Introduction to Computing

By: Roll #:

Ali Raza 24

Sana Shabir 11

Faiza Naeem 40

Arqam Saleem 41

CONTENTS

Computer definition.

Characteristics of Computer.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Computer.

Data & Information.

Comparison between Data & information.

Computer Types ( Analog, Digital ,Hybrid )

Software & Hardware.

Digital Machine.

Computer Definition

Meaning of ComputerDerived from Latin word “Computare”The word “compute” means to calculateThis word was firstly used by mathematicians

Primary DefinitionComputer is an electronic machine and has its own memory

Accept input dataManipulates input data according to specified rules

Produces results/outputStores the results/output for further use

Mathematician’s DefinitionA problem solving machine

Characteristics:No human being can compete to solving complex computation- faster than computer.

Work for hours-without break creating error.

Perform completely different type work at same time.

Remember data.

No Response without instruction.

No Feelings.

Speed

Diligence

Versatility

Power of Remembering

No IQ.

No Feeling

Advantages

IN EDUCATION

Access to informationResearch CapabilitiesEasinessMakes education enjoyable

IN BUSINESSSelf-SufficiencyCost-EffectiveBetter InformationCheaper Research and DevelopmentHigher SalesFaster Operations

DISADVANTAGES

Unemployment

Wastage of time and energy

Data Security

Computer Crimes

Privacy violation

Health risks

Impact on Environment

Data and Information

Data

Information

Comparison Between Data & Information.

DATA

Latin word.

Raw facts and figures.

Raw mean un-processed, un-organized without manipulation.

Data is huge, input and meaning-less.

Independent.

Information:

• Processed data.

• Meaning-full

• Organized , Output.

• Depends on Data.

• Short in volume.

• Its Classified data which has some meaningful values for the receiver.

Data Data Data

Processing

Information

COMPARISON:

Data Information

Input Output

Un-processed Processed form

Doesn’t carry a Meaning Carry a logical Meaning

Raw material Product

Not Specific Specific

COMPUTER TYPES

Computer

Analog Digital Hybrid

ANALOG COMPUTER

• An analog computer is uses the continuously changeable aspects of physical phenomena

• Such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved

• Analog computers were widely used in scientific and industrial applications

• Analog computers largely obsolete in 1960 because of digital computer

• They remain only in use in specific applications, like the flight computer in aircraft, and for teaching control systems in universities

EXAMPLES

• Antikythera mechanism, dating between 150 to 100 BC

• A slide rule

• Heathkit EC-1 educational analog computer

Software:

Instructions given to computer to solve a problem. Easier Component. Flexibility to change. Logical Components. Intangible Component.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE:

System Software.

Application Software.

System Software:

Operating System

Device Driver

Language Translator

Utility Software

OPERATING SYSTEM:

An essential component.

Manage Hardware & Software resources.

Provide common services.

Use in every Purpose.

Perform Basic Tasks

Device Deriver: Commonly known as a driver.

Control particular device- attaché computer.

Enable interaction with hardware device.

Usually communicates with hardware-means of the communications subsystem , computer bus-which hardware connected.

Language Translator:

Convert programming source code into language -computer understands. 

Programming source code has various structures-commands, but computer-understand machine language.

 Types: compilers, assemblers, and interpreters.

Utility Software:• Design to help analyze-Configure-Optimizes and maintain.

• Usually focuses on how the computer infrastructure

(including the computer hardware, operating system, software and data storage)

Application Software Custom-built Packages software

CUSTOM-BUILT:

Packages Software:

Term used describe software-bunched together making-complete set.

Microsoft Office is package software.

Include many software programs-used in the office-Microsoft Excel.

Hardware

Physical parts of computer.

Difficult to change.

Tangible Component.

Devices that are required to store and execute (run) the software.

Example: CPU , Printer , Mouse etc.

COMPUTER AS DIGITAL MACHINE

Digital machine is a machine in which only two (Binary) states of voltage. That is “ON” or “OFF”.

Computer is also a digital electronic machine.

Computer based on binary digits (1,0).

The smallest switch in the computer is called “Bit”.

The word “Bit” come from the term “Binary Digits”.

Bi from Binary and it from digits, so it makes a new word/term Bit.

Actually the binary digits 1 and 0, each are called a bit4 bit is equal to one nibble. And this 4 bit system is commonly used in simple calculators.

Normally 1 character in a computer is equal to 1 byte (8 bits).