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Module 1

A computer is a device that can be programmed to perform calculations and processes data according to instructions. It takes in input data, stores and processes it, and generates output. Computer hardware refers to the physical components, while software includes programs like the operating system, translators, utility programs, application programs, and general purpose packages. The operating system acts as an interface between hardware and users, managing computer resources and scheduling operations.

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17 views

Module 1

A computer is a device that can be programmed to perform calculations and processes data according to instructions. It takes in input data, stores and processes it, and generates output. Computer hardware refers to the physical components, while software includes programs like the operating system, translators, utility programs, application programs, and general purpose packages. The operating system acts as an interface between hardware and users, managing computer resources and scheduling operations.

Uploaded by

Bryan Malabad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 1

Topic 1: Introduction – What is a computer?


 The word computer is derived from the word compute.
 Compute means to calculate.
 defined as a super-fast calculator.
 The information provided by the user to the computer is data.
 The information in one form which is presented to the computer is the input information or
input data.
 The set of instructions given to the computer to perform various operations is called the
computer program.
 The process of converting the input data into the required output form with the help of the
computer program is called data processing.
 Computers are therefore also referred to as data processors.

Functionalities of a Computer
 Takes data as an input.
 Stores the data/instructions in its memory.
 Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
 Generates the output.

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer.


A Computer program is the one that controls the processing activities of the computer.
Software is a collection of programs that utilize and enhance the capability of the hardware. Five
categories of Software

1. Operating System (OS)


 manages the resources of a computer system and schedules its operation.
 acts as an interface between the hardware and the user programs and facilitates the execution of
programs.
 It is a bridge between the user and the Hardware.
2. Translators
 Computers can understand instructions only when they are written in their language – the
machine language.
 Languages are known as translators.
 A Compiler checks the entire user-written program,
 An Interpreter translates one statement at a time.
Programming Languages
 A. Machine Languages- This language is in terms of binary codes (0,1). i.e. first-
generation languages.
 B. Assembly Languages- uses mnemonic codes. second-generation languages.
 C. High-Level Languages (HLL)- referred to as problem-oriented languages (POL).
third-generation languages.

3. Utility Programs
 pre-written programs supplied by the manufacturer for maintaining the day-to-day
activities of a computer system.
 designed to help you monitor and configure settings for your computer system
equipment.

4. Application Programs
 user-written programs to do a specific job that can be changed to meet individual needs.
5. General Purpose Packages
 Data Analysis, Word Processing, Spread Sheet, Graphics, Databases.

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