ITCOM 1 – INTRO TO COMPUTING

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING

1.1 Definition and Scope of Computing

Computing is a powerful, goal-oriented activity that involves the design,
development, and application of computer hardware and software to solve problems. At its
core, it is the study of algorithms—step-by-step procedures for problem-solving—and
data structures—methods for organizing and storing data. This dual focus on theoretical
foundations and practical implementation makes computing a dynamic and
interdisciplinary field.
The scope is incredibly vast and universal, touching virtually every aspect of modern
life. It's the engine behind scientific research (simulating climate models), business and
finance (managing global transactions and stock markets), entertainment (creating special
effects in movies and video games), and communication (powering social media and
teleconferencing).

1.2 Evolution and History of Computing

The history of computing is a long and fascinating journey, beginning well before the first
electronic computers. It's a story of constant innovation driven by the need for faster, more
efficient calculation.
• Pre-20th Century: Mechanical Calculation Early computation relied on
mechanical devices. The abacus, dating back to ancient times, was an early
counting tool. In the 17th century, mathematicians like Blaise Pascal and Gottfried
Leibniz created mechanical calculators like the Pascaline and the Stepped
Reckoner. However, the true precursor to the modern computer came in the 19th
century when Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, a mechanical
general-purpose computer that would have used punched cards for programming.
His collaborator, Augusta Ada Lovelace, is credited with writing the first algorithm
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intended for this machine, cementing her place as the world's first computer
programmer.

• Early 20th Century: The Dawn of Electronic Computing The invention of the
vacuum tube in the early 1900s marked a pivotal shift, enabling the creation of the
first electronic, programmable machines. Landmark creations of this era included
the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), considered the first automatic electronic
digital computer, and the British Colossus, used to crack German codes during
World War II. However, the most famous of these early machines was the ENIAC
(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), completed in 1945. Occupying a
massive room and consuming enormous amounts of power, ENIAC was the first
general-purpose electronic computer, paving the way for future designs.

• Mid-20th Century: The Transistor and Integrated Circuit The invention of the
transistor in 1947 at Bell Labs was a revolution. Transistors were smaller, cheaper,
faster, and more reliable than vacuum tubes. Their widespread adoption led to the
Second Generation of computers and the development of high-level programming
languages like Fortran and COBOL, which made programming more accessible. This
miniaturization continued with the invention of the integrated circuit (IC) in 1958,
which allowed multiple transistors to be placed on a single chip, leading to even
smaller and more powerful computers.

• Late 20th Century: The Digital Revolution The 1970s saw the development of the
microprocessor—a complete central processing unit (CPU) on a single integrated
circuit. This invention was the catalyst for the personal computer (PC) revolution,
with devices like the Altair 8800, the Apple II, and the IBM PC bringing computing
from massive mainframes to homes and offices. The subsequent rise of the internet
in the 1990s, built on the foundation of the ARPANET, connected these personal
ITCOM 1 – INTRO TO COMPUTING

computers and created a global network for communication and information

exchange, forever changing the world.

• 21st Century: Ubiquitous Computing The current era is defined by the proliferation
of computing devices and technologies. The rise of mobile computing put powerful
computers in our pockets in the form of smartphones and tablets. Cloud
computing shifted the focus from local hardware to remote, on-demand services,
enabling everything from streaming services to large-scale data processing.
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have led to
systems that can learn and make decisions, revolutionizing fields from healthcare to
finance. These trends have made computing an invisible, ever-present force in our
lives.

1.3 Branches and Disciplines under Computing

Computing is an interdisciplinary field with several distinct branches, each with its own
focus and methodology.
• Computer Science (CS): Often considered the "pure science" of computing, CS is
highly theoretical. Its core mission is to understand the fundamental principles of
computation. It involves studying algorithms, data structures, complexity theory,
and the design of programming languages. A computer scientist might spend their
time researching new ways to sort data more efficiently or developing a new model
for artificial intelligence.

• Software Engineering (SE): This discipline applies engineering principles to the

development of software. While a computer scientist might discover a new
algorithm, a software engineer is responsible for building a robust, maintainable,
and scalable application using that algorithm. SE focuses on the entire software
lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and
maintenance. It is a systematic and disciplined approach to software creation.
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• Computer Engineering (CE): This field combines elements of electrical engineering

and computer science. Computer engineers design and develop computer
hardware, from microprocessors and circuit boards to embedded systems and
other hardware-software interfaces. They work on the physical components of
computing devices.

• Information Systems (IS): Information Systems is the bridge between computing

and business. It focuses on how an organization can use information technology to
achieve its goals. Professionals in this field work with databases, business
processes, and enterprise systems to ensure technology provides a competitive
advantage. Their work is less about building the technology from scratch and more
about integrating and managing it to solve specific business problems.

• Information Technology (IT): IT is concerned with the practical application and

management of computer systems. This includes network administration, system
security, and technical support. An IT professional's primary goal is to ensure that an
organization's technology infrastructure runs smoothly and securely. They are the
ones who make sure the servers are running, the network is stable, and users have
the tools they need to work.

• Cybersecurity: A specialized and increasingly vital field dedicated to protecting

digital assets. Cybersecurity professionals work to safeguard computer systems,
networks, and data from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. They are experts in
threat detection, risk management, and digital forensics, constantly adapting to
new and evolving threats.

• Data Science / AI: This is a modern discipline that focuses on using data to derive
insights and build intelligent systems. It draws from statistics, mathematics, and
computer science to perform analytics, develop machine learning models, and
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create artificial intelligence systems. This field is essential for tasks like predictive
modeling, pattern recognition, and building AI agents.

1.4 Overview of the Computing Profession and Industry

The computing industry is a global powerhouse, characterized by a rapid pace of innovation
and a constant demand for skilled professionals. This industry is a key driver of economic
growth, generating new jobs and creating products and services that shape the world. The
profession itself is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of roles that cater to different
skill sets, from deeply technical roles involving coding and system design to roles that
require strong interpersonal skills for project management and client relations.

1.5 Career Paths and Emerging Roles in Computing

The field offers a wide array of career paths, with many opportunities for specialization and
growth.
• Software Developer: This is one of the most common roles in computing.
Developers write and maintain the code that powers all of our software, from mobile
apps to operating systems. They can specialize in front-end development (what
users see and interact with), back-end development (the server-side logic and
databases), or full-stack development (both).
• Data Scientist: This role is at the intersection of statistics, computer science, and
business knowledge. Data scientists use complex algorithms and machine learning
models to analyze large datasets and extract valuable insights that can inform
business decisions and drive innovation. Their work often involves cleaning data,
building predictive models, and visualizing results.
• Network Architect: These professionals design and build computer networks, from
small local area networks (LANs) to vast global networks. They are responsible for
ensuring a network is fast, secure, and reliable, and they often work with hardware,
software, and cloud-based networking tools.
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• Cybersecurity Analyst: In an age of increasing cyber threats, these professionals

are on the front lines, protecting systems and data. They monitor for security
breaches, investigate attacks, and implement security measures to prevent future
incidents. Common tasks include penetration testing and security audits.
• User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on improving the user's
experience with a product. They conduct research, create prototypes, and design
interfaces to ensure that software is intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use. Their
work is critical for creating successful and popular digital products.
Emerging roles reflect new technologies and trends, and they are becoming highly
sought-after in the industry.
• AI/ML Engineer: These engineers focus on building and deploying the machine
learning models created by data scientists. They are responsible for integrating AI
systems into applications and ensuring they run efficiently and at scale. This role
requires strong programming skills and a deep understanding of machine learning
frameworks.
• Blockchain Developer: This specialization focuses on building decentralized
applications (dApps) and smart contracts on blockchain platforms. Their work is at
the forefront of digital trust and security, with applications in finance, supply chain
management, and digital identity.
• Cloud Solutions Architect: As more companies move to the cloud, these
professionals are in high demand. They design and manage an organization's cloud
computing strategy, selecting the right services (e.g., from AWS, Google Cloud, or
Azure) to meet business needs for performance, cost, and security.
• DevOps Engineer: This role combines software development with IT operations.
DevOps engineers work to automate and streamline the software development
lifecycle, from coding and testing to deployment and monitoring. Their goal is to
improve collaboration and efficiency between development and operations teams.
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Emerging roles reflect new technologies and trends, including AI/ML Engineer, Blockchain
Developer, Cloud Solutions Architect, and DevOps Engineer. These roles require a blend
of traditional computing skills and expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

1.6 Introduction to the ACM and Professional Organizations

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world's largest educational and
scientific computing society, serving as a vital resource for professionals and students.
Founded in 1947, the ACM provides a wealth of resources, including publications,
conferences, and networking opportunities. Professional organizations like the ACM and
the IEEE Computer Society are essential for several reasons: they foster a sense of
community, provide opportunities for professional development, and set the standards for
ethical conduct in the field.

1.7 Computing Disciplines and ACM Curricular Guidelines

The ACM, in collaboration with other professional societies, plays a key role in defining
academic standards for computing education. The ACM Curricular Guidelines outline the
core knowledge areas and competencies that should be included in degree programs for
various computing disciplines. These guidelines help to ensure a consistent, high-quality
education for students, providing a clear roadmap for universities designing their curricula.
The guidelines cover everything from foundational programming concepts to advanced
topics in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

1.8 ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

The ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is a set of principles designed to guide
the ethical behavior of computing professionals. It's a living document that addresses the
complex ethical challenges posed by technology. The code's key tenets include:
• Contribute to society and human well-being: This principle encourages
professionals to consider the social and environmental impact of their work. For
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example, a professional might choose to work on software that helps manage

natural resources rather than on a tool that automates layoffs.
• Avoid harm: This is a fundamental principle. It means that professionals must not
knowingly create software or systems that will cause physical or mental harm to
others. This includes avoiding the creation of malicious software or systems that are
discriminatory or unsafe.
• Be honest and trustworthy: This principle covers a wide range of issues, from being
truthful about your qualifications to ensuring that data and systems are not
manipulated for personal gain. It includes respecting intellectual property rights and
not plagiarizing code.
• Respect the privacy of others: With the vast amount of data being collected today,
this is more important than ever. Professionals are ethically obligated to protect
user data and only use it for its intended purpose, with proper consent.
• Honor confidentiality: This principle is crucial in many industries. It requires
professionals to protect sensitive information entrusted to them, such as trade
secrets or customer data, and not disclose it without permission.

1.9 Emerging Trends in Computing

The field of computing is in a constant state of evolution. Here are some of the most
impactful emerging trends:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI is the development of
computer systems that can perform tasks that would normally require human
intelligence. ML is a subset of AI that uses algorithms to learn from data without
being explicitly programmed. These technologies are being used in everything from
medical diagnosis and financial forecasting to self-driving cars and personalized
recommendations.
• Cloud Computing: This trend involves the delivery of computing services—
including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over
the internet ("the cloud"). It provides on-demand access to resources, allowing
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businesses to scale their operations quickly and efficiently without having to

manage physical hardware.
• Quantum Computing: This is a new type of computing that leverages the principles
of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are currently intractable for classical
computers. While still in its early stages, quantum computing has the potential to
revolutionize fields like cryptography, drug discovery, and materials science.
• Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT refers to the vast network of physical objects
embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that allow them to
connect and exchange data over the internet. This includes everything from smart
thermostats and wearable fitness trackers to industrial sensors and connected
vehicles.
• Blockchain: A decentralized, distributed ledger technology that securely records
transactions across a network of computers. Its key features are transparency,
security, and immutability, which is why it's being explored for applications beyond
cryptocurrency, such as supply chain management, voting systems, and digital
identity.

References
• Brookshear, J. G., & Brylow, D. (2015). Computer Science: An Overview. Pearson
Education.
• Shelly, G. B., & Rosenblatt, H. J. (2018). Systems Analysis and Design. Cengage
Learning.
• Patt, Y. N., & Patel, S. J. (2016). Introduction to Computing Systems: From Bits &
Gates to C & Beyond. McGraw-Hill Education.
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Activity 1
Exploring the World of Computing
Objective: To deepen your understanding of the broad and dynamic field of computing by
conducting focused research and presenting your findings to the class. This activity
encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Instructions:
1. Form Groups: The class will be divided into small groups of 3-4 students. Each
group will be assigned one of the following topics from Chapter 1.
2. Research: As a group, research your assigned topic using the provided lesson plan
as a starting point. Your goal is to become the class "experts" on your topic. You
should go beyond the provided text to find additional information.
3. Create a Presentation: Prepare a 5-7 minute presentation or a one-page report that
summarizes your key findings. Your presentation should be creative and engaging.
You can use slides, a poster, or a simple document.
4. Present to the Class: Each group will present their findings to the class. Be
prepared to answer questions from your peers and the instructor.

Topics:
Group 1: The History and Evolution of Computing
o Focus on one key figure from history (e.g., Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, Grace
Hopper) and explain their impact.
o Choose one of the "generations" of computing (e.g., the microprocessor era)
and describe its key technological advancements and societal impact.
o Explain how a historical trend (like miniaturization or networking) has led to a
modern technology you use every day.
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Group 2: The Disciplines and Career Paths

o Choose two distinct computing disciplines (e.g., Computer Science and
Information Technology) and compare/contrast them. What are their core
goals? What kind of work do professionals in each field do?
o Research a specific emerging role (e.g., Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer)
and describe what the job entails. What skills are required? What is the job
outlook for this role?

Group 3: Ethics and Emerging Trends

o Select one of the ACM Code of Ethics principles (e.g., "Avoid Harm" or
"Respect Privacy") and find a real-world news story or case study that
illustrates a violation of that principle.
o Research one of the emerging trends from the lesson (e.g., Quantum
Computing or AI/ML). Explain its core concept in simple terms and describe
its potential positive and negative impacts on society in the next 10 years.

Group 4: Hardware and Software Fundamentals

• Differentiate between computer hardware and software. Explain how they work
together to create a functioning computer system.
• Describe the function of key hardware components (e.g., CPU, RAM, storage) and
software components (e.g., operating system, applications).
• Find an example of an "embedded system" (a computer inside a larger device, like a
car or a smart home appliance) and explain its purpose.

Group 5: The Role of Professional Organizations

• Research the purpose of a professional organization like the ACM. Explain how they
benefit both individuals and the computing field as a whole.
• Find a real-world ethical dilemma or a challenge facing the tech industry today and
analyze how the ACM Code of Ethics could be applied to address it.
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• Explain the importance of lifelong learning and professional development in the

rapidly changing field of computing.

Rubric:

Needs
Excellent (10 Satisfactory (6
Category Good (8 points) Improvement (3
points) points)
point)
In-depth and
Content is mostly
accurate; provides Accurate and Content is
Research & accurate but
additional, relevant covers all inaccurate or
Content lacks depth or
details beyond the required points. incomplete.
additional detail.
lesson plan.

Presentation is
clear, well- Presentation is a
Presentation is
Presentation & structured, and bit disorganized Presentation is
clear and
Clarity engaging. All group or difficult to unclear or rushed.
organized.
members follow.
contribute.

All members
One or more
actively Most members
members did not Lack of group
Participation contributed to both contributed
contribute collaboration.
the research and equally.
significantly.
the presentation.

The report The report The report

The report
demonstrates a demonstrates a demonstrates a
demonstrates a poor
Overall strong clear basic
understanding of the
understanding of understanding of understanding of
topic.
the topic and the topic. the topic.
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provides insightful
analysis.