CMPF 112 Computing Skills for Engineers Chapter One

CMPF 112 – Computing Skills for Engineers Chapter One – Introduction to Computers

What is Computer Literacy? �Knowledge and understanding of computers and the usage. �Computer is everyway. � Discussion – is there any computer system around you?

What is a Computer? �A collection of electronic devices that links together for data processing. �A computer is a programmable machine that receives input, stores and manipulates data, and provides output in a useful format.

Input – Process - Output INPUT Data – Raw facts, figures, symbols PROCESS OUTPUT Data are organized into meaningful, useful format. Process data into Information Display/present the outcomes of process (INFORMATION) to user PROCEDURES & STORES RESULTS

Information processing cycle �Input �Process �Output �Storage �Communication Input Process Storage Output

Components of a Computer �Input Devices – Hardware devices used for entering data and instructions into the Computer. �Examples - Keyboard, Microphone, Mouse, Scanner, trackball, joystick, touch screen, paddle, motion sensing , light pen, webcam, scanner, bar code reader, laser rangefinder etc…

Components of a Computer �Output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information processing system (such as a computer) to the outside world �Examples – Screen(Monitor), Speaker, Headphones, projector, printer, etc…

Components of a Computer �System unit, also known as a base unit, is the main body of a desktop computer, typically consisting of a plastic enclosure containing the motherboard, power supply, cooling fans, internal disk drives, and the memory modules and expansion cards that are plugged into the motherboard, such as video and network cards.

Components of a Computer �Two main components on motherboard �Central Processing Unit (CPU) �Memory

Components of a Computer Central Processing Unit (CPU) Memory �Also known as Processor �Electronics components that interprets and carries out the instructions(programs) that operates the computer. �Is the primary element that carry out computer functions. �Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. �Random Access Memory (RAM) � Also known as Main Memory or Primary Storage � Example: SDRAM

Components of a Computer Data Storage �Often called storage or memory, �Recording media that retain digital data used for computing. �Information retention. �Note: � Memory usually refers to random-access memory(RAM) and sometimes other forms of fast but temporary storage. � Storage commonly refers to mass storage — optical discs, hard disk drives, and other types slower than RAM, but of a more permanent nature.

Components of a Computer Main Memory Storage �Primary Storage, Internal Memory �Volatile �RAM, SDRAM �Secondary Storage, External Memory �Non-volatile �Hard disk drive, CD, DVD, flash memory (e. g. USB flash drives), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punched cards, and Iomega Zip drives.

Components of a Computer �Communication Media �Hardware component that enables a computer to send and receive data, instruction and information. �Occurs over cables, telephone lines, cellular phone, satellite and other transmission media.

Advantages and Disadvantages of using Computer �Advantages �Disadvantages �Speed �Violation of Privacy �Faster data transfer �Impact on labor force � Use of robotics technology in factory, mines �Health Risk � Carpal tunnel syndrome � other repetititive strain disorders � Eye strain �Impact on Environment � anti-social behavior and depression. �Reliability �Consistency �Storage �Communication

Networks and Internet �A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of computers and devices connected by communications channels that facilitates communications among users and allows users to share resources with other users. �Share Resources �Hardware devices To save time and �Software (programs, application) money �Data �Information

Networks and Internet �Server �Manage the resources on the network. �Client access the recourses from the server. �A computer system that provides essential services across a network.

Networks and Internet �Worldwide collections of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educations institutions and individuals. �Inter-operability is the ability to communicate with a computer even if it is a different brand or model

Networks and Internet �Why do people use the Internet? �Shopping �Education �Communication �Instant Messaging �E-mail �Banking �Investment �Entertainment �Data Transfer

Networks and Internet �Web Site �A Web site is a collection of related Web documents that are made available to the public �The index page, or home page, is the first page of a Web site �Web pages are individual Web documents �Web page contains text, graphics, sound, video and links (hyperlink) to other web pages.

Computer Software • All the programs that give the computer its instructions. • Two categories of software: System Software Application Software �Programs that control and maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. �Programs that perform specific tasks for users.

Computer Software System Software 1. Operating System �Is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software. 2. Utility Program �Allow the user to perform maintenance-type task usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs.

Computer Software �Graphical User Interface (GUI) �Allow users to interact with the software using graphics and icons. �Controls how user enter data and how the screen displays information. �A GUI offers graphical icons, and visual indicators, as opposed to text-based interfaces, typed command labels or text navigation to fully represent the information and actions available to a user.

Computer Software �Program �A sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task for a computer. �Programmer �Someone who writes computer software. �Also refer to a specialist in one area of computer programming or to a generalist who writes code for many kinds of software. #include <stdio. h> int main(void) { puts("Hello world!"); return 0; }

Categories of Computers �Personal Computers �Deskstop (IBM) �i. Mac (Machitosh) �Mobile devices (computer) �Notebook(Laptop) �Tablet PC �Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

Categories of Computers � Midrange server (Minicomputer) � Powerful, large computer that support up to few thousands computers. � handle the computing for small corporations � Mainframe � Very powerful, supports thousands of computers. � Supercomputer � Fastest, most powerful, most expensive, � Used for applications requiring complex mathematical calculation. (NASA) � Embedded Computer

Categories of Computers Embedded Computer �A special-purpose computer that function as a component in a large product. �It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts �Designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions �range from portable devices such as digital watches and MP 3 players, to large stationary installations like traffic lights, factory controllers.

Elements of an Information System �Frequently used to refer to the interaction between people, processes, data and technology. �Organization, people interact with this technology in support of business processes. �MIS, DSS, EIS �Elements �Hardware �Software �Data �People �Procedures

Examples of Computer usage �Computers can work with all types of data �Purchase CDs from an online store �Organize music collections �Research music reviews �Send e-mail to friends and family �Use a word-processor to create a term paper

Examples of Computer usage �Facilitate collaboration �Facilitate learning with computer-based study guides �Internet research �Manufacturing �Education �Military �Entertainment

Computer Application in Society �Education �Finance �Government �Health care �Science �Publishing �Travel �Industry

Chapter One – Introduction to Computers Thank You