Computer Fundamentals

• Computer

  An electronic machine that can accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs as desired
• Computer

  • Consists of hardware and software components
• Hardware

  The physical equipment: case, storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and printers
• Software

  Includes the operating system and programs
• Operating system

  Instructs computer operations: identifying, accessing, and processing information
• Programs or applications

  Perform different functions
• Some uses/applications of computers

  • Banking
  • Education
  • Industries
  • Entertainments
  • Hospitals
  • Business
  • Defence
  • Reservation
  • Science and Research
  • Data processing
• Characteristics of computers

  • Speed - several million instructions per second
  • Accuracy - Errors that may occur can almost always be attributed to human error
  • Diligence - highly consistent
  • Versatility - capable of performing any task as long as it can be broken down into a series of logical steps
  • Storage Capacity - can store large volumes of data
• Basic computer operations

  1. Accepts data or instructions by way of input

  2. Stores data

  3. Processes data as required by the user

  4. Gives results in the form of output

  5. Controls all operations inside a computer
• Data


  A collection of independent and unorganized facts
• Information

  The processed and organized data presented in a meaningful form
• Data processing

  The course of doing things in a sequence of steps
• Functional units

  • Input Unit
  • Storage Unit
  • Output Unit
  • Processing
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  Processes data and instructions from the storage unit. CPU includes Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU)
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

  All calculations and comparisons, based on the instructions provided, are carried out within the ALU
• Control Unit

  Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations inside the computer
• Classification of computers

  • Personal Computer
  • Workstation
  • Mini Computer
  • Main Frame
  • Supercomputer
• Three major components

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Liveware
• Basic hardware of a PC system

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Memory Unit
  • Input Devices
  • Output Devices
  • Secondary Storage Devices
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  Brain of the computer. It directs and controls the entire computer system and performs all arithmetic and logical operations
• Memory Unit

  • Read Only Memory (ROM)
  • Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Read Only Memory (ROM)


  Contains the pre-programmed computer instructions such as the Basic Input Output System (BIOS)
• Random Access Memory (RAM)

  Used to store the programs and data that you will run. Exists only when there is power
• Input Devices

  Allows data and programs to be sent to the CPU
• Output Devices

  Media used by the computer in displaying its responses to our requests and instructions
• Secondary Storage Devices

  Attached to the computer system to allow you to store programs and data permanently for the purpose of retrieving them for future use
• Other parts that build up a system unit

  • Casing or cover
  • Power Supply
  • Motherboard
  • Memory
  • Video & Sound Card
  • Drives
  • Ports and Cables
  • Cooling (Fans & Sinks)