In Order to Run Software Applications, Computers Must Translate Software
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Introduction to Computers Chapter One Information Technology in Perspective Computers are everywhere: at work, at school, and at home. People use all types and sizes of computers. While some computers sit on top of a desk or on the floor, mobile computers and mobile devices are small enough to carry. Mobile devices, such as many cell phones, often are classified as computers. Computers are a primary means of local and global communication for billions of people. Consumers use computers to correspond with businesses, students with classmates and teachers, and family members with friends and other family members. People use computers to share photos, drawings, documents, calendars, journals, music, and videos. Through computers, society has instant From the computer, you can make a telephone call, meet new friends, share opinions or life stories, book flights, shop, fill prescriptions, file taxes, take a course, receive alerts, and automate your home. Computer is an Electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory. Information Technology= Information +technology • Definition of Technology: The application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life. Technology is people using knowledge, tools, and systems to make their lives easier and better • Science deals with the study of phenomena in the natural world (physics, chemistry, geology, • Science deals with "understanding" while technology deals with "doing“ Knowledge chain: data --- Information --- Knowledge Data • Raw facts, a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn with different forms such as: text, numbers, images, or thoughts. Information • Processed meaningful data as a result of processing, manipulating and organizing data. Information leads to knowledge Knowledge is the result of perception and learning and reasoning. Information Technology (IT) refers to the integration between computer Technology and Information processing. The implementation of different branches of technology(hardware, software, firmware, and procedure) in information processing (acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, and reception of data). Introduction to Computers. By: Rami Hodrob and Ra’fat Amarneh. 1 Information Processing Cycle: The series of input, process, output, storage and communications. Computers process data (input) into information (output). Computers carry out processes using instructions, which are the steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task. A collection of related instructions organized for a common purpose is referred to as software. A computer often holds data, information, and instructions in storage for future use. Common Computer Hardware Devices Introduction to Computers. By: Rami Hodrob and Ra’fat Amarneh. 2 Computer system: Is the integration of physical components called Hardware and none physical components called Software. 1. Hardware (H.W.): which are the touchable components and electronic devices (The physical parts of the computer). Including: the Central processing Unit (CPU), Memory and peripheral devices as: Keyboard, mouse, screen,… 2. Software (S.W.): The programs that run over the computer. Hardware (H.W.): Hardware has the following basic components: 1. Input Unit: Devices that enter data to the computer Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanner, camera,………….. 2. Output Unit: The devices, that output information from the computer after processing data. Examples: screen, printer, speaker ………... 3. System Unit The system unit is a case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data. It includes most of the followings: A. Motherboard: The circuitry of the system unit usually is part of or is connected to a circuit board. Two main components on the motherboard are the processor and memory. The processor, also called a CPU (central processing unit). Central Processing Unit (CPU). Memory (RAM, ROM) Which are mainly the processor and some of the devices on the motherboard (main board). B. CPU is the electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. CPU has three components: 1- CU (Control Unit): Controls the flow of input/output. Used to ftch and decode instructions. 2- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Does the logical and arithmetic operations. 3- Registers: Very high speed storage arrears. C. Memory (RAM & ROM, cache): RAM is used to store programs and other data waiting for processing. Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. Although some forms of memory are permanent (such as ROM), most memory keeps data and instructions temporarily (RAM), which means its contents are erased when the computer is shut off. D. Storage Unit: devices and media that is used to store data. Such as: Hard Disk, CDs, floppies, flash memory and tapes. Storage Unit: consists of two parts: 1. Primary Storage: RAM (Random Access Memory): is a volatile memory (Data will be lost when turn off the computer). Introduction to Computers. By: Rami Hodrob and Ra’fat Amarneh. 3 ROM (Read Only Memory): is a non volatile memory. (it holds the instructions that boot (startup) and prepare a computer for use). 2. Secondary Storage: Is a part of memory of a computer where programs and data are stored when not in use, like (hard disk, floppy disk, CD, flash memory…). Software (S/W.): Computer programs. Program consists of a series of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do it. Types of software: 1) System Software: consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. System Software is needed to operate the computer such as Operating system (Programs that control the operations of the computer, serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware. Used to configure and setup the computer options). A. Operating Systems (OS): is a program that acts as an intermediate between a user of a computer and the computer hardware. OS is used for Managing operations, controlling the computer systems, implementing the security, & manages the secondary storage & others. Examples of O.S.: MS DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System), windows (and its family: win95, win98, win2000, NT2000 and finally win 7 and …), UNIX. Progress of OS: . Batch processing: Only one job is done at the computer at a time. Interactive processing: computer could respond to users while in processing. Real time processing: Data processing keeps pace with tasks at hand so results are part of the transactions. Multi user system: many users use the same computer at the same time. These systems called time sharing systems. It is consisted of one main computer connected to several terminals which is called LAN with PC's. Multitasking system: Many tasks are done at the same computer at the same time. B. Utilities are Programs allow the user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs such as antivirus and disk management and Pc tools 2) Applications Software: enables the users to do special tasks (Programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks). Introduction to Computers. By: Rami Hodrob and Ra’fat Amarneh. 4 Examples of application software: Communications and Internet. All programs that manages the network system and that connects us to the web like web browsers, chatting, Email programs, dial up… etc. Multimedia and graphics, voice and video, examples: paint shop, Adobe photo shop... Office applications: - Word processors (MS word, word perfect) - Spread sheets (MS Access, Quattro pro) - Desktop publishing (MS publisher) - Project planning (MS project) Home software: like Home Medical Advisor. Games. Educational and research software CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM and CBT (Computer Based Training). Databases are environment to store and retrieve data and to manipulate and connect data to extract information. Examples on Database Management Systems are Oracle SQL, server2000, Informix, access. Web application: A software application that obtains information from the Web A programmer, sometimes called a computer programmer or developer, is someone who develops software or writes the instructions that direct the computer to process data into information. Programmers use a programming language or program development tool to create computer programs. Popular programming languages include C++, Java, JavaScript, Visual C#, and Visual Basic. Introduction to Computers. By: Rami Hodrob and Ra’fat Amarneh. 5 Computers are classified into categories according to their computing capabilities: 1. Personal computers (PC): is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself. A personal computer contains a processor, memory, and one or more input, output, and storage devices. Personal computers also often contain a communications device. The CPU is on a single chip (one CPU). Used at homes, schools.… Is a single-user. Two types of personal computers are desktop computers and notebook computers. A mobile computer is a personal computer you can carry from place to place. Similarly, a mobile device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand. A notebook computer, also called a laptop computer, is a portable, personal computer often designed to fit on your lap.