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Introduction To Computer Programming

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6 views

Introduction To Computer Programming

Uploaded by

oluwamayowadavid5
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to

Computer
Programming
CPE 205
What is a Computer?
• A Computer is a programmable machine. It allows the user to store
all sorts of information and then ‘process’ that information, or data,
or carry out actions with the information, such as calculating numbers
or organizing words.
• Computers can be generally classified by size and power, although
there can be considerable overlap. Following are description of
several different computers.
Types of Computers
• Mainframe Computers are large-sized, powerful multi-user computers that can
support concurrent programs. That means, they can perform different actions or
‘processes’ at the same time. Mainframe computers can be used by as many as
hundreds or thousands of users at the same. Large organizations may use a
mainframe computer to execute large-scale processes such as processing the
organisation’s payroll.
• Mini-computers are mid-sized multi-processing computers. Again, they can perform
several actions at the same time and can support from 4 to 200 users
simultaneously. In recent years, the distinction between mini-computers and small
frames has become blurred. Often the distinction depends upon how the
manufacturer wants to market its machines. Organisations may use a mini-
computer for such tasks as managing the information in a small financial system or
maintaining a small database of information about registrations or applications.
• Workstations are powerful, single user computers. They have the capacity to store
and process large quantities of data, but they are only used by one person at a time.
However, workstations are typically linked together to form a computer network
called a local area network[LAN], which means that several people, such as staff in
an office, can communicate with each other and share electronic files and data.
• A workstation is similar to a personal computer but is more powerful and often
comes with a higher-quality monitor. In terms of computing power, workstations lie
in between personal computers and mini-computers. Workstations commonly
support applications that require relatively high-quality graphics capabilities and a
lot of memory, such as desktop publishing, software development and engineering
applications.
• Personal Computers [PC], also called microcomputers are the most
popular computers in use today. The PC is a small-sized, relatively
inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. Today the world of
PCs is basically divided between IBM-compatible and Macintosh –
compatible machines, named after the two computer manufacturers.
Computers may be called ‘desktop’ computers, which stay on the desk, or
‘laptop’ computers, which are lightweight and portable. Organisations
and individuals use PCs for a wide range of tasks, including word
processing, accounting, desk publishing, preparation and delivery of
presentations, organization spreadsheet and data base management.
Entry-level PCs are much more powerful than a few years ago, and today
there is little distinction between PCs and Workstations.

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