Lecture 1

Introduction to Computers, its

Classification, Digital Tools and
their Importance in Biosciences
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: DR. SHABANA BIBI
What is a Computer?
Computer is an essential tool used for managing,
analyzing, and visualizing data.

Computers process information—input, processing,

output, and storage.
 The Data Processing Cycle
Data Processing cycle described all activities which are common to all data
processing systems from manual to electronic systems.
 These activities can be grouped in four functional categories, viz., data input,
data processing, data output and storage, constituting what is known as a data
processing cycle.
 The main aim of data processing cycle is to convert the data into meaningful
information.
 Data processing system are often referred to as Information System.
 The Information System typically take raw Data as Input to produce
Information as Output.
DATA INPUT
◦ The term input refers to the activities required to record data.
◦ It’s a process to entered data in to computer system.
◦ So before we input any data, it is necessary to check or verify the data context.
DATA PROCESSING
◦ The term processing includes the activities like classifying, storing, calculating, comparing or summarizing the data.
◦ The processing means to use techniques to convert the data into meaningful information.
DATA OUTPUT
◦ It’s a communication function which transmits the information to the outside world.
◦ After completed the process the data are converted into the meaningful in
◦ Sometimes the output also includes the decoding activity which converts the electronically generated information into human readable
form.
DATA STORAGE
◦ It involves the storage of data & information for future use.
Types of Computers based on their
Designs
Desktops and Laptops:
Differences, typical use cases in research labs, and benefits.
Tablets and Smartphones:
Their growing role in biosciences, such as data collection and remote
access.
Workstations and Servers:
Their role in handling large-scale data and running specialized
biosciences applications.
Types of Computers based on their
capacity to manage data
There are three different kinds of computers based on their capacity
to manage data.
Analog computers
Digital computers
Hybrid computers
Analog computers
In Analog Computers, data is represented as continuously varying
voltage and operate essentially by measuring rather counting.
As the data is continuously variable, the results obtained are
estimated and not exactly repeatable.
It can able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and also
capable to work effectively with the irrational number. E.g. 1/8 =
0.125 and 1/6=0.1666.
Voltage, temperature and pressure are measured using analog
devices like voltmeters, thermometers and barometers.
Digital Computers
The digital computer is a machine based on digital technology
which represents information by numerical digit.
In digital Computers data is represented as discrete units of
electrical pulses. The data is measured in quantities represented as
either the ‘on’ or ‘off’ state.
Therefore, the results obtained from a digital computer are
accurate.
Virtually all of today’s computers are based on digital computers.
Hybrid Computers
It combines the good features of both analog & digital computers.
It has a speed of analog computer & accuracy of digital computer.
Hybrid Computers accept data in analog form and present output
also in digitally.
The data however is processed digitally.
Therefore, hybrid computers require analog-to-digital and digital-
to-analog converters for output.
Types of Computers based on their Size
There are three different kinds of computers based on size and data
processing capacity.
Micro computer
Mini computer
Mainframe computer
Super computer
Micro Computer
Micro computers are the computers with having a microprocessor
chip as it central processing unit.
Originated in late 1970s.
First micro computer was built with 8 bit processor.
Microcomputer is known as personal computer.
Designed to use by individual whether in the form of pc’s,
workstation or notebook computers.
Small in size and affordable for general people.
Ex: IBM PC, IBM PC/XT, IBM PC/AT
Mini Computer
Mini computers are originated in 1960s.
Small mainframes that perform limited tasks.
Less expensive than mainframe computer.
Mini computers are Lower mainframe in the terms of processing
capabilities.
Capable of supporting 10 to 100 users simultaneously.
In 1970s it contains 8 bit or 12 bit processor.
Gradually the architecture requirement is grown and 16 and 32 bit.
Minicomputers are invented which are known as supermini computers.
Ex: IBM AS400
Mainframe Computer
A very powerful computer which capable of supporting thousands of user simultaneously.
It contains powerful data processing system.
It is capable to run multiple operating systems.
It is capable to process 100 million instructions per second.
Mainframes are very large & expensive computers with having larger internal storage capacity & high
processing speed.
Mainframes are used in the organization that need to process large number of transaction online &
required a computer system having massive storage & processing capabilities.
Mainly used to handle bulk of data & information for processing.
Mainframe system is housed in a central location with several user terminal connected to it.
Much bigger in size & needs a large rooms with maintained humidity & temperature.
IBM & DEC are major vendors of mainframes.
Ex : MEDHA, SPERRY, IBM, DEC, HP, HCL
 Super Computer
Most powerful & most expensive computer.
Used for complex scientific application that requires huge processing power.
Used multiprocessor technology to perform the calculation very speedy.
They are special purpose computers that are designed to perform some specific
task.
The cost of the super computer is dependent on its processing capabilities &
configuration.
The speed of modern computer is measured in gigaflops, teraflops and petaflops.
o Gigaflops= 109 arithmetic operation per second.
o Teraflops=1012 arithmetic operation per second.
o Petaflops=1015 arithmetic operation per second.
Ex: PARAM , EKA, BLUE GENE/P
Importance in Biosciences
Research and Analysis: How computers assist in managing
experimental data, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
Collaboration: Facilitating collaboration between researchers,
including remote collaboration and data sharing.
Basic Computer Concepts
Hardware vs. Software
Hardware: Physical components of a computer (e.g., CPU, RAM,
storage devices, input/output devices).
Software: Programs and applications that run on the hardware
(e.g., operating systems, applications for data analysis).
Interaction: How hardware and software work together to perform
tasks.
Basic Computer Concepts
Input and Output Devices
Input Devices: Keyboards, mouse, scanners, and how they are used
to input data.
Output Devices: Monitors, printers, and how they display or
produce results.
Specialized Input/Output Devices: Examples relevant to
biosciences, such as digital microscopes, data acquisition systems.
Basic Computer Concepts
Storage Devices
Types of Storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD),
USB drives, and external hard drives.
Cloud Storage: Benefits of using cloud storage for data sharing and
backup in research (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
Introduction to Digital Tools
Digital Tools in Biosciences
Data Management Tools: Overview of tools used to manage large
datasets (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets).
Bioinformatics Tools: Introduction to specific tools used in
biosciences research, such as BLAST for sequence analysis, or
software for genetic data analysis.
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS): How LIMS
are used for tracking samples, managing experiments, and ensuring
data integrity.
Introduction to Digital Tools
Software and Applications
Research Software: Introduction to common applications such as
GraphPad Prism for statistical analysis, ImageJ for image processing,
and R/Python for data analysis.
Visualization Tools: Tools used for visualizing data, such as plotting
software and graphing tools.
Introduction to Digital Tools
Setting Up and Using Digital Tools
Installation and Configuration: Basic steps to install and configure
software needed for biosciences research.
Navigating Software Interfaces: Understanding the layout and
main functions of common research software.
A software interface refers to the mechanism that allows different
software components or systems to communicate and exchange
data with each other. It includes a list of data elements exchanged,
real-time characteristics, error handling, and memory management.
Harnessing Technology in Biosciences: A
Dive into Key Bioinformatics Tools
In the rapidly evolving field of biosciences, the integration of technology is
pivotal for analyzing complex biological data.
Bioinformatics, the interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer
science, and mathematics, has revolutionized our ability to understand genetic,
genomic, and proteomic information.
Bioinformatics encompasses a wide range of computational techniques used to
analyze biological data.
As sequencing technologies advance and the volume of biological information
grows, bioinformatics tools become indispensable for data management,
analysis, and interpretation. This section will briefly outline the significance of
bioinformatics in modern biosciences.
Challenges and Future Directions
While bioinformatics tools have transformed biosciences, challenges remain.
Data management, integration, and reproducibility are ongoing concerns.
Additionally, as new technologies emerge, bioinformatics tools must evolve to
keep pace with the increasing complexity of biological data.
Future advancements may include improved machine learning algorithms for
predictive analysis, enhanced user interfaces for greater accessibility, and more
robust databases to accommodate diverse biological data types.
As technology continues to advance, bioinformatics will play a crucial role in
shaping the future of biosciences research.