Introduction to Computer Science
Lecture 0: Introduction
Ms Samb
ML engineer
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Introduction
I. Introduction
II. What is a Computer?
III. Hardware Components of a Computer
IV. Operating Systems and User Interfaces
V. Microsoft Office Essentials
VI. Practical Hardware Considerations
VII. Emerging Trends in Computer Hardware
VIII. Command Line Basics
IX. Module 3: Introduction to Algorithms
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Introduction
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of computer science, covering fundamental
concepts, programming skills, and problem-solving techniques. Students will learn the basics of
programming, data structures, algorithms, and computer hardware and software.
Prerequisites:
● No prerequisites just have a laptop
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Introduction
Assessment:
● Quizzes
● Weekly assignments and coding exercises
● Midterm examination
● Final examination(Project)
Textbooks and Resources:
Grading:
● attendance: 10%
● Quizzes 15
● Assignments: 15%
● Midterm Examination: 20% 4
● Final Examination: 40%
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device responsible accepting data, processing it, output and store it.
A computer ACCEPTS, then PROCESS, then OUTPUT and lastly STORES the accepted data
when necessary.
Examples of computers are: laptops, desktops, cellphones, calculators etc.
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History of computer
There are five generations of computers for a period from 1946 to date.
First generation computers (1946 - 1959)
Examples are ENIAC, EDVAC and UNIVAC.
Used vacuum tubes for processing, weighed 27 tons, stood 10ft tall, and took up 1800 square feet
of space.,
Used punched cards for storage
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History of computer
◼ First generation computers (1946 - 1959)
◼ They were large.
◼ They were very expensive.
◼ They were very slow.
◼ They generated a lot of heat.
◼ They used a lot of electricity.
◼ They had no operating system.
◼ Used Low level language fo input.
◼ Not Portable and reliable.
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History of computer
Second generation computers (1959 - 1964)
◼ Examples are IBM1401 and UNIVAC3.
◼ Used transistors as part of the processor.
◼ Had RAM(Random Access Memory) and RO(Read-Only Memory), and used Assembly language and
some high level language.
◼ Could process about 200000 instructions per second.
◼ Size reduced compared to 1st computers.
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History of computer
Third generation computers (1964 - 1970)
◼ Examples are IBM360 and IBM370.
◼ Used integrated circuits for the processor.
◼ Keyboard for input an monitor for output.
◼ Main memory comprised of the P-ROM and the D-RAM.
◼ They were small and portable.
◼ They were reasonably fast and reliable.
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History of computer
Third generation computers (1964 - 1971)
◼ Had an operating system and used High level language making it easy to learn.
◼ Nevertheless, integrated circuits required air conditioning.
◼ Very advanced technology was required to produce these circuits.
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History of computer
Fourth generation computers (1971 - 1981)
◼ Used microprocessor like LSIC and VLSIC for processing.
◼ Output was done by a monitor.
◼ Had an operating system like MS Dos or PC Dos.
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History of computer
Fifth generation computers (1981 to date)
◼ These include the laptops, desktops and others computers we see today.
◼ Used EEPROM, DIMM and SIMM as part of the processor.
◼ Portable and used keyboard and pointing devices for input
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History of computer
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