Computer

Overview
BIT101 - IT Application Tools in Business
 Discussions
What is a Computer?
01 • Definition
• Applications
• Types
• Components

Hardware
02 • Input Devices
• Output Devices
• System Unit (Processing)
• Storage Devices

Software
03 • Operating System
• Application Software
• Utility Software
• Programming Software

04 Peopleware
What is a Computer?

Definition

A computer is an electronic device

that receives input, stores it for a
period of time, operate it according
to a set of instructions (known
as a PROGRAM) and gives the
user with an output.

Check “What is a Computer?” link(video) resource or click here for an overview of what
will be discussed in this topic.
What is a Computer?

Applications
Business
• A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy,
reliability, or versatility which has made it an integrated part in all
business organizations.

Banking
• Online accounting facility, which includes checking current balance,
making deposits and overdrafts, checking interest charges, shares,
and trustee records.
• ATM machines which are completely automated are making it even
easier for customers to deal with banks.
What is a Computer?

Applications

Insurance
• Insurance companies are keeping all records up-to-date with the help
of computers. Insurance companies, finance houses, and stock
broking firms are widely using computers for their concerns.

Education
• The computer provides a tool in the education system known
as CBE (Computer Based Education).
What is a Computer?

Applications

Marketing
• Advertising − With computers, advertising professionals create art
and graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads
with the goal of selling more products.
• Home Shopping − Home shopping has been made possible through
the use of computerized catalogues that provide access to product
information and permit direct entry of orders to be filled by
the customers.
What is a Computer?

Applications

Healthcare
• Computers have become an important part in hospitals, labs, and
dispensaries. They are being used in hospitals to keep the record of
patients and medicines. It is also used in scanning and diagnosing
different diseases. ECG, EEG, ultrasounds and CT scans, etc. are
also done by computerized machines.

Engineering Design
• Computers are widely used for Engineering purpose. One of the
major areas is CAD (Computer Aided Design) that provides creation
and modification of images.
What is a Computer?

Applications

Military
• Computers are largely used in defence. Modern tanks, missiles,
weapons, etc. Military also employs computerized control systems.

Government
• Computers play an important role in government services such
as budgeting and weather forecasting.
What is a Computer?

Types of Computers

PC (Personal Computer)
A PC can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive
computer designed for an individual user. PCs are based
on the microprocessor technology that enables
manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.

Businesses use personal computers for word processing,

accounting, desktop publishing, and for running
spreadsheet and database management applications.
At home, the most popular use for personal computers
is playing games and surfing the Internet.
What is a Computer?

Types of Computers

Workstation
Workstation is a computer used for engineering applications
(CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and
other such types of applications which require a moderate a
mount of computing power and relatively high quality
graphics capabilities.

Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, large amount of
RAM, inbuilt network support, and a graphical user interface. Most workstations also have
mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a special type of workstation, called diskless
workstation, comes without a disk drive.
What is a Computer?

Types of Computers

Minicomputer
It is a midsize multi-processing system capable of supporting
up to 250 users simultaneously.

Minicomputer
Mainframe is very large in size and is an expensive computer
capable of supporting hundreds or even thousands of users
simultaneously. Mainframe executes many programs
concurrently and supports many simultaneous execution of
programs.
What is a Computer?

Types of Computers

Supercomputer
Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers currently a
vailable. Supercomputers are very expensive and are
employed for specialized applications that require immense
amount of mathematical calculations (number crunching).

For example, weather forecasting, scientific simulations,

(animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear
energy research, electronic design, and analysis of
geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting).
What is a Computer?

Special Types of Computers

Embedded Computers
Computers found inside consumer goods in order to
enhance their function.

Cars today might have as many as 50 microprocessors

on them.

Special Purpose Computers

A device with a specific purpose such as game system
or information kiosk.
What is a Computer?

Components of a Computer

There are three major While hardware and software components co-exist to make
components of a up the actual computer, the peopleware component adds in
computer system: the human face to bring the complete computer into a
• hardware functional and productive existence. When installed
• software separately, each may be useful to an extent but incapable
• peopleware of achieving complete computing potential. Hardware and
software need the human factor in order to make input
and connectivity possible.

Check “Hardware and Software” link(video) resource or click here for an overview of the
hardware and software.
Hardware
Components

01 Input Devices

02 Output Devices

03 System Unit (Processing)

04 Storage Devices
Hardware

The physical components that make up a

computer system. It encompasses everything
with a circuit board that operates within a PC
or laptop; including the motherboard, graphics
card, CPU (Central Processing Unit), ventilation
fans, webcam, power supply, and so on.
Hardware

Basic Logical Structure / Operations

• Input Devices - entering data and instructions into
the computer system.
• Processing (CPU) - performing arithmetic, and logical
operations on data in order to convert them into useful
information.
• Storage - saving data and instructions so that they are a
vailable for processing as and when required.
• Output Devices - producing useful information or results
for the user, such as a printed report or visual display.

Check “How does a computer work?” link(video) resource or click here for an
example on how does a computer work with the hardware components.
Hardware

Input Devices

Input devices allow a user to

key-in data into the computer.

Enter information into a computer.

• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Scanner
• Web Camera
• Barcode Scanner
• Microphone
Hardware

Output Devices

These are devices that receive or

display information from a
computer.

Send information out from a PC.

• Monitor
• Printer
• Speakers
• Headset
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

The system unit is the core of the computer system. It is

usually the rectangular box placed underneath a computer
desk. Inside the box are the following electronic components
that help in the processing of information:

• CPU
• Memory
• Motherboard
• Power Supply
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer.

The CPU 'controls' what the computer does and is responsible for performing calculations
and data processing. It also handles the movement of data to and from system memory.

CPU's come in a variety of speeds which are known as 'clock rates'. Clock rates are
measured in 'Hertz'. Generally, the faster the clock rate, the faster the performance
of the computer.
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

CPU
There are two main
brands of CPU
currently on the market.
.. AMD and Intel:
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

Memory
There are two types of internal memory - RAM and ROM.

RAM and ROM are used to store computer data and this can be directly accessed
by the CPU.

RAM and ROM are sometimes referred to as 'Primary Storage'.

Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is used to temporarily store information that is currently in use by the computer.
This can include anything from word documents to videos.

RAM can be read from and written to and so the information stored in RAM can
change all the time (it depends what tasks you are using the computer for).

RAM is a fast memory. Data can be written to and read from RAM very quickly. RAM is
generally measured in GB (Gigabytes).
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is Volatile Memory. This means that information stored in RAM is deleted as soon
as the computer is turned off.

The more RAM you have installed in your computer -- the faster it can perform. You can
open and use more programs at the same time without slowing the computer down.
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

ROM (Read Only Memory)

ROM is used to permanently store instructions that tell the computer how to boot (start
up). It also loads the operating system (e.g. Windows).

These instructions are known as the BIOS (Basic input/output system) or the boot
program.

Information stored in ROM is known as READ ONLY. This means that the contents of
ROM cannot be altered or added to by the user.

ROM is fast memory. Data stored in ROM can be accessed and read very quickly.
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

ROM (Read Only Memory)

ROM is Non-Volatile memory. This means that stored information

is not lost when the computer loses power.

Other examples of ROM include:

• DVD/CD ROMS bought in stores containing pre-recorded music
and movie files. These are played back at home but cannot
be altered.
• ROM in printers which is used to store different font types.
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

Motherboard

The motherboard is central to any computer system.

All components plug into the motherboard either directly (straight into the circuit board) or
indirectly (via USB ports).

Once connected to the motherboard, the components can work together to form the
computer system.

Components communicate and send signals to each other via the BUS Network..
Hardware

System Unit
(Processing)

Motherboard
Hardware

System Unit
(Processing)

Ports
A port is a physical docking point using
which an external device can be connected
to the computer. It can also be programmatic
docking point through which information flows
from a program to the computer or over
the Internet.

Check “Buttons and Ports on a Computer” link(video) resource or click here to

understand further how these various ports work.
Hardware

System Unit (Processing)

Power Supply

It is the source of regulated current that

flows within the system unit.
Hardware

Storage Devices
Secondary storage devices are used to store data
that is not instantly needed by the computer.

They permanently store data and programs for as long as

we need. These devices are also used to back-up data in
case original copies are lost or damaged.

There are two categories of storage devices:

• Internal Storage - Internal Hard Disk Drives,
Solid-state Drives
• External Storage - External Hard Disk Drive,
Memory Stick etc
Hardware

Memory Unit

Bits and bytes are

the basic building
blocks of memory.
"Bit" stands for
binary digit. A bit is
a one or a zero,
on or off, which is
how all computer
information is
stored.
Hardware

Factors affecting computer performance

• CPU speed and type
• computer will carry out processing
functions at a faster pace

• RAM speed and amount

• large RAM size = faster computer performance

• Hard Disk speed and space

• smaller space = slower performance

Check “What’s inside a Computer?” link(video) resource or click here to understand

further how various hardware components work inside a computer.
Software
Components

01 Operating System

02 Application Software

03 Utility Software

04 Programming Software
Software

Operating System

Software program that manages computer resources. Operating systems allow

components to communicate with each other and enables the computer to
run software applications

Main roles:
• Controls hardware and software
• Permits you to manage files
• Acts as intermediary between user and applications
Software

Operating System

Software which manages the

overall operation of the computer
system including:
• hardware (CPU, RAM, I/O)
• security
• system interface
• application interface
Software

Operating System
Types of Operating System Interfaces

The way in which users communicate with the computer is called an 'interface'.
The interface is what we use to give the computer commands.

• Command Line Interface (CLI)

• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Touchscreen Interface
Software

Operating System
Types of Operating System Interfaces

Command Line Interface (CLI)

• A command line interface is an older style operating
system where users type in commands using
keyboard.
• Command Line Interface's do not make use of
images, icons or graphics. All the user is sees is
a plain black screen like the one to the right.
Software

Operating System
Types of Operating System Interfaces

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• GUI's are visual (graphical) interfaces and they are
more popular than CLI's because they are very easy
to use. The graphics do need more computer power
however.
• Instead of typing in commands, the user can use a
mouse to point and click objects on the screen.
Software

Operating System
Types of Operating System Interfaces

Touchscreen Interfaces (aka Post-WIMP Interface)

• Portable devices such as mobile phones, PDA's
and tablets (e.g. IPad) use interfaces similar to a
GUI (WIMP) where icons and menus are used
to input commands.
• Touchscreen technology allows people to use
their fingers to select icons and options straight
from the device's screen.
Software

Operating System
Operating Systems for Desktops

Three well-known operating systems include MacOS, Windows, and Linux GNU.

MacOS Windows Linux GNU

(Proprietary) (Proprietary) (Open-source)
Software

Operating System
Operating Systems for Desktops

Linux Mint Open Suse Ubuntu

(Open-source) (Open-source) (Open-source)
Software

Operating System
Operating Systems for Smartphones

• Open-source OS
• Currently developed by Google.
• Having the largest installed base
worldwide on smartphones
• Android's releases are named after
sweets or dessert items (except for
the first and second releases)
Software

Operating System
Operating Systems for Smartphones

Cupcake Donut Eclair Froyo Gingerbread Honeycomb Ice Cream Sandwich

Jellybean Kitkat Lollipop Marshmallow Nougat Pie 10

Software

Operating System
Operating Systems for Smartphones

Other Android-based mobile OS:

• Color OS – Oppo
• EMUI – Huawei
• Fire OS – Amazon
• MIUI (Mi User Interface) – Xiaomi
Software

Operating System
Operating Systems for Smartphones

Mobile operating system created and developed by

Apple Inc. and distributed exclusively for Apple
hardware.
Presently powers many of the company's mobile
devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Second most popular mobile operating system

platform in the world by sales, after Android
Software

Operating System
Operating Systems for Smartphones

Current iOS version list:

iPhone OS 1 iOS 9
iPhone OS 2 iOS10
iPhone OS 3 iOS11
iOS 4 iOS12
iOS 5 iOS13
iOS 6 iOS14
iOS 7 (Major UI revamp)
iOS 8
Software

Operating System

Other Operating Systems for Smartphones

Windows 10 Mobile Blackberry Firefox OS

Software

Application Software
• App for short
• A program or group of programs designed
for end users.
• Cannot function without the OS (Operating System)
• Written for a specific operating system and
computer hardware.
• Examples of an application include a word processor,
a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a
web browser, an email client, a media player, a
file viewer, simulators, a console game or a
photo editor.
Software

Programming Software
These are programming tools that
allow the programmers to craft their
own computerization programs.

Two examples of programming

software are BlueJ and NetBeans.
Both are used to create Java-based
programs.
Software

Utility Software
A special purpose software that
improves the PC operations by
providing additional and specialized
functionality. It helps keep to
keep your system in shape by
eliminating/correcting error.
Peopleware

Peopleware refers to the role people play

in technology and the development of
hardware or software.

Computers operate using a combination of h

ardware and software. However, without
user interaction, most computers would be
useless machines. Therefore, "peopleware"
is sometimes considered a third aspect that
takes into account the importance of
humans in the computing process.
Peopleware

People who develop or use computer systems

Software managers monitor progress against intermediate and final devel

opment targets. They conduct regular team meetings to review progress
and to identify potential obstacles to completion.

Managers also monitor quality to ensure that products meet their technical
and business objectives.

A systems analyst is an IT professional who works on a high level in an

organization to ensure that systems, infrastructures and computer systems
are functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Peopleware

People who develop or use computer systems

A computer programmer creates the code for software applications and

operating systems. After a software developer designs a computer
program, the programmer writes code that converts that design into
a set of instructions a computer can follow.

Computer Operators monitor and control electronic computer and

peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business,
scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions.

A user is a person who utilizes a computer or network service. Users

of computer systems and software products generally lack the technical
expertise required to fully understand how they work.
END OF PRESENTATION