Principles of Computers - Lecture 1

Course Introduction

• Course Leader: Pavelek
• Contact Information:
  • Email: pavel.@d3s.mf.me.c
  • Office Location: Room 204 (Main Building), Room N2 34 (Impact Building, Troya)
  • Consultation: Email to schedule a meeting

Course Goals

• Understanding of internal and external computer workings essential for programmers and software engineers
• No prior knowledge of computers required

Course Structure

• Parallel Courses:
  • Programming 1 (using Python)
  • Programming 2 (using C language)
  • Computer Systems (using C or C++ subset)
  • Optional: Computer Architecture
• Examination:
  • No Labs, only lectures and a final exam
  • Self-assessment assignments available for bonus points

Self-Assessment Assignments

• Non-mandatory, but recommended for staying engaged
• Assignments facilitate understanding and preparation for exams
• Submission: Through Microsoft Teams (University Office 365 account required)

Key Course Concepts

• Harvard Architecture: Basic computer architecture model
• Components:
  • CPU (Central Processing Unit)
  • Code Memory
  • Data Memory
  • I/O Devices (Input/Output)
• Communication Lines: Connections between components

Historical Context

• Charles Babbage: Invented the analytical engine in 1837
• Ada Lovelace: Expanded on Babbage's ideas, first to conceptualize encoding of non-numeric data

Computer Data Representation

• Objective: Understand representation of data in computers
• Simplification Strategy:
  • Focus on non-negative integers first

Communication Lines

• Analog Transfer: Issues with resistance and noise
• Digital Transfer: More reliable, uses 0 and 1 (binary digits)
• Serial Digital Transfer: Sending bits one after another

Timing Diagrams

• Represent how voltage changes over time
• Show interpretation of signals at specific times

Measurement and Transfer

• Two-Wire System: Data and ground wire required
• Differential Transfer: Utilizes two data wires for increased noise resilience

Binary Number Interpretation

• Binary System: Powers of two for digit values
• Bit Order: Most Significant Bit (MSB) vs. Least Significant Bit (LSB)
• Importance of Agreement: Receiver and transmitter must agree on bit order

Powers of Two

• Important to remember common powers of two for quick reference

Ending Notes

• Transfer Speed: Measured in symbols per second (baud rate)
• Fixed Size Bit Timing: Defines the duration for which a bit is sent
• Next Steps: Review self-assessment assignments and prepare for subsequent lectures