CREDIT UNITS: 2

COURSE CODE: GST 114

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE & BASIC
PROGRAMMING
COURSE LECTURER: OWEIMIEOTU E. AMANDA

INTRODUCTION
The field of computer science affects almost every area of human activities. It’s
relevance on societies is seen in the abundant production of computers, editors
used for text, phones, and lots of areas where computer is developed to make
programming and software more reliable.
A computer can therefore be defined as a machine that can work on
sequences of operations that are long, complex and can be repeated. Such
operations can be used on unprocessed information called data given by a user
and are used to give out the required results or information.
One can also say that a computer is an electronic device that is able to
perform an instruction(s). The simplest command or instruction which computers
perform are getting data (input), arithmetically and logically operating on the
given data, storing and displaying the result of operation (output).

Note: Examples of computing devices are mobile phone – Mobile phones are
smart phones with hard ware and software capabilities, they also have mobile
operating systems, Tablets – these are mobile devices held in the hand (large
smart phones), Laptops, Work stations- Work stations use processors and video
card. They are computers or group of computers that are used to perform work
by individual for email purposes, browsing the net etc., Servers- servers are
hardware or software that accepts and responds to request over a network. The
device that makes the request is the called CLIENT and the device that gives the
response is called the SERVER. Gaming consoles is another example of computing
device and these are specialized computer system designed for interactive video
game play and display. It functions like a PC with same component like the CPU,
GPU, RAM, e.g.’s are blue ray drives, IOT – IOT are systems of inter related
computing devices, made up of mechanical and digital objects which are provided
with unique id and ability to transfer data over network without requiring human-
human or human – computer interaction system.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS
The history of computer is all about the development from simple devices that
aided calculations to modern day computers.
Computers began from way back the first of its devices known as the abacus
performing calculations. According to history, the abacus device was created in
Asia although its usage was seen in China, all of Europe, ancient Babylon until
later in the ages. Abacus made use of system where beads are made to slide in a
rack and are used for basic mathematical operations such as additions as well as
for subtractions.
A French Philosopher who was also a mathematician called Blaise Pascal
made a device called Pascaline in 1642 that could only perform addition and
subtraction operation. It had eight dials that was on wheels, and it calculate sums
that were up to eight figures.
Note that Pascaline and Abacus could just perform addition and subtraction.
As time went on precisely in the 17th century, a calculating Step Reckoner
device that added, subtracted multiplied and divided was invented by a man
known as Gottfried Von Leibniꝫ a German mathematician & philosopher in 1671.
In later development of Computers, precisely in 1819, a French weaver
called Joseph Jacquarcl found out that instructions that he used for his loom could
be entered and stored on cards that have punched holes in them. This worked by
having the cards sequentially move through the loom, and needles went through
these holes picking up thread that has the same color and texture thus one who
weaves can arrange the cards again and the pattern that is being woven can be
changed. This whole way of having information stored on cards by punching holes
became a great addition in developing computers later.
Going further away from devices that could carry out simple mathematical
operations, Charles Babbage who won an English mathematician as well as a
physical scientist in the early to mid-1800’s designed the 2 machines that could
calculate and they were called the DIFFERENCE and ANALYTICAL engine. Although
the difference engine could carry out operations that are termed complex such as
numbers that are squared automatically, it was a prototype as the main device
was never made.
The analytical engine on the other hand was designed in such a way that it
had a device used as input, another which was called the unit for control which
gave room for instructions to be processed sequentially and a device for output.
All of these designs however were known through his colleague, as his designs
stayed at the stage of blue print. Charles Babbage was considered the first
computer programmer.
When the nineteenth century came to an end and the census officials of
the U.S. wanted to specifically put their census data into a table, an inventor
called Herman Hollerith made a machine which used electricity and could
calculate, and made use of same punch card to store data. This machine was very
successful. The computer and technology cooperation known as IBM founded by
Hollerinth was first known as the Tabulating Machine Company.
Under the leadership of Howard Aiken in 1944 together with IBM and
Harvard University, Mark 1 which was the very first machine that was like
computer was built. Data was entered into this machine with the aid of a punch
card.
Mark 1, was 52 feet in length, it weighed 50 tons and had a total of about
750,000 parts. 2 years later precisely in 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator
and Computer (ENIAC) with about 18,000 vacuum tubes with weight of about 30
tons built at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States of America.
John Von Neuman made design rules in the late 1940’s that are used by
computers today. Basically, John Von Neumann’s, design was made up of the
arithmetic and logic unit, the unit for control, memory, as well as the devices that
are used for both input and output. This design makes it possible that the
instruction used for programming and the data are stored in the same memory
space. Note also that UNIVAC also known which is an acronym for Universal
Automatic Computer was built in 1951.
The invention of transistors that brought about energy- efficient computers
were small, fast and reliable. Following the moving forward of technology, chips
known as tiny Integrated Circuits took over transistors. These chips were smaller
and did not cost as much as the transistors and just one chip could contain so
much circuit numbering thousands. The very fast speed that computers have are
as a result of these chips. A whole central processing unit (CPU) which was on just
one chip was invented in 1970 and it was known as a microprocessor.

The first Apple computer was built in 1977 by Stephen Woꝫniak and Stephen jobs
in Job’s garage and it was known as PC (Personal Computer). As technology was
growing, Computers became very fast and were not so expensive.
Computers nowadays are reliable, very powerful and can be used for
almost everything. The computers that we have now, takes instructions spoken in
words and even behaves like human in terms of reasoning through A.I (Artificial
intelligence). There are expert systems that even helps doctors make diagnosis.
With the help of a Global Positioning system (GPS), drivers are able to verify
locations even with their phones. Emails, airline reservations, accessing bank
account etc. are now done using computers.

FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

The computer has certain functional components which are grouped into:
Hardware and software.
Put simply, the hardware component of a computer are those parts that can be
seen and felt and they include; the central processing unit (CPU), the main
memory which is also known as the random-access memory (RAM). We also have
the input/output devices, as well as the secondary storage.
1. C.P.U is sometimes called the brain of the computer and it happens to be
the 2nd most expensive hardware piece of the computer system and it is
made up of the control unit (cu), arithmetic logic unit (ALU) as well as the
registers. It is the component that carries out instruction execution.
Central processing unit CPU
Control unit (CU)

Instruction Register (IR)

Input
device
Program Counter (PC)

---- Output
Device
----
Arithmetic Logic unit (ALU)

Main Memory

Secondary Storage
Fig 1.1 Hardware Components of a computer system

 The control unit has 3 main functions: They fetch, decode instructions and also
help to control the flow of instruction of data into and out of main memory as
well as control the working of the CPU’S internal component.
 The ALU i.e. arithmetic logic unit executes the arithmetical and decision-making
operation (logical).
 There are also various registers some for special purpose that are contained in
the CPU. Examples are that which holds instructions that are just being
executed called (IR) instruction register and the program counter (PC) that
shows the instruction that is to be carried out.
2. Main Memory: This is connected directly to the CPU and all programs are
loaded here. When the computer is turned off, it lost everything in the
main memory. They make it possible for a computer to store data or
information and programs temporarily.
i. Secondary or mass storage device: This device helps the computer to
store large amount of data (information) permanently. Common
secondary devices are disk and tape drives.
3. Input/output devices: The input devices are those devices that are used to
enter data and programs into the computer e. g’s. are mouse, keyboard,
secondary storage etc. while those devices that are used to show/display
results are called output device e.g’s monitor, printer, secondary storage
device.

Keyboard Printer Input devices USB

Output device
Software Components
Put simply, those parts of a computer system that cannot be felt but can be
seen are called software and they are made up of programs that perform certain
job. E.g. word processors which can be used to write essays, books, letters etc.
Software is also made up of operating system which takes note of all
activities of a computer and provides memory management services, storage
management, input/output activities.
Other examples of software programs are spreadsheets, game. Note that all
software is written in programing language.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software is the term used to describe the set of instructions that tells the
computer hardware how to perform a task. They include the operating system,
application and utility software. Software is also seen as a collection of computer
programs that allows the user to use the computer for specific purpose. Without
software the hardware can do nothing useful. No software no work! By creating
appropriate software, a computer may be made to do almost anything under its
capability.
Software loaded into the primary memory is lost the moment power supply
to the memory is switched off. Therefore, software is usually stored on secondary
storage device so that you do not have to enter it into the computer’s memory
each time through an input device. Software is also seen as programs or set of
instructions, which is required to use the computer.
Software can be classified on a number or basis and its purpose.
1) System Software: This is the collection of programs that control the
functioning of all hardware resources directly. No computer hardware
exists in operational condition unless it is equipped with system software.
E.g. the operating system which is a software system that controls
the functions of all the resources without it the user cannot do
anything as it’s responsible for getting commands or a program from
a user and getting executed by the relevant hardware.
The operating system also controls the storage and retrieval of data and
programs to and from the secondary storage devices.
Examples of operating systems are DOS (Disk operating system),
Windows – Xp,8,10 OS/2, UNIX, LINUX, Macintosh
2) Application software which is defined as a subclass of computer software
that employs the capabilities of a computer directly to a task that the user
wishes to perform.
Application software consists of programs that direct computers to perform
specific information processing activities for and users. These programs are
called application packages because they direct the processing required for
a particular use, or application which users want to accomplish.
E.g. Games, instant messengers, wood processes, antivirus programs.
Application software is a type of software that you use on a computer that
helps the user complete a specific task.
Application software can be categorizing into
a) General purpose application programs e.g. word, spreadsheet,
database, graphic programs
b) Customized-specific software. Some frequently used application
software is:
1) Word processors, Spreadsheet used by engineers, researchers, managers
e.g.

For writing letters, Microsoft Excel, Lotus-23

Editing, e.g. Microsoft
Word, Ami pro oracle,
2) Database management system e.g. Microsoft Access oracle
3) Graphic packages – Those allow you to draw and manipulate images e.g.
Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, etc.
4) Communication software e.g. Microsoft Outlook, Express organize etc.
3) Network system: The worldwide system of network is called the internet to
network of networks. The internet allows data to be moved from one
computer to another.
A modem is a device that enables data from one computer to be
transmitted via phone lines or television cable lines to reach other
computers on the internet. In addition to hardware network components a
computer also needs an internet service provider to enable its connection
to the internet.
Application software such as web browsers and electronic mail enhances
the usefulness of a network system.
Types of Networks – LAN, metropolitan area network, NAN – wide area
network.
 Piece of hardware may be categorized according to the functions each
performs: Which is the input, process, output and storage.
Your PC (personal computer) is a system consisting of many
components. Some of those components like Windows XP, and all other
programs, are software. Software is the source of interaction between the
user and the computer. It represents programs, collection of several sets of
instructions, which allow the hardware to run properly. Those stuff you can
actually see and touch and would like break when thrown from a five-story
building is hardware. Thus, the hardware with which the user interact must
be clearly understood.
For convenience’s sake, we will be discussing the hardware of a
computer under 5 subheadings
1) Input devices
2) Output devices
3) Central processing unit (CPU)
4) Memory or storage
5) Mother board
1.Input devices: The form in which data is available to the user is not
always in the same form as is accepted by the computer hardware. Input
devices are hardware equipment that receive data and instructions from
the user, convert the data and instructions into a form that can be
processed by the computer and passes the same to the computer. Thus, if
you have to enter employee names into the computer, you do not write it
on a piece of paper and shove the paper inside the computer. You will need
some input device for this E.g.s of input devices are keyboard, mouse,
touch screen, track ball, joy stick, light pen, game controller, optical bar
code reader (OCR) image scanner, microphone, optical character reader
(OCR).
2) Output device: The result provided by a computer after processing, is
not always in user readable form. An output device is a hardware
equipment that translates this non-readable result into a form that can be
understood by the user. Examples are VDU (visual display unit) / monitor,
printer, speakers, projector etc.
3) Central processing unit (CPU): The central processing unit is to the
computer what the brain is to our body. It is the master organ of a
computer and it happens and no computer can exist without a CPU. The
CPU is made up of the Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU)
 as well as the registers. Computer CPUs are very fast in their calculations
and swiff in control.
Going further, the CPU performs all the processing of input data. It
functions are fetching, examine and executing these instructions stood in
the main memory of the computer.
In microcomputers, the CPU is built on a single chip or IC (integrated
circuit) and is called microprocessor. The CPU can also be said to be the
part of a computer that interprets and carries out the instructions
contained in the software.
The CPU consists of the following parts
 Arithmetic logic unit (ALU): The ALU is responsible for all the arithmetic
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well as
logical operations such as less than, equal to and greater than. In fact all
calculations and comparisons are performed in the arithmetic logic unit
 Control unit (CU): The control unit is responsible for controlling the transfer
of data and instructions among the units of a computer. It’s considered the
“central Nervous system” of a computer, as it manages and coordinates all
the units of the computers. It obtains the instructions from the memory,
interprets them and directs the physical data transfer between memory and
the peripheral device.
 Registers: Registers are small high-speed circuits (memory locations) which
are used to store data, instructions and memory address (memory location
numbers), when ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Registers can store one word of data (1 word = 2 bytes & 1
byte = 8 bits) until it’s is overwritten by another word. The
number and size of registers vary from one CPU to another
based on the processors capability.
Registers can be divided into six categories: General purpose
registers, pointer registers, segment registers, index registers,
flags registers and instruction pointer registers.
Buses: Data is stored as a unit of 8 bits (BITS stored for Binary digit 1.0 O or 1) in a
register. Each bit is transferred from one register to another by means of a
separate wire. This group of eight wires, which is used as a common way to
transfer data between registers is known as a bus.
In general terms, bus is a connection between two components to transmit signal
between them. Bus can be of three major types viꝫ: Data bus, control bus and
address Bus. The data bus is used to move data, address bus to move address or
memory location and control bus to send control signals between various
components of a computers.
Clock: This is another very important component of the CPU which measures and
allocates a fixed time slot for processing each and very micro-operation (smallest
functional operation). In simple terms, CPU is allocated one or more clock cycle to
complete a micro-operation.
The CPU executes the instructions in synchronization with the clock pulse.
The clock speed is measured in terms of megahertzꝫ (MHꝫ) or millions of
cycles per seconds
4). Memory or storage: This hardware is the place where a computer stores all
the data and instructions given to it. The results of the processing are also stored
here. A computer has many types of memories. Some memories are directly
connected to the CPU and are extremely fast as far as storage and retrieval of
data is concerned. These memories are called primary/main memory – RAM
(Random access memories) and
ROM – Read only memories which belong to this category
Note that primary memories are also of various types. The one that loses its
contents when power is switched off is known as volatile memory e.g. RAM. Some
memories refrain data and instructions on them even after the power is switched
off such as ROM. These memories are known as non-volatile memories.
Secondary storage devices are placed outside the system unit and can be
carried from one system to another allowing for portability of data and
instructions. Floppy disk or diskettes, hard disks and CD-ROM, are magnetic tapes,
zip disks are some of the secondary storage devices.
Input devices, output devices and secondary storage devices are not
directly connected to the CPU and hence are known as peripheral device or
simply peripherals.
5). Motherboard: Motherboard, also called system board is the most important
hardware components of a microcomputer. Motherboard is so called as all the
other boards (printed circuit boards having chips or other electronic components)
of the computer are connected to this board, hence it is like the mother of all
boards.
Characteristics of computer
Computer as an electronic device that can carry old arithmetic calculations
faster are characterized majorly as followed.
1). Speed: computers work really fast and does calculation that we can do for
several hours in milliseconds. Even sorting of information on the computer online
are done very fast. They perform millions of instructions and a more per second
2). Accuracy: Computers rate of correctness/accuracy is so high and all of the
correctness is done in the same way. Note that if an error occurs in computers
calculations or processing then it’s as a result of human or entering of data that
are not correct.
3). Diligence: Computers can be sent to overcome tired or the inability to focus
and even extreme tiredness. The computer has the capacity to do better than
humans in everyday kind of job.
4). Versatility: The computer’s versality helps the to do different kind of work e.g.
computer can be used to write an essay at the same time used to do calculations.
5). The power to remember: Computers are different from humans as they can
store large amount of information and data will still be able to remember them
several years to come.
6). Storage: Computers have memory within them that are used to store great
details such large information can also be stored in devices such as CD’s, DVD’s
which are called secondary storage devices.
7). No feeling: Computers do not have emotions knowledge, feeling etc.
Types of computers
There are different types of computers besides size and purpose of
application, their differences also stem from variations in terms of how they
function or method of operations.
Classification by the method of operation (processing)
On the basis of their method of operations computers are further classified
into three
a) Analogue computer: Analogue computers operate by measuring. They deal
with continuous variable as operate to discrete value or numbers rather
they operate by measuring physical magnitude such as pressure,
temperature voltage, current etc.
a). E.g. thermometer, voltmeter, speedometer
b). Gasoline pump- contains an analogue computer that converts the flow
of pumped fuel into two measurements the price of the delivered gas and
the quantity of pumped fuel.
Note: They are special purpose computers, and are known for limited
accuracy.
 b) Digital computers: These deals with discrete variables. They operate by
counting rather than measuring. They operate directly upon numbers (or
digits) that represent numbers, letters or other special symbols.
E.g.
 Abacus
 Desk & pocket computer
 The general – purpose computers
Note that digital computers have higher accuracy than the analogue one
c) Hybrids computers: The best features of analogue and digital computers
can be combined into a single device called Hybrid computer. A hybrid
computer processes the information by collecting input device with
analogue methods and converting it into digital quantities, processes the
digital values and then coverts the output from digital to analogue. Form
e.g. in hospital or health centers analogue devices can be used to measure
a patient’s heart function temperature and other vital signs. These
measurements can be converted to numbers and supplied to a digital
component and this component is used to monitor the patients’ vital signs
and sends an immediate signal to the healthcare station if any abnormal
readings and deletion.
Classification by purpose of application
1). Speed purpose – to solve a single type of problem e.g. pocket
calculators, traffic control system etc. most analog computers are special
purpose computers.
b). General-purpose: These designed to solve a variety of problems through
the use of “store program concept” e.g. microcomputers, minicomputers
c). Super computers etc.