Department of Computing &

Technology

Iqra University,
Islamabad, Campus,
Pakistan.

Unit 1 - 3 1
 Unit 1-3

Introduction to Computer Concepts

COURSE CODE: CSC-101

Credit Hours: 4 (3+1) --- 2 lectures + 1 Lab.
Dr. Mohammed Yousuf Khan

Unit 1 - 3 2
 Computer Concepts

Definition,
Characteristics,
History
&
Types of Computers

Unit 1 - 3 3
 Introduction
 This unit is designed to introduce the
students with an overview of computer
definition including capabilities of computers,
limitation of computer, uses of computer and
classification of computers.
 It gives a brief history of computer generation
and an overview of its types with basic
operations and their organizations.

Unit 1 - 3 4
 Objectives
 What’s a Computer system?
 Computer’s Characteristics/Features.
 Benefits and usage of computer.
 Why we should know more about Computers?
 History of Computer(Computer Generations)
 Types of Computers and their Applications
with organization.

Unit 1 - 3 5
 What is a Computer System?
 Computer System is a collection of electronic devices
(Hardware i.e. H/W) that works autonomously with
predefined operations (Software i.e. S/W) to generate
results. In a Computer system each (H/W & S/W) does a
special task.
 The Hardware devices cooperate with each other, by
means of specified instructions  called Software, to
achieve data and information processing.
Software refers to a collective set of instructions, called
program.
 The collection of H/W and S/W  constructs a
Computer System.

Unit 1 - 3 6
 How to solve a
problem using a Computer?

Input

Data Output
COMPUTER

Program

Unit 1 - 3 7
 Definitions: (Computer)
 A digital computer is a machine
consisting of interconnected devices
(H/W) that work together to accept
instructions (S/W) to perform a range of
pre-defined operation (on the input)
and generates useful information
(output) according to the user’s
directions.
Unit 1 - 3 8
 Definitions: (Computer)
It may be summarize as: A computer is a
collection of electronic devices (Hardware)
that works autonomously, each doing
special tasks. These devices cooperate
with each other, by means of specified
instructions (Software) to achieve data
and information processing. This
collection of Hardware and Software
constitutes a Computer System.

Unit 1 - 3 9
 Definitions (continued …)
 Program: Set of instructions / commands to
solve a problem.
 Programmer: the person who develops the
program.
 Processing of data: the operations executed by
the computer.
 Input-output (I/O): When data are received
from or delivered to a device that is directly
connected to the computer, this process is known
as I/O, and the device is referred as a peripheral.

Unit 1 - 3 10
 Computer Tasks

Programs
(Instructions & Commands) Input Output
+ Data

I/O devices Results

(HDD, FD, CD-ROM,
Etc.)

A Programmer I/O devices

(Printers, Disks,
CD-ROM,
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Etc.)
 Computer
Characteristics/Features
 Its ability to execute the instructions loaded
into it in autonomously manner.
 High speed of processing: a digital computer
works on electrical signals, called clock
pulses, which travels at extremely high speed
in the range of billion/trillion operations per
second.
 High precision in getting results: handling of
FLOP (FLoating Point Operations) for
MFLOP/GFLOP.
Unit 1 - 3 12
 Characteristics (continued …)
 Large storage capacity: One of the most
important characteristics of a computer is its
handling of very large amount of memory.
Information's are stored in computer as
strings of binary digits ’1’ (High) or ‘0’ (Low)
called bits. The High/Low digits are usually
represented as switch - ‘ON’ or switch-‘OFF’.
The read write (R/W) operations from
memory can be performed instantly with
high accuracy.

Unit 1 - 3 13
 Characteristics (continued …)
 Rapid fetching of needed information: A
modern computer is capable of recalling the
information stored in its memory or peripherals
devices at the rate of more than a million words
in a fraction of a second.
 Decisions Making (Logical): From intelligence
point of view, a modern computer can make
decisions. The Logical decisions depends on
certain conditions, that is, a computer is capable
of deciding its path out of various alternatives
available to it.

Unit 1 - 3 14
 Characteristics (continued …)
 Decisions Making (Logical): For example: the
decision depending on the the result of
comparison of data, a computer can take
appropriate actions.

 Automation: Computers can perform its

operations automatically. After inputting the
required data human interventions are not
required, it manipulates data (execute the
program) according to the instructions and
produces the result (output).

Unit 1 - 3 15
 Characteristics (continued …)
 Remote Access: Ability to connect to remote
machines and exchange information. It is related to
Computer Networks and communication technology to
create a global village. Computer networks simply
enhance the efficiency and effectiveness among multiple
users, where computer networks are networked to one
another. It acts to retrieve and share information quickly.
Surfing the internet (America Online, Google,
CompuServe, Yahoo) is a bridge to commercial
information services. The increased level of connectivity
brings people as close to the next room from other side
of the world

Unit 1 - 3 16
 Characteristics (continued …)
 Diligence: A computer has a super high
diligence and never feels tiredness use even if it
has to work for very long hours. It may be said
that it is superior to human brain in this respect.
Human brain does feel tiredness after long
working hours and sometime finds it difficult to
work further but a computer does not suffer
from this handicap. Moreover, even after
working for long hours, there is no loss of
accuracy in the results, which is a marvelous
feature of this machine.

Unit 1 - 3 17
 Characteristics (continued …)
 Versatility: It is is a very versatile machine. At one
instant, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and
on the next instant, it may be used for playing
games(chess). It can perform different task instantly (time
sharing/multi-tasking).
For example, the problem of traffic control at an airport or
on a road can be broken into a series of logical step and a
computer can handle them efficiently. However, a
computer has its own limitations, for example it cannot
think and is devoid of creativity. Thus, the versatile nature
of a computer does not mean that it can perform every
job. There are many situations where a computer is not
suitable.

Unit 1 - 3 18
 Limitations of Computer
A computer may have the following limitations and
drawbacks:
 Lack of Intelligence
A computer, no doubt is a very powerful machine
capable of performing various types of data processing
activates, at high speed and accuracy. However, in terms
of limitation, it has no intelligence and hence cannot
think.
For example, a computer can create music but cannot
tell its quality. In other words, a computer has no brain
of its own.
 

Unit 1 - 3 19
 Limitations continued …
 Need of proper Environment
Humans can work under many unfavorable
conditions. However, a computer needs a perfect
environment to work and if this environment is
not provided, it produces erroneous results.
The environment needed is: -
a) A fixed temperature range.
b) A dust free atmosphere.
Any variation in these conditions may result in
breakdown of a computer system.

Unit 1 - 3 20
 Limitations continued …
 Need of Special Language
A computer can understand only binary
language, a language in which all the
information is to be represented in terms of
only two symbols, namely 0 and 1.
This is not the natural language of human
beings and learning of this binary language is
not an easy task.

Unit 1 - 3 21
 Limitations continued …
 To overcome the difficulty of communication
between a computer and human beings due
to the language barrier, English oriented
high-level languages were developed that are
easily understood by human beings. The
computers could understand these languages,
after translation to binary language.
 In spit of these limitations, computer is still a
very useful machine. Efforts are being made
to remove these limitations.

Unit 1 - 3 22
 Benefits &
usage of Computers
 Information Management
(Banking, shopping centers and supermarkets).
 Education
(schools and universities).
 Communication
 Provide data, voice and video communication over
telephone and TV.
 Networks (Internet).

Unit 1 - 3 23
 Cont’d………………………
 Office Presentation
 Support of word processing.
 Support of Spreadsheets.
 Support of animated presentation.

 Family Computers
(Home education, games and fun for kids).

Unit 1 - 3 24
 Why should we know
more about Computers?
 Learning
 Job competition
 Productivity
 Capability

Unit 1 - 3 25
 Generations of Computers
 Computers of the same generation have
usually similar characteristics.
Generations of Computers

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

generation generation generation generation generation

Unit 1 - 3 26
 1st generation (1940-late 1950)
 Computers were based on a single usage of a
single element and they were very slow.
 Computers were depending on a single
program.
 Machine language were used for
programming.
 Examples: IBM/702, IBM/701, UNIV AC-1

Unit 1 - 3 27
 2nd generation
(late 1950-late 1964)
 Computers based on transistors
(changing states).
 The machines were smaller in size, less
power consuming and more robust.
 New high-level programming languages
(Cobol, Fortran, Basic) were used.
 Real time principles were used.
 Examples: IBM 1400, IBM 7090…
Unit 1 - 3 28
 3rd generation
(1964 – late 1970)
 Computers were much smaller, faster
and cheaper.
 Input/output units were improved.
 The use of colored screens started.
 The use o the principles of virtual
memory started.

Unit 1 - 3 29
 4th generation (1970- until now)

 Higher internal function.

 Advanced usage of communication
channels with terminals.
 High reliability.

Unit 1 - 3 30
 5th generation

 Still under investigation.

 They focus on Artificial Intelligence and

other advanced technologies.

Unit 1 - 3 31
 Classification

Micro- Mini- Main- Super-

Computers Computers Frames Computers

 Micro-computer: A small computer, PC.

 Mini-computer: A mid sized computer.
Unit 1 - 3 32
 Classification
 Main frame: provides a computing
resource that can be shared by many
people
 Super Computer: The largest and most
powerful computer, High precision
computers.
 Our concern is the Microcomputer (PC).

Unit 1 - 3 33
 Micro-Computers
(Personal Computers PC)
 Hand held (Pocket PC or Palmtop PC)
Can fit in a coat pocket or a hand bag.
 Laptops Or Notebook PC
Weight from 4-8 pounds. Notebook means they are about the
size of a ONE-INCH-THICK notebook
 Portables Computers
Take up less space and have a smaller capacity for permanent
storage of data and programs
 Desktops & Tower PC
Desktop offer the expended features e.g PDA, Slate computer,
Network computer.

Unit 1 - 3 34
 Mini-Computers
 Bigger in size.
 Better performance.
 Large workstations can be classified into this
class.
(Workstation is very fast in speed that’s the
characteristic which the workstation from PC,
Workstations are commonly used for I/O)

Unit 1 - 3 35
 Main-Frames

 Large computers installed in large

rooms.
 Large storage capabilities.
 Fast computing facilities.

Unit 1 - 3 36
 Supper-Computers

 They are used for sensitive applications

(Satellite Tracing and Weather
Forecast).
 Top of the classification in terms of
storage and power.

Unit 1 - 3 37
 Types of Computer
 Electronic signals come in two types
 Analog signals
 Digital signals
 Computers are of three types
 Analog Computers,
 Digital Computers and
 Hybrid Computers (the combination of
Analog and Digital computers)

Unit 1 - 3 38
 Types of Computer (Continue)
 Analog Computers: for measuring continuous
wave forms with variations in frequency and
amplitude. It monitors:

- continuous physical changes

- Electrical voltages and currents
- Distance/temperature/pressure etc

 Mainly used for paper making, cement industry,

chemical industry, oil refineries.

Unit 1 - 3 39
 Types of Computer (Continue)
 Digital Computers: have only two states 1 or
0 for ON or OFF condition.
 Commonly used for:
- Digital form
- Process
- Work at a very high speed
- Variety of devices
 Classification of digital computers are: Mini,
Micro, digital, mainframe & super computers.

Unit 1 - 3 40
 Types of Computer (Continue)
 Hybrid Computers
Are the combination of the above two. In
hybrid computers the front end I/O is dealt
with Analog computers and back end
processing being performed by digital
computers.
 Commonly used for:
- Specialized applications
- Air defense control systems
- Bio-medical industry.

Unit 1 - 3 41
 PC
 PC are the subject of the remainder

Unit 1 - 3 42
Microcomputer Parts: The Hardware

System Unit
Primary storage

ROM RAM
Input Output
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
registers
Arithmetical and
Control Unit
Logical Unit

Secondary Storage
Floppy Disk Hard Disk CD ROM

Unit 1 - 3 43
 Computer Parts II

The System Unit:

• The mother board: On which all connect
 The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Control Unit
 Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU)
• Registers (location for data and commands)
• Read Only Memory (ROM) (System programs)
• Random Access Memory (RAM): Read-Write memory
• Data Bus: pathway connecting CPU to Memory
Unit 1 - 3 44
 Data Bus

A set of wires and connectors that connects the

CPU to memory and other components of the
system unit. Data and instructions are moved
through the bus from the RAM memory to the
CPU registers for execution.

Unit 1 - 3 45
 Register & Data Bus size
• Modern computers based on 16 or 32 bit size
• A bit is a binary digit

1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1

A byte (or octet = 8 bits) register

• The larger the registers the more data the CPU can
process
• The Larger the Bus size the more data that can be
transferred from memory to registers
• Optimality: DBS = Reg. size
Unit 1 - 3 46
 CPU Speed

• Measured as number of cycles per second

• Expressed as in units of frequency called Hertz (Hz).
• 1 Megahertz = 1 million Hertz
• Depends on 2 factors:
• Manufacturer designed speed(s)
• The speed of the system clock

Unit 1 - 3 47
 Clock Speed

The clock oscillates or ticks at a certain frequency. In

general this frequency is several millions per second.
The clock is also used to synchronize the internal
operations of the computer components. All computer
operations require a certain number of clock ticks to
be finished. Thus, the faster the clock, the faster the
computer is.

Unit 1 - 3 48
 Examples of CPUs

 The 8086 microprocessor: is a 16-bit microprocessor, with 14

registers of 16 bits, data bus size (DBS) = 16 bits, and a
maximum speed of 10 MHz, (1978).

 The 8088: differs from the 8086 in only one aspect: DBS=8bits,
(1979).

 The 80286: Fully compatible with the 8086. Supports extra

programming features & multi-tasking, which means that the
CPU can perform more than one task at a time. Max-speed 20
MHz, 1982.

Unit 1 - 3 49
 Examples of CPUs II

 The 80386SX: differs from the 80386 in the DBS=16 bits, 1988.
 The 80486: same as 386 but has an additional math coprocessor
and a Max-speed of 66MHz, 1989.
 The Pentium series: starting around 1992 or 1993: from the 75
MHz speed.
 From 1993 up to 1997: the Pentium has reached the 266 MHz
with Multi Media Extension (MMX)
 From late 1997 through 1998: the Pentium II series appeared
with speeds starting from 300 to reach 400 by the end of 1998.

Unit 1 - 3 50
 Examples of CPUs III

 The Pentium III series appeared with the 450 and 550 MHz
speed, P4 goes up to 4 GHz.
 And the race goes on with Core 2 Duo and multi core
processors.

 Coprocessors and multiprocessors: Is a new technology that

allows more than one CPU to operate in the processing.
Some processors can have specialized tasks. It helps to
speed up the computer considerably.

Unit 1 - 3 51
 Primary memory: RAM and ROM

 RAM (Random Access Memory) is a sequence of individual

storage locations. Each location has a unique address
 We read from or write to memory
 Read-Write Memory. Data is lost when power off
 ROM (Read Only Memory): used to store system programs
and routines
 A Collection of storage location
 Content is not lost when powered off
 Contains POST (Power-On Self Test) routines

Unit 1 - 3 52
 First 30 Sec. Power-On Self Test
..
A set of diagnostic routines (encoded in ROM) that ensures that the
computer is functioning properly each time it is powered on. The
POST validates every byte in RAM, and should it detect a bad
location, reports the problem before the system is used. It
configures the various support chips that work with the
microprocessor, determines what optional equipment is
attached, gets the keyboard ready to transmit keystrokes to the
CPU, and loads the operating system. After this final step, you
can see the first evidence that the PC is up.

Unit 1 - 3 53
 Units of memory size

 1 Byte (B) = 8 bits is the smallest unit that can be directly

addressed by most computers.
 1 Kilobytes (K) = 1024 B = 210 bytes.
 1 Megabytes (M) = 1,048,576 B = 220 bytes, 1 Mega is
almost a million.
 1 Gigabytes (G) = 1,073,741,824 B = 230 bytes, 1 Giga is
almost a billion.
 In recent days computers the amount of RAM can range
from 16 to 400 MB or more.

Unit 1 - 3 54
 Secondary Memory Storage

 Floppy Disk Drive (FDD): works with floppy disks or

diskettes.
 Inexpensive, flexible magnetic disks encased in plastic
 3 Types: 8” FD, the 5.25” FD (that can hold up to
360KB), and the 3.5”FD that can store up to 1.44 Mbytes

 Hard Disk Drives: Uses one or more rigid, magnetic platters

to hold information.
 HDs comes in sizes ranging from hundreds of Mbytes up to 20
Gigabytes in recent days (1999).

Unit 1 - 3 55
 The Keyboard & Mouse

Is the primary device for entering text and telling the

PC what to do. It is similar to a typewriter keyboard.
An additional auxiliary device known as a mouse is
also used as a source of input. It is a little box,
which is slid on the table and has buttons to click
according to the position of a cursor on the screen
display.

Unit 1 - 3 56
 System Software

 All types of system programs & user programs that

are used to operate the computer and get results done

 Includes:
 The Operating System
 User programs
 Application programs
 Etc.

Unit 1 - 3 57
 The Operating System (OS)

 The heart and soul of a computer.

 The foundation on which all software applications rest
 Takes care of little details, such as reading a data from a Disk,
interpreting your keystrokes and so on.
 Its Job includes:
 Control of Hardware
 Manage Software
 Interact with users

Unit 1 - 3 58
 Types of O/S

 Classification Criteria:

 Number of people using the system at the same time

 Number of programs that run at the same time
 Number of processing units that are being controlled by the
system.

Unit 1 - 3 59
 Classes of O/S

 Single-User, Single-Tasking (ST): the most simple. Only a single program is

run at a time.
 SU, Multi-Tasking (MT): Multi tasking is the ability to run more than one
program concurrently and seemingly at the same time.
 Multi-User (MU), ST: An O/S of this type allows several people to use the
same system but each user can run only one program at a time.
 MU, MT: Is a combination of time-sharing and multi-tasking: several users,
each one can run one program or more
 Multiprocessing: The presence inside the system unit of more than one CPU,
specialization is possible and load can be balanced on the CPUs present at
work.

Unit 1 - 3 60
 Networking task of the O/S

The O/S allows many users to be connected to each

other. So each user has his own stand-alone computer
while sharing other software, Data-bases, Hardware
Devices (HDD, Laser printer, etc.,) with others

Unit 1 - 3 61
 Programming Languages

 Machine languages such as Assembler

 High-level Languages: such as COBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL,

C, PL/1 etc.

 Logic Oriented Language such as Prolog etc.

 Object Oriented Languages such C++, JAVA, JAVA++, etc.

Unit 1 - 3 62
 Application Software (SW)

Includes
 Is the software that helps the user perform word processing, use
electronic spreadsheets to manage tables to extract results
(draw graphs, charts, etc.), or to create databases and manage
them, to use the Email facilities and access the Internet.

 Simulation software and packages

 Communication and Networking SW

Unit 1 - 3 63
 Reviews.
 Summary
Computers, its definition,
characteristics, history, generations and
different types of computers with their
classifications are discussed Finally The
PC is described in detailed.

Unit 1 - 3 64