Introduction to Computers

By Prof. Abdul Ghafar

Computer System
 It includes
 Hardware
 Tangible and physical component of computer system
 Software
 Set of instructions to computer system
 User
 Person involves in computer system
 Communication
 Exchange of data from one device to other.
 Data
 Collection of different type of information stored and manipulated by computer
system for user.
Computer
 A computer is an electronic device that accepts
inputs, process them and produce outputs.
 A computer is an electronic device that can input and
store a set of instructions designed to perform a
specific task, input and store data, process the stored
data according to the given instructions, and produce
output to its users.
Computer
 A computer is a device that manipulate
data and converts that data into
information.
 Data is a raw collection of facts and
figures whereas information is an
arranged data that may be useful for other
practical purposes.
Types of computer
 Special Purpose Computer
 Itis a computer designed for a particular function,
executing the same stored set of instructions
whenever required.
 General Purpose Computer
 Itis a computer designed for solving any type of
problem, so it accepts different set of instructions and
produces different results.
 These type of computers are called programmable
devices. So a programmer needs to write program to
operate this type of computer.
What are Inputs?
 It is the collection of data elements which
are required or needed to initiate a specific
task or program.
 For example, calculate income tax of given
salary. Salary in this case is input.
What are Outputs
 It is the collection of data elements which are
required after the end of a specific task or
program.
 For example, calculate income tax of given
salary. Amount of income tax in this case is
output.
What is processing?
 It is the transformation of inputs into
outputs by using different formulas,
functions, or procedures.
 It is the processing which need to be
programmed.
 Processing is basic logic behind the
program or software.
Software
 Software is instructions that when
executed provide desired function and
performance.
 Software is also called PROGRAM.
Program
 A set of instructions that perform a specific task is
called a program.
 Program is the instructions to solve a problem. It tells
how inputs will be transformed into outputs.
 Program is a list of instructions that a computer must
follow in order to process data into information.
Software is Logical Part
 Software is not a physical element of
computer system, rather it is a logical part
of computer system.
 These are the instructions traveled in
hardware as electronic signals.
Software as a Controller

 Software is a controller or manager of

computer system.
 Software acts as the basis for the control
of the computer
Software as a Middleman
 Software is an interface between user and hardware
in computer system.
 Software provides a facility to communicate between
user and hardware.
 User directly is not able to communicate with
hardware, software provides that facility to user.
Software as Lifeblood to
Hardware
 Software is a life blood to control hardware
that is the physical and tangible portion of
computer system.
 Without software, hardware are just dead
entities, it is software that puts life into
hardware.
Type of software
 Applications software
 They consists of programs designed to
perform tasks for users.
 Systems software
 These are the programs that control the
operations of the computer and its devices,
server as the interface between a user and
computer’s hardware.
System software
 Operating System
 Itcontains instructions that coordinates all of the
activities of hardware devices. For example
Windows XP
 Utility Program
 Itis a type of system software that performs a
specific task, usually related to managing a
computer, its devices , or its programs. For example
Format harddisks.
User Interface
 Command-driven interface
 Written commands are used to interact with system.
 Menu-driven interface
A list of command is used to select the relevant action
executed by system.
 Graphical User interface
 Itcontains graphics, icons, windows, etc, to interact
with system.
Application software
 Package Software
 It is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a
single user. For example MS Office
 Custom Software
 It is a program developed at a user’s request to perform a specific
functions. For example Superior College’s MIS system
 Shareware
 It is software that is distributed free for a trial period.
 Freeware and Public-Domain software
 It is provided at no cost to a user but copyrighted, whereas public-
domain is free software with no copyright restrictions.
Application software
 Productivity/Business Software
 It includes Word processing, database, presentation graphics,
personal information management, etc,.
 Graphic Design/Multimedia Software
 It includes Computer-aided design, desktop publishing,
Paint/Image editing, Video and audio editing, Mutlimedia authoring,
web page authoring, etc,.
 Home/Personal/Educational Software
 It includes home designing, educational, painting/imaging,
entertainment, game, etc,.
 Communication Software
 It includes groupware, email, web browser, etc,.
Hardware
 These are physical and tangible part of
computer.
 The electric, electronic, and mechanical
equipment that makes up a computer is
called hardware.
Types of hardware
 Input devices
 They allow a user to enter data and commands into the memory of a computer. For
example, keyboard, mouse
 Output devices
 They are used to convey the information generated by a computer to a user. For example,
monitor, printer
 Storage devices
 They are used to record and retrieve data, instructions and information to and from a
storage medium. For example CD-ROM, Hard disk.
 Storage medium is the physical material on which data, instruction, and information are
stored.
 Processing devices
 These are used to convert inputs given by user into outputs. For example CPU, Memory
 Memory is used to store the data processed by CPU.
 Communication devices
 These are used to communicate message from one computer system to other. For example
modem