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An electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data, and can be programmed with
instructions. A computer is composed of hardware and software, and can exist in a variety of
sizes and configurations.
Conmputer science deals the science that deals with the theory and methods of processing
information in digital computers, the design of computer hardware and software, and the
applications of computers.
History
Today’s electronic computers are recent inventions, stemming from work that began during
many centuries.
First computer
The abacus “the first automatic computer” is the earliest known tool of computing it has been
invented in Babylon, in 2400 BC( Before Christ) •
In 1115 BCE the Chinese invented the South Pointing Chariot, a device which was the first to
use the differential gear,
Analog Computers
They are a form of computer that use electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic means to model the
problem being solved (simulation) .Some historains thinks that they have been first developed
by the Greeks with the Antikythera mechanism, which was used for astronomy.
The Analytical Engine
The analytical engine is described as a mechanical general purpose computer that would run
off a steam engine. • Although it was never built, in logical design it anticipated modern
general purpose computers by about a century.
Computer Science: Beginning
Alan Turing of England is regarded as the “Father of Computer Science”. He invented Turing
Machine which is a basic abstract manipulating device that can be used to simulate the logic
of any computer that could possibly be constructed
Digital computer
The advent of World War Two prompted the transition from analog computers to digital. •
Electronic circuits, relays, capacitors and vacuum tubes replaced mechanical gears and analog
calculations became digital ones. These computers were hand built and relied on vacuum tube
technology.
Nowadays computers
Super computer : they are the most advanced, powerful, and expensive computers
.They have the fastest processing speeds and performing the most complex
calculations.
Ex : Summit d’IBM, Sierra of IBM and Sunway TaihuLight of sunway MPP
Mainframe computer : it is an advanced multiuser machine typically used to manage
the databases, financial transactions, and communications of large organizations such
as banks, hospitals, retail stores, insurance companies, and government offices.
Exemple : IBM System z9
1IBM System z9
personal computer :A personal computer (PC) is a system that uses a microprocessor
to provide computing to a single user. Personal computers have many different names
and configurations including laptop, desktop.
peripheral devices.
INPUT DEVICES , they permit to gives instructions to the computer.
The Mouse : it is used to control the position of cursor on screen
The Keyboard : The keyboard is still the commonest way of entering information into a
computer
tracker Balls : it is an alternative to the traditional mouse and often used by graphic
designers
Scanners :it permits to scan printed material and convert it into a file format that may be used
within the PC
Touch Pads : A device that lays on the desktop and responds to pressure
Microphone : is an input device to input sound that is then stored in digital form.
Projector : it is an output device that projects an image onto a large surface, such as a white
screen
Heat Sinks/Fans: it is a heat exchanger component attached to a device used for passive
cooling
Video (Graphics) Card: it is an expansion card installed inside the system unit to translate
binary data received from the centrale procesing unit into the images you view on the
monitor.
Network Card:
RAM (Random Access Memory) : it is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data,
program and program result. It is read/write memory which stores data until the machine is
working. As soon as the machine is switched off, data is erased
ROM
Read Only Memory (ROM) as the name suggests is a special type of memory chip that holds
software that can be read but not written to.
Software
It is the instructions that makes the computer work. There are many differents types of
software :
Software Component
Operating systems software which is a special type of program that loads automatically
when computer start. It is The link between the hardware and human, it permits to use
computer easily without having to understand bits and bytes.
The BIOS is special software that interfaces the major hardware components of the computer
with the operating system. It is responsible for waking up your computer’s hardware
components, ensures they’re functioning properly, and then runs the bootloader that boots
Windows or whatever other operating system you have installed.
Applications software : An application program is the type of program that you use once the
operating system has been loaded.
Acrobate reader
Disavantages
No intellectuel quotient : A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform
any task so it cannot take any decision on its own
Dependency : It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on
human being .
No Feeling : Computers have no feelings or emotions.so they can be dangerous
because we use them every where but they can be also used against us.
limit learning and create a dependency : like example grammar checkers, GPS,
and calculators are also extremely helpful. However, if you become too reliant on
these tools, you may be helpless when they're not available
Increases waste and impacts the environment : With the speed that computers and
other electronics get replaced, all of the old devices that get thrown away have a
significant impact on the environment.
reduce jobs :As computers become smarter and more capable, they also replace the
need for many jobs. In the future, it is also not inconceivable that computers can carry
out any job.
Potential of loss of privacy : With computers storing so much of your personal
information, there are risk of getting into the hands of others. Once a malicious person
has your personal information, they could access your online accounts or use identity
theft to open other accounts, such as a new credit card under your name.
Uses of computer
Automated Production Systems :Many car factories are almost completely automated and
the cars are assembled by computer-controlled robots.
Design Systems Many products are designed using CAD (Computer Aided Design)
programs to produce exact specifications and detailed drawings on the computer before
producing models of new products.
Business :. They can be employed to store and maintain accounts, personnel records, manage projects,
track inventory, create presentations and reports. They enable communication within and outside the
business, They can be used to promote the business and enable direct interaction with customers.
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Education Computers can be used to supply learners with audio-visual packages, interactive exercises,
and remote learning,. They can be used to access educational information from internet sources, They can
be used to maintain and monitor student performance, including through the use of online examinations,
as well as to create projects and assignments.
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Healthcare Healthcare continues to be revolutionized by computers. As well as digitized medical
information making it easier to store and access patient data, complex information can also be analyzed
by software to search for risks of diseases. Computers control lab equipment, heart rate monitors, and
blood pressure monitors. They enable doctors to have greater access to information on the latest drugs,
as well as the ability to share information on diseases with other medical specialists.
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Retail and Trade Computers can be used to buy and sell products online.
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7 Government Various government departments use computers to improve the quality and efficiency of
their services. Examples include city planning, law enforcement, traffic, and tourism. Computers can be
used to store information, promote services, communicate internally and externally, as well as for routine
administrative purposes.
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8Science Scientists were one of the first groups to adopt computers as a work tool. In science,
computers can be used for research, sharing information with other specialists locally and internationally,
as well as collecting, categorizing, analyzing, and storing data. Computers also play a vital role in
launching, controlling, and maintaining space craft, as well as operating other advanced technology..
Transport vehicles, trains, planes, and boats are increasingly automated with computers being used to
maintain safety and navigation systems, and increasingly to drive, fly, or steer. They can also highlight
problems that require attention, such as low fuel levels, oil changes, or a failing mechanical part.
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Military Computers are used extensively by the military. They are use for training purposes. They are
used to control smart technology, such as guided missiles and drones. They work with other technologies
such as satellites to provide geospatial information and analysis. They aid communications. They help
tanks and planes to target enemy forces.
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Security and Surveillance Computers are increasingly being combined with other technologies to
monitor people and goods. Computers combined with biometric passports make it harder for people to
fraudulently enter a country or gain access to a passenger airplane. Face-recognition technology makes it
easier to identify terrorists or criminals in public places.