Introduction to Computer App Chapter One: Overview of Computers

CHAPTER ONE
OVERVIEW OF COMPUTERS AND THEIR APPLICATION

Data versus Information

Data:
• Simple facts and figures
• it is raw and unprocessed and therefore meaningless to us.
• Usually it is the result of experience, observation or experiment
• Numbers, characters, symbols, images etc., which can be processed by a computer.
• Data must be interpreted, by a human or machine, to derive meaning

Information:
• is data that has been processed for use
• is a human interpretation of knowledge
• It is processed and selected so that it is useful and applicable
• has meaning in some context for its receiver
• When information is entered into and stored in a computer, it is generally referred to as data. After
processing (such as formatting and printing), output data can again be perceived as information.
• When information is packaged or used for understanding or doing something, it is known as
knowledge.
For Example: there are a plenty of items listed on a Menu-Card, in hotel. (data)
you don't order everything, you just order the dish you want to eat, (information).

What is Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs computations, and makes logical
decisions according to instructions that have been given to it; then produces meaningful information
in a form that is useful to humans.

Input Process Output

The name computer comes from a Latin word ‘Computare’, meaning, ‘to compute’ or ‘to
calculate’.

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Introduction to Computer App Chapter One: Overview of Computers

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science is a science concerned with information i.e. representation, storage, manipulation
or processing and presentation of information. Like any other science, which uses some devices for
the practical aspect, computer Science uses a special device called Computer.

Characteristics of computers
The characteristics of a computer show the capability and the potential of the computer for
processing data. This saves time, space, money, labors etc. And they answer the questions why
computers are used? Why have they become so popular?

1. Speed
The ability of the computers to carry out their instructions in a very short period of time is one of
the main reasons for their popularity. Computers can perform within a matter of seconds or minutes
tasks that would be impossible for a person to complete by hand in lifetime.

Its speed is measured by the amount of time it took to perform or carry out a basic operation. And
its speed measured in terms of micro second (10-6 - one millionths), nano second (10-9 – one
billionths), and Pico second (10-12 - one trillionths). Hence a computer with speed 1microsecond
can perform 1 million instructions in just 1 second.
For example: in one second this computer can perform the following tasks:
• Computes the grade point average for 3000 students
• Calculate the total value of all books used by students in a university

2. Accuracy
Now a days computers are being used life-and-death situations (For example, jet pilots rely on
computer computations for guidance, Hospitals rely on patient-monitoring systems in critical-care
units) which needs almost hundred percent accuracy. From this we can understand that computer is
accurate and consistent. Unless there is an error in the input data or unreliable program the
computer processes with a high level of accuracy.

3. Capacity
The ability of computers to store and process vast amounts of data continues to grow. A computer
operating at 200 MHz can move data from one location to another at a rate excess of 1.2 billions
characters (symbols) per second.

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Introduction to Computer App Chapter One: Overview of Computers

4. Durability and reliability

Computers are durable and extremely reliable devices. They can operate error-free over long
periods of time.

5. Versatility
Because of technological advancements in the computer industry, most computers today are
considered to be general-purpose computers. That is both their computation and input/output
processing capabilities are such that they can be used for almost any type of application. For
example, the same computer that is used to handle engineering company’s mathematics, and design
computations can also be efficiently used by the company to track inventory, process payroll,
project earnings, and fulfill all its reporting needs.

Today’s computers are versatile in what they can do; computers and their components part being
used in application never before envisioned. For example; in home appliances (washing machines,
ovens) home entertainment centers, traffic lights, automobiles, banking, assembly plants, space
probes, art, music, education, hospitals, and agriculture, to name few. The versatility of the
computers and its use in a wide array of application are limited only by the imagination of the
human mind.

Note: Even if the above main characteristics of computers are increasing with time, the cost and
size of computers are decreasing.

Types of computers
There are different types of Computers. Their difference is depending on different categories of
characteristics.
Classification by the method of operation (processing):
They are classified into three:
1. Analog
Analog computers operate by measuring. They deal with continues variables; they don’t compute
directly with numbers, rather, they operate by measuring physical magnitude such as pressure,
temperature, voltage, current etc.
Examples:
• Thermometer
• Voltmeter

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• Speedometer
• Gasoline pomp – Contains an analog Computer that converts the flow of pumped fuel into two
measurements; the price of the delivered gas and the quantity of pumped fuel.
- Analog computers are special purpose computers.
- Analog computers have limited accuracy

2. Digital Computers
Digital computers deal with discrete variables; they operate by counting rather than measuring.
They operate directly up on numbers (or digits) that represent numbers, letters, or other special
symbols.
Examples:
• Abacus
• Desk & pocket computers
• The general purpose computers
- Digital computers have higher accuracy and speed than the analog ones.

3. Hybrid computers
The best features of analog and digital computers can be combined into a single device to form a
hybrid computer. A hybrid computer processes the information by collecting input data with analog
method, convert it into digital quantities, processes the digital values and convert the output from
digital to analog form.
Example:
In hospital insensitive-care unit analog devices may measure a patient’s heart function, temperature
and other vital signs. These measurements may then be converted into numbers and supplied to a
digital component in the system. This component is used to monitor the patient’s vital signs and to
send an immediate signal to the nurse’s station if any abnormal readings are detected.

Classification by purpose of application:

Computers can be applied or used for different purposes. Based upon their application, they are
classified as special purpose or general-purpose computers

1. Special purpose computers

They are designed to solve a single type of problem, that is their components and function are
uniquely adapted to a specific situation involving specific application.

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Examples:
• The public telephone box
• Traffic control system
• Ticket machines (used in grocery, super market etc.)
• Pocket calculators etc.
• Counters
- Most analog computers are special purpose computers.

2. General-purpose computers
They are designed to solve variety of problems through the use of “store program concept”. A
program or set of instructions designed to solve a problem is read and stored into the memory and
then executed by the computer one by one. The same computer can be applied to solve another set
of problem using different program. General purpose computers are more flexible and versatile.
Examples:
• Micro computers
• Mini computers
• Super computers etc.

Classification by physical size, price, capacity and performance:

At this stage, by a computer, we mean a general-purpose digital computer. There is a wide variety
of general purpose digital computers on the market place today, in terms of physical size, price,
capacity, and performance. They are then classified as follows by their capacity and size:

1. Super computers: - are the fastest, largest and most powerful types of computer.
They have speed of hundreds of millions of operation per second, a primary memory capacity of
about 80 million characters, a secondary memory of capacity of about 20 times its primary memory.
They are multi-user systems in intercontinental range. They can carry out enormously complex
scientific calculations. They are used to process huge amount of data and are commonly used in
space technology centers, meteorology stations, and astronomical observatories, inter continental
communications, airline organizations.

2. Mainframe computers:- Smaller in size and capacity, lower in speed & memory capacity
than the super computers. However they are multi-user systems and handle hundreds of
users, usually used in large organizations.

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3. Mini computers: - have relatively lower speed, can handle multi-users, are smaller in size
than the mainframe computers. They use terminals for inputs and output. Mini computers
are used in small organizations.
4. Micro computers:-Micro computer (personal or desktop computer) is a computer whose
CPU is microprocessor. Microprocessor is a processor all of whose components are on a
single integrated-circuit chip. Since its CPU is integrated in a single circuit, it can serve only
a single user at a time. Most of home and personal office computers are microcomputers.
The relative performance and usage of personal computer is relatively increased with a very
high rate.

Application of Computers
Why we use Computers?
The following are some of the capability of Computers, which are reasons to use Computers.
 Store and process large amount of information with high speed and accuracy;
 Transmit information across continents via communication channels;
 Simulate events;
 Perform complex mathematical computations and make comparisons;
 Monitor ongoing industrial operations;
 Perform repetitive processes with great ease, speed, and reliability;
Therefore, computers are applicable for any functions or process that requires these abilities.

The main areas of computer applications can be listed as follows:

 Learning Aids:
Example: learning toys, programs range from simple arithmetic to calculus, from English grammar
to creative writing and foreign language, and from basic graphics to engineering design models,
 Entertainment:
Examples: Games, Movies
 Commercial or business applications
Computers are needed to perform business operations that require handling large amounts of data.
Several computer applications are available to assist business in working with large volumes of
data.
Examples are:
- Text processing

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- Accounting and Finance management

- Inventory control
- Database management
- Statistical analysis
 Scientific – engineering and research applications
Using computers for scientific research, complex mathematical calculations, design work, and
analysis and control of physical systems.
Examples are:
 Space technology  Design of machines and
 Meteorological observatory systems  Control of manufacturing process
 Astronomical investigations
 Information Utilities
Information utilities companies use large computers that store huge amount of information about
many different subjects. These computer systems and their vast amount of data are available for
personal use. For example: information utilities can allow a computer user to read the daily news,
research published works, send a letter to a friend, play games, make airline reservations, obtain the
latest stock market quotations, and perform many other activities.
Example: Internet.
Ethiopian airline is a member of World-Wide reservation system called Gabriel system.
- The main database is located at Atlanta, Georgia
- More than 48 airlines including EAL share /extract/transmit information using Gabriel
Facilities included:
- Booking of passengers on Domestic and International flight on EAL or Other carrier ( EX.
Lufthansa).
- Making hotel reservation for the travelers (i.e. the system is connected with major hotels & travel agents)
- Massage correspondence with all stations which are members of Gabriel (i.e. reconfirmation space
availability, etc)
Elements involved in the reservation system are:
-Computer Network;
-Computer terminal;
-Communication Channels ( telephone lines, satellite, etc)
-Modems

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 Electronic Banking and Service:

Example: Teller Machine (customers are issued cards that permit them to use other banks teller
machine’s), Online banking (A bank customer can use his/ her computer to check account balances,
transfer funds, pay bills)
 Shopping from Home
Individual may now shop by computer in the comfort of their home.
 Household Control
A growing number of the newer houses hold devices are computers controlled. For example:
Security systems, refrigerators, microwave ovens, washers, stereos, and televisions. This
computer controlled home security system monitors movements, broken glass, unlawful entry
without a security code, and so on, and alerts the local police department.
 Weather and Environment
Computer equipment may show temperature ranges , precipitation levels and wind flow and can
used in weather forecasting. Computer can also help in overcoming environmental hazards.
 Transportation
Computers have affected almost every kind of transportation. Many aircraft can fly under the
control of the computer; in this situation, the captain simply serves as a manger by telling the
computer what to do. In Cars, computers have provided functional controls such as spark and fuel
control.
 Medical and Health Care
Computers have long been used by hospitals for routine record keeping. Today, however, many
people owe their lives to the computer. Computers are used in hospitals as sensors (device that
detect changes in blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), testing (scan the body and provide 3-D
figure), patient treatment.
 Routine and Dangerous Tasks
Computers are used in routine tasks. And they can perform task in environments to dangerous for
human workers.
 Consultant (Expert system)
An Expert system is a computer program, which can solve problems from a specific knowledge
base. These systems don't replace expert humans because the knowledge base of expert system is
given from the skilled specialist.
Example: Mycin (a medical diagnostic program by using sophisticated decision making process).

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Limitations of computers

 Computers haven’t yet met all our expectations as a productivity improvement tool i.e.
they facilitate our work by reducing time and cost, but sometimes we take much more
time to learn how to use application program that is supposed to increase productivity
based on the existing program

 They don’t think.

 Computers are merely tools, useless without humans.

 It cannot identify its problem

 Do not Decide the output needed to solve the problem

 Software that generate automatically is also designed by humans

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