Introduction to

Computer
Lecture # 01
IT in Business

Lecturer: Mr. Sohaib Ali

Lecture Outline
• What is a computer and what does it do?
• Data vs Information
• History and Generations of Computer
• Hardware
• Software
• Types of Computers
What is a computer and what does
it do?
• A computer is a programmable, electronic device that accepts data,
performs operations on that data, presents the results, and stores the
data or results.
• The four operations described in this definition are:
• Input—entering data into the computer.
• Processing—performing operations on the data.
• Output—presenting the results.
• Storage—saving data, programs, or output for future use.
• Because a computer is programmable, it will do whatever the
instructions—called the program
What is a computer and what does
it do?
• This progression of input, processing, output, and storage is
sometimes referred to as the IPOS cycle or the information
processing cycle.
• The computers always perform communications functions, such as
• sending or retrieving data via the Internet
• accessing information located in a shared company database
• exchanging data or e-mail messages
• Therefore, communications—technically an input or output
operation, depending on which direction the information is going—is
often considered the fifth primary computer operation
Data vs. Information
• Almost any kind of fact or set of facts can become computer data, such as
• the words in a letter to a friend
• the numbers in a monthly budget
• the images in a photograph, the notes in a song
• the facts stored in an employee record
• When data is processed into a meaningful form, it becomes information.
Information is frequently generated to answer some type of question,
such as
• how many of a restaurant’s employees work less than 20 hours per week
• how many seats are available on a particular flight from Los Angeles to San
Francisco
Data vs. Information
• Do we always need computer to convert data into information?
• You don’t always need a computer to process data into information; for
example, anyone can go through employee files and make a list of people
who work a certain number of hours.
• If this work is done by hand, however, it could take a lot of time, especially for
a company with a large number of employees.
• Computers, however, can perform such tasks almost instantly, with accurate
results.
• Information processing (the conversion of data into information) is a vital
activity today for all computer users
History and Generation of
Computers
• The history of computers is often referred to in terms of generations,
with each new generation characterized by a major technological
development.
• In general, we have five generations of computers:
• Precomputes and early Computers (before approximately 1946)
• First-generation Computers (approximately 1946–1957)
• Second-generation Computers (approximately 1958–1963)
• Third-generation Computers (approximately 1964–1970)
• Fourth-generation Computers (approximately 1971–present)
• Fifth-generation Computers (now and the future)
Precomputers and early Computers
• The abacus is considered to be the earliest
calculating device; it was used primarily for basic
arithmetic calculations.
• Dr. Herman Hollerith’s Punch Card Tabulating
Machine and Sorter was the first electromechanical
machine that could read punch cards—special cards
with holes punched in them to represent data.
• Hollerith’s machine was used to process the 1890
U.S. Census data and it was able to complete the
task in two and one-half years, instead of the
decade it usually took to process the data manually.
• Hollerith’s company eventually became
International Business Machines (IBM).
First-generation Computers
• They were powered by thousands of vacuum tubes
—glass tubes similar to large light bulbs
• Needed to be replaced constantly
• Required a great deal of electricity
• Generated a lot of heat
• Limitation
• First-generation computers could solve only one problem
at a time because they needed to be physically rewired
with cables in order to be reprogrammed, which typically
took several days or weeks to complete and several more
days to check before the computer could be used.
• Input/output
• Paper punch cards and paper tape were used for input,
and output was printed on paper.
First-generation Computers (contd.)
• ENIAC and UNIVAC were two examples of first-generation computers
• ENIAC
• It was the world’s first large-scale, general purpose computer.
• It was developed during World War II to compute artillery firing tables for the
U.S. Army
• Instead of the 40 hours required for a person to compute the optimal settings for a single
weapon under a single set of conditions using manual calculations, ENIAC could
complete the same calculations in less than two minutes.
• UNIVAC, released in 1951, was initially built for the U.S. Census
Bureau
Second-generation Computers
• The second generation of computers began when the
transistor—a small device made of semiconductor material
that acts like a switch to open or close electronic circuits—
started to replace the vacuum tube.
• Advantages of Transistors
• It allowed computers to be smaller, less expensive, more powerful,
more energy-efficient, and more reliable than first-generation
computers.
• Input/output
• Programs and data were input on punch cards and magnetic tape,
output was on punch cards and paper printouts, and magnetic tape
was used for storage.
• Programming Languages
• Hard drives and programming languages (such as FORTRAN and
COBOL) were developed and implemented during this generation.
Third-generation computers
• The replacement of the transistor with
Integrated Circuits (ICs) marked the beginning
of the third generation of computers.
• Advantage
• Integrated circuits incorporate many transistors
and electronic circuits on a single tiny silicon chip,
allowing third-generation computers to be even
smaller and more reliable
• Input/Output
• Instead of punch cards and paper printouts,
keyboards and monitors were introduced for
input and output; hard drives were typically used
for storage
Fourth-generation Computers
• The invention of the microprocessor in 1971, which
ushered in the fourth generation of computers.
• A microprocessor contains the core processing
capabilities of an entire computer on one single
chip.
• Input/Output
• Fourth-generation computers typically use-a keyboard
and mouse for input, a monitor and printer for output,
and hard drives, flash memory media, and optical discs
for storage.
• This generation also witnessed the development of
computer networks, wireless technologies, and the
Internet
Fifth-generation Computers
• Fifth-generation computers are most commonly
defined as those that are based on artificial
intelligence, allowing them to think, reason,
and learn
• Some aspects of fifth-generation computers—
such as voice and touch input and speech
recognition—are in use today.
• In the future, fifth-generation computers are
expected to be constructed differently than
they are today, such as in the form of optical
computers that process data using light instead
of electrons
Hardware
• The physical parts of a computer are called hardware.
• The instructions or programs used with a computer—called software.
• Hardware components can be internal (located inside the main box or
system unit of the computer) or external (located outside the system
unit and connected to the system unit via a wired or wireless
connection)
Hardware
Input/Output devices
• An input device is any piece of equipment that is used to input data
into the computer.
• An output device accepts processed data from the computer and
presents the results to the user, most of the time on the display
screen (monitor), on paper (via a printer), or through a speaker
Hardware
Processing devices
• The main processing device for a computer is the central processing
unit (CPU).
• The CPU performs the calculations and comparisons needed for
processing; it also controls the computer’s operations.
• For these reasons, the CPU is often considered the “brain” of the
computer.
• Also involved in processing are various types of memory that are
located inside the system unit and used to store data and instructions
while the CPU is working with them, as well as additional processors
such as the graphics processing unit (GPU)
Hardware
Storage devices
• Storage devices (such as DVD drives and flash memory card readers)
are used to store data on or access data from storage media (such as
DVD discs and flash memory cards).
• Some storage hardware (such as a hard drive or a USB flash drive)
includes both a storage device and storage medium in a single piece
of hardware.
Hardware
Communications devices
• Communications devices allow users to communicate electronically
with others and to access remote information via the Internet or a
home, school, or company computer network.
• Communications hardware includes
• modems (used to connect a computer to the Internet)
• network adapters (used to connect a computer to a computer network)
• routers (used to create a small network so a variety of devices can share an
Internet connection and data)
Software
• The term software refers to the programs or instructions used to tell
the computer hardware what to do.
• Software can be installed via CD/DVD, USB Flash drive or any other
storage media.
• Software can also be run directly from the Internet (via Web pages)
without being installed on your computer;
• this is referred to as cloud software, Web-based software, Software as a
Service (SaaS), and cloud computing
Software
System software
• The programs that allow a computer to operate are collectively referred to
as system software.
• The main system software is the operating system, which starts up the
computer and controls its operation.
• Common operating system tasks include
• setting up new hardware
• allowing users to run other software
• allowing users to manage the documents stored on their computers
• Without an operating system, a computer cannot function
• Common desktop operating systems designed for personal computers are
Windows, Mac OS, and Linux
Software
System software
• When a computer or other computing device is powered up, it begins
to boot.
• During the boot process, part of the computer’s operating system is
loaded into memory, the computer does a quick diagnostic of itself,
and then it launches any programs—such as security software—
designated to run each time the computer starts up.
• A username and password may be required to log on to the computer
in order to finish the boot process
Software
Application software
• Programs designed to allow people to perform specific tasks using a
computer, such as
• creating letters
• managing inventory
• customer databases
• playing games
• editing digital photographs
• viewing Web pages
• exchanging e-mail are called application software (apps).
Software
Application software
• There are also application programs that help users write their own
programs in a form the computer can understand using a
programming language like Visual Basic, COBOL, C++, Java, or Python
• Some languages are traditional programming languages for
developing applications; others, such as markup and scripting
languages like HTML, XHTML, and JavaScript, are designed to be used
to create Web pages.
Type of Computers
• Computers are generally classified by the following categories, based on size,
capability, and price.
• Embedded computers—tiny computers embedded into products to perform specific
functions or tasks for that product.
• Mobile devices—smartphones, small tablets, and other small personal devices that
contain built-in computing or Internet capabilities.
• Personal computers—fully functioning portable or desktop computers that are
designed to be used by a single individual at a time.
• Servers—computers that host data and programs available to a small group of users.
• Mainframe computers—powerful computers used to host a large amount of data
and programs available to a wide group of users.
• Supercomputers—extremely powerful computers used for complex computations
and processing.
Type of Computers
Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a tiny computer
embedded into a product designed to perform
specific tasks or functions for that product.
• For example, computers are often embedded into
household appliances (such as dishwashers,
microwaves, ovens, coffeemakers), as well as into
other everyday objects (such as thermostats,
treadmills, sewing machines, DVD players, and
televisions), to help those appliances and objects
perform their designated tasks. (motherboard)
• Embedded computers are designed for specific
tasks and specific products and so cannot be used
as general-purpose computers
Type of Computers
Mobile devices
• A mobile device is loosely defined as a small (typically pocket-sized)
device that has built-in computing or Internet capability.
• Mobile devices are commonly used to make voice and video calls,
send text messages, view Web pages and other documents, take
digital photos, play games, download and play music, watch TV
shows, and access calendars, social media, and other tools.
Type of Computers
Personal Computers (PCs)
• A personal computer or PC (originally called a microcomputer) is a
small computer designed to be used by one person at a time.
• Personal computers are widely used by individuals and businesses
today and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes
• In general, there are three types of PCs
• Desktop Computer
• Portable Computer
• Thin Client and Internet Appliances
Type of Computers
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Desktop Computer
• Desktop computers can use different types of cases. For example, a tower
case is designed to sit vertically, typically on the floor; a regular- or mini-sized
desktop case is designed to be placed horizontally on a desk’s surface; and an
all-in-one case is designed to incorporate the monitor and system unit into a
single piece of hardware.
Type of Computers
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Portable Computers
• Portable computers are small personal computers designed to be carried
around easily.
• This portability makes them very flexible and enables individuals to use the
same personal computer at home and at school, or the same.
• Portable computers can be powered by rechargeable batteries
• Furthermore, there are few types of Portable computers
Type of Computers
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Portable Computers
• Notebook computers (also called laptop computers) are about the size of a paper
notebook and open to reveal a screen on the top half of the computer and a
keyboard on the bottom.
• Tablet computers are typically about the size of a notebook computer and are
designed to be used with a digital pen/stylus or touch input. Unlike notebooks, they
don’t have a physical keyboard but they typically can use an on-screen or attached
keyboard as needed.
• Hybrid notebook-tablet computers (also called convertible tablets and 2-in-1
computers) can function as either a notebook or a tablet computer because they
have a display screen that folds shut to resemble a tablet. Some are detachable—
that is, designed to separate the display part from the keyboard part when a tablet
is needed.
• Netbooks are similar to notebook computers but are smaller and are designed
primarily for accessing Internet-based applications and resources.
Type of Computers
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Thin Clients and internet appliances
• A thin client is designed to be used in conjunction with a network, such as a
company network, a school network, or the Internet.
• Instead of using local hard drives for storage, programs are typically accessed
from and data is stored on a network server.
• One advantage of thin clients over desktop computers is lower cost because
hardware needs to be replaced less frequently, and costs are lower for
computer maintenance, power, and air conditioning.
• Additional benefits include increased security (because data is not stored on
the computer) and easier maintenance (because all software is located on a
central server).
• Disadvantages include having limited or no local storage and not being able
to function as a stand-alone computer when the network is not working.
Type of Computers
Servers
• A server—also sometimes called a midrange server, minicomputer, or midrange
computer—is a computer used to host programs and data for a network.
• Typically larger, more powerful, and more expensive than a desktop computer, a
server is usually located in an out-of-the-way place and can serve many users at one
time.
• Users connect to the server through a network, using a computer, thin client, or
dumb terminal consisting of just a monitor and keyboard.
• Applications
• Servers are often used in small- to medium-sized businesses (such as medical or dental
offices), as well as in school computer labs.
• There are also special home servers, which are used to back up (make duplicate copies of) the
content located on all the computers in a home, as well as to host music, photos, movies, and
other media to be shared via a home network.
• Some home servers also allow you to securely access your stored content remotely via the
Internet—this is called creating a personal cloud
Type of Computers
Servers
• One trend involving servers (as well as mainframe computers) is
virtualization—creating virtual (rather than actual) versions of a
computing resource.
• Server virtualization uses separate server environments that, although
physically located on the same computer, function as separate servers
and do not interact with each other.
Type of Computers
Mainframe Computers
• A mainframe computer is a powerful computer used in many large organizations
—such as hospitals, universities, large businesses, banks, and government offices
—that need to manage large amounts of centralized data.
• Larger, more expensive, and more powerful than servers, mainframes can serve
thousands of users connected to the mainframe via personal computers, thin
clients, or dumb terminals.
• Mainframe computers are typically located in climate-controlled data centers and
are connected to the rest of the company computers via a computer network.
• During regular business hours, a mainframe typically runs the programs needed
to meet the different needs of its wide variety of users.
• At night, it commonly performs large processing tasks, such as payroll and billing.
Today’s mainframes are sometimes referred to as high-end servers or enterprise-
class servers and they usually cost at least several hundred thousand dollars each
Type of Computers
Mainframe Computers
• One issue facing businesses today is the high cost of electricity to power and
cool the mainframes, servers, and personal computers used in an organization.
• Consequently, making the computers located in a business—particularly mainframes
and servers—more energy efficient is a high priority.
• Virtualization is often used today to utilize a company’s mainframes more
efficiently.
• Another recent focus for mainframes is ensuring they can handle new and
emerging needs (such as having the computational power to process data
from smart meters and other new technology and having the ability to run
mobile and social networking applications).
• For example, the mainframe is designed to process mobile data—it supports 8,000
virtual servers and can process 2.5 billion transactions per day.
Type of Computers
Supercomputers
• Some applications require extraordinary speed, accuracy, and
processing capabilities—for example, sending astronauts into space,
controlling missile guidance systems and satellites, forecasting the
weather, exploring for oil, breaking codes, and designing and testing
new products.
• Supercomputers—the most powerful and most expensive type of
computer available—were developed to fill this need.
• Unlike mainframe computers, which typically run multiple applications
simultaneously to serve a wide variety of users, supercomputers
generally run one program at a time, as fast as possible.