INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Computer…Computer what is it?

 Electric electronic device used for
data processing.
 Data processing is the conversion of
data to information.
 A computer is a physical device that
takes data as input, transforms this
data according to stored instructions
and outputs the processed
information.
 Evolution of Computers
 The main push behind invention of
computers was the need for fast and
accurate computation.
 Among the first computers to be
invented were:
 Adding machine invented by Blaisse Pascal in 1642.
 Calculator for multiplication invented by Baron 1671.
 Keyboard and punched card machines 1880.
 Business machines and calculators 1970.
 Digital computers
 Digital Computers
Introduced first in early 19th century by
Charles Babbage.
(1937 – 44) Mark – I computer or Automatic
Sequence Controller and Calculator.
(1939 – 42) Atanasoff – Berry Computer
ABC.
(1943 - 46) ENIAC – Electronic Numerical
Integrator And Calculator.
(1946 – 52) EDVAC – Electronic Discrete
Variable Automatic Computer.
(1947 - 49) EDSAC – Electronic Delay
Storage Automatic Calculator.
(1951 - 54) UNIVAC – Universal Automatic
Computer.
 Generations of Computer
 It is a framework for the growth of computer
industry.

 The term is used to distinguish between

varying hardware, software technologies and
characteristics.

 There are five generations of computers.

 First Generation.
 Second Generation.
 Third Generation.
 Fourth Generation.
 Fifth Generation.
 First Generations of Computer
 1942 - 1955.
 Key hardware technologies include:
 Vacuum tubes or thermionic valves.
 Electro magnetic relay memory.
 Punched cards.
 Key software technologies include:
 Machine and assembly languages.
 Stored program concept.
 Mostly scientific applications.
 Key characteristics include:
Bulky.
 Unreliable.
 Limited commercial use.
 Example include:
ENIAC EDVAC EDSAC
IBM 701 UNIVAC I
Second Generations of Computer
 1955 - 1964.
 Key hardware technologies include:
 Transistors.
 Magnetic core memory.
 Magnetic tapes and magnetic disks.
 Key software technologies include:
 Batch operating system.
 High – level programming languages.
 Scientific and commercial applications.
 Key characteristics include:
 Much smaller but not commercially available.
 More reliable but costly.
 Much easier to program.
 Example include:
Honeywell 400 IBM 7030
CDC 1604 UNIVACLARC
 Third Generations of Computer
 1964 - 1975.
 Key hardware technologies include:
 ICs with SSI and MSI technologies.
 Larger magnetic core memory.
 Larger capacity magnetic tapes and magnetic disks.
 Minicomputers.
 Key software technologies include:
 Time sharing operating system.
 Standardization of High – level programming languages.
 Unbundling of software from hardware.
 Key characteristics include:
 Faster and smaller.
 More reliable and cheaper to produce commercially.
 Highly interactive (used on - line).
 Example include:
IBM 360/370 PDP 8/11 CDC 6600
Fourth Generations of Computer
 1975 - 1989.
 Key hardware technologies include:
 ICs with LSI and VLSI technologies.
 Microprocessor and semiconductor memory.
 Larger capacity built in hard disks.
 PCs and high – speed computer networks .
 Key software technologies include:
 PC operating system and GUI.
 UNIX o/s and C programming.
 PC and network based applications.
 Key characteristics include:
 Small, affordable, reliable and easy to use.
 Powerful and reliable mainframe computer systems.
 General purpose machine and easy to produce.
 Example include:
IBM PC Apple - II CRAY series
 Fifth Generations of Computer
 1989 - Present.
 Key hardware technologies include:
 ICs with ULSI technology.
 Larger capacity main memory and hard disk.
 Optical disks and memory devices.
 Powerful PCs, mainframe, workstations and the internet .
 Key software technologies include:
 World Wide Web (3w).
 Multimedia applications.
 Internet based applications.
 Key characteristics include:
 Portable computers.
 More powerful, easy to use and reliable desktop.
 General purpose machine and easy to produce.
 Example include:
IBM note book Pentium Sun workstation
 Characteristics of Computer
 Automatic : schedules operation alone.
 Faster, processes in:
 Microseconds (10-6).
 Nanoseconds (10-9).
 Picoseconds (10-12).
 Accuracy :
 It is consistent in operation.
 Based on GIGO in case of user errors.
 Diligence :
 Not monotonous, doesn’t get tired.
 Versatility:
 Services various type of application/tasks.
 Memory capability (Secondary storage).
 No IQ
 No Feelings
 Functions/Uses of Computer
 Maintain business operations for, example :
 Preparation of payroll.
Calculates gross pay, deductions and net pay.
 Stock control.
Records purchased/sold good.
Determines re – order levels.
Prints reports regarding stocks.
 Record transactions.
Maintain record of debtor, creditor and sales.
 Budgetary control.
Preparation of budgets.
Proper implementation of budgets.
Reports on exception between budgets and actual.
 Production control.
Control production levels.
Management and correct decision
 Enhances Communication
Provide information more accurately.
Networks various departments in organization.
 Advantages of Computer
 High speed of operation.
 Reduces cost of operations.
 Accuracy in operations.
 Continuous working.
 Processes large volumes of data.
 Solve any kind of problem.
 Operates in risky environments.
 Flexibility.
 Reliability.
 Storage of large volumes of data.
 Aids in the decision making process.
 Reduce paper work, Saving environment.
 Reduce the need for large office space.
 Reduce the number of personnel.
 Disadvantages of Computer
 Costly.
 Health Problems.
 Capital loss due to obsoleteness.
 Interruption of normal working condition.
 Difficulty in integration.
 Security of data is not fully achieved.
 Resistance from employees due to :
 Fear of change.
 Fear of losing jobs.
 Fear of failure.
To adapt it.
Capital expenditure held.
 Loss of control.
Organization control and supervision.
Lack of understanding.
 Acquisition of Computer
 Introduction of computers in organizations:
 Involves capital expenditure.
 Should be done in cost effective manner.
 Effects should be evaluated in great depth.
 Cost of introduction depend on:
 Size, Nature and Application requirements.
 Big and complex organizations require complex tools.
 Small and simple organizations require simple tools.
 Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):
 TCO = Initial Cost (IC) + Recurrent cost (RC).
 Initial Cost: Initial capital expenditure.
 Depend on the Type, Nature and Model.
 Influenced by method of acquisition and related facilities.
 Examples: hardware, software, media, training and others.
 Recurrent Cost: Operational costs.
 Influenced by method of acquisition adopted.
 Examples: Depreciation, Wages, Administration, Others.
Procedure of Computer Acquisition
 Formation of steering committee:
 Supervise feasibility study.
 Subsequently monitor operation of EDP.
 Preliminary Survey:
 Judge expected costs, benefits and workload.
 Determines necessity and objectives of feasibility study.
 Feasibility study:
 Establish; Need, Finance, Implementation and Reaction.
 Not project feasibility.
 Detailed Investigation:
 Based on objective of preliminary survey.
 Drawing of schedule for EDP application requirements.
 Tender/Quotation:
 Facilities requirement, Cost estimates, Delivery dates.
 Evaluation and Reporting:
 Replies evaluated and decisions taken.
 Feasibility Study report formulated.
 Methods of Computer Acquisition
 There are Four methods of Acquisition:
Rental Purchase Lease Computer Bureau
 Rental:
 Installation at fixed periodic charges.
 Minimum rental period.
 Flexible, Tax allowance, No large initial capital, Obsolete.
 Expensive, Security, Constant charges, Extra charge.
 Advantage: Tax allowance, Low initial capital, Flexibility.
 Disadvantage: Expensive in long run, Security,
Extra service charge, Quality vs. Charge
 Purchase:
 Payment of equivalent to the facility.
 Cash, Loan, Hire purchase.
 Buyer is the owner but can be limited.
 Advantage: Cheaper in long term, No extra charge,
Security, Increase in asset, Reduced expense.
 Disadvantage: Obsoleteness, Less flexible,
Large Capital, Slow Returns,
 Methods Cont
 Lease:
 Leasing charge is paid and installation are made.
 Leasing contract longer and lower than rental contract .
 Advantage: Lower agreement charges, Low capital,
No charge for extra work, Charge Decline
Maintenance Charges inclusive,
 Disadvantage: Fixed charge met, Security, Flexibility
Extra service charge, Quality vs. Charge
Longer periods.
 Bureau:
 Oriented towards Computer service delivery.
 Can be a company, manufacturing or user with extra time
to hire out (render computer services to others).
 Services offered range from Programming, Consultancy
SAD, Hiring of computer time, Do it yourself.
 Advantage: Variety, Cheaper, Peak loads/time, Updates.
 Disadvantage: Loss of control, Periodic audit required,
Confidentiality at risk.
 Factor to consider
 Factors guiding selection of a method:
 Economic Factors:
Cost comparisons Acquisition method
ROI
 Hardware Factors:
Performance Reliability
Quality Cost
Backup facilities Compatibility
Life span
 Software Factors:
Performance Compatibility
Reliability Cost Availability
Documentation Ease of Modification
 Service Factors:
Terms of Maintenance Quality of Service
Training Update
 Reputation of Manufacturer/Vendor:
Financial Stability Keeping promise
 Types/Classification of Computer
 There are a variety of computer with a
variety of operational characteristics.
 Computers can be classified according to:
 Purpose.
 Data manipulation.
 Mixture of data handling.
 Application.
 Physical Size.
 Price/Cost.
 Capability.
 Examples include:
 Analog: Computes by comparing changes in magnitudes
 Digital: Computes by use of Digits (Binary Digits).
 Special purpose: Carry out special tasks.
 General purpose: Variety of applications.
 Dedicated.
 Hybrid.
 Business.
 Types/Classification of Computer
 Examples
 Mainframe computers.
 Mini computer.
 Micro.
 Mid range.
 PC.
 Laptop
 Hand held (PDA).
 Workstation.
 Super.
 Server.
 Mail/e-mail server
File server
Communication server
Database server
Print server
+Fax server