University of technology Computer engineering Dep.

1st class

Computer Principles

Lecture 2

Lecture 1 Computer
A computer is an electronic device that can perform arithmetic operations at high speed. A computer is also called a data processor because it can store, process, and retrieve data whenever desired. The activity of processing data using a computer is called data processing. Data is raw material used as input and the information is processed data obtained as output of data processing.

Computer Hardware Computer hardware can be classified into four categories: personal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers. PERSONAL COMPUTERS Personal computers are also called microcomputers. Each contains a microprocessor and is designed for individual or personal use. Classifications within this category include nonportable and portable computers. The most popular type of microcomputer, a desktop computer, is designed to fit on top of a desk. With the same options in the system, desktop models are the least expensive. Portable computers include laptop, notebook, subnotebook, and penbased. Laptop computers are the largest portable computers in this category. They have a hard drive, CD-ROM drive, and other equipment. Notebook computers are smaller versions of the laptop computers. The functions available for notebooks are very similar to those in laptop computers but with a more compact design and smaller screen. Subnotebook computers are even smaller than notebook computers. They carry fewer optional devices (e.g., CD-ROM drives and regular hard drives). Penbased computers are the smallest computers and use a pen-like device to enter data. This pen-like device can be used to write directly on the screen or can be used as a pointer to make selections from a menu displayed on the screen. The unique feature about penbased computers is the special software designed to allow users to write information into the computer by hand, after several training sessions.

Asst. Lec. Ibrahim Adel

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University of technology Computer engineering Dep. 1st class

Computer Principles

Lecture 2

MINICOMPUTERS Minicomputers are more powerful than microcomputers in terms of multiple user environments. In other words, a minicomputer can be used by many operators simultaneously. Many businesses and other organizations use minicomputers for their information processing requirements. The most powerful minicomputers are called super minicomputers.

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University of technology Computer engineering Dep. 1st class

Computer Principles

Lecture 2

MAINFRAME COMPUTERS Mainframe computers are large computer systems that can handle hundreds of users, store large amounts of data, and process transactions at a high speed. Mainframe computers use a very sophisticated computer operating system to manage and control the whole system. Mainframes usually require a specialized environment including air conditioning and raised flooring that allows computer cables to be installed underneath. The price range for mainframes is from several hundred thousand to several million dollars.

SUPERCOMPUTERS Supercomputers are the most powerful category of computers. Typical applications are scientific calculations, engineering design, space exploration, and other tasks requiring complicated processing. Supercomputers cost several million dollars.

Information system
An information system (IS) is a computerized system that processes data (facts) and produces information. This process is defined as an information processing cycle (IPC). The information processing cycle consists of four operations: input, process, output, and storage. Raw data retrieved from the environment and delivered to the computer is called input. After the computer receives data from the input device, it will manipulate, refine, and process the data to produce useful information for users. This step is called processing. After data has been refined and manipulated into useful information, it is displayed to the end users as output. Finally, the information needs to be stored for future uses. All four processes make up the information processing cycle. Input consists

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University of technology Computer engineering Dep. 1st class

Computer Principles

Lecture 2

of raw facts, while information is a collection of facts organized or processed in such a way that it has additional value for further usage.

Information itself has value, and commerce often involves the exchange of information, rather than tangible goods. Information is valuable and useful because it can help decision makers. For example, investors are using information to make multimillion-dollar decisions, and financial institutions employ information to transfer millions of dollars. Retailers use information to control inventory and process orders. Information technologies are constantly changing our society, our ways of doing business, and our lives.

Historical Background The personal computer was introduced in 1975, a development that made the computer accessible to individuals. Up to that time computers had been very large and expensive, operated mainly by big companies. The first modern computers were created in the 1950s and have a long theoretical and technical background. It was the result of advances in technologies and man's need to quantify. Some of the earlier mechanical counting machines lacked the technology to make the design work. For instance, some had parts made of wood prior to metal manipulation and manufacturing. Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical adding machine in 1642.

Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first calculator for multiplication in 1671.

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University of technology Computer engineering Dep. 1st class

Computer Principles

Lecture 2

Keyboard machines originated in the United States around 1880.

Charles Babbage is considered to be the father of modern digital computers: 1- He designed Difference Engine in 1822.

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University of technology Computer engineering Dep. 1st class

Computer Principles

Lecture 2

2-He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in 1842 for performing basic arithmetic functions. 3- His efforts established a number of principles that are fundamental to the design of any digital computer.

In 1944, the Mark I was completed by a team from International Business Machines (IBM) and Harvard University under the leadership of Howard Aiken. The Mark I used mechanical telephone relay switches to store information and accepted data on punched cards. Because it could not make decisions about the data it processed, the Mark I was not a computer but instead a highly sophisticated calculator. The first electronic computer was built between 1939 and 1942 at Iowa State University by John Atanasoff, a math and physics professor, and Clifford Berry, a graduate student. The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) used the binary number system of 1s and 0s that is still used in computers today. It contained hundreds of vacuum tubes and stored numbers for calculations by electronically burning holes in sheets of paper. The output of calculations was displayed on an odometer type of device.

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