2. Text and Reference Material
1. Introduction to
Computers, by Peter
Norton. 6th Edition
2. Sinha, P. K. Computer
Fundamentals.
3. Understanding
Computers, today and
tomorrow
2
3. 3
Computers in Your Life
Why learn about computers?
Pervasive Computing
Also known as ubiquitous computing
Computers have become an integral part of our lives
Basic computer literacy
Knowing about and understanding computers and their uses is
an essential skill today for everyone.
4. 4
Computers in Your Life
Before 1980
Computers were large, expensive
Very few people had access to them
Computers were mostly used for high-volume processing tasks
Microcomputers in the early 80s
Inexpensive personal computers
Computer use increased dramatically
Today
In 2016, more than 89.3% of US households include a computer,
and most use computers at work
Electronic devices are converging into single units with multiple
capabilities
5. 5
Computers in the Home
Computers used for a variety of tasks:
Looking up information and news
Exchange e-mail
Shopping and paying bills
Downloading music and movies
Organizing digital photographs
Playing games
Telecommuting
Convergence
The computer has become the central part of home entertainment
Dual-mode mobile phones
6. 6
Computers in the Home
Wireless networking
Computers can be used in nearly any location
Smart appliances
Traditional appliances with built-in computer or
communication technology
Smart homes
Household tasks are monitored and controlled by a main
computer in the house
8. 8
Computers in Education
K-12 schools now use the computer as an overall student-
based learning tool
Colleges and universities are even more integrated
Classrooms, computer labs, dorms, libraries
Wireless hotspots and Internet assignments
Teachers
Prepare handouts, exams, and class presentations
Maintain course Web pages
Distance learning
Students participate from locations other than the traditional
classroom setting using computers and Internet access
10. 10
Computers in the Workplace
Computers have become a universal on-the-job tool
for decision-making, productivity, and
communication
Used by all types of employees
Used for access control and other security measures
Used by service professionals is growing
Used extensively by the military
Employees in all lines of work need to continually refresh
their computer skills
11. 11
Computers on the Go
Computers are encountered in nearly every aspect
of daily life
Portable PCs and handheld computers
Wi-Fi hotspots and Internet cafes
ATM machines and retail stores
Self-checkout systems
M-commerce systems
GPS systems
13. 13
What is Computer?
The word computer comes from the word “compute”, which
means, “to calculate”.
Thereby, a computer is an electronic device that can
perform arithmetic operations at high speed.
Converts data into information.
A computer is also called a data processor because it can store,
process, and retrieve data whenever desired
Computer is an electronic device that takes some data as input,
process it according to given instructions and gives information
as output which can be stored temporarily or permanently.
14. 14
Define computer?
Def1: An electronic machine that can store and process information. It is
defined as stored program digital computing system.
Def2: A Computer is an electronic device of wires, transistors, circuits,
instructions, and data can transmit, store and manipulate information.
Def3: A Computer is a machine that accepts data and processes that data
(data may be numbers, letters or both or even sounds). Information is turned
into electrical pulses so that it may be processed by sorting, collating and
deleting mathematical manipulation and other forms of data processing.
Def4: A computer accepts information using an input device. The
information is processed by a central processing unit or stored in a
storage unit i.e. Hard Disk and then processed.
16. Data vs. Information
Data is raw material
used as input
Can be in the form of
text, graphics, audio, or
video
Can’t take decision
information is
processed data
obtained as output of
data processing
Data that has been
processed into a
meaningful form
Make decision easy.
16
17. Data vs. Information
R. No Name F/Name Age Weight Marks % Domicile
202001 Ali Javid 22 55 75 Punjab
202002 Aamir Subhan 23 56 80 Sindh
202003 Sohail Kamran 22 54 77 GB
202004 Amina Imran 21 50 72 Punjab
202001 Ali Javid 22 55 Punjab 75
Aamir Subhan 202002 23 56 Sindh 80
202003 Sohail Kamran 22 54 GB 77
202004 21 50 Punjab 72 Amina Imran
17
18. 18
Data Processing
The activity of processing data using a
computer is called data processing.
Information processing
Converting data into
information
19. 19
Characteristics of Computers
Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it
automatically without human interventions.
Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs very
fast, usually measured in microseconds (10-6),
nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12).
Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high
and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its design.
20. 20
Characteristics of Computers
Diligence: Computer is free from tiredness, and lack of
concentration. It can continuously work for hours without
creating any error and without grumbling.
Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost any
task, if the task can be reduced to a finite series of logical
steps.
Power of Remembering: Computer can store and recall
any amount of information because of its secondary
storage capability. It forgets or looses certain information
only when it is asked to do so.
21. 21
Characteristics of Computers
No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed
to do. It cannot take its own decision in this regard
No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their
judgement is based on the instructions given to them in
the form of programs that are written by us (human
beings) .
