Chapter 1

Introduction to Computing

Computer
 It is an electronic device capable of performing its prescribed operations.
 A computer is a device that can be instructed to carry out sequences of
arithmetic or logical operations automatically via computer programming. Modern
computers have the ability to follow generalized sets of operations, called
programs.
 A computer program is a collection of instructions that performs a specific task
when executed by a computer. A computer requires programs to function, and
typically executes the program's instructions in a central processing unit.

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 Data - Is defined as any collection of facts.
Forms of Data Handled by the Computer
 Numeric Data - consists of numbers
 Text Data or Alphanumeric Data – any combination of letters, numbers,
punctuation marks, and special characters.
 Graphics Elements – data represented and manipulated as pixels or as pattern
dots.
 Physical Data – captured from the environment, examples are the light, sound,
voice, temperature, and pressure.
Data Processing
 Is the manipulation of data into a more and useful form.
 It is the modern name of paperwork and involves the collecting, processing, and
distribution of facts and figure to achieve a result.
Information
 The outcome of the process, also known as the processed data.
Categories of Data Processing
1. Mechanical Data Processing – all work done using the manual procedures.
- This system uses various of devices such as the typewriters sorters,
calculators, collators, tabulators, duplicators, and verifiers.
2. Electronic Data Processing – different types of input, output, and storage
devices may be interconnected to an electronic computer to process data.
- different operations are performed automatically with a minimum of manual
intervention.
Generations of Computers
According to: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/generations-of-computer/
There are five generations of computers.
1. First Generation
2. Second Generation
3. Third Generation
4. Fourth Generation
5. Fifth Generation
First Generation
 Introduction:
 1946-1959 is the period of first generation computer.
 J.P.Eckert and J.W.Mauchy invented the first successful electronic
computer called ENIAC, ENIAC stands for “Electronic Numeric Integrated
And Calculator”.
 Few Examples are:
 ENIAC - (Electronic Numerical Integrator and calculator)
 EDVAC - Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)
 UNIVAC - Universal Automatic Computers
 IBM-701 - International Business Machines
 IBM-650

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 Second Generation
 Introduction:
 1959-1964 is the period of second-generation computer.
 3.Second generation computers were based on Transistor instead of
vacuum tubes.
 Few Examples are:
 Honeywell 400
 IBM 7094
 CDC 1604 – Control Data Corporation
 CDC 3600
 UNIVAC 1108

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 Third Generation
 Introduction:
 1964-1971 is the period of third generation computer.
 These computers were based on Integrated circuits.
 IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby In 1958-1959.
 IC was a single component containing number of transistors.
 Few Examples are:
 PDP-8
 PDP-11
 ICL 2900
 IBM 360
 IBM 37

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 Fourth Generation
 Introduction:
 1976-1999 is the period of fourth generation computer.
 This technology is based on Microprocessor.
 A microprocessor is used in a computer for any logical and arithmetic
function to be performed in any program.
 Graphics User Interface (GUI) technology was exploited to offer more
comfort to users.
 Few Examples are:
 IBM 4341
 DEC 10
 STAR 1000
 PUP 110

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 Fifth Generation
 Introduction:
 The period of the fifth generation in 1980-onwards.
 This generation is based on artificial intelligence.
 The aim of the fifth generation is to make a device which could respond to
natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.
 This generation is based on ULSI(Ultra Large Scale Integration)
technology resulting in the production of microprocessor chips having ten
million electronic component.
 Few Examples are:Desktop
 Laptop
 NoteBook
 UltraBook
 Chromebook

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 Computer Application in the Society
 The computer has changed society today as much as the industrial revolution
changed society in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. People interact
directly with computers in fields such as:
 Education
 Finance
 Government
 health care
 Science
 Publishing
 Travel
 Manufacturing
 In addition, they can reap the benefits from breakthroughs and advances in these
fields. The following pages describe how computers have made a difference in
people’s interactions with these disciplines. Read Looking Ahead 1-2 for a look at
the next generation of computer applications in society.

Components of Computer System

 Hardware - These are computer system components that can be touched by the
human hand.
 These parts are housed within the laptop or the desktop system-unit. For
the desktop, however, the keyboard and mouse are attached and used
externally.
 Software - The software component refers to the instructions, programs, data,
and protocols which run on top of hardware.
 It is also retained temporarily and persistently in primary and secondary
hardware media. The random access memory chip is an example of
primary hardware while the hard disk drive is an example of secondary
hardware.
 Humanware - The humanware component refers to the person that uses the
computer. More specifically, it is about the individual that makes hardware and
software components productive.

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 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
 CPU acts like the “brain” of a computer system. It contains the circuitry to
interpret and execute program instructions.
 also called a central processor or main processor, is the electronic circuitry within
a computer that executes instructions that make up a computer program.
 Intel Celeron
 Intel Pentium
 Intel Atom
 Advanced Micro Devices(AMD)
 Ryzen

CU (Control Unit)
 CU acts like a manager in a computer. CU receives orders from RAM in the form
of instruction and decode (break) that instruction down into specific commands for
other components inside computer system. It directs the data flow and the
operation of the ALU. (Dale & John)
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 ALU does all mathematical operations (arithmetic) (+/-/compare) and logical
(AND/OR) calculations. Some computers have two ALUs to process two
calculations simultaneously. That is called dual core technology. ALUs contain
several special storage units called registers. (Dale & John)
Main Memory

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  The main memory in a computer is called Random Access Memory. It is also
known as RAM. This is the part of the computer that stores operating system
software, software applications and other information for the central processing
unit (CPU) to have fast and direct access when needed to perform tasks. It is called
"random access" because the CPU can go directly to any section of main memory,
and does not have go about the process in a sequential order.
 RAM is one of the faster types of memory, and has the capacity to allow data to
be read and written. When the computer is shut down, all of the content held in
RAM is purged. Main memory is available in two types: Dynamic Random Access
Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM).
 Memory Management Unit (MMU)-most high-end microprocessors (in desktop,
laptop, server computers) have a memory management unit, translating logical
addresses into physical RAM addresses, providing memory
protection and paging abilities, useful for virtual memory. Simpler processors,
especially microcontrollers, usually don't include an MMU.

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 Input Devices
 Input devices allow the user to input data and instructions to the computer. There
are a variety of input devices. Direct entry of data generally requires a keyboard.
It may also use other devices for direct data entry like a touch sensitive screen,
voice recognition system and scanners.

Output Devices
 Output is data that has been processed into a useful form. That is, computers
process data (input) into information (output). Users view or watch output on a
screen, print it, or hear it through speakers, headphones, or earphones. While
working with a computer, a user encounters four basic categories of output: text,
graphics, audio, and video. Very often, a single form of output, such as a Web
page, includes more than one of these categories.
 An output device is any hardware component that conveys information to one or
more people. Commonly used output devices include display devices; printers;
speakers, headphones, and earphones; fax machines and fax modems;
multifunction peripherals; and data projectors.

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 System Unit
 The system unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer
that are used to process data. The circuitry of the system unit usually is part of or
is connected to a circuit board called the motherboard. Two main components on
the motherboard are the processor and memory. The processor, also called the
central processing unit (CPU), is the electronic component that interprets and
carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. Memory consists of
electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data
needed by those instructions. Most memory keeps data and instructions
temporarily, which means its contents are erased when the computer is shut off.

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 Storage Devices
 Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use. For example,
computers can store hundreds or millions of customer names and addresses.
Storage holds these items permanently.
 A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on storage media.
Examples of storage media are USB flash drives, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and
memory cards.
 A storage device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from
storage media. Storage devices often function as a source of input because they
transfer items from storage to memory.
 A USB flash drive is a portable storage device that is small and lightweight
enough to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket.
 A hard disk provides much greater storage capacity than a USB flash drive.
 A compact disc is a flat, round, portable metal disc with plastic coating. One type
of compact disc is a CD-ROM, etc.
 Memory card memory cartridge is an electronic data storage device used for
storing digital information, typically using flash memory.

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 Communications Devices
 A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer to
send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or
more computers. A widely used communications device is a modem.
 Communications occur over cables, telephone lines, cellular radio networks,
satellites, and other transmission media. Some transmission media, such as
satellites and cellular radio networks, are wireless, which means they have no
physical lines or wires.

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 System Software
 The system manages other software and devices inside the computer. The
foremost example of system software is the operating system (OS).
 In a typical setup, the operating system is like the motherboard for software. It is
the first thing that is installed, followed by applications and other software. Three
popular operating systems for traditional computers include Windows, Mac OS X,
and Linux.
 Popular mobile operating systems include Android OS, iPhone OS, Windows
Phone OS, and Firefox OS.

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 Application Software
 This is designed for end users to perform a specialized assignment in order to
output useful information.
 An example would be a word processing application used to compose letters or
brochures, such as Microsoft Word.
 Other popular examples include Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, and AutoCAD.
 A collection of application software is bundled in a package that is commonly
known as a software suite. A typical suite includes software for word processing,
presentation, graphic design, and spreadsheet.
 Examples include Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, and iWork.
 Software is written in computer languages such as Visual Basic, C, and Java.

Malicious Software
 Malware, is short for malicious software, which is a generic term that refers to
exploitative code designed by criminals and black hat hackers to maim normal
operations of a computer. Malware attack will result in data loss and hacker
access to private information.
 Affected computers can also be converted into zombies and used in a bigger
mission of criminal activities like launching denial of service attack and spreading
spam.
 Malware scripts are delivered to the computer as viruses, trojans, rootkits,
keyloggers, worms, or through email and websites as adware, spyware,
ransomware and scareware.

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 Programming Software
 These are tools used by developers to create all kinds of software like Windows
OS and Word processing. Also called languages, they are used to write source
codes, debug errors, maintain and create new software for computers and write
malicious scripts like viruses and trojans.
 Popular examples of high-level languages are Java, Javascript, BASIC, PHP,
Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual Basic, Python, Ruby, Perl, Java.

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This module is a property of Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT). The term module refers to an instructional material that focuses on a specific course. Details and
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