This document introduces computers by defining them as general purpose, programmable information processors that take input and produce output. It discusses how computers process information to solve problems, identifies some early conceptual computers and computing devices, and examines whether objects like rocks, washing machines, airplanes and calculators are truly computers. The document also outlines computer types based on usage, size and operational principles, and emphasizes developing keyboarding skills.

1. Introduction to Computer

2. Objectives
• Define a Computer in relation to data and
information
• Explain types of Computers
• Identify types of Computers
• Classify Computers according to (a) Usage and (b)
Size
• Distinguish between analogue, digital and hybrid
computers
• Classify the keys on the keyboard
• Have keyboarding skills

3. Overview of Discussion
• What is Computer?
– What is a computer?
– What can computers do?
– How do computers solve problems?
• Who invented computers?
– Conceptual computers
– Computing devices

4. Which one is the computer?
Rock Calculator Television
Modern Airplane Washing Machine Computer Workstation

5. Is it a Computer?
• What questions would
you ask?
• What experiments would
you run?

6. Is a rock a computer?
• Does not act or process
• Takes no input and
produces no output
• Computers must be able to handle input and
output

7. Is a washing machine a computer?
• Input: dirty clothes
• Output: clean clothes
• Does not handle
information
• Computers input and output information

8. Is a television set a computer?
• Input: information from
cables or radio waves
• Output: information as
sound and picture
• Does not process
information
• Computers process information by computing
new results and answering queries

9. Is a modern airplane a computer?
• Input: information from
radio waves
• Output: manipulations to
the airplane
• Can only handle specific
information necessary for
flight control
• Computers are general purpose because they can
perform many different tasks

10. Is an ordinary calculator a computer?
• Input: numbers and
mathematical operations
• Output: answer
• Handles any numeric task
• Cannot remember which
buttons are pressed
• Computers are programmable so they can
remember sequences of operations

11. Definition of a Computer
• a general purpose,
• programmable,
• information processor
• with input and output

12. What is a computer?
• Definition of a computer is narrow
• Definition of computing agent is broad
• Although many computer scientists focus on
the computer, some computer scientists deal
with computing agents

13. What can computers do – today?
• Business productivity managers
• Personal information managers
• Spreadsheets
• Database software
• Desktop publishing
• Multimedia encyclopedias
• Simulate the physical world
• Produce a music video

14. What might computers do – tomorrow?
• Diagnose diseases
– MYCIN captures medical knowledge in rules that
allowed a computer to identify an ailment based
on symptoms
• Control robots that walk, talk, and learn
– CMU created a program that drove a van from
Pittsburgh to D.C. using cameras for eyes
• Compose music and create art

15. Types of Computers based on Size
• Computers can be classified based on their
performance and capacity.
• Personal computer
• Workstation
• Minicomputer
• Mainframe
• Supercomputer

16. Personal Computer Types
• Desktop Computers
• Laptop Computers
• Tablets Computers,
• Mobile Phones
• Game Consoles

17. Types of Computers based on Principle
of Operations
• Analogue Computers
• Digital Computers
• Hybrid Computers

18. Keyboarding Skills
• Classification of the keys on the keyboard