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Lecture 01-02

Introduction to computers , Components of a computer, Classification of

computers and Personal Computers

Computer Applications to Business

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Introduction to computer

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Introduction to computer

• Computer is an electronic device.• It is capable of receiving input,• processing the data on the basis of set of

given instructions, • producing the output and • capable of storing the information (if

required).

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Components of a Computer

• Input Devices

• Output Devices

• Storage Devices

• System Unit

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Input Devices

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Input Devices• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Trackball

• TrackPad

• Microphone

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Input Devices• Barcode Reader

• Web cam

• Digital Camera

• Joy Stick

• Game Controller

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Output Devices

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Output Devices

• Monitor

• Printer

• Speakers

• Headphones

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Storage Devices

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Storage Devices• Hard Drive

• Floppy Drive

• CD, DVD, BRD Drives

• USB

• RAM

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System Unit

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Motherboard

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Motherboard

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Classification of computers

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• Supercomputer

• Mainframe

• Minicomputer

• Microcomputer

Classification of computers on the basis of shape and size

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Supercomputer

• Super Computer are the largest, fastest and most expensive special purpose computer in the world.

• They are designed to process scientific jobs like either to do scientific research or other especial purposes.

• for example; CRAY

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Mainframe

• Mainframe Computer are larger than Mini computer but it is smaller than Super computer.

• Mainframe computers are also multi-user system therefore more than 100 users can work at the same time with one Mainframe computer.

• They are used in the hotels, industries, banks, airlines, etc.

• for example; IBM 240.

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Minicomputer

• The Mini computer is medium in size i.e. it is also general purpose computer but unlike Micro computer.

• It serves the multiple users i.e. many users can work at the same time with the single mini computers to performs data processing, programming, designing and other jobs.

• They are used in Government Offices, University, Banks, Industries, Hotels etc.

• for example; HP 3000.

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Microcomputer

• The Micro computer is the smallest computer system.

• The size of computer ranges from the size of calculator to the size of desktop computer.

• It is commonly used in offices, homes, schools etc.• Micro computer are also referred to as personal

computer (PC), Desktop computer, Home computer or Laptops etc.

• for example; IBM PC, IBM AT(Advanced Technology).

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Classification of computers on the basis of purpose /use

1) General Purpose computers

2) Special purpose computers

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Classification of computers on the basis of purpose /use

1) General Purpose computers• These computers are designed to perform wide variety of

tasks (They are not limited)• For example: The computers at your home, which can be

used to:• Create and print documents• Play music and video• Play video games• Check emails• Browse the internet• And many more..

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Classification of computers on the basis of purpose /use

2) Special Purpose computers• These computers are designed to perform some

specific task or set of tasks (They are limited).• For example: • The computers at airline can only process

and store the data regarding flights. • The computers at weather forecasting can

only predict the weather nothing else.

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Personal computer (PC)

• The computers which are designed to be used by a single person at a time are known as Personal Computers (PCs).

• PCs are also called microcomputers.

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Personal computer (PC)

• There are six primary type of computers which lie under this category:

1) Desktop computers2) Workstations3) Notebook computers4) Tablet computers5) Handheld computers6) Smart phones

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Desktop computers

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Desktop computers

• The most common type of personal computer is the desktop computer.

• A PC that is designed to sit on (or under) a desk or table.

• These are the systems you see all around you, in schools, homes, and offices.

• Today's desktop computers are far more powerful than those of just a few years ago.

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Desktop computers

• Not only do these machines enable people to do their jobs with greater ease and efficiency, but they can be used :– to communicate, – produce music, – edit photographs and videos,– play sophisticated games, and – much more.

• Used by everyone from preschoolers to nuclear physicists.

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Desktop computers

• The main component of a desktop PC is the system unit.

• There are two common designs for desktop computers.

1) Horizontally oriented system unit, which usually lies flat on the top of the user’s desk. Many users place their monitor on top of the system unit.

2) Vertically oriented tower models have become the more popular style of desktop system.

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Workstations

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Workstations

• A workstation is a specialized, single-user computer that typically has more power and features than a standard desktop PC.

• These machines are popular among scientists, engineers, and animators who need a system with greater-than-average speed and the power to perform sophisticated tasks.

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Workstations

• Workstations often have large, high-resolution monitors and accelerated graphics handling capabilities, making them suitable for:– advanced architectural or engineering design,– modeling,– animation, and – video editing.

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Notebook Computers

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Notebook Computers

• Notebook computers, as their name implies, approximate the shape of an 8.5-by-11-inch notebook and easily fit inside a briefcase.

• Because people frequently set these devices on their lap, they are also called laptop computers.

• Notebook computers can operate on alternating current or special batteries.

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Notebook Computers

• These amazing devices generally weight less than eight pounds, and some even weight less than three pounds.

• During use, the computer’s lid is raised to reveal a thin monitor and a keyboard.

• When not in use, the device folds up for easy storage.

• Notebooks are fully functional microcomputers; the people who use them need the power of a full-size desktop computer wherever they go.

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Notebook Computers

• Because of their portability, notebook PCs fall into a category of devices called mobile computers—systems small enough to be carried by their user.

• Some notebook systems are designed to be plugged into a docking station, which may include a large monitor, a full-size keyboard and mouse, or other devices

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Tablet PCs

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Tablet PCs

• The tablet PC is the newest development in portable, full-featured computers.

• Tablet PCs offer all the functionality of a notebook PC, but they are lighter and can accept input from a special pen—called a stylus or a digital pen—that is used to write directly on the screen.

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Tablet PCs

• Many tablet PCs also have a built-in microphone and special software that accepts input from the user's voice.

• A few models even have a fold-out keyboard, so they can be transformed into a standard notebook PC.

• Some models also can be connected to a keyboard and a full-size monitor.

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Handheld PCs

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Handheld PCs

• Handheld personal computers are computing devices small enough to fit in your hand.

• A popular type of handheld computer is the personal digital assistant (PDA).

• A PDA is no larger than a small appointment book and is normally used for special applications, such as – taking notes, – displaying telephone numbers and addresses, and– keeping track of dates or agendas.

• Many PDAs can be connected to larger computers to exchange data.

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Handheld PCs

• Many PDAs let the user access the Internet through a wireless connection.

• And several models offer features such as • Cameras• music players, and• Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

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Smart Phones

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Smart Phones

• Smart phones can be considered as computers.

• They are different than mobile phones.• Because these phones offer advanced features

not typically found in cellular phones, they are sometimes called as smart phones.

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Smart Phones

• These features can include Web and e-mail access, special software such as personal organizers, or special hardware such as digital cameras or music players.

• Some models even break in half to reveal a miniature keyboard.