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Lecture 1
Sara Ali
About the course
This course covers the basics of Information and Communications
Technologies. The main topics covered in this course are as follows - Basic
Definitions; Concepts and History of Computers; The Parts of Computer
Hardware: Computer Systems & Components, Storage Devices, Machine
Level Representation of Data, Number Systems, Machine Cycle, and
Microcomputer Processor; Software: Operating Systems, Programming and
Application Software; Introduction to Programming; Introduction to Databases
and Information Systems; Networks; Data Communication; Foundational
Concepts in IT Security and other Related Issues.
About the course
Credit Hours:
2+1
Prerequisites:
None
Text Book:
Introduction to Computers, Peter, N., 6th Edition (2013), McGraw Hill.
Reference Book:
Using Information Technology: A Practical Introduction to Computer &
Communications, Stacey, W.S & Sawyer, C., 10th Edition (2012), McGraw
Hill.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
Describe basic concepts and components of computers.
Explain fundamental concepts related to software, databases and
information systems.
Discuss key concepts of networks and security.
Describe fundamental concepts of variables, conditional and
repetitive structures, functions and user interface design in python.
Apply computer programming concepts to write entry-level program
in python.
Assessment Plan for the Course
Quiz/Assignment Policy
Quizzes can both be announced as well as unannounced.
Late submission of assignments will not be entertained.
Plagiarism Policy
Any assignment copied from the internet will be marked 0
(ZERO).
Email
saraali@comsats.edu.pk
What Is a Computer?
An electronic device used to process data
Collects Produces
data Processing information
(input) (output)
11
What is Processing?
Conversion of Data into Information
Data
The raw facts and figures that are processed into information
Information
When data is processed, interpreted, organized, structured or
presented so as to make it meaningful or useful, it is called
information.
optional
Record Daily Milk Expenses
Sun 20 Rs
Mon 30 Rs
Tues 35 Rs
Wed 23 Rs
Thurs 34 Rs
Fri 50 Rs
Sat 30 Rs
Processing Data
Finding Weekly expenditure on Milk
Finding a Daily Average of milk expenditure
20,30,35,23,
Find Total/Average 222/31.7
34,50,30
Information Processing Cycle
Input
Computer accepts data from some source
Processing
Computer’s processing components perform actions on the data based on
instructions from user or program
Storage (optional)
Permanently store result on some medium
Output
Computer conveys result to user. Text, numbers, graphic, image, video,
sound
How Computers Work?
All computers follow the same four basic operations.
Input
Processing
Storage/Memory
Output
Devices that allow people to put data
into the computer in a form that the
computer can use.
How Computers Work? - Input
Input devices accept data
Keyboard:
An input device that converts letters, numbers, and other
characters into electrical signals readable by the processor
Mouse:
Select options from onscreen menu
How Computers Work? - Input
Other Input devices?
Scanners
Microphone
Webcam
Digital Camera
How Computers Work?
All computers follow the same four basic operations.
Input
Processing
Storage/Memory
Output
How Computers Work?
Processor
Brain of the computer
Carries out instructions from the program
Processing
Storage/Memory
Output
How Computers Work? - Storage
Memory devices
Stores data or programs temporarily or permanently
Volatile
Hard-disk drive
a storage device that stores billions of characters of data on a
non-removable disk platter
Capacity 1GB-1TB (Terabyte) or even more
How Computers Work? - Storage
CD (Compact Disk) drive or DVD (Digital Video Disk)
drive
a storage device that uses laser technology to read data from
optical disks.
700MB for CD
Processing
Storage/Memory
Output
Devices which translate info processed by
the computer into a form that humans can
understand
How Computers Work? - Output
Sound Card
Coverts audio signal from digital to
analog and vice versa
Both Input and Output device
Speakers
the devices that play sounds transmitted
as electrical signals from the sound card.
How Computers Work? - Output
Video card
converts the processor’s output
information into a video signal that can be
sent through a cable to the monitor
Monitor
the display device that takes the electrical
signals from the video card and forms an
image using points of colored light on the
screen
Printer
an output device that produces text and
graphics on paper.
Parts of the Computer System
Computer systems have four parts
Hardware
Software
Data
User
1B-31
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
1B-32
Parts of the Computer System
Data
Pieces of information
Computer organize and present data
Users
People operating the computer
Most important part
1B-33
Computer Hardware parts``
``
Keyboard
Mouse
Motherboard.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Power Supply.
Video Card.
Sound card
Speakers
Hard Drive (HDD)
Optical Drive (e.g. BD/DVD/CD drive)
Put all the hardware together and…
What is Left?
Power
Inside system cabinet
Some types of hardware devices.
Output
Processor
Memory
Input and
output Storage
Input
Software Runs The Machine
Tells the computer what to do
Two types
System software
Program that controls computer’s hardware
Application software
Software that tells the computer how to accomplish specific
tasks.
Software Runs The Machine
System software - Most important software
Operating system
Acts as an interpreter between hardware, application programs and the
user.
Utility
Program intended to analyze, configure, monitor, or help maintain a
computer.
Software Runs The Machine
Application software
Accomplishes a specific task
Install software
Mange files
Maintain the system
“Userless” computers
Run with no user input
Automated systems
Page 7 43 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-3
Computers For Individual Use – PC
Desktop computers
Workstations
Notebook computers
Tablet computers
Handheld computers
Smartphones
Computers For Individual Use
Desktop computers
The most common type of computer
Workstations
Specialized computers
About 8 ½ by 11 inches
Typically as powerful as a desktop
1A-46
Computers For Individual Use
Tablet computers
Newest development in portable
computers
Touchscreen interface
1A-47
Computers For Individual Use
Handheld computers
Very small computers
Smart phones
Touch screen interface
Web surfing, e-mail access
1A-48
Computers For Organizations
Network servers
Centralized computer
1A-49
Computers For Organizations
Mainframes
Used in large organizations where many people frequently
need to use the same data
Handle thousands of users
1A-50
Computers For Organizations
Minicomputers
Called midrange computers
1A-51
Computers For Organizations
Supercomputers
The most powerful computers made
Handle large and complex calculations
1A-52
Computers are everywhere
Not just Desktops, Workstations, Tablet PCs, Handheld PCs
(PDAs), Servers, Mainframe computers, Minicomputers
But also…
Cell phones
Alarm Clocks
Microwave Ovens
Washing Machines
Computers In Society
More impact than any other invention
Changed work and leisure activities
1A-54
Computers In Society
Computers at home
Business
Entertainment
Communication
Education
1A-55
Computers In Society
Computers in education
Computer literacy required at all levels
Computers in industry
Computers are used to design products
Assembly lines are automated
1A-56
Computers In Society
Computers in government
Necessary to track data for population
Police officers
1A-57
Computers In Society
Computers in health care
Revolutionized health care
1A-58
Examples of Computer Usage
Pages 2859
– 31 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-30 – 1-32
Examples of Computer Usage
Pages 3160
– 32 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-33 – 1-34
Computer Applications in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
Pages 3461
- 36 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-36 – 1-39
Computer Applications in Society
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
62
Concept Check
Motherboard
Concept Check
One gigabyte