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EEC 2102 Computer Systems (45 Hours) Prerequisites None Course Purpose The aim of this course is to enable the learner to understand the fundamental components of a computer system and develop the skills necessary to securely operate a computer for the day to day requirements of a university course Expected Learning Outcomes At the end of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Describe the difference between hardware and software and explain the roles and inter- relationship of different components of computer hardware
- Differentiate between operating systems and application software and between different types of application software
- Describe the roles of the operating system and demonstrate ability to manage files, and carry out basic troubleshooting and system security operations
- Use a computer under the Windows operating system to produce documents, spreadsheets and presentations Course Description Introduction: Types of Computers – desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, supercomputers. Components of computers:- Hardware and Software. Historical development of computers.; Hardware: CPU – function and historical development, Memory – RAM and ROM, function and development; internal and external storage – hard disks, flash memory, tape; input and output devices – keyboard, mouse, multimedia input, printers etc.; Software: Firmware – basic input output systems, operating systems – types and functions, computer programs, application software.; Windows 8 operating system: File management.; Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio.; Computer Networks – Local area networks – server and client; the internet and cloud based operations, e-mail systems, search engines.; Information format and number systems: data, binary, bit, byte, ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) Practical Exercises Laboratory exercises will cover the following areas:
- File management
- Windows settings
- Application software exercises in word, excel and power point
- Internet operations – mail and cloud saving
Mode of Delivery The method of instruction will be lectures, interactive tutorials, assignments, laboratory exercises, presentations and demonstrations. The supervised sessions shall comprise 2 hours per week of lectures, 1 hour per week of tutorials and 3 hours per week of laboratory exercises. Instruction Hours The total instruction hours will be 45 hours. Instructional Materials/Equipment Whiteboard, LCD/Overhead Projector, Handouts, Smart board and laboratory equipment. Course Assessment The course will be assessed by Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs), Assignments, Laboratory Exercises and End of semester examination. These will contribute to the final grade as follows: End of semester examination (70%) and Continuous Assessment 30% (of which Test 10%, Assignment 5% and Practical 15%) Course Textbooks
- Berwal, P., Dhatterwal, J. S., Kaswan, K. S., & Kant, S. (2022). Computer Applications in Engineering and Management, Chapman and Hall/CRC, ISBN: 97810 03211938.
- Namburu, A. & Barpanda, S. S. (2020). Recent Advances in Computer Based Systems, Processes and Applications: Proceedings of Recent Advances in Computer-based Systems, Processes and Applications, CRC Press, ISBN: 97810 03043980. 3. Dumas, J. D. (2021). Computer Architecture: Fundamentals and Principles of Computer Design (2nd ed.). CRC Press_._ ISBN 9781138053939. References Textbooks
- Lajoie, S. P. (2020). Computers as Cognitive Tools, Volume Two: No MoreWalls: Theory Change, Paradigm Shifts, and Their Influence on the Uses of Computers for Instructional Purposes Routledge, ISBN: 97813 15045337.
- Parsons, J. J. (2024). New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2024, Comprehensive (22nd ed.). Cengage Learning. ISBN 9780357674611.
- Campbell-Kelly, M., Aspray, W., Ensmenger, N., & Yost, J. R. (2022). Computer: A History of the Information Machine (2nd ed.). Routledge. ISBN 9780367294010. Course Journals
- Advances in Computational Mathematics, ISSN: 1019-7168.
- Advances in data Analysis and Classification, ISSN: 1862-5347.
- Annals of software Engineering, ISSN: 1022 - 7091. Reference Journals
- Journal of Science and Technology, ISSN: 1860-4749.
- Central European Journal of Computer Science, ISSN: 1896-1533.
- Cluster computing, ISSN: 1386-7857.
- Laptops/Notebooks: o Portable, battery-powered, compact. o Integrated screen, keyboard, and battery. o Common for students and mobile professionals.
- Tablets & Mobile Devices: o Touch-screen based, lightweight. o Examples: iPad, Android tablets. o Ideal for browsing, media, simple tasks.
- Servers: o Powerful machines providing services to other computers (clients) over a network. o Examples: Web servers, database servers.
- Supercomputers: o Extremely powerful, perform trillions of calculations per second. o Used in weather forecasting, scientific simulations, space research. 4. The Information Processing Cycle
- Input → Process → Storage → Output This cycle describes how computers handle information. Diagram: [ Input ] ---> [ Processing ] ---> [ Output ] | [ Storage ] 5. Characteristics of Computers
- Speed: Millions of instructions per second.
- Accuracy: Reliable results if programmed correctly.
- Automation: Can work without continuous human intervention.
- Storage Capacity: Can hold large amounts of data.
- Connectivity: Can link with other devices via networks. 6. Applications of Computers
- Education: E-learning, research, simulations.
- Business: Accounting, communication, data storage.
- Science & Research: Simulations, data analysis.
- Health: Medical records, diagnostic tools.
- Government: Census, e-government services. 7. Emerging Trends in Computing
- Cloud Computing: Using online platforms for storage and services.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machines mimicking human intelligence.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Smart devices connected online.
- Quantum Computing: Next-generation computing based on quantum mechanics. 🧪 Week 1 Lab Session ( 1 Hour) Objective: Introduce students to the Windows operating system environment. Activities:
- System Login: Students log in with provided username/password.
- Exploring Desktop: Identify desktop icons, taskbar, and start menu.
- Creating Folders & Files: o Create a personal folder on the desktop named My Documents. o Inside it, create three subfolders: Assignments , Notes , Projects.
- Practice with File Operations: Copy, rename, delete, and restore from recycle bin.
- Basic Customization: Change desktop background and screen resolution. 📝 Assignment (for Week 1 – 2 )
- Define the term computer in your own words (½ page).
- With examples, explain the difference between input, processing, storage, and output.
- Research and write one page on the role of supercomputers in today’s world.
- Create a diagram (by hand or using Word) showing the information processing cycle.
Second Generation (1956–1963)
- Technology: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
- Characteristics: o Smaller, faster, more reliable, less heat. o Assembly language programming. o Magnetic tape and disks used for storage.
- Examples: IBM 7090, CDC 1604. Third Generation (1964–1971)
- Technology: Integrated Circuits (ICs) – multiple transistors on a single chip.
- Characteristics: o Further reduced size, faster processing. o Lower cost, more reliable. o Operating systems introduced (multi-programming).
- Examples: IBM System/360, PDP-8. Fourth Generation (1971–Present)
- Technology: Microprocessors – thousands of ICs on a single silicon chip.
- Characteristics: o Personal computers introduced. o Graphical User Interface (GUI) and networking. o Mass storage (HDD, later SSDs).
- Examples: Apple II, IBM PC, modern desktops/laptops. Fifth Generation (Present and Future)
- Technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, parallel processing.
- Characteristics: o Voice recognition, machine learning, robotics. o Cloud computing, IoT, big data. o Use of natural language processing (NLP).
- Examples: IBM Watson, Google AI systems, Quantum computers.
4. Evolution of Storage & Input/Output - Storage Devices: o Punch cards → Magnetic tapes/disks → Hard drives → SSDs → Cloud storage. - Input Devices: o Punch cards → Keyboards & mice → Touch screens → Voice & gesture recognition. - Output Devices: o Line printers → CRT monitors → LCD/LED → Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR). 5. Key Contributions in History - John von Neumann (1945): Proposed the stored-program concept → foundation of modern computers. - Bill Gates (Microsoft) & Steve Jobs (Apple): Made personal computing popular. - Tim Berners-Lee (1991): Invented the World Wide Web. 6. Summary - Computers have evolved from bulky, power-hungry machines to portable devices. - Each generation introduced new technologies that improved speed, size, cost, and usability. - Future trends → AI, quantum computing, nanotechnology. 🧪 Week 2 Lab Session ( 1 Hour) Objective: Use Microsoft Word to create a short illustrated history of computers. Activities: 1. Open MS Word and create a new document titled History of Computers. 2. Create a table showing the five generations of computers, their technology, features, and examples. 3. Insert images of at least three historical computers (e.g., ENIAC, IBM PC, modern laptop). 4. Format document with a title page, headings, and page numbers. 5. Save the file in the Assignments folder created in Week 1.
Week 3 Lecture Notes Topic: Hardware Components – CPU and Memory Duration: 2 hours (Lecture) + 1 hour (Lab)
1. Learning Objectives By the end of this lecture, students should be able to: 1. Describe the structure and function of the CPU. 2. Explain the roles of ALU, CU, and Registers. 3. Differentiate between primary memory (RAM, ROM, Cache) and secondary memory (hard disks, SSDs, etc.). 4. Identify how memory affects computer performance. 5. Monitor CPU and memory usage using Windows tools. 2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) Definition - The CPU is the brain of the computer. - It executes instructions from programs, performs calculations, and controls input/output. Main Components of CPU 1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): o Performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). o Performs logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, comparisons). 2. Control Unit (CU): o Directs the flow of data between memory, ALU, and input/output devices. o Decodes instructions. 3. Registers: o Very fast small memory inside CPU. o Temporary storage of instructions, addresses, or data being processed. 4. Clock Speed: o Measured in GHz (Gigahertz). o Determines how many instructions a CPU can execute per second. CPU Performance Factors - Clock speed (GHz). - Number of cores (single-core, dual-core, quad-core, octa-core).
- Cache memory size.
- Instruction set architecture (e.g., x86, ARM). 3. Memory in Computers Primary Memory (Volatile)
- RAM (Random Access Memory): o Temporary storage for data and programs in use. o Volatile → Data lost when power is off. o Types: ▪ DRAM (Dynamic RAM) – slower, cheaper. ▪ SRAM (Static RAM) – faster, used in cache.
- Cache Memory: o High-speed memory located inside CPU. o Stores frequently used instructions/data to speed up processing. Secondary Memory (Non-volatile)
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): o Permanent storage, cannot be easily modified. o Stores firmware (BIOS/UEFI). o Types: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash ROM.
- Mass Storage Devices: o Hard Disk Drives (HDDs): Magnetic storage, high capacity, slower. o Solid State Drives (SSDs): Flash memory, much faster, more expensive. o Optical Discs (CD/DVD): Used less today. 4. How CPU and Memory Work Together Instruction Execution Cycle (Fetch–Decode–Execute Cycle):
- Fetch: Instruction fetched from memory into CPU.
- Decode: Control Unit interprets the instruction.
- Execute: ALU or other components perform the action.
- Store: Result may be written back to memory. Illustration of Interaction: [ Input ] → [ CPU (ALU + CU + Registers) ] → [ Output ] ↑ [ Memory ]
Week 4 Lecture Notes Topic: Hardware Components – Storage, Input, and Output Devices Duration: 2 hours (Lecture) + 1 hour (Lab)
1. Learning Objectives By the end of this lecture, students should be able to: 1. Describe the different categories of storage devices. 2. Differentiate between primary storage, secondary storage, and external storage. 3. Identify various input devices and explain their functions. 4. Identify various output devices and explain their functions. 5. Apply basic file management skills (creating, copying, moving, deleting files). 2. Storage Devices Definition - Storage devices are hardware used to store data, instructions, and information either temporarily or permanently. **Categories of Storage
- Primary Storage (Volatile)**
- Fast memory used directly by the CPU.
- Examples: o RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary, cleared when power is off. o Cache: High-speed memory inside CPU. 2. Secondary Storage (Non-volatile)
- Permanent storage for programs and data.
- Examples: o Hard Disk Drives (HDD): Magnetic storage, large capacity, slower speed. o Solid State Drives (SSD): Flash-based, faster than HDD, more expensive. o Optical Discs (CD, DVD, Blu-ray): Use lasers to read/write data. o Magnetic Tapes: Older technology, used for backups.
3. External/Removable Storage - Portable devices for transferring/sharing data. - Examples: USB flash drives, external HDD/SSD, memory cards, cloud storage. 3. Storage Performance Measures - Capacity: Amount of data a device can store (measured in bytes: KB, MB, GB, TB). - Speed: How fast data can be read/written. - Durability: How long data remains safe. - Portability: Ease of carrying data around (e.g., USB vs server storage). 4. Input Devices Definition Devices that allow the user to enter data and commands into a computer. Examples 1. Text Input: Keyboard (typing), virtual keyboard. 2. Pointing Devices: Mouse, touchpad, stylus. 3. Image/Video Input: Scanner, digital camera, webcam. 4. Audio Input: Microphone, voice recognition systems. 5. Specialized Input: o Biometric devices (fingerprint scanners, face recognition). o Sensors (temperature, motion, VR controllers). 5. Output Devices Definition Devices that allow the computer to communicate results back to the user. Examples 1. Visual Output: o Monitors (CRT, LCD, LED, OLED). o Projectors. o VR headsets.
o Right-click → Properties → View capacity, used/free space. 📝 Assignment (for Week 4 – 5 )
- Differentiate between primary, secondary, and external storage , giving two examples of each.
- List five input devices and five output devices with their uses.
- Create a table comparing HDD vs SSD in terms of speed, durability, cost, and capacity.
- Write a short essay (1 page) on the importance of file management for students.
Week 5 Lecture Notes Topic: System Software – Firmware and Operating Systems Duration: 2 hours (Lecture) + 1 hour (Lab)
1. Learning Objectives By the end of this lecture, students should be able to: 1. Define and explain firmware and its role in computer operation. 2. Describe the functions of an operating system (OS). 3. Differentiate between types of operating systems (batch, time-sharing, real-time, single- user, multi-user, etc.). 4. Explain the concept of system calls, processes, and file management. 5. Perform basic OS operations in Windows. 2. Firmware Definition - Firmware is a special type of system software stored on a chip (ROM/Flash) that provides low-level control of a device’s hardware. - It acts as a bridge between hardware and higher-level software. Examples of Firmware - BIOS (Basic Input Output System): First program executed when computer is powered on, performs POST (Power-On Self-Test). - UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): Modern replacement for BIOS, supports faster boot and security features. - Device firmware: Found in printers, routers, smartphones, etc. Functions of Firmware 1. Initialize and test hardware at startup. 2. Load the operating system from storage to memory. 3. Provide permanent instructions for basic operations.
6. Examples of Popular Operating Systems - Desktop OS: Windows, macOS, Linux. - Mobile OS: Android, iOS. - Server OS: Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, UNIX. - Embedded OS: TinyOS, VxWorks. 🧪 Week 5 Lab Session ( 1 Hour) Objective: To introduce students to Windows operating system basics. Activities: 1. System Information: o Use System Properties to check OS version, processor, RAM. o Use Task Manager to monitor CPU and memory usage. 2. File Management Practice: o Create, rename, and delete folders/files. o Explore the Recycle Bin and restore files. 3. Basic OS Commands (Windows Command Prompt): o dir → List files and directories. o cd → Change directory. o copy → Copy files. o del → Delete files. 📝 Assignment (Week 5 ) 1. Short Answer Questions: a) What is firmware? Give two examples. b) List and explain three main functions of an operating system. c) Distinguish between single-user multi-tasking OS and multi-user OS with examples. 2. Practical Task: o Open Windows Task Manager and take note of: ▪ CPU usage % ▪ Memory usage % ▪ Number of running processes o Submit a short summary (half a page) explaining your observations. 3. Essay Question (1 page): “Discuss the importance of operating systems in ensuring computer security and efficient resource utilization.”
Week 6 Lecture Notes Topic: Application Software – Types and Uses Duration: 2 hours (Lecture) + 1 hour (Lab)
1. Learning Objectives By the end of this lecture, students should be able to: 1. Define application software and differentiate it from system software. 2. Identify the different categories of application software. 3. Explain the functions and examples of each type of application software. 4. Demonstrate basic use of common applications (Word processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations). 5. Select appropriate software for different academic and professional tasks. 2. What is Application Software? - Application software is a type of computer program designed to help the user perform specific tasks or solve problems. - Unlike system software (which manages hardware), application software sits on top of the OS and directly serves user needs. Examples: - Microsoft Word → for typing assignments. - Excel → for data analysis. - PowerPoint → for class presentations. - Google Chrome → for internet browsing. - SPSS, MATLAB → for research and analysis. 3. Categories of Application Software a) General-Purpose Application Software - Designed for common, everyday tasks. - Examples: o Word Processing: MS Word, Google Docs. o Spreadsheets: MS Excel, Google Sheets. o Presentations: MS PowerPoint, Prezi.
