INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

The term computer is used to describe a device made up of a combination of electronic and
electromechanical (part electronic and part mechanical) components. By itself, a computer has no intelligence and
is referred to as hardware. A computer, or computer system, doesnt come to life until is connected to other part of
a system.
A computer system is a combination of five elements:

Hardware
Software
People
Procedures
Data/Information

When a computer system is setup to communicate with another system, connectivity becomes the sixth
element. In other words, the manner in which the various individual systems are connected for example, by phone
lines, microwave transmission, or satellite is an element of the total computer system.

Hardware

Software

People

Procedures

Data/Information

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Computer hardware can be divided into four categories: (1) input hardware, (2) storage hardware, (3)
processing hardware, and (4) output hardware.
INPUT HARDWARE. The purpose of input hardware is to collect data and convert it to a form suitable for
computer processing. The most common input device is a keyboard with keys used to enter computer-related
codes. A mouse is also frequently used to input data to the computer.
STORAGE HARDWARE. The purpose of storage hardware is to provide a means of storing computer
instructions and data in a form that is relatively permanent, or nonvolatile the is, the data is not lost when the
power is turned off and easy to retrieve when needed for processing. Floppy disks or diskettes, compact
disks, flash drives, memory cards, and external hardisks are examples of storage hardware.
PROCESSING HARDWARE. The purpose of processing hardware is to retrieve, interpret, and direct the
execution of software instructions provided to the computer. The most common component of processing
hardware are the central processing unit and the main memory. The central processing unit (CPU) is the
brain of the computer. It reads and interprets computer instructions and coordinates the processing activities
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that must take place. The design of the CPU affects the processing power and the speed of the computer, as
well as the amount of main memory. It can use effectively. The main memory can be thought of as an
electronic desktop. The more desk surface you have in front of you, the more you can place on it. Similarly, if
your computer has a lot of memory, you can place more software instructions in it.
OUTPUT HARDWARE. The purpose of output hardware is to provide the user with the means to view
information produced by the computer system. Information is output in either hardcopy or softcopy form.
Hardcopy output can be held in your hand, such as paper with text (words or numbers) or graphics printed on it.
Softcopy output is displayed on a monitor, a television screen on which you can read text or graphics.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
As we said, a computer is an inanimate device that has no intelligence of its own and must be supplied with
instructions so that it knows what to do and how and when to do it. These instructions are called software. Software
is made up of a group of related programs, each of which is a group of related instructions that perform very specific
processing tasks. Software can generally be divided into two categories: (1) system software and (2) application
software.
Programs designed to allow the computer to manage its own resources are called system software. This
software runs the basic operation; it tells the hardware what to do and how and when to do it. However it does not
solve specific problems relating to business or a profession.
Any instructions or collection of related programs designed to be carried out by a computer to satisfy the users
specific needs are application software. Application software can be purchased off the shell that is, already
programmed, or written or it can be written to order by qualified programmers.

PEOPLE
People are whether computer professionals or just simple users are the most important in the computer system.
Here are some of the many ways people can affect the computer operation.
1. Computer professionals design computer hardware and related equipment.
2. Computer professionals design, create and develop computer software.
3. Professional computer operators run the computer systems and monitor their activities during
processing.
4. Professional data entry clerks and users key in vast amounts of data everyday in computer usable
form for storage and processing at a later time.
5. Users also input data to be processed right away, depending on the design of the computer system.
6. In some cases, users create their own specialized application software.
7. Users review information produced by the computer for use in making effective business decisions.
8. Users and computer professionals make decisions and use and operate computer system in ways that
can affect our security, comfort, and well-being in daily life.
THE COMPUTER IN DESIGN AND DRAFTING
The use of computers in engineering related fields is widespread, and great worth is still expected. It is
increasingly important for students of engineering and technology to become familiar with the nature and prospects
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of computer technologies. Emphasis is placed on techniques of computer-aided design drafting (CADD), which will
familiarity on how computer graphics can help apply the principles learned.
Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the process of solving problems with the aid of computers. This includes
computer generation and modification of graphic images on a video display, printing this images a hard copy on a
plotter or printer, analysis of design data, and electronic storage and retrieval of design information. Many CAD
systems perform these functions in an integrated fashion, which can increase the designers productivity manifold.
Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD), a subset of CAD, is the computer-assisted generation of working
drawings and other engineering documents. The CADD user generates graphics by interactive communication with
the computer. Graphics are displayed on a video display and can be converted into hard copy with plotter or printer.
Most engineers agree that the computer does not change the nature of the design process and that it is
simply a tool to improve efficiency and productivity. It is appropriate to view the designer team: The designer
provides knowledge, creativity and control, and the computer assists with accurate, easily modifiable graphics and
the capacity to perform complex design analysis at great speeds and to store and recall design information.
Occasionally, the computer can augment or replace many of the engineers other toll, but it is important to
remember that it does not change the fundamental role of the designer.
Advantages of Using the Computer in Design and Drafting
Depending on the nature of the problem and the sophistication of the computer system, there are several
potential advantages that computer use can afford the designer or drafter.
1. Easier creation and correction of working drawings. In a CAD system working drawings can be created
using function commands and digitizing (assigning numerical coordinates). Complicated changes and
corrections are made using a few keystrokes.
2. Easier visualization of drawing. In many systems different views of the same part can be displayed
quickly and easily. In systems with three-dimensional capabilities, a part can even be rotated on the CRT
screen.
3. Drawing can be stored and easily referenced for modification. Modified designs can be made from one
original in far less time than it would take using the manual approach. Design databases (libraries of
designs) can be created in some systems. These databases can also store standard parts and symbols for
easy recall. Many systems are configured so that information in the databases can be easily accessed by
others in an organization, such as management or production personnel.
4. Quick and convenient solution and computational design analysis problems. Because the computer
offers a tremendous advantage in ease of design analysis, the designer can rigorously analyze each
design, thus speeding up the design refinement stage.
5. Simulation and testing of designs. Some systems enable the engineer to simulate the operation of a
design and to perform tests and analyses in which the part is subjected to a variety of conditions or
stresses. This capacity may improve or replace the process of building models and prototypes.
6. Increased accuracy. The accuracy of the computer lessens the chance for error. Many CAD systems are
capable of detecting errors and will inform the user when data or designs are incorrect.
Some Applications of CAD
A natural application of computer-aid design is the design in drawing of printed circuits. Printed circuits are
drawn as much as five times their true size and are photographically reduced. A computer-driven plotter will draw
the circuit within an accuracy of approximately 0.001 in.
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Piping can be designed and represented in both orthographic and pictorial views. Once the system has
been completed, the designs and its specifications can be stored for rapid recall when the system needs to be
reexamined.
CAD is used as an aid in finite element analysis, where a series of element is used to represent an irregular
three-dimensional shape.
Clothing patterns for a wide selection of the graduated sizes can be drawn and cut by using CAD. The
automatic cutter is follows the computer-generated to cut the most economical patterns from a section of material.
CAD/CAM
An important application of CAD lies in the field of manufacturing. Computer-aided design/computer-aided
manufacturing (CAD/CAM) describe a system that can design a part of product, devise the essential production
steps, and electronically communicate this information to manufacturing equipment like robots. A CAD/CAM system
offers many potential advantages over to traditional manufacturing systems, including less design effort using CAD
and CAD database, more efficient material use, reduced lead time, greater accuracy, and improve inventory
functioning.
In computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) a computer or system of computers coordinates all stages of
manufacturing, which will enable manufacturer to custom design products efficiently and economically.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT WINDOWS
Basic Terminology
Windows rectangular areas in the screen.
Desktop background where windows appear.
Icons graphical representation of an application, document, folder or device
Folders represented as icons but behave more like directories.
Short-cuts icons which enable the user to run or start-up applications.
Basic Mouse Actions
Point arrow pointer, to point towards specific screen object.
Click pressing the left mouse button once.
Double Click pressing the left mouse button twice in rapid succession.
Right Click pressing the right button will open the short-cut menu.
Drag moving the mouse/arrow pointer towards an intended direction.
Click drag holding down the left mouse button while moving towards an intended direction.

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