1. Computer Concepts and Application
Course Name
Computer Concepts and Application

2. Course Supervisor Kashif Bashir
Website:

3. Course Description
This course provides the students a thorough understanding of computers and their various applications in the industry.
The introductory course begins by defining what a computer is, and giving a brief history of computers.
Networking is discussed, with a basic description of LANs and the internet, how to connect, and how to use the World Wide Web, before outlining various computer applications.
Finally, issues and concerns in internet and E-Commerce are covered.

4. Recommended Books Reference Books Text Book
Introduction To Computers (Peter Norton)
Reference Books
Timothy J. O’Leary Computing Essential McGraw Hill
Using Information Technology (Brain K. Williams)

5. Grading Plan Distribution Marks 1st Mid Term Exam 15
2nd Mid Term Exam 15
Presentation and Report 10
Quizzes 10
Assignment 10
Final Examination 40
Total

6. Introducing Computer Systems
Chapter 1A
Introducing Computer Systems

7. The Computer Defined Electronic device Converts data into information
Modern computers are digital
Two digits combine to make data
Older computers were analog
A range of values made data

8. 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
Insider information
System units are commonly called cases. Many computer enthusiasts customize or ‘mod’ their cases with windows and lights. See for examples of cases and products.
Sun Microsystems makes the most popular workstations on the planet. Sun’s systems are used in diverse applications such as medical imaging and CGI (computer generated image) animation.

9. 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
Discussion point
Have students contrast desktop and notebook computers. Focus on the pros and cons of each type of computer.

10. Computers For Individual Use
Tablet computers
Newest development in portable computers
Input is through a pen-called astylus
Run specialized versions of office products
Teaching tip
The tablet PC was designed to simulate a piece of paper. Users interact with the tablet as if it was an unlimited paper notebook.
For more information
See for an example of the Tablet PC in action.

11. 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, access
Teaching tip
At this point, refer the students to the productivity tip on page 13. This tip helps the student determine what type of PC is best for them.

12. 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

13. Computers For Organizations
Mainframes
Used in large organizations
Handle thousands of users
Users access through a terminal

14. 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

15. Computers For Organizations
Supercomputers
The most powerful computers made
Handle large and complex calculations
Process trillions of operations per second
Found in research organizations
Teaching tip
Students have a hard time understanding trillions of calculations. A simple explanation is to add 1 trillion random numbers together in a second. Contrast the speed of a super computer to the fastest desktop computer advertised during the week of class.

16. 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

17. Computers In Society Computers at home
Many homes have multiple computers
Most American homes have Internet
Computers are used for
Business
Entertainment
Communication
Education
Insider information
The 2000 Census determined that 51% of American households had computers. Over 42% of these households also had Internet access. This can be contrasted to 36% and 18% in See for more information.

18. 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
Insider information
Specialized mountain bikes are designed on Sun workstations.

19. Computers In Society Computers in government
Necessary to track data for population
Police officers
Tax calculation and collection
Governments were the first computer users
Teaching tip
Most state departments of motor vehicles rely on a mainframe computer. Officers access the mainframe from a remote intelligent terminal.

20. Computers In Society Computers in health care
Revolutionized health care
New treatments possible
Scheduling of patients has improved
Delivery of medicine is safer
Discussion point
Page 19 of the text introduces the first Norton Notebook, the Merging of Media and Meaning. The author draws an analogy between electricity and computers in our lives. Discuss with your students how difficult live would be without either of these devices. Remember that computers exist in nearly all of our modern devices, including cars, phones, kitchen appliances and entertainment devices.

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

22. Parts of the Computer System
Computer systems have four parts
Hardware
Software
Data
User

23. Parts of the Computer System
Hardware
Mechanical devices in the computer
Anything that can be touched
Software
Tell the computer what to do
Also called a program
Thousands of programs exist
Teaching tip
Suggest to your students that the majority of people who purchase computers do so because of software. They want to , or type letters. Nearly every reason given to purchase a computer is based on software needs.

24. Parts of the Computer System
Data
Pieces of information
Computer organize and present data
Users
People operating the computer
Most important part
Tell the computer what to do
Teaching tip
A good exercise to relate the importance of making data meaningful is to list some random numbers on the board. Then ask what they mean. Without a title, the numbers have no meaning. Once a title is presented, the numbers make sense.

25. Information Processing Cycle
Steps followed to process data
Input
Processing
Output
Storage
Teaching tip
It is helpful to walk through a simple program to demonstrate the cycle. I often use a simple arithmetic problem to show this cycle.

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

27. 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
Teaching tip
The interaction between a CPU and secondary processors is much like the interaction between a boss and subordinate. The boss tells the subordinate what to do but not necessarily how to accomplish the task. The subordinate only bothers the boss when guidance or more data is needed.

28. 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
Insider information
Intel, the manufacturer of popular CPUs, originally made RAM for mainframe and minicomputers. Today Kingston is a leading RAM manufacturer.
Chapter 5 discusses ROM and the BIOS. Refer your students to this chapter if they desire more information.

29. 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
Teaching tip
It is helpful to have examples of input and output devices in class. Stories of obscure input output devices are typically well received by the students.

30. 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
Insider information
A new CD technology is emerging. A shorter wavelength blue laser beam is being used to burn CD’s. This allows more data to be saved on a disk. The technology is in it’s infancy but should be mature in the near future.
Chapter 11 of the text provides more detail regarding storage devices.
DVD writers are available for purchase. They have not been standardized yet. Several competing formats are vying for acceptance. Of these, the DVD+RW seems to have the strongest support.

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

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

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

34. Computer data Fact with no meaning on its own
Stored using the binary number system
Data can be organized into files
Teaching tip
Chapter 5 in the text explores data processing in greater detail.
Figure 1B.5 shows data in binary format.

35. 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
Teaching tip
Most computer problems are caused by user error. Given this fact, it is fun here to teach the student the acronym PEBKAC the Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair. A little humor can break up the lecture monotony.

36. Chapter 1B
End of Chapter