Chapter 1: Information Technology Basics

Introduction To Computers Applications

Course Code: 114‫عال‬

Applied
1
College
 The Basic Concepts

- Hardware

•All parts of the computer that can be touched and seen

(physical) or all physical items in the computer.
•Like: Printer, screen, memory, motherboard.
- Software

•Programs that run on a computer to perform certain tasks

•Like: Operating Systems (windows , Linux ..), Microsoft Word,
Microsoft Excel

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- Information Technology (IT)

•It is a general term given to the hardware, software, and

systems used to manage, process, and maintain information
within a company or organization.

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 Definition Computer

Computer: it is an electronic machine that processes, stores and retrieves

data and performs arithmetic and logical operations at the user's request.
Computer features:
1. The ability to store and retrieve information at any time required.
2. The possibility of coordinating texts and letters and performing
mathematical and logical operations.
3. The possibility of creating user-specific software through computer
programming.

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 Data and Information
In computer storage and retrieval operations, two important terms are used:
data and information. The definition of each is:

Data: The external figure that shows data for a specific piece of information.
Information : meanings and concepts that people understand.

Processing

Dat Information
a

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 Features of Computers

1. Speed: Performing calculations, processing and retrieving data.

2. Accuracy: The percentage of error in computer operations is zero.

3. Storage: for data in small storage units, including internal and
external .
4. Economy: saving time and money.
5. Network Communication: Provides fast communication service
between connected devices locally and globally.

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 History
The early start of electronic computers appeared, was in the 1930s

•In 1944, the ‘’MARK 1’’ was

built, one of the first
electromechanical computers.

•The first fully electronic

computer is “ENIAC”; Its
construction was completed in
1946, and its weight was 50
tons, and 18,000 vacuum tubes
were used in its construction

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 Computer Generations
The first generation (1950-1959)

◦ Vacuum tubes were used.

◦ Computers are large and heavy.
◦ The execution speed of operations is
slow.
◦ Due to the need for these tubes to
have a lot of heat, this resulted in the
need for cooling devices of this
generation, and then they consume
high electrical energy.
◦ It was limited by number of users in
large companies only due to its high
cost. 8
 The second generation (1959-1965)

◦ Transistor being used.

◦ Computers are getting smaller.
◦ Increased speed of execution of
operations.
◦ This contributed to reducing the size
of the devices and the consumption
of electricity, as well as the cost.
◦ Medium and small companies were
able to own it, and specialists were
able to program it in the
programming languages
”FORTRAN” and “COBOL”.

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 The third generation (1965-1975)

◦ Integrated circuits made of silicon

wafers.
◦ Computers are getting smaller.
◦ The cost of devices has become
lower.
◦ Software packages appeared, and then
software companies appeared.

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 The fourth generation (1975-1980)

◦ Computers have become smaller,

higher resolution, and more storage
capacity.
◦ The generation used microprocessors.
◦ All computer components were
installed on one electronic board.
◦ Computer networks are starting to
appear.

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 The fifth generation (1980 to present)

◦ The announcement of the first personal

computer (PC) in 1981 by IBM.
◦ The portable computers was appeared.
◦ The appearance of the first devices with a
graphical interface (GUI) by Apple in 1984.
◦ Computer networks are starting to appear.
◦ The appearance of the first notebook computers.
◦ Displaying the first Internet page in 1991.
◦ Computers of this generation were characterized
by the use of artificial Intelligence, the
emergence of multimedia, and virtual reality.

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 Types of computers according
to their work and technology
Digital computers
These computers process digital data only, which is data that takes specific
values that cannot be deviated from and is stored in the computer in the
format (0,1) only.
For example; alphabet letters and decimal numbers. It is used in computers
to solve complex arithmetic problems and organize files and databases.
Analogue computers
• It deals with standard data, which is data that takes many values,
especially data of physical characteristics such as sound intensity,
temperature, atmospheric pressure, and temperature.
• It is used in scientific and medical centers and meteorological centers. 13
 Computers Types (by size)

Control Computer Workstation Micro Computer

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Mini Computer Main Frames Super Computer

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 Super Computer
• It is characterized by its large size, superior capacity
and speed of processing, as it is considered a very fast
machines and has the ability to run dozens of programs
simultaneously.
• It has the ability to be connected to hundreds of
terminal units.
• Its cost is very high, so we find it in large companies
such as Aramco for oil exploration.

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 Main Frames
1. It is characterized by its very high speed and has a high
storage capacity.
2. Its ability to serve hundreds of users at the same time.
3. It is the common type in universities, airlines and
telecoms.
4. These computers are often associated with terminals
via a time-sharing operating system

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 Mini Computer
1. Less in size, storage capacity and operating speed than
previous types.
2. Suitable for small and medium business use.
3. It Used for no more than eight people to work on it.

• However, it has become neglected because the microcomputer has

become as powerful as the mini computer.

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 Micro Computer
1. It is widely used because it has fast processing and
large storage capabilities.
2. It is called Personal Computer.
3. It is used by small companies.
4. For example; Desktop - Laptop - Palm

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 Workstation
1. The workstation is similar to a microcomputer in
having one user, but it is more powerful in terms of data
processing, storage, and the ability to display graphics
or colors with high accuracy on the device's display
screen.
2. This type is used by engineers, scientists, laboratories
and factories.
3. The areas that require very high processing.

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 Control Computer
1. It is used in real-time applications, so we find it in the
control room of power stations, oil refineries, and
control rooms of train stations and airplanes.
2. It has the ability to deal with errors that result during
work and fix them.

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 Computer
Components

Software Hardware

Operating System Utilities

Programming
Language
Application Input Devices Output CPU Memory Storage
Devices Unit Unit

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 Input Devices

Light Pen Touch Screen Scanner Keyboard

Game Joystick Barcode Microphone Mouse

Scanner

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 Output Devices

Projector Speakers Screen Printer

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 Central Processing Unit

1. It is the brain of the computer, processing

data, and performing arithmetic and logical
operations.
2. The CPU is a small electronic chip that is
installed in the motherboard.
3. Processors vary by speed or ability to
handle data, and by their manufacturers.
4. Processor speed is measured in multiples
of frequency, Hertz (Hz); It is measured in
Megahertz (MHz) and Gigahertz (GHz).

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 CPU Sections

The CPU is divided into three sections:

1. Arithmetic and Logic Unit ) ALU ).
2. Control Unit (CU).
3. Registers.

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(Registers) (Control Unit) (Arithmetic and logic Unit)
They are special It is the unit responsible It is the unit responsible for
temporary storage for sending control performing arithmetic
locations used when a signals to all other units operations (such as
program is executed. in the processor, and it addition, subtraction,
Registers vary fetches program multiplication, and
according to the type of instructions from division) and logical
data they store into memory and decodes operations (such as
different types. them, then manages comparison, selection,
their execution, and matching, and merging of
stores the result in data).
memory. It connects
memory and I/O units to
transfer data and results
between them.

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 CPU Functions

1. Receiving commands from the input units, processing them,

and then outputting them to the output units or storing them.
2. Perform arithmetic and logical operations quickly and
accurately.
3. Identify the connected units in the device at startup.
4. Ensure the safety of all parts of the computer.

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 Memory Unit

A set of electronic circuits that are used to store data and programs
that the central processing unit deals with when performing the
required operations.
Main memory consists of two basic types:
1. Random Access Memory (RAM).
2. Read Only Memory (ROM).

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Memory Types
RAM ROM

Randomlose its Used to It is a Read Do not It keeps Its data can

contents temporarilymemory lose its the basic only be
accessas soon hold data that the only contents and modified by
memoryas the while user can memorywhen immutable specialized
device is working on handle the data that programmers.
turned the device and device is the device
off or modify turned needs to
the its data. off start up
power
goes
out.

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 Memory Units

A computer is an electronic machine that deals with electric current in

two cases:
(0.1)
In the case of an existing one, or it deals with the binary number system,
where all letters and numbers are represented in the form of a group of
eight digits bytes and the following units:

1. Byte = 8 Bits.
2. Kilo Byte (KB) = 1024 Byte.
3. Mega Byte (MB) = 1024 KB= 1024*1024 Byte 31

4. Giga Byte (GB) = 1024 MB= 1024*1024*1024 Byte

 Storage Unit

The storage unit is used to store data permanently, based on the user's
request to transfer this data from the random memory to a specific
storage unit, and it is not deleted except upon his request as well.
The types of storage units are:

Flash/USB CD/DV Hard-

drive D Disk/SD

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Storage Units Measure

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 Computer Case

It is a box used to assemble and install hardware components

such as (motherboard, processing unit, memory, disk drives)

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 Mother Board Functions
Distribution of electrical energy
The electrical adapter of the device is connected to the motherboard
only, and thus it is responsible for distributing electrical energy to the
rest of the computer units located on the motherboard or outside it, such
as the keyboard and others.
Data transfer
It acts as a hub for data transfer between the processor and the internal
and external memory through dedicated channels for data transfer

Mother Board Ports

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 Measure the performance of computers
The effectiveness of computers and their performance are measured by
several parameters:
• CPU speed
• RAM size
• Hard disk capacity

Processor speed is the most important factor that controls the overall
speed of any personal computer. Other factors are important, especially
for Windows-based personal computers, as there is a rule that says the
more memory, the faster the system will boot. Windows also uses the
hard disk a lot, so the faster the hard disk runs, the faster the system will
boot.

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Software Components Definition

It is a set of commands and instructions arranged in a

specific sequence, and the device implements them to
achieve a specific purpose in use of computer.

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38
 1- Application Program
It is a kind of software that you can use after loading the operating
system.

They are of two types:

1- Prepared in advance by expert, which are programs that process

data according to the need and use:
• Word processing software such as Microsoft Word.
• Spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel.
• Presentation software such as Microsoft Power Point.
• Database software such as Microsoft Access.
• Graphic software such as Adobe Photoshop.
• Multimedia software. 39
Application Program

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 2- Utilities Program
Special programs for maintaining disks, it comes with operating systems

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 3- Programming Language
• It is a language in which commands are written for the computer so that
the device can understand and execute them. Through which we can
understand with the computer.
• It has several levels:
• Machine Language.
• Assembly Language.
• High Level Languages. Such as:
• BASIC
• Pascal
• COBOL
• C
• C++
• Java

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 4- Operating System
They are the programs that control the workflow on the computer and
are the mediator between the user and the device, in other words, they
are the programs that help the computer to manage itself.

Operating system programs are divided into two types:

Systems software:
It controls all operations and functions of the computer.

Service programs:
Performs device maintenance (disk cleaning, etc.).

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 Operating System Functions
Management and organization of memory work. (RAM memory:
allocates a location in this memory for each program that is opened and
prevents information from being leaked from one place to another).

Manage and organize the work of the processor. (Ensuring the

continuous arrival of transmitted data, organizing multi-tasking, multi-
links, and multi-processors).

Monitor storage sources and control files and their locations. (Save the
addresses of the files that are stored).

Control system devices connected to the computer. (Using input and

output device drivers).

Provide a working interface on the device. (written like dos) or (graphic

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like windows).
 Advantages of Operating Systems
• Easy of use “user friendly”.
• The ability to perform more than one process at the same time
“Multitasking”.
• Easy transition from one program to another.
• Easy transferring and exchanging information between different
programs or files.
• The possibility of transferring information and files between
computers.
• More than one person working on the computer at the same time.
• To operate and control more than one processor “Multiprocessing”.
• The high number of programs that can run through the platform.

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 Examples of Operating Systems

Disk Operating System(DOS)

• The first independent operating system for personal computers.
• It has a writing interface.
• Single task.
Windows.
• Interface between the user and the DOS operating system.
• Graphical interface.
• Multi-tasking.through the platform.

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DOS
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Windows 11

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Mac OS

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Unix

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Linux

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Computer Operating Systems

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 Computer Networks

• The following slides objectives:

• Benefits, and division in terms of scope.

• Physical components of computer networks, benefits and features.

• An overview of known computer networks, types and uses.

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 Network Definition

• It is a group of computers and other devices connected with each other

• Where it has the ability to share a large number of users of data, software,
and hardware

• The network is also a means of electronic communication between

individuals

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 Benefits of computer networks
1. Sharing of information between network users: Networks
provide the advantage of faster and easier sharing of information
between network users.
2. Device sharing: Networks allow anyone connected to them to
share multiple devices such as:
3. Storage and retrieval in other networked parties such as
printers and scanners.
4. Participation in programs: By using networks, programs can be
installed and managed centrally in one machine, which is the
server, and access to them is prevented except for beneficiaries
only. By means of the server, passwords for users can be specified
and a specific time for each user.
5. Information Protection: Networks provide complete
confidentiality of information by giving each user a special name
(Username) and a password (Password).
6. E-mail: It is one of the types of communication between people, 55

which is provided by networks such as the World Wide Web

 Types of networks by scope

Network
Type

LAN MAN WAN

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 Types of networks by scope
- Local Area Networks (LAN)
which is a group of computers connected to each other by cables in one area or one building or
student lab as a means of communication between devices, and this type of network is
characterized by simplicity in installation and operation.

- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

a regional network area, in this type of network computers are connected in the vicinity of the
city with optical fibers

- Wide Area Network (WAN)

an expanded network area. In this type of network, computers are linked in large areas, such
as company branches in two cities, using media such as dial-up or satellite.

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 Types of Networks by Components

Network Types

Server Based
Peer to Peer Network
Network

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 Peer to Peer Network
All units within the scope of the network have the same workplace and
there is no server computer dedicated to managing the network and any
device on the network can take advantage of the resources on any other
device whether hardware or software components.

Advantages Disadvantages
Easy to install not able to connect a
large number of users
Low cost There is no central
storage system and no
The number of users is
backup storage
limited
It can be used to create a Protection is weak
home network

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 Server Based Network
In this type of network, the server is responsible for the protection and
administrative tasks of the network, whether by granting physical or
software sharing properties to users.

Advantages Disadvantages
Strong central protection high cost of equipment
used
Central storage high cost of operating
system used
Participation in hardware Need a network observer
and software to work on monitoring
Ease of managing large the network and granting
numbers of users the powers required by its
users

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 Components of computer networks
1. Server: It is the main device for operating the network, it is characterized
by high speed and large storage capacity in order to accommodate data and
software that will be shared with users.
2. Work Stations: personal computers of all kinds (desktops - laptops -
digital assistants - ...) or peripheral units connected to the main device so that
their users can benefit from the data and software stored on the main service
device.
3. Communication Lines: It is the tool by which data will be exchanged
between the main computer and the sub-computers, and it includes cables of
all kinds, as well as wireless lines.
4. Network Interface Card: It is a card that is installed on the computer
to configure it to connect to the network. The card is either internal, installed
on the motherboard inside the computer, or external.
5. Modem: It is an electronic board or chip that is added to the computer
and used to configure the computer to connect to the Internet through a
telephone line.
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 Intranet Network
• It is a local area network based on a secure network protocol that uses
Internet technology in an isolated environment

• It is a private network for the company through which information and

data are exchanged within the company itself and benefit from shared
computing technology and is often used by large organizations.

• The (Intranet) network provides access to the Internet while

preventing the opposite (those who are not registered in the intranet
can not access it via the Internet).

• Thus, the (Intranet) network secures an impenetrable wall called the

Firewall around its contents, while preserving the right of its workers 62
 External Network
• Allows users outside of the scope to access

• The intranet network connect through secure ports

• Also can be called the Extranet

• It’s used mostly for commercial and educational purposes

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 Wi-Fi
• It is a network that uses the property of waves, meaning that
information is transmitted by air using electromagnetic waves, and not
by using cables as in regular networks.

• These networks consist of the same components as regular networks

but using wireless communication components.

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The end

Any Question???

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