computer science fundamentals in C Programming 2

computer science fundamentals

1. Week 1: Introduction to Computers
Objective: To help students understand what a computer is, why it is useful, the different types
of computers, and to become familiar with the main hardware components through clear and
simple examples.
1. What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that follows instructions to process data and solve
problems. It cannot think on its own but can do many tasks very quickly when we tell it what to
do.
Key Features:
• Input: Accepts data or instructions from the user using devices like the keyboard and
mouse.
• Processing: The CPU (central processing unit) works on the data using logical and
arithmetic operations.
• Storage: Saves data in memory so it can be used again later.
• Output: Shows the result of processing on devices like the monitor or printer.
Real-Life Analogy: Think of a computer like a cook in a kitchen:
• You give ingredients and a recipe (input)
• The cook follows the steps (processing)
• The food is stored or served (storage/output)
Important Terms:
• Hardware: The physical parts you can see and touch – monitor, CPU, keyboard, etc.
• Software: The set of programs that tell the computer what to do – like MS Paint, Google
Chrome, or games.
2. Why Do We Use Computers?
Computers are used everywhere because they are:
• Fast: They can do millions of calculations in seconds.
• Accurate: If programmed correctly, they don’t make mistakes.
• Reliable: They can work for hours without getting tired.

2. Examples of Use:
• In Schools: For typing notes, watching educational videos, giving online tests.
• At Home: For browsing the internet, watching movies, or playing games.
• In Shops: To make bills and check available stock.
• In Hospitals: To keep patient records and help with diagnosis.
• In Banks: For tracking money transfers and maintaining customer accounts.
• In Offices: For writing documents, making presentations, and sending emails.
3. Types of Computers
Computers are not all the same. They come in different shapes and sizes:
• Desktop Computers: Stay on a table and have separate parts like CPU, monitor,
keyboard. Used in labs and offices.

• Laptops: Portable computers with all parts combined. Easy to carry and use anywhere.

• Tablets: Smaller computers with a touchscreen. No keyboard needed.

3. • Smartphones: Small pocket computers that can call, message, and use the internet.

• Servers: Powerful machines used by companies to manage large amounts of data.

4. 4. Main Components of a Computer
Let’s look at the main parts of a desktop computer:
• Monitor: The screen where you see what you are doing. Like your TV.
• CPU: The brain of the computer. It follows instructions and does the calculations.
• Keyboard: Lets you type words, numbers, and commands.
• Mouse: Lets you move the pointer on the screen and click on things.
• Printer: Prints your work on paper.
• Speakers: Play sound from videos or music.
• UPS: A backup battery that helps when the electricity goes off.

5. Input and Output Devices
Devices are divided based on how we use them:
Input Devices: Used to send data into the computer.
• Examples: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam
Output Devices: Used to get the results from the computer.
• Examples: Monitor, printer, speakers, projector
Trick to Remember:
• If you give something to the computer → Input
• If you get something from the computer → Output

5. 6. How a Computer Works – Simple Steps
Let’s break down what happens when we use a computer:
1. Input – You give the computer data (like typing a sentence).
2. Processing – The CPU works on your data (checks spelling or saves it).
3. Storage – The data is stored temporarily (RAM) or permanently (Hard Drive).
4. Output – The result is shown on the screen or printed out.
Example: Typing a school essay in MS Word:
• Keyboard input → CPU checks spelling → Essay saved to hard drive → Essay appears
on monitor.
7. Fun Facts
• The first computers were as big as a room and could only do simple calculations.
• A mobile phone today is more powerful than the computer used in the first moon landing!
• The term “bug” came from a real insect that once caused a computer problem.