Computer Basics

Information technology (IT) is any computer-based tool that:

People use to work with information

IT Fundamentals

Computer Basics
Whatisacomputer?
Adataprocessingmachine

speed&accuracy
nointelligence
noIQ
intervention(useofstoredprogram)
donotgettired
isconsistentandneverforgets
highstoragecapability

Note:Computerscananddomakemistakes.

IT Fundamentals

Computer Basics
Hardware
Example: Keyboard, monitor

Software
Example: Microsoft Excel

IT Fundamentals

Software
Two main types of software:
1.

Application software - software used to solve specific problems or

perform specific tasks

2.

System software

Operating system software - supports the application software and

manages how the hardware devices work together
Utility software - provides additional functionality to the operating
system

IT Fundamentals

Application Software

IT Fundamentals

System Software

IT Fundamentals

Computer Categories
Personal digital assistant (PDA) - a
small hand-held computer that
performs simple tasks.

IT Fundamentals

Computer Categories
Notebook computer - a fully functional
computer designed to be carried around
and run on battery power
Tablet computer - a pen-based computer
that provides the screen capabilities of a
PDA with the functional capabilities of a
notebook or a desktop computer.

IT Fundamentals

Computer Categories
Desktop computer - the most popular choice for personal computing need

Minicomputer - designed to meet the computing needs of several people simultaneously in a small
to medium-size business environment

Mainframe computer - designed to meet the computing needs of hundreds of people in a large
business environment.

IT Fundamentals

Computer Categories
Supercomputers - the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive type
of computer.

IT Fundamentals

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Memory
ComputerMemoryCell

HIGH
LOW

1
0

Binary digit (bit) - the smallest unit of information that a computer can
process
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) - the
coding system that most personal computers use to represent, process,
and store information
Byte - a group of eight bits

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Computer Basics
Kilobytes(KB)&Megabytes(MB),Gigabytes(GB),Terabytes(TB)

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The Components of a Computer

1.

THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

Interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer
Contains the control unit and the arithmetic and logic unit
A. Control Unit
Directs and co-ordinates most of the operations in the computer.
Interprets each instruction and then initiates the action.
Machine Cycle

Each instruction is completed before the next one begins

MIPS (MILLION INSTRUCTIONS PER SECOND) IS ANOTHER
MEASUREMENT OF CPU SPEED.
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The Components of a Computer

STEP 1: The control unit
fetches the maths problem
from memory

MEMORY

STEP 4: The results of

the maths problem are
stored in memory

STEP 2: The control unit

decodes the maths
problem and sends it to
the ALU

CPU
ALU

CONTROL
UNIT

STEP 3: The ALU

executes the maths
problem

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Processors
The System clock

Types of processors (CPUs)

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Data Path
BUS (data path)
The circuitry used to transmit data and instructions from one place to another within
the CPU.
AT
= 8 bits
386SX
= 16 bits
386DX,486 = 32 bits
Pentium

= 64 bits

Word Size

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The ALU
Speed of a Computer

B.

The Arithmetic and Logic Unit

Performs arithmetic (+,-,*,/) and logical (if hours > 40) operations.

C. Registers
High speed temporary storage locations for data and instructions

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The Components of a Computer

2 MEMORY
(Alias : Main memory, Internal memory, Primary memory)
consist of one or more chips on the motherboard
RAM (Random Access memory)
When users discuss memory in a computer they are usually referring to RAM

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The Components of a Computer

ROM (Read only memory)
Contains BIOS and start-up programs. The BIOS are instructions to perform
many elementary functions such as
send/receive characters on a communication line
move cursor

Cache

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Ports
Ports are external devices often attach to the computer by a port
Serial ports

Parallel ports

Firewire Ports

USB Ports

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The Components of a Computer

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