Introduction to Computer Science(Comp 201)

Chapter  I
Overview of Compute
Science
Overview of Computer Science

“Necessity is the mother of invention”.

This saying holds true for computers also, because computers were invented
as a result of man’s search for fast and accurate calculating devices.

Content

1. Introduction to Information and Communication Technology

2. Definition of Computer and Computer Science

3. Characteristics of computers

4. Types of computers

5. Applications of computers

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Introduction to Information and Communication Technology
Introduction
Information Technology refers to the collection of tools and technologies that make it
easy for individuals, businesses and other organizations to use, create, manage and
exchange information. We will first discuss some of the basic terms related to
Information and Communication Technology.

Data
 Data can be defined as a factual information (as measurement or statistics) used as
basis for reasoning, discussion or calculation.
or
 Data are streams of raw facts representing events occurring in an organization or in
the physical environment before they have been organized and arranged in to a form
that people understand or use it.

Characteristics of Data
 Is raw, it simply exists and has no significance beyond its existence.
 Can exist in any form (usable or non usable) but it doesn’t convey meaning by
itself.
 Represents a fact or statement of event without giving relation to other things.
 Thus in general data are:
o Stored facts
o Inactive (they exist)
o Can be gathered from various sources

Information
 Is an organized collection of processed data which gives the complete sense.
 Information is a data that have been shaped into a form that is meaningful and
useful to human beings.
 It provides answers to who, what and when questions.
 It is an understanding of data.
 Generally information is:
o Processed facts
o Active (it enables doing)
o Transformed from data

Difference between data and information

 Data is raw whereas information is a processed data.
 Data refers to raw, unevaluated facts, figures symbols, objects, events and so on.
On the other hand information refers to the data that has been processed,
organized, structured and provides meaning to the user.

Knowledge

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 Knowledge is the application of data and information to provide answer to the
‘how’ questions.
 It represents a pattern that helps one to understand how things happen and to
predict what will happen next based on certain gathered data and information.
 Is the basis of what you can, will, would, should, or might do with information?

Intelligence
 Can be considered as the ability to draw inferences from the available knowledge.
 Ability by which we can take knowledge and synthesize new knowledge or
information from the previously held knowledge.

Wisdom
 It is the maturity of mind that directs its intelligence to desirable goals.
 It comes from the ability to synthesize (combine) various streams of knowledge -
that enables us to make informed judgments about various ideas and propositions
that may lie outside of our own direct areas of expertise.
 To make such wise judgment we have to add values, ethics and reasons to
knowledge. Then we arrive at a conclusion that benefits others and ourselves.

What is Information Technology (IT)?

 Information technology is the science of using computers and telecommunication

systems to gather, store, apply and transmit information.
 Also IT is the study, design, development, implementation and support or
management of computer-based information systems.
 IT encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange and use of
information in its various forms.
 Technology, facilitates collection, processing, interpretation and dissemination of
information
 Has the capability to input, process, and store and output data/information.
 Some examples of IT forms include a personal computer (PC), a microprocessor
controlled plant, a robot, and a lift system etc. Personal computer is the most
popular of IT.

What is Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?

 ICT is the use of computers and telecommunication facilities for the purpose of
gathering, storing and distributing information globally.

What is information system?

 A set of interrelated components working together to collect, retrieve, process,

store and disseminate information for the purpose of facilitating planning, control,
coordination, analysis and decision making in businesses & other organization.

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 Any system that provides people with either data or information relating to an
organization operation
 A contemporary term that describes the combination of computer technology
(hardware and software) with telecommunications technology (data, image and
voice networks)
 An arrangement of people, data, processes, communications and IT that interact to
support and improve the day- to-day operations in a business as well as support
the problem solving & decision making needs of management & users.

Three basic activities of an information system

1. Input
a. Raw data collected /captured from internal or external environment (raw
materials, energy, people, money etc.) are introduced into the information
system.
2. Processing
a. It is conversion of raw input into a more meaningful form.
3. Output
a. This is transferring of the processed information to the people or activities
where it will be used (e.g products and services).
And then there’s the feedback process
This is a necessary activity that is used to evaluate and refine the input as
appropriate.

Types of Information Systems

Some of the available information systems are:-

 MIS - Management information system

 TPS – Transaction processing systems
 DSS - Decision support systems
 ES - Expert system
 OAS - Office automation system

What is a Computer?
 Computer is an electromechanical device which operates upon data and
information that are supplied by a user.
 A computer is an electromechanical device that not only does the arithmetic
calculations but also logical manipulations at a high speed.
 A computer is a digital machine that takes data as input, processes them in a
predefined manner and gives the required information in the form of output.

What is a Computer Science?

 Computer science is the study and the theoretical foundations of information &
computation and their implementation & application in computer systems.
 Computer science needs its own special devices (like chemistry has “test tube” )
for its practical aspect. This device is called computer.

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 The word computer is generated from a Latin word “compute” which means “to
calculate” and can be applied to abacus or any adding machine as to the modern
computer.
 It doesn’t mean that computer performs only calculation. However, the term
“Computer” has came to mean a special electronic device having certain definite
characteristics.
 Generally, a computer is an electronic device that takes an input, process it under a
set of instructions called program, produce an output and can store the result for
future use.

From these definitions, what a computer does in general is….

 It takes input in various forms from different input devices;
 Process it according to a given set of instructions called program;
 Produce an output in required form (such as printed on paper or soft copy) and
gives it to the end users;
 Storage / keeps the results for future use and later processing
 Controlling /coordinates all the activities that are carried out inside the computer.

Basic functional units of a computer

Input Processing Output or

(Raw data) (+,*, /, - , processed data
sorting etc) (Information)

Storage

Data:- is a collection of raw facts, unprocessed datum. When symbols (numbers,

pictures, figures etc.) are represented based on a certain rules and standards, it forms data.
Data is an input for all type of an information system.

Information:-is a processed data that has a meaning to its users. It is informative about
something. Information needs cognitive states of its users i.e. demands awareness of data.

The figure below depicts how a data is converted into information

Data Information Information

System

Why We Use Computers?

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Most of us think that it is some kind of a machine that just simply calculates,
make and run programs and that's it. The computer is one of the best inventions that have
ever come up with. From the increasing use of computers in our lives we might expect a
totally computerized future, as these machines can perform tasks, better and faster way,
that a human being cannot do. These tasks are related to different fields, which directly or
indirectly have a great impact on our livings, but without the use of these computers it
would have been extremely difficult or even impossible for us to perform them. The
importance of computers in our life today, is almost an essential key part of the way our
lifestyles have evolved.

The followings are some of the capabilities and potential of computers which are reasons
for using computers:

To store and process large amount of information with high speed and accuracy;
To transmit information across continents via communication channels;
To perform complex mathematical computations and make comparisons;
To perform repetitive process with great ease, speed and reliability;
For research, diagnostic purposes;
For weather forecasts;
And many many more……. 1. Speed
2. Accuracy
3. Diligence
Characteristics of Computers 4. Versatility
5. Automation
The rapid rise in the use of computers has happened because there 6. Power of
are a number of characteristics that they possess which enable remembrance
them to perform some tasks much better than human beings. The
characteristics of a computer show the capability and the potential of the computer for
processing data. This saves time, space, money, labour etc...
Some of the basic characteristics of a computer system are:

1. Speed:-The most important characteristic of a computer is its speed. Its speed is

measured by the amount of time it takes to perform or carry out a basic operation.

While talking about the speed of a computer, we do not talk in terms of seconds or
even milliseconds (10-3). Our units of speed are the microseconds (10-6), the
nanoseconds (10-9), and even the picoseconds (10-12).

A powerful computer is capable of performing about 3 to 4 million simple arithmetic

operations per second.

2. Accuracy:-The accuracy of a computer is consistently high and the degree of

accuracy of a particular computer depends upon its design. The accuracy of the
computer depends on the type of input data and the program it self.

Nowadays, computers are being used for surgical purposes which need almost
hundred percent accuracy. From this we can understand the accuracy and consistency

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of a computer.

Once the program and data are loaded into its memory, compute carries out the
execution with little or no human intervention. Errors can occur in a computer, but
these are mainly due to human rather than technological weaknesses, that is, due to
imprecise thinking by the programmer (a person who writes instructions for a
computer to solve a particular problem) or due to inaccurate data.

3. Diligence: - Unlike human beings, a computer is free from dullness, tiredness, lack of
concentration, etc., and hence can work for hours together without creating any error
and without grumbling.

Man suffers from physical and mental fatigue, lack of concentration and laziness
which do not permit him to carry on his task at the same level of speed and accuracy
through the entire day. The computer , on the other hand is capable of operating at
exactly the same level of speed and accuracy even if it has to carry out the most huge
and complex operations for a long period of time.

4. Versatility:-Computer has the potential to perform or solve varieties of tasks and

problems, as long as the problem or the task can be put in the form of logical steps.
Versatility is one of the most wonderful things about the computer. One moment, it
can prepare the results of particular examination, the next moment it may be busy
with preparing electricity bills and in between, it may be helping an office secretary
to trace an important letter etc…in seconds.

5. Automation: - A computer is much more than an adding machine, which requires

human operators to press the necessary keys for the operations to be performed.
Once, the data gets to the computer, it automatically carries all the necessary actions.

6. Power of Remembrance:-A computer can store and recall any amount of

information at any time because of its storage capability. Every piece of information
can be stored as long as desired by the user and can be recalled as and when required.
Even after several years, the information recalled will be as accurate as on the day
when it was fed to the computer.

In general, a computer has a capacity to store large amount of information in an

organized manner so that accessing information is very fast.

Classification of Computers

It is often useful to divide different types of computers into different categories. Here we
classify the computer based on their processing, based on their application and based on
their size, capacity etc..

I. Classification Based On - The Method of Operation (Processing)

Computers are classified by the type of data they are designed to process. Based

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on this, they are classified into three:
1. Analog Computers.
2. Digital Computers.
3. Hybrid Computers.

Analog Computers
 Analog computers operate by measuring.
 Refers to circuits or numerical values that have a continuous range. That is they deal
with continuous variables.
 They don’t compute directly with numbers, rather, by measures physical magnitude
such as pressure, temperature, voltage, current etc. (Examples: like Thermometer,
Voltmeter etc……)
 Gasoline pump – Contains an analog Computer that converts the flow of pumped fuel
into two measurements the price of the delivered gas and the quantity of pumped fuel.
 Analog computers are special purpose computers. However, they have limited
accuracy.

Digital Computers
 A digital computer is one that operates on discrete (separate) data.
 Digital refers to the process in computers that manipulates binary numbers (0s or 1s)
Which represent switches that are turned on or off by electrical current. A bit can have
the value 0 or the value 1, but nothing in between 0 and 1.
 Digital computers deal with discrete variables.
 They operate by counting rather than measuring.
 They operate directly up on numbers (or digits) that represent numbers, letters, or
other special symbols.
 Digital computers have very high accuracy and speed than the analog computers
 Examples:
Abacus
Desktop Computers
The General Purpose Computers

Hybrid Computers
 The best features of analog and digital computers can be combined into a single device
to form a hybrid computer.
 Hybrid computers processes the information by collecting input data with analog
method, convert it into digital quantities, processes the digital values and convert the
output from digital to analog form.
 That is it measures the continuous flow of data (act as analog) and manipulate discrete
values (0s and 1s).
 Example:
In intensive-care units of hospitals, analog devices may measure a patient’s
heart function, temperature and other vital signs. These measurements may then be
converted into numbers and supplied to a digital component in the system. This
component is used to monitor the patient’s vital signs and to send an immediate signal

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to the nurse’s station if any abnormal readings are detected.

II. Classification Based On -The Purpose Of Computers

The other important distinction is the task or purpose computers of the computer (i.e.
what it is used for). In this regard, computers can be categorized
1. Special Purpose Computers.
2. General Purpose Computers.

Special Purpose Computers

 They are designed to solve a single type of problem, that is their components and
functions are uniquely adapted to a specific situation involving specific application.
 Special purpose computers are designed with a specific task in mind, and are not used
for any other purpose. They are pre-programmed with instructions to perform a
specific role.
 Most analog computers are special purpose computers.
 Special purpose computers are often used as a training simulator. A simulator is a
computer-controlled device for training people under simulated or artificially created
conditions. The computer creates test conditions, the trainee must respond to, records
and evaluates the responses, and provides results to both trainee and supervisor. For
example, the air traffic industry uses simulators to train pilots and flight crews in
completely equipped, computer-controlled cockpits.
 Example: Traffic control system, weather forecasting system etc….

General Purpose Computers

 General-purpose computers can be used to meet the needs of many different
applications.
 They are designed to solve variety of problems through the use of “stored program
concept”. A program or set of instructions designed to solve a problem is ready and
stored into the memory and then executed by the computer. The same computer can be
applied to solve another set of problem using different program.
 General computers are more flexible, versatile and store large amounts of data.
 Most businesses today use General-purpose computers.
 Examples: Super computers, Main frame computers, Mini computers, Micro
computer.

III.Classification based on - Physical Size, Price, Capacity And Performance

At this stage, by a computer we mean that a general-purpose digital computer. Computers

come in variety of sizes, shapes and with variety of processing capabilities. The earliest
computers were quite large because of the technology used. As technological
improvements were made in computer components, the overall size of the computers
began to shrink.

Based on their size, speed, storage capacity and price computers can be categorized into

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four major groups
1. Microcomputers – least powerful and more familiar compared
to others and are mostly used for all purposes.
2. Minicomputers – are the next more powerful
3. Mainframe computers – large, extremely powerful computers
used by many large companies.
4. Supercomputers – powerful giants of the computer world
Micro Computer:
 Is the type of the computer that we use for our daily purposes, commonly called as
Personal Computer (PC).
 They vary in size from small portables, such as laptops that can be carried around like
a briefcase to the desktop workstations such as those used by engineers and scientists.
 Usually, they have a video display unit (VDU) for output purposes. Data is entered
through the keyboard or mouse.
 The Microcomputer uses a Microprocessor chip as its CPU (small as quarter of an
inch square), made of silicon.
 Basically microcomputers are grouped into three: Laptop, Palmtop and Desktop
computers.
 Laptop computer are smaller versions of microcomputers about the
size of a briefcase designed for portability. People can easily carry
these personal computers with them in their car, on airplane, or when
walking from one location to another.
 Palmtop Computer is the smallest microcomputer that is about the
same size as a pocket calculator. It is the most portable computer and is
growing in popularity among the latest entries in the microcomputer
market.
 Desktop computer is the most widely used type of personal computer
(microcomputer). It is the most widely spread type of computer in our
country.

Mini Computer:
 Have relatively lower speed, smaller in size than the mainframe computers. They use
terminals for inputs and output.
 Known as midsized or low-end mainframe computer, is similar to but less powerful
than a mainframe computer. It can support 2 to about 50 users.
 Micro computers work well in what are known as Distributed Data Processing. That
is, a company’s processing power is decentralized, or distributed across different
computers.
 These can work much faster than the Microcomputers and have many more storage
locations in main memory. Many medium-sized companies in the business world
today use minicomputers.

Mainframe Computer:
 Smaller in size and capacity lower in speed & memory capacity than the super
computers.

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 They are multi-user systems and handle hundreds of users, usually used in large
organizations.
 The older ones used punched card for data input.
 These computers can process several million program instructions per second. These
are housed in a controlled environment, which can support the processing
requirements of hundreds to thousand users.
 These are mainly used in airlines, Banks, Insurance companies, Accounting
companies, Universities etc.

Super Computer:
 Are the fastest, largest and most powerful computers. They have speed of hundreds of
millions of operation per second, a primary memory capacity of about 80 million
characters and a secondary memory of capacity of about 20 times its primary memory.
 They are multi-user systems in intercontinental range.
 They can carry out enormously complex scientific calculations. They are used to
process huge amount of data and are commonly used in space technology centers,
meteorology stations, astronomical observatories, inter-continental communications,
airline organizations etc…
 These machines can handle huge amount of scientific computations and 50,000 times
faster than the Microcomputer.
 These machines are mostly used in defense and weaponry, weather forecasting,
scientific research, large Universities or for the national Aeronautics and space
administration.
 A new type of supercomputer, called Massively Parallel Computer, has recently been
introduced, which has hundreds to thousands of processors housed in it.
o Indian Research organization developed a Super Computer Known as
PARAM. This has been used in various defense applications.

Application of Computers
Applications of computers differ from organization to organization or from individual to
individual based on the specific needs of organizations and individuals. Sometimes
applications may be associated with the size of the computer. For example, a
supercomputer is not generally used for word processing activity. Supercomputers are
used in scientific applications such as aerodynamics design, processing of geological
data, and collecting and processing weather data, etc.
Mainframe computers are used by large organizations to coordinate and manage
vast amounts of data. They can be used by many businesses to update inventory, schedule
production, keep employee records, generate sales and management reports, etc.
Minicomputers are well adapted for functions such as accounting, word processing,
database management, etc.
Microcomputers are used in a variety of application. They are the most widely
used computer types for business and personal purpose. In general microcomputers are
used for:
 Word Processing,

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 Computerized Worksheet Analysis And Modeling,
 Record Keeping,
 Education,
 Entertainment,
 Graphics,
 Engineering Activities
 Small Commercial And Business Applications And
 Personal And Home Use

The Main Areas Of Computer Applications Are Categorized In To:

1. Commercial Or Business Applications
2. Scientific, Engineering And Research Applications

Commercial or business applications

Emphasis on data processing- It involves the use of computers for clerical,
administrative, production and business use.
Example: Text processing, accounting and finance management, inventory control,
database management, statistical analysis etc.

Scientific, Engineering and Research applications

Emphasis on scientific processing- Using computers for scientific research,
complex mathematical calculations, design and analysis of experimental data/results and
control of physical systems.
Examples: space technology, meteorological observatory system, nuclear control system,
astronomical investigations system etc.

Some Particular Application Areas of Computers.

Computers in Education

Computers can guide a student/teacher through a course of instruction. Also can guide
/provide instructions and solve the queries of the user. CAE (Computer Assisted
Education), online teaching, training, conferencing, and distance learning are good
examples of computer applications in the fields of education.

Computers in Medical Field

Used as an aid to medical research by analyzing data produced from the trial of drugs.
Used as an aid for diagnosis. Used to hold details of patients etc. Nowadays used widely
in complex surgical issues like heart/liver transplantation, plastic surgery etc…

Computers in Manufacturing

Stock and production control, Engineering design, Design, manufacturing and testing
processes are all in computerized format.

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Limitations of computers

Although computers can be applied in different areas, there are situations where
computers can perform nothing. Computers can’t decide how to be programmed. It is
always humans that are responsible for programming the computers. Computers do not
provide their own inputs unless people provide it. Interpretation of data and
implementation of decisions is always left for humans. That is, a computer doesn’t
interpret the information it produces and it doesn’t implement decisions based on the
information obtained. It is completely electrically dependent.

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