoft Office Tools Dr. Zatout. R E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] 2024/2025 1  Microsoft Office Definition Microsoft Office is an office suite that allows users to write letters and resumes (with Word), create presentations (with PowerPoint), develop spreadsheets and graphs (with Excel), and manage time, contacts, and emails (with Outlook). Microsoft Office is one of the best-known and most widely used office software suites. OpenOffice is a competitor of Microsoft Office.  Presentation of Microsoft Office Office is the office suite developed by Microsoft in the early 1990s and originally included three programs for creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Office has evolved over time with several versions: 97, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016 — one version every three years on average. The software's graphical interface underwent a major evolution starting with version 2007, with the introduction of the ribbon containing the tools, making it simpler than previous versions. 4  Presentation of Microsoft Office Microsoft Office Word Word allows you to write documents such as letters, CVs, reports, dissertations, books, and more. The workspace is presented as a sheet on which you can write your text, insert images, add titles, and format the layout (text color, font, etc.). 4  Microsoft Office Excel Excel allows you to create tables and automate calculations. It is a very powerful spreadsheet software. It refers to it as a spreadsheet program. There are two main types of use: o Basic use: You can use it to create small planning tables, perform simple calculations, or store various types of information Example: A list of members in an association. 4  o Advanced/mathematical use: Businesses use it for complex calculations related to inventory, costs, taxes, and more. Example: An accounting department might use it to perform large automated calculations and generate detailed charts. 4  Microsoft Office Powerpoint PowerPoint is a presentation software typically used to support oral presentations. The idea is similar to an overhead projector: you display a series of slides containing information such as images, charts, figures, ideas, diagrams, and text. These presentations are usually shown using a video projector. 4  Microsoft Office Outlook Outlook allows you to receive, sort, and manage your emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. A true productivity tool, Outlook is a very comprehensive software for managing your time and email efficiently. 4  Other software in the Office suite The Office suite also includes other more specialized programs, such as Access, which is used to manage databases. OneNote, which allows you to take all kinds of notes and organize them easily. Project is used for tracking and managing projects. Office 365 offers the Office suite online, allowing you to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other tools from any device with internet access. 4