Information Technology Essentials — Lecture 02

Dr. Karim Lounis

Fall 2023

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 Concetps, notions, and terminologies in Computers Computer Systems

Computer Systems

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 Concetps, notions, and terminologies in Computers Computer Systems

What is a system?

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 Concetps, notions, and terminologies in Computers Computer Systems

Systems

Definition
System. Is a set of components that work together to achieve specific
objectives or functions (i.e., provide a service).

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 Concetps, notions, and terminologies in Computers Computer Systems

Systems

Could you think of real examples of systems?

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 Concetps, notions, and terminologies in Computers Computer Systems

Systems

Definition
System. Is a set of components that work together to achieve specific
objectives or functions (i.e., provide a service).

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 Concetps, notions, and terminologies in Computers Computer Systems

What is a computer system?

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

What is a Computer?

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

Look at these images and tell what do they have in common.

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

Look at these images and tell what do they have in common.

In fact, all these are computers . . . computers are not just laptops
and desktops

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

Definition
Computer. It is an electronic machine that is designed to automatically
compute problems at a very high velocity.

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

What Do We Need Computers?

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers
Why do we need computers?
Data Processing and Analysis: Computers can analyze large volumes
of data quickly and accurately (good for decision-making).
Automation and Efficiency: Computers automate tasks that would be
time-consuming and error-prone if done manually.
Communication and Connectivity: Computers enable global communi-
caiton using various tools.
Innovation and Creativity: Computers provide tools for creative activi-
ties, e.g., creating multimedia content.
Research and Exploration: Computers allow access to a large amount
of various information.
Education and Learning: Computers have revolutionized education by
providing access to online learning resources (e.g., virtual classrooms).
And more: entertainment, healthcare, finance, e-commerce, weather pre-
diction, space exploration, agriculture, social-interaction, etc.
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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

Definition
Computer. It is an electronic machine that is designed to automatically
compute problems at a very high velocity.

Let us take a moment and analyze the above definition:

Eletronic machines: Following the the development of electronics.

Moore’s Law. It is an observation that the number of transistors in

an integrated circuit (IC) doubles about every two years.
Automatic: Reducing human intervention.

Compute: means, solve problems.

Problem: A situation or question that requires a solution.

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

Definition
Computer. It is an electronic machine that is designed to automatically
compute problems at a very high velocity.

Eletronic machines: Following the the development of electronics.

Automatic: Reducing human intervention.

Compute: solve problems.

Problem: A question that requires a solution.

Also, we may say that a computer decides a problem (decidability).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers
Definition
Computer. It is an electronic machine that is designed to automatically
compute problems at a very high velocity.

Eletronic machines: Following the the development of electronics.

Automatic: Reducing human intervention.
Compute: solve problems.
Problem: A question that requires a solution.

Also, we may say that a computer decides a problem (decidability).

Of course, some problems cannot be solved. They are called:
undecidable problems.

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers
Definition
Computer. It is an electronic machine that is designed to automatically
compute problems at a very high velocity.

Eletronic machines: Following the the development of electronics.

Automatic: Reducing human intervention.
How do computers try to solve problems?
Compute: solve problems.
Problem: A question that requires a solution.

Also, we may say that a computer decides a problem (decidability).

Of course, some problems cannot be solved. They are called:
undecidable problems.

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and understand the problem.
2 We propose a solution to the problem.
3 We write the solution as a set of finite steps, called algorithm.
4 We translate the algorithm into a program by rewriting all the steps
using a programming language.
5 Feed the computer with the written program with any required intput.
6 The computer, may use another program to translate the written pro-
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
7 The computer automatically executes the produced machine code and
rapidly solves the problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and understand the problem.
Algorithm
2 We propose a solution to the problem. éJ ÓPP@ñk
3 We write the It is a finite
solution as asequence of steps
set of finite steps,tocalled
solve algorithm.
a problem.
4 We translate the algorithm into a program by rewriting all the steps
using a programming language (producing the source code).
5 Feed the computer with the written program with any required intput.
6 The computer, may use another program to translate the written pro-
gram into a sequence
Muh.ammad ibn Musa—
of instructions known as machine
al-Khwarizmi code.
(780-850)
7 The computer automatically executes the produced machine code and
rapidly solves the problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and understand the problem.
Algorithm
2 We propose a solution to the problem. éJ ÓPP@ñk
3 We write theAlgorithms
solution ashave
a setcharacteristiques:
of finite steps, called algorithm.
4 Finite set of steps.
We translate the algorithm into a program by rewriting all the steps
Stepslanguage.
using a programming are unambiguous.
5 Feed the computerInputs
with and outputs.program with any required intput.
the written
6 The computer, mayTermination.
use another program to translate the written pro-
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
Feasability.
7 The computer automatically
Expressed inexecutes
natural the produced machine code and
language.
rapidly solves the problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and Let
Algorithm understand
us solve the problem.
a problem.
2 We propose a solution to the problem.
Problem statement 1. Given a list of random natural numbers,
3 We write the solution as a set
we would like of
tofinite steps,
compute called
their algorithm.
product.
4 We translate the algorithm into a program by rewriting all the steps
usingLet us write an algorithm
a programming language.that solves the problem.
5 Feed the computer with the written program with any required intput.
6 The computer, may use another program to translate the written pro-
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
7 The computer automatically executes the produced machine code and
rapidly solves the problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and Let
Algorithm understand
us solve the problem.
a problem:
2 We propose a solution to the problem.
Algorithm 1
3 We write the solution as a set of finite steps, called algorithm.
4 1 Obtain
We translate thethe complete
algorithm lista ofprogram
into those numbers.
by rewriting all the steps
using a2 programming language.
Take the first number and multiply it with the second
5 number then
Feed the computer withwrite down the
the written result. with any required intput.
program
6 3 Take the
The computer, maynext
use number
another on the listtoand
program multiply
translate theit written
with thepro-
gram intoresult you wrote
a sequence down in Step
of instructions — 2.
known as machine code.
7 4 Repeat
The computer Step 3 untilexecutes
automatically numberstherunproduced
out. machine code and
rapidly 5solves the problem.
Announce the final result.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and Let
Algorithm understand
us solve the problem.
a problem:
2 We propose a solution to the problem.
Algorithm 1
3 We write the solution as a set of finite steps, called algorithm.
4 1 Obtain
We translate thethe complete
algorithm lista ofprogram
into those numbers.
by rewriting all the steps
using a2 programming language.
Take the first number and multiply it with the second
5 number then
Feed the computer withwrite down the
the written result. with any required intput.
program
6 3 Take the
The computer, maynext
use number
another on the listtoand
program multiply
translate theit written
with thepro-
gram intoresult you wrote
a sequence down in Step
of instructions — 2.
known as machine code.
7 4 Repeat
The computer Step 3 untilexecutes
automatically numberstherunproduced
out. machine code and
rapidly 5solves the problem.
Announce the final result.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).
Does this conform to the characteristics of an algorithm?
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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and Let
Algorithm understand
us solve the problem.
another problem.
2 We propose a solution to the problem.
Problem statement 2. We want to deliver a parcel (e.g., could be
3 We write the solution
an eggastray)
a settoofa finite steps,using
customer called algorithm.
a drone.
4 We translate the algorithm into a program by rewriting all the steps
using a programming language.
5 Feed the computer with the written program with any required intput.
6 The computer, may use another program to translate the written pro-
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
7 The computer automatically executes the produced machine code and
Let us write an algorithm that solves the problem.
rapidly solves the problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers
We do not want this:

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers
We want something close, or even better than this:

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and Here
Algorithm understand the problem.
is an attempt to solve this (Algorithm 2):
2 We propose a solution
1 Obtain to the problem.
the customer location.
3 We write the solution
2 Check as a setisofwithin
that location finite drone’s
steps, called algorithm.
operational range.
4 Otherwise,
We translate cancel delivery
the algorithm and notify
into a program bycustomer
rewriting(go2 Step
all the 9).
steps
using a3 programming language.
Load drone with parcel (may need assistance).
5 Feed the
4 computer withflythe
Take off and to written
customerprogram with any required intput.
location.
6 The computer, may use
5 Use drone’s another
sensors program
to avoid to translate
collisions duringthe written pro-
flight.
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine
6 Inform customer that drone is approaching destination. code.
7 The computer
7 Gently automatically executes
release the parcel theparachute
using producedatmachine code and
a safe spot.
rapidly 8solves the problem.
Confirm successful delivery with the customer. If successful
8 The computer outputs
delivery the results
is confirmed, (output).
return to store. Otherwise, ...
9 Announce delivery status to the customer service.
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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and Let
Algorithm understand
us solve the problem.
another problem.
2 We propose a solution to the problem.
Problem statement 3. Salim wants to send some confidential
3 We write the solution
documents to Ali as
in aa set of finite
locked steps, called
box without algorithm.
sharing the key for his
4 We translate
lock with the
Ali. algorithm
Also, the into a program
postman will notbyberewriting all the
able to open thesteps
box.
using a programming language.
5 Feed the computer with the written program with any required intput.
6 The computer, may use another program to translate the written pro-
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
7 The computer automatically executes the produced machine code and
rapidly solves the problem.
Let us write an algorithm that solves the problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).
The box should not be broken or destroyed.
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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

ToAlgorithm Here is
solve a problem an attempt
using to solve
a computer, the this (Algorithm
following steps are3):performed:
1 Put confidential documents in box then lock the box.
1 We analyze and understand the problem.
2 Send box to Ali.
2 We propose a solution to the problem.
3 Postman collects the box and transports it to Ali.
3 We write the solution as a set of finite steps, called algorithm.
4 When Ali receives the box, he locks it again with his lock.
4 We translate the algorithm into a program by rewriting all the steps
5 Send the box to Salim.
using a programming language.
6 Postman collects the box and transports it to Salim.
5 Feed the computer with the written program with any required intput.

7 When Salim receives the box, he removes his lock from the box.
6 The computer, may use another program to translate the written pro-
8 Send box to Ali.
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
9 Postman collects the box and transports it to Ali.
7 The computer automatically executes the produced machine code and
rapidly
10 Whensolves the problem.
Ali receives the box, he removes his lock from the box.
8 The
11Alicomputer
opens theoutputs
box andthecollects
resultsthe
(output).
documents.

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We Algorithms
analyze and &
understand the problem.
Decidability:
2 We In
propose a solution
theoritical to the
computer problem.
science, decidability looks at whether
3 We awrite the solution
problem as a set
can be solved of finite
using steps, called
an algorithm algorithm.
or not.
4 We Given
translate the algorithm
a problem, into find
if you can a program by rewriting
an algorithm all solve
that can the steps
using a programming language.
that problem for whatever input (and will terminate — halt),
5 Feed thethe
then computer
problemwith the written program with any required intput.
is decidable.
6 TheComputable
computer, may use another
problems program
however, to translate
are problems the written
for which there pro-
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
exists an algorithm that can produce an output for valid inputs,
7 Theyet
computer
in someautomatically executesmay
cases, the algorithm the run
produced machine
indefinitely code and
without
rapidly solves an
producing theoutput
problem.
(i.e., does not halt).
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We Algorithms
analyze and &
understand the problem.
Undecidability:
2 We Undecidable
propose a solution to the
problems areproblem.
those problems that can not always
3 We bewrite the solution
solved using anasalgorithm.
a set of finite
I.e., steps,
there called
exists algorithm.
an algorithm
4 We translate the algorithm into a program by rewriting allfor
for the problem, but does not provide a correct answer theallsteps
possible
using inputs. language.
a programming
5 Feed the computer
Example: with the
The halting written program with any required intput.
problem.
6 The computer, may use another program to translate the written pro-
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
7 The computer automatically executes the produced machine code and
rapidly solves the problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We Algorithms
analyze and &
understand the problem.
Complexity:
2 We Complexity
propose a solution
studiesto
thethe problem.
difficulty of solving comptational prob-
3 We lems
writeby
thelooking
solutionatastheir
a setsolvability,
of finite steps, called algorithm.
requirements (space and
4 time), efficiency, and classification.
We translate the algorithm into a program by rewriting all the steps
using a programming
Space complexitylanguage.
looks at how much memory I need to solve
5 Feed
thethe computer
problem, with the
whereas timewritten program
complexity with
looks at any
howrequired intput.
much time
6 I need to solve the problem (focusing on wost case scenario).
The computer, may use another program to translate the written pro-
gram intonotation:
a sequence of instructions √
Big-O O(1), O(log (n)), —
O(known as machine
n), O(n), O(n·logcode.
(n)),
7 TheO(n 2 ), O(nautomatically
computer 3 ), . . ., O(2n ),executes
and O(n!).
the produced machine code and
rapidly solves the problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).

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 Computer Systems Computers

Computers

To solve a problem using a computer, the following steps are performed:

1 We analyze and Let
Algorithm understand
us solve the problem.
another problem.
2 We propose a solution to the problem.
Problem statement 4. We want to display the numbers from 1 to
3 We write
100, the
but solution as aofset3,ofprint
for muliples finite steps,
“EN” calledofalgorithm.
instead the number, for
4 We translate the algorithm
multiples of 5, printinto a program
“SIA”, and for bytherewriting
numbers allthatthearesteps
using a programming language.
multiples of both 3 and 5, print “ENSIA”.
5 Feed the computer with the written program with any required intput.
6 The Let us writemay
computer, an algorithm
use another thatprogram
solves the problem. the
to translate For written
consistency,
pro-
let us use the following algorithm template:
gram into a sequence of instructions — known as machine code.
7 The Input:
computer. . .automatically executes the produced machine code and
rapidly Body:
solves the
. . . problem.
8 The computer outputs the results (output).
Output: . . .
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 End of Presentation

End.

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