University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Department of International Relations

Introduction to computers
Instructor: Maria Rathore
LECTURE 1 COMPUTER CONCEPTS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Lecture Outline:
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Objectives
1.3. Computer Parts
1.4. Computer Functions
1.5. Application of computer, Advantages and Disadvantages
1.6. DOS, Windows, File and Extension Programs
 Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:
1. Identify and name computer parts
2. Define basic concepts used in computer
3. Explain applications of computers
4. Discuss advantages & disadvantages of computers
5. Practice the DOS, Windows, File and Extension programs with
computers
 Introduction And Definition of Computers

A computer is an electronic device that accepts user input

(data) and processes it under the influence of a set of
instructions referred to as programs to produce the desired
output generally referred to as information.
• Data are the raw facts may not make much meaning to the
user.
• Programs are set of instructions that instruct a computer
what to do.
• Information is result after data has been processed.
 Computer Defined
Computer is an electronic device, which is capable of;

 Receiving the input

 Processing the data on the basis of given set of instructions

 Producing the output

 Storing the information (if needed)

Is this a Computer?
Is this a Computer?
Is this a Computer?
NOTE:
The 20th century saw the birth of one of the most important
tools widely in use today called a computer. Today, computers
are used for communication, management, research,
drawing and design as well as entertainment.
• This 21st century is being referred to as the digital age
 Computer Parts
There are 4 basic types of computer parts:
a) Input devices - parts of the computer that allow information or data to be given to the computer like
keyboard or a mouse.

b) Storage devices – parts of the computer that hold information. The primary storage device is the computer’s
memory called RAM (random access memory). It remembers everything that is read, input, or output. But,
because the computer’s memory is on a temporary area—it forgets everything when turned off—it must have
another place to store information permanently. This secondary storage device is usually a disk.

c) Processing device – part of the computer that processes and controls the flow of information; it actually
does the work. The one part of the computer that handles this job is the central processing unit or CPU.

d) Output devices - parts of the computer that gives out information generated by the
computer, like a monitor, printer or speaker.
Computer Parts
Complete Picture
Information Processing Cycle
Fundamentals Of Computing
 Computers And Their Functions
Computer - An electronic device that receives data and computes
high-speed mathematical or logical operations or that assembles,
stores, correlates, or otherwise processes and presents
information.
 Computers And Their Functions (Contd.)
Glossary of Basic Concepts
• GUI – A Graphical User Interface – which uses visual displays to eliminate the
need for typing commands.
Formatting – The process of preparing a disc so that it can store information. During
formatting, sectors, tracks, a director and the FAT are created on the disc.
• Sector – disc space normally 512 bytes long.
• Track – A track is also a data storage ring on a computer floppy diskette or hard
disk drive that is capable of containing information. a track goes all around the
platter and is used to help locate and retrieve information from a disk or diskette.
• Directory- an area on disc where information relating to a group of files is kept.
 Computers And Their Functions (Contd.)
• FAT – the File Allocation Table – an area on disc where information is kept on which
part of the disc the file is to be found.
• Directory tree – a pictorial representation of your disc’s structure.
• Boot – to start up the computer and load the DOS.
• BIOS – The BASIC Input/output System. It allows the core of the operating system to
communicate with the hardware.
• Bit – a binary digit, the smallest unit of information that can be stores either as 1 or 0.
• Byte – a grouping of binary digits (0 or 1) which represent information.
 Computers And Their Functions (Contd.)
• CPU – the Central Processing Unit – the main chip that executes all commands.
• Disc – a device which you can store programs and data
• Cold boot – the process of starting your PC by switching it on.
• Warm boot - the process of starting your PC by using the Ctrl+Alt+Del key
• combination.
• File – the name given to an area on disc containing a program or data.
• Filename – the name given to a file. It must not exceed 8-characters in length and
can have up to 3-characters.
• File extension – the optional three-letter suffix following the period in a filename.
 Computers And Their Functions (Contd.)
• Processor – The electronic device which performs calculations.
• Prompt – A symbol that appears on a monitor to indicate that DOS is ready to receive
input or commands, such as A> or C>.
• Peripheral – A device attached to a PC.
• Path – The drive and directories that DOS should look in for files. A path tells DOS
how to locate a file within the directory structure. E.g. C:\SPREADSH\SSFILES\
SALARY.TMP
• Port – an Input/output address through which your PC interacts with external
devices.
• Program – a set of instructions which cause a computer to perform certain tasks.
• Hardcopy – Output on paper
• Hardware – the visible, tangible equipment that makes up a computer system.
 Computers And Their Functions (Contd.)
• Software – the non- visible, non-tangible programs and instructions that control
• your PC’s functionality
• Root directory – The main disc directory under which a number of sub-directories
• can be created.
• ROM – Read Only Memory – the microcomputer’s non-volatile memory. Data are
• written into this memory at manufacture and are not affected by power loss.
• RAM – Random Access Memory – the microcomputer’s volatile memory. Data
• held in it is lost when power is switched off.
• Memory – Storage elements organized into addressable locations that can hold
• data and instructions in a PC.
 Computers And Their Functions (Contd.)
• Megabyte – MB – 1024 kilobytes of information or storage space.
• Megahertz – MHz – Speed of processor in million of cycles/second.
• Mouse – a devise used to manipulate a pointer around the display.
• Monitor – the display devices connected to a PC. Also known as the Screen.
• Microprocessor – A PC’s calculating chip.
• Multitasking – Running more than one computer application at the same time. An
operating system that permits multitasking allows the user to be printing a document
from one program while working in another, as well as downloading content from the
Internet in the background.
• Backbone - A cable to which multiple nodes or workstations are attached.
• Bit - Binary digit in the binary numbering system. Its value can be 0 or 1. In an 8-bit
character scheme, it takes 8 bits to make a byte (character) of data.
Application Areas of Computer
Application Areas of Computer (contd.)
Application Areas of Computer (contd.)
Application Areas of Computer (contd.)
DOS, Windows
File and Extension Programs
 Advantages and disadvantages of computer

• Advantages of computers
– Large storage of data in small amount of space.
– Quick and accurate calculations than humans.
– Continuously work with repetitive work( contusive environment)
– Simulation of dangerous situations.
• Disadvantages
– Expensive to introduce.
– Health hazards.
– Redundancy in the work place.
– It can lead to misuse of information
 Point To Ponder
• Computer-Commonly Operating Machine Particularly Used for Technical
Education & Research
IF you have any question, you may ask now…
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