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Lec1-Introductiontocomputercomponents-Fall2024-25-

1. Introduction to Computing Lecture 1

1.1 Grading Structure

  • Total Percentage: 100%

    • 30%: Section / Lab Work (Weeks 1 – 7)

      • Quizzes (5)

      • 7th Exam

    • 20%: Section / Lab Work/ Quizzes (Weeks 8 – 12)

      • 12th Exam

    • 10%: Section / Lab Work (Week 14)

    • 40%: Final Exam (Week 16)

1.2 Textbook Information

  • Title: Understanding Computers – Today and Tomorrow (16th Edition)

    • Authors: Deborah Morley, Charles S. Parker

    • Access: Available through Kortext using student portal.

1.3 Course Outline by Week

  1. Week 1: Introduction to Computing

  2. Week 2: Inside Computers

  3. Week 3: System Software

  4. Week 4: Flowcharts (1)

  5. Week 5: Flowcharts (2)

  6. Week 6: 7th Week Exam

  7. Week 7: Binary System

  8. Week 8: Binary Arithmetic

  9. Week 9: Octal and Hexadecimal

  10. Week 10: Introduction to Logic Gates (1)

  11. Week 11: 12th Week Exam

  12. Week 12: Introduction to Logic Gates (2)

  13. Week 13: Boolean Expressions (1)

  14. Week 14: Boolean Expressions (2)

  15. Week 15: Revision

  16. Week 16: Final Exam

2. Key Concepts

2.1 What is a Computer?

  • Definition: A programmable electronic device that accepts data, performs operations on that data, and stores the results as needed.

  • Functionality: Computers follow instructions called programs that dictate their operations.

2.2 Main Computer System Layers

  1. Hardware

    • Internal Hardware: Located inside the system unit

    • External Hardware: Connects via wired or wireless connections

  2. System Software

    • Operating System: Manages computer activities

    • Utilities: Example programs for optimization and diagnostics

  3. Application Software

    • Programs for specific tasks (e.g., word processing, gaming)

2.3 Basic Computer Operations

  • 1. Input: Entering data into the computer.

  • 2. Processing: Performing operations on the data.

  • 3. Output: Presenting the processed information.

  • 4. Storage: Saving data for future use.

  • 5. Communications: Sending and receiving data.

3. Data vs. Information

  • Data: Raw and unorganized facts, which can be text, graphics, audio, or video.

  • Information: Data processed into a meaningful form.

  • Information Processing: The mechanism of converting data into information.

4. Categories of Computers

4.1 Embedded Computers

  • Definition: Embedded within products for specific tasks (e.g., household appliances, thermostats).

  • Characteristics: Generally not general-purpose computers.

4.2 Mobile Devices

  • Description: Small devices with computing capabilities, typically based on mobile phones.

  • Examples: Smartphones, handheld gaming devices, portable media players.

4.3 Personal Computers (PCs)

  • Definition: Small computers designed for individual use.

  • Types:

    • Desktop PCs: Not portable, designed to fit on desks.

    • Notebook (Laptop) Computers: Portable with a clamshell design.

    • Tablet Computers: Touchscreen-only or convertible designs.

4.4 Midrange Servers

  • Definition: Medium-sized computers hosting programs/data for small networks.

  • Client Types: Users connect via computers, thin clients, or dumb terminals.

4.5 Mainframe Computers

  • Role: Manage large amounts of data for several organizations.

  • Characteristics: Large, high-capacity, and expensive.

4.6 Supercomputers

  • Definition: The fastest type of computers, optimized for high-speed calculations.

  • Applications: Used in complex scientific research, simulations, and decision support systems.

5. Computer Technologies

5.1 Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Definition: Machines simulating human intelligence processes.

  • Applications: Expert systems, natural language processing, machine vision.

5.2 Virtual Reality (VR)

  • Description: Simulated experiences possibly different from reality.

  • Applications: Video games, training, virtual meetings.

5.3 Big Data

  • Definition: Extremely large or complex data sets unsuitable for traditional processing.

  • Growth Factors: Increased storage capacity, processing power, and varied data availability.

  • Areas of Impact: Finance, healthcare, manufacturing, traffic control.

5.4 Internet of Things (IoT)

  • Definition: Networked devices that communicate and exchange data.

  • Applications: Smart cities, home automation, environmental monitoring.

5.5 Cloud Computing

  • Definition: Online storage, infrastructure, and applications.

  • Advantages: Collaboration, cost reduction, universal access.

  • Challenges: Dependency on Internet connection, security concerns.

5.6 Cyber Security

  • Definition: Protection of systems from digital attacks targeting information.

  • Focus: Securing networks from intrusions and malware.

Lec1-Introductiontocomputercomponents-Fall2024-25-

1. Introduction to Computing Lecture 1

1.1 Grading Structure

  • Total Percentage: 100%

    • 30%: Section / Lab Work (Weeks 1 – 7)

      • Quizzes (5)

      • 7th Exam

    • 20%: Section / Lab Work/ Quizzes (Weeks 8 – 12)

      • 12th Exam

    • 10%: Section / Lab Work (Week 14)

    • 40%: Final Exam (Week 16)

1.2 Textbook Information

  • Title: Understanding Computers – Today and Tomorrow (16th Edition)

    • Authors: Deborah Morley, Charles S. Parker

    • Access: Available through Kortext using student portal.

1.3 Course Outline by Week

  1. Week 1: Introduction to Computing

  2. Week 2: Inside Computers

  3. Week 3: System Software

  4. Week 4: Flowcharts (1)

  5. Week 5: Flowcharts (2)

  6. Week 6: 7th Week Exam

  7. Week 7: Binary System

  8. Week 8: Binary Arithmetic

  9. Week 9: Octal and Hexadecimal

  10. Week 10: Introduction to Logic Gates (1)

  11. Week 11: 12th Week Exam

  12. Week 12: Introduction to Logic Gates (2)

  13. Week 13: Boolean Expressions (1)

  14. Week 14: Boolean Expressions (2)

  15. Week 15: Revision

  16. Week 16: Final Exam

2. Key Concepts

2.1 What is a Computer?

  • Definition: A programmable electronic device that accepts data, performs operations on that data, and stores the results as needed.

  • Functionality: Computers follow instructions called programs that dictate their operations.

2.2 Main Computer System Layers

  1. Hardware

    • Internal Hardware: Located inside the system unit

    • External Hardware: Connects via wired or wireless connections

  2. System Software

    • Operating System: Manages computer activities

    • Utilities: Example programs for optimization and diagnostics

  3. Application Software

    • Programs for specific tasks (e.g., word processing, gaming)

2.3 Basic Computer Operations

  • 1. Input: Entering data into the computer.

  • 2. Processing: Performing operations on the data.

  • 3. Output: Presenting the processed information.

  • 4. Storage: Saving data for future use.

  • 5. Communications: Sending and receiving data.

3. Data vs. Information

  • Data: Raw and unorganized facts, which can be text, graphics, audio, or video.

  • Information: Data processed into a meaningful form.

  • Information Processing: The mechanism of converting data into information.

4. Categories of Computers

4.1 Embedded Computers

  • Definition: Embedded within products for specific tasks (e.g., household appliances, thermostats).

  • Characteristics: Generally not general-purpose computers.

4.2 Mobile Devices

  • Description: Small devices with computing capabilities, typically based on mobile phones.

  • Examples: Smartphones, handheld gaming devices, portable media players.

4.3 Personal Computers (PCs)

  • Definition: Small computers designed for individual use.

  • Types:

    • Desktop PCs: Not portable, designed to fit on desks.

    • Notebook (Laptop) Computers: Portable with a clamshell design.

    • Tablet Computers: Touchscreen-only or convertible designs.

4.4 Midrange Servers

  • Definition: Medium-sized computers hosting programs/data for small networks.

  • Client Types: Users connect via computers, thin clients, or dumb terminals.

4.5 Mainframe Computers

  • Role: Manage large amounts of data for several organizations.

  • Characteristics: Large, high-capacity, and expensive.

4.6 Supercomputers

  • Definition: The fastest type of computers, optimized for high-speed calculations.

  • Applications: Used in complex scientific research, simulations, and decision support systems.

5. Computer Technologies

5.1 Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Definition: Machines simulating human intelligence processes.

  • Applications: Expert systems, natural language processing, machine vision.

5.2 Virtual Reality (VR)

  • Description: Simulated experiences possibly different from reality.

  • Applications: Video games, training, virtual meetings.

5.3 Big Data

  • Definition: Extremely large or complex data sets unsuitable for traditional processing.

  • Growth Factors: Increased storage capacity, processing power, and varied data availability.

  • Areas of Impact: Finance, healthcare, manufacturing, traffic control.

5.4 Internet of Things (IoT)

  • Definition: Networked devices that communicate and exchange data.

  • Applications: Smart cities, home automation, environmental monitoring.

5.5 Cloud Computing

  • Definition: Online storage, infrastructure, and applications.

  • Advantages: Collaboration, cost reduction, universal access.

  • Challenges: Dependency on Internet connection, security concerns.

5.6 Cyber Security

  • Definition: Protection of systems from digital attacks targeting information.

  • Focus: Securing networks from intrusions and malware.

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