Introduction to Computer
Science for Geography
Lecture 1
Dr. Kamal Shahid
What is a Computer?
Definition Key Functions
A computer is an electronic device. It Input allows you to give it data. Processing
processes data. It follows instructions. This is computes it. Output returns results. Storage
also known as a program. saves data.
Hardware Software
The computer equipment • Programs which tell the computer what to do
Includes printers, monitors, disk drives, etc. • Examples - word processing, gradebook,
tutorials, games, etc.
History of Computers
History of Computers
History – Microcomputers
• Apple
– First sold in late 1970’s
– Developed by Jobs and Wozniak
• IBM Personal Computers
– First sold in 1981
– Was quickly accepted by businesses
– IBM compatibles soon developed
Computer – Social Impact
• Threat to privacy
• Reduce personal interactions
• Displace workers and change workplace
– Create two tiered society
• Computer failures cause great damage
• Artificial Intelligence
– Create a “new life form”
– Machines smarter than their creators
Types of Computers
Personal Computers (PC)
• Also called Microcomputers
• Available in desktop size, notebook size and handheld
• Can be IBM, IBM Compatible or Apple
Types of Computers
Minicomputers Mainframe Computers
• Size of filing cabinet • Very powerful
• Used by small and medium size companies and institutions • Very fast
• Operated by computer specialist • Used by large corporations and governmental agencies
• Terminals allow many people to use • Operated by computer specialist
Super Computers
• Most powerful
• Fastest
• Most expensive
• Several million dollars each
• Used only by
• Governmental agencies
• Large international corporations
Basic Computer Hardware
Components
CPU RAM Storage
Central Processing Random Access Hard drives store data
Unit. This is the Memory. It is used for long-term.
computer's brain. short-term data.
Computer Operations
Input Processing Output
External Storage
Input Devices
Keyboard Mouse
• Most commonly used input device • Controls cursor on screen
• Ergonomic – fit natural hand placement • May be mechanical or optical
• Special keys • Most models have a “wheel” for scrolling
– Enter, Function, Ctrl, Alt, Num Lock, Esc
Others
• Pointers (replaces mouse on notepads)
– Track point, track ball, touch pad
• Scanner
• Digital camera
• Touch screen
• Voice
Output Devices
• Monitor
• Printer
• Disk Drive
– Can also be input device
• Modem
– Can also be input device
Output Devices – Monitor
• Made up of tiny elements called pixels
• Each row of pixels is called a scan line
• Picture is displayed by an electronic beam lighting up certain pixels
Resolution
• Resolution is how sharp and clear the picture is
• How many scan lines on the screen
– 640 x 480 is low resolution
– 1600 x 1200 is high resolution Sizes
• Screen measured diagonally
– May also measure actual viewing area
• 14” or 15” on bargain systems
• 17” has become the standard
• 19 and 21” available but are more expensive.
Output Devices – Monitor
LCD
• Liquid Crystal Display
• Similar to digital watch
• Used for notebook computers
– Should be an Active Matrix Screen
• Also used in flat screen monitors
– Much thinner than regular CRT monitor
– More expensive than regular CRT monitor
Video Card
• Processes info to send to monitor
• Amount of video memory may speed up graphic intensive programs
– 32 megs –general purpose
– 128 or more megs – graphic intensive use
• AGP port can speed up graphics
• 3D accelerator card improves graphics
Output Devices – Printer
Laser
• Works similar to a copy machine
– Color printers available but more expensive
• Fast, excellent quality
• More expensive to buy and operate
• Some units scan, photocopy, and print
Dot Matrix
Ink Jet • Strikes pins against ribbon to print
• Squirts small jet of ink onto paper to form characters • Comes in 9 and 24 pin
• Replaced dot matrix • Once very popular
• Quiet • Now replaced by ink jet and laser
• Does good job on color
• Good quality and reliability
Output Devices – Printer
Speed
• Measured in pages per minute (PPM)
• Laser printers range from 20-45 ppm
– Color printing is slower
Quality of Print
• One measure is dots per inch (DPI)
– 300 dpi for general purpose uses
– 600 dpi for higher quality
– 1200 dpi for photo quality
• May have different vertical and horizontal resolution
– 600 x 300
• Other factors can affect quality
Basic Processing Cycle
Central Processing
Data Bus Internal Memory
Unit
How is Information Stored?
• Memory consist of switches which can be either ON/OFF:
– OFF = 0 ON = 1
• Each on/off switch is called a bit
• Eight bits make up a byte
• It takes one byte to store a character
– Character can be letter, space, punctuation, etc.
– ASCII code used
Other Memory Terms
• Byte is eight bits
• Kilobyte (KB) is approx. 1,000 bytes
• Megabyte (MB) is approx. 1million bytes
• Gigabyte (GB) is approx. 1 billion bytes
Central Processing Unit
• Also called CPU, processor or microprocessor
• Is the “brains” of the computer
• Performs all computer operations
IBM Compatibles
• Many made by company called Intel
• Also made by AMD
Pentium class processors
• Needed to run most current software
• Intel – Celeron or Pentium IV
• AMD
Central Processing Unit
Clock Speed
• Number of “cycles” per second computer can operate
• Measured in megahertz (MHz)
• One MHz = 1 million cycles per second
• One gigahertz(GHz)=1 billion cycles
Misc.
• Performance also affected by speed of data bus
– 400-800 MHz on most current systems
• Cache can increase speed
– Stores data you will likely need next in an area that has faster access
– Both memory cache and disk cache used
– Should be 512 K or better
Internal Memory – RAM
• RAM - Random Access Memory
– CPU can access any location as quickly as any other
• Can not only read current info but also write new info
• Very important in determining capabilities of the computer system
• Computer should have at least 256 megs - 512 preferred (can add to later)
Internal Memory – ROM
• ROM - Read Only Memory
– Can read info Stored in ROM
– Can not write new info into ROM
• Used for “internal workings” of computer
• Buyer is not very concerned with ROM
External Memory
Networks
Networks – Devices
Software
Software
• Set of instructions to the computer
• Programming languages
– Machine language
Systems Software
– Assembly language
• Run fundamental operations
– Procedural languages
– Loading and running programs
• Basic, Fortran, Cobol
– Saving and retrieving data
– Object oriented languages
– Communicating with printers, modems, etc.
• Visual Basic, C++, C#, Java, Python
• Examples of systems software
– DOS,
– Windows 3.1, 95, 98, Me, 2000, and XP
– Unix
– Linux
Software
• Set of instructions to the computer
• Programming languages
– Machine language
Applications Software
– Assembly language
• Helps you to accomplish a certain task
– Procedural languages
• Examples
• Basic, Fortran, Cobol
– Word processing - memos, reports, etc.
– Object oriented languages – Spreadsheets - budgets, etc.
• Visual Basic, C++, C#, Java, Python – Database - search, sort, select data
– Educational - simulations, practice
– Graphics - charts, diagrams
– Desktop publishing - pamphlets, etc.
Software – Legal Issues
• Commercial software
– Can only make backup copies for yourself
– Can only use on one machine at a time
• Site license - use on more that one machine
• Shareware
– Can use - make copies and give to anyone
– Should pay if you continue to use
• Freeware – can copy and use indefinitely
Software – Virus
• Illegal code added to a program
• May spread to many computers
– Copy files from one computer to another
– Download files by modem
– E-mail attachments
• Virus may be relatively harmless
– Writes “You’ve been stoned” on screen
• Virus may also be very damaging
– Erases everything on hard drive
• Virus may activate on a certain date
Software – Protection
• Be careful where you copy files from
• Do not open e-mail attachments unless you are
sure that it is safe
• Use virus protection program
– Detects and removes illegal code
– Should be updated often
Introduction to Operating Systems
1 Definition 2 Examples 3 Function
An OS manages hardware and Common examples include It provides a user interface. It runs
software resources. Windows, macOS, and Linux. applications.
File Management and Storage
Files
A file is a container for information.
Folders
Folders organize files. This makes it easier to find information.
Storage
Storage devices keep data safe for later use.
