lecture 1
lecture 1
COMPUTING
COURSE DESCRIPTION
• This course introduces students to the
fundamental concepts in computing.
• It takes students through computer hardware
and software.
• Data processing and information needs
through an organization.
• Historical development and social implications
in information technology form an integral
part of the course.
• Legal and ethical issues will also be
considered
COURSE OBJECTIVES
• Science
• Business
• Government
• Scoreboard
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Computers are classified based on
• Purposes
• Types / Functionality
• Size or data processing speed
Classification based on purposes
According to purpose, computers are either:
• general purpose
• specific purpose.
• General purpose computers
– They are designed to perform a range of tasks.
– They have the ability to store numerous programs,
but lack in speed
– Example laptops, Desktop computers
• Specific purpose computers
– They are designed to handle a specific problem or
to perform a specific task.
– A set of instructions is built into the machine.
– Traffic lights, watches, Signal alert devices ( Alarm
devices)
Classification based on Types / Data handling
According to data handling, computers are classified as
• Analog
• Digital
• Hybrid.
Analog computers
• Analog computers work on the principle of
measuring, in which the measurements obtained are
translated into data.
• An analog computer (spelt analogue in British
English) is a form of computer that uses continuous
physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical,
or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being
solved. Example : Car speedometer, Voltmeter
Digital Computer
• Digital computers are those that operate with
information, numerical or otherwise,
represented in a digital form.
• Such computers process data into a digital
value (in 0s and 1s).
• They give the results with more accuracy and
at a faster rate.
• Example: Television, Air conditioners, Mobile
phones
Hybrid computer
• Hybrid computers incorporate the measuring
feature of an analog computer and counting
feature of a digital computer.
• For computational purposes, these computers
use analog components and for storage,
digital memories are used.
• Example: Money Counting machine, Fuel
dispenser
Classification based on size or data processing
speed
Under this topic, computers are broadly classified by
their speed and computing power. This helps to
classify computer into five.
• PC (Personal Computer) or Micro-Computers
• Workstation
• Mini-Computer
• Main Frame
PC (Personal Computer) or Micro-Computers
• A Personal Computer can be defined as a small,
relatively inexpensive computer designed for an
individual user.
• Although personal computers are designed as single-
user systems, these systems are normally linked
together to form a network.
• Businesses use personal computers for word processing,
accounting, desktop publishing, and for running
spreadsheet and database management applications.
At home, the most popular use for personal
computers is playing games and surfing the
Internet. Examples:
• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-
computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
• Laptop Computer: a portable computer,
complete with an integrated screen and
keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a
desktop computer
• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook
/PDAs: This is a hand-sized computer.
Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen
serves both as an input and output device.
Workstation
• A workstation is a computer intended for individual
use that is faster and more capable than a personal
computer.
• It's intended for business or professional use (rather
than home or recreational use).
• Workstations and applications designed for them
are used by small engineering companies,
architects, graphic designers, and any organization,
• requires a faster microprocessor,
computer.
players.
Mainframe computers
mainframe.
mainframe.
Super-Computer
quickly.
Sunway TaihuLight
Uses of Supercomputer
research.
creation of animations.
registers, etc
Factual Information
editorials, reviews.
an author
Information as a resource
• Aids in decision-making
• Helps with
– Design of products
– General development
– Packaging products
Data vs. Information
Data Processing
information
involved
• Data Process Information
PROCESS INFORMATION
DATA
Stages of Data Processing
• Data Collection
observation, experimentation
• Data Preparation
• Data input
• Information output