Skill Development (Notes)
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Zafar Ullah GharshinSkill Development (Notes)
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Zafar Ullah GharshinPrepared by: Fareed Khan Tareen Page 1
A computer is an electronic device that stores and processes data, and can be
programmed with instructions. It manipulates information, or data.
Charles Babbage, an English mechanical engineer, originated the concept of a
programmable computer. He invented the first mechanical computer in the early
19th century and considered the “Father of the Computer”.
a) Analog
Computer
An analog computer is a form of computer uses continuous
physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical or hydraulic
quantities to model the problem being solved.
b) Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations
with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary
number system.
c) Hybrid Computer
A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and
outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer
system setup offers a cost effective method of perform in complex
simulations.
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a. Super Computer
The fastest type of computer, Super computers are very
expensive and are employed for specialized applications
that requires immense amounts of mathematical calculations.
Other uses of super computers include animated graphics,
fluid dynamic calculations and petroleum exploration.
b. Mainframe Computers
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting
hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In
some ways, mainframes are more powerful than super
computers because they support more simultaneous programs.
But super computers can execute a single program faster than
a mainframe.
c. Mini Computer
A midsized computer, in size and power, mini computers lie
between work stations and mainframes. Minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to
about 200 users simultaneously.
d. Micro Computer
Microcomputers are the fastest growing segment of the
computer industry. There are different types of micro
computer platforms with varying capabilities. The most
common type of micro computer is Personal Computer
that fits on top of a disk.
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i. Personal Computer
A small computer intended for use by an individual.
A personal computer will usually fit on top of a disk.
A computer designed for use by a single user.
Personal Computer further divided into two types.
a) Desktop Computer
b) Laptop/ Note book Computer
Desktop Computer
A computer designed for desktop use, usually comprises,
at a minimum, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a monitor,
and a keyboard as separate units connected by special
cables.
Laptop/ Note book Computer
A laptop is a personal computer designed for mobile use,
small and light enough to sit on a person’s lap while in use.
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A computer is made up of hardware.
Hardware is the touchable part of the computer.
Hardware is the physical components of a computer system.
examples: monitor, keyboard, mouse, processor, Hard drive, ROM,
RAM etc
Computer Hardware
Monitor
The primary device for displaying information from the computer.
Keyboard
The primary device for entering information into the computer.
Mouse
The primary device for navigating and interacting with the computer.
Processor
Send and receives information, completes tasks, makes things work
smoothly.
Hard Drive
Stores data in a computer.
RAM
Random Access Memory- makes things easier for the computer
to access.
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ROM
Read Only Memory- small memory chip only used at start up.
A set of programs and procedures that are intended
to perform some tasks on a computer system.
Makes computer useful
Software is the untouchable part of the computer.
Types of Software
Operating System Software (OS)
System Software, that enables the computer
hardware to communicate and operate the
Computer software. Without System Software,
the computer would be useless.
Four types of operating systems:
Windows, Mac, Unix, Linux
Software Application Programs
Set of instructions that tell the computer what to
do – used to accomplish specific tasks like
manipulating text, numbers and graphics.
Five types of Application Software:
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint,
Movie Maker, Accelerated Reader
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Computer Graphics:
The term of graphic comes from Greek word “graphikos” which means
something written.
Creation, Manipulation and storage of geometric objects (modeling) and their
images (rendering)
Display those images on screens or hardcopy devices
Applications of Computer Graphics:
We can classify applications of computer graphics into four main areas:
1. Display of Information:
a) Computational Biology:
Computational Biology is an interdisciplinary field that
applies the techniques of computer science, applied
mathematics and statistics to address biological
problems.
b) Computational Physics:
Computational Physics is the study and implementation
of numerical algorithm to solve problems in Physics for
which a quantitative theory already exists.
c) Information of Graphics:
Information graphics are visual representations of information,
data, or knowledge.
d) Scientific Visualization:
Producing graphical representations for scientific, engineering,
and medical data sets.
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2. Design:
a) Graphic Design:
The term graphic design can refer to a number of artistic and
professional disciplines which focus on visual communication and
presentation.
b) Computer Aided Design:
It is the use of computer technology for the design of objects, real
or virtual.
Used in design of buildings, automobiles, aircraft, watercraft,
spacecraft, computers, textiles and many other products.
c) Web Design:
Web design is the skill of designing presentations of content
usually hypertext or hypermedia that is delivered to an end-user
through the World Wide Web, by way of web browser.
3. User Interfaces:
a) Digital Art:
The impact of Digital technology has transformed traditional
activities such as painting, drawing and sculpture, while new
forms such as net art, digital installation art and virtual reality.
b) Video Game:
A video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with
a user interface to generate visual feedback on a raster display
device.
c) Virtual Reality:
Virtual Reality is a technology which allows a user to interact with
a computer simulated environment.
4. Simulation:
a) Computer Simulation:
A computer simulation, a computer model, or a computational
model is a computer program, or network of computers, that
attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system.
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b) Education:
Computer generated models of physical, financial and economic
systems are used as educational aids.
c) Information Visualization:
Information Visualization is the study of the visual representation
of large-scale collections of non-numerical information, such as
files and lines of code in software systems and the use of graphical
techniques to help people understand and analyze data.
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Computers have become an essential part of modern human life. Life in today’s world
would be unimaginable without computers. They have made human lives better and
happier. There are many computer uses in different fields of work. Engineers,
architects, jewelers, and filmmakers all use computers to design things. Teachers,
writers, and most office workers use computers for research, word processing and
emailing. Small businesses can use computers as a point of sale and for general record
keeping.
Computers Aid at Education
Computers have its dominant use in the education field which can significantly
enhance performance in learning.
Researchers have massive usage of these computers in their work from the
starting to till the end of their scholarly work.
Computers in our Health and Medicine
Computation in the field of medicine allows us tooffer varied miraculous
therapies to the patients. ECG’s, radiotherapy wasn’t possible without
computers.
Aid of Computers at Financial Institutions
We know well that computers are being used by the financial institutions like
banks for different purposes. The foremost important thing is to store
information about different account holders in a database to be available at
any time. Keeping the records of the cash flow, giving the information
regarding your account.
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Computers for our Pass time
Computers are now the major entertainers and the primary pass time
machines. We can use computers for playing games, watching movies,
listening to music, drawing pictures.
Computers are a part of our Transport System
With internet on computers we can know the details of the buses or trains or
the flight available to our desired destination.
We can book our tickets through online. Staff of the transport system will keep
a track of the passengers, trains or flight details, departure and arrival timings
by using computers.
Computer in E-Commerce
Electronic mail is the revolutionary service offered by the computes.
Electronic shopping through online shopping added favor to purchaser and
merchants. Electronic banking is now at your hand where every bank has
online support for transaction of monetary issues. You can easily transfer your
money anywhere even from your home.
Computer is today’s Designer
As per the title, computers aid in designing buildings, magazines, prints,
newspapers, books and many others. The construction layouts are designed
beautifully on system using different tools and software’s.
Government
Various departments of the Government use computer for their planning,
control and law enforcement activities. To name a few – Traffic, Tourism,
Information & Broadcasting, Education, Aviation and many others.
Defence
Computers are used to track incoming missiles and help slew weapons systems
onto the incoming target to destroy them.
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Computers are used in helping the military find out where all their assets are
(Situational Awareness) and in Communications/Battle Management Systems.
Sports
Recording Information
While some scoreboards are manually updated, most professional sports
venues have very modern scoreboards that are programmed to update
statistics and information immediately after the information is entered into
the computer
Analyzing Movements
The best athletes pay close attention to detail. Computers can slow recorded
video and allow people to study their specific movements to try to improve
their tendencies and repair poor habits.
Recording Information
Official statistics keepers and some scouts use computers to record statistics,
take notes and chat online while attending and working at a sports event.
