Let's Identify the Computer GIT | Lesson 01

- Data and Information -

• Data is, the numbers, words, images or symbols which do not bear a meaning when standing
alone. (Raw facts)
- Marks of a student
- Price of a book

• Information is, the organized or processed data which is meaningful. By considering

information decisions and actions can be taken.
- Highest Marks of a student
- An expensive book

Characteristics of information:
1. Relevance
2. Accuracy
3. Completeness
4. Timeliness
5. Reliability
6. Accessible

What is a system?

• A system is, a group of related things that works together to fulfill a specific task/goal. Every
system is consisted of 3 basic components as IPO.
1. Input - Enter/submit data to the system
2. Process - The procedure of converting data into information
3. Output - Sending/Giving out the processed data (Information)

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

(DATA) (INFORMATION)

IPO Model
Example:
System: School
Input: Principal, Teachers, Students, Syllabus, Text Books
Process: Teaching Learning Process
Output: A good citizen to the society

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Let's Identify the Computer GIT | Lesson 01

What is a computer?

• A computer is, an electronic device capable of receiving data in a particular form and
performing a set of operations on that data according to a predetermined set of instructions
(program) to produce a result in the form of information.

• Basic components and functions of a computer

Basic Component Functions

1. Keyboard & Mouse Enters Data and Instructions given by user

2. System Unit Processes the data into information

3. Monitor Displays the final result (Information) to the user

The computer as a system,

• Each component of the computer cannot function on its own. Therefore, a computer to work,
its components must be properly connected to each other.
• Also, when considering the basic components of a computer and its functions, it is clear that
computer follows the IPO model.
• From these facts we can conclude that computer is a system.

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Let's Identify the Computer GIT | Lesson 01

- Parts of a computer -

There are 3 parts of computer as follows,

1. Hardware – The parts which are tangible and seen (Devices)
2. Software – The parts which are intangible and can be seen (Programs)
3. Liveware – The person who manipulates the computer (User)

Peripheral devices
• Peripheral devices are a piece of computer hardware that is added to a computer in order to
expand its abilities.
• peripherals can be connected internally or externally to the computer.

Hardware

Both
Input Output Storage
Input/Output processor
Devices Devices Devices
Devices

Input Devices

• Input devices are, the devices which we use to enter data and instructions to the computer.

1. Key Board The keyboard is used to input letters, numbers, symbols,

characters and commands into the computer.
2. Mouse This device is used to point out the icons on computer
screen.
3. Barcode Reader It reads the bar codes found in most products.
4. Digital Camera Used to input photos and videos into the computer.
5. Web Cam The webcam is used to digitize live streaming of motion
pictures
6. Joystick Mainly used to play computer games.

7. OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) A device which is used to identify signs.

8. OCR (Optical Character Used to input the characters which are handwritten or in
Recognition) printed documents into the computer
9. MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Used to input the data in cheques to the computer.
Recognition)

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Let's Identify the Computer GIT | Lesson 01

Output Devices

• Output devices are, the devices which are used to give out the processed data/information in
the computer.

Output Devices

Soft copy Hard copy

Non-printed document which is intangible Printed document which is tangible

Monitor Projector Printer Plotter

-CRT Monitor -Dot matrix Printer
-LCD Monitor -Line Printer
. -LED Monitor -Laser Printer
-Thermal Printer

Input/Output Devices
• These devices insert data as well as it gives out information.
1. Touch Screen These devices facilitate for both Input and Output at the same
time.
2. Modems It converts analog signals to digital and digital signals to analog.

3. Interactive Whiteboards Used in teaching learning process.

4. Headset These are consisted of Headphones and Microphones.

Storage Devices
• Storage devices are used to store data, instructions and information in the computer for the later
use.

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Let's Identify the Computer GIT | Lesson 01

Storage Devices

Primary Memory Secondary Memory

RAM Magnetic Media Optical Media Solid-State Media

Devices Devices Devices

ROM
Hard Disk CD Pen/Flash Drive

Cache Memory
Magnetic Tapes DVD SSD Drive

Floppy Disks Blue-Ray Disk Memory Card

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The main component of the computer system is the Central Processing Unit. This is also known
as the brain of the computer.
• Its main functions are to perform calculations and control computer activities.

Parts of the CPU Function

1. Control Unit (CU) Controls all devices of a computer system Responsible for
all operations. It steps through instructions (Programs) and
coordinates actions of other components.
2. Arithmetic and Logic Unit ALU operates as directed by CU. Perform all mathematical
(ALU) (add, subtract, multiply, divided) and Logical (NOT, AND,
OR) operations.
3. Memory Register Provide local storage which holds instructions and data for
operations. Temporarily stores data needed for the function
of ALU and the information produced by ALU.

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Let's Identify the Computer GIT | Lesson 01

Von Neumann Architecture

Software
• The various kinds of written programs used to operate the computer and its related devices are
known as software.
• There are two main types of software.

1. System Software
• A type of software which controls, co-ordinates computer operations and manages the
hardware of a computer. System Software forms the base on which the Application
Software work.
• It includes,
- Basic Input/output System (BIOS)
- Operating Systems
- Utility Software (Device Drivers, Disk clean-up, Antivirus, back up etc.)
- Language Translators

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Let's Identify the Computer GIT | Lesson 01

2. Application Software (App)

A computing software designed to carry out a specific task other than one relating to the
operation of the computer itself.
- Word Processing Software
- Spreadsheet Software
- Presentation Software
- Internet Browsers

- Specifications for Personal Computer (PC) -

• The specification is a list of the key components and its features that make up the computer.
This is provided by retailers, to help buyers, to decide the suitable computer to purchase
according to their requirement.
- Clock speed of the processor
- Capacity and clock speed of the RAM
- Capacity and speed of Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
- Type, size and resolution of the Monitor
- Mother board: compatibility and connect criteria (Wi-Fi, RJ45, USB etc.)

Operating System (OS)

• Generally, a computer can be purchased with a pre-installed operating system.
• If you are purchasing only an operating system it is better to check the existing software is
compatible with the new operating system.
• Some operating systems are proprietary and required a license to use while others are freely
available.

Purchasing Considerations:
- What is the intended use of the PC and will the chosen specification fulfil these
requirements?
- Is the PC compatible with existing computer hardware and software?
- Is the technical support service satisfactory?
- Warranty (Comprehensive, Limited, Onsite, Number of Years)

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Let's Identify the Computer GIT | Lesson 01

Application Software
• When purchasing application software select the newer compatible versions for your
operating system and computer hardware.
• Do not install unnecessary free software to your computer because they can be potentially
harmful to the computer

Anti-Virus Software
• An anti-virus software should be installed on your PC and it should be updated regularly.
• Also, regular scans should be run to check your computer.
• You may install either a free or subscription-based anti-virus package.
• Anti-malware / anti-spyware software, or a security suite which provides similar functionality,
is also recommended.
• Enable your computer’s firewall for additional protection.
NOTE: Do not run multiple anti-virus programs on the same machine.

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