Chapter One: Overview of Computer Science

1.1 Introduction to Information and Communication Technology

1.2 Definition of Computer and Computer Science
1.3 Characteristics of computers- Speed, accuracy, capacity, versatility,
durability and reliability
1.4 Types of computers: Analog, digital, special purpose, general
purpose, Supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers,
microcomputers (desktop, laptop or notebook, PDA or palmtop,
handheld)
1.5 Applications of computers

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 1.1 Introduction to Information and Communication Technology
 Data is a collection of raw or unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols.
 Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful. To process data into
information, a computer uses hardware and software.
 IT is technology that merges computing with high-speed communications links carrying
data, sound, and video.
 The most important consequence of IT is that it is producing a gradual fusion of several
important industries in a phenomenon that has been called technological convergence that
is derived from a combination of two recent technologies: computers and communications.
 Computer technology
 A computer is a programmable, multiuse machine that accepts data, raw facts and figures
and processes, or manipulates, it into information we can use, such as summaries or totals.
Its purpose is to speed up problem solving and increase productivity.
 Communications technology
 Communications, or telecommunications, technology consists of electronic and
electromagnetic devices and systems for communicating over long distances. Examples are
telephone, radio, broadcast television, and cable TV.
 ICT refers to all communication technologies, including the Internet, wireless networks,
cell phones, computers, software, middleware, video-conferencing, social networking, and
other media applications and services.
 ICT more focuses more on how digital technologies assist users in handling information.
 IT encompasses the use of computers, networks, computer software and other electronics
or digital devices for the management and communication of information.
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 1.2 Definition of Computer and Computer Science
 A computer is an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions stored in its
own memory that can accept data, manipulate the data according to specified rules, produce
results, and store the results for future use. Computers process data to create information.
 Computer science is the discipline that seeks to build a scientific foundation for computer
design, computer programming, information processing, algorithmic solutions of problems,
and the algorithmic process itself. It provides the underpinnings for today’s computer
applications as well as the foundations for tomorrow’s computing infrastructure.
 Computer science incorporates: Computer Systems
 Data is a collection of raw or unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols.
 Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful. To process data into
information, a computer uses hardware and software.
 Hardware is the electric, electronic, and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer.
 Software is the series of instructions that tells the hardware how to perform tasks.
 People: programmers and end user

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 Differences between Data and Information

“Human can do anything computer can do but a computer cannot do everything a human can
do” is a true statement. Differences between Human Attitude and computer Attitudes

Human Computer
Can Think Cannot think by itself
Gets Mental Tiredness Never gets Tiredness
May do mistake Can’t do mistake by itself
Has limited speed Very High Speed
Has limited Memory More Amount of memory
Accuracy may be missing Never missing
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 1.3 Characteristics of Computers
 Computers are capable of performing highly complex tasks, which human beings

cannot perform efficiently.

 The characteristics of computers include Speed, accuracy, capacity, versatility,

durability and reliability.

1. Speed: Computers work at an amazing speed without any mistakes. The work,
which a normal person would complete in a few hours can be done within
fractions of a second by a computer. Speed of computers is measured in terms of
milliseconds (10–3 seconds), microseconds (10–6 seconds) or nanoseconds (10–
9 seconds).

2. Accuracy: A computer performs its task with great accuracy. It never commits
mistakes in processing the data. It produces errors when we enter inaccurate
input, i.e., Garbage In Garbage Out (GIGO).
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 Cont…
3. Reliability: Computers are more reliable than human beings as they do not get bored of the
repetitive tasks and never get tired.
4. Storage Capacity: A computer can store large amount of data. It can store various documents,
articles, pictures, etc., in its memory which can be used whenever required. On the other hand,
a human being can keep only a limited information in his/her mind and rest of the things,
he/she forgets.
5. Versatility: A computer can perform various types of jobs. On a computer system, we can
listen to songs while typing text or play games while working on any other package, do
calculations, make drawings, surf the net, send e-mail, etc.
6. Diligence: Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer from
human traits of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration. Computers, therefore,
are better than human beings in performing voluminous and repetitive jobs.
7. Automatic: Once necessary information and program is fed, the computer performs processing
without human intervention.

 In general a computer has a capacity to store a very large amount of information in organized

6 manner so that accessing information is very fast.

 1.4 Types of computers

Types of computers : Analog, digital, special purpose, general

purpose, Supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers,
microcomputers (desktop, laptop or notebook, PDA or palmtop,
handheld)

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 1.4 Types of Computers
 Computer can be classified in different types based on different parameters.

1. On the basis of the Size, Cost and Performance of (i) Speed of processing data, (ii)
Storage capacity and (iii) Ability to handle input and output devices, computers can be
classified into:
1. supercomputers,
2. mainframe computers,
3. minicomputers, and
4. microcomputers (personal computers)

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 1. Supercomputers
 Extremely powerful computers they are designed for high-speed processing.
 A supercomputer is generally characterized as being the fastest, most
powerful, and most expensive computer.
 Generally, Supercomputers are: the largest and the most efficient
computers, very expensive, very fast and supports hundreds of users at
different locations.
 Performs Hundreds of millions of operations per second.
 They are multi-user systems.
 They can carry out enormously complex scientific calculations.
 Commonly used in:-
 Space technology centers
 Meteorology stations
 Astronomical observatories
 Intercontinental communications
 Airline organizations
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 2. Mainframe computers

Mainframe computers are more powerful than minicomputers.

 They have high processing speeds and can store large amounts of data.

 Smaller in size and capacity, lower in speed & memory capacity than the
super computers.
 They are used in wide area networks, multi-user systems and handle
hundreds of users.
 They are usually used in large organizations.

 However, these computers consume more electricity.

 Some examples are IBM 3000 series and Univac 1180.

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3. Minicomputers
 Minicomputers are small general-purpose computers, also called midrange
servers.
 These computers can perform more complex tasks and cost more than
microcomputers.
 They are larger in size and they have small to medium storage capacity.
 They are used for processing data and analyzing results of experiments
 They are also used for controlling and monitoring production processes.

4. Microcomputers
 Microcomputers are also called Personal Computers (PCs) or desktop computers
 These computers use microprocessors.
 They are small in size. Also, they do not have large storage capacities.
 They can perform difficult tasks. They are used mainly for desktop publishing,
accounting, statistical analysis, graphics designing and project management.
 Microcomputers includes desktop, laptop or notebook, PDA (personal digital
assistant) or palmtop, handheld)
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 1.4 Types of Computers
 Computer can be classified in different types based on different parameters.

2. On the basis of purpose of application, computers can be classified into:

1. Special purpose computers, and
2. General purpose computers
Special purpose computers
 They are designed to solve a single type of problem,
 Their components and their functions are uniquely adapted to a specific situation
involving specific application.
 Example:
 The public telephone box
 Traffic control system
 Ticket machines (used in grocery, super market etc.)
 Pocket-calculators etc.
 Counters
12Most analog computers are special purpose computers.
 1.4 Types of Computers
1. Special purpose computers
 They are designed to solve a single type of problem,

 Their components and their functions are uniquely adapted to a specific

situation involving specific application.

 Example:

 The public telephone box

 Traffic control system

 Ticket machines (used in grocery, super market etc.)

 Pocket-calculators etc.

 Counters

 Most analog computers are special purpose computers.

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 1.4 Types of Computers

2. General purpose computers

 They are designed to solve variety of problems through the use of “store
program concept”.
 A program or set of instructions designed to solve a problem is read and
stored into the memory and then executed by the computer one by one.
 The same computer can be applied to solve another set of problem using
different program.
 General computers are more flexible and versatile.
 General purpose computers are more flexible and versatile.
 Examples of general purpose computers:-
 Microcomputers
 Minicomputers
 Main frame computers
 Super computers etc.
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 1.4 Types of Computers
 Computer can be classified in different types based on different parameters.
2. On the basis of the type of data processed, computers can be classified into three types:
1. Analog computers
2. Digital computers
3. Hybrid computers

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 1.4 Types of Computers
a) Analog Computers Computers that use analog signals for calculating and transmitting data.
 Operate by measuring physical magnitude such as pressure, temperature, voltage,
current, length, etc.
 They deal with continuous variables.
 They are special purpose computers.
 They have limited accuracy.
 They operate on data in the form of continuously varying physical quantities.
 The values of the analog signals are continuously changing with states in between high and low.

 They process data that vary continuously with time, such as variations in temperature, speed,
chemical composition of petroleum products, or current flowing through a conductor.
 They operate by measuring instead of counting.

 ExamplesofanalogComputers:-
• Voltmeter.
• Thermometer.
• Speedometer.
• Gasoline pomp.

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 1.4 Types of Computers
b) Digital Computers: The computers that use digital signals to calculate and transmit data.
 They operate directly up on numbers (or digits) that represent numbers, letters, or other
special symbols.
 The word digital is derived from the word ―digit. The word digit simply means numeral.
 The digital signal has only two states in which it can be represented: ON and OFF or HIGH
and LOW or 1 and 0.
 They operate by counting values rather than measuring.
 The result obtained from the digital computer is more accurate and speed when compared to
the analog computers.
 These computers manipulate digital data and perform arithmetic and logical operations.
 To facilitate the performance of digital computers intermediate languages such as BASIC,
COBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL, C, C++, JAVA etc., has been developed.
 They process digital data. All the PCs currently in wide use are digital computers. These
computers operate by ―counting. All quantities are expressed as discrete variables or digits
or numbers. These are useful for evaluating arithmetic expressions and manipulations of data.
 Examples of digital computers:-
o Abacus.
o Desk & pocket calculators.
o The general purpose computer
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 1.4 Types of Computers
c) Hybrid Computers: Computer systems that use both analog and digital
mechanisms (features).

 A majority of the computers that are in use are digital. These computers were

essentially developed for computations.

 Desirable features of analog and digital computers are combined to develop a hybrid

computer. In a hospital, the intensive care unit, an analog device measures a

patient‘s heart function, temperature and other vital signs, these measurements are
then converted into numbers and supplied to a digital component that monitors the
patient‘s vital signs and signals to a nurse‘s station.
 Examples of hybrid computers:-
 Digital camera.
 Health monitoring machine.

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 1.5 Applications of Computers

Computer can be applied in all of the following areas:

• Learning aid
• Entertainment
• Commercial and business applications: Shopping from Home
• Information utilities
• Scientific-Engineering and research applications
• Public service
• Text processing
• Accounting and Finance management
• Database management
• Space technology: Astronomical investigations
• Meteorological observatory systems
• Weather and Environment
• Transportation
• Medical and Health Care
• Routine and Dangerous Tasks
• Consultant (Expert system) e.g Mycin

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 Limitations of a computer

1. Cannot decide how to be programmed

2. Does not provide its own inputs, unless people provide with the input

3. Interpretation of data and implementation of decision is left for human

beings
4. Unlike human beings, computers are incapable to:

 Think
 Create
 Judge and
 Motivated

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 Chapter Two: Development of Computers
2.1 History of computing
 Abacus
 Pascal’s Calculator
 The difference engine and the analytical engine
 Herman Hollerith’s tabulating machine
 Mark I
 ENIAC - Electronic Numerical Integrator And
Computer
 The Von Neumann Machine
 Commercial computers
2.2 Generations of computers: First, second, third, and
fourth generations
2.3 Current Trends
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 Chapter Two: Development of Computers
2.1 History of computing
1. The earliest mechanical computing device was the Abacus, named after the Chinese scientist
Abacus, during 1200 A.D.
2. Later during 1614 a Scottish nobleman John Napier developed a tool called Napier‘s Bones
as an aid for multiplication. Napier's Bones, which were multiplication tables inscribed on
strips of wood or bone. Napier also invented logarithms, which greatly assisted in arithmetic
calculations.
3. By 1642, the French philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal developed a rotating
wheel calculator, the predecessor of the later desk calculator.
4. During the period 1792 – 1871, a British mathematician and engineer, who is considered to
be the Father of today‘s computer – Charles Babbage built a working model of a machine –
the Difference Engine. Later the design of the Difference Engine was developed as
Analytical Engine.
5. During 1880s, a statistician Herman Hollerith designed and developed Hollerith machine for
processing the census data. The Hollerith machines used punched cards for data processing.
Hollerith also started the Hollerith’s Tabulating Machine Company which later became
International Business Machine (IBM) in 1924.
6. The first Electronic Calculator was developed by John Vincent Atanasoff in the late 1930s
and along with Clifford Berry a prototype of the Atanasoff-Berry computer was constructed
during 1939.
7. In 1944, Mark I computer was built as a partnership between IBM and Harvard. It was the
first programmable digital computer.
8. A fully electronic computer, the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator)
was built during 1943 to 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania.
9. In 1953, IBM announced a medium sized computer, IBM650.
10. In the Middle of 1960s, the Digital Equipment Corporation released its first PDP-1
(Programmed Data Processor-1)computer. 22
Chapter Two: Development of Computers
2.2 Generations of computer
Each new generation resulted in the following changes:

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 First Generation (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes:

 This computer was called Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC).

 computers that used vacuum tube circuits were called the First Generation
Computers.
 The main features of the first generation computers were as follows:
1. They used vacuum tubes.
2. They had a very big size.
3. They consumed huge electricity.
4. They were prone to failures.
5. They generated a lot of heat.
6. They only supported machine language.

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 First Generation (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes

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 Second Generation (1956-1963) Transistors:

 The computers that used transistors were called the Second Generation
Computers.
The main features of the second generation computers were as follows:
1. They used transistors instead of vacuum tubes.
2. They were smaller in size as compared to the first generation
3. They generated lesser heat.
4. They were more reliable and faster than the first generation
5. They used core memories, magnetic tapes and disks.
6. They used lesser electricity.
7. They could be programmed by using machine as well as
assemblylanguage.

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 Second Generation (1956-1963) Transistors:

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 Third Generation (1964-1971) Integrated Circuits:

 The main features of the third generation computers were as follows:

1. They used integrated circuits.

2. They had a small size as compared to the second generation computers.

3. They consumed less electricity.

4. They were faster and reliable than the second generation computers.

5. They supported high level language.

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 Third Generation (1964-1971) Integrated Circuits:

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 Fourth Generation computers (1971–1990)

 The computers that used VLSI chips were called the Fourth Generation

Computers.

 The main features of the fourth generation computers are:

1. They contain high-speed microprocessors.

2. They contain huge storage volumes in the form of magnetic and
optical storage.
3. They contain main memories up to GBs (Gigabytes).
4. They are companied by great developments in the fields of networks.

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 Fourth Generation computers (1971–1990)

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 Fifth Generation computers (1991 - Future)

 Recent research has focused on developing “thinking computers”.

These computers are called the Fifth Generation Computers.

 Fifth generation computers will have the power to learn and apply

knowledge to solve a problem.

 They would be able to work like humans do.

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 Fifth Generation computers (1991-Future)

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 Comparison of Generations of Computers

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 Key Concepts
 The computers that used vacuum tube circuits were called the First
Generation Computers.
 The computers that used transistors were called the Second Generation
Computers.
 The Third Generation Computers used Large Scale Integration (LSI)
circuits for processing.
 The computers that used Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) chips were
called the Fourth Generation Computers.
 Recent research has focused on developing “thinking computers”. These
computers are called the Fifth Generation Computers. They would be able
to work like humans do.

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2.3 Current Trends

 Powerful computing devices: GPU

 Emerging technologies: AI, ML, DL, Big Data, Augmented and

Virtual Realities, IoT, Data Science, Block Chain (Digital

Currency), Cloud computing, Cyber security, 5G networks, and Big
data analysis are some of the current trends of computer science and
computing.

 Advanced technologies

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