CHAPTER TWO

Introduction to Computer

Contents:
2.1. What is a Computer?
2.2. Application of Computer
2.3. Characteristics of Computer
2.4. Limitations of Computer
2.5. Types of Computer
2.6. History and Development of Computer
 SOME TERMINOLOGIES
 Computers is an electronic and mechanical device, which
people use to ease and facilitate their personal and business
activities.
 Computer Science is a science concerned with information
representation, storage, manipulation or processing and
presentation of information.
 Like any other science which uses different devices and lab
equipment, Computer Science uses a special device called
computer.
 Information Technology is the use of modern technology to aid
the capture, processing, storage and retrieval, and communication
of information, whether in the form of numerical data, text, sound,
or image.
 It can also be defined as the study of information handling and its
use in society by means of modern technology.
 This includes the acquisition, processing, storage and
communication of information in any form by appropriate means.
 It is more about the use of computers to solve human/business
problems.
 You will study some programming, databases, applications, etc. in
the forth coming chapters.
Information technology has three primary
components. These are
A. Computers,
B. Communications networks, and
C. Know-how.
 Computer

 Any calculating device or machine, which is electronic,

mechanical or electro-mechanical, can be called a
Computer .
 But this does not mean that computers perform only
calculation.
 The name computer comes from a Latin word computre,
meaning “to reckon” or “to compute” and can be applied
to abacus or any adding machine as to the modern
computer.
 However, the term “Computer” has come to mean a
special electronic device having certain definite
characteristics.
 Computer

 It is an electronic device that can perform activities that

involve mathematical, logical and graphical manipulations.
 The term computer is used to describe a collection of
devices that function together as a system.
 It performs the following three operations in sequence.
 It receives data and instructions (or program) from
the input device.
 Processes the data as per instructions.
 Provides the result (or output) in a desired form.
• Data is the collection of raw facts, figures and symbols. For
example, names of students and their marks in different
subjects listed in random order.
• Information is the data that is processed and presented in an
organized manner.
• For example, when the names of students are arranged in
alphabetical order, total and average marks are calculated &
presented in a tabular form, it is information.
• Program is a set of instructions that enables a computer to
perform a given task.
• Generally a computer is an electronic device that takes an
input called data; process it under a set of instructions called
program and produce an output.
 Communications Network

 An integral part of Information Technology is the

ability to communicate: to send and receive data and
information over a communication network.
 A communications network is the connection of stations
at different locations through a medium that enables
people to send and receive data and information.
 Telephone wires and cables are common
communication media.
 Know-how

 Although computers and data communication are very

important parts of IT, an equally critical part IT is the ability to
draw on the power of IT to solve problems and to take
advantages of the opportunities it creates.
 Therefore, IT requires or implies know-how, knowing how to
do something well.
 Application of Computers
 The following are some of the capabilities and potential uses of
Computers.
 Store and process large amount of information with high speed and
accuracy;
 Transmit information across continents via communication
channels;
 Simulate events;
 Perform complex mathematical computations and make
comparisons;
 Monitor ongoing industrial operations;
 Perform repetitive processes with great ease, speed, and
reliability;
 Making simple and complex calculation
 …cont’d
 To make statistical charts
 For research purposes
 To listen to music
 For diagnostic Purposes
 For weather forecasts
 For drawing purposes
 For watching movies, etc.
 The main areas of computer applications are categorized
into:
A. Commercial or business applications- This covers the
use of computers for clerical, administrative, production and
business use.
 For examples,
 Text processing
 Accounting and Finance management
 Inventory control
 Database management
 Statistical analysis
B. Scientific, Engineering and Research
applications
This includes the use of computers for scientific
research, complex mathematical calculations, design
work, and analysis and control of physical systems.
For, example,
 Space technology
 Meteorological observatory systems
 Astronomical investigations
 Design of machines
 Control of manufacturing process
 Nuclear control systems
 Characteristics of Computers

 High speed – Computers have the ability to perform routine

tasks at a greater speed than human beings.
 Storage – Computers can store large amount of information.
 Accuracy:
 Computers are used to perform tasks in a way that ensures accuracy.
 Nowadays computers are being used for surgical
purposes, which need almost a hundred percent accuracy.
 Unless there is an error in the input data or unreliable
program a computer processes with a very high accuracy.
 …cont’d

 Automation – Computers can be instructed to perform

complex tasks automatically.
 Versatility – Computers are flexible to perform both simple
and complex tasks.
 Diligence – Computers can perform the same task repeatedly
and with the same accuracy without getting tired.
 Cost effectiveness – Computers reduce the amount of paper
work and human effort, thereby reducing costs.
 Limitation of Computers

 Computers need clear and complete instructions to

perform a task accurately. If the instructions are not clear
and complete, the computer will not produce the required
result.
 Computers cannot think.
 Computers cannot learn from experience.
Group Ass. (Max. 10 students)

Types of computers
History and Development of Computers
The End!