Sadaf Manzoor
Course Description
This course introduces basic computer concepts in
hardware, software, networking, computer security,
database
To learn techniques to search information found
online
Widely used applications including word processing,
databases, presentation, and web development
software are studied
Miscellaneous
Recommended Books:
1. Introduction to computers, Peter Norton, 7th Edition.
2. Computer Science An Overview, J. Glenn
Brookshear 11th Edition.
Miscellaneous
Grading Policy:
Quizzes + Assignments (8%)
Mid Term (12%)
Practical (20%)
Final Term (20%)
Miscellaneous
Online Course Folder:
www.DrBilal.info/itc/
How to Contact Me:
[email protected] Introducing Computer Systems
Topics to be Covered
What is Computer?
History of Computers
Computers for individual use
Computers for organizations
Computers in society
Capabilities of computers
Limitations of computers
Science and Technology
What is Science?
Science is "knowledge achieve through study or practice"
What is Technology?
Practical application of science is technology.
Data and Information
What is Data?
Data is unorganised facts, numbers, letters and symbols
represented in a formalised manner suitable for
communication, interpretation and processing by
humans or computers.
What is Information?
Information is data which has been assigned a
commonly understood meaning.
Examples
Example of Data:
AB3465222025467234589098345
Example of Information:
Number of products sold in all sales area
Product AB34652
South 22025
North 46723
East 45890
West 98345
IT and Communication
What is IT?
IT(Information Technology)
The practice(action) of creating and/or studying
computer systems and applications.
What is Communication?
Communication is a process of transferring information
from one entity to another.
The Computer Defined
Electronic device
Converts data into information that is useful to people
Modern computers are digital
Two digits combine to make data
Older computers were analog
A range of values made data
Hybrid Computers
Combination of analog and digital computers
History of Computers
Divided into six generations
Dramatic improvements when compared to its
previous generations
Results in technology used for building the computers,
programming languages and computer systems
internal organization
Six Generations
The Mechanical Era
From (1623-1900)
Telescope, Thermometer , etc
First Generation Electronic Computers
From(1937-1953)
Photocopier, Microwave Oven, etc
Six Generations
Second Generation
From(1954-1962)
Audio Cassette, Microchips, etc
Third Generation
From(1963-1972)
Calculator, Computer Mouse, RAM, LCD, ATM, Barcode
Reader, etc
Six Generations
Fourth Generation
From(1972-1984)
Video Games, Printers, Cell Phones, etc
Fifth Generation
From(1984-1990)
CD-ROM, High Definition Television, etc
Six Generations
Sixth Generation
From(1990-Till Date)
World Wide Web, Java, YouTube, etc
Computers For Individual Use
Computers that are meant to be used by only one
person at a time
These systems are called Personal Computers(PC)
Also known as Microcomputers
PCs can be connected together to create networks
Six Primary types of computers
Computers For Individual Use
Desktop Computers
The most common type of computer
Sits on the desk or floor
Performs a variety of tasks
Workstations
Specialized computers
Optimized for science or graphics
More powerful than a desktop
Computers For Individual Use
Notebook Computers
Small portable computers
Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds
About 8.5 by 11 inches
Typically as powerful as a desktop
Can include a docking station
Falls into a category of devices called mobile computers
Computers For Individual Use
Tablet Computers
Newest development
in portable computers
Input is through
a special pen called
stylus or digital pen
Run specialized
versions of office
products
Computers For Individual Use
Handheld Computers
Very small computers
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
Note taking or contact management
Data can synchronize with a desktop
Smart phones
Advanced features of cell phone and PDA
Web surfing, e-mail access
Computers For Organizations
Network Servers
Centralized computer
All other computers connect
Provides access to network resources
Multiple servers are called server farms
Often simply a powerful desktop
Computers For Organizations
Mainframes
Used in large
organizations
Handle thousands
of users
Users access
mainframe resources
through a device called
terminal
Computers For Organizations
Minicomputers
Called midrange computers
Power between mainframe and desktop
Handle hundreds of users
Used in smaller organizations
Users access through a terminal
Computers For Organizations
Supercomputers
The most powerful
computers made
Handle large and
complex calculations
Process trillions of
operations per second
Found in research
organizations like
forecasting weather
Computers In Society
More impact than any other invention
Changed work and leisure activities
Used by all sorts of people
Computers are important because:
Provide information to users
Information is critical to our society
Managing information is difficult
Computers In Society
Computers at home
Many homes have multiple computers
Most homes have Internet
Computers are used for
Business
Entertainment
Communication
Education
Computers In Society
Computers in education
Computer literacy required at all levels
Computers in small business
Makes businesses more profitable
Allows owners to manage
Computers in industry
Computers are used to design products
Computers In Society
Computers in government
Necessary to track data for population
Police officers
Tax calculation and collection
Computers In Society
Computers in health care
New treatments possible
Scheduling of patients has improved
Delivery of medicine is safer
Capabilities of Computers
Capabilities of computers are:
1. Speed
2. Storage Capacity
3. Accuracy
4. Recalling
5. Control Sequence
6. Cost Reduction
7. Versatile
8. Consistency
Capabilities of Computers
Speed
Computers can carry out instructions very quickly. A
small computer can sort a set of hundred names in less
than a second.
Storage Capacity
Computers have the capacity to store large amount of
instructions and data and supply stored information to
us when we ask for it.
Capabilities of Computers
Accuracy
Accuracy means to provide result without any error.
Computer can process large amount of data and with
error free results.
Recalling
A computer can recall the stored data and information
as and when required . It can recall the data within few
seconds .
Capabilities of Computers
Control Sequence
A computer works strictly according to the given
instructions. It follows the same sequence of
instructions that is given to a Program.
Cost Reduction
Computers we can perform a difficult task in less time
and less cost.
Capabilities of Computers
Versatile
A computer can perform different types of
tasks. We can use computers in hospitals , banks
or at home.
Consistency
Computers works in consistent way. It does not lose
concentration due to heavy work. It does not
become tired or bore
Limitations of Computers
Limitations of computers are:
1. Lack of Commonsense
2. Inability to correct
3. Dependence on human instructions
Limitations of Computers
Lack of Commonsense
Yes to some extent computer acts as human being. But
there is big difference between the machine and master.
A computer is only a tool. It cannot think.
Inability to correct
When we instruct the computer we must give the
correct instructions . A computer cannot correct the
wrong instruction itself.
Limitations of Computers
Dependence on human instructions
A computer cannot generate any information on its
own. It can only do what it is told to do.
