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ZULFIQAR ALI MIRANI

An Introduction to Computers

Info: neoindus@gmail.com
Introduction to Computer
By Zulfiqar Mirani
Senior Electronics Engineer
Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan

Computer:
is a machine that can solve problems by accepting data, performing certain operations
and presenting results of those operations.

Types of Computer:
 Analogue
 Digital

Analogue Computer:
Recognize data as a continuous measurement of a physical property.

Digital Computer:
Recognize data by counting discrete signals representing either a high (ON)
or low (OFF) voltage state of electricity.

Digital Computer can


 Perform mathematical calculations
 compare values and
 store results
Data is represented in Binary form in Digital Computers.

In Civil Aviation: Computers are used in


Application Systems Computing Equipment
Radar Data processing & AIRCAT200, CTR 830, MIV 800, PR 800,
representation AIRCAT 500, TPS 800, Extractor, DG-MV
Radar Tx/Rx 7800
Flight plan data processing & AIRCAT 200, DG-30, MV 7800, MIV 800
management AIRCAT 500
Air Traffic Message Switching Ferranti ????
Flight Information Display
MIS
Computer System
Hardware
1. Computer
2. Primary storage
3. Secondary storage
4. Input devices
5. Output devices

Software
1. System Software
2. Application Software

Classification:
Large computer are grouped as
 Super Computers
 Mainframe Computers
 Mini Computers
Whereas Microcomputers are the smallest computers.

How Computers are used?


a) Data Processing
b) Control
c) Design & Development

Functions: Computer can perform


a) Arithmetic functions on numeric data
b) Compare values
c) Store & retrieve data

Flow of data:
 Input
 Processing
 Output

Input involves
 Collecting
 verification and
 encoding data into a machine readable form
Processing involves
 Classifying
 sorting
 calculating
 summarizing and
 storing the results
Output involves
 Retrieving the data
 converting data into human readable form and
 displaying the information to the user
Computer Architecture
Basic Elements of a Computer
 Input
 Arithmetic & Logic Unit
 Control Unit
 Memory
 Output

Microcomputer Elements
 Input/output
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Memory

Central Processing Unit: Comprises


 ALU
 CU
 Primary Storage

Microprocessor:
 Arithmetic & Logic Unit and
 Control Unit
on a single chip (Integrated Circuit) is called a Microprocessor. It may also contain
primary storage.

Memory:
 Primary
 Secondary

Primary Storage:
provides temporary storage of data during program execution.
Example: Semiconductor Memories
 RAM
 ROM

RAM:
Random Access Memory allows the user to
 enter data into memory (write)
 retrieve the stored data (read)
RAM is also called Read & Write Memory
When power is shut off everything that was stored in RAM is lost

ROM:
Is a Read Only Memory, data cannot be written into it. Contents of ROM are permanent
and do not lost when power is shut off.
Secondary Memory:
Is a non-volatile memory used for
 storage of large amounts of data for permanent or long term storage
 storing backup or copies of data

Secondary Storage devices:


 Magnetic tapes
 Magnetic disks
 Optical media

Magnetic Tape forms:


 Reel to reel
 Cassette
 Cartridge

Magnetic Disk forms:


 Floppy Diskette
 Hard Disk

Optical Technology forms:


 Compact Disk

Input:
Is the process of entering and translating data into a machine readable form.

Input devices:
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Joystick
 Track ball
 Light pen
 Digitizer
 Touch screen
 Magnetic strips

Output:
Is the process of
 translating data into a form understandable to a humans or
 storing data or information in secondary storage device readable by other
machines

Output devices:
 Printer
 Plotter
 Monitor
 Voice synthesizer
Printer:
Impact Printers
 Dot Matrix
 Daisy wheel

Non Impact Printers


 Inkjet
 Thermal transfer
 Laser

Plotter:
Produces images on paper.

Monitor:
A device that displays information on a Television like screen.
Software
Software:
The programs used to make a computer perform a useful function.

Classification:
 System Software
 Application Software

System Software:
A set of programs that make the computer machine run itself effectively. It is usually
provided by the manufacturer with machine.

Application Software:
The software that performs specific jobs. These are generally the programs used by the
End-Users.
Glossary
Bit:
Is smallest unit of data that a computer recognizes.

Byte:
Is a group of Eight bits.

Word:
A string of bits which can occupy a single addressable location. The word is identified by
different processors as different items such as Instructions, Quantities and Alphanumaric
characters.

Word Length:
The number of bits making up a word.

Data Processing:
converting the Data (raw facts) into Information (an organized, usable form) is called data
processing

Volatile Memory:
Is called when Data is lost with power shut off
Example: RAM

Non Volatile Memory:


Power shut off has no impact on data in NVM.
Example: ROM

Cache is where the processor stores frequently accessed instructions or data for faster
performance. Intel's® Pentium® 4 processors contain a new advanced Level 1 (L1)
instruction cache technology, Execution Trace Cache, that delivers a much higher
performance instruction cache. The Execution Trace Cache makes more efficient use of
cache memory.

The motherboard is the main circuit board inside the computer. The motherboard contains
the central processing unit, the bus, memory sockets, expansion slots, and other electronic
components.

Chipset: A number of integrated circuits designed to perform one or more related functions,
the chipset is often used to refer to the core functionality of a motherboard.

The internal bus connects all the computer components to the chipset and main memory. It
is a collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one part of a computer to
another.
The 400 MHz system bus of the Pentium® 4 processor is an advanced system that delivers
three times the bandwidth of the Intel® Pentium® III processor system bus. This provides a
3.2 gigabyte transfer speed between the Pentium® 4 processor and the memory controller
and is the highest bandwidth desktop system bus available, delivering more responsive
system performance.
Intel’s answers to some common questions
How do I know what kind of PC to purchase?
If you don't like waiting, expect high-performance, want your PC to last for as long as
possible, run intensive applications on your computer, and/or need a PC that can extend and
enhance the power of the other digital devices in your home, the Pentium® 4 processor may
be right for you. But if you're just looking for a PC to help you get online and run simple
programs, then a Pentium® III processor or an Intel® Celeron™ processor may be a better
choice.

Why should I buy a system with an Intel Inside® brand sticker?


The Intel Inside® brand sticker is a recognizable logo that lets you immediately know you've
purchased a system offering both technology leadership and a safe investment. Using this
Intel® sticker gives you the freedom to explore the unexpected, while relying on the brand
recognition and good name of Intel® and its products.

Why does Intel keep making faster processors and why should I buy a high-
performance processor?
Typically new or improved software applications require more processing power than their
predecessors. Additional functionality means more instructions that must be processed. If
you buy a computer that is adequate to run applications today, it may not be adequate to run
the applications of tomorrow. This means that in order to use new or improved software
applications or operating systems, you will have to buy a new PC. Intel continues to make
faster processors so you can get the most out of your computer today and have the
headroom to accommodate the applications and Internet content of tomorrow.

Why should I buy now?


The question is: Do you need a new PC now? Intel® processor technology is always
improving, but that doesn't mean you should wait to buy your new PC. There is never a
"wrong" time to buy, so our advice is to buy the most powerful PC that fits your budget. This
strategy offers you the surest protection against obsolescence. Think of it as room to grow. If
you want a high-performance PC for a great Internet experience today, and headroom for the
applications and Web sites of the future, look for a PC featuring the Intel® Pentium® 4
processor.

How do I make sure a PC that I buy today is not obsolete tomorrow?


Buying a computer is an important investment. You need a PC that can satisfy all your
computing needs today with enough processing power left over for the future. In short, you
can minimize the chances of your PC becoming obsolete in the near future by buying a high-
performance computer, such as one based on the Pentium® 4 processor.

Why would I want to buy a high-performance PC based on a high-performance


Pentium® 4 processor?
A high-performance Pentium® 4 processor-based system provides an extremely powerful
computing experience, whether you have a broadband connection to the Web, you're playing
cutting edge online games, watching or creating videos, or running other performance-
intensive applications. It intensifies the 3D action of your favorite games and enables clear
and smooth audio and video streaming. Pentium® 4 processors provide the performance to
power the connected home, which means linking all your digital devices in order to extend
their capabilities, from your digital camera and MP3 player to your entire home entertainment
system. Increased performance and headroom allows you to take advantage of the emerging
Internet and computer technologies enabling the connected home. Pentium® 4 processors
also deliver high-performance when networking multiple PCs, or when attaching your PC to
home consumer electronic systems and new peripherals.

What's new about the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor?


The Intel® Pentium® 4 processor with Intel® NetBurst™ micro-architecture, currently
available at 1.30, 1.40, and 1.50 GHz, maximizes the performance of cutting-edge
technologies such as digital video and online gaming. A new Hyper Pipelined Technology
doubles the pipeline depth to 20 stages, significantly increasing processor performance and
frequency capability. A Rapid Execution Engine pushes the processor's Arithmetic Logic
Units to twice the core frequency, resulting in higher execution throughput and reduced
latency of execution. The 400 MHz System Bus, the improved Advanced Dynamic
Execution, and an improved floating point pushes data efficiently through the pipeline for
lifelike video and 3D graphics. Along with Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2) that extends
MMX™ technology and SSE technology, and the addition of 144 new instructions, the
Pentium® 4 processor gives you the advanced technology to get the most out of today's and
tomorrow's Internet.

Where can I find benchmark information on the Pentium® 4 processor?


Pentium® 4 processor benchmark and performance information can be found at:
http://www.intel.com/procs/perf/Pentium4/

Will the Pentium® III processor be discontinued now that the Pentium® 4 processor is
introduced?
No. Intel® will continue to ship Pentium® III processors.

Can I upgrade my current Pentium® III processor to a Pentium® 4 processor?


The Pentium® 4 processor introduces a new generation of processing power with Intel®
NetBurst™ micro-architecture (the first new micro-architecture in five years) that requires a
new chipset and motherboard. As a result the processor socket pin out is different, making it
impossible to upgrade. However, the Pentium® 4 processor is backward compatible with all
IA-32 software and works with industry standard memory and peripherals.

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