FCC 5033

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS

Introduction To
Computers
 Background in Computers
Early History
⬧ Abacus: One of the earliest tools used for computation,
dating back to ancient times.
⬧ Mechanical Calculators: Invented in the 17th century by
Blaise Pascal and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. These devices
performed basic arithmetic operations.
⬧ Analytical Engine: Designed by Charles Babbage in the
1830s, it is considered the first concept of a general-purpose
computer.
⬧ Ada Lovelace, an associate of Babbage, is often credited
with writing the first algorithm intended for
implementation on a machine, earning her the title of the
first computer programmer.

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 20th Century Development
1930s-1940s:
⬧ Alan Turing: Developed the concept of the Turing
machine, a theoretical device that can simulate any
computer algorithm.
⬧ His work laid the foundations for computer science.
⬧ ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer): Completed in 1945, it was one of the
first electronic general-purpose computers.

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 Cont’d…
1950s-1960s:
⬧ Transistors: Replaced vacuum tubes in the 1950s, making
computers smaller, faster, and more reliable.
⬧ Mainframe Computers: Dominated the era, used primarily
by large organizations for bulk data processing.
1970s-1980s:
⬧ Microprocessors: The invention of the microprocessor (a
complete CPU on a single chip) in the early 1970s led to the
development of personal computers (PCs).
⬧ Personal Computers: The Apple II (1977) and IBM PC
(1981) were among the first widely adopted personal
computers.

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 Modern Era
1990s-Present:
• Internet: The rise of the Internet in the 1990s transformed
how computers are used, enabling global connectivity and the
World Wide Web.
• Mobile Computing: The development of smartphones and
tablets in the 2000s made computing portable and ubiquitous.
• Cloud Computing: Emerged in the late 2000s, allowing users
to access computing resources over the internet.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Recent
advancements have led to computers performing tasks that
require human-like intelligence.

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 Basic Terminologies
Computer
⬧ An electronic device, operating under the control of
instructions stored in its memory, that can:
– Accept data (input)
– Process the data according to specified rules
(process)
– Produce results or information (output)
– Store the results (storage) for future use.

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 Cont’d…
Data
⬧ a collection of raw unprocessed facts, figures, and
symbols
Information
⬧ data that is organized, meaningful, and useful. To
process data into information, a computer uses
hardware and software.

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 Cont’d…
Hardware
⬧ Represents the physical and tangible components of a
computer i.e. the components that can be seen and
touched.
Software
⬧ a set of programs, which is designed to perform a
well-defined function

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 Cont’d…
User
⬧ Alternatively referred to as an end-user
⬧ a user is any individual who is not involved with
supporting or developing a computer or service.

For example
⬧ you are the end-user of the computer you are using when
you call technical support for help.

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 Generic types of users
⬧ Computer users can be broken up into the following groups
based on how experienced the computer user is with a
computer.
Advanced user, hardcore user or power user
⬧ A user with advanced knowledge of computer software and
hardware that requires no assistance.
Casual user or regular user
⬧ A user who has some computer experience and can navigate
and use the computer without much assistance.
Basic user, beginner, novice, or newbie
⬧ A user who's started using a computer and needs lots of
assistance.

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 Specific types of computer users
A computer user can also be broken up into any of the
following more specific types of computer users based
on how they use the computer.
⬧ Administrator, Animator, Blogger, Cracke,
Developer, End user, Gamer, Graphic artist, Hacker,
Leecher, Newbie, Pirate, Power user, Programmer,
Script kiddie, Superuser, Tweaker, Web designer,
Web surfer

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 Cont’d…
Network
⬧ a collection of computers and devices connected
together, often wirelessly, via communications
devices and transmission media
Internet
⬧ a worldwide collection of networks that connects
millions of businesses, government agencies,
educational institutions, and individuals.

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 Cont’d…
World Wide Web (or web, for short)
⬧ one of the more popular services on the web. It’s a
global library of information available to anyone
connected to the Internet.
⬧ The web consists of a worldwide collection of
electronic documents, each of which is called a
webpage
Website
⬧ a collection of related webpages

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 Cont’d…
Web server
⬧ a computer that delivers requested webpages to your
computer
Browser
⬧ a software that enables users with an Internet
connection to access and view webpages on a
computer or mobile device.
Search engine
⬧ a software that finds websites, webpages, images,
videos, news, maps, and other information related to
a specific topic
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Components of a Computer System
⬧ A computer contains many electric, electronic, and
mechanical components known as hardware

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 Cont’d…

Input Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer

• Hardware component that conveys information to one or more

Output Device people

• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer

System Unit that are used to process data

• Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from

Storage Device storage media

• Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and

Communications information to and from one or more computers or mobile
Device devices

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Input Devices
⬧ A keyboard contains
keys you press to
enter data and
instructions into a
computer or mobile
device
 Cont’d…
⬧ A pointing device is an input
device that allows a user to control
a small symbol on the screen
called a pointer
⬧ Some mobile devices and
computers enable you to speak
data instructions using voice input
and to capture live full-motion
images using video input
 Cont’d…
⬧ A scanner is a light-sensing input device that converts
printed text and images into a form the computer can
process
 Output Devices
⬧ An output device is any hardware component that
conveys information from a computer or mobile
device to one or more people
⬧ A printer is an output device that produces text and
graphics on a physical medium such as paper
 Cont’d…
⬧ A display is an output device that visually conveys
text, graphics, and video information
 Cont’d…
⬧ Speakers allow you to hear audio such as music, voice,
and other sounds
⬧ Earbuds
⬧ Headphones
 Storage Devices

Hard Disk Solid-State USB Flash

Drive Drive

Memory Card Optical Disc Cloud Storage

 Computer Software
⬧ Software, also called a program, tells the computer
what tasks to perform and how to perform them
⬧ Is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a
well-defined function.
⬧ A Program is a sequence of instructions written to
solve a particular problem.

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 Types of Software
1. System Software
⬧ The system software is collection of programs
designed to operate, control, and extend the
processing capabilities of the computer itself.
⬧ System software are generally prepared by
computer manufactures.
⬧ System software serves as the interface between
hardware and the end users. e.g. Operating System

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 Cont’d…
⬧ An operating system (OS) is a crucial software
component that manages computer hardware and
provides common services for computer programs.
⬧ It acts as an intermediary between the hardware and
software, enabling users to interact with their
computers and allowing applications to run
efficiently.

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 Types of OS
⬧ Single User, Single Task: These operating systems
are designed to manage a single user and execute one
task at a time.
⬧ Examples include MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk
Operating System) and early versions of Apple's
operating systems.
⬧ Single User, Multi-Tasking: These operating
systems allow a single user to perform multiple tasks
simultaneously.
⬧ Examples include modern desktop operating systems
like Microsoft Windows, macOS, and various Linux
distributions.
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 Cont’d…
⬧ Multi-User: These operating systems allow multiple
users to access the computer simultaneously, either
locally or remotely.
⬧ Examples include UNIX, Linux servers, and modern
server editions of Windows.
⬧ Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): These
operating systems are designed to handle real-time
applications where timely processing is critical.
⬧ They are often used in embedded systems, industrial
automation, and control systems. Examples include
VxWorks, FreeRTOS, and QNX.

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 Cont’d…
⬧ Network Operating Systems (NOS): These
operating systems are designed to support networked
computing.
⬧ They provide features such as file sharing, printer
sharing, and communication between computers on a
network. Examples include Novell NetWare and
Windows Server.
⬧ Distributed Operating Systems: These operating
systems manage a group of independent computers
and make them appear to be a single computer.
⬧ They facilitate the sharing of resources and provide a unified interface to
users.
⬧ Examples include Amoeba and Google's distributed operating system for their
data centers.
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 Cont’d…
⬧ Embedded Operating Systems: These operating
systems are designed to operate within embedded
systems such as smartphones, tablets, IoT devices,
and consumer electronics.
⬧ They are typically lightweight and optimized for
specific hardware. Examples include Android, iOS,
and embedded Linux.
⬧ Mobile Operating Systems: These operating
systems are specifically designed for mobile devices
such as smartphones and tablets.
⬧ They often include features like touch interfaces, mobile app support, and
connectivity options optimized for mobile usage. Examples include Android,
iOS, and Windows Phone (now discontinued).

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 Cont’d…
⬧ Hybrid Operating Systems: These operating
systems combine features of different types of
operating systems.
⬧ For example, modern desktop operating systems often
incorporate elements of real-time processing for
multimedia applications and support for multi-user
environments.

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 functions of OS
1. Process Management
⬧ Process Scheduling: The OS decides the order in which
processes run.
⬧ Process Creation and Termination: It allows for the creation,
execution, and termination of processes.
⬧ Synchronization and Communication: It manages
synchronization and communication between processes.
2. Memory Management
▪ Allocation and Deallocation: The OS allocates and deallocates
memory space as needed by programs.
▪ Memory Protection: It ensures that one process does not
interfere with another process’s memory.
▪ Virtual Memory: It uses techniques like paging and
segmentation to extend the physical memory.
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 Cont’d…
3. File System Management
⬧ File Creation and Deletion: It provides mechanisms to create,
delete, read, write, and manipulate files and directories.
⬧ File Access Control: It controls access to files through
permissions and access control lists.
⬧ Directory Management: It organizes files into directories for
efficient navigation and management.
4. Device Management
⬧ Device Drivers: The OS manages device communication via
device drivers.
⬧ I/O Operations: It provides a buffer and manages the
input/output operations between the system and external
devices.
⬧ Interrupt Handling: It handles interrupts generated by I/O
devices.
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 Cont’d…
Security and Access Control
⬧ User Authentication: The OS ensures that only
authorized users can access the system.
⬧ Authorization: It defines what authenticated users are
allowed to do.
⬧ Data Protection: It protects data from unauthorized
access and ensures data privacy.
User Interface
⬧ Command-Line Interface (CLI): It provides a text-
based interface to interact with the system.
⬧ Graphical User Interface (GUI): It offers a
graphical interface with windows, icons, and menus
for easier interaction.
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 Cont’d…
7. System Performance Monitoring
⬧ Performance Counters: The OS monitors system
performance through various metrics.
⬧ Logging and Reporting: It logs system activities and
generates performance reports.
8. Networking
⬧ Network Communication: It manages network
connections and data exchange between computers.
⬧ Protocol Implementation: It implements network
protocols to ensure proper communication.

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 Cont’d…
9. Job Scheduling and Accounting
⬧ Job Queuing: The OS schedules jobs in a queue and
manages their execution.
⬧ Resource Allocation: It allocates system resources to
different jobs as per requirements.
⬧ Accounting: It tracks resource usage for billing or
reporting purposes.
⬧ 10. System Services
⬧ System Calls: The OS provides system calls for
performing operations like process control, file
management, and device management.
⬧ Utility Programs: It includes utility programs for system
maintenance and management.
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 Cont..
2. Application Software:
⬧ Application software products are designed to satisfy
a particular need of a particular environment.
⬧ Application software may consist of a single
program, such as a Microsoft's notepad for writing
and editing simple text.
⬧ It may also consist of a collection of programs, often
called a software package, which work together to
accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet package.
e.g. Microsoft Office Suite Software

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 Categories of Computers
Personal computers

Mobile computers and mobile devices

Game consoles

Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

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 Personal Computers
⬧ A personal computer can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage activities by itself
⬧ Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple
⬧ Desktop computer
 Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices

Mobile Mobile
Computer Device
Personal computer you Computing device small
can carry from place to enough to hold in your
place hand

Examples include smart

Examples include
phones and PDAs, e-
notebook computers,
book readers, handheld
laptop computers,
computers, portable
netbooks, ultra-thins, and
media players, and
Tablet PCs
digital cameras
 Cont’d…

Notebook computer

Tablet PC

Smart phones and PDAs

E-book reader
 Cont’d…

Handheld computer

Portable media player

Digital camera
 Game Consoles
⬧ A game console is a
mobile computing
device designed for
single-player or
multiplayer video games
 Servers
⬧ A server controls
access to the hardware,
software, and other
resources on a network
⬧ Provides a centralized
storage area for
programs, data, and
information
 Mainframes
⬧ A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously
 Supercomputers
⬧ A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer
⬧ Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more
than one quadrillion instructions in a single second
 Embedded Computers
⬧ An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a larger
product

Consumer Home Automation Process Controllers Computer Devices

Automobiles
Electronics Devices and Robotics and Office Machines
• Mobile and digital • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote monitoring • Keyboards
telephones • Sprinkling systems • Engine control systems • Printers
• Digital televisions • Security monitoring modules • Power monitors • Faxes
• Cameras systems • Airbag controller • Machine controllers • Copiers
• Video recorders • Appliances • Cruise control • Medical devices
• DVD players and • Lights
recorders
• Answering
machines
Cont’d…
 Advantages of using computers
⬧ Speed: Computers process billions and trillions of
operations in a single second.
⬧ Reliability: Electronic components in modern
computers rarely break.
⬧ Consistency: Given the same input the computer
will produce the same results. (GIGO)
⬧ Storage: Store enormous amounts of data.
⬧ Communications: Share any of the Information
processing cycle operations.

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 Disadvantages of Using
Computers
⬧ Health risks: Prolonged or in proper use can lead to
injuries or disorders eyes, elbows, wrist.
⬧ Violation of privacy: medical records, passport
records… Can be stolen or identity theft.
⬧ Public safety: innocent computer users have fallen
victim to crimes committed by dangerous criminals.
⬧ Impact on labour force: Workers must keep their
education up to date.
⬧ Impact on environment: Manufacturing processes
and waste are depleting natural resources.

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 Computer Applications in Society
1. Education
⬧ Many schools and companies equip labs and
classrooms with computers.
⬧ Students use software to assist with learning or to
complete assignments
2. Finance
⬧ Many people and companies use computers to help
manage their finances.
⬧ Some use finance software to balance checkbooks,
pay bills, track personal income and expenses,
manage investments, and evaluate financial plans
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 Cont’d…
3. Government
⬧ Most government offices have Websites, to provide
citizens with up-to-date information
⬧ People access government Web sites to file taxes,
apply for permits and licenses

4. Health Care
⬧ Nearly every area of health care uses computers
⬧ Doctors use the Web and medical software to assist
with researching and diagnosing health conditions
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 Cont’d…
5. Science
• All branches of science, from biology to astronomy
to meteorology,
• They use computers to assist them with collecting,
analysing, and modelling data.
6. Publishing
• Many publishers make their works available online.
• Some Websites allow you to copy the work, such
as a book or music, to your desktop computer,
mobile computer, smartphone, or other mobile
device
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 Cont’d…
7. Travel
• Many vehicles manufactured today include some
onboard navigation system.
• Some mobile users prefer to carry specialised
handheld navigation devices
8. Manufacturing
⬧ Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) refers to
the use of computers to assist with
⬧ manufacturing processes such as fabrication and
assembly. Often, robots carry out processes in a
CAM environment
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