INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS October 6 University INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS Chapter 1 Computers Fundamentals Prof. Dr/ Moussa Ibrahim Moussa Dean of Faculty of Information Systems and Computer Science

Learning Objectives Explain why it is essential to learn about computers today and discuss several ways computers are integrated into our business and personal lives. Define a computer and describe its primary operations.

List some important milestones in computer evolution. Identify the major parts of a personal computer, including input, processing, output, storage, and communications hardware. Define software and understand how it is used to instruct the computer what to do.

List the five basic types of computers, giving at least one example of each type of computer and stating what that computer might be used for. Explain what a network, the Internet, and the World Wide Web are, as well as how computers, people, and Web pages are identified on the Internet.

Describe how to access a Web page. Discuss the societal impact of computers, including some benefits and risks related to their prominence in our society.

Overview This chapter covers: What computers do and how they are used Computer terminology An overview of the history of computers The basic types of computers in use today Societal impacts of computers

Computers history Pre computers and Early Computers (before approximately 1946)

- First-Generation Computers (approximately 1946—1957) The first generation computers made use of: - Vacuum tube technology, - Punched cards for data input, - Punched cards and paper tape for output, - Machine Language for writing programs, - Magnetic tapes and drums for external storage.

* The first Generation Computer technology Vacuum tube Punched cards Paper tape

- Second-Generation Computers (approximately 1958–1963) The generation of Transistorized Computers we can say that in the second generation computers: - Vacuum tube technology was replaced by transistorized technology, - Size of the computers started reducing

- Third-Generation Computers (approximately 1964–1970) The third generation was characterized by : Use of Integrated circuits Phenomenal increase in computation speed - Substantial reduction in size and power consumption of the machines

- Fourth-Generation Computers (approximately 1971–present) The general features of the fourth generation computers were: Use of Very Large Scale Integration - Invention of microcomputers

-Fifth-Generation Computers (now and the future) PC-COMPATIBLE TOWER COMPUTERS Tech Clothing COMPUTERS NOTEBOOKS TABLETS INTERNET- ENABLED GAMING CONSOLES based on artificial intelligence

Hardware and Software Hardware A typical computer system consists of the following major components: a) The central processing unit (CPU) b) Main memory c) Secondary storage devices d) Input devices e) Output devices

a) The central processing unit (CPU) The CPU is the most important component in a computer because without it, the computer could not run software In the earliest computers, CPUs were huge devices made of electrical and mechanical components such as vacuum tubes and switches. Today, CPUs are small chips known as microprocessors.

b)Main memory Main memory is commonly known as random-access memory, or RAM. RAM is usually a volatile type of memory that is used only for temporary storage while a program is running. When the computer is turned off, the contents of RAM are erased.

c) Secondary storage devices The most common type of secondary storage device is the disk drive. A floppy disk drive records data onto a small floppy disk, which can be removed from the drive. USB drives are small devices that plug into the computer’s USB (universal serial bus) - CD and DVD drives use a laser to detect the Bits and thus read the encoded data. Optical discs hold large amounts of data

d) Input devices Input is any data the computer collects from people and from other devices. The component that collects the data and sends it to the computer is called an input device.

e) Output devices Output is any data the computer produces for people or for other devices. It might be a sales report, a list of names, or a graphic image.

Software Everything that a computer does, from the time you turn the power switch on until you shut the system down, is under the control of software. There are two general categories of software: system software and application software.

a) System Software - Utility Programs _ Operating Systems Windows Vista Mac OS X - Utility Programs Screens for virus scanners, file compression programs

- Software Development Tools Assemblers compilers b) Application Software A word processing program image editing program

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