Introduction to Computers

ToulouConsult 2004

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
OVERVIEW OF COMPUTING AND COMPUTERS Computing refers to information/data processing. With the volume of information in our world today, computers have in not a little way affected our lives. In education, telecommunications, journalism, banking, etc., the computer has made life much easier. It is the broad spectrum of computing (i.e. study, development and professional practice) that is referred to as Information Technology (IT) To get started with this course, the first question to be asked is this: What is a Computer? A Computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it, and gives the required information as output.

Input

Process

Output

Fig. 1 The computer model illustrating the Input Process Output cycle

History: Computers were first made in the 20th century even though the mathematical foundation was laid in the 19th century by people like Charles Babbage and Blaise Pascal with their early mechanical computing machines. In discussing the history of the modern computer, we classify them into generations. I. First generation: (1945 1955) characterized by the vacuum tube (a.k.a. thermionic valve) as its major functional electronic component. II. Second generation: (1955 early 60s) characterized by the transistor which replaced the vacuum tubes as they were faster, smaller and emitted less heat. III. Third generation: (1960s 70s) was a major breakthrough in computing research with the advent of the IC (Integrated Circuit) where hundreds of transistors could be integrated onto a tiny silicon chip. IV. Fourth generation: (1970s till date) was a further development on the IC with a Very Large Scale Integration of thousands of transistors on a single chip. (The Personal Computer is a 4th gen.) -1

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Fifth generation: This is a generation of computers that have a certain level of intelligence in a specific sphere of life. They can not currently be said to exist now even though scientists are already applying that principle at some level of computing referred to as Artificial Intelligence.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS Computers today are categorized based on size, cost and performance. 1. Micro-computers are the least and are designed for personal use in the office or at home often referred to as a PC (Personal Computer). In that class are desktops, Lap-tops/ notebooks, Palm-tops/PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), organizers and calculators. 2. Mini-computer is a general purpose computer sometimes about the size of a small filing cabinet. It is faster, more expensive and has a higher storage capacity than the average desktop model. The mini-computer is oriented towards multiple users. 3. Mainframe: is the type of computer suited for use by very large organisations that deal with both vast database and extensive data processing. The mainframe occupies as much as a small room. For example, organisations such as airports, power stations, census commission utilize the mainframe. 4. Supercomputers: This is the largest in this classification of computers. They are used for complex scientific and defence applications such as in Space Research and Administration and Meteorological Centres. The supercomputer often comprises of multiple input, process and output devices and can fill up an entire hall.

Essence: Data processing involves the systematic recording, arranging, filing, processing and dissemination of information relating to a particular organisation. Having seen the concept of the computer system, we shall look at the advantages derived from the computer.

BENEFITS OF USING A COMPUTER It improves efficiency and productivity as a result of accuracy and speed. Computers are diligent data processors and can never get bored or tired of carryingout the same tasks over and over again.

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Introduction to Computers Provides a global platform for business interaction.

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PARTS OF A COMPUTER 1. Hardware In identifying the parts of a PC, the definition of a computer can be enhanced in the diagram below:

Input

Process

Output

Storage

Fig. 2 A computer model showing the 4 categories of hardware

Input devices include Keyboard, Mouse, Joy-stick, microphone, scanner, etc. Processing The only process hardware is the CPU (Central Processing Unit) also referred to as microprocessor. The CPU comprises of the ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit), which handles arithmetic operations and logical comparisons of data, and the Control Unit, which controls the manner in which instructions are carried out.

Storage - Such hardware are the RAM (Random Access Memory) which is the primary/internal storage. Secondary/External storage devices are Hard disk, Floppy disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory). Others are tape cartridge and zip disks. The RAM is a volatile storage, in other words, data is lost when power is off. That is where the external storage is useful as they are non-volatile.

Output devices include the Visual Display Unit (VDU) or monitor, Printer, speaker.

Note: The system unit is the box-like casing that houses the CPU, circuitry and storage devices of the computer.

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Introduction to Computers 2. Software

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Software is a group name for all programs which drive the computer. A program is a series of coded instructions for the computer to obey. The computer follows formalised rules and procedures called software. Software is in two categories - System Software and Application Software. The system software does something for the computer while the application software does something for you.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE: These are programs which interface directly with the hardware. It instructs the computer in machine language referred to as binary instructions. Examples of system software include: Operating System The O/S is the resource manager as it controls both the hardware and software resources. BIOS (Basic Input & Output System) Responsible for initializing the computer when switched on by checking the presence and functionality of all devices in the PC

APPLICATION SOFTWARE These are software packages designed to achieve a particular data processing task.

Other software includes: Translators These are programs which convert statements written in a High-level (human-like) Language into Low-level (machine) language. e.g. Assemblers, Compilers and Interpreters Utilities and service programs are systems which provide useful service to the user of the computer by providing facilities for performing maintenance tasks of a routine nature such as: File management, Anti-virus and device management.

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COMPUTER NETWORKS
Computer network is the interconnectivity or two or more computers. A computer network can also be interconnected with peripherals such as printers, fax machines, scanners to mention the most common. Networked computers communicate via telecommunications systems using a varying combination of cables, radio transmitters and/or satellite transceivers.

LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) This is a computer network that communicates entirely on cables within a building. Other components like the Network Interface Cards, hubs and switches are used alongside the cables to form the transmission circuit. In this network, al least one of the computers is configured as the network resource manager which controls user access and data communication between all the devices linked to the LAN. This computer is called the server.

WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN) This is a network that spans a wider geographical area in which the connected computers are in different buildings probably in different cities. A WAN could consist of more than one LAN connected together. WANs utilize radio links for communication between one location and another.

INTERNET What is the Internet? The Internet is a worldwide interconnection of different types of computers from thousands of networks around the world. In other words, the Internet consists of many computer networks from different countries all connected together. These computers are connected through telephone lines and satellite links.

How did the Internet begin? In 1969, the U. S. Department of Defense established the ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) to aid the military research going on in some

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universities by sharing information. This later grew to encompass all of America. More networks emerged that accommodated non-military research like the NSFNET (National Science Foundation Network), in the 80s, which allowed universities and other agencies to link up with its supercomputers. The NSFNET later became known as the Internet.

Who controls the Internet? No one actually owns the Internet but each connected network may be owned. The only regulatory body is the Internet Society (ISOC) which is a voluntary membership organisation that promotes Internet use. The ISOC through its Internet Architecture Board (IAB) sets standards for Internet usage.

How does the Internet function? The primary function of the Internet is to share information either by sending or receiving of particular information. A person can only access the Internet through a computer connected to the Internet either by means of a modem linked to a telephone line (dial-up access) or through a satellite network (VSAT). The user then connects to another computer elsewhere by means of its web address using a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. For example, a web address, www.toulouconsult.edu.ng refers to a computer with information on Toulouconsult which is an educational institution in Nigeria. All addresses must have a description on the nature of the organisation it represents. Common descriptions are: com edu org net gov mil Commercial Educational Non-profit organisation Network company Government Military

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Web addresses often have country abbreviations such as ng uk jp ge za au Nigeria United Kingdom Japan Germany South Africa Australia

Not all addresses have a country abbreviation. Often times this means that the computer having such information is located in the United States.

Internet Services There are a range of services offered on the Internet. Examples are: 1. E-mail: meaning Electronic mail. This is a way in which a person can send letters to another person electronically through the Internet. The sender must know the e-mail address of the recipient and indicate it in a designated field in the e-mail. 2. Chat: These are virtual rooms that enable interactive communication between two or more people. A user must use a log in with a name and password to a Chat software that will be used to invite other users to communicate with him and respond almost immediately. 3. Search Engine: A search engine is a program that allows a user to search for information on a particular word or set of words specified by the user, on the Internet. 4. E-commerce: (Electronic commerce) This is involves advertising, buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet. Most times payment is buy credit card or online funds transfer. 5. E-learning: Many educational institutions, especially universities, have electronic learning systems where students register and receive lectures and take exams using the Internet. This aids long-distance education for busy people. News, games, music and many more are also available on the Internet.

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Introduction to Computers

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SURFING THE WEB

WHAT IS THE WORLD WIDE WEB? The World Wide Web is a hypertext-based system for finding and accessing Internet resources. Hypertext is a non-linear linking of information and resources, which enables the user to move at will from one piece of information to the next, following a train of thought. TO GET THERE:

Netscape Navigator OR Internet Explorer

Left-click on a browser icon (above) on the MSOffice sidebar or click the INTERNET folder on the left hand side of the screen. These are the two most popular browsers, or applications that allow you access to web sitesgraphics and text.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE:

The browsers will open on the UIC home page: e.g. http://www.uic.edu/.

The extension .edu refers to educational institutions. Other common extensions are .com for commercial sites or .org for organizations. Even if you dont know the exact address of a web site you can sometimes guess its address. For instance, the Pepsi web site is http://www.pepsi.com/

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO LINK OUT (SURF)

Look at the UIC pageor any web page for that matter. The magic of the Web lies in its use of hypertext links that whisk you from one page to another, from one site to another, when they are clicked. WWWeb addresses usually begin with a http:

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TIP: You do not need to type in the http when you are entering the address of your target site in the location field at the top of the page. For instance, just type http://www.infoseek.com/.

How do we recognize a link? Links are portions of text that are underlined or areas (images) where the cursor turns into a hand. If you click on a link the computer will begin to connect to another computer either in this city of halfway around the world to get your information.

Identifying a Hyperlink Text links are usually underlined and in a different color from the rest of the text. Move your cursor over the Learn the Net logo and notice the URL in the status bar.

To determine if a graphic is hyperlinked, move your cursor arrow over the image. You know the item is hyperlinked if: 1. The arrow cursor turns into a hand. 2. A URL appears in the status bar at the lower left of your web browser. TIP: While the document is loading,

in Netscape Communicator : stars will come streaking down around the letter N. in Explorer, the e in the small upper right hand corner will seem to spin. Check at the bottom of the page to see when the Document is done or when all the necessary text and images have been transferred. Now all you have to do is cruise from interesting link to link. Click-click-click.

TO MOVE FROM PAGE TO PAGE Use the navigation bar at the top of the browser to go Back to a previously viewed page, or Forward-in the opposite direction, to Stop a transfer or to Print a page. TO CUT AND PASTE

Select the text to be copied by highlighting an area or chose Select All from the Edit Menu.

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Go to Copy on Edit Menu or click Copy icon on toolbar. Open a Word Processing application (such as MSWord) and Paste your text into New Document, then Save. TO SAVE YOUR DOCUMENT You can also save the text of a web page to your disk. Go to File> Save As> .txt. Be sure to save it to your floppy disk (drive a:)

TO PRINT YOUR DOCUMENT

Go to File>Print Printing a Web Page

Most browsers have a Print button on the toolbar that lets you print a web page. Some web pages are divided into multiple sections called frames. You can only print one frame at a time. To print a particular frame, first select it by clicking it. Then click the Print button or select Print Frame from the File menu.

SAVING AN IMAGE FROM THE WEB Move your cursor over the graphic. Windows users: Click the right mouse button. A pop-up box appears. Macintosh users: Click and hold the mouse button. A pop-up box appears. Save the image to your hard drive by selecting a Save option. You can accept the current file name or rename the file. (Graphic files are usually in .gif or .jpg format.)

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