COMP1 LECTURE NOTES
Components of a complete Computer System
1. Hardware
The machine itself. The tangible parts of the computer.
2. Software
Series of related instructions that makes the computer perform tasks.
3. Data
Consists of individual facts or pieces of information processed by the
computer into useful form.
4. User
Refers to the people who use the machine for their beneficial
purposes.
Anyone who communicates with a computer or uses the information
it generates.
What are Input Devices?
An input device is any hardware component
that allows users to enter data and instructions (programs,
commands, and user responses) into a computer.
Depending on the application and your particular requirements, the
input device selected may vary.
Whats available for input
touch - fingers, feet, breath
sound - voice, other sounds
gesture
gaze
brainwaves
Input Devices
Keyboard
Mouse
Touch Screen
Touch sensitive pad
Biometric device
Microphone
Magnetic Stripe
Card reader
RFID Reader
Data Collection Device
Input Devices
Stylus
Graphics tablet
Game controller
Bar code reader
Microphone
Optical mark
recognition Scanner
Web Cam
The Keyboard
The most commonly used input device is the keyboard on which data is
entered by manually keying in or typing certain keys. A keyboard
typically has 101 or 105 keys.
A Common Keyboard
Output Device
Output devices are peripheral devices that enable us to view or hear
the computers processed data.
Commonly used Output Devices
Monitors/Display devices
2. Printers
3. Speakers
4. Headphones and earbuds
5. Data Projectors
6. Interactive whiteboards
7. Force-feedback game controllers
8. Tactile output
Output Types
1. Text output
-Textual information
2. Graphics output
-Visual images - photos, diagrams, icons
3. Video output
-Moving images
4. Audio output
Sounds - music, voice, podcasts
Most Common Output Device
A peripheral device which displays computer output on a screen.
Screen output is referred to as soft copy. It is the most commonly used
output device on personal computer systems
WHAT IS OPERATING SYSTEM
Set of programs containing instructions that work together to
coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.
The interface between the user and the computer hardware.
COMPUTER HIERARCHY
User Application Operating Hardware
system
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Applications Software:
Consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or
assist them with personal tasks.
Application software has variety of uses:
1. To make business activities more efficient.
2. To assist with graphics and multimedia projects.
3. To support Home, Personal and Educational Tasks.
4. To Facilitate Communications.