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Fundamental of Computer NEW

First term JSS 1

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Austin Agbason
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30 views3 pages

Fundamental of Computer NEW

First term JSS 1

Uploaded by

Austin Agbason
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TOPIC: Overview of Computer System

Definition of Computer
A computer may be defined as a machine that can solve problems by accepting data,
performing certain operations and presenting the results of those operations under the
direction of detailed step by step instructions. · A programmable machine that receives,
stores, retrieves, processes and outputs data

Functionalities of a Computer
If we look at it in a very broad sense, any digital computer carries out the following
five functions −
Step 1 − Takes data as input.
Step 2 − Stores the data/instructions in its memory and uses them as required.
Step 3 − Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
Step 4 − Generates the output.
Step 5 − Controls all the above four steps.

Constituents of a Computer
All the elements that go together to make a computer fall into one of two categories,
hardware or software.

1. Hardware: Hardware can be defined as all the parts of the computer that are tangible.
I.e., they are the parts of the computer you can see, touch, or handle.
Examples of Hardware
The following list represents a basic set of set of hardware found in most computers
a. PC case,
b. Motherboard,
c. Hard Disk Drive (HDD),
d. Floppy Disk Drive (FDD),
e. Compact Disk Drive (CDD),
f. Digital Video Disk Drive (DVD),
g. Monitor (CRT and LCD),
h. Keyboard,
i. Power supply,
j. Mouse,
k. Cables and wires.
Hardware can be broadly divided into two parts namely: System unit and
Peripherals.
System Unit: A case that contains the electronic components of the computer used to
process data.

Peripherals: Everything outside of and connected to the system unit are called peripherals.
The term peripherals refer to all hardware devices that are attached to the computer and
are controlled by the computer system.

Types of Peripheral Devices


There are many different peripheral devices, but they fall into three general categories:
1. Input devices, such as a mouse and a keyboard
2. Output devices, such as a monitor and a printer
3. Storage devices, such as a hard drive or flash drive
2. Software: software is defined as set of instructions and procedures passed to the
computer to perform certain activities or task. It can also be defined as a set of instructions
that direct the activities of the computer system in order to undertake a specific task.
Unlike the hardware, software cannot be seen or touched.
Examples of Software
The following list represents some software found in most computers.
a. Windows,
b. MS word,
c. Norton anti-virus,
d. CorelDraw,
e. MS Access
f. MS Excel,
g. BASIC Langage,
h. Assembler, etc.
Computer software is divided into two broad groups, these are:
1. System Software
2. Application software
1. System Software
These are software that control the way the different computer components communicate
with one another. It can also be defined as programs that helps run the computer hardware
and software. E.g Operating System, Translators and Utility programs.

2. Application Software
These are software that allows humans (the users) to accomplish one or more specific (non-
computer) task. E.g Word processing software, Spreadsheet software, Presentation
software, Database packages, Graphics packages, Etc.

Characteristics of Computer
The characteristics possessed by computer can be listed as follows
1. Speed: A computer can add and subtract numbers, compare letters to find
alphabetic sequence, move and copy numbers and letters. This feature is very important
and useful for humans.
2. Accuracy: Computers are very accurate. They can perform hundreds of thousands
of operations with great accuracy as there are no moving parts to wear and go wrong. They
can run without error for months at a time.
3. Storage: Because various computer devices can store lots of data in a small area,
there are tremendous saving in the storage area required to maintain the records necessary
in a business.
4. Versatility: A computer can perform many different types of tasks. You can perform
arithmetic operations, do word processing, send email, and use Internet.

5. Automation: Automation is one of the most important features of the computer.


Once a command is given to the computer, it can perform the job without the need of
human help until the job has been completed.

6. Diligence: Computers do not get tired like humans. They can perform the jobs
continuously for days and even weeks together without errors without affecting its speed
and accuracy.

7. Cost: Hardware costs have been decreasing at an estimated annual rate of 25


percent.

Limitation of a Computer
Computer is a very intelligent machine but it also suffers from many limitations such as:
1. Computer can’t do anything unless they are first program to perform a specific
task.
2. Computer cannot interpret the data they generate
3. Computer cannot detect if the operator feeds any data into it.
4. Computer cannot implement the decision that they suggest.
5. Prolong usage of the computer can lead to fatigue and sight problem
6. Over dependence on the use of computer can stop or hold work whenever there is
a breakdown by the system or a virus attack in the system

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