Introduction to computers

By DM. KWIRIGA
 Objective
To familiarize students with the role of computers in their
everyday lives.
To introduce students to the essential elements of
computer hardware and software
To provide students with the opportunity to use common
computer application packages
To encourage students to develop good work habits in the
use and care of the computer and equipment
 To stimulate interest and enjoyment in the use of
computers.
 Introduction to the Computer and its Environment
Learning outcome
The student will be able to:
• Identify the component parts of a computer system (i.e.
Input, process, output and storage)
• Explain the difference between software and hardware
• Identify common input devices (e.g. Keyboard, mouse,
scanner)
• Identify common output devices (e.g. printer, disk drive)
Definition of a Computer:
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the
control of instructions stored in its own memory that can
accept data (input), process the data according to specified
rules, produce information (output), and store the information
for future use.
 Characteristics / Features of a Computer.
The following are some of the attributes that make computers widely accepted
& used in the day-to-day activities in our society:
Speed
Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of
performing about 3-4 million simple instructions per second.
Accuracy
In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur
can almost always be attributed to human error(inaccurate data, poorly
designed system or faulty instructions or programs written by the
programmer)
 Diligence
Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not
suffer from human
traits/characteristics of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of
concentration. s.
 Versatility
Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any
task as long as it can be broken down into a series of logical steps.
 Storage Capacity
Today’s computers can store large volumes of data. Information once
recorded (or stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can be
retrieved almost instantaneously
 HISTORY OF COMPUTER
Computer Generation
Computers are often categorized into different "generations" to
describe the major advancements and changes in computer technology
over time.
 First Generation (1940s-1950s):
Technology: Vacuum tubes were used for logic and memory.
Characteristics:
 Large and bulky machines.
 Limited computational power.
 Consumed a lot of electricity and generated significant heat.
 Limited input and output options (often used punched cards).
Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC I, EDVAC.
 Second Generation (1950s-1960s):
•Technology: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, improving
reliability and reducing size.
•Characteristics:
 Smaller and more reliable than first-generation computers.
 Faster and more energy-efficient.
 Used magnetic core memory for storage.
 Introduction of high-level programming languages (e.g.,
Fortran, COBOL).
•Examples: IBM 1401, IBM 7090, CDC 1604.
 Third Generation (1960s-1970s):
•Technology: Integrated circuits (ICs) allowed for further
miniaturization and increased computing power.
•Characteristics:
 Smaller, more powerful, and more reliable than second-
generation computers.
 Used both high-level and assembly languages.
 Introduction of timesharing and multiprogramming.
•Examples: IBM System/360, DEC PDP-11, CDC 7600.
Fourth Generation (1970s-Present):
•Technology: Microprocessors and VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integration) chips revolutionized computing.
•Characteristics:
Dramatically smaller and more affordable.
Increased processing power and memory capacity.
Introduction of personal computers (PCs).
Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and networking became
widespread.
•Examples: Intel 4004 (microprocessor), IBM PC, Apple Macintosh
Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond):
•Technology: Emerging technologies, including AI, quantum
computing, and advanced materials.
•Characteristics:
Focus on parallel processing, AI, and natural language
processing.
Quantum computers with the potential to solve complex
problems at unprecedented speeds.
Advancements in nanotechnology and bio-computing.
•Examples: Quantum computers (e.g., IBM Q, Google
Quantum), AI systems (e.g., neural networks, deep learning).
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
Computers can be classified into various categories based on different
criteria, such as:
Basis of size
Basis of functionality
Basis of data handling
Based on Size:
•Supercomputers: These are the most powerful and fastest computers
designed for performing complex calculations and simulations. They
are used for scientific research, weather forecasting, and other high-
performance computing tasks.
•Mainframe Computers: Mainframes are large, powerful computers
used by organizations for data processing, transaction processing, and
running critical applications. They are known for their reliability and
scalability.
•Minicomputers: Minicomputers are smaller than mainframes but
more powerful than microcomputers. They were popular in the past for
various business and scientific applications but have largely been
replaced by microcomputers.
•Microcomputers (Personal Computers): These are the most
common type of computers and include desktops, laptops, and tablets.
They are used for a wide range of personal and business tasks.
 Classification on basis of functionality
1.General-Purpose Computers: These computers are designed to perform a
wide range of tasks and are not limited to a specific function. For example
Personal computers, including desktops and laptops.
2.Special-Purpose Computers: Special-purpose computers are engineered
for specific tasks or applicaATM machines, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals,
Digital Cameras, Router and Network Switches- Specialized devices for
managing network traffic.
3.Embedded Systems: These are computer systems integrated into other
devices and machinery to control specific functions or processes. e.g.
Automobiles, home appliance, medical devices
4.Server Computers: These computers are dedicated to providing services,
resources, or data to other computers on a network. E.g Web servers,
database servers, file servers.
Classifications According To Data Handling:
1.Analog Computers: These computers work with continuous data and
represent quantities through physical properties like voltage, current, or
resistance.
2.Digital Computers: Digital computers process discrete data represented in
binary form (0s and 1s). They are the most common type of computer and are
used for a wide range of applications, from simple arithmetic calculations to
complex data analysis and computation.
3.Hybrid Computers: Hybrid computers combine the features of both analog
and digital computers. They are often used in applications where analog data
needs to be converted to digital format for processing, such as in scientific
experiments and industrial control systems.
4.Cloud Computing: Cloud computing involves distributed data
processing and storage across a network of remote servers.
COMPUTER COMPONENTS / PART OF COMPUTER
 Any kind of computers consists of HARDWARE and SOFTWARE.
 Hardware:
 Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that
constitutes a computer system.
 Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a
computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data
storage, hard drive disk (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound
cards, memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which are physical
objects that can be touched
A Computer consists of the following hardware: -
 The System Unit.
 Input devices.
 Output devices.
 Storage devices
 System Unit.
This is the casing (unit) that houses electronic components such as the
‘brain’ of the computer called the Central processing Unit (CPU)
and storage devices.
The components in the System unit include: -
 Central Processing Unit (CPU), which is also referred to as
Processor.
 Motherboard.
 Power supply unit.
 Memory storage devices.
 Disk drives, which are used to store, record and read data
 Features of the System unit.
- It houses the CPU.
- It connects to all peripheral devices using ports.
- It has the computer’s Power switch.
 The central processing unit (CPU)
This is the brain of the computer, and carries out all the processing within
the computer.
It is also referred to as the Processor.
It is the brain of the computer and carries out all the processing.
It is mounted on a circuit board called mother board (system board)
 Parts of CPU
i) Control unit • Control the instructions the C.P.U will
ii) Arithmetic logic unit(A.L.U) perform next.
iii) Main memory(MM) ii) a. Main Memory (Primary Storage)
iv) Auxiliary processors (AP) Provides storage location for data and
instructions accessed by the control
i. Control Unit (CU) unit.
 It coordinates all processing Functions of the main memory
activities in the C.P.U well as
input, output and storage 1. Holds data awaiting processing
operations. 2. Holds data that has been processed
Function of CU awaiting to be output
• Directs the flow of information in 3. Holds data being processed
the C.P.U, main memory and
storage media.
Computer memory can be classified into:
i) Read Only Memory (ROM)
ii) Random Access Memory (RAM)
i. RAM (Random access memory)
 It is memory within the computer system that is responsible for
storing data on a temporary basis, so that it can be promptly
accessed by the processor as and when needed.
 It is said to be ‘volatile’ since its contents are accessible only as
long as the computer is on.
 Data can be read (retrieved/ opened) & written (stored) in it.
 Its content is user defined i.e. the user dictates what is to be
contained in RAM
ii. READ ONLY MEMORY
It is used to store programmed instructions/ data permanently or semi
permanently.
Data and instructions stored in Rom are those required unchanged for a very
long time e.g. booting instructions, computerized fuel pump instructions etc
Can only be read but cannot be written on it unless it is a special type of
ROM
 It is non-volatile i.e. its content is not lost when the computer is switched
off
b. Secondary (Backing) storage.
Examples are:- Hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital vedio disk (DVD),
memory card, flashdisk etc
 It is used by the computer to store backup information that is not needed
immediately by the Processor.
 It is also used by the computer to supplement the computer’s main
memory/ internal memory in case of mass storage purposes.
Computer peripherals.
A computer is basically made up of a system unit and other devices
connected to the system unit called Peripheral devices.
Peripheral devices are the elements (components) connected to the
system unit so as to assist the computer satisfy its users
 Peripheral devices are connected to the System unit using special
cables called data interface cables that carry data, programs &
information to and from the processor. The cables are connected to
the system unit using connectors called Ports.
Examples of peripheral devices include;
- Monitor, - Keyboard, - Mouse
- Printer. - Modem. - Speakers.
- Plotter.
Information production is a cycle of input, processing and output as
shown in the diagram below.
Review Questions.
1. What is a Computer?
2. Why is a computer referred to as an electronic device?
3. Define the following terms as used in computer science.
a) Data.

b) Programs.

c) Data processing.

d) Information.

4. The speed of a computer is measured in ___________.

5. List and explain 4 features/ properties of a computer.
6. List FIVE advantages of a computerized system over a manual system
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software refers to the various programs & data used in a computer
system that enable it perform a specific functions. Software instructs
the computer on what to do and how to do it. All programs (software)
are written using programming languages.
Computer software can be broadly classified/ divided into 2
categories:
(1)System Software (programs).
(2)Application software (programs).
 SYSTEMS SOFTWARE.
This is a set of programs, that controls the basic computer opreation
such as printing and the strogae of data on secondary storage
device. An operating sytem is example of system software. They
also enable users make efficient use of the computing facilities in
order to solve their problems.
System software is further sub-classified as
 Operating system.
 System utilities.
 OPERATING SYSTEMS.
An Operating System is a set of programs designed to ensure the
smooth running of the computer system. They are developed to
manage all parts of the basic computer hardware & provide a more
hospitable interface to users and their programs. It controls the way
the way the software uses the hardware. This control ensures that
the computer system operates in a systematic, reliable & efficient
manner as intended by the user.
Examples of operating systems are: Microsoft windows , Android ,
Linux , Unix, Apple operating system (leopard)
 Functions of operating systems
Process Management:
Process Scheduling: The OS manages the execution of multiple processes,
allocating CPU time to each process efficiently. It determines which process
runs next and handles context switching between processes.
Memory Management:
Memory Allocation: The OS allocates and deallocates memory space for
processes, optimizing memory utilization and preventing conflicts.
File System Management:
File Creation, Deletion, and Organization: The OS manages files and
directories, allowing users to create, delete, read, write, and organize files on
storage devices.
File Access Control: It enforces file access permissions and security to protect
data from unauthorized access.
Device Management:
Device Drivers: The OS interacts with hardware devices (e.g.,
printers, disk drives, network cards) through device
User Interface:
•Graphical User Interface (GUI): Many modern operating
systems provide a user-friendly GUI, allowing users to interact
with the system using icons, windows, and menus.
Security and Access Control:
User Authentication: The OS verifies user identities and
passwords to grant or deny access to the system.
 Commands Of An Operating Systems

APPEND - Sets the path to be searched for data files or displays

the current path.
ASSIGN- Command direct request for disk operation from one
driver to a different drive.
ATTRIBE- this command changes or views the attributes of one or
more drives.
CALL- Start a batch file from which another batch and returns
when that one ends.
CHCP – command either displays or change the active code page
used to display character in console window.