DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
APPLICATION
1 Compiled by: Atlaw.M
Email : atlawmulat@[Link]
 INFORMATION
Data: stored representations of meaningful objects and events

 Structured: numbers, text, dates

 Unstructured: images, video, documents

Known facts that can be recorded and have an implicit

meaning.

Information: data processed to increase knowledge in the person

using the data and the final product of information gives
knowledge.
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 INFORMATION AND IT
Information Technology

is the use of modern technology to aid the capture, processing, storage

and retrieval, and communication of information, whether in the form
of numerical data, text, sound, or image.

It refers to a wide variety of items and abilities used in the creation,

storage, and dispersal of information.

It is the study of information handling and its use in society by means

of modern technology. This includes the acquisition, processing,
storage and communication of information in any form by
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appropriate means.
 WHAT IS COMPUTER?

The word „computer‟ comes from the word „compute‟, which means
to calculate. So a computer is considered to be a calculating device
that can perform arithmetic operations at enormous speed.

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 CONT…
Computer may be defined as a device that operates upon data.
1. Computes are large electronic machines that can manipulate
data in the desired way by executing a detailed set of
instructions called programs.
2. A computer is an electronic device used to process information.
• Electronic- very fast, operate at electronic speed.
• Processing- calculating numbers, and comparing logics, creating
texts, pictures, etc.
• Information – systematically analyzed data uses to make a
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decision.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS
Computers can be described by the following characteristics.
1. Storage
Computes can handle large amount of data. Once recorded, information can
never be forgotten and can be retrieved with a fraction of a second.
Its storage capacity is measured as follows:
Bit = smallest information stored in a computer (0 or 1).
Byte = character = 8 bits.
Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes.
Megabyte (MB) = 1024 Kilobytes.
Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 Megabytes.
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Terabyte (TB) = 1024 Gigabytes.
CONT…

2. Speed

Computers are very fast devices. They work at an incredible speed

and perform millions of calculations and comparisons in a second.

Its speed is measured by:

Millisecond = 1/1000 of a second.

Microsecond = 1/1000,000 of a second.

Nanosecond = 1/1000,000,000 of a second.

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Pico second = 1/1000,000,000,000 of a second.
CONT…
3. Accuracy

Computers are very accurate. They process vast amount of data in a very
high speed without committing errors. However, the computer is capable
of doing what is instructed to do. If the input data is correct and program
instructions are reliable, then the output of a computer is accurate.

Errors can occur mainly due to humans‟ incorrect input data, and program
instructions with a problem. Computer errors caused due to incorrect
input data or unreliable program is often called garbage-in-garbage out
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(GIGO).
 CONT…
4. Diligence

Computers are not bored or become tired of performing many thousands of

calculations repeatedly. Human beings suffer from weakness like tiredness,
lack of concentration, become sad, depressed, bored and negligent; and it
will reflect on the work they do. Moreover, humans cannot perform similar
tasks over and over, again and again with the same precision and accuracy.

5. Versatility

One of the most wonderful things about the computer is its versatility. A
computer is capable of performing almost any task provided that the task can
be reduced to a series of logical steps. 9
 TYPE OF COMPUTER
There are different types of computers. Their differences depends on different
categories of characteristics.
Classification by the method of operation (processing).
Computers are classified by the type of data they are designed to process. They are
classified into three:
• Analog, Digital and hybrid Computers
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.

 They are special purpose computers.

 However, analog computers have limited accuracy. 10

 CONT…
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 very high accuracy and speed than the analog
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ones.
 CONT…
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.
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 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.

Special purpose computers

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

Example:

• The public telephone box

• Traffic control system

• Ticket machines (used in grocery, super market etc.)

• Pocket-calculators etc.
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• Counters
 CONT…
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 computers are more
flexible and versatile.
Examples
• Micro computers
• Mini computers
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• Super computers etc.
 CLASSIFICATION BY PHYSICAL SIZE, PRICE,
CAPACITY AND PERFORMANCE

Micro computers: are the most widely used type of computers. They are single users,
can fit on desktops, are of varying capacity and easy to handle. Microcomputers are
sometimes referred as personal computers. They have video display unit for output
purpose. Data is entered through the keyboard and by the help of floppy disk.

Microcomputers come in a variety of sizes and shapes for a variety of purposes.

Basically they can be grouped into three: Laptop, Palmtop and Desktop computers.

1. Laptop computers are smaller versions of microcomputers about the size of a

briefcase designed for portability. People can easily carry these personal computers
with them in their car, on airplane, or when walking from one location to another.
Unlike desktop PCs that have mostly detachable components, laptops include all
their components (except their printer) in a single unit
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 CONT…
2. Palmtop computer is the smallest microcomputer that is about the same
size as a pocket calculator. It is the most portable computer and is growing
in popularity among the latest entries in the microcomputer market.

Palmtops are typically used for a limited number of functions, such as

maintaining personal calendar, name and address files, or electronic
worksheets.

3. Desktop computer is the most widely used type of personal computer

(microcomputers).

Unlike laptop and personal computers, desktop computers have

detachable parts. However, since its size is larger than the other types16of
personal computers, it is not easily portable.
 CONT…
In general, microcomputers are used for
1. Word processing (automated, electronic typing and editing) to prepare letters,
reports, memos and other documents.
2. Computerized worksheet analysis and modeling. This computerizes business
planning, budgeting, and analysis of business performance and assists decision-
making activities.
3. Graphics in the generation of charts and other graphic images. This visually
enhances both the analysis and presentation of information in reports and group
presentations.
4. Engineering activities. Computer-aided design and analysis can be performed by the
use of powerful microcomputers.
5. Personal and home use. Entertainment, home management, personal finances,
education, and other activities can easily supported by the use of personal 17
computers.
 MINI COMPUTERS
Minicomputers are midrange computers that are larger and more powerful than
most microcomputers but are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computer
systems.
• The minicomputers' size prevents it from being easily portable although it can be
moved more easily than a mainframe computer.
• Minicomputers cost less to buy and maintain than mainframe computers. Most
minicomputers can function in ordinary operating environments, as they do not
need special air conditioning or electrical wiring.
• Minicomputers are being used for a large number of business and scientific
applications.
• They are popularly used in scientific laboratories, research centers, universities
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and colleges, engineering firms, industrial process monitoring and control, etc.
 MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
 Mainframe computers are large, powerful computers that are physically larger than micros and minis and
usually have processors with faster instruction processing speeds.

 For example, they may be able to process from 10 to 200 million instructions per second (MIPS).

 A mainframe computer is generally found in a special computer room where environmental factors such as
temperature, humidity, dust and air conditions are closely monitored.

 Because of the computer's cost and the value of the information stored there, the rooms in which
mainframes are located have security systems allowing only authorized personnel to enter.

 Mainframe computers are designed to handle the information processing needs of organizations with many
employees and customers or with complex computational problems.

 To give some examples, mainframes can handle the processing of thousands of customer inquiries,
employee paychecks, student registrations, sales transactions, and inventory changes.

 They are also used as the center of computer networking. These computers are used by organizations that
have enormous and complex data processing assignments.
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 SUPERCOMPUTER
 The term supercomputer has been coined to describe a category of extremely
powerful computer designed for high-speed processing. A supercomputer is generally
characterized as being the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive computer.

 As many as sixty miles of wiring are closely packed inside supercomputers, and
tremendous amounts of heat are generated. Because of this, supercomputers demand
special cooling requirements and the room itself should be air-conditioned.
 Some supercomputers require extra floor support to hold the extreme weight of the
complete system that includes storage units.
 In addition, highly trained data processing professionals are required to operate
supercomputers. These computers can take inputs from over 10,000 individual
computers and users at the same time.
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 Super computers are largely used by research organizations, military defense systems,
national weather forecasting agencies, large corporations, aircraft manufacturers, etc.
 APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS
Today computes can find a role in nearly every aspect of our lives. In our every day activities they can help us
get things done better and faster, making humans‟ life simple and easy.

 IN OFFICES: - Type writers are being replaced by computers.

 IN EDUCATION: - Computers are widely used in educational fields; for instruction and administration
/Interactive education/

CAL- Computer Aided Learning

CAI- Computer Assisted Instruction

 IN MEDICINE: - Medical diagnostic technologies and computer-based medical imaging represents one of
the fastest-growing areas in the computer field. E.g. Telemedicine.

Computers can be used to hold details of patient‟s history and to aid diagnosis and treatment procedures.

 IN LIBRARIES: - Computers has been a powerful tool for libraries, providing users access to
bibliographic information. It provide on-line catalog, information about available books & other materials,
and whether or not they are currently checked out or not.
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 CONT…
 IN COMMUNICATION: - Computers can be used in different ways for Communication purpose
between users. This can include:

 Fax- hard copy Usenet

 Electronic mail Internet

 Teleconferencing Video conferencing

 IN MANUFACTURING

Computers can be used in production process, from the design stage to the manufacturing stage.

CAD- Computer-Aided Design

CAM- Computer-Aided Manufacturing.

 IN BUSINESS:-

Computers are used to record sales, maintain information about inventories, payroll records, generate
paychecks, and advertise goods or products.
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 IN RESEARCH

Computers use to analyze and process data. E.g. EPI, SPSS.

 ADVANCED APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS
Artificial Intelligence (AI) are computer programs that utilize special programming routines that make
decisions based on available evidence rather than hard and fast rules. The computers have the capability to
learn from past events. These programs are expected to give computers new capabilities for understanding the
human voice and for interpreting users‟ natural language responses to programs.

Natural Language processing and speech recognition.

Computer vision – ability to understand what they see. E.g. X-ray results read by a computer.

Problem solving – computers designed to give solutions by themselves.

Expert system- AI programs that use the same rules as human experts to make decisions based on
available evidence.

E.g. Robotic system is a science of using a machine (robot) that is programmable, capable of operating on its
own without human intervention. Automatic machines that operate without computer program control do not
qualify as robots.

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THANK FOR TODY CLASS!!!!

SEE YOU NEXT CLASS!!!

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