Introduction to Information and

Communication Technologies
Instructor:
Sahar Javaid
Lecture # 01
Course Book
 “Introduction to Computers” by Peter Norton,
7th Edition
Contact
 Sahar Javaid
Room # 24, Computer Software Engineering
Department, Uet Taxila
Email: sehar.javaid@uettaxila.edu.pk

 Office Hours :

Monday 11.00 AM 1.00 PM

Friday 11.00 AM1.00 PM
Grading Criteria
 Quizzes 10 Marks
 Assignments 5 Marks
 Class Participation 10 Marks
 Mid Semester 25 Marks
 End Semester 50 Marks
Introduction to Computer Systems
Overview
 What is Computer
 Digital and Analog Computers
 Computers for Individual Users
 Computers for Organizations
What is Computer
Computer is an advanced
electronic device that takes raw
data as input from the user and
processes these data under the
control of set of instructions
(called program) and gives the
result (output) and saves output
for the future use.
Digital Computers
 Modern computers are
digital
◦ Reduce all data to binary
numbers before
processing.
◦ Perform one calculation at
a time
◦ Work with discrete
variables
Analog Computers
 Earliest computers were
analog
◦ Represents data by measurable
quantities, such as voltages, in
order to solve a problem.
◦ Perform multiple calculations at
once.
◦ Can cope with infinite fraction of
numbers
◦ Handles continuous variables
Computers For Individual Use
 Most computers are meant to be used by
one person at a time
 Termed as personal computers
 PCs are also known as micro computers

because of their size

 Can be connected together to create

network
Types of Personal Computers

 Six Primary types of PCs are

◦ Desktop computers
◦ Workstations
◦ Notebook computers
◦ Tablet computers
◦ Handheld computers
◦ Smart phones
Computers For Individual Use
 Desktop computers
◦ The most common type of PC
◦ Sits on the desk or table
◦ Enable people to do their tasks
with ease and efficiency
◦ Can also be used for
communication and many other
purposes
◦ Has a system unit
◦ Might be horizontal or vertical
Computers For Individual Use
 Workstations
◦ More powerful than a
desktop
◦ Used for scientific or any
other heavy usage
application.
◦ Popular among scientists,
engineers and animators
◦ Large, high resolution
monitors and accelerated
graphics
Computers For Individual Use
 Notebook computers
◦ Also called laptop computers
◦ Small portable computers
◦ Typically as powerful as a
desktop
◦ Can operate on alternating
current or special batteries
◦ Can include a docking
station
Computers For Individual Use
 Tablet computers
◦ Newest development in
portable, full featured
computers
◦ Can accept input from a
special pen called stylus or a
digital pen
◦ Run specialized versions of
standard programs
◦ Can be connected to a
network
Computers For Individual Use
 Handheld computers
◦ Small enough to fit in
your hand
◦ Used for note taking or
contact management
◦ Can be connected to
larger computers to
exchange data
◦ E.g. Personal digital
assistance (PDA)
 Computers For Individual Use
 Smart phones
◦ Offer advanced features not
typically found in cellular
phones
◦ Can include:
 web surfing and e-mail access
 Special software such as
organizers
 Special hardware such as digital
cameras
 Music players
Computers For Organizations
 Some computers handle the needs of many
people at the same time
 Such systems normally lie at the heart of

organizations network
 People generally access them through their

own devices or terminals

 Some of these computers are generic and

some are special purpose

Computers For Organizations
This category of computers include:

 Network Servers
 Mainframe Computers
 Minicomputers
 Supercomputers
Computers For Organizations
 Network servers
◦ Centralized computer
connected to desktop
computers of individual
users.
◦ Act as a primary computer in
the network with special
software and equipment.
◦ Multiple servers grouped
together are called clusters or
server farms
Computers For Organizations
 Network servers
◦ May not even resemble
standard PC.
◦ Mounted in large racks or
reduced to small units
called blades, which can
be slid in and out of the
case.
◦ Different group of servers
may have different
purposes
Computers For Organizations
 Mainframes
◦ Large sized computers
◦ Huge storage capacity
and huge processing
power
◦ Handle thousands
of users
◦ Mainly used for
transaction processing
Computers For Organizations
 Mainframes
◦ Users access through a terminal
◦ Two types of terminals
◦ Dumb terminal
 only for input and output data
◦ Intelligent terminal
 performs some processing but usually doesn’t
have any storage
Computers For Organizations
 Minicomputers
◦ Small in size compared to
other computers of the day
◦ Capabilities are some
where in between those of
main frames and PCs
◦ Often called midrange
computers
Computers For Organizations
 Supercomputers
◦ The most powerful
computers made
◦ Can process huge amount
of data per second
◦ Some super computers can
house thousands of
processors
◦ Ideal for handling large
and highly complex
problems that require
extreme calculating power
Questions