Chapter 1 : Introduction

Topics covered in this snack-sized chapter:



Introduction arrow_upward


  • Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems.
  • Computer Science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation.
    • It also includes practical techniques for their implementation and applications. Example: Algorithms.

    What is a Computer System? arrow_upward


  • A Computer System is a device that works according to the following model:

  • It is a machine that can transform data into useful information.
  • It is capable of performing computations and making logical decisions.
  • It processes data under control sets of instructions called computer programs.

    • What is Computation? arrow_upward


  • Computation is any type of calculation or use of computing technology in information processing.
  • Computation is a way of describing information processes (Language).
  • Computation is a way of predicting properties of information processes (Logic).

    • Types of Computing arrow_upward



    Type

    Details

    Personal Computing

    Economical enough for individual use.

    Distributed Computing

    Means by which a single computer program runs on more than one computer at the same time.

    Client/Server Computing

    Sharing of information across computer networks between servers and clients (personal computers).



    Advantages of Computer Science arrow_upward


  • Computer Science has several advantages:
    • It is the fastest medium of communication (much faster than postal mail or telegraphic communication).
    • Through computers, text messages or images can reach any part of the world using internet.
    • Arithmetic problems can be easily solved with a computer.
    • Through video conferencing one can not only see but also talk with anybody living in any part of the world.
    • Computers make it possible to receive, supply and process large volumes of data at very high speeds.
  • Computers greatly improve the speed of:
    • Data Input
    • Data Output
    • Data Processing
    • Data Transmission

    How Computers Work? arrow_upward


  • A Computer is an electronic machine that:
    • Accepts information and stores it until the information is needed.
    • Processes the information according to the instructions provided by the user.
    • Ultimately returns the result to the user.


    Use of Computers arrow_upward


  • Computers are used in:
    • Mobile phones
    • Self Driving Cars
    • Scientific calculations
    • Commercial and business data processing
    • Space guidance
    • The educational field and many others

    Types of Computers arrow_upward


  • Personal computer, Tablet, Smartphone
  • Workstation
  • Minicomputer
  • Main frame computer
  • Super computer

    • Personal Computer, Tablet, Smartphone:

  • A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor

    • Workstation:

  • A powerful, single-user computer
  • A workstation is like a personal computer, but it usually has:
    • A more powerful microprocessor
    • A higher-quality monitor

    Minicomputer:

  • A multi-user computer capable of supporting up to hundreds of users simultaneously
  • Minicomputers are used in:
    • Universities
    • Research Organizations
    • The Government Sector

    Mainframe:

  • A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously
  • Main Frame Computers are used in:
    • Industries
    • Banks
    • Airlines

    Supercomputer:

  • An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second
  • Super Computers have applications in:
    • Research
    • Massive data-processing applications
    • Nuclear and plasma physics
    • Space research

    Digital Computers arrow_upward


  • Digital Computers follow sequences of instructions called programs that operate on given data.
  • Users can specify and change programs and/or data according to their specific needs.

    • Types of Digital Computers:

  • General-purpose digital computers:
    • PCs
  • Specific-purpose digital computers:
    • Telephone switching exchanges
    • Digital voltmeters
    • Frequency counters
    • Calculating machines

    Computer Organization arrow_upward


    Computer Architecture


    Part

    Use

    Input

    Obtains information from input devices (keyboard, mouse).

    Output

    Outputs information (screen, printer).

    Memory

    ROM (Read Only Memory)

    RAM (Random Access Memory)

    Arithmetic Logic Unit

    Part of the CPU (Central processing Unit)

    performs arithmetic calculations (addition) and logic decisions

    Control Unit

    Part of the CPU (Central Processing Unit)

    controls the flow of information



    Hardware and Software arrow_upward


  • Computer is a combination of Hardware and Software.
  • Hardware includes physical parts of computer:
    • CPU, Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, Modem and Scanner, Speaker, Microphone and Camera
  • Software includes an interface between the user and the computer.

    • OS (Operating Systems):

    • Windows, Linux, UNIX, Mac OS, iOS, Android

    Computer Languages:

    • C, C++, Java, Swift, Python, JavaScript, SQL

    Computer Application Programs:

    • MS Office, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

    Operating System arrow_upward


  • Software that manages computer hardware
  • Controls all machine activities
  • Provides the user interface to the computer
  • Manages resources such as the CPU and memory

    • Examples:

    • Windows, UNIX, Mac, iOS, Android


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