Introduction to Computer
Science
Objective
Understand data, information and data processing
Introduction to Information and Communication
Technology (ICT)
Define the discipline computer science
Define the term computer
Identify the several characteristics of computer that made
them useful and popular
Identify various classification of computers
Application of Computers
Data
Data is defined as a factual information (as measurement
or statistics) used as basis for reasoning, discussion or
calculation.
or
Data are streams of raw facts representing events
occurring in an organization or in the physical
environment before they have been organized and
arranged in to a form that people understand or use it.
Characteristics of Data
Data
Is raw, it simply exists and has no significance beyond its existence.
Can exist in any form (usable or non usable) but it doesn’t convey
meaning by itself
Represents a fact or statement of event without giving relation to
other things
In general data are:
Stored facts
Inactive (they exist)
Can be gathered from various sources
E.g. 221289
Information
Is an organized collection of processed data which gives the
complete sense.
Information is data that has been rearranged, processed, organized
into a form perceived as useful by the recipient.
Information is a data that have been shaped into a form that is
meaningful and useful to human beings.
It provides answers to who, what and when questions.
The meaning we attach to a data can be considered as information.
For instance, the red traffic light is a form of data, the meaning we
attach to this data (i.e. STOP) is the information.
Generally information is:
Processed facts
Active (it enables doing)
Transformed from data
Information and Communication
Technology (ICT)
What is IT (Information Technology)?
defined as once ability, knowledge, understanding, and skill of using
information and communications properly
IT can be considered as the use of modern technologies for
capturing, processing, storing, retrieval and communication of
information whether in the form of numerical data, text, sound, or
image.
It is the study of information handling and its use in sacristy by
means of modern technology (i.e. do not include the traditional
method information handling such as paper and pencil).
IT, as (computer science) the collection of technologies that deal
specifically with processing, storing, and communicating
information, including all types of computer and communication
systems as well as reprographics methodologies.
Components of IT
Three components that we should have known in order to use the
concept of IT effectively and productively
1. Computer
2. Communication Network: A communications network is an
interconnection of stations (or devices) at different locations through
a medium that enables people to send and receive data and
information and to share resources.
3. Know-how: Other critical part of IT is the ability to draw on the
power of IT to solve problems and to take advantages of the
opportunities it creates and offered by IT.
Know-how includes
Familiarity with the tools of IT
The skills needed to use these tools
Understanding when to use IT to solve a problem etc
ICT (Information and Communication
Technology)
A good way to think about ICT is to consider all the uses of digital
technology that already exist to help individuals, businesses and
organizations use information.
ICT can be defined as the use of electronic devices and
telecommunication network for creating, storing, processing,
sending, and receiving information.
It is the combination of Informatics technology with other, related
technologies, specifically communication technology.
ICT in fact encompasses
any medium to record information (magnetic disk/tape, optical disks
(CD/DVD), flash memory etc. and arguably also paper records);
technology for broadcasting information - radio, television; and
technology for communicating through voice and sound or images -
microphone, camera, loudspeaker, telephone to cellular phones.
Cont…
It includes the wide variety of computing hardware (PCs, servers,
mainframes, networked storage), the rapidly developing personal
hardware market comprising mobile phones, personal devices, MP3
players, and much more;
the full gamut of application software from the smallest home-
developed spreadsheet to the largest enterprise packages and online
software services; and
the hardware and software needed to operate networks for
transmission of information, again ranging from a home network to
the largest global private networks operated by major commercial
enterprises and, of course, the Internet.
"ICT" makes more explicit than technologies such as broadcasting
and wireless mobile telecommunications are included.
Computer Science
Is a science concerned with information
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.
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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
The name computer comes from a Latin word “Compute”,
meaning, “to compute”
From these definitions, what a computer does
in general is….
It takes input in various forms from different input devices;
Process it according to a given set of instructions called
program;
Produce an output in required form (such as printed on paper
or soft copy) and gives it to the end users;
Storage / keeps the results for future use and later processing
Controlling /coordinates all the activities that are carried out
inside the computer.
The followings are some of the capabilities and
potential of computers which are reasons for
using computers:
To store and process large amount of information with
high speed and accuracy;
To transmit information across continents via
communication channels;
To perform complex mathematical computations and
make comparisons;
To perform repetitive process with great ease, speed and
reliability;
For research, diagnostic purposes;
For weather forecasts ;
And many many
more…….
Characteristics of
Computers
The characteristics of a computer shows the
capability and the potential of the computer for
processing data.
This saves time, space, money, labor etc.
The following are some of the basic
characteristics of computers
Speed
Accuracy
Diligence
Versatility
Automation
Power of remembrance
Speed
The most important characteristic of a computer is its
speed.
Measured by the amount of time it took to perform or
carry out a basic operation.
While talking about the speed of a computer, we do not
talk in terms of seconds or even milliseconds (10-3). Our
units of speed are
micro second (10-6 i.e. one millionths),
nano second (10-9 i.e. one billionths),
pico second (10-12 i.e. one trillionths).
A powerful computer is capable of performing about 3 to
4 million simple arithmetic operations per second.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a computer is consistently high and the
degree of accuracy of a particular computer depends
upon its design.
The accuracy of the computer depends on the type of
input data and the program it self.
Nowadays, computers are being used for surgical
purposes which need almost hundred percent
accuracy. From this we can understand the accuracy
and consistency of a computer.
Once the program and data are loaded into its memory,
computer carries out the execution with little or no human
intervention.
Errors can occur in a computer, but these are mainly due
to human rather than technological weaknesses, that is,
due to imprecise thinking by the programmer (a person
who writes instructions for a computer to solve a
particular problem) or due to inaccurate data.
Versatility(flexibility)
Computer has the potential to perform or solve variety
of tasks and problems, as long as the problem or the
task can be put in the form of logical steps.
Versatility is one of the most wonderful things about the
computer.
One moment, it can prepare the results of particular
examination, the next moment it may be busy with
preparing electricity bills and in between, it may be
helping an office secretary to trace an important letter
etc…in seconds.
Diligence(Carefulness)
Unlike human beings, a computer is free from dullness,
tiredness, lack of concentration, etc., and hence can
work for hours together without creating any error and
without grumbling.
Man suffers from physical and mental weakness, lack of
concentration and laziness which do not permit him to
carry on his task at the same level of speed and
accuracy through the entire day.
The computer , on the other hand is capable of
operating at exactly the same level of speed and
accuracy even if it has to carry out the most huge and
complex operations for a long period of time. .
Automation
A computer is much more than an adding machine,
which requires human operators to press the necessary
keys for the operations to be performed.
Once, the data gets to the computer, it automatically
carries all the necessary actions.
Power of Remembrance
A computer can store and recall any amount of
information at any time because of its storage
capability.
Every piece of information can be stored as long as
desired by the user and can be recalled as and when
required.
Even after several years, the information recalled will
be as accurate as on the day when it was fed to the
computer.
In general, a computer has a capacity to store large
amount of information in an organized manner so that
accessing information is very fast.
Classification of Computers
Based On –
The Method of Operation (Processing)
The Purpose of Computers.
Its size, capacity, performance etc..
Classification Based On - The Method of
Operation (Processing)
Computers are classified by the type of data they are
designed to process. Based on this, they are classified
into three:
Analog Computers.
Digital Computers.
Hybrid Computers.
Analog Computers
Analog computers operate by measuring.
Refers to circuits or numerical values that have a
continuous range. That is they deal with continuous
variables.
They don’t compute directly with numbers, rather, by
measures physical magnitude such as pressure,
temperature, voltage, current etc. (Examples: like
Thermometer, Voltmeter etc……)
Examples: thermometer, gasoline pump
Analog computers are special purpose computers.
They have limited accuracy.
Digital Computers
A digital computer is one that operates on discrete
(separate) data.
Digital refers to the process in computer that manipulates
binary numbers (0s or 1s)
It represents switches that are turned on or off by
electrical current. A bit can have the value 0 or the value
1, but nothing in between 0 and 1.
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.
Digital computers have very high accuracy and speed than
the analog computers
Examples:
Abacus
Desktop Computers
The General Purpose Computers
Hybrid Computers
The best features of analog and digital computers can be
combined into a single device to form a hybrid computer.
Hybrid computers 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.
That is it measures the continuous flow of data (act as
analog) and manipulate discrete values (0s and 1s).
Example:
In intensive-care units of hospitals, 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.
Classification Based On -The
Purpose Of Computers
The other important distinction is the task or purpose
computers of the computer (i.e. what it is used for). In
this regard, computers can be categorized as
Special Purpose Computers.
General Purpose Computers.
Special purpose computers
They are designed to solve a single type of problem, that is
their components and functions are uniquely adapted to a
specific situation involving specific application.
Special purpose computers are designed with a specific task
in mind, and are not used for any other purpose.
They are pre-programmed with instructions to perform a
specific role.
Most analog computers are special purpose computers.
Special purpose computers are often used as a training
simulator.
A simulator is a computer-controlled device for training
people under simulated or artificially created conditions.
The computer creates test conditions, the trainee must
respond to, records and evaluates the responses, and
provides results to both trainee and supervisor.
For example, the air traffic industry uses simulators to
train pilots and flight crews in completely equipped,
computer-controlled cockpits.
Example: Traffic control system, weather forecasting
system etc….
General purpose computers
General-purpose computers can be used to meet the
needs of many different applications.
They are designed to solve variety of problems through
the use of “stored program concept”.
A program or set of instructions designed to solve a
problem is ready and stored into the memory and then
executed by the computer. The same computer can be
applied to solve another set of problem using different
program.
General computers are more flexible, versatile and store
large amounts of data.
Most businesses today use General-purpose computers.
Classification based on - Physical Size,
Price, Capacity And Performance
At this stage, by a computer we mean that a general-
purpose digital computer.
Computers come in variety of sizes, shapes and with
variety of processing capabilities.
The earliest computers were quite large because of the
technology used.
As technological improvements were made in computer
components, the overall size of the computers began to
shrink.
Based on their size, speed, storage capacity and price
computers can be categorized into four major groups
Microcomputers – least powerful and more familiar
compared to others and are mostly used for all purposes.
Minicomputers – are the next more large, extremely
powerful computers used by many large companies.
powerful
Mainframe computers –is an ultra-high performance
computer made for high volume, processor-intensive
computing task
Supercomputers – describe a category of extremely
powerful computer designed for high-speed processing.
Micro Computer:
Is the type of the computer that we use for our daily
purposes, commonly called as Personal Computer (PC).
They vary in size from small portables, such as laptops
that can be carried around like a briefcase to the desktop
workstations such as those used by engineers and
scientists.
Usually, they have a video display unit (VDU) for output
purposes. Data is entered through the keyboard or mouse.
The Microcomputer uses a Microprocessor chip as its
CPU (small as quarter of an inch square), made of
silicon.
Basically microcomputers are grouped into three: Laptop,
Palmtop and Desktop computers.
Laptop computer 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.
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.
Desktop computer is the most widely used type of personal
computer (microcomputer).
Mini Computer
Have relatively lower speed, smaller in size than the
mainframe computers.
They use terminals for inputs and output.
Known as midsized or low-end mainframe computer, is
similar to but less powerful than a mainframe computer.
It can support 2 to about 50 users.
Micro computers work well in what are known as
Distributed Data Processing.
These can work much faster than the Microcomputers and
have many more storage locations in main memory. Many
medium-sized companies in the business world today use
minicomputers.
Mainframe Computer
They are multi-user systems and handle hundreds of users,
usually used in large organizations.
The older ones used punched card for data input.
These computers can process several million program
instructions per second. These are housed in a controlled
environment, which can support the processing
requirements of hundreds to thousand users.
These are mainly used in airlines, Banks, Insurance
companies, Accounting
Super Computer:
Are the fastest, largest and most powerful computers.
They have speed of hundreds of millions of operation per
second
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, astronomical observatories, inter-continental
communications, airline organizations etc…
These machines can handle huge amount of scientific
computations and 50,000 times faster than the
Microcomputer.
These machines are mostly used in defense and weaponry,
weather forecasting, scientific research, large Universities
or for the national Aeronautics and space administration.
A new type of supercomputer, called Massively Parallel
Computer, has recently been introduced, which has
hundreds to thousands of processors housed in it.
Indian Research organization developed a Super Computer Known
as PARAM. This has been used in various defense applications.
Application of Computers
Applications of computers differ from organization to
organization or from individual to individual based on the
specific needs of organizations and individuals.
Sometimes applications may be associated with the size of the
computer.
For example, a supercomputer is not generally used for
word processing activity.
Supercomputers are used in scientific applications such as
aerodynamics design, processing of geological data, and
collecting and processing weather data, etc.
Mainframe computers are used by large organizations to
coordinate and manage vast amount of data.
They can be used by many businesses to update inventory,
schedule production, keep employee records, generate sales
and management reports, etc.
Minicomputers are well adapted for functions such as
accounting, word processing, database management, etc.
Microcomputers are used in a variety of application. They are
the most widely used computer types for business and
personal purpose.
The Main Areas Of Computer Applications Are
Categorized In To:
1. Commercial Or Business Applications
2. Scientific, Engineering And Research Applications
Commercial or business
applications
Emphasis on data processing-
It involves the use of computers for clerical,
administrative, production and business use.
Example: Text processing, accounting and finance
management, inventory control, database management,
statistical analysis etc.
Scientific, Engineering and Research
applications
Emphasis on scientific processing- Using computers for
scientific research, complex mathematical calculations,
design and analysis of experimental data/results and
control of physical systems.
Examples: space technology, meteorological
observatory system, nuclear control system,
astronomical investigations system etc.
Some Particular Application
Areas of Computers.
Computers in Education
Computers can guide a student/teacher through a
course of instruction.
Can guide /provide instructions and solve the queries
of the user.
CAE (Computer Assisted Education), online teaching,
training, conferencing, and distance learning are
good examples of computer applications in the fields
of education.
Computers in Medical Field
Used as an aid to medical research by analyzing data
produced from the trial of drugs.
Used as an aid for diagnosis.
Used to hold details of patients etc.
Nowadays used widely in complex surgical issues like
heart/liver transplantation, plastic surgery etc…
Limitations of computers
Although computers can be applied in different areas, there
are situations where computers can perform nothing.
Computers can’t decide how to be programmed. It is
always humans that are responsible for programming the
computers.
Computers do not provide their own inputs unless people
provide it.
Interpretation of data and implementation of decisions is
always left for humans.
It is completely electrically dependent.
Poor on qualitative data