Teach Computer Science

Introduction to
computers

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 1.

Revision notes

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Introduction
A computer is any device or machine that can be programmed to
carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations
automatically. Computers are also called general purpose machines,
as most of the computers with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) are
used in many different applications. For example: smartphones and
tablets. To perform these wide ranges of functions, a computer is
installed with various software. Web browsers, video calling, word
processing and games are a few examples of software.
A computer designed to perform a special function is called a special
purpose machine. The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was the first
automatic digital computer designed specifically to find the solution
of systems of simultaneous and linear equations.

Figure 1: Atanasoff-Berry computer (ABC)

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Evolution of computers
Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace developed the first general
purpose machine, the analytical engine, in 1837. In 1935, Alan
Turing, a mathematician and code-breaker, developed a design for
how modern computers would work with various programs to
perform different functions.
The Colossus, built by engineer Tommy Flowers in the 1940s at
Bletchley Park, helped British cryptographers decode German
messages, which helped win WWII.
German inventor Konrad Zuse developed the first programmable
computer, Z3, in 1941. This computer was used to analyse the wing
flutter of aircraft during World War Two. The data and programs
were stored in a punched film.
The invention of transistors in the 1970s has played a very important
role in the transformation of computers. Moore’s law describes that
computers are becoming smaller over a period of years, that the
number of transistors doubles every two years, and that the
processing speed of computers is also increasing each year. The
following figure shows the evolution of computers in a timeline.

Figure 2: Evolution of computers in a timeline

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Input-process-output model
Computer processing uses the input-process-output model for
performing its functions. The following figure illustrates the input-
process-output model.

Figure 3: Input-Process-Output model

Input Process Output

A scanner receives
Stores the image in Sends the image to
the image of the
its memory. the computer.
page.

This model also has a feedback loop that symbolises any output
from one process being inputted again, potentially for a repeat or
another process.

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Computational models
The theory of computational is based on models. Some of them are
given below.
▪ Sequential: In this model, an algorithm is executed from start to
finish, in a sequence.
▪ Parallel: A parallel algorithm can be executed on multiple
processing devices simultaneously. Each device processes a part
of the algorithm, which is later combined to produce the final
output.
▪ Multi-agent: An agent is usually a program that performs a small,
specific background task. In a multi-agent system, each agent
acts independently and in a decentralised manner. Multi-agent
systems are used several real-world applications such as
computer graphics, co-ordinated defence systems, networking
and mobile technologies, and many more.

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Types of computers
a) General purpose computers
A general purpose computer is designed to perform a wide range of
tasks. Laptops, tablets and mobile phones are examples of general
purpose computers. Many applications can be installed in a single
system and these applications may work at the same time to
complete the tasks.
b) Dedicated systems
Dedicated systems are designed only for a particular operation. For
example: In a toll plaza, automatic payment is possible with the help
of an automatic payment machine and a customer can pay using
cash, banknotes or cards.
c) Control systems
Control Systems are programmed to operate automatically with
minimum inputs from the user. These systems find application in
manufacturing processes. Once the design is set in the system, the
system manufactures the product. A few systems are also designed
to check the quality of the products produced. Industrial robots and
wearable gadgets are also examples of control systems.

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Application of computers
Computers follow a set of instructions called an algorithm to process
the input and present the output to the user. Computers are used in
a wide range of applications. The following figure illustrates some of
the applications of computers.

Figure 8: Applications of computers

a) Cryptography
Computers play a very important role in modern communication.
Protecting the secrecy and the integrity of data sent through a
computer is achieved using cryptography. The message to be sent is
coded using a sophisticated algorithm from the sender’s end. The
encrypted message received is decoded at the receiver’s end to
present the message in a readable format.
b) Simulation and Modelling
Computers are used to simulate and model designs based on their
theories. Once the desired results are achieved through modelling,
the designs can be manufactured. Forecasting weather, modelling a
car and analysing the DNA of organisms are a few examples of
modelling using a computer. Various software tools are available for
modelling and simulation.
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Application of computers
c) Robotics
A robot is a programmable machine that can perform a series of
actions automatically. Robots are used in unmanned space probes,
mining, healthcare and domestic tasks. Robots used in military-
based applications are designed to use a variety of weapons.
Unmanned combat air vehicles are also designed for a variety of
missions.
d) Data crunching
Data crunching is a method in which large amounts of data and
information are automatically processed. The data is processed,
sorted and structured to run in different algorithms. Data crunching
is very useful in the field of online marketing. For example: Relevant
products are displayed to the consumer after searching the
database of over 10,000 records.
e) Biologically-inspired engineering
Biologically-inspired engineering (or bionics) is the application of
biological methods and systems found in nature to design
engineering systems. Replacement or enhancement of body parts is
possible with bionics. Bionic devices are also equipped with sensory
systems that take input from the device and send it to the brain.
f) Automation
Automation is a technology by which a sequence of operations can
be performed without human assistance. An automatic teller
machine (ATM) is an example of automation in which the computer
interacts with the user to perform online transaction processes.

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Thinking like a computer
To program a computer, certain sets of logical instructions need to
be provided. Sets of logical instructions for a computer can be
designed only when the programmer thinks in the same way that a
computer processes the instructions. Computational thinking is a
thought process involved in formulating a problem and expressing
its solution in such a way that computers can effectively carry it out.
The components of computational thinking are:
a) Algorithm design
The problem is broken into a series of logical steps called an
algorithm. For example, to design a program to multiply two
numbers, logical steps have to be provided. Repeated addition is the
widely used logic behind multiplication.
b) Decomposition
A large problem is broken down into smaller chunks that can then be
solved using computing. Let us take an example of designing an
online airline ticket booking system. Many programmers work
together. Each programmer is assigned a particular job. One creates
the database related to the airline, like the time schedule, number of
seats and cost of the tickets. One programmer designs the
interactive page that takes input from the user. One programmer
designs the online banking interface. Decomposition of a task is
illustrated in the following figure.

Figure 9: Decomposition of a task

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Thinking like a computer
c) Abstraction
Abstraction is similar to generalisation. In the study of objects or
systems, certain characteristics are removed so that it is reduced to a
simple set of characteristics. Let us consider a real-life example of a
driver driving a car. It is enough for the driver to understand the use
of the accelerator and brakes, etc. He need not know the inner
mechanisms behind the accelerator and brakes. This is hiding the
details that are not essential. Data abstraction, therefore, reduces
the complexity and time.

Figure 9: Abstraction

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Future of computing
a) Moore’s law
Moore’s law describes that computers are becoming smaller over a
period of years, that the number of transistors doubles every two
years, and the processing speed of computers doubles every two
years.
b) Machine intelligence
Machine intelligence is a field of study in which improvements are
made to work a computer in a more human way. Research is
continually being undertaken in this field. Many multinational
companies are trying to make smartphones more intelligent using
machine intelligence.
c) Augmented reality
Augmented reality is an interactive experience of a real-world
environment whereby the computer-generated objects appear to
reside in the real world. Many companies are creating wearable
electronics that incorporate augmented reality. The game Pokémon
Go, released by Niantic, is a notable example in the field of
augmented reality.

Figure 8: Augmented Reality App

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d) Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on the atomic,
molecular and supramolecular scale. New materials are created in
the field of electronics, medicine and biomaterials. These new
materials improve efficiency and also help us to design in an
environmentally-friendly manner. Video game consoles and
personal computers have become cheaper, faster and contain more
memory due to nanotechnology.
e) Quantum computing
Quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits) to store information
instead of conventional zeroes and ones. Qubits can be a one or a
zero or even both at the same time. Conventional computers encode
numbers in the form of zeroes or ones. Quantum computers uses
spinning photons to represent a zero or a one or a combination of
these two or a number that represents the state of qubit in between
zero and one or might even represent different numbers. As a result,
a quantum computer is able to perform computations of several
numbers at once and are powerful for certain applications when
compared to a conventional computer of same size. There are a few
disadvantages of this computing. They are expensive and difficult to
build. It is difficult to control quantum particles and a lot of heat is
generated during quantum processing.
f) DNA computing
DNA computing, also known as, biomolecular computing, uses DNA,
biochemistry and molecular biology instead of silicon. DNA
computers are able to store a lot of data and perform several
complex calculations at same time. This is because over 10 trillion
DNA molecules can be fit into a single cubic centimeter. The power
consumption of this type of computers is quite less compared to
conventional computers. It is also faster for solving complex
problems and are lightweight compared to conventional computers.
There are a few disadvantages of this computing. They are expensive
and difficult to build. Errors occur due to the complexity of DNA
strands. Some simple calculations and sorting algorithms might be
slower in DNA computers compared to conventional computers.

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 2.

Activities

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Activity 1
Duration: 15 minutes

A. Complete the blank timeline to fill in any four important

B. Complete the input-process-output model for a printer.

Input Process Output

C. List any five applications of a computer.

a) __________________________________

b) __________________________________

c) __________________________________

d) __________________________________

e) __________________________________

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Activity 2
Duration: 15 minutes

A. A class is planning an educational trip. Decompose this task into

Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4

B. Think of a coffee machine. Write down any five details of a

a) __________________________________

b) __________________________________

c) __________________________________

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 2.
End of topic
questions

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End of topic questions
1. How has the invention of transistors transformed computers?
2. What are the three types of computers? Explain in detail with
suitable examples.
3. What is cryptography?
4. Give a few applications of robotics.
5. What are the essential components of computational thinking?
6. How does nanotechnology affect the future of computing?

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