Introduction to Computer Systems
By
Farhan Ahmad
[email protected]
Department of Chemical Engineering,
University of Engineering & Technology Lahore
Introducing Computer Systems
Exploring computers and uses
Looking inside the computers
Exploring Computers and Uses
Definitions
Computer for Individual Users
Computer for Organization
Computer
A computer is a machine that reads, stores, manipulates and
displays data.
A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a set
of instructions called a computer program.
The program has an executable form that the computer can use
directly to execute the instructions.
Processing
Data
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Information
Computation
"In a general way, we can define computing to mean any goal-oriented
activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computers.
Thus, computing includes:
Designing and building hardware and software systems for a wide
range of purposes
Processing, structuring, and managing various kinds of information
Doing scientific studies using computers
Making computer systems behave intelligently
Creating and using communications and entertainment media
Finding and gathering information relevant to any particular
purpose, and so on.
Computation
The term "computing" is also synonymous with counting and
calculating.
The discipline of computing is the systematic study of algorithmic
processes that describe and transform information: their theory,
analysis, design, efficiency, implementation, and application.
The fundamental question underlying all computing is "What can
be (efficiently) automated?"
Computation
The term "computing" is also synonymous with counting and
calculating.
The discipline of computing is the systematic study of algorithmic
processes that describe and transform information: their theory,
analysis, design, efficiency, implementation, and application.
The fundamental question underlying all computing is "What can
be (efficiently) automated?"
Digital vs Analog Computers
A digital computer uses distinct values to represent the data
internally. All information are represented using the digits 0s and
1s
Analog computer is a computer that represents data as variable
across a continuous range of values.
Characteristics of Computer systems
Speed: The computer can process data very fast, at the rate of
millions of instructions per second.
Accuracy: Computer provides a high degree of accuracy.
Diligence: Computers are capable of performing any task given to
them repetitively.
Storage Capability: Large volumes of data and information can
be stored in the computer and also retrieved whenever required.
Versatility: Computer is versatile in nature. It can perform
different types of tasks with the same ease.
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History of Computer systems
Two Eras:
Mechanical Age Before 1945
Electronic Age After 1945
Divided into different generations:
First Generation
( 1940 1956 )
Second Generation ( 1956 1963 )
Third Generation ( 1964 1971 )
Fourth Generation ( 1971 1977)
Fifth Generation
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( 1977 Todate )
History of Computer systems
Calculating Machines ABACUS was the first
mechanical calculating device for counting of
large numbers.
Napiers Bones was a mechanical device built
for the purpose of multiplication in 1617 AD.
by an English mathematician John Napier.
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Slide Rule was developed by an English
mathematician Edmund Gunter in the 16th
century.
Pascals Adding and Subtraction Machine was
developed by Blaise Pascal. It could add and
subtract. The machine consisted of wheels,
gears and cylinders.
Leibnizs Multiplication and Dividing Machine
was a mechanical device that could both
multiply and divide. The German philosopher
and mathematician Gottfried Leibniz built it
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around 1673.
Punch Card System was developed by Jacquard
to control the power loom in 1801. He invented
the punched card reader that could recognize
the presence of hole in the punched card as
binary one and the absence of the hole as
binary zero.
Babbages Analytical Engine An English man
Charles Babbage built a mechanical machine to
do complex mathematical calculations, in the
year 1823. The machine was called as difference
engine.
Holleriths Punched Card Tabulating Machine
was
invented by Herman
Hollerith. The
machine could read the information from a
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punched card and process it electronically.
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Generation of Computers
Vacuum tube
1946 1957
Transistors
1958 1964
Small Scale Integration
1965 1968
Upto 100 devices
Medium Scale Integration
1968 1971
100 3000 devices on a chip
Large Scale Integration
1972 1977
3000 100,000 on a chip
Very Large Scale Integration
100,000 100,000,000 devices on a chip
Ultra Large Scale Integration
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Above 100,000,000 devices on a chip
1978 to date
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a. Vacuum tube
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b. Transistor
c. IC Chip
Computer for individual user
Desktop computers
Workstations
Notebook computers
Tablet computers
Handheld computers
Smartphones
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Computer for organizations
Network server
Mainframe computers
Minicomputers
Super computers
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Application of Computers
Put
Education
Entertainment
Sports
Science and Engineering
Medical
Organization/Management
Home
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