Class: S4MPC/MCE

subject : Computer Science

Unit 1: Computer Fundamentals

Date: 10th September 2024

Refferences:
www.computernotes.com
Textbook: Computer Science for
Rwanda Secondary Schools
Book4
Definitions
> Computer is an advanced electronic device that
takes raw data as input from the user and
processes these data under the control of set of
instructions and gives the result (output) and saves
output for the future use
> Data: these are raw facts that are collected and
input via input devices
> Information: this is data that is processed and
displayed or stored on a computer.
> Computer Science is a branch of science that deals
with theory of computation, or design and
operation of computer hardware and software, and
of the application/use of computers.
Computer characteristics
1. Speed: computer can work very fast. a
computer can perform millions of instructions per
second. The speed of computer CPU is measured in
hertz (Hz)
2. Accuracy: - The degree of accuracy of computer
is very high and every calculation is performed
with the same accuracy. The accuracy level is 7.
3. Diligence: - A computer is free from tiredness,
lack of concentration, fatigue, boredom etc. It can
work for hours without creating any error.
4. Versatility: - It means the capacity to perform
completely different type of work.
5. Power of Remembering: - Computer has the
power of storing any amount of information or data.
6. No IQ: - Computer is a dumb machine and it cannot
do any work without instruction from the user. a
computer cannot take its own decision as you can.
7. No Feeling: - It does not have feelings or emotion,
taste, knowledge and experience. Thus, it does not get
tired even after long hours of work. It does not
distinguish between users.
8. Storage: - The Computer has an in-built memory
where it can store a large amount of data. data can
also be stored in secondary storage devices such as
floppies CDs/DVDs, which can be kept outside the
computer and can be carried to other computers.
Classification of Computers | Types of
Computers

Computers differ based on their data

processing abilities. They are classified
according to;
> Purpose
> Data handling
> Functionality
> word size
> Size and Processing power
> Number of users
 1. Classification according to Purpose
General-purpose computers are Specific purpose computers are
designed to perform a range of tasks. designed to handle a specific
They have the ability to store problem or to perform a specific
numerous programs, but lack in speed task. Eg programmable scientific
and efficiency. Eg desktops , laptops calculators, watches, gaming console
and smartphones

General purpose computer Specific purpose computer

 2. Classification according to Type of Data Processed

Analog Computer
An analog computer is a form of
computer that uses continuous
physical phenomena such as
electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic
quantities to model the problem
being solved. Eg thermometer,
voltmeter, campuses, analog watches
> Analog computers do not deal
directly with the numbers. Analog computer
> They measure continuous physical
magnitudes.
 Digital Computer
A computer that performs
calculations and logical operations
with quantities represented as digits,
usually in the binary number system.
Examples are modern computers
(laptops + desktops)

> Digital computers process data into

a digital value (in 0s and 1s).
> They give the results with more
accuracy and at a faster rate. Digital computer
> They are capable of storing data
 Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
Hybrid computers incorporate the
measuring feature of an analog
computer and counting feature of a
digital computer.

For computational purposes, these

computers use analog components
and for storage, digital memories are
used.
Hybrid computer
 3. Classification according to
Functionality
A. Servers
• These are types of computers used to provide
resources, services, and functionality to client
computers .
• Resources provided are based on the functions of a
particular server, which may fall under these
categories:
>File server
>Database server
>Print server
>FTP servers
>Application server
>Web server
• Their sizes will depend on purpose and tasks in the
network. Servers are optimized to run 24 hours and
are capable of hot swapping of storage and other Hot swapping drive bay in server environment
hardware without having to shut down the system.
B. Embedded systems
• These are computer-based systems which are
standalone electronic hardware designed to
perform dedicated computing tasks.
• They are computers which may not always seem
to be computers!
• They include a combination of the outer
hardware, microprocessor chip, and software.
• The embedded software(firmware) is always fixed Other examples of embedded
onto non-volatile memory
systems include;
• The old cell phones, TV remote control are
examples of embedded systems MP3 players, DVD players, Drones,
• Firmware on these systems is written in the read- Printers, calculators, toys,
only memory (ROM) or flash memory chips. digital cameras , ATM machines,
Video game console
C. Workstations
It is used in large, high-resolution graphics screen built in network support,
Engineering applications(CAD/CAM), software development desktop
publishing
Ex: Unix and windows NT.

4. Classification by Word Size

A binary digit is called “BIT”. A word is a group of bits which is fixed for a
computer.
The number of bits in a word (or word length) determines the
representation of all characters in these many bits.
Word length is in the range from 16-bit to 64-bits
 4. Classification based on number of Users
A. Single User: - Only one user B. Multi User: - A single computer shared
can use the resource at any by a number of users at any time
time.

C. Network computers A number of

interconnected autonomous computers
shared by a number of users at any time.
 5. Classification of computers based on Size and
processing power
I. Super Computer
The fastest and most powerful type of
computer Supercomputers are very
expensive and are employed for
specialized applications that require
immense amounts of mathematical
calculations. IBM- USA RoadRuner super computer
Applications of super computers include;
weather forecasting requires a
supercomputer.
animated graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations,
nuclear energy research, and
petroleum exploration. Chinese Tianhe super computer
 II. Mainframe computer
• A very large and expensive computer
capable of supporting thousands of users
simultaneously.
• mainframes are second largest to
supercomputers in size.
• mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers because they support
more simultaneous programs. But
supercomputers can execute a single
program faster than a mainframe.
• The main difference between a
supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer channels all its power into
executing a few programs as fast as
possible, whereas a mainframe uses its IBM 370 Mainframe computer
power to execute many programs
concurrently.
 Uses of mainframe computer
Performing ATM cash withdrawals
and deposits.
Online electronic transactions.
Cloud storage.
Handling of patient records in major
hospitals.
Making reservations and travel
schedules for airline companies.
Manipulation and tallying of data for
census and electoral purposes.

IBM Z9 mainframe computer

 III. Minicomputers
It is a midsized mainframe computer.
In size and power, minicomputers lie
between workstations and mainframes.
A minicomputer is a multiprocessing Digital Alpha minicomputer, Sun ultra
system capable of supporting from 4 to
about 200 users simultaneously.
Minicomputers are also called small-scale
mainframes because they are cheap
alternatives to mainframes
They are more powerful than
microcomputers
They are used in business, laboratories,
research institutions, engineering firms
and banks Micro VAV II minicomputer 1990
 IV. Microcomputer or Personal Computer
• Microcomputers are the smallest, least
expensive and the most used types of
computers.
• They have a small memory, less
processing power, are physically
smaller, and connect fewer peripherals
compared to super and mainframe
computers.
• They are more commonly known as
personal computers or simply PCs.
Categories/Types of microcomputers
include;
> Desktop computers
> Portable/ Mobile computers
 A. Microcomputer: Desktop
computer
• Desktop computers are made up of
separate components such as:
• The system unit; a rectangular case
that contains important parts like
the motherboard, microprocessor,
memory modules, disk drive, and
optical drive.
• The monitor.
• A mouse.
• A keyboard.
i) Desktop computer: Single unit
system
• Single unit computers, also
known as all-in-one PCs, are a
sub-type of desktop computers.
They integrate the monitor and
system unit within a single unit.
• They also have connectivity to a
mouse, keyboard, and other
peripherals, usually through USB
ports.
ii) Desktop computer: Nettop
Systems
• Nettop, which are sometimes called
mini PCs, are small and cheap system
units. They use less power and perform
less processing.

• Common features of Nettops include

the Intel Atom microprocessor, 1-2 GB
memory, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

• Just like any other desktop, they attach

to peripheral accessories via USB ports
and the monitor via VGA or DVI ports.
i) Desktop computer: Thin Clients
• These are low-cost computer types which rely on
server systems in order to provide computing
services to attached monitors. They communicate
to the server via the remote desktop protocol and
are part of the networking implementation setup
known as client/server model.
• While a thin client depends entirely on the
availability of a server, a desktop based client (the
typical desktop computer), sometimes called fat
client, can operate independently of a server in
case of transmission downtime.
• A typical thin client features most input/output
ports for connectivity to peripherals. Standout
are VGA or DVI ports to the monitor, PS/2 or USB
ports for keyboard and mouse, and audio
input/output ports.
 B. Microcomputers: Portable
computers
The different portable computers are: -
1) Laptop
2) Notebooks
3) Hand held – Tablets, Palmtop,
Smartphone
4) Wearable computers
Laptop: - This computer is similar to a
desktop computers but the size is smaller.
They are expensive than desktop. The
weight of laptop is around 3 to 5 kg.
i) Portable computers: Netbook
computer
• Notebook: - These computers
are as powerful as desktop but
size of these computers are
comparatively smaller than
laptop and desktop. They weigh
2 to 3 kg. They are more costly
than laptop.
ii) Portable computers: Palmtop
computer
• Palmtop (Hand held): - They are
also called as personal Digital
Assistant (PDA). These
computers are small in size. They
can be held in hands. It is
capable of doing word
processing, spreadsheets and
hand writing recognition, game
playing, faxing and paging. These
computers are not as powerful
as desktop computers.
iii) Portable computers: Wearable
computer
• Wearable computer
• The size of this computer is very
small so that it can be worn on
the body.
• It has smaller processing power.
It is used in the field of medicine.
For example pace maker to
correct the heart beats. Insulin
meter to find the levels of insulin
in the blood.
Lesson 2: >> History of Computers