Introduction to Computer

101CSC-3

‫مقدمة في الحاسب اآللي‬

‫يدرس باللغة اإلنجليزية‬

Jazan University | Chapter 1 1

 Chapter 1

Introduction to the World of

Computers

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 What Is a Computer and What Does It Do?

• Computer:

A programmable, electronic device that accepts data,

performs operations on that data, and stores the data
or results as needed.

• Computers follow instructions, called programs,

which determine the tasks the computer will perform

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 What Is a Computer and What Does It Do?
Basic operations
1. Input: Entering data into the computer

2. Processing: Performing operations on the data

3. Output: Presenting the results

4. Storage: Saving data, programs, or output for future use

5. Communications: Sending or receiving data

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 Data vs. Information
• Data
– Raw, unorganized facts
– Can be in the form of text, graphics, audio, or
video

• Information
– Data that has been processed into a meaningful
form

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 Computer Generations

• Computer generations: The history of computers.

• First-generation computers (1946-1957)

– Used vacuum tubes

• Second-generation computers (1958-1963)

– Used transistors

• Third-generation computers (1964-1970)

– Used integrated circuits (ICs)

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 Computer Generations

• Fourth-generation computers (1971-present)

– Use microprocessors

• Fifth-generation (now and the future)

– May be based on artificial intelligence (AI)

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Computer Generations

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 Hardware
• Hardware: The physical parts of a computer.

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 Hardware
• Input devices
– Used to input data into the computer
– Keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, etc.

• Processing devices
– Perform calculations and control computer’s operation
– Central processing unit (CPU) and memory

• Output devices
– Present results to the user
– Monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, etc.

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 Hardware

• Storage devices
– Used to store data on or access data from storage media
– Hard drives, CD/DVD, USB flash drives, etc.

• Communications devices
– Allow users to communicate with others and to
electronically access remote information
– Modems, network adapters, etc.

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 Hardware

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 Software
• Software: The programs or instructions used
to tell the computer hardware what to do.

• Types of Software:

1. System software

2. Application software

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 Software

1. System software: Operating system starts up the computer,

controls its operation and launches programs.

Windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc.

2. Application software: Performs specific tasks or applications

•Creating letters, budgets, etc.

•Viewing Web pages
•Sending and receiving e-mail
•Playing games

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 Computer Users and Professionals

• Computer users (end users):

People who use a computer to obtain information

• Computer professionals include:

– Programmers
– Systems analysts
– Computer operations personnel
– Security specialists

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 Computer Categories

• Six basic categories of computers:

1) Embedded computers
2) Mobile devices
3) Personal computers
4) Servers (Midrange Computers)
5) Mainframe computers
6) Supercomputers

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 1. Embedded Computers

• Embedded computer: Embedded into a product and

designed to perform specific tasks or functions for
that product

• Often embedded into:

– Household appliances
– such as dishwashers, microwaves, ovens,
coffeemakers,
– Sewing machines
– Cars

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 2. Mobile Devices

• Mobile device: A very small device with some type of

built-in computing or Internet capability

• Examples:
– Smart phones
– Handheld gaming devices
– Portable digital media players

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 3. Personal Computers (PCs)

• Personal Computer: A small computer

designed to be used by one person at a
time

1. Desktop computers:
Fit on or next to a desk, use tower case
or desktop case.

2. Portable Computers:
are fully functioning computers designed to
be carried around easily.
Notebook (laptop), Tablet, Hybrid notebook-tablet,
Netbooks.
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 4. Servers

• A server—also sometimes called a midrange

server, minicomputer, or midrange computer A
medium-sized computer used to host programs
and data for a small network.

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 5. Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computer:
Powerful computer used by several large organizations
to manage large amounts of centralized data

• Larger, more expensive, and more powerful than

servers

– Used in:
Hospitals, universities, banks,
government offices.

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 6. Supercomputers
Supercomputer:
• Fastest, most expensive, most powerful type of
computer

Used for:
space exploration, missile guidance, satellites,
weather forecast, oil exploration, scientific research.

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 Computer Networks and The Internet

A computer network is a collection of computers and

other devices that are connected together to enable users
to share hardware, software, and data, as well as to
communicate electronically with each other

The Internet is the largest and most well-known computer

network in the world. It is technically a network of networks

World Wide Web (WWW). The collection of Web pages

available through the Internet.

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 Computer Networks and The Internet

Web page: A document, typically containing hyperlinks to

other documents, located on a Web server and available
through the World Wide Web.

Web site: A collection of related Web pages usually belonging

to an organization or individual.

Web server: A computer that is continually connected to the

Internet and hosts Web pages that are accessible through the
Internet.

Web browser: A program used to view Web pages.

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Example of Computer Network

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