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Explore the basics of computing, covering hardware, software, and the information processing cycle. Learn the purpose of computers and the significance of data processing.
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Introduction to Computing Lecture # 1 Instructor: Naveedullah Safi
Introduction Computing: The study or use of Computers This course will cover several major fields of computing Synonym: Computer Science
Outline • What is computer? • Purpose of Computer • Computer fundamental • Hardware • Software
What is Computer? • Computer is an electronic machine used to solve different problems according to a set of instruction given to it. A computer can accept data, process data into useful information and store it for later use. Or • Computer is an electronic device which takes some input from the user, process it, produce output and store it for future use.
What’s so special about computer? • What makes computer different from other machines is that: By changing the program (instructions), the same computer can be used to perform different function Computer runs program!
Data The collection of raw facts and figure Information Process form of data or Data that has been summarized Purpose of computer The purpose of computer is to process data into information
Computer Fundamentals A computer is a device that performs the information-processing cycle. The information-processing cycle consists of four basic operations: input, processing, output, and storage.
The Information Processing Cycle In Action Compoters A computer is a machine that perfirms four basic operations: input, processing, output, and storage. Together, these four operations are called the information proceesing cycle. • Input – You enter text in a word processing program. • You run the program’s spell checker program. • Processing – The computer checks and compares all words entered with a list of correctly spelled words. • Output – The computer provides a list of apparent misspellings. • You correct the spelling in your document. • Storage – You save the revised document to a disk.
Hardware • Hardware: The physical parts of a computer • Internal hardware • Located inside the main box (system unit) of the computer • External hardware • Located outside the system unit and plug into ports located on the exterior of the system unit
Hardware associated with all five computer operations • Input devices • Used to input data into the computer • Keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones, joysticks, etc. • Processing devices • Perform calculations and control computer’s operation • Central processing unit (CPU) and memory • Output devices • Present results to the user • Monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, etc.
Cont..... • Storage devices • Used to store data on or access data from storage media • Hard drives, DVD disks and drives, USB flash drives, etc. • Communications devices • Allow users to communicate with others and to electronically access information • Modems, network adapters, etc.
Software • Software: The programs or instructions used to tell the computer hardware what to do • System software: System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs • Examples : Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, DOS, BIOS Software, Device Driver Software i.e Graphics Driver etc
Application Software • Application software: Application software is a program or group of programs designed for end users which Performs specific tasks or applications • Creating letters, budgets, etc. • Managing inventory and customer databases • Editing photographs • Viewing Web pages • Recording / playing CDs • Designing homes • Playing games