Lecture Slides-01 Computer Science - Introduction

Computer Science
Introducing Computer Systems
Engr. Athar Baig

Lecturer
Electronics Engineering Department
University of Chakwal
athar.baig@uoc.edu.pk
1 Introduction to Computers
Lecture Outline
History of Computers
Generations of Computers
Introduction to Computer
Parts and functionality of a Computer
Classification of Computers
History of Computer Systems
The first counting device was used by the
primitive people. They used sticks, stones
and bones as counting tools. As human mind
and technology improved with time more
computing devices were developed.
Abacus
The history of computer begins with the
birth of abacus which is believed to be the
first computer. It is said that Chinese
invented Abacus around 4,000 years ago.
It was a wooden rack which has metal rods
with beads mounted on them. The beads
were moved by the abacus operator
according to some rules to perform
arithmetic calculations. Abacus is still used
in some countries like China, Russia and
Japan.
Napier's Bones
It was a manually-operated
calculating device which was invented
by John Napier (1550-1617).
In this calculating tool, he used 9
different bones marked with numbers
to multiply and divide. So, the tool
became known as "Napier's Bones. It
was also the first machine to use the
decimal point.
Pascaline
 Pascaline is also known as Arithmetic Machine or
Adding Machine. It was invented between 1642
and 1644 by a French mathematician-philosopher
Biaise Pascal. It is believed that it was the first
mechanical and automatic calculator.
 Pascal invented this machine to help his father, a
tax accountant. It could only perform addition and
subtraction. It was a wooden box with a series of
gears and wheels. When a wheel is rotated one
revolution, it rotates the neighboring wheel. A
series of windows is given on the top of the
wheels to read the totals.
Stepped Reckoner or Leibnitz wheel
It was developed by a German
mathematician-philosopher Gottfried
Wilhelm Leibnitz in 1673. He improved
Pascal's invention to develop this
machine. It was a digital mechanical
calculator which was called the stepped
reckoner as instead of gears it was made
of fluted drums.
Difference Engine
In the early 1820s, it was designed by
Charles Babbage who is known as
"Father of Modern Computer". It was a
mechanical computer which could
perform simple calculations. It was a
steam driven calculating machine
designed to solve tables of numbers like
logarithm tables.
Analytical Engine
This calculating machine was also
developed by Charles Babbage in 1830.
It was a mechanical computer that used
punch-cards as input. It was capable of
solving any mathematical problem and
storing information as a permanent
memory.
Tabulating Machine
It was invented in 1890, by Herman
Hollerith, an American statistician. It
was a mechanical tabulator based on
punch cards. It could tabulate statistics
and record or sort data or information.
This machine was used in the 1890 U.S.
Census. Hollerith also started the
Holleriths Tabulating Machine Company
which later became International
Business Machine (IBM) in 1924.
Differential Analyzer
It was the first electronic computer
introduced in the United States in 1930.
It was an analog device invented by
Vannevar Bush. This machine has
vacuum tubes to switch electrical signals
to perform calculations. It could do 25
calculations in few minutes.
Mark I
The next major changes in the history of
computer began in 1937 when Howard
Aiken planned to develop a machine
that could perform calculations
involving large numbers. In 1944, Mark
I computer was built as a partnership
between IBM and Harvard. It was the
first programmable digital computer.
Generations of a Computer
The computer has evolved from a large-sized simple
calculating machine to a smaller but much more
powerful machine.
The evolution of computer to the current state is

defined in terms of the generations of computer.
Each generation of computer is designed based on a

new technological development, resulting in better,
cheaper and smaller computers that are more powerful,
faster and efficient than their predecessors.
Currently, there are five generations of computer. In
the following subsections, we will discuss the
generations of computer in terms of the technology
used by them (hardware and software), computing
characteristics (speed, i.e., number of instructions
executed per second), physical appearance, and their
applications.
First Generation Computers
(1940-1956)
The first computers used vacuum tubes(a sealed glass tube
containing a near-vacuum which allows the free passage of
electric current.) for circuitry and magnetic
drums for memory.
They were often enormous and taking up entire room.
First generation computers relied on machine language.
They were very expensive to operate and in addition to
using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat,
which was often the cause of malfunctions(defect or
breakdown).
The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-
generation computing devices.
First Generation Computers
(1940-1956)
Advantages :
It was only electronic device
First device to hold memory
Disadvantages :
Too bulky i.e large in size
Vacuum tubes burn frequently
They were producing heat
Maintenance problems
Second Generation Computers
(1956-1963)
• Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and

ushered in the second generation of computers.
• Second-generation computers moved from
cryptic binary machine language to symbolic.
• High-level programming languages were also
being developed at this time, such as early
versions of COBOL and FORTRAN.
• These were also the first computers that stored
their instructions in their memory.
Second Generation Computers
(1956-1963)
Advantages :
Size reduced considerably
The very fast
Very much reliable
Disadvantages :
They over heated quickly
Maintenance problems
Third Generation Computers
(1964-1971)
The development of the integrated circuit was the
hallmark of the third generation of computers.
Transistors were miniaturized and placed
on siliconchips, called semiconductors.
Instead of punched cards and printouts, users
interacted with third generation computers
through keyboards and monitors and interfaced
with an operating system.
Allowed the device to run many
different applications at one time.
Third Generation Computers
(1964-1971)
Advantages :
ICs are very small in size
Improved performance
Production cost cheap
Disadvantages :
ICs are sophisticated
Fourth Generation Computers
(1971-present)
The microprocessor brought the fourth generation
of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits
were built onto a single silicon chip.
The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located
all the components of the computer.
From the central processing unit and memory to
input/output controls—on a single chip.
. Fourth generation computers also saw the
development of GUIs, the mouse and
handheld devices.
Fourth Generation Computers
(1971-present)
Fifth Generation Computers
(present and beyond)
Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial
intelligence.
Are still in development, though there are some
applications, such as voice recognition.
The use of parallel processing and superconductors is
helping to make artificial intelligence a reality.
The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop
devices that respond to natural language input and are
capable of learning and self-organization.
Definition of a computer
By definition, a computer is an electronic device that inputs
data, processes data(converting it into information that is
useful to people) outputs and stores information.
Computers are controlled by programmed instructions that
transform the data into meaningful information.
Generally a Computer is a device that accepts input,
processes it, stores data, and produces output.
Information Processing Cycle
Steps followed to process data
Input
Processing
Output
Storage
Parts of a Computer System
Input
Input: Information provided to the computer by a person,
the environment, or another computer.
Examples of Input
words and symbols
numbers
pictures
audio signals from a microphone
signals from another computer
temperature, speed, pressures, etc. from sensors
Processing
Processing - manipulation of data.
 Data are symbols that represent raw facts, objects, and ideas
about people, places, events, and things that are of importance
in an organization.
 A computer program or software is a series of instructions
that tell a computer how to carry out a processing task.
Examples of Processing
 Arithmetic calculations
 Sorting a list
 Modifying pictures
 Drawing graphs
Output
Output - the result produced by a computer after processing
the data.
Output device –displays, prints, or transmits the results after
processing.
Examples of Output
images on a monitor
printed documents
sounds
signals to device controllers
Memory and Storage
Memory - the area of a computer that temporarily holds
data that is being processed or waiting to be processed,
stored, or output.
Storage - The area where data can be left on a permanent
basis while it is not needed for processing.
Examples of Storage
magnetic disks
CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory)
magnetic tapes
Flash disk
Memory card
Floppy disk
Personal and Home Uses of Computers
 Computers allow people with
disabilities to do normal
activities.
 Shopping online
 Playing games with other people
 Work from home
 Entertainment such as listening
to music, watching videos etc.
 Enable communication through
the use of (electronic mails) e-
mails , chats etc.
Introduction to Computers 32
Business Uses of Computers
 Computers allow companies to
keep large amounts of
information at hand.
 Databases
 Makes ordering and tracking
resources quicker and easier.
 Allows people to have
meetings from different
locations.
 Helps in information
management which eases the
process of decision making .
 Computers allow people across
the world to communicate
easily. Introduction to Computers 33
Educational Uses of Computers
The Internet allows access to
hundreds of online research
materials.
Allows colleagues to
correspond quickly about
ongoing research.
Eases the process of analysing
research data.
Introduction to Computers 34
Computer systems have four parts
Hardware
Software
Data
User (people)
Computer hardware:
A computer's hardware consists of electronic devices; the
parts you can see and touch.
In other words these are tangible parts of a computer.
The term "device" refers to any piece of hardware used by
the computer, such as a keyboard, monitor, modem, mouse,
etc.
These are mechanical devices that make up the computer.
Computer Hardware Components
 Display Device (Monitor

or LCD screen)
 System Unit
 Floppy disk drive
 CD ROM drive
 Hard disk drive
 Keyboard
 Mouse
Other hardware components
DVD drive (Digital Versatile Disk)
CD writer (Compact disk)
Sound card and speakers
Modem (Modulate and Demodulate)
Printers.
Peripherals
A peripheral device designates equipment that might be
added to a computer system to enhance its functionality.
Examples:
Printer
Digital camera
Scanner
Joystick
Computer Software
Is the set of instructions that makes the computer perform tasks.
The software is a part of the computer you cannot touch but is
very important.
 The software is all the programming that makes the computer
run; controlling everything that the computer does.
For any computer to function, it needs to have software
installed on it.
Data:
Data consists of raw facts, which the computer can manipulate
and process into information that is useful to people.
Computerized data is digital, meaning that it has been reduced
to digits, or numbers. The computer stores and reads all data as
numbers.
Users:
People operating the computer.
Tell the computer what to do.
Essential Computer Hardware
A computer’s hardware devices falls into one of the four
categories;
1. Processor
2. Memory
3. Input and Output
4. Storage
Processing Devices
The procedure that transforms raw data into useful information
is called processing.
The processor is like the brain of the computer.
Organizes and carries out instructions from either the user or
software.
Manipulate the data.
Most computers have several processors.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) refers to a computer’s processor.
 Memory devices
 Memory is made up of one or more sets of chips that Store
data or program instructions either temporarily or
permanently. Memory is divided into two types:
a) Random Access Memory (RAM)
 RAM holds data and program instructions temporarily while the CPU
works with them.
 RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data only when the power is on.
When the power is off, RAM's contents are lost.
 The “random” in RAM implies that any portion of RAM can be
accessed at anytime. This helps make RAM very fast.
 More RAM results in a faster system.
b) Read Only Memory (ROM)
 Permanent storage of programs.
 ROM is called non-volatile memory because it never loses its contents.
 Holds instructions that the computer needs to operate.
 Memory is measured in terms of:
 Kilobyte (KB) - 1,000 bytes
 Megabyte (MB) - 1,000,000 bytes
 Gigabyte (GB) - 1,000,000,000 bytes
 Terabyte (TB) - 1,000,000,000,000 bytes.
Position of RAM and ROM on the Motherboard
Input and Output Devices
Input devices accept data and instructions from the user or
from another computer system.
Output devices return processed data to the user or to another
computer system.
Input devices include: keyboard, mouse, scanner, digital
camera, microphone etc.
Output devices include: monitor, printer, stereo speakers,
headphones etc.
Communications devices (such as modems and network
interface cards) perform both input and output, allowing
computers to share information.
 Storage Devices
 The purpose of storage is to hold data permanently, even
when the computer is turned off.
 Storage devices hold data not currently being used by
the CPU.
 Data is commonly stored on a magnetic or optical disk.
 A disk drive is a device that reads data from and writes
data to a disk. Most new computers feature a floppy disk
drive, a hard disk drive, and an optical disk drive.
 The most common optical storage devices are CDROM
and DVD-ROM drives.
Classification of Computers
The computer systems can be classified on the
following basis:
1. On the basis of size and portability
2. On the basis of data handling
3. On the basis of functionality and Usage
4. Based on Architecture
5. Based on Operating System
6. Based on Performance
7. Based on Usage Environment
Based on Size and Portability
Classification According to Size
There are four different sorts of computers based on
their size:
1. Supercomputers
2. Mainframe Computers
3. Minicomputers
4. Microcomputers.
Supercomputers
The most efficient computers in terms
of processing data and performance are
supercomputers. These computers are
used for research and exploratory
purposes. Supercomputers are
exceedingly large and highly expensive.
It can only fit in large, air-conditioned
spaces.
Supercomputers are used for a range of
tasks, such as space exploration, seismic
research, and the testing of nuclear
weapons.
Supercomputers
Features
 They make use of AI (Artificial intelligence)
 They are the fastest and strongest;
 They are very costly.
 They are enormous in size.
 They are employed by companies that manufacture goods.
 They process information at a rapid rate.
Applications Examples of
Supercomputers:
• Scientific research • CRAY T3D
• Defense and weapon analysis • NEC-500.
• Nuclear energy research • CDC 6600
• Weather forecasting • ABC (Atanasoff-
• Petroleum research. BerryComputer)
• ENIAC
Mainframe Computers
Features
 Despite being less efficient than
supercomputers, mainframe computers are
nevertheless extremely expensive. Large
corporations and governmental organizations
frequently employ mainframe computers to run
everyday operations. They have the ability to
store and analyze a lot of data. To maintain
information on their customers, students, and
insurance policyholders, banks, colleges, and
insurance companies utilize them. They may
also act as a server in a network environment.
Hundreds of users may be managed
simultaneously by them.
Mainframe Computers
Features
 They have enormous amounts of memory.
 They are capable of running several different operating systems.
 They have a significant number of CPUs with powerful processing
speeds.
 Tightly Coupled Clustering Technology is employed.
Supercomputers:
• Banks & Hospitals for • IBM 360,4381.
preparing bills, Payrolls, etc. • ICL 39 Series.
• In communication networks • CDC Cyber series.
such as the Internet where • BINAC
they act as Servers. • UNIVAC
• By Airline reservation
systems where information of
all the flights is stored.
Minicomputers
Minicomputers are used by small
businesses and industries. They go
by the term "Midrange
Computers." These minicomputers
frequently have several users, just
as mainframe computers. They are
a bit slower than mainframe
computers.
For example, the manufacturing
department may employ
minicomputers to keep an eye on
specific production processes.
Minicomputers
Features:
 It is smaller than mainframes or supercomputers in terms of size.
 In comparison to a mainframe or supercomputer, it is less costly.
 It is able to perform many jobs at once.
 It may be utilized by several users simultaneously.
 It is utilized by small businesses.
Applications
• Used in scientific laboratories Also they are well adapted for
• Used in research institutions functions such as
• Engineering plants • Accounting
• Automatic processing • Word processing
• Database administration
Microcomputers
A microcomputer, sometimes
referred to as a personal computer
(PC), is a type of computer that runs
on a smaller scale than traditional
computers (Personal Computer). A
component that is commonly referred
to as a motherboard houses the
central processing unit (CPU), a
microprocessor, memory in the form
of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM
(Random Access Memory), I/O
ports, and a bus system of connecting
wires. They are the most affordable.
Microcomputers
Features:
 They are extensively employed for personal usage.
 They are smaller and comparably less expensive.
 Multi-user functionality is not supported.
 It has a limited computational capacity.
 They are quite simple to use.
Supercomputers:
• Microcomputers are • Desktop computer; is
commonly used in: designed to be placed on top
• Training and learning of an office desk
institutions such as schools. • Notebook or laptop; portable
• Small business enterprises, convenient for mobile users.
and • Personal Digital
• Communication centers as Assistant(PDA); Is small
terminals. enough to fit in the pocket
Based on data handling
Classification According to data handling
According to data handling, there are three different
kinds of computers. They are as follows:
1. Analog Computers
2. Digital Computers
3. Hybrid Computers
Analogous Computers
Analog computers process analog data. Temperature,
pressure, weight, depth, and voltage are a few
examples of this type of data. These have an infinite
range of values and are continuous quantities. The first
computers were analog, and they laid the groundwork
for today's digital computers.
Digital Computers
In digital computers, letters, numbers, and other
special symbols are represented by digits. On-off (ON-
OFF) inputs are used by digital computers, and ON-
OFF signals are also generated by them.
An ON is often represented by a 1 and an OFF by a 0,
respectively. A digital computer is capable of
processing both numerical and non-numerical data. In
addition to doing fundamental arithmetic operations
like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division,
it can also perform logical operations.
Hybrid Computers
Computers that combine digital and analog
components are called hybrid computers. It combines
the best features of both types, having the speed of an
analog computer with the memory and precision of a
digital computer. Hybrid computers are typically used
in specific applications where both forms of data need
to be processed. As an example, a gas pump contains a
processor that converts measurements of fuel flow into
information about quality and cost.
Based on functionality
Classification According to functionality
According to functionality, there are four different
kinds of computers. They are as follows:
1. Servers
2. Workstation
3. Information Appliances
4. Embedded Computers
Servers
Servers are nothing but dedicated computers which are
set-up to offer some services to the clients.
They are named depending on the type of service they
offered.
Eg: security server, database server.
Workstation
Those are the computers designed to primarily to be
used by single user at a time.
They run multi-user operating systems.
They are the ones which we use for our day to day
personal / commercial work.
Information Appliances
They are the portable devices which are designed to
perform a limited set of tasks like basic calculations,
playing multimedia, browsing internet etc.
They are generally referred as the mobile devices.
They have very limited memory and flexibility and
generally run on “as-is” basis.
Personal Computers (PCs)
Used for general-purpose tasks such as word
processing, browsing, and entertainment.
Based on Architecture
Von Neumann Architecture: Computers that use a
single memory space for both data and instructions.
Most modern computers follow this architecture.
Harvard Architecture: Computers that have separate
memory spaces for data and instructions, which can
improve performance in certain applications.
Based on Operating System
Windows PCs: Computers running the Microsoft
Windows operating system.
macOS Computers: Computers manufactured by
Apple and running the macOS operating system.
Linux Computers: Computers running various
distributions of the Linux operating system.
Unix Systems: Computers using Unix-like operating
systems, commonly found in servers and workstations.
General-Purpose Computers:
They are the most common types of computers in use
today. Their flexibility enables them to be applied in a
wide range of applications like;
Document processing
Performing calculations,
Accounting,
Data and information management
Examples of general-purpose computers: Mainframes,
Minicomputers, Microcomputers & Laptops used in
most offices & schools.
Special-purpose computer
 A special-purpose computer is designed to handle/accomplish a particular specific task
only. Such computers cannot perform any other task except the one they were meant to
do. Therefore, the programs which are used in a special-purpose computer are fixed
(hard-wired) at the time of manufacture.
For example;
 In a computer Network, the Front End Processor (FEP) is only used to control the
communication of information between the various workstations and the host computer.
 A Special-purpose computer is dedicated to a single task; hence it can perform it quickly
& very efficiently.
Examples of special-purpose computers:
 Robots used in a manufacturing industry for production only.
 Mobile phones used for communication only.
 Calculators that carry out calculations only.
 Computers used in Digital watches.
 Computers used in Petrol pumps.
Based on Usage Environment
Home Computers: PCs and laptops used for personal
tasks and entertainment.
Office Computers: Used in workplaces for tasks like
document processing, communication, and data
management.
Industrial Computers: Embedded computers used in
industrial automation and control systems.
Scientific Computers: Supercomputers and high-
performance computers used for scientific research
and simulations.

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Computer Science

Introducing Computer Systems

Engr. Athar Baig

The evolution of computer to the current state is

Each generation of computer is designed based on a

First device to hold memory

Vacuum tubes burn frequently

They were producing heat

• Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and

 Display Device (Monitor

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