Introduction to Computers
OPTOMETRY · SEMESTER 1 Introduction to Computers Computer Applications START READING NOTES Contents of This Topic INTRODUCTION TO BASIC COMPUTERS LEARNING OBJECTIVES – What is a Computer? The history of Computer The History of Computer cont.… The History of Computer cont… CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER Other Characteristics are: CLASSIFICATION OR TYPES OF COMPUTERS TYPES OF COMPUTER BASED ON SIZE Types of computer based on size cont.….. Picture of a Supercomputer 1.Types of computer based on size cont.… Picture of a Mainframe computer. 1.Types of computer based on size cont.…. 2. Types of computer based on Generation 3.Types of computer based on Purposes 4. Types of computer based on Technology The Parts of a Computer System HARDWARE SOFTWARE DATA Types of Hardware The CPU (PROCESSOR) Memory How Memory is Measured Input and Output Devices Storage Devices What is Software? System Software Application Software Differences between System software and application software Computer device connections Computer Booting Management of Folders and Files Any question INTRODUCTION TO BASIC COMPUTERS SESSION 1 1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this session, you should be able to: Define computer Explain the history of computer Outline characteristics of computer Identify types of computers according to size, generation, purpose/function, technology Identify structure/anatomy of computer (input, CPU, and output) Identify components of a computer (Hardware and Software) Explain types of computer software Explain types of computer hardware (processing, input, output storage Perform computer device connections Perform computer booting (cold and warm booting) Manage folders and files (create, rename, delete, restore, copy, move, search, organize and transfer from computer to removable storage devices) 2 – What is a Computer? Computer is an electronic device used to process data. Computer can convert data into information that is useful to people. OR Computer: is an electronic device that takes data, stores it, processes that data and produces information. Computer: is a machine or device which accepts data in one form and processes it to produce an output of information. Data: can be defined as unprocessed facts/Raw facts . 3 The history of Computer Mechanical era: In the 19th century, Charles Babbage designed the analytical engine, a programmable mechanical computer, and Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm for it. First electronic computers: The ENIAC, considered the first programmable electronic computer, was completed in the 1940s. 4 The History of Computer cont.… 1. First Generation (1940–1956) – Vacuum Tubes: Used vacuum tubes for processing. Very large, consumed a lot of power, and produced much heat. Programming was done in machine language. Example: ENIAC, UNIVAC I. 2. Second Generation (1956–1963) – Transistors: Replaced vacuum tubes with transistors Smaller, more reliable, and faster. Used assembly language. Example: IBM 1401. 5 The History of Computer cont… 3. Third Generation (1964–1971) – Integrated Circuits (ICs): Used ICs (multiple transistors on a chip). Increased processing speed and efficiency. Used high-level languages like COBOL, FORTRAN. Computers became more accessible to businesses. 4. Fourth Generation (1971–1980) – Microprocessors: Introduced the microprocessor (entire CPU on a single chip). Rise of personal computers (PCs). Increased power, speed, and storage. Example: Intel 4004, Apple I, IBM PC. 6 The History of Computer cont… 5. Fifth Generation (1980-Present) – AI & Advanced Technologies: This era is characterized by the rise of personal computers, the internet, and the integration of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. In this Modern era: Computers have become smaller and more powerful, evolving into laptops, smartphones, and wearable devices. 7 CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER THE TWO PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER ARE:- A computer responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner. A computer can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions (a program). 8 Other Characteristics are: SPEED : Computer can perform millions of instructions per second.. ACCURACY : Since Computer is programmed, so what ever input we give it gives accurate results. STORAGE : Computer can store mass storage of data with appropriate format. DILIGENCE : Computer Doesn’t get tired or lose concentration. VERSATILITY : Computer can perform different types of tasks at the same time. NO IQ : Computer does not work without instruction. NO FEELING : Computer does not have emotions, knowledge, experience AUTOMATION: Computer Works automatically after programming. 9 CLASSIFICATION OR TYPES OF COMPUTERS We can classify types of computers based on the following criteria:- Types of computer Based on size Types of computer Based on generation Types of computer Based on purposes/function Types of computer Based on Technology 10 TYPES OF COMPUTER BASED ON SIZE Supercomputer Mainframe Minicomputer Workstation Microcomputer 11 Types of computer based on size cont.….. 1. Supercomputer It is Extremely fast, used for scientific simulations, weather forecasting and space exploration. It is Very accurate It has High processing speed Can tackle complex tasks such as breaking codes and modeling worldwide weather system. An example of supercomputer: IBM Deep Blue 12 Picture of a Supercomputer 13 1.Types of computer based on size cont.… 2. Mainframe These are the very largest computers; they can occupy more than one room. For example: IBM 370, S/390. A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously like ATM Transactions. They are: Large in size Expensive due to high cost of production High storage capacity and high processing speed Used in organization to process a bulk of information Generally used by large businesses to provide centralized storage, Processing and management for large amounts of data. 14 Picture of a Mainframe computer. 15 1.Types of computer based on size cont.…. 3. Minicomputer A multi-user computer: Smaller than mainframe but more powerful than Micro-computer. computers that are capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users simultaneously. These are large powerful machines typically serving a network of simple terminals. Example of minicomputer; Digital Alpha, Sun Ultra, HP 3000 series, IBM AS/400,PDP series. Very powerful and expensive Used in medium scale organizations where it is too expensive to use mainframe computers 16 1.Types of computer based on size cont.… 4. Workstation Powerful desktop computers designed for specialized tasks such as medical imaging. Such tasks