TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION MOHD YUNUS SHARUM (DR.) NORIDAYU MANSHOR (DR.) Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology Universiti Putra Malaysia
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Introduction Overview on Information Technology and Its Application
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Computer • Computer is an electronic device that operates based on the instructions stored inside its memory. • The set of instructions is known as the program or software. • Computer uses the processor to transforms data as the input into information as the output.
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Computer Components Input devices e.g. mouse, keyboard,
Output devices e.g. printer, monitor
Memory unit (primary storage)
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
e.g. RAM, ROM
processor
Communicati on devices e.g. modem
Secondary storages e.g. hard disk, CD-ROM, flash drive
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Computer Program • Program / software – a set of instructions that instruct computer to perform a certain task or objective • Can be categorized into system software and user application.
• System software such as the operating system is used to manage computer operations. • User applications such as Microsoft Office assist user to perform general activities for specific domain i.e. business PutraOCW
Computer Categories •
Personal
computer
personal usages e.g. computer, workstation
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Embedded
–
for desktop
computer
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computers that perform specific functions/purposes – e.g. car system controller, automatic washing machine system.
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Mobile computer and device – computers or device that can be easily carried around or moved from one place to another – e.g. laptop, notebook, tablet, smartphone
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Server - A computer that is used to serve other computers connected to it e.g. web server
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Mainframe - A powerful computer that can serve multiple computers or terminals simultaneously
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Supercomputer - A powerful, special purpose computer that can perform complex processing
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Computer Generations •
First generations (1946-1957) – produced for US military in WW2. Used vacuum tubes.
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Second generations (1958-1963) – used transistors, programming languages. Already used by government and business.
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Third generations (1964-1970) – used integrated circuit (IC), keyboard, monitors, disk as storage; affordable and already used by small businesses.
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Fourth generations (1971-today) – contain microprocessors, mouse, magnetic and optical discs, better network devices.
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Fifth generations (future) – may apply artificial intelligence, include voice recognition; use light for processing instead of electrons (new processing technology)
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