Introduction to computers

Chapter 1 - Overview
A computer is an electronic device that:
a. operates under the control of given instructions b. accepts data c. processes data d. produces output e. stores the results for use later

Chapter 1 - Overview
Information Processing Cycle

Input Processing Output Storage

b. c. d. e.

accepts data processes data produces output stores the results for use later

Why Computer

Why is a computer powerful ?

Speed Billions of actions per second

Accuracy

Extremely High

Versatile

Highly Versatile

Reliability

Failures usually human error

Storage

Keeps huge amounts of data

(A simple model of computer)

Computer Fundamentals

History of Computer

Evaluation of Computer
The first computing devise was discovered by Chinese Abacus

Evaluation of Computer
First mechanical computing devise called Analytical engine designed by Charles Babbage between 1830 and 1850, it was marked as a birth of computer.

Charles Babbages computer structure

Components Store :- Hold the number Arithmetic Unit :- (Mill) to perform arithmetical operation Control Unit:- Control and coordinate various activities in the correct sequences Input Output

History
First Generation Computer:- The first commercial computer called UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computers) using vacuum tube circuit was used by the US Census Bureau in 1951 Second Generation computer:-Transistor based computer invented by Bell labs in USA Third Generation Computers :- were introduced by IBM in 1960 with the help of silicon chips

Anatomy of Computer System

Input Device Central Processing Unit (CPU) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) System Unit Control Unit (CU)

Output Device

Secondary Storage

Peripheral Devices

Memory Unit

Communication Device

Communication Network

CPU

Control Unit

ALO

INPUT UNIT

MEMORY UNIT

OUTPUT UNIT

RAM
(Primary Memory)

ROM

Secondary Memory

External Memory

Internal Memory

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Can be considered as the brain of a computer. It has two parts:

1.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic operations like adding, subtracting, multiplying, etc. and logical comparisons. Control Unit (CU): Controls the order in which program instructions are executed and how data are transferred from one unit to another.

2.

Memory Unit
Is an ordered sequence of storage cells, each cell is capable of holding a piece of information. Each cell has its own unique address. Information held can be, input data, computed values, or programs instructions.

Main Memory
Random Access Memory (RAM) is also known as Main Memory or Internal Memory or Primary Memory or simply the Memory. Data can be written into and read from this memory. All program or data must be transferred into the Memory before the CPU can process them. The RAM is volatile, means every data item in RAM will be erased after the computer is turned off. A portion of internal memory is called Read Only Memory (ROM). Data can only be read from this memory. This is a non-volatile memory.

Memory Organization
Two circuit states, On and Off correspond to 1 and 0 of binary. Bit (short for Binary Digit) refers to a single 0 or a single 1. Bit patterns represent data and instructions. 1 byte = 8 bits (1 byte can hold a single alphabetic letter) 1,024 bytes 1,000 bytes = 1 kilo byte (KB) 1,024 KB 1,000,000 bytes = 1 mega byte (MB) 1,024 MB 1,000,000,000 bytes = 1 giga byte (GB) 1,024 GB 1,000,000,000,000 bytes = 1 tera byte (TB)

Peripheral Devices
1. These are the devices that are attached to the System Unit: Input Devices: Used to send data, instructions into the computer system. Examples: keyboards, mouse, joysticks, etc. Output Devices: Used to send information back to the users. Example: monitors, printers, etc. Auxiliary (Supplementary) Storage Devices: Used to store data and programs permanently. Examples: hard disk, floppy disk, dvd, tape, etc. Communication Devices: Used to communicate with other computers and devices. Examples: network card, modem, etc.

2. 3.

4.

Classification of Computers

Classification
Type of data Purpose Size and capacity

Classification of Computers (Type of data)

Digital Computers
Operates directly on decimal digits Performs simple arithmetic operations

Analog Computers
It measures rather than counting Can measure continuous data

Hybrid Computers
Combination of digital and analog computer Perform both the functions

Classification of Computers (Purpose of computer)

General-Purpose Computer
Can perform large verity of operations All digital Computers

Special-Purpose Computer
Mostly single use computer Designed to perform a specific task

Classification of Computers (Size and Capacity)

Personal or micro Mini Main Frame Super

Classification of Computers (Size and Capacity)

Personal = micro
Portable Types:
Subnotebook Pen Hand-held Notebook Palmtop Laptop

Classification of Computers (Size and Capacity)

Personal = micro
Portable Types:
Subnotebook Pen Hand-held Notebook Palmtop Laptop

Desktop

Classification of Computers (Size and Capacity)

Personal = micro
Portable Types:
Subnotebook Pen Hand-held Notebook Palmtop Laptop

Desktop Tower

Classification of Computers (Size and Capacity)

Personal = micro
Portable Types:
Subnotebook Hand-held Notebook Palmtop Laptop

Desktop Tower Workstations

Classification of Computers (Size and Capacity)

Servers (Micro Computer)
(how its used more than what it is)

Designed to support a computer network More powerful Larger memory Larger storage capacity High speed communications

Classification of Computers (Size and Capacity)

Minicomputers
Originally for specific tasks, calculations like engineering

Main frame
Large systems for hundreds Requires special environment of users

Classification of Computers (Size and Capacity)

Supercomputers
Most powerful category Used for weather forecasting, engineering design and testing, serious decryption Cost several million dollars

Why Computer Language?

Language Barrier
Me comprenez-vous?

An English speaking man does not understand French unless he knows French language or there is someone who interprets it for him.

Why Computer Language?

Consider computer as human (only dumber ) Computers dont understand human language There are different types of computers (PC, Mac, Mini, Mainframe, etc.) Different types of Computers have different language We must know at least one language that is understood by our computer in order to effectively use it.

Types of Computer Languages

Machine Language (Low Level Language) Uses binary - 0 and 1 only; difficult for human and easy for computers; hardware dependent. Assembly Language (Low Level Language) Uses symbolic words; little bit easier for human but little bit difficult for hardware; hardware dependent. High Level Language More close to human language; easier for human but more difficult for hardware; hardware independent. Examples C, C++, Pascal, Fortran, Basic, Ada, etc.

Machine Language
Not portable (program written for one type of computer cannot be used on a different type of computer) Is made of binary coded (0s and 1s) instructions. This language can directly be understood by a computer without any interpretation.

Assembly Language
Not portable (program written for one type of computer cannot be used on a different type of computer) Is made of symbolic words; such as, ADD, SUB, AND, DIV, etc. Needs to be converted into machine language program by an Assembler.

High Level Language

Portable (program written for one type of computer can be used on different type of computer) More like natural English language. Needs to be converted into machine language program by a Compiler.