Introduction to

Computer Applications

Lecture # 1
Reference Material
 Introduction to Computers by Peter Norton
 Discovering Computers by Shelly Cashman
Objective of Lecture
 What is Computer ?
 Computer System
 Types of Computer
 Application of Computer in various fields
 Advantages of Computers
 Disadvantages of Computers
Overview: Computers in our world
 Computers are everywhere. In fact, you
can find them in some pretty unlike places
including your car, home appliances and
even your alarm clock.

 The vast majority of businesses now used

computerized equipment in some way and
most companies are networked both
internally and externally.
Define Computer
 An electronic machine that can
accept data (input), manipulate the
data according to specified rules
(process), produce results
(output), and stores the results for
future use.
 An electronic device designed to
accept data, perform prescribed
mathematical and logical
operations at high speed, and
display the results of these
operations.
Computer System
System :
Def #1:
 A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent
elements forming a complex whole.
Def #2:
 A set of detailed methods, procedures, and routines
established or formulated to carry out a specific activity,
perform a duty, or solve a problem.
Computer System
 A complete, working computer along with software's and
peripheral devices that are necessary to make the
computer function is called Computer system. Every
computer system requires an operating system to
operate.
Peripheral Device
 A peripheral device is an internal or external
device that connects directly to a computer or
other digital device but does not contribute to the
computer's primary function, such as computing.
It helps end users access and use the
functionalities of a computer.
Data VS Information

 Data :
Collection of raw facts and figures.

 Information :
processed form of data which is meaningful.
Types of Computers
Computer types can be divided into 3 categories
according to electronic nature.
 Analog Computers
 Digital Computers
 Hybrid Computers
Analog Computers
Analog Computers
 An analog computer accept data in continuous or
physical form, represents it in a suitable form to perform
scientific operations.
 Analog data includes distance, speed, pressure,
temperature, voltage, current etc
 These are special purpose computers
 They are used in scientific research centers.
Digital Computers
 An Electronic computer in which the input is discrete
rather than continuous, consisting of combinations of
numbers, letters, and othercharacters written in an
appropriate programming language and represented
internally in binary notation.
 These are General purpose computers
 In the modern computer world of today, the uses of the
digital computer are almost as limitless as a person's
imagination
What is difference between analog
and digital computer?
 A computer that uses a continuous signal to
process is called an analog computer. A computer
that uses a discrete signal for its operation is
called a digital computer.
Hybrid Computers
Hybrid Computers
 Designed to display the features and characteristics of
both analog and the digital computers.
 When the hybrid computers are used in the form of
digital computers then they are designed to act as the
controller for the operations carried out in the system.
 When analog is taken into account then in that case the
computer acts as a solution provider for different
problems that exit.
 By depicting both the feature, it is found to be a
beneficial computer.
 Hybrid computers are computers that exhibit
features of analog computers and digital
computers. The digital component normally
serves as the controller and provides logical and
numerical operations, while the analog component
often serves as a solver of differential equations
and other mathematically complex problems.
Application of computers…
• Computer technology has made several important
impacts on our society.
• Today computer is playing very important role in every
field of life. Many activities in daily life can be performed
very easily and quickly.
• A lot of time is saved and overall cost is reduced to solve
a particular problem.
Application of computers…
 In Business :Today, in global
markets, it is impossible to run the
business without the use of
computer technology. Many
business activities are performed
very quickly and efficiently by using
computers. The administrative
paperwork is also reduced by using
computers. Many business use
websites to sell their products and
contact their customers.
Application of computers…
 In Education :
Computers are used in
teaching and research. The
students can solve different
kinds of problems quickly and
efficiently by using computers.
They can also collect different
information on the Internet.
Application of computers…
 In Banks :
Computers are widely used in banks.
They are used in banks for record
keeping and maintaining accounts of
customers. Most of the banks provide
the facility of ATMs. The customers
can draw money through ATM card
from any branch of that bank (or
another bank) at any time of a day.
Application of computers…
 In Entertainment :
Computers are also playing very
important role for the
entertainment of human beings.
Nowadays, computer can be used
to watch television programs on
the Internet. People can also
watch movies, listen music, and
play games on the computer.
Many computer games and other
entertainment materials of different
kinds are available on the Internet.
Application of computers
 In Medical :
Nearly every area of the
medical field uses computers.
 computers are used for
maintaining patient history &
other records.
 They are also used for patient
monitoring and diagnosis of
diseases etc.
Advantages of Computer
Computer has made a very vital impact on society. It
has changed the way of life. The use of computer
technology has affected every field of life. People are
using computers to perform different tasks quickly and
easily. The use of computers makes different task
easier. It also saves time and effort and reduces the
overall cost to complete a particular task.
 It helps you automate various tasks that you cannot do
manually.
 It helps you organize and store your bulky data and
information in a better way.
.
Advantages of Computer contd..
 It has much more computing and calculating power
than an ordinary human.
 It may help your work to be a lot easier.
 It may be the storage of your important data and files.
 . It may be your handy book.
 It may help you solve problems faster than an ordinary
human being can do.
 It helps you to find useful information using the
Internet.
 It helps in businesses, factories, offices, schools and
homes.
Disadvantages of Computers
The use of computer has also created some
problems in society which are as follows.
 Unemployment :Different tasks are performed
automatically by using computers. It reduces the
need of people and increases unemployment in
society.
Disadvantages of Computers…
 Wastage of time and energy :
Many people use computers without positive purpose.
They play games and chat for a long period of time. It
causes wastage of time and energy. Young generation is
now spending more time on the social media websites like
Face book, Twitter etc or texting their friends all night
through smart phones which is bad for both studies and
their health. And it also has adverse effects on the social
life.
Disadvantages of Computers…
 Data Security :The data stored on a computer can be
accessed by unauthorized persons through networks. It
has created serious problems for the data security.
 Computer Crimes :People use the computer for
negative activities. They hack the credit card numbers of
the people and misuse them or they can steal important
data from big organizations.
Disadvantages of Computers…
 Health risks :The improper and prolonged use of
computer can results in injuries or disorders of hands,
wrists, elbows, eyes, necks and back. The users can
avoid health risks by using the computer in proper
position. They must also take regular breaks while using
the computer for longer period of time. It is recommended
to take a couple of minutes break after 30 minutes of
computer usage.
Questions??