Introduction to

the World of
Computers
By Youssef Abdel-mohymen
Learning Objectives
1 2 3
Importance of learning about Define a computer and Milestones in computer
computers today. describe primary operations. evolution.

4 5 6
Major parts of a personal Define software and its role. Types of computers and their
computer. uses.

7 8 9
Understanding networks, the Accessing and navigating Societal impact of
Internet, and the Web. Web pages. computers.
Overview of Computers

1.Introduction to the Significance of Computers in Daily Life:

● Computers are integral to modern life, impacting how we communicate,
work, learn, and entertain ourselves.
● Ubiquitous computing, where technology is embedded in everyday
devices, enhances functionality and convenience.

2. Role of Computers in Business:

● Essential for managing operations, maintaining records, processing
transactions, and decision-making.
● Facilitates remote work, data analysis, and automation, driving
efficiency and productivity across industries.
Overview of Computers
3. Role of Computers in Personal Lives:
● Enables communication, access to information, online shopping, and
entertainment.
● Supports smart homes, personal finance management, and digital
content creation.

4. ole of Computers in Various Industries:

● Used in education for distance learning, research, and digital resources.
● Critical in healthcare for patient records, diagnostics, and telemedicine.
● In manufacturing, computers control automation, design, and supply
chain management.
Computers in Your Life
1.Computers at Home
○ Overview: Home computing has become central to daily life. Activities such as browsing
the Internet, shopping online, managing finances, and entertainment like streaming videos
or gaming are common.

○ Smart Homes: Modern homes increasingly feature smart appliances and systems,
integrating computers to control tasks like home security, climate control, and energy
management.
2.Computers in Education
○ Overview: Computers are integral to modern education, from elementary schools to
universities.

○ E-Learning: Computers enable distance learning, allowing students to attend classes

remotely. Schools often use e-books and online resources, and many campuses have
wireless hotspots for student access.
Computers in Your Life
3.Computers at work
○ Overview: Computers are essential tools in the workplace, used for
decision-making, productivity, and communication.

○ Automation and Control: Computers manage tasks like inventory,

employee records, and customer service. They are also used in access
control systems, ensuring security in workplaces.
4.Computers on the Go
○ Overview: Mobile computing has become pervasive with smartphones, tablets,
and laptops enabling access to the Internet and work from virtually anywhere.

○ Portable Productivity: Professionals use mobile devices to communicate,

access data, and complete tasks while traveling or away from the office.
Definition of a Computer:
A computer is an electronic device that can
perform a variety of tasks by processing data
according to a set of instructions called a
program. It can execute complex
computations and store large amounts of
information, making it an essential tool in
modern life.
 Primary Operations:
Input The process of entering data into the computer. Devices like keyboards,
mice, and scanners are commonly used for input.

The manipulation of data by the computer's central processing unit (CPU).

Processing This involves calculations, logical operations, and decision-making based
on the instructions provided by the software.

The process of presenting the results of the computer's processing to the

Output user. Common output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers.

The saving of data for future use. Computers use storage devices like
Storage hard drives, SSDs, and cloud storage to retain information, even when the
power is off.

The ability of a computer to exchange data with other devices or systems.

Communication This is typically achieved through networks, such as the internet, allowing
computers to connect and share information globally.
 Storage devices

Input Devices CPU Output Devices

Communication
Devices
 Data vs. Information

Data Information
Processed data that is meaningful and
Raw facts and figures without context. It useful. Information is data that has been
can be numbers, text, images, or other organized, interpreted, and contextualized
types of input that have not yet been to be relevant and valuable.
processed or interpreted.
 ● Early Computers (1940s-1950s): Large, room-sized
machines like the ENIAC; used for basic
calculations and military applications.
● Mainframes (1960s-1970s): Large, expensive
systems used by businesses and universities for

Key Milestones in
complex calculations and data processing.
● Personal Computers (1980s): Introduction of
the Evolution of affordable personal computers such as the IBM PC
and Apple Macintosh, which brought computing
Computers power to the general public.
● Laptops and Mobile Devices (1990s-Present):
Development of portable computers and
smartphones, increasing accessibility and mobility.
● Modern Computers (2000s-Present): Advanced
PCs, servers, supercomputers, and embedded
systems with high processing power, small form
factors, and connectivity.
Comparison of Old Computers vs. Modern-Day Computers:
Size and Portability

Old Computers Modern Computers

Bulky, room-sized machines; difficult to Compact and portable, including
move. laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Comparison of Old Computers vs. Modern-Day Computers:
Processing Power

Old Computers Modern Computers

Limited processing capabilities with High-speed processors capable of
slower speeds. handling complex tasks and large
volumes of data.
Comparison of Old Computers vs. Modern-Day Computers:
Storage

Old Computers Modern Computers

Limited storage capacity, often on Large-capacity SSDs and cloud storage
magnetic tapes or large disks. options.
Comparison of Old Computers vs. Modern-Day Computers:
User Interface

Old Computers Modern Computers

Primarily command-line interfaces. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs),
touchscreens, and voice recognition.
Comparison of Old Computers vs. Modern-Day Computers:
Connectivity

Old Computers Modern Computers

Limited or no network capabilities. Always connected to the Internet and
capable of wireless communication
 Major Parts of a Personal Computer

Input Devices Output Devices

Devices used to enter data into a computer (e.g., Devices that receive and display information
keyboard, mouse, scanner). from the computer (e.g., monitor, printer).

Storage Devices Communication Devices

Devices used to store data and programs (e.g., Devices that allow the computer to connect to
hard drive, SSD). other devices or networks (e.g., network card,
Examples: Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State modem).
Drive (SSD), USB Flash Drive. Examples: Network Interface Card (NIC), Wi-Fi
Adapter, Modem.

Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing unit, or CPU, is the brain of the computer where all the
processing occurs.
Examples: Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 5.
Definition of Software:
Software refers to the collection of data, programs,
and instructions that tell a computer how to
perform specific tasks. It is essential for enabling
the computer to carry out various functions and
operations.

Role of Software in Instructing Computers:

Software provides the necessary instructions and
commands that direct the computer's hardware to
execute tasks. Without software, hardware alone
would not be able to perform any meaningful
operations.
Types of Software:
Software

Application System
Software Software
 System Software:

System software is designed to manage and control the

Definition hardware components of a computer. It acts as a
mediator between the hardware and application
software.

Operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS,

Examples Linux), device drivers.
 Application Software:

Application software is designed to perform specific

Definition tasks or applications for the user, ranging from
productivity to entertainment.

Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word), web browsers

Examples (e.g., Chrome, Firefox), media players (e.g., VLC).
 Types of Computers

Personal Computers
Mobile Devices
(PCs) Embedded Computers Portable
General- Computers computing
purpose integrated devices that
computers into other offer internet
designed for devices to capabilities
individual perform and run
use. specific applications.
functions.
 Types of Computers

Mainframes
Supercomputers Servers Large,
Extremely Computers powerful
powerful designed to computers
computers used provide services used by
for complex and resources to organizations
simulations and other computers for critical
calculations. over a network. applications.
Understanding Networks and the Internet
1.Definition of Key Terms:
○ Network: A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes,
network devices, and other devices connected to one another for sharing
data and resources.

○ The Internet: The Internet is a global network of networks that connects

millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks,
allowing for communication and data sharing.

○ The World Wide Web (WWW): The WWW is a system of interlinked

hypertext documents and multimedia content accessed via the Internet. It
enables users to browse and interact with websites through web browsers.
Understanding Networks and the Internet
2.Dentification on the Internet:
○ Computers: Identified by unique IP addresses, which are numerical labels
assigned to each device connected to a network.

○ People: Identified through usernames, email addresses, or online profiles,

which are linked to their digital presence.

○ Web Pages: Identified by URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), which are the
addresses used to access specific web pages on the Internet.
Navigating the Web
1. Accessing a Web Page
● Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
● Enter the web page URL in the address bar.

● Press Enter to load the page.

2. Surfing and Searching the Web

● Use hyperlinks to explore different web pages.

● Utilize search engines (e.g., Google, Bing) to find information:

○ Type keywords into the search bar.

○ Browse through search results to find relevant content.
Navigating the Web
3. Introduction to Email
● Creating an Email Account:

○ Sign up for an email service (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo).

○ Provide necessary information and set up security features.
● Using Email:
○ Compose and send emails to contacts.
○ Manage incoming messages and organize emails using
folders.
Societal Impact of Computers
Benefits of a Computer-Oriented Society
1. Efficiency and Productivity: Computers streamline tasks,
boosting efficiency in workplaces and daily life.
2. Global Connectivity: The internet fosters communication,
collaboration, and information sharing across the globe.
3. Access to Information: Digital platforms provide vast amounts
of information, enhancing education and awareness.
4. Innovation and Development: Computers drive technological
advancements, leading to new solutions in various fields.
Cloud Computing: Amazon, Google, Microsoft
1. Access from Anywhere:
● Access data and apps from any device, anywhere.
● Real-time collaboration and easy scalability.

2. Performance:
● High availability with optimized speed and global coverage.
3. Security:
● Advanced encryption and compliance with global standards.

● AI-driven threat detection and continuous monitoring.

Fun videos to understand the subject of computers in general:
Da7ee7 Playlist for Computers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suhaKEbaf1w&list=PLcuwBGB3BaUT
JfDqs78vyDqjDPJFEUgFl

reference:
D. Morley and C. S. Parker, Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow,
15th ed. Stamford, CT, USA: Cengage Learning, 2015.
THANK
YOU