INTRODUCTION

TO COMPUTER
&
PROGRAMMING
INSTRUCTOR: TANISHA MEHREEN

EMAIL: [email protected]

ROOM#219 (NEW PHYSICS BUILDING)

 Course description

Two parts:
1.Theoretical instruction (50%)
2.Laboratory work (50%)

For the Laboratory Parts we will work in group(Three

groups same as in the Physics Lab)
BASIC COMPUTER
UNDERSTANDING
Section 1: What is a computer?
Section 2: Different Types
Section 3: Different Operating Systems
Section 4: Different Brands
Section 5: Basic Components
Section 6: What Computer can do?
Section 7: What Computer can not do?
UNDERSTANDING - WHAT IS A
COMPUTER?
Computers are machines that perform tasks or calculations
according to a set of instructions, or programs.
The first fully electronic computers, introduced in the 1940s, were
huge machines that required teams of people to operate.
Compared to those early machines, today's computers are
amazing. Not only are they thousands of times faster, they can fit
on your desk, on your lap, or even in your pocket.
UNDERSTANDING – WHAT IS A
COMPUTER?
Computers work through an interaction of hardware and software.
Hardware refers to the parts of a computer that you can see and
touch, including the case and everything inside it.
The most important piece of hardware is a tiny rectangular chip inside
your computer called the central processing unit (CPU), or
microprocessor. It's the "brain" of your computer—the part that
translates instructions and performs calculations. Hardware items
such as your monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other
components are often called hardware devices, or devices.
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A BASIC
COMPUTER
UNDERSTANDING – WHAT IS A
COMPUTER?
• The computer processes input through input devices like
mouse and keyboard.
• The computer displays output through output devices like
color monitor and printer.
• Computers have become indispensable in today’s world.
Millions of people use computers all over the world.
• There are several uses of computers:
• Internet - It is a network of almost all the computers in the world. You can browse
through much more information than you could do in a library. That is because
computers can store enormous amounts of information. You also have very fast and
convenient access to information. Through E-Mail you can communicate with a
person sitting thousands of miles away in seconds. There is chat software that
enables one to chat with another person on a real-time basis. Video conferencing
tools are becoming readily available to the common man.
• Digital video or audio composition – Audio or video composition and editing have
been made much easier by computers.
• Computers in Medicine - You can diagnose diseases. You can learn the cures.
Software is used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging to examine the internal organs of
the human body. Software is used for performing surgery. Computers are used to
store patient data.
• Mathematical Calculations - Thanks to computers, which have computing speeds
of over a million calculations per second we can perform the biggest of mathematical
calculations.
• Banks - All financial transactions are done by computer software. They provide
security, speed and convenience.
• Travel - One can book air tickets or railway tickets and make hotel reservations online.
• Telecommunications - Software is widely used here. Also all mobile phones have
software embedded in them.
• Defense - There is software embedded in almost every weapon. Software is used for
controlling the flight and targeting in ballistic missiles. Software is used to control access
to atomic bombs.
• E-Learning – Instead of a book it is easier to learn from an E-learning software.
• Gambling-You can gamble online instead of going to a casino.
• Examinations-You can give online exams and get instant results. You can check your
examination results online.
• Computers in Business - Shops and supermarkets use software, which calculate the
bills. Taxes can be calculated and paid online. Accounting is done using computers. One
can predict future trends of business using artificial intelligence software. Software is used
in major stock markets. One can do trading online. There are fully automated factories
running on software.
• ATM machines - The computer software authenticates the user and dispenses cash.
• Marriage - There are matrimonial sites through which one can search for a suitable groom
or bride.
 MORE USES OF A
COMPUTER
• News-There are many websites through which you can read the latest or old news.
• Robotics - Robots are controlled by software.
• Kitchen Washing Machines – Washing Machines, Microwave Oven.
• Planning and Scheduling - Software can be used to store contact information,
generating plans, scheduling appointments and deadlines.
• Sports – Software is used for making umpiring decisions. There are simulation
software using which a sportsperson can practice his skills. Computers are also to
identify flaws in technique.
• Aero-planes – Pilots train on software, which simulates flying.
• Weather analysis – Supercomputers are used to analyze and predict weather.
 UNDERSTANDING - DIFFERENT
TYPES
• Different types of Computers
Based on the operational principle of computers, they are categorized as
analog computers and hybrid computers.

• Analog Computers: These are almost extinct today. These are different
from a digital computer because an analog computer can perform several
mathematical operations simultaneously. It uses continuous variables for
mathematical operations and utilizes mechanical or electrical energy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt6RVrmvh-o

• Hybrid Computers: These computers are a combination of both digital

and analog computers. In this type of computers, the digital segments
perform process control by conversion of analog signals to digital ones.
Hybrid Computers Examples:
1.bomb site on a WW2 bomber. Instead of using ones and
zeros, it had a series of continuous gears into which
factors the airplane's speed and altitude that could be
used to factor the exact time to drop the bombs.

2.the computer used in hospitals to measure the heartbeat

of the patient. Hybrid Machines are generally used in
scientific applications or in controlling industrial processes
 UNDERSTANDING - DIFFERENT
TYPES
Following are some of the other important types of computers.

• Mainframe Computers: Large organizations use mainframes for highly critical

applications such as bulk data processing and ERP. Most of the mainframe
computers have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate as
a number of virtual machines and can thus substitute for several small servers.

• Microcomputers: A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing

unit is known as a microcomputer. They do not occupy space as much as
mainframes. When supplemented with a keyboard and a mouse, microcomputers
can be called as personal computers. A monitor, a keyboard and other similar
input output devices, computer memory in the form of RAM and a power supply
unit come packaged in a microcomputer. These computers can fit on desks or
tables and serve as the best choices for single-user tasks.
 UNDERSTANDING - DIFFERENT
TYPES
Personal computers come in a variety of forms such as desktops, laptops and personal
digital assistants. Let us look at each of these types of computers.

•Desktops: A desktop is intended to be used on a single location. The spare parts of a

desktop computer are readily available at relative lower costs. Power consumption is not
as critical as that in laptops. Desktops are widely popular for daily use in workplaces and
households.

•Laptops: Similar in operation to desktops, laptop computers are miniaturized and

optimized for mobile use. Laptops run on a single battery or an external adapter that
charges the computer batteries. They are enabled with an inbuilt keyboard, touch pad
acting as a mouse and a liquid crystal display. Its portability and capacity to operate on
battery power have served as a boon for mobile users.
 UNDERSTANDING - DIFFERENT TYPES

• Supercomputers: The highly calculation-intensive tasks can be effectively

performed by means of supercomputers. Quantum physics, mechanics, weather
forecasting, molecular theory are best studied by means of supercomputers. Their
ability of parallel processing and their well-designed memory hierarchy give the
supercomputers, large transaction processing powers.

• Wearable Computers: These computers can be worn on the body and are often
used in the study of behavior modeling and human health. Military and health
professionals have incorporated wearable computers into their daily routine, as a
part of such studies. When the users’ hands and sensory organs are engaged in
other activities, wearable computers are of great help in tracking human actions.
Wearable computers are consistently in operation as they do not have to be turned
on and off and are constantly interacting with the user.
WHAT COMPUTER TYPE AM
I?
WHAT COMPUTER TYPE AM I?
WHAT COMPUTER TYPE AM I?
WHAT COMPUTER TYPE AM I?
 UNDERSTANDING - DIFFERENT
OPERATING SYSTEMS
• Operating System or OS -- is software, consisting of
programs and data, that runs on computers,
manages computer hardware resources, and
provides common services for execution of various
application software. The operating system is the
most important type of system software in a computer
system. Without an operating system, a user cannot
run an application program on their computer, unless
the application program is self booting.
 UNDERSTANDING - DIFFERENT
OPERATING SYSTEMS
• Common Brands. Windows or Mac
• Others: UNIX / Linux, Google Chrome OS, Novel
• Before Windows, Microsoft used Dos. Dos was a non- GUI OS
(Graphical User Interface)
• Window versions: Windows CE, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows
98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000,
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
• Unix/Linux got its start in 1957-- Bell Labs found they needed an
operating system for their computer center that at the time was
running various batch jobs. The BESYS operating system was
created at Bell Labs to deal with these needs.
 UNDERSTANDING - DIFFERENT OPERATING
SYSTEMS

• Today’s computers are:

1. Multi-user - A multi-user operating system allows for multiple users to use the
same computer at the same time and different times.

2. Multiprocessing - An operating system capable of supporting and utilizing more

than one computer processor.

3. Multitasking - An operating system that is capable of allowing multiple software

processes to run at the same time.

4. Multithreading - Operating systems that allow different parts of a software

program to run concurrently.
UNDERSTANDING - BASIC
COMPONENTS
• http://videos.howstuffworks.com/howstuffworks/23-computer-tou
r-video.htm
• Motherboard
• CPU – Central Processing Unit
• RAM – Random Access Memory
• Video Card
• Power Supply
• Hard disk or drive
• Optical Drive
UNDERSTANDING - BASIC
COMPONENTS
• http://www.videojug.com/film/what-components-ar
e-inside-my-computer

• Hardware and Software -- All of these components

are usually found within the tower of a desktop
computer. They are referred to as "hardware".
Hardware can be thought of as the actual physical
components that go into the computer. "Software"
refers to the programs and systems that operate within
the hardware.
UNDERSTANDING - BASIC
COMPONENTS
UNDERSTANDING - BASIC
COMPONENTS
• The Motherboard -- The motherboard is the “heart” of the computer. It is the
largest and most fundamental component of a PC and every other
component is attached to it in some way. This is because all the different
components use the motherboard to communicate and work with each other.

The motherboard has a series of slots, sockets and connectors for attaching
the components of a PC.
In most cases, the memory, accessory cards, and CPU are installed directly
onto the motherboard. The drives and peripherals communicate with the
motherboard through wired connections.

There are a wide range of motherboards to choose from. They differ in

features, speed, capacity and the CPU supported. They also differ in size,
shape and layout, this is commonly referred to as the "form factor"
UNDERSTANDING - BASIC COMPONENTS

• The CPU -- CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.

This is the brain of the computer and is often referred
to as the "processor" or the "chip". It is found under a
heat sink and fan and sits directly on the motherboard.

The CPU directs, coordinates and communicates with

the other components and performs all of the
"thinking". It's not really thinking, what a CPU actually
does is perform mathematical calculations. It is the
software that people write that translates those
calculations into useful functions for us.
 UNDERSTANDING - BASIC
COMPONENTS
• RAM -- RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and comes
as modules in predefined amounts. It is also found directly on
the motherboard and usually in one, two or four slots. The
memory chips store information, temporarily, for short term
use by the CPU. RAM is used to store information for files
that are actually being used by the CPU at any given time.

The computer's RAM memory is an entirely different thing

from the hard disk "memory". The hard disk stores
information "permanently" for long term use.
UNDERSTANDING - BASIC
COMPONENTS
• The Graphics Card -- The graphics card or video card
translates information into the graphics and text that
appear on the monitor screen.
•
Most motherboards now include a slot specifically
designed for the graphics adapter called the AGP slot.
This stands for Advanced Graphics Port.

• Modern graphics adapters usually incorporate some

memory right on the card to improve their performance.
 UNDERSTANDING - BASIC
COMPONENTS
• The Hard Disk -- A hard disk - which is also called a "hard drive" - is much
like a filing cabinet. The programs and data are stored on the hard disk and
the computer accesses them as they are needed. When the computer
accesses the hard drive, it is reading and moving the stored information into
the RAM memory. That memory is the temporary workspace. However, the
original file is still on the hard disk and is left undisturbed until the file is saved.

When the computer stores or "saves" information, it writes the data to the hard
disk. That process results in the old file being replaced or modified with the
new information. If you save data to a new file, or install new software, the
information is written to the disk in an available, unused portion of the disk.
UNDERSTANDING - BASIC
COMPONENTS
• The Optical Drive -- The optical drive is
often called a DVD drive, or a CD drive. It sits
at the front of the computer for ease of
access, and uses a laser to read and write
information to CD's and DVD's
 UNDERSTANDING - HOW TO BUY A
• COMPUTER
What is important to any computer purchase?
1. Ram – if money is tight, buy more RAM by choosing a lesser CPU or smaller hard drive. For Window7 buy 2 GB – 4 GB.
2. CPU or processor – a multi-core CPU is mandatory today in desktops and laptop. CPU speed is less important today because
they are all very fast. http://www.cpubenchmark.net/common_cpus.html
3. Hard drive – Get the largest you can (250 – 500 GB). The fastest hard drives is not always better. Computers dislike heat,
slower hard drives produce less heat and last longer in home environments. SATA hard drive 7200RPM is a good choice.

• What is important to you as a individual?

1. What do I want this computer for: general home/school computer (internet, email, Office suite software, some video/audio use),
High use AutoCad or Multimedia with audio and video editing, or Gaming. Gaming computers are like hot-rod car fast, strong,
and expensive. Most general home/school computers can do most games very well.

2. Desktop, Laptop, or minicomputer (Tablet, IPAD, Multimedia phone)?

• Desktop: will generally out last a laptop, faster and perform better than laptop, and
cheaper to work on and find replacement parts.
• Laptop: Always buy the 3 year warranty on laptops. If you keep Laptop cool, they
last longer. Handle your power supply cord gently over time, it will need replacing.
Laptops are nice on portability, but just expect to replace it sooner than a desktop
• Minicomputer – very convenient and fun. They are not full functioning PCs. Fun to
have in addition to your desktop or laptop. Example: (your desktop have your music
file on it, you your minicomputer to play files from it)
 UNDERSTANDING - HOW TO BUY A
COMPUTER

• Unless you have a geek in the family, I would not recommend buying
a used computer.
• Know who you are buying from: Wal-Mart does not make computers,
so if you have trouble after your 30 days are up, what do you do?
• Buying from a local company can have it advantages in support, but
you will pay more.
• Buying from major brands like: HP and Dell is nice to. They offer
you 24 hour support, online self-help, online training and instruction,
online computer analysis, etc….
 UNDERSTANDING - HOW TO BUY A
COMPUTER
• Do you need a blue-ray player? They drive the cost up on computers,
so ask yourself will I ever use it.
• Most monitors companies offer will meet your needs. There are many
types and quality of monitors, but most new computers come with a
descent 18-20 inch monitor.
• An external USB drive is nice to have for backups. Of course you can
use your DVD writer or online service for backups.
• Printers – The all-in-one printers (Copier, Scan, and Print) are the way to
go. For printing pictures, I recommend using a commercial service. It is
hard to buy photo paper and ink for what companies can do it for you.
 UNDERSTANDING - HOW TO BUY A
COMPUTER
• Today, most computers come with everything you need. There are
not a lot of accessories that people need to buy extra
• Make sure it comes with a wired Optical Mouse and wired keyboard.
Wireless is nice, but you will soon get tired of replacing batteries
• Most computes have a standard sound card and speakers, which
meets most peoples needs
• Web-Cam – very nice in saving long distance calls
 UNDERSTANDING - HOW TO BUY A
COMPUTER
• For Desktops, you might want to consider a wireless adapter (just
incase you can hardwire it)
• Have fun…….