Introduction to Computer

Science
Lecture 1
By
Alina Munir (Lecturer)
[email protected]
Topics covered in the lecture
What is Computer?
Benefits and Social Repercussions
Major Components of Computer
Hardware
• Input devices
• Processing Devices
• Storage
• Output devices
• Communication devices
Software
• System Software
• Application Software
Hardware components of Computer System
Types of Computers
• Analogue
• Digital
• Super computer
• Mainframe computer
• Mini computer
• Micro computer
• Hybrid
 What is a Computer?
• An electronic device that is programmed to
accept data, process data into useful
information and store it for later use
Advantages Disadvantages

Speed Consistency Privacy Public Safety

Impact on
Reliability Storage Health Risks
Labor

Communication
Impact on
Environment
 Major Components
• Hardware • Software

The physical, touchable, Software is a set of

electronic and mechanical instructions that tells a
parts of a computer computer what to do
system.
Five main categories of hardware components in a
computer system:
• Input
• Processing
• Storage
• Output
• Communication devices.
HARDWARE COMPONENTS
 Input Devices
The devices that are used to enter data and
instructions into the computers
 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The processor is the main “brain” or “heart” of a computer system. It performs all
of the instructions and calculations that are needed and manages the flow of
information through a computer.
 Primary storage
(Internal storage, Main Memory or memory) is the computer's working storage
space that holds data, instructions for processing and processed data
(information) waiting to be sent to secondary storage. Physically, primary
storage is a collection of RAM chips.

Types of Memory
ROM – (Read Only Memory) ROM is nonvolatile, meaning it holds
data even when the power is ON or OFF.
Types:
1. MROM (Mask ROM)
2. PROM (Programmable ROM)
3. EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM)
4. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM)
 Types of RAM
RAM – (Random Access Memory) RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data
only when the power is on. When the power is off, RAM's
contents are lost.
1. Static RAM (SRAM)
2. Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
 Secondary Storage

Currently, there are two common types of hard drive:

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
2. Solid State Drive (SSD)

INTERFACES – the connecting part between the computer and the hard drive.

Types of interfaces hard drive have

1. Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA)

2. Serial ATA (SATA)
3. Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
4. NVMe (Non-volatile Memory Express)
 Output Devices
Output devices are used to display processed
data to the user
 Communication Devices

A communication device is a hardware component that enables a computer to

send and receive data, instructions and information to and from one or more
computers.

A Network Adapter is the Bluetooth is a short-range

component of a computer's wireless technology standard that
internal hardware that is used for is used for exchanging data
communicating over a network between fixed and mobile devices
with another computer. over short distances and building
personal area networks.
Modem:
A modulator-demodulator or modem is a computer hardware device that
converts data from a digital format into a format suitable for an analog
transmission medium such as telephone or radio

Dial-up modems
A dial-up modem usually is in the form of an
adapter card that you insert in an expansion slot
on a computer’s motherboard. One end of a
standard telephone cord attaches to a port on the
modem card and the other end plugs into a
telephone outlet.

Digital modems:
A digital modem is a communications device that
sends and receives data and information to and
from a digital line. These modems typically include
built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
 Wireless modems:
A wireless modem is a modem that bypasses
the telephone system and connects directly
to a wireless network, through which it can
directly access the Internet connectivity
provided by an Internet Service Provider
(ISP)

Wireless access points

Wireless access points (WAPs) are networking
devices that allow Wi-Fi devices to connect to a
wired network. They form Wireless Local area
network (WLANs). It acts as a central
transmitter and receiver of wireless radio
signals.
A Router is a networking device that
forwards data packets between computer
networks. Routers perform the traffic directing
functions between networks and on the global
Internet. Data sent through a network, such as
a web page or email, is in the form of data
packets.

Hubs and switches

A hub or switch is a device that provides a
central point for cables in a network. A hub is
a networking device that allows one to
connect multiple PCs to a single network.
Repeaters-
A repeater is a network device that retransmits a
received signal with more power and to an
extended geographical network boundary than
what would be capable with the original signal. A
repeater is implemented in computer networks to
expand the coverage area of the network, spread a
weak or broken signal and/or service remote
nodes. Repeaters amplify the received/input signal
to a higher frequency domain so that it is reusable,
scalable and available.

Bridges
A bridge is a type of computer network device
that provides interconnection with other
bridge networks that use the same protocol.
Bridge devices are used to connect two
different networks together and provide
communication between them
 Data Cables
The computer data cable carries data from the drive to the motherboard
and vice versa. There are two common types of data cables,
• SATA data cables
• EIDE data cables.
HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF A
COMPUTER SYSTEM
 System Unit
The main part of a microcomputer, sometimes called the chassis.
It includes the following parts:
• Motherboard
• Microprocessor
• Memory Chips
• Buses
• Ports
• Expansion Slots
• Cards
 Main Components of Motherboard

• CPU Socket
• Memory Slots
• Expansion Slots
• Chipset (Northern & Southern)
• CMOS
• BIOS
• Input Output Connectors
• Power Connectors
 Motherboard
The main circuit board of a computer. It contains all the circuits and
components that run the computer
Internal ports – These connect the motherboard to internal devices like the hard disk
drive, optical disk drive, internal modem, among others.

External ports – These ports connect the motherboard to external devices like modems,
mice, printers, and flash drives among others.
SOFTWARE COMPONENTS
TYPES OF COMPUTER
• Analogue
– A computer that processes analog data is known as an analog
computer. Variable physical quantities, such as electrical potential,
fluid pressure, or mechanical motion, are represented in a way
analogous to the corresponding quantities in the problem to be
solved.
– Example: Oscilloscope, Speedometer, Seismometer, Voltmeter
• Digital
– A computer that processes discrete data is known as an digital
computer. They breaks all types of information into tiny
units and use numbers to represent those pieces of information.
Everything is described in two states i.e. either ON (1) or OFF (0)
– Modern Smartphones, Laptops, desktop computers

• Hybrid
– Computers that have features of both digital and analogue
computers are known as hybrid computers. They are mainly used
for specialized applications.
– Fuel vending machine, Ultrasound Machine