Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

Computer Operations
2

Unit
and Fundamentals

Learning Objectives

By the end of Unit 2, learners should be able to:
• Distinguish between hardware and software.
• Describe the components of a computer system.
• State the use of various computer peripherals.
• Distinguish between application and system software
• Describe various types of computers
• Demonstrate an understanding of the unit of measurement of CPU speed
• Demonstrate an understanding of binary data

2.1 | Hardware and Software

A computer system needs both hardware (physical parts) and software (computer programs).
Hardware is the name given to the physical parts of the computer system.

The parts can be:

Internal (found inside the system unit) or
External (connected to the system unit).

2.2 | Internal Hardware

• Motherboard

The motherboard is the central circuit board. All components plug into the motherboard.

PCI Slot Back Panel with

(Can connect connections fo peripherals
sound cards etc) and USB Memory

CPU Slot
Graphics card slot

RAM (Memory)
Slots for Slots
Hard Disk Drives
and DVD-ROMS

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Other hardware connected to the motherboard

• Processor (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU is the brain of the computer and is

responsible for all data processing.

• Internal Memory (RAM and ROM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read

Only Memory (ROM) are two types of internal
memory used to store computer data that
can be directly accessed by the CPU.

• Power supply

Sends power through cables to the

motherboard and other components.

• Graphics Card

A device that plugs into the motherboard

and enables the computer to display images
on the monitor.

• Fan

It keeps the CPU cool and stops it from

overheating.

• Sound Card

A sound card allows the computer to produce

sound as well as allows users to connect
microphones to the system.

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 Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

2.3 | External Hardware components

External hardware components are called peripheral devices. Computer peripherals are
devices that are connected to a computer system to expand its abilities.

They may be input devices, output devices or storage devices.

Input Central Processing Output

Devices Unit Devices

Storage Devices

Peripheral

Peripheral Peripheral

OUTPUT

INPUT

Peripheral
Peripheral
Peripherals

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 2.3.1 | Input/output an storage Devices
External hardware components are called peripheral devices. Computer peripherals are devices
that are connected to a computer system to expand its abilities.

They may be input devices, output devices or storage devices.

Input Devices

Devices used to enter data and

instructions into the computer. Some
examples are keyboard, mouse,
barcode reader, scanner, joystick,
touch pad, digital camera and
microphone.

Output Devices

Devices used by the computer to

show us information in a suitable
form. Some examples of output
devices are monitor, printer, speakers
and headphones.

Storage Devices

Devices used to store data for later

use. Some examples of storage
devices are hard disks, optical discs,
USB Flash drives and memory cards.

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 Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

Work out : Word Processing

Go to page 104 and work out Word Task 3 only

Quick Test 2.1.3

1. State whether the following statements are True or False:

(a) The computer can work with hardware only.

(b) The fan keeps the CPU cool.

(c) All components plug into the motherboard.

(d) A printer is an example of a storage device.

(e) A peripheral device may be an input device.

2. Match Column A with Column B. An example has been given.

Column A Column B
Computer peripherals Allows the computer to produce sound.

Sound card Enables the computer to display images.

ROM Physical parts of a computer system.

Hardware Input/Output/Storage devices.

Graphics card The main circuit board.

Motherboard Internal memory.

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 Suggested Activity : Identifying computer parts

Ask your teacher to show you the parts inside a system unit.

Work out

Go to page 103 and work out Spreadsheet Activity 4 only

2.4 | Software
Did you know
Software is the name given to computer
programs which provide instructions that tell A program is a set of
the computer hardware what to do and how instructions to perform
to do it. a specific task.

Software Examples

Word Processor Spreadsheet Computer Games Operating System

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 Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

2.4.1 | Two main categories of software

Software is classified as system software and application software.

Software

System Application
software software

The system software manages and controls the computer whereas the application software
enables the user to do a specific task.

System software is the most important software that runs on a computer. It is a set of programs
that controls the computer hardware and provides a platform for running application software.

Examples of system software:

• Operating systems (OS)

Software that acts as an interface between the user and the computer system.
E.g. Microsoft Windows, Android, Linux and Mac OS X.

• Utility programs

Software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer.
E.g. Anti-virus software, disk defragmenter, file manager.

Application software refers to programs designed to help the user perform specific tasks.

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Examples of application software:

• W
 ord processing software
To create documents such as letters, reports
or assignments.

• Spreadsheet software
To organize data in rows and columns,
perform calculations and present data in
the form of charts and graphs.

• Graphics software
To create and colour drawings.

• Presentation software
To display information in the form of a slide
show.

• Web browser
To access the Internet and view web pages.

• Games package
To play computer games.

Quick Test 2.4.1

1. Fill in the blanks by selecting words from the given list:

Important game software system specific application

(a) Computer hardware cannot function without ...........................................

(b) The two categories of software are .......................................... software and ..........................................

software.

(c) A computer .......................................... is an example of software.

(d) System software is the most .......................................... software that runs on a computer.

(e) Application software helps the user to perform a .......................................... task.

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 Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

2. Match Column A with Column B.

Column A Column B
System software Presentation software.

Operating System Anti-virus software.

Application software Example of operating system.

Utility program Acts as a user interface between the user

and the computer system.
Android Manages and controls the computer.

2.5 | Bits and Bytes

The word bit is a shortening of the words "Binary digIT", that is “0” and”1” (The “bi” in binary
means two) For example: 1011. Everything you say to a computer has to be put in terms of
these two numbers.

A BYTE is a group of 8 bits. It is used to represent a character.

COUNTING THE NUMBER Did you know

OF BITS AND BYTE
Human beings have 10 fingers and we have
A character in computing terms can be a been used to count numbers in group of tens.
letter, a number or any other characters and Computers, however, operate using the base-2
even a blank space is a character. number system, also known as the binary
number system.
For example: So computers use binary numbers, and
Each character is represented by one byte therefore use binary digits in place of decimal
and each byte is made up of 8 bits. So count digits. Everything you say to a computer has to
the number of byte and the number of bits be put in terms of these two numbers.

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 First byte Second byte Third byte Fourth byte Fifth byte

P O W E R

8 bits for a character

Letter “P” = 8 bits
Letter “O” = 8 bits Therefore adding the 5 letters
Letter “W” = 8 bits (5bytes) from the word power
Letter “E” = 8 bits gives you 40 bits

Letter “R” = 8 bits

Quick Test 2.5

How many bytes and bits can you count in the word COMPUTER?

Number of bytes = ........................................... bytes

Number of bits = ........................................... bits

How many bytes and bits can you count in the sentences below?

i) Using computer is fun.

Number of bytes = ........................................... bytes

ii) 12th March 1968 – Mauritius Independence day.

Number of bytes = ........................................... bytes

iii) 50, St. Georges street, Port-Louis.

Number of bytes = ........................................... bytes

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 Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

2.6 | Types of computers

Did you know

Computers can be classified by size and power. These types of computers are:

1. Microcomputer
2. Mini computer
3. Mainframe computer
4. Supercomputer

1. Microcomputer

• Also known as Personal Computer (PC)

• Easy to use
• Small in size
• Low cost
• Low Computing power
• Only one user at a time
• Used for personal applications in everyday life

Types of Microcomputers:

Smart phones Desktop PC Laptop

photo?

Tablette Palmtop Personal Digital Assistant

2. Minicomputer

• Medium sized and bigger than microcomputers

• Average cost
• Average Computing power
• 10- 60 users at a time
• Used in small business companies, banks or supermarkets

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3. Mainframe Computer

• Large size and bigger than minicomputer

• High cost
• High Computing power
• 100 users at a time
• Used in large business organizations
such as insurance Companies or universities

4. Super Computer

• Largest and fastest

• Most expensive
• Very High Computing power
• Used in very large sized organization
such as weather forecasting and space
exploration.

Quick Test 2.6

1. Classify the different types of Computers starting from the Fastest to the slowest

Types of Computers

2. Complete the table below showing the difference between the 4 types of computers
from the given list.

Size (Smallest, Large, Largest, Medium)

Cost (Expensive, Cheap, Cheapest, Most Expensive)
No. of Users (10, 100, 1)

Size Cost No. of Users

Microcomputer smallest
Minicomputer
Mainframe
Supercomputer

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 Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

2.7 | Speed of the CPU

CPU clock speed, or clock rate, is measured in Hertz — generally in gigahertz, or GHz.
Gigahertz (GHz)

Higher units of measurement Did you know

1 KHz = 1000 Hz 1 instruction per Second = 1 Hertz (Hz)

1 MHz = 1000,000 Hz (1 million) 100 instructions per Second = 100 Hertz (Hz)
1 GHz = 1000,000,000 Hz (1 billion)

Find out : Steps to know CPU speed

Follow these steps

MyPC-> right click -> properties

Note the processor speed. Your processor model and speed will be displayed. The speed
is measured in gigahertz (GHz). This is the speed of a single core of your processor. If your
processor has multiple cores (most modern processors do), each core will be this speed.

SCREEN SHOT
to redo

Avatar : note down the speed of the computer you are using

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END OF UNIT QUESTIONS

Exercise 1

need clearer screen shots

/ jpeg

Write the number that corresponds to the hardware component in the above picture.

Motherboard Hard disk drive

RAM Expansion cards/ graphics card/

sound card/ network card
Monitor Mouse

CPU Power supply

Keyboard Optical disk drive

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 Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

Exercise 2

a) Differentiate between hardware and software.

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

b) Distinguish between system software and application software.

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

Exercise 3

2. Match each of the following peripherals to its use:

Keyboard To produce hardcopies.

Mouse To enter text.

Microphone To display images.

Monitor To move the cursor on the screen.

Printer To store files

Compact disc To input sound.

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END OF UNIT QUESTIONS

Exercise 4

Complete the crossword below.

Complete the crossword below

3
ACROSS

2. Software to perform a specific task.

3. Software that manages the hardware.

DOWN

1. Physical parts of a computer.

3. Computer programs.

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 Unit 2 I Computer Operations and Fundamentals

Exercise 5

Fill in the blanks with words from the given list:

supercomputer peripheral software ROM microcomputer

Fan byte sound hertz hardware

(a) In order to function, a computer requires both hardware and ............................................

(b) ........................................... is the name given to the physical parts of a computer system.

(c) RAM and ........................................... are two types of internal memory.

(d) A ........................................... keeps the CPU from overheating.

(e) A ........................................... card allows the computer to produce sound.

(f ) External hardware components are called ........................................... devices.

(g) A ........................................... is a group of 8 bits used to represent a character.

(h) A ........................................... has low computing capacity.

(i) A ........................................... is the fastest and most expensive computer.

(j) The speed of a computer is measured in ............................................

Exercise 6

2. Match the following:

CPU 1000,000,000 Hz.

1 GHz A microcomputer.

Supercomputer Responsible for all data processing.

Laptop A set of instructions.

Binary digit Used for space exploration.

Program 0 or 1.

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