CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:

Computer literacy
What a computer is and what it does
Components of a computer
Power of computers
Computer software
Networks
Internet
CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS
Personal computers
Minicomputers
Mainframe computers
Supercomputers.
How people employ computers from home users to large business users
Finally, how people use computers to provide information
IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER LITERACY
WHERE CAN YOU FIND COMPUTERS?
Computers have touched every part of our lives: the way we work, the way we learn, the way we
live, even the way we play. It almost is impossible to go through a single day without
encountering a computer, a device dependent on a computer, information produced by a
computer, or a word that was introduced or whose meaning has changed with the advent of
computers. Because of the significance of computers in todays world, it is important to be
computer literate.
WHAT IS COMPUTER LITERACY (DIGITAL LITERACY)?
Knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses is called computer literacy.
WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
HOW IS A COMPUTER DEFINED?

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An electronic machine (device), operating under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory that can
Accept data
Process (Manipulate) the data according to specified rules
Produce results
Store the results for future use.
Computers process data to create information.
WHAT ARE DATA AND INFORMATION?
Data is a collection of raw unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols. i.e. text, numbers, images,
audio, video.
Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful.
To process data into information, a computer uses hardware and software.
WHO IS USER?
Person who can communicates with a computer or uses the information it generates is called a
user.
WHAT ARE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE?
Hardware is the electric, electronic, and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer. These
components include input devices, output devices, s system unit, storage devices and
communication devices.
Instructions are the steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task.
Software is the series of instructions (organized for a common purpose) that tells the hardware
how to perform tasks.
WHAT IS THE INFORMATION PROCESSING CYCLE?
Input, process, output, storage and communication activities are called information processing
cycle.
The first three operations in the information processing cycle input, process, and output are
performed to process data into information, while the fourth operation storage refers to a
computers electronic reservoir capability.
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

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Some computer components are considered internal, while others are considered external.
External components are called peripherals. Input, output, and communications devices often
are peripheral devices.
WHAT ARE COMMON COMPUTER HARDWARE COMPONENTS?
Computer hardware components include
Input devices (web cam, mouse, keyboard, microphone scanner)
Output devices (printer, monitor, speakers)
System unit (processor, memory, and storage devices)
Storage devices (optical disc drive, hard disk drive, flash, external hard disk, card reader/writer,
memory cards)
Communications devices (modem)
WHAT IS AN INPUT DEVICE?
An input device is any hardware component that allows a user to enter data and instructions into
a computer. Six commonly used input devices are the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner,
digital camera, and PC camera.
A computer keyboard contains keys you press to enter data into the computer. For security
purposes, some keyboards include a fingerprint reader, which allows you to work with the
computer only if your fingerprint is recognized.
A mouse is a small handheld device. With the mouse, you control movement of a small symbol
on the screen, called the pointer, and you make selections from the screen.
A microphone allows you to speak into the computer.
A scanner converts printed material (such as text and pictures) into a form the computer can use.
A web cam is a digital video camera that allows you to create movies or take pictures and store
them on the computer instead of on tape or film.
WHAT IS AN OUTPUT DEVICE?
An output device is any hardware component that can convey information to a user. Three
commonly used output devices are a printer, a monitor, and speakers.
A printer produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper.
A monitor displays text, graphics and videos on a screen.
Speakers allow you to hear music, voice and other audio (sounds).
WHAT IS THE SYSTEM UNIT (CHASSIS)?
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A box-like case made from metal or plastic that protects the internal electronic components
connected to motherboard from damage is called system unit.
WHAT ARE THE TWO MAIN COMPONENTS ON THE MOTHERBOARD?
The system unit contains the processor (also called central processing unit or processor chip) and
memory.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic device that interprets and carries out the
basic instructions and tell computer what to do on PCs called a microprocessor chip.
Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and
data needed by those instructions. It is a temporary holding place for data and instructions.
Although some forms of memory are permanent, most memory keeps data and instructions
temporarily, which mean its contents, are erased when the computer is shut off.
INTERNAL reside inside the system unit.
WHAT IS STORAGE?
Storage holds data, instructions and information for future use.
STORAGE MEDIUM
Physical material on which data, instructions and information are stored is called storage
medium. E.g. USB flash drive, hard disk, optical disc and memory cards.
STORAGE DEVICE
A storage device records (writes) and retrieves (reads) data to and from a storage medium.
WHAT ARE COMMON STORAGE DEVICES OR DRIVES?
Six common storage devices are
Floppy disk drive
Zip drive
Hard disk drive
CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive
CD-RW drive
DVD+RW drive
WHAT IS A FLOPPY DISK?
A thin, circular and flexible disk enclosed in rigid plastic is called a floppy disk. A Zip disk is a
higher capacity disk.
WHAT IS HARD DISK?
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It provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk. The average hard disk can hold
more than 320 billion characters. These are enclosed in an airtight, sealed case.
TYPES OF HARD DISKS
Self-contained hard disk
Portable hard disk
SELF-CONTAINED HARD DISKS
These are housed inside the system unit.
PORTABLE HARD DISK
Portable hard disks are either external or removable. An external hard disk is a separate, freestanding unit, whereas you insert and remove a removable hard disk from the computer or a
device connected to the computer.
WHAT IS A COMMUNICATION DEVICE?
A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer user to send
(transmit) and receive data, instructions and information to and from one or more other
computers or mobile devices. A modem is a communications device that enables computers to
communicate usually via telephone lines or cable.
WHY IS A COMPUTER SO POWERFUL TOOL?
WHAT MAKES A COMPUTER POWERFUL?
A computer is a powerful tool because it is able to perform the information processing cycle
operations (input, process, output, and storage) with amazing speed, reliability, and accuracy;
store huge amounts of data and information; and communicate with other computers. Computers
allow users to generate correct information quickly, hold the information so it is available at any
time, and share the information with other computer users.
Connected computers can share each operation in the information processing cycle. To recognize
the value of communication, imagine trying to solve a problem individually, and then trying to
solve the same problem with the assistance of several classmates.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
What is a computer program?
A series of instructions that tells the computer what to do is called a program.
What happens when you run a program from a CD-ROM?
Usually must install part or all on the hard disk.
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Step-1: Insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.

Step-2: Instruct the computer to run the program.
Step-2a: Setup program installs to hard drive.
Step-3: The program executes.
VARIOUS TYPES OF SOFTWARE
Software, are also called a program, consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a
common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
There are two categories of computer software:
System software
Application software
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The programs that control or maintain the operations of a computer and its devices. System
software serves as the interface between the user, the application software and the computers
hardware.
TYPES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Two types of system software are
Operating system
Utility programs
OPERATING SYSTEM
An operating system (OS) is a set of program that coordinates all the activities among
computers hardware devices and contains instructions that allow you to run application
software. It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software.
When a user starts a computer, portions of the operating system are copied into memory from the
computers hard disk. These parts of the operating system remain in the memory while the
computer is on.
Popular operating systems include DOS (Disk Operating System), Windows 3.x (technically, not
an operating system but an operating environment that makes DOS easier to use), Windows 95,
Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac OS, OS/2, UNIX, Linux, and NetWare. DOS
was developed by Microsoft for IBM personal computers. DOS has a command-line interface,
meaning that people have to memorize and type instructions.

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Today, operating systems with a graphical user interface, such as Microsofts Windows, are far
more popular.
UTILITY PROGRAM
A utility program allows a user to perform specific tasks (maintenance-type tasks), usually
related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs. For example, you can use a utility
program to transfer digital photos to an optical disc.
What is the User Interface?
User interface controls how you enter data and commands and how information displays on the
screen.
What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
Uses visual images such as icons.
What is an icon?
A miniature image that represents a program, an instruction, or some other objects is called an
icon. You can use the mouse to select icons that perform operations such as starting a program.
WHAT IS AN APPLICATION SOFTWARE?
Application software consists of programs that perform specific tasks for users. E.g. web
browser. It is application software which is used in communications. It allows users with an
Internet connection to access and view web pages or access programs. Other popular application
software includes word processing software (for documents), spreadsheet software (calculates
numbers arranged in rows and columns), database software (organizes and retrieves, manipulates
and displays data), and presentation graphics software.
WHAT ARE

PACKAGED,

CUSTOM,

FREEWARE,

PUBLIC

DOMAIN

AND

SHAREWARE SOFTWARE?
Application software can be packaged software (copyrighted software that meets the needs of a
variety of users), custom software (tailor-made software developed at a users request),
freeware (copyrighted software provided at no cost), public-domain software (software
donated for public use with no copyright restrictions), or shareware (copyrighted software
distributed free for a trial period).
What is an application service provider (ASP)?
A third-party company that manages and distributes software and services on the Internet is
called an application service provider.
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Who designs and writes software?

Systems analyst, programmers and packaged software purchased off the shelf.
DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
The difference between computer hardware and computer software is important. A 3-inch
floppy disk is hardware; however the programs stored on it are software. Programs or software,
like data, are input into the computer.
NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET
What is a network?
A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications
devices (such as a modem) and communications media (such as cables, telephone lines, cellular
radio, and satellites).
What is online?
When a computer connects to a network, it is online.
Explain the purpose (reason) of a network
Networks allow users to share resources, such as hardware devices, software devices, data, and
information. Sharing resources saves time and money.
What is a local area network?
Networks that connects computers in a limited geographical area is called a LAN (Local Area
Network).
Components
Server
It controls access to the resources (software, printer and storage) on a network. It has more
power, more storage space and expanded communications capabilities.
Client
Client is also called as workstation. It requests resources from the server.
What is wide area network (WAN)?
Network that covers large geographical area is called WAN.
Most business computers are networked, either by a local area network (LAN) in a limited
geographic area or by a wide area network (WAN) in a large geographical area.
What is the Internet?

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Worldwide collection of networks that links together millions of businesses, government

agencies, educational institutions, and individuals is called the Internet.
Why do users access the Internet?
Users connect to the Internet to send messages (E-mail), access information, shop for goods and
services, meet or converse with other users, and access sources of entertainment and leisure.
How do users connect to the Internet?
Most users connect to the Internet through an Internet service provider (ISP) or an online service
provider (OSP).
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
It provides access to the Internet.
Online service provider (OSP)
It provides access to the Internet and specialized services.
What is the World Wide Web (WWW)?
The World Wide Web is a popular segment (service) of the Internet that contains billions of
documents called Web pages. These web pages (documents) can contain text, graphics, sound,
video, and built-in connections, or links to other Web pages stored on computers throughout the
world.
What is web site?
Collection of related web pages (documents) is called a web site.
What is web browser?
Program used to access and view web pages is called web browser.
How do you connect to Internet and display a web page?
Step-1: use computer to make a local telephone call to an online service provider.
Step-2: use browser such as Internet Explorer to display the web page.
Step-3: enter the address of the web site.
Step-4: the web browser locates the web site and displays the web page.

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CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS
What are the categories of computers?
The six major categories of computers are:
1.

Personal computers (desktop)

2.

Handheld computers

3.

Internet appliances

4.

Mid-range servers

5.

Mainframes

6.

Supercomputers.

These categories are based on differences in size, speed, processing capabilities, and price.
PERSONAL COMPUTER
A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and
storage activities by itself.
Personal computers include a processor, memory, and one or more input, output, storage devices
and often communications device. companies such as Dell, HP, and Toshiba sell personal
computers
TYPES OF PERSONAL COMPUTER
1.

Desktop computers

2.

Notebook computers (Laptop)

A desktop computer is designed so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any
other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table.

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Variations of desktop computers include

Tower models
Computers with tall and narrow system units that can sit vertically on the floor.
All-in-one computers
Less expensive computers that combine the monitor and system unit into a single device.
Workstations
More expensive and powerful computers designed for work that requires intense calculation and
graphics capabilities.
NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS (LAPTOP)
A notebook computer is a portable personal computer small enough fit on your lap. Notebook
and desktop computers are used at home or in the office to perform application software-related
tasks or to access the Internet.
HANDHELD COMPUTER (ULTRA MOBILE PC)
A handheld computer is a small computer that fits in your hand. Handheld computers can
perform specific, industry-related functions, or can be general-purpose.
PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT
A PDA (personal digital assistant) is a handheld computer that provides personal organizer
functions, such as a calendar, appointment book, and notepad.
INTERNET APPLIANCE
An Internet appliance is a computer with limited functionality whose main purpose is to
connect to the Internet from home.
MID-RANGE SERVER
A mid-range server is more powerful and larger than a workstation computer. Users typically
access a mid-range server through a personal computer or a terminal, which is a device with a
monitor and a keyboard that usually has no stand-alone processing power.
MAINFRAME
A mainframe is a large, expensive, very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or
thousands of connected users simultaneously.
SUPERCOMPUTER
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive category of computer.
VARIOUS TYPES OF COMPUTER USERS
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Computer users can be divided into five categories:

1.

Home user

2.

Small office/home office users

3.

Mobile users

4.

Large business users

5.

Power users.

HOME USER
A home user spends time on the computer for personal and business communications, budgeting
and personal financial management, entertainment, and Web access.
SMALL OFFICE/HOME OFFICE
A small office/home office (SOHO) user includes any company with fewer than 50 employees,
as well as self-employed people that work out of their home.
MOBILE USER
A mobile user travels to and from a main office or school to conduct business, communicate, or
do homework.
LARGE BUSINESS USER
A large business user works for a company that has a large number of employees and computers
usually connected to a network.
POWER USER
The power user such as an engineer, architect, or desktop publisher typically works with
multimedia, which combines several media elements into one application, and requires the
capabilities of a workstation or other powerful computer.
ASSIGNMENT
How have computers affected the efficiency of businesses? What impact have computers had on
the interpersonal side of business (i.e., employee and customer relationships)? How have
computers changed peoples jobs? Have computers cost any people their jobs?

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Instructor:

Muhammad Akhtar Shah

Subject title:

Computer Fundamentals

Course Code:

CA-110

Contact Hours:

Theory (2) + Practicals (2)

Marks Theory:

100

Marks Practical:

50

COURSE PLAN
1

Introduction to computers
Basic components of computer, different types of computers, history of computers, how

basic input/output devices works (mouse, keyboard, monitors, etc), printer functioning.
Introduction to number system
Different number systems, conversions between different number systems, introduction to

computer codes (BCD, EDCDIC, ASCII), arithmetic in different number system.

Introduction to operating system

Introduction to windows, networking basics, MS word, MS excel and MS PowerPoint.

Introduction to programming
Flow chart, Pseudo code, programming in VC++ (program structure and simple programs
of civil engineering problems)
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Introduction to Auto Cad

Using the line command, Using coordinates, Using relative coordinates drawing the box,
Using relative Cartesian coordinates, Erasing lines, Controlling how the selection tools are
displayed, Using relative polar coordinates, Using the offset command, Using the fillet
command, Completing the box, Offsetting lines to mark an opening, Extending lines,
Trimming lines, Setting up the drawing units, Setting up the drawing size, Using the grid,
Setting up drawing limits , drawing with grid and snap, Taking a closer look at dynamic
display, Saving your work summarizing Auto Cads units, Using linear unit, Using angular
units.

TENTATIVE MARKS DISTRIBUTION

PART-I, THEORY (100)
Subject
Theory paper
Class performance
Class performance:

Total marks
80
20

Pass marks
32
8

20

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