This document provides an introduction to computing and describes different types of computers. It outlines the course, including assignments and marking schemes. Computers are defined as machines that can perform computations based on instructions. They are not intelligent on their own and require human programming. Various computer types are described for individual and organizational use, including desktops, notebooks, tablets, servers, mainframes, and supercomputers. Supercomputers are the most powerful and are used for complex simulations in fields like weather forecasting and automotive safety testing. Students are directed to readings to supplement the course material.

1. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
Gulmina Rextina

2. TEXT BOOK

Introduction to Computers

By Peter Norton

Other material will be mentioned in the last slide for
every lecture

Please do not rely on slides alone, if you want to do
well in this course make sure you read the book as
well.

3. MARKING

The marks distribution is as following
Quizzes, Assignments and Projects
 Sessional 1
 Sessional 2
 Final Exam

25%
10%
15%
50%
Quizzes will be surprise. That is at the start of end of any
class I can take a quiz.

4. MARKING
Assignments and Projects will be given through out
the course.
 Make sure your assignments are not copied in any
form.


5. ASSIGNMENT 1

Research on the internet and in the library and compile
history of computers.

You should write the history in your own words and not
just copy paste from the internet.

Give proper references.

Your assignment can be hand written or typed.

The assignment should be no more then 5 pages.

All future assignments will be typed.

6. COURSE GROUP

Yahoo groups

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ITC_BPH12012/

7. PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
Give an overview of what computers are and what
they can do
 Help you do everyday tasks and prepare you to
make use of Computers in your field.


8. WHAT IS A COMPUTER

A machine which can take instructions, and
perform computations based on those instructions.

9. IS A COMPUTER INTELLIGENT??

10. IS A COMPUTER INTELLIGENT??
NO!!!!
The are nothing like a human brain
 Computers can only follow instructions blindly
 The instructions that we give to the computer to
perform a certain task are called programs


11. IS A COMPUTER INTELLIGENT??
To understand how dumb a computer is consider
the following example
 You have created a Robot that of course has a
computer as a brain.
 You want that robot to go to the market and fetch
you an ice cream
 Consider what instruction would you need to give to
the robot?


12. WHAT CAN A COMPUTER DO?
A computer can process data very quickly
 It can perform millions of calculations in seconds

BUT........
 Still it is not intelligent
 It can only follow instructions.
 It can not make its own decisions
 Humans have to tell the computer exactly what to
do.

13. WHY ARE COMPUTERS POWERFUL?

Amazing speed


Can store and organize large amounts of data


Can perform millions of operations in seconds
A government can store information about all of its
citizens
Accuracy
Computers are very precise and accurate
 Most mistakes that computers make are down to human
error


14. COMPUTERS FOR INDIVIDUAL USE

Desktop computers
The most common type of computer
 Sits on the desk or floor
 Performs a variety of tasks


Workstations
Specialized computers
 Optimized for science or graphics
 More powerful than a desktop


15. COMPUTERS FOR INDIVIDUAL USE

Notebook computers
Small portable computers
 Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds
 About 8 ½ by 11 inches
 Typically as powerful as a desktop


Netbook computers

Smaller and less powerful then laptops/notebook
computers.

16. COMPUTERS FOR INDIVIDUAL USE
 Tablet



computers
Newest development
in portable computers
Input is through
a pen or touch screen
Run specialized
versions of office
products

17. 
Tablet Computers

Have become more
popular after the release
of iPad in 2010

18. TABLET COMPUTERS
Google Nexus

19. COMPUTERS FOR INDIVIDUAL USE

Handheld computers
Very small computers
 Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
 Note taking or contact management
 Data can synchronize with a desktop


Smart phones
Hybrid of cell phone and PDA
 Web surfing, e-mail access


20. COMPUTERS FOR ORGANIZATIONS

Network servers





Centralized computer
All other computers connect
Provides access to network resources
Multiple servers are called server farms
Often simply a powerful desktop

21. COMPUTERS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
 Mainframes



Used in large
organizations
Handle thousands
of users
Users access through
a terminal can be a
dumb terminal or
intelligent terminal

22. MAINFRAMES VS. NETWORK SERVERS

mainframes are more popular and generally more
reliable

Servers are smaller, significantly less expensive

Servers allow users to work "off-line," only needing
to connect with the client-server when they need to
share information.

With mainframes, everyone must be logged on
simultaneously, which can slow the processing
speed.

23. COMPUTERS FOR ORGANIZATIONS

Minicomputers





Called midrange computers
Power between mainframe and desktop
Handle hundreds of users
Used in smaller organizations
Users access through a terminal

24. COMPUTERS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
 Supercomputers




The most powerful
computers made
Handle large and
complex calculations
Process trillions of
operations per second
Found in research
organizations

25. WHERE ARE SUPER COMPUTERS USED?
The "Big Bang," or the initial expansion of all
energy and matter in the universe, happened more
than 13 billion years ago in trillion-degree Celsius
temperatures, but supercomputer simulations make
it possible to observe what went on during the
universe's birth
 Forecasting hurricanes
using live data directly, supercomputers can predict
the possible paths a hurricane can take.


Auto manufacturers use supercomputers to
simulate auto accidents on video screen. This is
less expensive and more revealing then actually
crashing a car.

27. READING MATERIAL
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-computer.htm
 Read the first chapter of your Text book


28. REFERENCES
Introduction to Computers by Peter Norton
 http://www.livescience.com/6392-9-super-coolsupercomputers.html
