This chapter discusses an introduction to computers and programming. It covers the basic components of a computer including the CPU, memory, storage, input/output devices and networking. It also discusses the different types of computer languages from machine language to assembly to high-level languages. The chapter explains how programs are developed, translated and run. It concludes with an overview of professional ethics for computer programmers.

1. CSE 115: COMPUTING
CONCEPTS
Chapter 1: Overview of Computers and
Programming

2. Objectives
 In this chapter you will learn about:
 To learn about the different categories of computers
 To understand the role of each component in a
computer
 To understand the purpose of an operating system
 To learn the differences between machine language,
assembly language, and higher level languages
 To understand what processes are required to run a C
program
 To learn how to solve a programming problem in a
careful, disciplined way
 To understand and appreciate ethical issues related to

3. Categories of Computers
 Desktop Computer, iMac.
 Hewlett Packard Laptop.
 iPad.
 Android phone, LG Thrill 4G.

4. Computer Hardware
Components

5. Terms - Quantify storage
capacities

6. Main Memory
 A semiconductor device which stores the
information necessary for a program to
run.
 2 types
 ROM (Read Only Memory)
 Contains information that is necessary for the
computer to boot up
 The information stays there permanently even when
the computer is turned off.
 RAM (Random Access Memory)
 Contains instruction or data needed for a program
to run
 Got erased when the computer is turned off.

7. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Does most of the work in executing a program
 The CPU inside a PC is usually the
microprocessor
 3 main parts:
 Control Unit
 Fetch instructions from main memory and put them in
the instruction register
 ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 Execute arithmetic operations
 Registers
 Temporarily store instructions or data fetched from
memory

8. Storage Devices
 A magnetic device used to store a large
amount of information.
 Store the software components or data
needed for the computer to execute its
tasks.
 Could be “read only” or “writable”.
 Example: Hard drive, CD/DVD ROM, flash
drives

9. Input / Output Devices
 Input Devices
 Accepts information from the user and
transforms it to digitalcodes that the
computer can process
 Example: keyboard, mouse, scanner
 Output Devices
 An interfaceby which the computer
conveys the output to the user
 Example: monitor, printer

10. Network Devices
 Connect a computer to the other
computers.
 Enable the users to access data or
execute programs remotely.
 Example: modem, Ethernet card

11. Computer Software
 Operating System
 Communicating with the computer user: receiving
commands and carrying them out or rejecting them with an
error message.
 Managing allocation of memory, of processor time, and of
other resources for various tasks.
 Collecting input from the keyboard, mouse, and other input
devices, and providing this data to the currently running
program.
 Conveying program output to the screen, printer, or other
output device.
 Accessing data from secondary storage.
 Writing data to secondary storage.

12. Computer Software
 Application Software
 Application programs are developed to assist a computer
user in accomplishing specific tasks.
 Word Processor
 Web Browser
 Messenger, etc.

13. Computer Languages
 Machine Language
 binary number codes understood by a specific
CPU
 Not standard
 Different machine language for each type of CPU
 Assembly Language
 mnemonic codes that correspond to machine
language instructions

14. Computer Languages
 A Machine Language Program Fragment
and Its Assembly Language Equivalent

15. Computer Languages
 High-Level Language
 machine-independent programming language
that combines algebraic expressions and English
symbols
prepared by NI, edited by MAF

16. Computer Languages
 Compilersoftware
 that translates a high-level language program into
machine language
 Source file
 File containing a program written in a high-level
language; the input for a compiler
 Syntax
 Grammar rules of a programming language

17. Computer Languages
 Object file
 file of machine language instructions that is the
output of a compiler
 Linker
 Software that combines object files and resolves
cross-references to create an executable
machine language Program

18. Entering, Translating, and
Running a High-Level
Language Program

19. Flow of Information During
Program Execution

20. Software Development Method
 Specify the problem requirements.
 Analyze the problem.
 Design the algorithm to solve the problem.
 Implement the algorithm.
 Test and verify the completed program.
 Maintain and update the program.

21. Professional Ethics for
ComputerProgrammers
 Privacy and Misuse of Data
 computertheft (computerfraud) - Illegally
obtaining money by falsifying information in a
computer database
 ComputerHacking
 Virus - Code attached to another program that
spreads through a computer’s disk memory,
disrupting the computer or erasing information
 Worm - A virus that can disrupt a network by
replicating itself on other network computers

22. Professional Ethics for
ComputerProgrammers
 Plagiarismand Software Piracy
 Software piracy – Violating copyright agreements
by illegally copying software for use in another
computer
 Misuse of a ComputerResource