Chapter 1The Amazing Computer

WOW!Lecturer: Sumaira Hussain

Course Outline

History computer system, basic machine organization, Von Neumann Numbers systems, Binary numbers, Boolean logic, Architecture Algorithm definition , design and implementation, programming Paradigm and languages, Graphical programming, Overview of software engineering and information technology ,operating system, compiler, computer network and internet, computer graphics, All social and legal issues.

Evaluation Criteria

• 10% Quizzes • 20% Lab work/Assignments/projects/case

studies • 20% Midterm Exams• 50% Final Exams• 100% Total Marks

Learning Objectives:• List at least five professions in which computers are routinely

used, and describe at least on of the ways computers have affected the work of people in those professions.

• List the four parts of a computer system.

• Identify four kinds of computer hardware.

• List the two major categories of software and explain the purpose of each.

• List the four most common types of computers available today and describe what kind of job each does best.

Recommended Book

1.Peter Norton’s Introduction to Computers2.Computer Science: An overview of Computer Science, Sherer3.An Invitation to Computer Science, Schneider and Gersting, Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning, 2000 Evaluation

Computer - an electronic device used to process data.

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• Hardware - physical parts of the computer

• Software - instructions to the computer

• Data - raw facts the computer can manipulate

• People - also known as users

Computer System:

Computer Hardware - any part of the computer you can touch.

• Processor• Memory• Input and Output Devices• Storage Devices

Output

Some types of hardware devices.

Storage

Input

Processor

Input andoutput

Memory

Software - electronic instructions to the computer. Also referred to as a “program.”

Two types:• System Software• Application Software

• Operating Systems• Windows 95• Windows 98• OS/2

• Disk Utilities

System Software:

Application Software:• Word Processing

• Spreadsheets

• Graphics

• Databases

• Entertainment

• Educational

• Communications

• Presentation

Application software and system softwarework together to provide useful output.

Software brings a computer to life.

Types of Computers:

• Supercomputer

• Mainframe

• Minicomputer

• MicrocomputerMainframe computer

Supercomputer

Minicomputer

Microcomputer

Mainframes•Used in large organizations•Handle thousands of users•Users access through a terminal•Large and powerful systems

Minicomputers•Called midrange computers•Power between mainframe and desktop•Handle hundreds of users•Used in smaller organizations•Users access through a terminal

Supercomputers• The most powerful computers made• Handle large and complex calculations• Process trillions of operations per second• Found in research organizations

Microcomputers• Those are cheaper and slower computers with significant computing power.• Such computers basically use Intel Chipsets.• They are mostly single processor systems

Who Uses Computers?• Military• Doctors• Educators• Engineers• Architects

• Musicians• Filmmakers• Attorneys• Bankers• Architects

A medical team using “robodoc” to assist in surgery.

Musicians can use MIDI technologyto compose and edit their work.

Learning Objectives:Chapter 1 Review

• List at least five professions in which computers are routinely used, and describe at least on of the ways computers have affected the work of people in those professions.

• List the four parts of a computer system.

• Identify four kinds of computer hardware.

• List the two major categories of software and explain the purpose of each.

• List the four most common types of computers available today and describe what kind of job each does best.