INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

Chapter 1
Introduction to Computers
Contents
• What is Computer?
• Types of Computers
• Categories of Computers
• ATM
• Uses of Computer
• Computers in Near Future
What is Computer?
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Computer
 What is Computer?
• “Computer” derived from “compute”  means to calculate
• In past, computer was normally considered to be a calculating device used to
perform arithmetic operations
• But today, computers are used in every field of life to solve problems of
different kinds
• Definition of Computer
• A computer is an electronic machine that is used to solve different kinds of problems
according to a set of instructions given to it
• Function of computer
• Accepts data and instructions (as input) and stores them in its own memory
• Processes or manipulates data according to given instructions and produces information
(known as output)
• Stores information permanently on storage devices for later use
• Retrieves information from storage devices when required
 What is Computer?
• Computer consists of many electric, electronic, and mechanical components
 components known as hardware
• A computer performs different operations under the control of instructions
• These instructions tell the computer how to perform a particular task
• Some instructions also control the operations of different components of computer
• A set of instructions that can be given to a computer to perform a particular
task or to control different operations of computer  computer software or
computer program
• A computer cannot perform any task without software
• A combination of hardware and software  computer system
• Small computers are also fitted (embedded) into many other electronic
devices  mobile phones, toys, microwave ovens, vehicles, and MP3 players
 Data & Information
Data
• Word ‘data’ refers to facts concerning things, people, objects, events, etc.
• A collection of raw facts and figures  data
• Word ‘raw’ means unprepared or unprocessed
• Data may consist of text, numbers, images, audio, and video
• Data is collected for different purposes
• It does not give clear and proper meanings
• It cannot be used directly for decision-making
• Example  A list of class students, showing students roll numbers, names, obtained
marks, etc.
Information
• Processed data
• Processed data (information) gives clear and proper meanings
• It can be used for decision-making
 Data Processing
• A process to convert data into information
• Different operations are performed on data to convert it into useful
information
• Operations  arithmetic, data sorting, and data formatting
• Data can be processed manually or by using a computer
• Today, data is processed using a computer
• Data and instructions are given to computer, It processes data according to
given instructions and converts into required information or results
 Information Technology
• Technology used for processing, storing, and communicating information
• Technology  Easiest way of working using some technique and machine
• Combination of telecommunication technology and computer technology (hardware
and software)
• It combines computing with high-speed communication links for carrying data from
one place to another, all over the world
• Website is a type of information technology
• Major components of information technology
• Data or information
• Medium or communication network
• Computer hardware and software
• World has become a global village due to IT
• Global village  people living in the world know each other as if they are living in a village
• People can exchange information or messages in such a manner as if they are sitting
in a drawing-room, face to face
 Characteristics of Computer
Speed
• High-speed electronic device
• A computer can perform billions or trillions of operations or tasks per second
• Operations  arithmetic & sorting operations, displaying images, recording audio/video,
playing music, and showing video or movie
• Speed of a computer  in microseconds or nanoseconds
• Usually, measured in Mega Hertz (MHz) or Giga Hertz (GHz)
• Different computers have different speeds
Accuracy
• Computer does not make any kind of mistakes in calculations
• It processes data and produces a 100% accurate result
• Accuracy of result depends upon correct input data and set of instructions given to
computer
• If any mistake in input data  computer does not produce an accurate result
• Computer can perform billions or trillions of operations in one second without any
error
 Characteristics of Computer
Reliability
• Electronic components in a modern computer have a very low failure rate
• Modern computer can perform complicated calculations without creating any problem
• In general, computers are very reliable and do all tasks accurately
• Many personal computers have never needed a service call
• Communication networks are also very reliable and generally available whenever needed
• Nowadays, all large industries and organizations/companies are dependent on computers
and their entire business is running through computers  have blindly trust in computers
Consistency
• People often have difficulty to repeat the same actions again and again in same way and to
get the same result
• For example, a lecturer feels difficulty to repeat a lecture in a classroom again and again
• A computer can repeat same actions consistently (again and again) without losing its
concentration
• To run a spell checker (built into a word processor) for checking spelling in a document
• To play multimedia animation for training purposes
• To deliver a lecture through a computer in a classroom etc.
• A computer will carry out the activity in an exact manner every time
 Characteristics of Computer
Memory / Storage
• A computer has internal memory (storage)  primary memory
• Computer stores instructions of the program and data in primary memory during data
processing
• Temporary memory
• Data and programs can be stored in it as long as computer is processing data
• When a computer is turned off, everything from primary memory is erased
• A computer also has external storage  secondary storage
• A large amount of data and programs can be stored permanently
• Stored data or information is available anytime
• Examples  hard disk, USB drive, and CD
Automation
• Once data and instructions are given to the computer; it can automatically perform
different operations on data
• A computer can also control automatically different devices attached to it
• It executes automatically program instructions one by one without any human
assistance
 Characteristics of Computer
Versatility
• Versatility refers to capability of a computer to perform different kinds of tasks
with same accuracy & efficiency
• Different types of tasks can be performed through computer
• At one moment we are playing a game on computer, the next moment we are
composing and sending an e-mail, etc.
• In colleges and universities, computers are used to deliver lectures to students
• That is why computers are being used in every field of life such as
universities/colleges, hospitals, banks, offices, hotels, at homes, industries for
manufacturing products, etc.
Multitasking
• A computer has the capability of multitasking
• A user can perform multiple tasks on computer at the same time
• Example  a user can print a document on printer, while listening to naats.
 Characteristics of Computer
Communication
• A computer has capability of communicating with other computers in a computer network
• Nowadays, computers are mostly used for exchanging messages or information through
computer networks all over the world
• Example  information can be received or sent through Internet with the help of computers
Diligence
• A computer can continuously work for hours without creating any error
• It does not get tired while working
• After hours of work, it performs operations with same accuracy and speed as first one
No Feelings
• A computer has no feelings or emotions
• It detects objects based on the instructions given to it
• Based on our feelings, taste, knowledge, and experience we can make certain decisions and
judgments in our daily life
• On the other hand, a computer cannot make such judgments on its own
• Its judgments are totally based on the instructions given to it
 Disadvantages of using Computers
• Health Risks
• Data Security Problems
• Wastage of Time
• Computer Viruses
• Unemployment
• Privacy Violation
• Computer Crimes
Types of Computers
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Computer
 Analog Computers
• Word “analog” means continuously varying in quantity
• Analog computers accept input data in continuous form and output is
obtained in the form of graphs
• These computers accept input and give output in the form of analog signals
• Output is measured on a scale
• Examples of analog data  voltage, current, sound, speed, temperature,
pressure, etc. values
• These values continuously increase and decrease
• Analog computers are used to measure continuous values
• Analog computers are usually built for special purposes
• They have very high-speed computing elements used to process physical
quantities
• Analog computers have low memory size and have fewer functions
 Analog Computers
• Early special-purpose analog computing devices were Slide Rule, Curvimeter &
Plainmeter, and the Harmonic Analyzer
• In World War II, analog computing mechanism was of great importance for
gunfire control on warships
• Analog computers are used in industrial units to control various processes
• They are also used in different fields of engineering and medicine
• General-purpose analog computer was first manufactured in 1930s
Examples of Analog Devices
• Thermometer  used to measure temperature
• Analog Clock  measures time by means of distance continuously covered by needle
around a dial
• Voltmeter  used to measure voltage
• Speedometer  used to measure speed of a car
 Digital Computers
• Word “digital” means discrete
• It refers to a binary system, which consists of only two digits, i.e. 0 and 1
• Digital data consists of binary data represented by OFF (low) and ON (high) electrical
pulses
• These pulses are increased and decreased in discontinuous form rather than in
continuous form
• In digital computers, quantities are counted rather than measured
• A digital computer operates by counting numbers or digits and gives output in digital
form
• It represents data in digital signals 0 and 1 and then processes it using arithmetic
and logical operations
• Today most of the computers used in business, educational institutions, hospitals,
offices, and at homes are digital computers
• Examples  IBM PC and Apple Macintosh
• Calculators, digital watches, digital scoreboards, and digital thermometers
 Hybrid Computers
• Combined features of both analog and digital computers
• These computers contain both digital and analog components
• In hybrid computers, users can process both continuous (analog) and discrete
(digital) data
• These are special-purpose computers
• These are very fast and accurate
• These are used in scientific fields
• In hospitals, these are used to watch the patient’s health condition in ICU
(Intensive Care Unit)
• These are also used in telemetry, spaceships, missiles, etc.
Categories of Computers
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Computer
 Categories of Computers
• Computers are being manufactured in different sizes, data processing speeds, etc.
• Computers are classified according to their data processing speed, amount of data
that they can hold, and price
• Generally, a computer with high processing speed and large internal storage is called
a big computer
• Due to rapidly improving technology, however, distinction among categories of
computers is not always clear-cut
• Today many mobile phones (cell phones) are available that also have many
computing features
• For example, they have a media player and web browsing capabilities
• Depending upon the computer’s size, speed, memory size, and price, computers are
classified into the following categories:
• Supercomputers
• Mainframe Computers
• Minicomputers
• Personal Computers
 Supercomputer
• Most powerful and fastest computer
• It can process huge amounts of data and can solve complicated problems
• It can perform more than one trillion calculations per second
• A modern supercomputer consists of thousands of processors that work
parallel to complete a specific task
• Task is divided into parts and these parts of the task are performed on different
processors at the same time
• So parallel processing is done in a supercomputer
• In a single supercomputer, thousands of users can be connected at same time
• Supercomputer handles work of each user separately
• Most expensive  cost is up to several billion dollars
• Example  Deep Blue (developed by IBM)
 Supercomputer
• Purpose of Supercomputers in
• Weather forecasting
• Nuclear energy research
• Aircraft design
• Automotive design
• Weapon design
• Controlling industrial units
• Oil and gas exploration
• Supercomputers are used in large organizations, research laboratories,
aerospace centers, large industrial units, etc.
• Nuclear scientists use supercomputers to create and analyze models of
nuclear fission and fusions
• In Pakistan, supercomputers are used in many organizations, like Atomic
Energy Research Centre and Missile Control Systems
 Mainframe Computers
• Second powerful computer
• Physically large sized computer that covers about 1000 sq feet
• Expensive
• Consists of multiple processors
• It can process trillions of instructions per second (TIPS)
• Largest mainframe computer can handle thousands of connected users
simultaneously
• It fulfills requirements of all the users and controls their operations
• Users often access the mainframe computer by a device  terminal
• Types of terminals  dumb terminals & intelligent terminals
• Dumb terminal  is simply an input/output (I/O) device. It has no processing and storage
capabilities. Usually, it consists of a keyboard and display screen or touch screen.
• Intelligent terminal  can perform some processing operations, but it usually does not have
any storage.
• Intelligent terminals are faster than dumb terminals
• In some mainframe environments, however, users can use a standard personal
computer to access the mainframe computer
 Mainframe Computers
• Mainframe computers are used in large organizations such as insurance
companies, banks, and government departments, where many people
frequently need to use or access the same data
• Mainframe computers are also specially used as servers in a network
environment
• Example  IBM S/390
 Minicomputers
• This category of computer is named as minicomputer because of their small size as
compared to other computers at that time
• Capabilities of a minicomputer are less than a mainframe computer but more than a
personal computer
• Also known as midrange computer
• First minicomputer was introduced in the mid–1960s
• Like a mainframe computer and supercomputer, a minicomputer also consists of
multiple processors
• Largest minicomputer can handle hundreds of users simultaneously
• Users can access minicomputer through terminals or standard personal computers
• Minicomputers are used in small businesses, education, scientific research, and
many other government departments
• Although some minicomputers are designed for a single user but most are designed
to handle multiple users
• A minicomputer can also be used as a server in a network environment
• Example  IBM AS/400
 Personal Computers
• Personal computers (or simply PCs)  also called microcomputers
• Personal computers are typically developed for individual users
• It can be used by only one person at a time
• Today most PCs can communicate with other computers and devices
• A personal computer contains a processor (microprocessor), memory, input/output devices,
and storage devices
• It also contains communication devices
• Personal computers are very small in size and less expensive
• They are commonly used in almost every field of life such as at homes, small offices,
education, etc.
• They are available in different sizes and shapes
• IBM company designed first personal computer in 1981  named IBM-PC
• After this, many computer hardware companies copied the design of IBM-PC
• Most popular architectures of personal computers  PC and Apple
• Term “PC-compatible” refers to any personal computer based on the original IBM personal
computer design
• PC and PC-compatible computers use the Windows operating system
• Apple computers usually use the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS)
 Personal Computers
Desktop Computers
• Most common type of personal computer
• All components of this computer can easily fit on a desk or table
• Main component of desktop PC is system unit
• System unit of a desktop PC can lie flat on or under a desk or table
• Desktop computers are available in different models
• In one model, system unit is placed horizontally on the desktop or table and
monitor is usually placed on system unit
• In another model, known as a tower model, both system unit and monitor are
placed on desk or table separately (system unit is placed vertically)
 Personal Computers
Portable Computers
• Types of PCs that can easily be carried from place to place  portable computers or mobile computers
• These computers run on rechargeable batteries, power supply, or both
Laptops
• Also called a notebook computer
• Small size (8.5-by-11 inch notebook) computer and can fit inside a briefcase
• Lightweight and its weight is about 4 pounds (1.8 Kg)
• Uses less electric power than a desktop computer
• Most laptops can operate on a rechargeable battery
• Especially in the education field, a laptop has become the need of every student and teacher
• A laptop is more expensive than a desktop computer
• We can use a laptop by placing it on our lap  That is why named as a laptop
• A laptop computer can perform the same functions as a desktop computer
• A laptop also has same input/output and storage devices as a desktop computer
• However, a laptop has a built-in keyboard with a trackball or touchpad
• Keyboard is fitted on the top of system unit
• Usually uses LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor to display information
• Monitor is attached to system unit with hinges
• A laptop also has built-in wireless communication capability
 Personal Computers
Portable Computers
Tablets
• A tablet is like a laptop and can perform the same functions as a laptop
• Physically smaller than a laptop and larger than a mobile phone
• It has a touch screen that is used for both input and output
• Usually, a digital pen or stylus as an input device is used for entering data and
selecting different options or objects on the screen
• A standard keyboard can also be attached to a tablet for entering data
• A tablet also supports voice input
• Many tablets have a built-in microphone and special software that accepts
input from the user’s voice
• Like a laptop, a tablet is usually run on a rechargeable battery
• Example  Apple iPad
 Personal Computers
Portable Computers
Tablets
• Types of Tablet
• Slate Tablet
• This type of tablet does not contain a physical keyboard
• It uses an on-screen virtual keyboard for input
• A physical keyboard can also be attached to this type of tablet
• Convertible Tablet
• This type of tablet has a display screen that is attached to a keyboard
• Display screen can be rotated at 180 degrees and can be folded down over keyboard
 Mobile Devices
• Small computing devices that can fit in the hand (or in a pocket)
• These devices have small screens and some of them have small physical
keyboards
• These devices store information and programs permanently on special storage
media  memory cards (or smart cards)
• A mobile device can be connected to personal computer for exchanging data
• Today, most of the mobile devices are Internet-enabled
• It means that they can be connected to Internet wirelessly for accessing information on
the Internet
• Most of the mobile devices are operated by a rechargeable battery
• Most popular types of mobile devices  smartphones, handheld computers,
PDAs, portable media players, and e-book readers
 Mobile Devices
Smartphones
• Today, smartphones/mobile phones are commonly used for communications
between people
• A smartphone is an Internet-enabled phone
• It provides the functions to receive & send e-mails and to access Whatsapp,
Facebook, etc. through Internet
• Most of the smartphones have touch screens for dialing phone numbers and
for entering information
• Smartphones can communicate wirelessly with other devices or computers
• Similarly, many smartphones can function as a media player
• They include built-in digital cameras so that users can share videos or photos
• They also offer a variety of other application software such as word
processing, spreadsheet, games, and the capability of conducting live video
conferences
 Mobile Devices
Handheld Computers
• In the mid-1990s, many new types of small computing devices have been
introduced  known as handheld computers
• A handheld computer can fit in the hand  that is why called handheld
computer
• In this computer, a digital pen or stylus is usually used as an input device
• Some handheld computers have a specialized small keyboard
• Many handheld computers can communicate wirelessly with other computing
devices or computers
• Handheld computers are also used by mobile employees  meter readers &
parcel delivery people
 Mobile Devices
PDAs
• PDA stands for Personal Digital Assistant
• PDA is one of the more popular lightweight mobile devices in use today
• Many PDAs are web-based and users can send/receive e-mails and access
Internet
• Similarly, some PDAs also provide telephone capabilities
• Primary input device of a PDA  stylus
• A stylus is an electronic pen and looks like a small ballpoint pen
• Some PDAs have a small built-in keyboard
• Some PDAs also support voice input
• They also have built-in cameras and can function as a portable media player
 Mobile Devices
Portable Media Players
• Electronic mobile device
• It is used to listen to music, watch videos, movies, and television shows
• It also provides the facility to organize pictures, music, and videos
• Some portable media players are Internet-enabled
• It means that users can access the Internet and send /receive e-mail messages
• Some offer a variety of other application software  word processing,
spreadsheet, games, and other application software
• Some portable media players have a touch screen, while others have a touch-
sensitive pad
• Touch screen or touchpad is used to navigate through images/videos, adjust
volume, and other settings
 Mobile Devices
E-Book Readers
• An e-book reader (electronic book reader)  also called an e-
reader
• It is a mobile device that is used for reading e-books (also
called digital books) and other forms of digital media such as
newspapers and magazines
• An e-book is an electronic version of a printed book, readable
on computers and other digital devices
• An e-reader can hold thousands of e-books
• Most e-readers have a touch screen and provide an on-screen
keyboard
• Some of them have built-in wireless technology to connect to
Internet
• An e-reader is usually smaller than a tablet and larger than a
smartphone
ATM
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Computer
 ATM
• ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine
• It is installed in most of the banks or other public places
• It is a self-service banking terminal or machine
• It is connected to a host computer through a network
• Using an ATM, people can withdrawal cash, deposit money, transfer funds, pay
utility bills, and inquire about an account balance at any time
• Some ATMs have a touch screen, while others have special buttons or keypads for
entering input
• To access a bank account, we insert a plastic bank card (called ATM card provided by
the bank) in ATM’s card reader
• When we insert ATM card into ATM’s card reader, ATM asks to enter a numeric
password
• This password is called a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code
• If we enter correct PIN code, a menu appears with different options
• Select required option and follow step by step procedure displayed on screen to
complete the task
Uses of Computer
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Computer
 Uses of Computer
• Main fields where computers are playing a very important role are:
• Education
• Business
• Banks
• Departmental Stores
• Entertainment
• E-Commerce
• Health Care
• Science
• Publishing
• Travelling
• Government
• Home
• Agriculture
• Energy
• Library
• Defense
• Internet Details are given in book for each point
 The Internet of Things (IoT)
• The Internet of Things (IoT) is the modern uses of computers in today’s life
• IoT  A network of Internet-connected physical devices, vehicles, and other
objects or things to collect and exchange data wirelessly
• Objects (such as a car, jet engine of an airplane, and many household
appliances) or physical devices (such as computers and smartphones) used in
daily life can be connected through IoT
• These objects or devices are embedded with computer chips (along with
software), sensors, actuators, cameras, microphones, and other instruments
that enable them to collect and share data
• These devices are known as smart devices
• Smart devices are designed in such a way that they can communicate with
each other or with human beings, in real-time through wireless connection or
Wi-Fi connections
• Users can access data or control individual objects using web or mobile apps
 The Internet of Things (IoT)
• There are various applications of IoT in our daily life
• A smart home is a popular application of IoT
• A home equipped with various types of electronic devices that can be
controlled remotely with a smartphone or computer  a smart home or
home automation
• Wi-Fi is often used for remote monitoring and control
• In near future, IoT will allow us to switch on the air conditioning before reaching home
or switch off lights after leaving home
• For example, doors of the home can be locked or unlocked remotely through Wi-Fi
connections
• Similarly, home security system can detect break-in at doors and it can send messages
to alert a homeowner when someone has entered or left the home
Computers in Near Future
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Computer
 Computers in Near Future
• Computer has changed our society today as the industrial revolution changed
society in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
• In twentieth century, mobile phones and television progressed in the field of
communications
• In this century, computer has changed the style of our daily activities
• In near future, we shall totally depend upon this machine (i.e. computer).
• Today in Europe, most of the systems are controlled by computers
• In the near future, the advancement in computer technology will occur in the
following areas:
• Hardware
• Software
• Communications and networks
• Robotics
 Computers in Near Future: Hardware
• Today, there is competition in the field of hardware to manufacture new electronic
devices
• Microchip of a very small size has been manufactured
• Microchip can perform many functions very accurately and quickly
• In near future, nanotechnology will be used to build molecular devices
• Molecular devices will have an extraordinary computing speed or power
• These will be used to solve some of the most complex scientific problems
• Ultraviolet lithography technology will be used to design circuits in silicon chips
• Following devices will be commonly used in near future:
Atomic Quantum Computers
• In near future, personal computers (PCs) will be replaced by Quantum Computers
(QCs)
• Speed of QCs will be up to a billion times faster than today's core computers
• At that speed, a QC will search the entire Internet in a second
• In these computers, quantum mechanics will be used rather than digital technology
• In these computers, "bit" the basic storage unit of the computer will be replaced by
"atom"
 Computers in Near Future: Hardware
Optical Computers
• Today optical technology is used in CD-ROM drives, laser printers, scanners, and
fiber-optic digital communication
• In near future, this technology will be used in computers
• Due to this technology, computing speed will increase and the physical size of
computers will also be reduced
Storage Devices
• Storage devices with very high storage capacities will be introduced
• Storage capacity will be in Terabyte, Petabyte, and Exabyte
Digital Books
• Computers have also affected library systems
• In near future, all library books will be converted into digital form
• Online universal libraries will be developed for students and teachers
• Today digital books are available in small size computers
• Several companies have introduced small book size computers that can hold
hundreds or thousands of books  e-book reader or e-reader
 Computers in Near Future: Software
User-Interface
• New generations of operating systems and application programs are graphical user
interface (GUI)
• They provide a user-friendly interface
• User interface trend will be improved in the near future
Internet & Web
• At present we share information with other people on Internet through e-mail and websites
• In the future, various Internet-based application software will be developed for sharing
information
Speech Recognition
• In near future, computer will be capable of translating spoken statements into a computer
code and responding properly
• Microsoft Office, a product of Microsoft Company includes speech recognition software
• It allows us to speak the names of menu commands, texts, numbers, etc.
• Computer automatically takes action accordingly
• In the near future, computer will use intelligent agent software to determine the name of
spoken words
 Computers in Near Future: Software
Intelligent Agents
• Intelligent Agent is an automatic program that enables machines to think and
decide themselves
• Some intelligent agents are embedded and work within a single program
• Other intelligent agents known as network agents perform tasks on multiple
remote computers and return results to the users
• For example, some e-mail software includes intelligent agents that filter
incoming messages and inform immediately about specific subjects
 Computers in Near Future: Communication & Networks
• Methods of transmitting and sharing data are changing dramatically
• Today, Internet is commonly used for this purpose
• In near future, the following methods will be commonly used for data communication:
Superboardband
• Due to this network, computer users will access Internet thousands of times faster than with
today's cable and telephone network services
• It means that bandwidth of communication channels will be increased
• Bandwidth is the measure of amount of data a communication channel can transmit in a given period of time
Wireless Devices
• Recent advancement in digital wireless technology has focused on using a mobile telephone and
handheld computers
• Today, home and business computer users are looking for new ways to access Internet
• In near future, wireless communication will be commonly used
Bluetooth Devices
• Cordless devices are in high demand, and these devices with Bluetooth technology should flood the
market in the next few years
• Bluetooth technology allows smartphones, PDAs, and other wireless devices to detect and
communicate with each other
• This technology will be progressed in the future
 Computers in Near Future: Robotics
• A robot is a computer-controlled device that can move and react like human
beings
• In the past, robots were used only in factories to perform different jobs like
lifting of heavy equipment and to perform jobs that are dangerous for human
beings
• In near future, robots will be used at homes to perform different jobs such as:
• supervising children and elders
• monitoring home security system
• cleaning home, etc.
• In future, sophisticated robots will soon be available at a very low cost
• These robots will have the capabilities of speech recognition, decision making,
vision, etc.
• In near future, most of the departments will be under the control of robots
• In other words, all human beings will be under the control of robots