IATB (WEEK 2)

COMPUTER
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can
accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules, produce information (output), and store the
information for future use.

BASIC COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

 The equipment associated with a computer system is called Hardware.
 Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
 Peopleware, however, are the most important component of a computer system - people use the power of the
computer for some purpose.

HARDWARE
 A typical computer system consists of a central processing unit (CPU), input devices, storage devices, and output
devices. The physical computer and its components are known as hardware.
 an equipment involved in the function of a computer. Computer hardware consists of the components that can be
physically handled.
 The function of these components is typically divided into three main categories: input, output, and storage.

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER HARDWARE

1) Central Processing Unit (CPU) - is brain of a computer. It is responsible for all functions and processes.
Regarding computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.

COMPONENTS OF CPU
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes all arithmetic and logical operations. Arithmetic calculations like as
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical operation like compare numbers, letters, or special
characters.
 Control Unit (CU): controls and co-ordinates computer components. The Control unit coordinates and controls
the data flow in and out of CPU and also controls all the operations of ALU, memory registers and also
input/output units.
 Registers: Stores the data that is to be executed next, "very fast storage area". This is the CPU’s memory unit.

2) Memory - memory attached to the CPU is used for storage of data and instructions and is called internal memory
– a.k.a. Primary memory or Main memory.

TWO MAIN TYPES OF MEMORY

1. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a memory scheme within the computer system responsible for storing
data on a temporary basis, so that it can be promptly accessed by the processor as and when needed. It is
volatile in nature, which means that data will be erased once supply to the storage device is turned off.
2. ROM (Read Only Memory): a permanent form of storage. ROM stays active regardless of whether power
supply to it is turned on or off. ROM devices do not allow data stored on them to be modified.

3) Input-Output Devices – commonly called peripherals allows data pass into and from the computer system.
Storage Devices are also called Secondary Memory which stores data and programs permanently which are
retained after the power is turned off.
Peripherals is the common collective term for input-output devices which are commonly divided into three kinds:
input devices, output devices, and storage devices.
 An input device converts incoming data and instructions into digital form which is comprehensible to the
computer.
 An output device reverses the process, translating the digitized signals into a form intelligible to the user.
 Storage devices allows data and information to be saved and be retrieved again for later use.

STORAGE DEVICES
1. Hard drive (HD): A hard disk is part of a unit, often called a "disk drive," "hard drive," or "hard disk drive," that
store and provides relatively quick access to large amounts of data on an electromagnetically charged surface or set of
surfaces.
2. Optical Disk: an optical disc drive (ODD) is a disk drive that uses laser light as part of the process of reading or
writing data to or from optical discs.
3. Flash Disk: A storage module made of flash memory chips. A Flash disks have no mechanical platters or access
arms, but the term "disk" is used because the data are accessed as if they were on a hard drive.
4. Solid State Drive (SSD): A hard drive which contains memory chips instead of magnetic disks. These are usually
installed in hand held devices such as cellphones and tablets.

SOFTWARE
 A Computer is directed by a series of instructions called a computer program that tells the computer what to do.
Computer programs are commonly referred to as software.

MAJOR CLASSIFICATION OF SOFTWARE

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
 provides basic functionality to the computer system.
 responsible for controlling, integrating, and the actual operations of the computer equipment so that other
software and the users may be able to work with it.

Types of System Software:

1) Operating System - The instructions in the operating system tell the computer how to perform functions such as
load, store, and execute a program and transfer data among the system devices and memory. Ex. Windows ,
Linux, MAC OS
2) Utility Program – also called a utility, is a type of system software that performs a specific task, usually related to
managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.
Ex. device drivers, anitivirus programs, CODECs.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
 provides specific functionality to the computer system.
 Application software is used to accomplish specific tasks other than just running the computer system.

Classification of Application Software:

1. Productivity/Business Software Packages
a. Word Processing - Ex. Microsoft Word
b. Spreadsheet - Ex.Microsoft Excel
c. Database Management System - Ex.Microsoft Access
d. Presentation Graphics - Ex. PowerPoint
e. Personal Information Manager - Ex.Microsoft Outlook
f. Software Suite - Ex.Microsoft Office
g. Accounting - Ex. Peachtree Complete Accounting
2. Graphics and Multimedia Software Packages
a. Computer Aided design (CAD) Ex. Autodesk AutoCAD
b. Desktop Publishing (for professional) Ex. Adobe Pagemaker
c. Paint/Image Editing (for professional) Ex. Adobe Photoshop
d. Video and Audio Editing Ex.Adobe Premiere
e. MultiMedia Authoring Ex.Macromedia Authorware
f. Web Page Authoring Ex. Macromedia Dreamweaver
3. Educational and Educational Software Packages
a) Reference includes encyclopedias, dictionaries and health/medical/ travel guides.
b) Entertainment software for personal computers includes interactive games, videos, and other programs
designed to support a hobby or provide amusement and enjoyment. Ex. ML

FORMS OF SOFTWARE
1. Packaged software is the copyrighted software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single
user or company.
2. Custom software is a tailor-made program developed at a user’s request to perform specific functions.
3. Freeware is a copyrighted software provided at no cost to a user by an individual or a company
4. Public-Domain software also is a free software, but it has been donated for public use and has no copyright
restrictions.
5. Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed free for a trial period

PEOPLEWARE
 The skilled workers in the Information Technology field are considered Peopleware. The major compositions of
IT professionals are the management group, systems and procedures group, programming group and the computer
operations group.
 Because of the pervasiveness of computers, the need for trained workers in the Information technology field has
increased exponentially.

CLASSIFICATION OF PEOPLEWARE
 MANAGEMENT GROUP
Computer Systems Manager – directs and plans programming, computer operations and data processing. Also
coordinates the development of computer hardware, systems design and software.
 SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES GROUP
Computer Scientist/Enginner/Analyst – with expertise in hardware or software design, they analyze, develop
and apply principles to produce computer applications and gadgets. They also design, programming tools,
knowledge-based systems and computer games.
 PROGRAMMING GROUP
Computer Programmers - most computer programs are written by these people with specialized training.
They write the instructions necessary to direct the computer to process data into information. The instructions
must be placed in the correct sequence so the desired results will occur.
 COMPUTER OPERATIONS GROUP
Computer Operator – sets up the processor and related equipment, loads and unloads programs, and ensures
proper and correct operations of the computer.
Data Encoder or Data Entry Operator – prepares and encodes documents to transform source document into
machine readable and acceptable inputs.
Computer Librarian – is responsible for cataloguing, storing and securing processed storage media like disks
and tapes.

WEEK 3

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMPUTER

CAPABILITIES
1) Speed - Speed is the amount of time taken by the computer in accomplishing a task of an operation. The time
taken by a computer to perform a particular task is far less than that taken by than a human being. Different
computers are classified on the basis of their speed by comparing their MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second).
Today a computer can do billions of actions per second.
2) Reliability - The high reliability of the components enables the computer to produce accurate results on a
consistent basis. Failures are usually due to human error, one way or another.
3) Storage - A computer can keep enormous amounts of data and keep that data readily available for processing.
4) Accuracy- Computers can process even complex data precisely and accurately, and output error-free
information.
5) Communications - A computer can communicate with other computers and has more options than a stand-alone
computer. Communications capability is sometimes referred to as connectivity.

LIMITATIONS
a) Computers can’t Think:
Computers cannot think and they can’t do any job unless they are first programmed with specific instructions for
same.
b) Computers can’t Decide:
Computers are incapable of decision making as they do not possess the essential elements necessary to take a decision
c) Computers can’t Express their Ideas:
In any type of research,computers can’t express their ideas.
d) Computers can’t Implement:
Though computers are helpful in storage of data but only humans can decide and implement the policies.

FUNCTIONS
 A Computer is an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program.
A computer has four functions:
Accepts data - Input
 Input is the data entered in to a computer from the input devices like keyboard, mouse, scanner etc.
Processes data - Processing
 The task of performing the operations like logical and arithmetic operations is called processing.
Produces output
The process of producing the useful information for the user after processing input data is called output.
Stores results
The process of storing instructions and data permanently is called storage. This stored data can be retrieved whenever
needed.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Increase your productivity  Carpal tunnel and eye strain
 Connects you to the Internet  Too much sitting
 Get a better understanding of data  Shorten attention span and too much miltitasking
 Keeps you connected  Can limit learning and create a dependency
 Help you learn and keep you informed  Potential of loss of privacy (Hackers)
 Improves your employment options  Can limit learning and create a dependency
 Improves your abilities  Time sink and lots of distractions
 Increases waste and impacts the environment
 Can reduce jobs
 Troll
 You could become anti-social or depressed

GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS
GENERATION DECADE COMPONENT COMPUTER
st
1 Generation 1940 - 1956 (40s) Vacuum Tubes ENIAC
2nd Generation 1956 - 1963 (50s) Transistors IBM 300 Series
3rd Generation 1964 - 1971 (60s) Integrated Circuits PDP - Series
4th Generation 70s - 80s Microprocessor IBM PC
th
5 Generation 90s - beyond AI-Art.Intel Pentium

NUMBER SYSTEMS USED IN COMPUTING

NUMBER SYSTEM BASED SYMBOLS USED
Decimal 10 0-9
Binary 2 0,1
Octal 8 0-7
Hexa-Decimal 16 0-9, A-F