COS 101:

Introduction to
Computing Sciences
Course Lecturer

Dr. C. O. Yinka-Banjo
Dr. U. C. Ogude

Department of Computer Sciences

University of Lagos
 Lecturer/
Instructor
Dr. Ufuoma C. Ogude
Department of Computer Sciences
University of Lagos

Office: Rm016
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays or by
appointment
0803 820 7103
 Schedule
 Lecture Schedule:
 Tuesdays 8:00am - 10:00am
 Class Venue: Join Zoom
 Please attend your lectures. Attendance is mandatory

 Expectations
 Read assigned readings
 Attend lectures and participate in discussions
 Bring your ideas and concerns to class
 Work effectively in a group setting
 Learn how to use the tools and understand your project
very well when necessary
 Learning
Outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. explain basic components of computers and other
computing devices;
2. describe the various applications of computers;
3. explain information processing and its roles in the society;
4. describe the internet, its various applications and its
impact;
5. explain the different areas of the computing discipline and
its specializations; and
6. demonstrate practical skills on using computers and the
internet.
 Synopsis
CCMAS

Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards

(CCMAS)
 Contents
Brief history of computing. Description of the basic components of a
computer/computing device. Input/Output devices and peripherals.
Hardware, software and human ware. Diverse and growing
computer/digital applications. Information processing and its roles in
society. The Internet, its applications and its impact on the world
today. The different areas/programs of the computing discipline. The
job specializations for computing professionals. The future of
computing.
Lab Work: Practical demonstration of the basic parts of a
computer. Illustration of different operating systems of different
computing devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, smart
boards and smart phones. Demonstration of commonly used
applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentation
software and graphics. Illustration of input and output devices
including printers, scanners, projectors and smartboards. Practical
demonstration of the Internet and its various applications.
 Outline
 Week 1: Introduction
 Week 2: Evolution of Computer
 Week 3: Computer System: Components of a Computer System
 Week 4: Introduction to Software and Programming Languages
 Week 5: Computer Processing Models and Computer Networks
 Week 6: Information Representation
 Week 7: First Continuous Assessment (LABORATORY LOG BOOK)
 Week 8: Introduction to Programming
 Week 9: Control Structures in Visual Basic
 Week 10: Internet
 Week 11: Second Continuous Assessment (LABORATORY LOG
BOOK)
 Week 12: Examination
Material
TEXT BOOK

“Introduction to Computing
Sciences & Visual Basic
Languages”
COURSETEXT
LABORATORY LOG BOOK
by

Department of Computer
Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

The textbook is
 Evaluation
 Final Examination: 70%

 Continuous Assessment:

30%
INTRODUCTIO
N
 Presentation
Outline
 What is a Computer
 Importance of Computers
 Computer Hardware: An Overview
 Computer Software: An Overview
 Basic Applications of Computer
 Definition
 A computer is a programmable electronic device that
processes and stores data.
 It is capable of performing a variety of operations, including
arithmetic and logical calculations, data manipulation, and
the execution of predefined instructions or programs.
 Computers come in various forms and sizes, ranging from
small embedded systems in everyday devices to powerful
servers and supercomputers.
 Computers operate based on binary code, using a series of
0s and 1s to represent and process data.
 They follow instructions provided by software programs and
can execute a wide range of tasks, making them versatile
tools used in various fields such as business, science,
education, entertainment, and more.
 Components of a
Computer
 Key components of a typical computer include:
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2. Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory (RAM)
3. Storage
4. Input Devices
5. Output Devices
6. Motherboard
7. Peripheral Devices
8. Operating System
9. Software Applications
 Importance of a
Computers
 Information Processing: Computers excel at rapidly
processing vast amounts of information, facilitating
efficient data management and analysis.
 Automation: Computers automate repetitive tasks,
increasing efficiency and reducing human effort in
various industries.
 Communication: Computers enable global
communication through the internet, connecting people
and organizations worldwide.
 Problem Solving: Computers are powerful tools for
solving complex problems, running simulations, and
making predictions.
 Entertainment and Creativity: Computers play a
central role in entertainment, from gaming to multimedia
 Computer Hardware: An
Overview
 Computer hardware refers to the physical components
that make up a computer system.
 These components work together to process and store
data, enabling the computer to perform a wide range of
tasks.
 Overview of key hardware components:
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2. Memory (RAM - Random Access Memory)
7. Input Devices
3. Storage Devices
8. Output Devices
4. Motherboard
9. Peripheral Devices
5. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
10. Networking Components
6. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
11. Cooling Systems
 Computer Software: An
Overview
 Computer software refers to a set of instructions,
programs, and data that enable a computer to perform
specific tasks or functions.
 It is a critical component of the computing ecosystem,
working in tandem with hardware to provide a wide range
of applications.
 Overview of key aspects of computer software:
1. Software: System Software, Device Drivers, Application
Software
2. Programming Languages:
3. Software Development Process:
4. Open Source vs. Closed Source Software:
5. Challenges in Software Development:
6. Emerging Trends:
 Basic Applications of
Computer
 Computers play a role in every field of life.
 They are used:
 Homes  Banking
 Medical Field  Business
 Entertainment  Training
 Industry  Arts
 Education  Science and
 Government Engineering
 EVOLUTION
OF COMPUTER
 Learning
Outcomes
At the end of this study session, you should be able

to:

 Know the various Evolution of Computers and Years

 Understand their various Characteristics

 Know the development technology behind each of

the Evolution
 Presentation
Outline
 First Generation 1940s-1950s (Vacuum Tube Based)

 Second Generation 1950s-1960s (Transistors Based)

 Third Generation 1960s-1970s (Integrated Circuit

Based)

 Fourth Generation 1970s-present (Microprocessor

Based)

 Fifth\future Generation (Present and Beyond) (Artificial

Intelligence Based)
 Introduction
 From ancient times, people have being working to invent

a computing device to assist in calculating and

processing data.

 The development could be linked to different

generations of computing devices.

 The development from one period (i.e. time) to another

is what is known as Generation(s) of computers.

 Introduction
 The evolution of computer is divided into five

generations and it reflects the progress made so far in

improving the performance of the machine.

 Each generation is characterized by a major

breakthrough and the materials used in older

generations are improved upon in the subsequent

generations.

 For instance, in the second generation

 1959
(Vacuum Tube)

Vacuum Tube

UNIVAC
First Generation: 1946-
1959
 The period of first generation was from 1946-

1959.

 It used vacuum tubes as the basic components

for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central

Processing Unit).
 ics
 Use of vacuum tubes to make circuits.
 Use of magnetic drums.
 Use of machine language.
 Very small amount of storage space.
 Use of punch cards as I/O devices.
 Huge in size
 Very slow and less reliable output
 Very expensive
 Use much energy and generate much heat
 The UNIVAC, ENIAC and EDVAC computers were
examples of first generation computing devices.
 The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer
delivered to a business client, the U.S. Census Bureau
in 1951.
 Features
 Major Innovation: Vacuum Tubes

 Main Memory: Punched Cards

 Input/Output Devices: Punched cards and papers

 Languages: Low level machine language

 Operating System: No operating system, human

operators to set switches

 Size: Main frame for example ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC

 Advantages
 Vacuum tubes were used as electronic

component.

 Electronic digital computers were developed for

the first time.

 These computers were the fastest calculating

devices of their time.

 Computations were performed in millisecond.

 es
 Too large in size.

 They were unreliable.

 Induce a large amount of heat due to the vacuum

tubes.

 Not portable.

 Limited commercial use.

Second Generation: 1959-
1971
(Transistors)

Transistor

IBM-1600
Second Generation: 1959-
1971
 Second Generation were available between 1959-

1971.

 William Shockley invented transistors in 1947.

 Transistor replaced vacuum tube in this generation, as

result of this improvement, computer becomes

smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and

reliable. Punched card was used for input and

printout.
 ics
 The wires and thermionic values of the first
generation were replaced with diodes and transistors.
 Higher-Capacity internal storage compared with first
generation.
 Processors operated in micro seconds (i.e. one
millionth of a second)
 Reduced size
 Invention and use of high level language such as
FORTRAN and COBOL.
 Programs could be written in high level languages
and assembler e.g. BASIC
 Communication by using telephone line.
 Improvement of speed and reliability.
 Example: Honeywell 200, IBM 1620, IBM 1400 etc.
 Features
 Major Innovation: Transistors as main component.
 Main Memory: RAM and ROM.
 External Storage: Magnetic tapes and Magnetic Disk.
 Input Output Devices: Magnetic tapes and Magnetic
Disk.
 Languages: Assembly language, some high level
languages for Example BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN.
 Operating System: Human handles punched card.
 Size: Mainframe for example IBM-1400, NCR-300, IBM-
1600, UNIVAC-III, etc…
 Advantages
 Smaller in size as compares to 1st generation

 Much more reliable

 Less heat generated

 Computation was performing in micro second

 Less hardware and maintenance problem

 Could be used for commercial use

 es
 Very costly for commercial use
 It required frequent maintenance
 Frequent cooling also required
 1971
(Integrated Circuit (IC)
Integrated Circuit
(ICs)

Computer
in 3rd Generation
 Third Generation: 1964-
1971
 The integrated circuit was invented by Jack Kilby and Robert
Noyce.
 Integrated Circuit replaced transistor.
 The technology is based on the use of semi-conductor device
called silicon, chips or micro processors.
 The introduction of integrated circuit drastically increased the
speed and efficiency of computer.
 The era of punched cards and printouts was phased out; it is
now possible for user to interact with the computer through
keyboards and monitors with the aid of operating system.
 For the first time computer becomes accessible to a large
 ics
 Higher capacity internal storage.
 Processors operated in nano seconds (i.e. one billionth
of a second).
 Remote communication facilities.
 Multi programming facilities.
 Smaller in size.
 Used Integrated circuit (IC) to replace Transistors.
 Generated less heat.
 ics
 Use of operating system:
This generation saw the introduction of the use of
operating system.
An operating system may be designed as a set of
control programs that supervise the work of a computer
system.
 Use of Communication Cable:
They were able to use communication cable for Local
Connections and Lines for Local Area Network (LAN).
 Reduction in the cost of storage:
The cost of storage was drastically reduced.
 Introduction of mini Computers.
Use of monitors and line printers
 Examples: IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11 etc
 Features
 Major Innovation: Integrated circuit (ICs) as basic electronic
component (SSIC and MSIC)
 Main Memory: PROM and DRAM
 External Storage: Improve disk (Floppy Disk)
 Input and Output Devices: Keyboard for input, monitor for
output
 Languages: More high level languages
 Operating System: Complete operating systems were
introduced
 Size: Mainframe and Mini Computer, for example: IBM
SYSTEM /360, ICH-360, HONEY WELL-316
 Advantages
 Smaller in size as compared to second

generation

 More reliable

 Portable

 Less electricity consumption

 Heat generation was rare

 General purpose computer

 es
 Air conditioning was required in many cases due to

ICs

 Very advance technology was required to make the

ICs
 Fourth Generation: 1974-
1984
(Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit (VLSI))

Computer
In 4th Generation

Apple II -1977

VLSI
Very large scale integrated
circuit
 Fourth Generation: 1974-
1984
 These materials appeared in the early 70s.

 Their technology is based on the use of semiconductor

device called silicon chips or micro processors.

 One of the most important results of large scale

integration was the introduction of the micro processors.

 A micro processor is a central processing unit fabricated

on a chips.

 The introduction of micro processor led to the production

 Fourth Generation: 1974-
1984
 Over time, larger units were introduced to generate an

improved performance.

 These were LSI, VLSI, and ULSI. This modification further

reduced the size of computer components leading to the

manufacturing of small gadgets, such as digital

wristwatches, pocket size calculators and hand held

electronic devices.

 External storage devices such as CD-ROM drive optical

 ics
 Network Facilities and introduction of micro computer
 Micro-Computers.
 Introduction of Non-Procedural Language.
 Wide variety of software tools like database management
systems, word processing packages, spreadsheet packages,
graphics packages, and computer games packages
 Flexible internal and external storage.
 Use of Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit (VLSI).
 They have large storage capacity
 Introduction of electronic mail, and office automation
system
 Features
 Major Innovation: LSIC and VLSIC (Micro Processor)

 Main Memory: EPROM and SRAM.

 External Storage: Floppy Disk and Hard Disk.

 Input and Output Devices: Monitor for output.

 Languages: Languages and application software.

 Operating System: MS-DOS and PC-DOS

 Size: Microcomputer e.g. IBM-PC, Apple Macintosh

 Advantages
 Smaller in size and much reliable

 No cooling system required in many cases

 Much faster computation

 Portable and cheap

 The heat generated was negligible

 Totally general purpose computer

 es
 Very advanced technology was required to

fabricate to the ICs

 Beyond
(Artificial Intelligence (AI))
Computer
In 1990

Computer
In 1995
 Beyond
(Artificial Intelligence (AI))

2005

2010 2012
 Fifth/Future Generation:
Present-Beyond
 From 1990s upward, the fifth generation entered into the

computer world by the application of fibre optics

technology.

 It evolved as result of the need for computers to take

decision in various circumstances.

 It witnessed the influx of super micro computers through

AI whose main attraction over previous computer is

speed and power.

 Fifth/Future Generation:
Present-Beyond
 Fifth generation data driven and not control-driven and
artificial intelligence play a leading role in the full
development of these new set of computers especially in
the areas of software.
 They are capable of performing functions of human
experts, solving problems that require human
intelligent, judgment, insight and experience.
 Presently, we have computers which through the use of
Artificial Intelligence [AI] Software help physicians to
diagnose disease, lawyers to plan litigation etc.
 ics
 Artificial Intelligence: The ability of the computer to
exhibit behavior just like an intelligent person e.g. Robot.
 Expert System: A system feature that is capable of
making judgment and decision like an expert.
 That is an interactive feature that asks user quest and
the answers supplied is used to determine what next
actions are to be taken
 Speech Synthesis: production of sounds that resemble
human speech by electronic methods.
 ics
 The fifth generation of computer systems is

characterized mainly by acceptance of parallel

processing backed up by hardware in the industry

 This generation witnessed the introduction of machines

with hundreds of processors that could all be working on

different parts of a single program

 Features
 Major Innovations: ULSIC (Ultra large scale integrated
circuit)
 Main Memory: EEPROM, SIMM and DIMM.
 External Storage: Modified magnetic and Optical disks.
 Input/output Devices: Keyboard, Pointing Device, Scanner
as input and Monitor as main output.
 Languages: AI (Artificial Intelligence) Expert systems.
 Operating System: GUI based e.g. Windows (95, 98, 2000,
NT, XP, Vista, Seven and Eight)
 Size: Very small in size example: Laptop, Note book,
Digital Diary, Palmtop and Pocket PC.
 Advantages
 Very large storage capacity
 Long bit processor builds
 Artificial Intelligence Language developed

Computer Lab. In
1985
 Generation at a
Glance
First Seco Third Fourt Fifth
nd h
(Early (Late (60’s) (70’s) (90’s till

50’s) 50’s) date)

Technolo Vacuum Transisto Integrate VLSI VVLSI
gy r d Circuit
(IC)
Related 1 100 100 1,000,000 Billion
Speed
RAM 1,000 – 4,000 – 32,000 – 32,000 8GB
Capacity 8,000 64,000 4,000,00
(Byte) 0

External Storage Card Tape Magnet Mass

 Self-Assessment
Questions (SAQs)
1. Punched cards were first introduced by _____
2. The third generation of computers were built on what
technology?
3. The internal storage for first generation computers are made of
__
4. The memory of the second generation of computers were built
using ______
5. The first computer made available for commercial use was ____
6. Who invented ENIAC? _____
7. Analog computers are widely used for _____Continuous Values
Data
8. Fifth generation computer make use of _____
9. Why are computers getting smaller by the day _____
10. The analytic and difference engines were invented by _____
11. The following stands for:
ENIAC _____
EDVAC _____