Intro to

communication
& Technology
Lecture #1

Prepared by:

Maria Emaan
Computer science dept
Contents

– Intro to computer
– Parts of computers
– Components of computer
– Information process cycle
– Data, information
– Major components (Hardware)
– Types of computers
– Information technology
– Analog, Digital signals
Introduction to computer

Definition 1:
– Computer is an electronic device which takes some input, process it, and produce
output.
Definition 1:
– Electronic machine operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory
➢ Accepts data
➢ Manipulates data
➢ Produces results
➢ Stores results
Parts of computer:

According to above definition we can divide computer functionality in to three

main parts
➢ Input
➢ Output
➢ Process
Continue…

INPUT
Input is any data or instructions entered to the computer. Input can be in the form of audio, video,
graphics and animations and instructions. Instructions can be
➢ Programs
➢ Commands
➢ User response
PROCESS
Computer data processing is any process that uses a computer program to enter data and summarize,
analyze or otherwise convert data into usable information. In computer processing is done by CPU
(Central Processing Unit)
OUTPUT
Output is the data that has been processed in to useful form. The computer takes the input from user
process it and produced output. Output also can be text, Audio, Video, graphics and animations. Output
can be in two forms
➢ Soft Copy
➢ Hard Copy
Components of computer

The main Components of computer are:

– Input devices
– CPU
– Output Devices
– Storage
– Memory
Information process cycle

– Computer process data (input) into information (output).A Computer often

holds data, information, and instruction in storage for future use.
– The series of input, process, output and storage activities as the information
process cycle.

DATA INFORMATION

INPUT CPU OUTPUT

INSTRUCTION
S

STORAGE
MEDIUM
Data

Definition:
“Raw facts, figures, events and transactions are called data”
Example:
– Researchers who conduct market research survey might ask member of the public
to complete questionnaires about a product or a service. These completed
questionnaires are data.
– NADRA prepared CNIC of Pakistanis by collecting data of people who belongs to
Pakistan.
– Some candidates want to take admission in university they will fill admission forms.
information

Defination:
– “Meaning full data is called information”
– “Processed data is called information”
WHY WE NEED INFORMATION?
– Knowledge derived from study, experience (by the senses), or instruction.
– Communication of intelligence.
– "Information is interpreted data"
Major components of computer;
Hardware
Major components of a computer system is following:
– Input device
– Output devices
– CPU
– Memory
– storage
Hardware:
input devices
– These devices allow the user to enter the data into the computer.
– These devices are:
keyboard
mouse
scanner
pointer
Output devices

– Devices that translate information processed by the computer system into

human understandable format
– These devices are
printer
monitor
speaker
I/O devices:

– Some devices are both input as well as output devices.

– Can perform I/O simultaneously.
▪ Touchpad screen
Central processing Unit;CPU

– Brain of computer
– Consist of two parts:
▪ ALU
▪ CU
ALU:
Arithmetic logic unit perform artimatic operations(+, -, %, x, /), logical operation
(ANR, OR, NOT ) and comparison (<, >, =).
CU:
Direct and coordinate flow of data through the CPU and to and from
other devices.
How CPU works?
Operations of CPU

– Four basic operations:

1. Fetch:
obtain a program instruction or data item from memory.
2. Decode:
Translate the instruction into command.
3. Execute:
carry out the command.
4. Store:
write the result into the memory
Memory:
Primary memory

– Two categories of memory

– Volatile memory; RAM
▪ RAM; Random access memory
▪ Loses its contents when the computer’s power is turned off.
▪ Store current data and programs temproraly.
▪ More RAM results in a faster system
Memory:

– Non-Volatile Memory; ROM

▪ ROM; Read only memory
▪ Does not Lose its contents when the computer’s power is turned off.
▪ Permanent storage of programs/instructions.
▪ Holds computer boot directions
Storage devices
secondary memory

– Holds data and programs permannatly

– Different from RAM
Two types of storage deceives:
▪ Magnetic storage:
uses magnet to access data (Floppy and Hard drive, USB drives etc)
▪ Optical storage:
uses a laser to access data (CDs and DVD drives)
Types of computers

1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframes
3. Minicomputers
4. Microcontrollers
1. Super computers

– Most powerful computers

– Physically largest in size
– Hundreds of thousands of processors that can process huge amount of data.
– Perform over 1 quadrillion calculations per second, e.g. IBM ASCI white, Cray
– Ideal for handling large and complex calculations
2. Mainframe computers

– Mainly used by large organization (Banks, Airlines, insurance companies ) for

bulk data processing.
– Measured in millions of integer operations per seconds (MIPS)
– Vary in size from small , to medium, to large depending on their use
– Normally Dumb terminals are connected to these main frames.
– Dumb terminals only have keyboard, monitors.
3. Mini/Micro Computers:

– Class of multi-user computers that lies between mainframe computers (multi

user) and personal computers(single user).
– Mid rang computer, such as the higher-end SPARC,IBM,HP etc.
– Micro computers:
▪ Workstation
▪ Desktop computers
▪ Tablets
▪ Smart phones
4. Microcontrollers

– Embedded computers are small in size, specialized microprocessors.

– Designed for small or dedicated applications.
– Installed in “smart” appliances from automobiles to washing machines.
Information Technology:

– Base of the computer was/is digital signal .

– Base of communication devices was analog signal transferred to digital signal.
– The day communication changed its base from the analog to digital; there was a
natural merger of the two technologies:
Computer and Communication
– The following industries also joind: Mass storage, consumer electronics,
Entertainment, Multimedia.
– The name given to the famly
Information Technology; IT
Digital, Analog signals:

– Digital Signal:
A digital signal is a signal that is being used to represent data as a sequence of discrete
values; at any given time it can only take on one of a finite number of values.
– Analog Signal:
An analog signal is any continuous signal for which the time-varying feature (variable) of the signal is a
representation of some other time varying quantity.
For example, in an analog audio signal, the instantaneous voltage of the signal varies continuously with
the pressure of the sound waves.
THE END