COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS Instructor: Fatima Naseem Lecture # 01 fatima.naseem@uettaxila.edu.pk http://web.uettaxila.edu.pk/CMS/AUT2010/cpCFb s/index.asp

Course Book “Introduction to Computers” by Peter Norton, 6th Edition

Contact Fatima Naseem Room # 17, CED. fatima@uettaxila.edu.pk Office Hours : Thursday 9.00 AM11.00 AM Monday 9.00 AM11.00 AM

Grading Criteria Quizzes (4-5) 10 Marks Assignments (4-5) 10 Marks Lab Work 20 Marks Mid Semester 20 Marks End Semester 40 Marks

Policies Everything will be announced on OCMS The Lecture will always be on time, otherwise the changed schedule will be announced in advance The quiz will not be delayed, no one should come to request for its delay There will be no makeup quiz Assignments have to be submitted on mentioned time, if submitted after 24 hrs of due time half marks shall be granted, after that zero marks will be given

Introducing Computer Systems Chapter # 01 Introducing Computer Systems

Chapter #1A EXPLORING COMPUTERS AND THEIR USES

Overview Computer Defined Computers for Individual Users Computers for Organizations Computers in Society

The Computer Defined Electronic device Converts data into information Any computer regardless of its type, is controlled by instructions, which tell it what to do. Digital Computers Analogue Computers Can be categorized on different basis

Modern computers are digital They are so called because they work by the numbers Digital systems represent data as one distinct value or the other Break all types of info into tiny units, works on them and again combine them to represent info Work in a strict manner by processing these units individually and in organized way Older computers were analog A range of values made data Somewhat more flexible but not necessarily more precise and reliable

Computers For Individual Use Some computers are meant to be used by one person at a time This category includes: Desktop computers Workstations Notebook computers Tablet computers Handheld computers Smart phones PCs are also called microcomputers for their size Although used by individuals but can be part of networks

Computers For Individual Use Desktop computers The most common type of computer Sits on the desk or floor Performs a variety of tasks Has a system unit Might be horizontal or vertical 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 ½ by 11 inches Typically as powerful as a desktop Can include a docking station

Computers For Individual Use Tablet computers Newest development in portable computers Input is through a 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 Hybrid of cell phone and PDA Web surfing, e-mail access

Computers For Organizations Some computers handle the needs for many people at the same time Such systems normally lie at the heart of organizations network Some are generic and some are special purpose People generally access them through terminals They include: Network Servers Mainframe Computers Minicomputers Supercomputers

Computers For Organizations Network servers Centralized computer All other computers connect Provides access to network resources Multiple servers are called clusters or server farms Often simply a powerful desktop Or might be mounted on in large racks or reduced to small units called Blades Different servers may have different purposes

Computers For Organizations Mainframes Used in large organizations Handle thousands of users Users access through a terminal Two types of terminals Dumb terminal only for input and output data Intelligent terminal performs some processing but usually doesn’t have any storage

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

Computers In Society More impact than any other invention Changed work and leisure activities Used by all demographic groups 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 American 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 Assembly lines are automated

Computers In Society Computers in government Necessary to track data for population Police officers Tax calculation and collection Governments were the first computer users

Computers In Society Computers in health care Revolutionized health care New treatments possible Scheduling of patients has improved Delivery of medicine is safer

Looking Inside the Computer System Chapter 1B Looking Inside the Computer System

Overview Parts of Computer System > Hardware > Software > Data > User Information Processing Cycle Essential Computer Hardware Processing Devices Memory Devices RAM ROM Input and Output Devices Storage Devices Magnetic Storage Optical Storage

Parts of the Computer System Computer systems have four parts Hardware Software Data User Mechanical devices in the computer Anything that can be touched Interconnected electronic devices used to control computer’s operations, input, output Referred to as device

Parts of the Computer System Software Set of instructions which make the computer work Tell the computer what to do Also called a program Thousands of programs exist Some to help computer perform its tasks and manage its resources, others to help users perform their tasks such as creating documents

Parts of the Computer System Data Pieces of information that by themselves do not make much sense Computer processes them in various ways, converting them to useful information Computer organize and present data Users People operating the computer Most important part Tell the computer what to do No system is completely autonomous

Information Processing Cycle Steps followed to process data A computer converts data into information by performing various operations on data according to some instructions from a program, displays results to user and stores them This is called Information Processing Cycle Following are the step, and each involves one or more specific components of computer Input Processing Output Storage optional

Essential Computer Hardware Computers use the same basic hardware Hardware categorized into four types

Essential Computer Hardware Processing devices Brains of the computer Carries out instructions from the program Manipulate the data Most computers have several processors Central Processing Unit (CPU) Secondary processors Processors made of silicon and copper

Essential Computer Hardware Memory devices Stores data or programs Random Access Memory (RAM) Volatile Stores current data and programs More RAM results in a faster system Read Only Memory (ROM) Permanent storage of programs Holds the computer boot directions

Essential Computer Hardware Input and output devices Allows the user to interact Input devices accept data Keyboard, mouse Output devices deliver data Monitor, printer, speaker Some devices are input and output Touch screens

Essential Computer Hardware Storage devices Hold data and programs permanently Different from RAM Magnetic storage Floppy and hard drive Uses a magnet to access data Optical storage CD and DVD drives Uses a laser to access data

Software Runs The Machine Tells the computer what to do Reason people purchase computers Two types System software Application software

Software Runs The Machine System software Most important software Operating system Windows XP Network operating system (OS) Windows Server 2003 Utility Symantec AntiVirus

Software Runs The Machine Application software Accomplishes a specific task Most common type of software MS Word Covers most common uses of computers

Computer data Fact with no meaning on its own Stored using the binary number system Data can be organized into files

Computer users Role depends on ability “Userless” computers Setup the system Install software Mange files Maintain the system “Userless” computers Run with no user input Automated systems

Any Questions ?