Computing Fundamentals

WEEK 1

At the end of this module you are expected to:

1. Know the evolution of computers and differentiate the improvement of computer according
to its generation
2. Determine the different developer of computer system during the evolution phase
3. Identify the meaning of computer and enumerate the four parts of computer system.
4. To determine the capabilities, limitations and different uses of computer.

Lesson 1: The Evolution of Computers

When we say computer, it is intended by a person knowledgeable about performing a basic

mathematical calculation with the help of any computing devices.

It was in the year 1930’s when the evolution of computer started. While the history of computer
started when first mechanical adding machine was invented in 1642.

The first mechanical adding machine is an abacus. Abacus or also known as calculating frame is a
calculating machine capable of performing arithmetic processes. The logarithm idea was
invented by a man called John Napier while the invention of slide rules was credited to a man
called William Oughtred. Today, an abacus is constructed with a bead that can be slide in a
bamboo or wires. The person who uses abacus is called Abacist

First Generation (Vacuum Tubes) 1939 – 1954

The evolution of computers is divided into five generations. The computers in the first
generation were expensive and bulky. Vacuum tubes was able to solve problems using machine
language one at a time. Computers during this phase cannot support multitasking task

1. Vaccum tubes-

A vacuum tube or also known as “electron tube”, “thermionic valve”, “valve”

to amplify, switch, otherwise modify or develop electrical signal that controls movement
of electrons in low pressure space.

2. ABC –
The ABC or also known as Atanasoff Berry Computer in November 1939 was developed
by John V. Atanasoff in 1937 called as first electronic computer

3. Z Machine
The Z Machine was the first machine capable of accepting binary and floating numbers
and invention of by Konrad Zuse in 1941

4. ENIAC
The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator is the first general-purpose
electronic computer. The ENIAC is capable of storing and saving programs. This is an
 invention of Vonn Neumann at the United States US Army’s Ballistic Research
Laboratory in 1946

Second Generation (Punched Card/ Transistor) 1954- 1959

With invention of transistors computers in the third generation became smaller and cheaper

Punch Card
A “punch card” or “Hollerith Card” or “IBM Card” Is a piece of paper that may contain
digital information represented by a hole in a predefined position. Early computing uses a punch
card as a medium of inputs both for computer programs and data

ERMA
ERMA also known as Electronic Recording Machine Accounting is a project of Stanford
Research Institute. The primary function of ERMA is to automate bookkeeping process. In 1959
ERMA was delivered to the Bank of America in California, a pioneering bank that uses ERMA.

Third Generation (Chip/ Integrated Circuit (IC)) 1959 - 1971

In the 3rd generations, the semi-conductors increased the efficiency and speed of computers.
Operating systems were developed, monitors and keyboards become popular as input and
output devices. With this invention, the scientist has thought of a possible way on how they
could speed up the computer operations as well as offer the computer that not so bulky. This is
the reason why the Integrated Circuit or also known as IC has been developed.

Nowadays, Integrated circuits or IC are used in almost all electronic equipment and have
modernized the world of electronics.

PDP-8
DEC company launch the PDP-8 the first minicomputer in 1968. After launching the PDP-8, the
development of ARPANET began in the following year 1969 where the financial backing of
Department of Defense has started

Fourth Generation (Microprocessor) 1971-1991

1972 Intel introduced the 8080 microprocessor. A microprocessor primary function is to
integrates all of a central processing unit (CPU) capability on a single integrated circuit or IC

Fifth Generation (under the Development) 1991 – Beyond

Computer system under the fifth generation is going to be based on principles of Artificial
Intelligence and Natural Language Recognition

Lesson 2
: What is a computer?
A computer is the Central Processing Unit (also known as CPU) that execute programs or tasks.
The power of the computer depends on its specifications.

A program is a list of instructions predetermined to be followed by a computer. A computer is

designed to carry out instruction written in a simple language called machine language

Machine Language- a language that a computer understand

Main Memory is consist of sequence of locations. The location in the main memory are
numbered and this number is called the address. See figure below for reference.

Figure 1.0 – Central Processing Unit

Machine Language Instructions are expressed as binary numbers. A binary number is consist of
two digits, the zeros and ones. So, a machine language instruction is just a sequence of zeros
and ones. Each particular sequence the zeros, and one read some particular instruction
according to the binary number read by the computer

Data is consist of bits of information, which by themselves may not make sense to a person. A
binary number is made up 0 and 1 only. So, a machine language instruction is just a sequence of
zeros and ones. Each particular sequence encodes some particular instruction

Four Parts of Computer

1. Hardware- The physical parts that make up the computer are called hardware. The hardware
part of a computer is consist of interconnected electronic devices that are used to control
computer operations like input and output

2. Software- Software makes the computer perform certain tasks by means of a set of
instructions

3. People- they are the ones who operates a computer, aka users

4. Data consist of individual facts or bits of information, which by themselves may not make
sense to a person. The computer stores and reads all kinds of data and information whether
words, numbers, images or sounds in the form of numbers. Following instructions from the
software and the user, the computer manipulates data by performing calculations, doing a
comparison, or arranging the bits of information so they make sense to the users.

Capabilities and Limitations of Computer

Capabilities of Computer

1. The computer has the ability to perform arithmetic operation like: addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, etc. The computer is basically developed to help solve complicated
mathematical formulas using large volumes of data. It can perform this task at high speed and
with great precision.

2. The computer can perform logical operations. Given the correct instruction, it can determine
whether a value (number or an alphabetic character or combination of both) is greater than,
equal to or less than another value. Based on the result of the comparison it can be instructed to
choose among alternative instructions to be undertaken, which in a way is equivalent to making
decision.

3. The computer has the ability to store and retrieve information because a computer has a
storage area called memory. The computer has memory, a storage area. Data accepted by the
computer is kept in this area for processing. The computer is able to store a large amount of
data and by series of instructions, be able to retrieve these data many times when needed.

4. The computer has the ability to process information at a very high speed. If pencil and paper
have to be used to process a large volume of data, a lot time is needed to finish the task. With
computers, whether it is comparing, calculating or arranging data, processing time takes only a
minutes or even a second.

5. The computer can direct itself in a predetermine manner without human intervention.
When the computer is performing task, it is actually following instructions laid out in a program.
A program contains a set of instruction used by the computer to perform a specific job.

Limitations of Computer

1. Computers do not think for you.

A computer functions only when it is provided the input information it needs. Input data
provided to the computer has to be precise, objective and correct for it to produce the required
result. Instruction that the computer will have to follow must be specific, detailed and defined
for processing to be correct. If you input the wrong data, or give a wrong set of instructions to
the computer, definitely the computer will produced the wrong result.

2. The computer cannot correct inaccurate data

The computer cannot decide whether data is correct or not, unless alternatives are
given in advance in the form instructions. Data must therefore be verified and corrected before
being entered to make sure that what fed to computer is correct.
3. The computer is subject to breakdown
The computer cannot completely avoid making errors which usually occur when there is
fluctuation in the electric current, when an electrical component or part is malfunctioning or
when the computer is over heated it is the same as other machines which need constant care
and maintenance

Uses of Computer

6 Categories: Uses of Computer

1. Personal Computing
2. Science and Research
3. Information System / Data Processing
4. Education
5. Medicine
6. Artificial Intelligence

Personal Computing
The small computer called microcomputers can be controlled by a single person, thus
the term “personal computing”. At home, these computers can be used for applications like:
maintaining up-to-date inventory of household items, storing names and addresses, creating
and monitoring a household budget, keeping an appointment and social calendar, writing
letters, education and entertainment such as computer games.

In small businesses, computers can be used for word processing, desktop publishing,
electronic spreadsheet, and maintaining databases.

Word Processing- Is a software that allows users to enter, store, manipulate and print
text (letters, reports, etc.)

Desktop Publishing - Is a software that allows users to produce near type set quality
newsletter, advertisement and other publishing jobs

Electronic Spreadsheet - Is a software that permits users to work with numbers

formatted in lines and columns normally used for accounting

Database- Permits user to create and maintain several files and extract in an easy
convenient manner

Science and Research

Engineers and scientist use computers as a tool in experimentation and design. Aerospace
engineers use computer to simulate the effects of wind tunnel to analyze the aerodynamics of
an airplane prototype. Chemist use computer graphics to create three dimensional views of an
experiment molecule.

Information System/ Data Processing

Computers are used to support the administrative aspects of an organization, for example:
applications including payroll system, airline reservation system, grading system and others.
 They provide for fast data processing requirements and information needed to make better
more informed decisions by managements

Education
Computers can interact with students to enhance the learning process. With multidimensional
communications using sound, print, graphics and color, the computer has become a good
educational tool in the home, in the classroom and in business. Computers can help children
learn to read and write. Adults can also use computers to learn about just anything from auto
mechanics to zoology.

Medicine
Tiny “computer on a chip” are being embedded in artificial hearts and other organs. Once the
organs are implanted in the body, the computer monitors critical inputs, such as blood pressure
and flow, then takes corrective action to ensure stability of operation in a continuous feedback.

Artificial Intelligence
Today’s computer can imitate many human movements such as reaching, gasping, calculating,
speaking, remembering, comparing numbers and drawings. Researcher are working to expand
these capabilities by developing a computer and program to imitate human intelligence.
However, computer can never be capable of simulating the distinctly human qualities of
creativity, humor and emotions

Lesson 3: Looking Inside the Computer

4 Components of Computer
1. Processor
2. Memory
3. Input/ Output Devices
4. Storage

Processor
Processing Is the process of converting raw data into useful information. The Processor and
Memory are the parts of the computer that makes it possible

The processor is known as the brain of the computer because it organizes, carries out
instructions sent by the computer or the user

In most personal computer today, they usually contain one or more microprocessors. These
microprocessors process data and instructions from a user or a program

The Microprocessor is attached to the motherboard. The Motherboard connects the processor
to other hardware components. The motherboard is considered as circuit board. Devices such as
video cards, sound cards, disk controller, and many internal devices are attach to the
motherboard

Motherboard is a rigid rectangular card containing circuitry that connects the processor to
hardware
A processor usually contain a single chip or set of chips. In some powerful. The term Central
Processing Unit (CPU) refers to computers processor.

Memory

Memory is like an electronic scratch pad inside the computer

When applications are launched, it is loaded in the memory. It is also in the memory where data
executes. Random Access Memory (RAM) is the most common type of memory and is
commonly refer to mean RAM. Data is both written to read from this memory.

The main idea of a RAM is that, the more RAM the computer has, the more it can do and the
faster it can perform a certain task.

Memory is measured by the byte- the amount of memory it takes to store a single character,
such as letter of the a alphabet or the numeral. Terms such as kilobyte (KB), megabyte (MB),
gigabyte (BT), and terabyte (TB) to describe values

It is the part of the computer where all computer processing takes place. It consists of three
parts

1. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

The ALU is responsible for all arithmetic operations and logical processes within a
computer

2. Control Unit
The Control Unit supervises the task of CPU. It directs and coordinates the operation of
the entire computer according to instructions laid out in the program

3. Memory
This is the Storage which contains the program and data. It is known as the “primary
memory” or “main memory’

Main Memory Contains 2 Types of Memory

1. ROM (Read Only memory)

Programs stored in the RAM cannot be changed or deleted

2. RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is a non permanent type of memory, meaning to say that in case you
happen to turn off the computer while suing it, all data in RAM will be erased

Input / Output Devices

Input Devices
 Accept data and instructions from the user or from another computer system. Output
devices return processed data to the user or to another computer system.

Input Devices
Popular input devices are keyboard, mouse, trackballs, touchpad, joysticks, scanner,
digital cameras and microphones

Output Devices
Popular output devices are monitors, printers, speakers

Storage
Storage is an electronic file cabinet and RAM as an electronic worktable
A computer storage is designed to hold data permanently. People new to computers usually
confuse storage with memory. There are Three Major Distinction Between Storage and
Memory
1. there is more room in storage than memory
2. Contents are retained in a storage when the computer is turned off, whereas the
program or the data you put into memory disappear when you shut down the computer
3. Storage is slower compared to memory, but cost cheaper than memory

There are many types of storage devices includes tape drives, optical drives, removable
hard drives. However, the most common storage medium is the magnetic disk.

Tape Disk

A Disk- is a round flat object that spins around its center. Read/ Write Heads,
which are similar to the heads of a tape recorder or VCR, are used to read data
from the disk or write data onto the disk

Disk Drives- device that holds a disk. Some disk are built into the drive and are
not meant to be remove, other kinds of drives enables you to remove and
replace disk

Diskette Drive- which allow you to use removable diskettes (floppy disks)

Hard disk drives- serves as the computers primary filing cabinet. It can store for
more data than a diskette can contain

CD-ROM drive- is another common type of storage. Compact disk (CDs) are type
of optical device

CD Rewritable Disk- which can be written to a multiple times

Digital Video Disk- used for home entertainment

References and Supplementary Materials
Books and Journals
1. Denning, Peter J.; Martell, Craig H. (2015). Great principles of computing MIT Press QA 76 D3483 2015
2. Oleary, timothy J. (2015). Computing essentials: making IT work for you. QA 76.5 042 2011
Oleary, Timothy J.; Oleary, Linda I. (2015). Computing essentials 2014: making it work for you WLB
McGrawhill QA 76 054 2014

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

1. A brief history of computer; August 2, 2018
http://people.bu.edu/baws/brief%20computer%20history.html

2. Computer basics; August 3, 2018

https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/basic-parts-of-a-computer/1/

3. Central Processing unit; August 3, 2018

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zqg9q6f/revision/3

Online Instructional Videos

1. The components of computer and their function;(unavailable)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC_fOWfmtPA

2. Computer Hardware and Software; August 3, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UyJMiYqvs4

3. History and generation of computers; August 3, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrUvFJWlYCY

4. Generations of computers; August 3, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTc4kIVUnoA

5. The central processing unit; August 2, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZGugFqdr60

Z3 =true
Computer = complex parts
Software- intangible part of computer
EDVAC- false
Semiconductors= false