Computing Fundamentals 1

Introduction to Computers

Module 001 Introduction to Computers

At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Define what is a computer, identify its basic parts
2. Have knowledge of the evolution of computers
3. Differentiate the improvement of computers according to their generation.
4. Identify the four basic components of a computer (processor, memory,
input/output device, storage)
5. To determine the capabilities, limitations, and different uses of computers.

Lesson 1: Computer Basics

What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability
to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer
to type documents, send an email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to
edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

Figure 1: Computer
Source: https://storage.needpix.com/rsynced_images/computer-user.jpg
Date of Access: August 10, 2018

Four Basic Parts of Computer

A computer is made up of four basic parts, which are the following:

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Hardware
The physical parts that make up the computer are called hardware. The hardware part of a
computer consists of interconnected electronic devices used to control the computer
operations like input and output.

Software
Software makes the computer perform certain tasks by means of a set of instruction

People
They are the ones who operate a computer, aka users.

Data
This consists of individual facts or bits of information, which by themselves may not make
sense to a person. The computer stores and reads all kinds of data and information, whether
words, numbers, images, or sounds, in the form of numbers. Following instructions from the
software and the user, the computer manipulates data by performing calculations, making a
comparison, or arranging the bits of information so they make sense to the users.

Evolution of Computers
The evolution of computers is divided into five generations.

1. First Generation (Vacuum Tubes) 1946 – 1959

This computer generation is mainly consisting of vacuum tubes. These tubes are used as the
basic component for the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
Punch cards, paper tape, and magnetic tape was used as input and output devices. The
computers in this generation used machine code as the programming language.

Machine code/language are instructions expressed in binary numbers. A binary number

consists of two digits, the 0s and1s. A machine language instruction is just a sequence of
zeros and ones. Each particular sequence the zeros, and one read some particular instruction
according to the binary number read by the computer.

The computers in the first generation were expensive and bulky. Vacuum tubes were able to
solve problems using machine language one at a time. Computers during this phase cannot
support multitasking tasks.
Below is a list of some of the computers invented during the first generation phase.

• ENIAC
In full Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, the first programmable
general-purpose electronic digital computer, built during World War II by the United
States. American physicist John Mauchly, Americal engineer j. Presper Eckert, Jr., and
their colleagues at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of
Pennsylvania led a government-funded project to build an all-electronic computer.
Under contract to the army and under the direction of Herman Goldstine, work began
in early 1943 on ENIAC. The next year, mathematician John von Neumann began
frequent consultations with the group.
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• EDVAC
EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) was one of the earliest
electronic computers. Unlike its predecessor, the ENIAC, it was binary rather than
decimal and was designed to be a stored-program computer.

• UNIVAC
The Universal Automatic Computer, or UNIVAC was developed by John Mauchly and
Presper Eckert in 1951 and 1952. It is made up of a series of electrical computers
containing thousands of vacuum tubes. It uses punch cards and switches for inputting
data and punch cards for outputting and storing data.

• IBM-701
The IBM 701 (initially known as the IBM Defense Calculator) was IBM's first
commercial computer; it was later described as being "key to IBM's transition from
punched-card machines to electronic computers."

2. Second Generation (Transistors) 1959 – 1965

Second-generation computers were based on Transistors instead of vacuum tubes. Due to
the presence of transistors instead of vacuum tubes, the size of the electron component
decreased. This resulted in reducing the size of a computer as compared to first-generation
computers.

In this generation, assembly language and high-level programming languages were used.
Programming Languages like COBOL and FORTRAN were used. The computers in this era
used multiprogramming operating and batch processing.

• IBM 1620
The IBM 1620 was a general-purpose, stored-program data processing system for small
businesses, research and engineering departments of large companies, and schools
requiring solutions to complex problems in the areas of engineering, research, and
management science.

• IBM 7094
The IBM 7090 is a second-generation transistorized version of the earlier IBM 709
vacuum tube mainframe computer that was designed for "large-scale scientific and
technological applications".

• CDC 1604
The CDC 1604 was a 48-bit computer designed and manufactured by Seymour Cray and
his team at the Control Data Corporation. 1604 is known as one of the first commercially
successful transistorized computers.

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3. Third Generation (Chip / Integrated Circuit (IC)) 1965 – 1971

In the 3rd generation, the semi-conductors increased the efficiency and speed of computers.
Operating systems were developed, monitors and keyboards became popular as input and
output devices. With this invention, a scientist has thought of a possible way to speed up
computer operations and offer the bulky computer. This is the reason why the integrated
Circuit or also known as IC has been developed.
Nowadays, Integrated circuits or IC are used in almost all electronic equipment and have
modernized the world of electronics.

• ERMA
ERMA or also known as Electronic Recording Machine Accounting, is a project of
Stanford Research Institute. The primary function of ERMA is to automate the
bookkeeping process. In 1959 ERMA was delivered to the Bank of Bank of America in
California, a pioneering bank company that uses the ERMA.

• PDP-8
DEC company launched the PDP-8, the first minicomputer, in 1968. After launching the
PDP-8, the development of ARPANET began in the following year, 1969, where the
financial backing of the department of defense has started.

4. Fourth Generation (Microprocessor) 1971-1980

1972, Intel introduced the 8080 microprocessors. A microprocessor's primary function
is to integrate all of a central processing unit (CPU) capability on a single integrated circuit
or IC.
In this generation, the technology is based on Microprocessors. Graphics User Interface (GUI)
technology was exploited to offer more comfort to users.

5. Fifth Generation (Under the development) 1980 – beyond

Computer system under the fifth generation is going to be based on principles of Artificial
Intelligence and Natural Language recognition.
Examples of computers used in this generation are the following:
• Desktop
• Laptop
• NoteBook
• UltraBook
• Chromebook

Lesson 2: Looking Inside a Computer

A computer system consists of four internal components. These components are: the
processor, memory, input and output devices, and storage
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1. The Processor
The processor (also known as the central processor, or microprocessor, CPU (Central
Processing Unit) is the computer's central processing unit. A computer's CPU handles
all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer.

Figure 2: A Processor (CPU)

Source: https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cpu.jpg
Date of Access: August 10, 2018

It consists of three (2) parts.

• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

The ALU is responsible for all arithmetic operations and logical processes within a
computer.

• Control Unit
The Control Unit supervises the task of the CPU. It directs and coordinates the operation
of the entire computer according to the instructions laid out in the program.

2. The Memory
This is the storage that contains the program and data. It is known as the "primary memory"
or "main memory."
When applications are launched, it is loaded into the memory. It is also in the memory where
data executes.
Memory is measured by the byte-the amount of memory it takes to store a single character,
such as a letter of the alphabet or the numeral. Terms such as kilobyte (KB),
megabyte(MB),gigabyte(BT),and terabyte(TB) to describe the values.

The main memory contains two (2) types of memory:

• ROM (Read Only Memory)
Programs stored in the RAM cannot be changed nor deleted.

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is a non-permanent type of memory, meaning to say that in case you happen to
turn off the computer while using it, all data in RAM will be erased.
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This is the most common type of memory and is commonly referred to mean RAM. Data
is both written to read from this memory.
The main idea of RAM is that the more RAM the computer has, the more it can do and
the faster it can perform a certain task.

Cache Memory
Cache Memory is a special, very high-speed memory. It is used to speed up and synchronize
with a high-speed CPU. It is an extremely fast memory type that acts as a buffer between
RAM and the CPU.

3. Input and Output Devices

Input devices accept data and instructions from the user or from another computer system.
Output devices return processed data to the user or to another computer system.

• Input devices
Popular input devices are keyboard, mouse, trackballs, touchpad, joysticks, scanner,
digital cameras, and microphones.

• Output Devices
Popular output devices are monitors, printers, and speakers.

4. Storage Device
A computer storage is designed to hold data permanently. People new to computers usually
confuse storage with memory. There are three major distinctions between storage and
memory.
• There is more room in storage than memory.
• Contents are retained in storage when the computer is turned off, whereas the program
or the data you put into the memory disappears when you shut down the computer.
• Storage is slower compared to memory but costs a lot cheaper than memory.

There are many types of storage devices, including tape drives, optical drives, and removable
hard drives. However, the most common storage medium is the magnetic disk.
A disk is a round, flat object that spins around its center. Read/Write heads, which are similar
to the heads of a tape recorder or VCR, are used to read data from the disk or write data onto
the disk.
The device that holds a disk is called a disk drive. Some disk is built into the drive and is not
meant to be removed; other kinds of drives enable you to remove and replace the disk.
There is also a diskette drive, which allows you to use removable diskettes (floppy disks).
The hard disk serves as the computer's primary filing cabinet; it can store far more data than
a diskette can contain.
The CD-ROM drive is another common type of storage device. Compact disk (CDs) are a type
of optical device,
CD-Re-Writable disk, which can be written to multiple times. Also, Digital Video Disk (DVD)
are used for home entertainment.
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Storage Media Today

Flash Memory
Flash memory has replaced most magnetic and optical media as it becomes cheaper because
it is the more efficient and reliable solution.

Cloud Storage
Storing data online and in cloud storage is becoming popular as people need to access their
data from more than one device.

The CPU and memory work together to run programs.

• CPU - executes programs
• Memory - stores program operations and data while a program is being executed. There
are several types of memory, including cache and RAM
• Storage - stores programs and files long-term, even when they are not in use. Devices
such as hard drives, USB memory sticks, or SD cards are used to store files such as
photos, music, and software applications long term.

Figure 3: Computer Components working together

Source: https://bam.files.bbci.co.uk/bam/live/content/zx8pb9q/large
Date of Access: August 10, 2018

Lesson 3: Capabilities and Limitations of Computers

Capabilities of Computer

1. The computer has the ability to perform arithmetic operations like: addition,
subtraction, multiplication division, etc.
The computer is basically developed to help solve complicated mathematical formulas
using large volumes of data. It can perform this task at high speed and with great precision.
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2. The computer can perform logical operations.

Given the correct instruction, it can determine whether a value (number or an alphabetic
character or combination of both) is greater than, equal to, or less than another value.
Based on the result of the comparison, it can be instructed to choose among alternative
instructions to be undertaken, which in a way is equivalent to making a decision.

3. The computer has the ability to store and retrieve information because a
computer has a storage area called memory.
The computer has memory, a storage area. Data accepted by the computer is kept in this
area for processing. The computer is able to store a large amount of data and, by series of
instructions, be able to retrieve these data many times when needed.

4. The computer has the ability to process information at a very high speed.
If pencil and paper have to be used to process a large volume of data, a lot of time is needed
to finish the task. With computers, whether it is comparing, calculating, or arranging data,
processing time takes only a minute or even a second.

5. The computer can direct itself in a predetermined manner without human

intervention.
When the computer is performing a task, it is actually following instructions laid out in a
program. A program contains a set of instructions used by the computer to perform a
specific job.

Limitations of Computer
1. Computers do not think for you.
A computer functions only when it is provided the input information it needs. Input data
provided to the computer must be precise, objective, and correct to produce the required
result. The computer's instructions must be specific, detailed, and defined for processing
to be correct. If you input the wrong data or give a wrong set of instructions to the
computer, definitely the computer will produce the wrong result.

2. The computer cannot correct inaccurate data.

The computer cannot decide whether data is correct unless alternatives are given in
advance in the form of instructions. Therefore, data must be verified and corrected before
being entered to make sure that what is fed to a computer is correct.

3. The computer is subject to breakdown.

The computer cannot completely avoid making errors that usually occur when there is
fluctuation in the electric current, when an electrical component or part is malfunctioning
or when the computer is overheated. It is the same as other machines that need constant
care maintenance.

Uses of Computer
The uses of computers are classified into six categories: Personal Computing, Science and
Research, Information System / Data Processing, Education, Medicine, Artificial
Intelligence.
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1. Personal Computing
A single person can control a small computer called a microcomputer, thus the term
"personal computing". These computers can be used at home for applications like
maintaining an up-to-date inventory of household items, storing names and addresses,
creating and monitoring a household budget, keeping an appointment and social calendar,
writing letters, education, and entertainment such as computer games.
In small businesses, computers can be used for word processing, desktop publishing,
electronic spreadsheet, and maintaining databases.
• Word processing
This is software that allows users to enter, store, manipulate and print text (letters,
reports, etc.).
• Desktop publishing
This is software that allows users to produce near type-set-quality copies of the
newsletter, advertisements, and other publishing jobs.
• Electronic spreadsheet
This is software that permits users to work with numbers formatted in lines and
columns normally used for accounting jobs.
• Database
This permits users to create and maintain several files and extract them in an easy,
convenient manner.
• Science and Research
Engineers and scientists use computers as a tool in experimentation and design.
Aerospace engineers use a computer to simulate the effects of a wind tunnel to
analyze the aerodynamics of an airplane prototype. Chemists use computer
graphics to create three (3) dimensional views of an experiment molecule.

2. Information System / Data processing

Computers are used to support the administrative aspects of an organization, for example,
applications including payroll system, airline reservation system, grading system, and
others. They provide for fast data processing requirements and information needed to
make better, more informed decisions by management.

3. Education
Computers can interact with students to enhance the learning process. With
multidimensional communications using sound, print, graphics, and color, the computer
has become a good educational tool in the home, classroom, and business. Computers can
help children learn to read and write. Adults can also use computers to learn about just
anything from auto mechanics to zoology.

4. Medicine
Tiny "computer on a chip" is being embedded in artificial hearts and other organs. Once
the organs are implanted in the body, the computer monitors critical inputs, such as blood

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pressure and flow, then takes corrective action to ensure the stability of operation in
continuous feedback.

5. Artificial Intelligence
Today's computer can imitate many human movements such as reaching, grasping,
calculating, speaking, remembering, comparing numbers, and drawings. Researchers are
working on expanding these capabilities by developing computers and programs that can
imitate human intelligence. This general area of research is called artificial intelligence.
However, a computer can never be capable of simulating the distinctly human qualities of
creativity, humor, and emotions.
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References and Supplementary Materials

Books and Journals
1. Denning, Peter J.; Martell, Craig H. (2015). Great principles of computing MIT Press
QA 76 D3483 2015
2. Oleary, Timothy J. (2015). Computing essentials: making IT work for you. QA 76.5 O42
2011
Oleary, Timothy J.; Oleary, Linda I. (2015). Computing essentials 2014: making it
work for you WLB McGrawhill QA 76 O54 2014

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

1. Computer basics; https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/basic-parts-of-a-
computer/1/ ; August 3, 2018
2. Central Processing Unit;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/hardware/0inputandoutputdevic
esrev3.shtml ; August 3, 2016
3. Generations of Computer. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/generations-of-
computer/August 3, 2018
4. CPU. https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cpu.htm. August 3, 2018
5. IBM 1620.
https://www.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/mainframe/mainframe_PP1620.htm
l. August 3, 2018
6. IBM 7090. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_7090. August 3, 2018
7. IBM 701. http://gunkies.org/wiki/IBM_701 . August 3, 2018
8. Storage Device. https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/stordevi.htm . August
3, 2018

Online Instructional Videos

1. Computer hardware and software;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UyJMiYqvs4 ; August 3, 2018
2. History and generations of computers;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrUvFJWlYCY; August 3, 2018
3. Generations of computers; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTc4kIVUnoA ;
August 3, 2018
4. The central processing unit; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZGugFqdr60 ;
August 2, 2018

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