Introduction to computers

Lecture 2

Usman Naeem
 What is a computer?
• Electronic device that processes
information based upon instructions
provided and generates desired output

Data
Calculations Result

Program
 Significance

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Consistency
• Storage capacity
• Flexibility
 History
• 5000 BC
 History (contd.)
• 17th century inventions
– Logarithms
– Mechanical calculating machine
• 19th century
– Charles Babbage invented ‘Difference Engine’
– ‘Mark 1’
– ENIAC (electronic numerical integrator and
calculator)
– EDVAC (electronic discrete variable
automatic computer)
 Comparison between generations
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
generation generation generation generation
•Use of vacuum •Use of transistors •use of integrated •Use of large
tubes circuits scale integrated
•Increased circuits
•Limited storage storage •Flexibility with •Increased
input/output storage
•Huge size •Faster speed •Considerably
•Reduced size faster and smaller
•Sophisticated
•Problems of over •Reduction in size programming
heating •High level
programming •Increased
•High level personal usage
programming
•Remote
processing
 Computer Components
• Input devices
– Mouse, keyboard, scanners, CCTV etc
• Output devices
– Monitor, printer, speakers etc
• System unit (CPU)
– Processor
– Memory
– Circuits
• Storage devices
– CDs, DVDs, Bluray DVDs, Hard disks, flash disks etc
 Advantages

• Communication
• Speed
• Storage
• Information
• Accessibility*
 Disadvantages

• Violation of privacy
• Public safety
• Impact on labor force
• Health risks
• Impact on environment
 Networks and Internet
• A collection of computers and devices
connected together through
– Wires
– Modems, routers etc
 Revision
• Computer
– Significance
– History
– Components
– Advantages
– Disadvantages
– Networks