Introducing Computers PDF

Application of Information and Communication Technology HASSAAN BUTT Lecture - 2 INTRODUCING COMPUTERS Introduction to Computer Science  What is computer science? “Everything that happens after you ask a question from Google until you get a result....

Application of Information and Communication Technology HASSAAN BUTT Lecture - 2 INTRODUCING COMPUTERS Introduction to Computer Science  What is computer science? “Everything that happens after you ask a question from Google until you get a result. ”Lance Fortnow”  It is a discipline that seeks to build a scientific foundation for computer design and information processing using computers  Computer science is the study of  What can be accomplished using computers, and  How to construct software to do these things Introduction to Computer Science  Why study computers?  A computer is a profoundly important technological device  Broadly impactful, Occasionally disruptive  Computers have had impacts on the way we live, the way we think, and the way we do business  But we are perhaps only 1/3 to 1/2 of the way through the process of absorbing the impact of computing in our lives  Computers will have a substantial influence on any area of study you choose at CUI  So, understanding computers is important Introduction to Computer Science  Computers have become an integral part of our lives  Pervasive computing, also known as ubiquitous computing is a concept where computing is made to appear anytime and everywhere  It is a growing trend of embedding computational capability (generally in the form of microprocessors) into everyday objects to make them effectively communicate and perform useful tasks  Internet of Things, or IoT, is a system of interrelated computing devices (objects, people or mechanical machines) with unique identifiers (UIDs)  These devices have the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction The Computer Defined  What is a computer?  A computer can be defined as a programmable electronic machine that accepts input (data), processes it and gives out results (information)  It allows the user to store all sorts of data and then ‘process’ that data, or carry out actions with the data, such as calculating numbers or organizing words  “A computer is a machine for manipulating data according to a list of instructions known as a program” Wikipedia The Computer Defined  Modern computers are digital  Two digits combine to make data  Older computers were analog  A range of values made data  Computers have had more impact on our society than any other invention  Changed work and leisure activities  Used by all demographic groups  Computers are important because  Provide information to users  Information is critical to our society  Managing information is difficult Types of Computers  Computers for individuals  Computers for organizations  Computers in society Computers for Individuals  Desktop computers  The most common type of computer  Sits on the desk or floor  Performs a variety of tasks  Best for individual use  Laptop computers  Small portable computers also called notebook computers  Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds  About 8 ½ by 13 inches  Typically as powerful as a desktop Computers for Individuals  Tablet computers  Newest development in portable computers  Input is through a pen (or hand), touch screen  Run specialized versions of office products  Smartphones  Hybrid of cell phone and PDA  A cell phone that offers more advanced computing ability  Web surfing, e-mail access, GPS and many other Apps  Allow users to store information, take pictures, install programs Computers for Individuals  Wearable computers  Also known as body-borne computers are the latest trend in computing  Essentially, common computer applications (e-mail, multimedia, calendar, scheduler) are integrated into watches, cell phones, visors and even clothing Computers for Organizations  Network servers  Centralized computer, all other devices connect to it  Provides access to network resources  Multiple servers are called server farms  Often simply a powerful desktop  Workstations  Specialized computers  Optimized for science or graphics  More powerful than a desktop  Mostly seen in offices or attached to a network Computers for Organizations  Supercomputers  The most powerful computers made  Handle large and complex calculations  Process trillions of operations per second  Found in research organizations  Mainframes  Used in large organizations  They are of size of a large cabinet  Handle thousands of users simultaneously  Users access through a terminal Computers in Society  Examples of some of the computers available in society  Education  Finance  Government  Healthcare  Science  Publishing  Travel  Industry Advantages of Computers  Automatic  Speed  Reliability  Diligence  Consistency  Versatility  Storage  Communication  No feelings Disadvantages of Computers  No I.Q  Violation of privacy  Impact on labour force  Health Risks  Impact on environment Thank You