Introduction to computers

Computer
 An electronic device that processes data
according to a set of stored instructions.
 An electronic device that follow
instructions to accept input, process the
input and then produce information.
 A machine that manipulates data according
to a set of instructions.
 A machine that perform tasks or
calculations according to a set of
instructions or programs.
Computers
 Work through an interaction of hardware
and software
◦ Hardware refers to physical parts of a
computer that you can see and touch,
including the case and everything inside it
◦ Software refers to programs that governs
the operations of the computer.
Computer hardware
 These are physical parts of a computer that
one can see and touch, including the case
and everything inside it
 Hardware items such as monitor, keyboard,
mouse, printer and other components are
called hardware devices.
◦ Internal hardware
 Located inside the main box (system unit) of the
computer
◦ External hardware
 Located outside the system unit and plug into ports
located on the exterior of the system unit
Software
 In addition to hardware, a computer needs
software to function.
 Are programs that control or maintain the
operations of the computer and its devices.
 Software or programs, consists of electronic
instructions that tell the computer how to
perform a task.
 A program installed in the computer that contains
a set of instructions executed by the computer in
order to perform a task.
 Consist of computer programs that govern the
operation of the computer.
 Software is needed to control hardware and to
turn it into a useful machine.
Types of software
 System software:
◦ Programs that control or maintain the operations of
the computer and its devices.
◦ Programs that controls a computer system.
 E.g. 1. Operating System - controls and manages the
hardware connected to a computer
 OS - provides an interface that helps users to interact with
the computer.
 Boots the computer and launches programs at the user’s
direction
 Examples of OS are Windows XP, 7,8,10, Mac OS, Linux, Android etc.
 E.g. 2. Utility programs – A program that performs a very
specific task related to managing system resources.
 Help to perform maintenance or correct problems with a
computer system.
 E.g. Antivirus – utilities scan for computer virus, backup software, data
compression, system monitors etc.
Types of software
2. Application software: Programs that
perform specific tasks for users.
◦ Application software enables users to perform specific
tasks—solve problems, perform work, or entertain
yourself.
 E.g. - Word Processing for creating letters, reports, etc.
 Spreadsheets – for creating budgets etc
 Scheduling appointments
 Viewing Web pages
 Sending and receiving e-mail
Types of computers
Desktop computers
 Designed for use at a desk or table
Laptops and notebooks
 Laptops are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen.
 Laptops can operate on batteries, so you can take
them anywhere.
 Unlike desktops, laptops combine the CPU, screen, and
keyboard in a single case
 Notebooks are small, affordable laptops that are
designed to perform a limited number of tasks such as
to browse the web and check e-mail.
Handheld computers (Palmtops)
 Also called personal digital assistants (PDAs)
 Are battery-powered computers small enough to carry
almost anywhere.
 Are useful for scheduling appointments, storing
addresses and phone numbers, and playing games.
 Some have more advanced capabilities, such as making
telephone calls or accessing the Internet.
 Instead of keyboards, handheld computers have touch
screens that you use with your finger or a stylus (a pen-
shaped pointing tool).
Tablet PCs
 Are mobile PCs that combine features of laptops
and handheld computers.
 Like handheld computers, users write notes or
draw pictures on the screen with a tablet pen
instead of a stylus.
 Can also convert handwriting into typed text.
 Some Tablet PCs are “convertibles” with a screen
that swivels and unfolds to reveal a keyboard
underneath.
Smartphones
 Are mobile phones that have some of the same
capabilities as a computer.
 Used to make telephone calls, access the
Internet, organize contact information, send
e-mail and text messages, play games and take
pictures.
 Usually have a keyboard and a large screen.
Server
 A computer that has been optimized to
provide services to other computers over
a network.
 Servers have powerful processors, lots of
memory and large hard drives.
 Other types of computers can fill an entire
room.
 These are: Mainframes and
Supercomputers
What can you do with computers?
 At workplace, people use computers to
keep records, analyze data, do research,
and manage projects.
 At home, people use computers to find
information, store pictures and music,
track finances, play games and
communicate with others.
 Connect to the Internet etc.
Components of a computer
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Main memory
 Storage devices
 Input devices
 Output devices
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Also called the processor or microprocessor.
 A part of a computer that controls all other
parts.
 CPU interprets and carries out the basic
instructions that operate a computer.
 Directs and coordinates most of the operations
in a computer
 Works hand in hand with other circuits such as
main memory to carry out processing.
 Considered to be the brain of the computer.
Memory
 A part of a computer in which
information or programs are stored
either permanently or temporarily.
 Main memory is where programs and
data are kept when the processor is
actively using them.
 Memory is a temporary storage of data,
instructions and information
 Special chips that hold data and
instructions ready for use by the CPU.
Types of memory
 Random Access Memory (RAM)
◦ Also referred to as Main memory
◦ Holds the programs and data that users are
working on. (Are stored in RAM)
◦ Temporarily hold (1) software instructions
and (2) data before and after it is processed
by the CPU.
◦ RAM is volatile – when the computer is switched
off anything in RAM is lost.
◦ Data stored on disk is transferred into RAM when
you open a file to work on it.
 Read Only Memory (ROM)
◦ Memory that stores instructions and data that can
be only be read, but it cannot be updated or
modified.
◦ Modifying it is either impossible or very difficult.
◦ Important program instructions needed to start a
computer and load OS are stored in ROM.
◦ ROM is non-volatile storage, which means that
the information is maintained even if the
component loses power.
◦ ROM plays a critical part in starting up the
computer.
 This is also referred to as booting up the computer.
Hard disk drive (HDD)
 HDD is storage device of the computer
 Contains computer programs and data
 Most computer are sold with a hard disk
drive built into them.
 Additional HDD can be bought to increase
storage space (External or Internal)
 External HDD more expensive than internal
 Cost of HDD increases with its capacity
 HDDs store between 80GB and 500GB
Input devices
 Any device that enables users to enter data
and instructions into your computer
◦ Keyboard
 Used to type information into your computer
◦ Mouse
 Allows data input by clicking to select options (rather
than typing).
◦ Scanners
◦ Barcode readers
◦ Digital camera
◦ Microphone
Output Devices
 Any device that help users get information
out of the computer in a meaningful way.
◦ Monitor, screen or Visual Display Unit (VDU)
 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
 A vacuum tube used as a display screen in a computer or video
display terminal.
 Found in older desktop computers but also in older television
sets.
 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
 A flat panel technology
◦ Printers
◦ Speakers
 To deliver an audio output such as music, that is
connected to the computer.