Introduction to computing

Why study computer science?• It encompasses many things.• There is a multiplicity of university and industry courses

available.• A lot is happening in many fields.• It’s an exciting time to be involved.• Skilled computer scientists are highly employable.

What is computer science about?• Designing and building hardware.• Designing and writing software.• Managing information.• Developing a wide range of systems.

But at its most fundamental it is about the algorithm:a step-by-step process for carrying out an aim.

What makes a good computer scientist? 

• Being up to date.• Being organised.• Grasping the big picture.• Thinking ‘outside the box’ (in more ways than one).• Understanding the basics.• Being a good communicator.• Being numerate but not necessarily a mathematician.• Being aware of the business or domain

that uses/will use the system.

History The history of computing is fascinating in itself but it also makes it easier to understand the nitty-gritty of the subject.

Some major stages:• Turing’s machine – computability• information theory – Shannon• mechanical programmable devices• electronic programmable devices – Colossus• programming languages and operating systems• transistors• integrated circuits and silicon chips

First generationVacuum tubes/valves, e.g. ENIAC.

The first multi-purpose, electroniccomputer, ENIAC

Second generationThe transistor.

Third generationIntegrated circuits/chips.

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Used in keyboards, monitors, operatingsystems and applications

Fourth generationThe microprocessor.

Used in GUIs, the mouse and hand-helddevices

Fifth generationWork in progress, e.g:• artificial intelligence• voice recognition• parallel processing• quantum computation• nanotechnology• natural language• machine learning