Computer
Computer
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Fundamentals of Computer
Contents
SOME OTHER SIMPLE DEFINITIONS ARE 7
FOUR BASIC FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER 7
TYPES OF COMPUTERS 8
MAINFRAMES COMPUTERS 8
PURPOSES OF MAINFRAME COMPUTER 8
SERVER 8
MICROCOMPUTERS 8
SUPERCOMPUTERS 8
HARDWARE 9
SOFTWARE 9
INPUT DEVICES 10
OUTPUT DEVICES 12
MONITOR 12
PRINTER 12
SPEAKERS 12
APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER 13
DISK 14
OPERATING SYSTEM 15
DISK OPERATING SYSTEMS (DOS) 15
THE DECLINE OF DOS 15
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MICROSOFT WINDOWS 16
COMPUTER LANGUAGE 18
MODEM 19
MODEM APPLICATIONS 19
COMPUTER NETWORK 21
ADVANTAGES OF NETWORKING 21
DISADVANTAGES OF NETWORKING 21
LAN 21
MANS 21
WANS 21
PC TOOLS 23
NORTON UTILITIES 25
GRAPHICS 26
DATA BASE 26
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DATA ANALYSIS 32
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Fundamentals of Computer
Chapter# 1
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Fundamentals of Computer
Definitions Of Computer
The term 'computer' is derived from the word 'compute', which means to calculate.
A computer is a machine that accepts data in digital form and process it for some result based
on a program, which describes how data is to be manipulated or processed.
1. Input
2. Process
3. Output
4. Storage
Input
The computer gathers data or allows a user to add data
Process
Data is converted into information
Output
After processing the data, computer shows the result in different format, which is called
output.
Storage
Data or information is stored for future use
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Types of Computers
1. Mainframes Computers
2. Server
3. Microcomputers
4. Supercomputers
Mainframes Computers
Mainframes computers are computers used mainly by large organizations for critical
applications. Mainframe computers are large computers often found in businesses and
colleges, where thousands of people are able to simultaneously use the computer to access
data. These computers have much greater memory and storage capacities than other types of
computers.
Server
Server is an important component of computer networks. These specialized computers
manage networks. These are used by multiple users, but a smaller number than a mainframe
(Generally used to serve up to 300 users).
It is smaller than a mainframe computer, designed originally for use in small organizations.
Mainframes and Servers are the backbone of information system in corporations, universities,
and other organizations.
Microcomputers
Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals. Some of the most common types of
microcomputer include
Supercomputers
Supercomputers are large, powerful computers that perform specialized tasks. Supercomputer
is designed to run fewer programs at one time, but to do so as quickly as possible.
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Fundamentals of Computer
Hardware
Hardware is physical parts of the computer e.g. keyboard, monitor, mouse etc.
Software
Software is the program that is on the computer that allows you to work with the computer,
e.g. M.S Office, Corel Draw etc.
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Fundamentals of Computer
Input Devices
An Input device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to feeds or store data into
a computer is known as input device, e.g.
Key Board
Mouse
CD Rom
Floppy Disk
Microphone
Scanner
Digital Camera
Light Pen
Flash Drive
Joystick
Bluetooth
Infrared Device
Keyboard
Keyboard is a primary input device for
the PC. Standard keyboard has 104 keys.
Mouse
Mouse is also primary input device for
the PC. It is used as a pointer. It can
perform functions like selecting menu
commands, moving icons, resizing
windows, starting programs, and
choosing options.
CD Rom
Compact disk read only memory, meaning that you can only read from the CD but you can’t
write to the CD It is an optical device. CD Rom is an input as well as an out put device.
CD RW, DVD
CD RW and DVD are also an input and output devices.
CD RW: Compact disk Rewritable. (Capacity up to 700MB)
DVD: Digital Video Disk (capacity up to 17GB)
Floppy Disk:
A floppy disk is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic
storage medium. Floppy disks can store up to 1.44 MB of data and are usually 3 1/2 inches in
size
Microphone
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Microphone is an input device, which takes voice as input. We use it for voice commands or
for voice chat on the internet.
Scanner
Scanner translates printed images into an electronic format that can be stored in a computer’s
memory.
Light pen
Light pen is used for special purposes like to highlight object on monitor screen.
Flash Drive
Flash drive is used to transfer data from one computer to another computer. It is an input as
well as an output device.
Joystick
Joystick is used to play Video Games on PCs
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Output Devices
An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the
results of data processed by computer. By using these hardware, we can get output in
different formats.
Monitor
Printer
Speaker
CD RW, DVD
Floppy
Flash Drive
Bluetooth & Infrared
Monitor
A monitor is the screen on which words,
numbers, and graphics can be seen, it is the
most common output device
Printer
A printer produces output on paper or transparencies. The output is referred to as hard copy.
It can print words, numbers, or pictures.
Some of the most commonly used printers are:
1. Laser Printer
2. Ink Jet Printer
3. Dot Matrix Printer
Speakers
Computer speakers are output device. Speakers allow you to listen to voice like music, and
conversation with people.
Note:
CD RW, DVD, Floppy, Flash Drive, Bluetooth & Infrared devices are both input and output
devices.
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Fundamentals of Computer
Applications of Computer
In the last few decades, computer technology has revolutionized the businesses and other
aspects of human life all over the world. Practically, every company, large or small, is now
directly or indirectly dependent on computers. Computer systems help hospital records,
accounts, electronic banking and so on. Computers not only save time, but also save paper
work. Some of the areas where computers are being used are as follows:
Science
Scientists have been using computers to develop theories and to analyze and test the data. The
high speed and accuracy of the computer allow different scientific analyses to be carried out.
Education
Computers are very helpful in education sector. Currently, the classrooms, libraries and
museums are efficiently utilizing computers to make the education much more interesting.
Engineering/Architecture/Manufacturing
The architects and engineers are extensively using computers in designing and drawings.
Computers can create objects that can be viewed from all the three dimensions. The
manufacturing factories are using computerized robotic arms to perform hazardous jobs.
Computers help in coordinating the entire manufacturing process.
Entertainment
Computers are also used for entertainment purpose. They are used to control the images and
sounds. The special effects would not have been possible without the computers. In addition,
computerized animation and colorful graphics have modernized the film industry.
Communication
E-mail or electronic mail is one of the communication media in which computer is used.
Through e-mail, messages and reports are passed from one person to one or more persons
with the aid of computer and telephone line. The advantage of this service is that while
transferring the messages it saves time, avoids wastage of paper and so on. Moreover, the
person who is receiving the messages can read the messages whenever he is free and can save
it, reply it, forward it or delete it from the computer.
Business Application
This is one of the important uses of the computer. There are various concerns where
computers are used such as in business forecasting, to prepare pay bills and personal records,
in banking operations and data storage. Businesses are also using the networking of
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computers, where a number of computers are connected together to share the data and the
information. Use of e-mail and the Internet has changed the ways of doing business.
Publishing
Computers have created a field known as desktop publishing (DTP). In DTP, with the help of
computer and a laser printer one can perform the publishing job all by oneself.
Banking
Computers are extensively used in the field of banking and finance. People can use the ATM
(automated teller machine) services 24 hours a day to deposit and withdraw cash. When
different branches of the bank are connected through computer networks.
Disk
Information may be saved (stored) on a disk for future reference or printing. The amount of
information that can be stored depends on the type of disk.
Storage is achieved on either a hard disk, compact disk (CD) or on floppy disk.
Floppy Disk
A floppy disk is a disk storage medium
composed of a disk of thin and flexible
magnetic storage medium. Floppy disks can
store up to 1.44 MB of data and are usually 3
1/2 inches in size.
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Operating system
An operating system (OS) is the software that allows a computer user to interact with a
computer.
With the invention of Windows and other desktop-based operating systems, DOS has faded
in overall use and importance. Many functions needed to use modern operating systems can
be done simply through the graphical interface provided.
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Microsoft Windows
Windows is the most popular operating system used on home and business computers.
Windows makes a computer system user-friendly by providing a graphical display and
organizing information so that it can be easily accessed.
Windows 3.0
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows 2000
Windows ME
Windows NT
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Improved Reliability
Windows improves computer reliability by introducing new wizards, utilities and resources
that helps you to operate system effortlessly.
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Compatibility
Windows 7 is compatible with almost all latest software and hardwires.
Lower Hardware Requirements
Windows 7 runs well on lower end hardware.
Taskbar
Taskbar icons are now larger and items are grouped together and are not labeled with clumsy
text.
User-Friendly Screens
Windows 7 has user-friendly screens, simplified menus among other features.
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Computer Language
The computer performs its functions based on the instructions given by the user. The set of
such instructions written for a particular task is known as a computer program.
Low-level language
High-level language
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Modem
A modem is a device that enables a computer to transmit data, for example, telephone or
cable lines. Computer information is stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over
telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves. A modem converts between these
two forms.
Modem Applications
Modems were originally used for connecting users to the Internet or for sending faxes, but a
majority of the modems are used by businesses in a variety of different applications.
Some of these applications include.
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Broadband Internet
Many small, medium, and large companies depend on constant communication connections
to run their businesses. Many companies rely on broadband connections for their employee
connections.
Examples of Broadband
PTCL Broadband
Wateen Broadband
Witribe Broadband
Data Transfers
Many large companies have headquarter where all data is centrally located. Normally this
means that the other locations need to send the data in to HQ on a daily basis. Modems are
ideal because they efficiently transfer the data with secure connections.
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Computer Network
A computer network is a set of two or more computers
connected together in order to share information and other
resources. The computers in a network are connected with
one another through cables, satellite or telephone lines.
Advantages Of Networking
Computers can communicate with each other
easily
Computers can share data and files.
Computing power and/or storage facilities can be shared.
Hardware such as printers can be shared.
There is control over which programs, data and hardware a user has access to.
Disadvantages Of Networking
A virus can spread more easily.
As data is shared there is a greater need for security.
If the server fails, all the workstations are affected.
The cost of installing the equipments is greater.
LAN
LAN stands for Local Area Network. It's a group of computers which belong to the same
organization, and which are linked within a small geographic area using a network, and often
the same technology. Data transfer speeds over a local area network can from 10 Mbps to1
GBps (Gigabit Ethernet).
MANs
MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks) connect multiple LANs to one another (over an area of
up to a few dozen kilometers) at high speeds.
A MAN is made from switches or routers connected to one another with high-speed links
(usually fiber optic cables).
WANs
A WAN (Wide Area Network or extended network) connects multiple LANs to one another
over great geographic distances. The most well known WAN is the Internet.
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Fundamentals of Computer
Chapter# 2
PC Tools
Norton Utilities
Graphics
Data Base
Ms Excel
Ms Word
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PC Tools
The Control Panel is full of tools to change the way Windows looks and behaves. Here we
will discuss the most important tools.
Add hardware
Add or remove programs
Automatic updates
Date and time
Display
Internet options
Mouse
Keyboard
Network connections
Regional and language setting
Sounds and audio devices
User accounts
Windows firewall
Add Hardware
The “Add Hardware” Wizard enables you to add new hardware or troubleshoot any
hardware-related problems.
Automatic Updates
With “Automatic Updates”, Windows checks for updates that can help protect your computer
against the latest viruses and other security threats, it also enhance the performance of your
computer
Display
The following tasks are frequently performed when you want to change various display
settings on your computer
Internet Options
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Fundamentals of Computer
By using Internet option tool, we can change Internet properties. We can change or organize
Security, Privacy, and Connections settings.
Mouse
By using mouse tool we can manage
different functions of mouse like
clicking speed, movement of mouse
courser etc.
Keyboard
By using keyboard tool we can
manage different functions of
keyboard.
Network Connections
By using this toll we can manage our
network connections, we can add or
remove or change the setting of
networks.
User Accounts
By using this tool, we can create, delete or manage accounts. We can change name of
account, password and display picture.
Windows Firewall
Firewall helps to keep your computer more secure. Firewall act as a barrier that checks
information (often called traffic) coming from the Internet or a network and then either turns
it away or allows it to pass through to your computer, depending on your firewall settings.
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Norton Utilities
Performance
Privacy
Recovery
Performance
We can use following tools under the performance menu to enhance the performance of your
computer system
Registry cleaning helps you detect and remove invalid entries or references. Where
Defragmentation is a process by which fragmented files that are stored on a disk are
rearranged for the best performance. And if your system takes a long time to startup, “Boost
your windows startup” option will help for speeding up the windows startup.
Privacy
Computer saves history of all events whenever we use computer for general purpose like,
working on files or surfing Internet. This function allow us to clean and manage the
Document History
Find and Search History
Scan Disk Temporary Files
Clipboard Contents
Run History
Temporary Files Directory
Recycle Bin
Browser History
Third-Party Software Traces
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Recovery
With the help of “Recovery” option, Norton Utilities Recover deleted Files. This tool can also
find duplicate files so that we can manage the capacity of our hard disk, we can also repairing
drivers and uninstall the unused or unwanted software.
Graphics
Pictorial representation helps to summarize and highlight important ideas and assist
professionals in communicating material effectively. Graphics software transforms numeric
information into line graphs, pie charts or bar graphs.
Graphics programs often allow the medical assistant to import files from spreadsheet or
database applications, so that data from these files can be summarized graphically and
displayed on screen. Graphic software also used in creating and developing custom artwork
for patient brochures and newsletters
Data Base
Databases are used to store and organize large amounts of data. Typically, database software
can be used to manage various type of information, such as that found in large mailing lists,
inventories, and hospitals.
Databases help you to enter, store, save, filter, retrieve, and summarize the information, then
generate meaningful reports.
Common database programs include Microsoft Access, Lotus Approach.
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Insert Text
We can insert text anywhere in the document.
Delete Text
We can erase characters, words, lines, or pages easily.
Cut And Paste
We can remove (cut) a section of text from one place in a document and insert (paste) it
somewhere else.
Copy
We can copy any word, line, paragraph or page anywhere else in the file.
Spell Check
Spell check is very important feature of most word processing programs. Medical spell
checkers can be added to most word processing programs and can be used to check medical
terminology in word-processed documents.
Importing And Exporting Data
Importing and exporting Data allow users to carry a text file into another compatible
application program.
Page Formatting
In page formatting we can decorate or document by different font style, text size, colors,
highlighting, aligning the text, making text Bold, Italic, underline, or by creating the line
numbers or bullets.
Page Size And Margins
We can define various page sizes and margins, and the word processor will automatically
readjust the text so that it fits.
Search And Replace
We can search for a particular word. We can also direct the word processor to replace one
group of characters with another word everywhere in the document.
Word Wrap
The word processor automatically moves to the next line when you have filled one line with
text, and it will readjust text if you change the margins.
Print
We can print our document to get hardcopy.
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Fundamentals of Computer
Chapter# 3
Patient Data and Drug Data
Record Keeping
Data Analysis
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Patient’s Bio-data
Name, age, sex, address, phone number, , and legal
documents.
Medical History
Previous medical history, current medical situation,
symptoms, therapies used, drugs used for the treatment,
any side effect that occur during the treatment, any
complication during therapy, previous dosage history
etc.
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Patient care
For future reference
Clinical research
Health-system management
Health-services planning
Total quality improvement
Billing
Risk management
Government reporting
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Data Analysis
Improving efficiency of care processes is currently a must
criterion for all healthcare providers, given the cost
containment measures in healthcare budgets. Improving
both processes and patient care outcomes, by decreasing
length of stays in ICU while improving quality is a
healthcare industry conundrum that demands clear and
factual analysis of all the aspects of patient care.
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