CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTER
What You will learn
At the end of this chapter, students should be
able to:
• Define what a computer is
• Classify computer by type, size and usage
• List the four functions of computing
• Describe the benefits of computing
• Understanding computer generations or history
• Identify the four phases of the cycle to process
information
• Differentiate Data, Information & Instruction 2
• How computer understanding human language
What You will learn
At the end of this chapter, students should be able
to:
• Describe the two main categories / components
of computer
• Identify internal and external computer
components
• Describe peripheral devices
• Distinguish between ports and connectors
• How to use keyboards and pointing devices
3
What’s a computer?
Computer is a device or system that includes hardware,
operating system software, application software, and
peripheral devices, which converts data into information.
Operating Applicati
Periphera
Hardware system on Users
software ls
software

Usually, Computer is an electronic machine which is

use for data processing. The output which comes after
processing data through computer is known as
information.
It can take inputs data from the input devices, processed
it, stores, and produces output. 4
Why We Use Computers?
The Computer is the need for the digital era
“today is a world of computers”.
Computers are helping people to complete their
tasks in hours that were before taking several
days or months. Or
The Uses of Computers is reducing the number
of tasks human need to do.
Without a computer, it can be very difficult life to
learn, start, run and grow the businesses.
5
Why We Use Computers?
The most important uses of computer or the
benefits of computer systems including:
 Provide Enhanced data storage or can store important
data.
 Can communicate with people around the world.
 Used for the educational such as teaching and learning.
 Used for office works like data entry, support and
development.
 Used in banking, government sectors, press and
publishing.
 Used in sports and entertainments, and
 Can be used to perform complex mathematical tasks, 6
History of Computers
The evaluation of computer technology is often
divided into five generation:
Generation of Generations
Evolving hardware
computers timeline
First generation 1940s – 1950s Vacuum tube based

Second generation 1950s – 1960s Transistor based

Third generation 1960s – 1970s Integrated circuit

based
Fourth generation 1970s – Present Microprocessor based

Fifth generation The present and the Artificial intelligence

futures based 7
History of Computers - First Generation
(1940s to 1950s)
In 1946 first electronic computer is ENAIC (Electronic
Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was developed by
Mr. Jay Presper Eckert and Mr. John Mauchly at University
of Pennsylvania.
The main characteristics of 1st generation
computers (1940s – 1950s)
 Main electronic component: vacuum tube.
 It uses 18,000 vacuum tubes and its cost was
$500,000.
 Programming language: machine language
 Power: consume a lot of electricity and generate 8a lot
of heat.
History of Computers - First Generation
(1940s to 1950s)

10/4/2022 9
History of Computers - Second Generation
(1950s to 1960s)
The main characteristics of 2nd generation
computers (1950s – 1960s)
 Main electronic component: transistors.
 Programming language: assembly language
 Power and size: low power consumption,
generated less heat, and smaller in size (in
comparison with the 1st generation computers).
 Speed: improved of speed and reliability (in
compared with the 1st generation computers)
The size, price, and heat produced reduced by using
transistors. 10
History of Computers - Second Generation
(1950s to 1960s)

11
History of Computers - Third Generation
(1960s to 1970s)
The main characteristics of 3rd generation
computers (1960s – 1970s)
 Main electronic component: integrated circuits
(ICs).
 Programming language: high level language
(Fortran, C language, Cobol, basic pascal, etc.)
 Size and price: smaller, cheaper ‘low cost’ and more
efficient then 2nd generation computers (they were
called minicomputers).
 Speed: improved of speed and reliability (in compared
with the 2st generation computers)
 Input / output devices: keyboard, monitor, printer12
History of Computers - Third Generation
(1960s to 1970s)

13
History of Computers - Fourth Generation
(1970s up to now)
The main characteristics of 4th generation
computers (1970s – Presents)
 Main electronic component: very large-scale
integration (VLSI) and microprocessor.
 VLSI – thousands of transistors on a single microchip.
 Memory – semiconductor memory (such as RAM, ROM,
etc.).
 Programming language: high level language (Python,
C#, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin etc.).
 Size, price and speed: small size, low cost and high
performance (in compared 3rd generation computers).
 Input / output devices: keyboard, monitor, pointing14
History of Computers - Fourth Generation
(1970s up to now)

15
History of Computers – Fifth Generation (the
present and future)
The main characteristics of 5th generation computers
(1970s – Presents)
 Main electronic component: based on artificial
intelligence, uses the Ultra Large-Scale Integration “ULSI”
technology and parallel processing method.
 ULSI – millions of transistors on a single microchip.
 Parallel processing method: use two or more
microprocessors to run tasks simultaneously.
 Programming language: understand natural language
(Human language.).
 Power – consume less power and generate less heat.
 Speed: improve performance (in compared 4th generation
computers). 16
Computer Classifications
Computers can be classified into three main categories:

There are basically three

main ways to classify By
computers based on their: Type
1. By Type and Hardware
Design
2. By Purposes / Usage or By
Work By
Purpo
Size se
3. By Size and Capacity
17
Computer Classifications
Classified by Type and Hardware design:
On the based of Type, Based on
Computers can be classified Type /
Work
into three main types.
They include:
1. Analog computers
2. Digital computersAnalog Digital Hybrid
computers computers computers
3. Hybrid computers

18
Computer Classifications – By Type & Hardware Design

Analog Computers
These computers represent data or information in
a continuous form. An analog computers are used
primarily to measure physical units or quantities.
Examples of analog computers:
 Temperature, Electric Current
 Voltage, Pressure, Thermometer
Analog Signal Representation
 Length and vehicle’s speedometers.
Analog Computers are mainly used in the fields of science
and engineering, it cannot store statistics.
19
Computer Classifications – By Type & Hardware Design

Digital Computers
These are computers represent data or information in a
binary form. That is, they represent signals in just two
states: 0s and 1s (zero & ones).
Digital computers can be converting the data into digits
(binary digit 0 and 1) and all operations are carried out at
fast rates.
Examples of digital computers:
 Desktop and Laptop computers
 Mobile phones and iPhones, iPads
 Scientific calculators 20
Computer Classifications – By Type & Hardware Design

Hybrid Computers
These computer systems is the combination of analog
and digital computer systems. It used to solve too complex
calculation or problems, at same time.
Hybrid computers are extremely fast when driving
equations, even when those calculations are incredibly
complex.
Examples of hybrid computers commonly used in:
 Vast industries, Manufacturing firms
 Research centers, organizations, CT Scan, Ultrasound
 For nation’s defense and ATM as well.
21
Computer Classifications – By Usage / Purpose

Computers can also be classified into two main

categories according to purpose or usage:
1. General purpose computers perform day-to-
day user input and output tasks.
2. Special purpose computers perform specific
functions

22
Computer Classifications – By Usage / Purpose

General-purpose computers are designed to

perform a particular functions such as: creating
documents, file saving, working online, coding, and
other multi-function capabilities.
Even smartphones can be considered general-
purpose computers.
The size, storage capacity, and cost of such
computers are mainly less. The ability of these
computers is not limited in performing specialized
functions.
23
Computer Classifications – By Usage / Purpose

Special purpose computers are designed to

perform a specific / limited functions such as:
• Automatic teller machines (ATM)
• Alarm system, Wi-Fi-enebled appliances
• Washing machine
• Surveillance equipment
•and both Wired and Wireless gaming consoles.

24
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity
Computers can also be classified into four main
categories according to size and capacity or
speed:
1. Supercomputer Classification of
computer by
size
2. Mainframe computers
1.
3. Minicomputers 4. Micro
Computers
3. Mini
Computers
2. Mainframe
Computers
Supercomput
er

4. Micro computer Netbook /

Desktop Workstation Laptops /
Tablets Smartphones Hand-held
Computers Computers Notebook
computers

25
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity
1. Supercomputers are the fastest computers used for
applications that required complex mathematical calculations.
Supercomputers is the fastest, powerful, and expensive type
of computer for processing complex data.
Characteristics:
 Very powerful and expensive
 Large memory size and storage
Supercomputer are used in following areas: weather
forecasting, medical research, oil and gas exploration, and
cryptanalysis.

26
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity

2. Mainframe computers
Mainframe computers is a very powerful computer
that supports thousands of users connected to use
compute power such as: Storage, CPU, and memory.
These computers are generally used by
departmental and commercial organizations:
 Banking to process ATM
 Governments, Large businesses, Health
care.
 and other public and private enterprises. 27
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity
3. Mini Computers is more powerful and larger
computer that support up to 200 users at one
time.
Minicomputer is smaller, less expensive, and less
powerful than the mainframe or supercomputers
but more expensive and more powerful than a
micro computer or personal computers.
Formerly known as: Mid-range server, it enables
more than one person to access the same data.
Minicomputers are used by small organizations.

28
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity
4. Micro Computers is a small computer designed for
use by a single user or personal at a time. Or is the
smallest computers for personal use.
Microcomputers uses a single chip (microprocessor) for
its Central Processing Unit (CPU or brain of the computer).
“Microcomputers” is now primarily used to mean a PC
(Personal Computer), but it can refer to any kind of small
computer such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets,
smartphones, and wearable devices.
Personal Computers are smaller in size and less
expensive.
29
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity
Types of Micro Computers or Personal Computers
Here are the six main types of personal computers we used
today:
1. Desktop computers
2. Workstation computers
3. Laptop or Notebook computers
4. Tablet computers
5. Hand-held computers
6. Smartphones
There are all examples of Personal Computers, which refers
to any computer that is designed to use only single personal.
30
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity

Desktop computers is the one of personal

computer that designed to stay at one location,
and sits on or under a desk that’s why it’s called
desktop computers.
Commonly used in
workplaces, universities,
colleges, and homes.
The main components of a
desktop computers is the
system unit.
31
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity
Workstation computers is a specialized personal
computer.
It’s single user which has more power and features than
a standard PC.
These computers are popular used scientists,
engineers, and animators who need a greater speed
power to perform sophisticated tasks such as:
• Animation video editing
• 3D graphic & Game development
• Architectural or engineering design
32
Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity

Laptop computers (or Notebook) are another

type of personal computer which is getting more
popularity day by day.
 It’s small in size, portable and people
frequently set these devices on their
lap.
 It includes a flip down screen and a
keyboard with touchpad.
 Usually more expensive than a
desktop computer with equal
capabilities. 33
 Computer Classifications – By Size and Capacity
Handheld computers is a small computer that can
easily be fit in your hand or placed in your pocket.
Most common example of handheld computers: is
the Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), allow users to
write on the screen using a pen.
PDAs is used for special applications such as:
• Taking Notes.
• Taking signatures for delivery business.
• Displaying telephone number and address.

34
Information Processing Cycle
Four phases of the cycle to process
information:
Computer receives data and instructions
Input
1. Input
2. Process ProcesProduce organized data.
s
3. Storage
Storag
Saving information for future use.
4. Output e
Outpu Sends information to
t people in usable
format. 35
Information Processing Cycle

36
How computer understanding human language

• Binary is the base system for 0

computer understand or “speak”. it’s 1
standard for computer programming in 10
“bits” and “bytes”. 1010
• Binary uses only two numbers: 0 , and 10101
1 , and combinations of those two
numbers.
11010
1
•Binary notation 0 represents an “off”
state and 1 represents an “on” state.
37
How computer understanding human language

38
How computer understanding human language

39
Differentiate Data, and Information
Data is defined as a collection of unorganized
facts or idea.
Data is represented of raw or unorganized facts or
idea like word, number, picture, sound or
descriptions of things.
While Information is defined
Dataas data
Datathat has
been organized or presented in a meaningful.

Informatio
Processing Data
n 40
Differentiate Data, and Information
Data must be interpreted, by a human or
machine, to derive meaning information.
Information is data that has been processed or
interpreted
Example of Data:data.
Abdullahi Nageeye AMU faculty public Health

Example of information:
Stid: AMUOO66 Name : Abdulahi Nageeye University: Al Hayat
Faculty: of Health Science Department of Public Health

41
Data vs Instruction
Data versus Instruction

42
A computer can be divided into two main categories

Every computer is composed of two basic parts

or categories:
1. Hardware and
2. Software
Hardware is basically anything that you can
touch with your fingers.
Software for computer hardware to work it must
follow a set of instructions that is supplied to it as
software.
43
1. Hardware
Computer Hardware refers to the computer’s
physical components, includes:
• Computer Case
• CPU (Central Processing Unit…..”the brain of
computer”)
• RAM (Random Access Memory) – “Memory”
• Hard Disk Drive
• Monitor
• Keyboard & Mouse
• Disk Drive, DVD, CD-ROM 44

• Speakers and Printer

2. Software
Computer Software is the collection of
instruction that tells the computer how to work.
Or
Software – is a set of instructions or
programs that tells the computer
what to do or how to perform a
specific task.
Computers software can also be
classified into two main types:
1. System Software
2. Application Software 45
2. Software – System Software's
1. System software – is designed to run a
computer’s hardware and application
software and make the computer system
•available foras
It serves use.
the interface between
hardware, application, software and
the user.
The Main types of systems
software:
I. Operating System
II. Device Driver 46
2. Software – Operating System (OS)
Operating System (OS) – is a software that
controls the computer hardware devices and
runs other software or application on a
computer.
• OS is the most important software that runs on
a computer.
• It’s the main part of system software and
without an OS, a computer is useless.
The Three most common operating system
for personal computers:
 Microsoft Windows 47
2. Software – Device drivers
Device Drivers – is a software program that is
designed to control a particular hardware
device that is attached to a computer.
• It translating the OS instructions into language
that a device can understand to perform the
necessary task.
Examples of device drivers:
- Printer drivers
- Display drivers
- USB drivers
48
- Motherboard & Sound card drivers
2. Software – Utility Software
Utility software – is a type of system software
that is used to analyze, configure, strengthen,
maintain a computer and performs a very
specific tasks.
• It performs various tasks like: virus
detection, data backup, installation, deletion of
unwanted files, etc.
Types of utility software's:
- Antivirus
- Compression tools
49
- Disk cleanup tools
2. Software – Application Software
2. Application software – is a computer
program that provides users with tools to
accomplish a specific function.
• Application software is used or designed for
specific purpose of the user.
Examples of Application Software:
• MS-Office
• Internet Browsers
• Games, Social Media Apps
• Business or Enterprise Software's, etc. 50
Hardware Components and Peripherals

What is a Computer Components?

• Computer components is the physical part
needed for computer functioning, also called
“Hardware”.
• Each components performs a specific function or
task.
• Components can be Internal or External
Components.
• External components connect via ports and
connectors.
• Without a given component, such as a CPU, a 51
Common Internal Computer Components

An Internal components any piece of hardware

device that is located inside the computer.
Examples of internal components include:
• RAM – Random Access Memory
• Hard drive – also called a “hard disc”
• CPU - Central Processing Unit
• Power Supply
• Motherboard – also called the system board.

52
Common External Computer Components
An External components is the part of hardware
connected outside the computer. Or any hardware
device that is located or connected outside the
computer.
Examples of external components include:
• Input device – is a piece of hardware device which is
used to enter information to a computer for
processing.
Examples: keyboard, mouse, touchpad, microphone,
scanner and webcam.
• Output device – is a piece of hardware device that
53
receives information from a computer.
Storage Devices
A Storage devices is the system unit
component, such as a hard drive, that enable
users to save data for reuse later, even after
the personal computer is shutdown or
restarted.
Types of Storage Devices
There are two types of storage devices used in
personal computers are:
1. Primary Storage Devices
2. Secondary Storage Devices 54
Storage Devices – primary storage devices

1. Primary Storage Devices (also known as

main memory) is a very fast in terms of
accessing data files and fit internally to the
computer.
• Size: small / limited in size
• Location: Internal
• Data retention: Temporary
Examples / types of the primary storage
devices
- Random access memory (RAM) 55

- Read only memory (ROM)

Storage Devices - Secondary storage devices

2. Secondary Storage Devices is designed to

store data permanently. Secondary storage is a
non-volatile, long-term storage.
• Size: large storage capacity
• Location: Internal or external
• Data retention: permanent
Types of the secondary storage devices
- Magnetic storage devices
- Optical storage devices
- Solid state storage device and USB memory
56

sticks
Storage Devices – secondary storage devices

Examples Magnetic Storage Devices

There are various types of magnetic storage
drives
• Hard disk drive (HDD)
• Floppy disk drive (FDD)
• Magnetic Card
• Zip diskette / Zip drive
• Tape cassette

57
Storage Devices – secondary storage devices

Examples Optical Storage Devices

There are various types of optical storage drives
 Blu-ray disc
 CD-R
 CD-RW disc
 CD-ROM disc
 DVD-R
 DVD-RW disc
 DVD-ROM
58
Storage Devices – secondary storage devices

Solid-state storage (flash memory) has replaced

most magnetic and optical media as it
becomes cheaper because it's the more efficient
and reliable solution.
• USB flash drive CF (CompactFlash)
• Memory card
• Sony Memory Stick
• SD card

59
Peripherals
• Peripherals is a device which connects to the
computer to provide extra functionality “or
transfer data”.
• External devices easily removed and connected
to a computer.
• The type of connector varies with the peripheral,
examples include: mouse, printer, and keyboard.

60
Categories of Peripherals

There are three kinds of peripherals:

1. Input devices – send commands to the
computer
2. Output devices – receive commands
from the computer
3. Storage devices – which are a type of
permanent memory for files you want to
keep indefinitely.

61
Ports

A Ports is a hardware
connection interface
on a personal
computer that enables
devices to be
connected to the
computer.
62
Personal Computer Connection

Connections is a
personal computer
components is attached
to other components to
provide computing
capabilities.

63
Computer Keyboard
Keyboard – is a portable wired or wireless device that
contains all the alphabets, number, symbols and special
characters, which is used for entering data into computer
system. Or
• Keyboard
Types is aKeyboards
of Computer device used to enter data into a
computer.
There are various types of computer
keyboard typically used by users for
different purposes are:
Qwerty keyboard, virtual keyboard,
wireless keyboard, gaming and
multimedia keyboards.
The most common type of
keyboards used in today are: 64
Basic pointing device
Pointing device – is a device used to control the
movement of the pointer (cursor) on the screen.
The major pointing devices in use today are: mouse,
trackpad or touchpad (for laptops), touch screen (for
tablets), etc.
• Point and Click – point an object on the screen and
then press a button on the mouse to select objects
/command, open menus or hyperlinks (links), or close
windows.
• Double-click – quickly click the left mouse button twice
on any folder, file, or program to open it.
65
END
All right reserved at Al Hayat Medical University 66