Computer Basics

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

– People use to work with information

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 Computer Basics
What is a computer?

A data processing machine

• speed & accuracy
• no intelligence
• no IQ 
• intervention (use of stored program)
• do not get tired
• is consistent and never forgets
• high storage capability

Note: Computers can and do make mistakes.

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 Computer Basics
Hardware –

– Example: Keyboard, monitor

Software –

– Example: Microsoft Excel

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 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

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 Application Software

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 System Software

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 Computer Categories

Personal digital assistant (PDA) - a

small hand-held computer that
performs simple tasks….

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 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….

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 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….

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 Computer Categories

Supercomputers - the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive type

of computer….

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 Memory

Computer Memory Cell

HIGH 1
LOW 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 STEP 2: The control unit

the maths problem are decodes the maths
stored in memory 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 (CPU’s)

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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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