Fundamentals of Computing

EDPM
Electronic Document Preparation and Management
Objectives
• list various types of storage
• define what a computer is; media and their practical
applications;
• identify categories of
computers; • distinguish between operating
• discuss the advantages and systems and application
disadvantages of computer software;
usage;
• explain the use of various • describe ways of caring for
input devices; computer systems and the
working environment;
• explain the use of various
output devices;
• identify health factors
associated with computer use
What is a Computer
• A computer is an ________,_________,
automatic electronic _______
device that accepts, stores,
and manipulates data and outputs the results.
• Basically an electronic machine that accepts input (data), processes that input
and stores or outputs the resulting information.
Types of Computers
• Super Computer • Mobile Devices
• Mainframe Computer • Tablet P.C
• Smart Phones
• Micro/Personal Computer
• Servers
• Mobile Computer
• Game Consoles
• Embedded Computer
• Minicomputer
Advantages of the Computer
•SPEED:
A computer can process billions of instructions in a single second. E.g.
Computers used by utility companies to produce monthly bills.
Without fast and powerful computers this would be impossible.
•RELIABILITY:
Modern computers have a low failure rate, and they produce
consistent results.
Computers can work continuously and never go a strike.
•ACCURACY:
The computer produces error free results if the data is entered
correctly.
Advantages of the Computer
•STORAGE:
A computer stores large amounts of data in a very small place for
later use.
Spare copies or backup can also be stored in case of accidents.
•COMMUNICATION:
Communication devices such as modems allows two or more
computers to share stored data and information
Disadvantages of the Computer
•Computers can replace people. (Unemployment)
•The Initial Cost of setting up a computer system with all the
required components is high
•Computers hold personal information that may me misused.
•Downtime- Problem arise when a computer cannot be used.
Curtain task has to be done manually or postponed.
•Staff need to be trained. Training can be expensive and if
the current staff leaves new staff will have to trained.
The Computer System
• A computer system is a complete computer
installation including hardware, software,
users, procedures and data.
• HARDWARE
• SOFT WARE
• USERS
• PROCEDURES
• DATA
• All part of the computer system MUST
interact for it to function
 Hardware
• All electronic components that make up a computer a system. Parts of the
computer that can be touched (Tangible)
• Types of Hardware
• Input devices – Used to capture data
example: keyboard, mouse, microphone
• The Processing Unit – CPU and Memory
• Output devices – Provide Output
example: monitor, printer, speakers
• Backing storage – Used to permanently store data.
example: CD/DVD, thumb drives, hard drives
Peripheral
• are hardware components usually outside the system
unit. These include all input, output, storage and
communication devices.
• Eg. Speaker, keyboard, mouse, scanner, disk drives.
Software
• Programs that allows hardware and users to perform.
Software consist of instruction that tell the computer
what to do.
• Two types of Software
• System software eg. Windows 10, Vista, Unix or MAC OS
• Application Software eg. MS Word, Excel, Paint
Users
• Anyone who operates the computer
• Uses the computer to carry out tasks
• Can be computer professionals or end users such as
students or employees.
Procedures
• What managers use to formulate for data entry, document
processing and the general operation and use of the
hardware and software.
• E.g Manuals
Data Flow System

Input Processing Output

Storage
Data
• Raw facts and figures
• Meaningless until they are processed
• When processed, it provides Information
 Information
• Data that has been processed
• Data made meaningful
 Communication
• To transmit data from one drive to another or from one
program to another. For example:
• To move data from drive C (hard drive) to drive A (floppy
drive)
• To move date from Excel to Word
Basic Operation of the Computer
• The computer’s basic operations are
• Input
• Processing
• Output
• Storage
• Computers can usually:
* "input" data from a mouse or keyboard,
* "process" the data using a CPU and
memory, and
* "output" the result onto a monitor or save
it onto a disk.
Input Device
Input Devices: devices that input data into the computer such as a
• Keyboard • To enter commands and textual data into the computer
• To position your cursor to manipulate objects on screen
• Mouse
• To enter sounds into the computer system
• Microphone
• To convert hard copy document to digital format
• Scanner
• To capture still images and short movies
• Digital camera
• To capture images and sound
• PC Camera • To capture information contained in a bar code
• Barcode Reader • To capture handwritten text (OMR, OCR)
• Optical Character Reader • To allow input direct from the screen
• Touchscreen
Output Devices
Output: devices that output information from the computer such as
• Printer • To produce printed copies of documents on a range of stationery
• DOT matrix
• Lazer Printer
• Inkjet Printer
• Plotter
• The worker area for programs
• Monitor • To display an enlarged image produced by the computer
• To allow playback of audio from programs, allow sight-impaired
• Projectors personnel to operate computer systems.
• Speakers
Type of Printers
• Dot Matrix printer • are impact printers – these are used to
produce output on pre-printed forms, which
may be single sheets or continuous forms
• Laser Printer • are ideally suited for printing legal and
technical documents
• Inkjet Printer • Are suitable for printing newsletters and
presentations on transparencies
Storage Device
• A storage device is a hardware component that keeps information
and program instructions temporarily or permanently.

• There are many types of storage devices and they are available in a
range of capacities. Some storage devices are portable while others
are not.
Types of Storage Devices
• Secondary storage consists of all the hardware devices and media
that keep data and information when a computer system is
turned off. These include hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs and USB
flash drives.
• Primary Storage is not portable and is not usually visible unless
the system unit is open (see section on System unit below). A
computer system may have more than one hard drive installed.
• an external hard drive may be connected via a USB or firewire
port.
• The USB and firewire ports provide connection technology for attaching
System Unit
The system unit is the case that houses the
computer's internal processing circuitry. It
includes the CPU, connection ports for
peripherals and storage devices.

System units come in different shapes and

sizes. some are placed horizontally on a
desk while others are placed vertically.
Data Storage Devices
• The hard-drive is a mechanical storage
device typically located internally.
• Fast recording and recovery of data
• Large storage capacity
• Magnetic
• Primary storage device for data and
programs
• Speed is measured in R.P.M.’s
Data Storage Devices (cont’d)
• CD-ROM (compact disk
read only memory)
• Approximately 600 to
700 megabyte of
storage
• An optical device
read by a diode laser
Data Storage Devices (cont’d)
▪ Floppy diskette is magnetic
storage device for small amounts
of data (1.44MB).
▪ FLASH drive is a compact and
portable electronic storage
device.
❑ USB (plug and play)
supported
Care for the Computer
Some ways to care for the computer are:
1. cover hardware devices when not in use
2. use a soft damp cloth to clean the screen of the monitor
3. Do not eat or drink near the computer
4. Use compressed air to clean the keyboard to remove dust and other particles
5. Never block the air vents
6. Use an antivirus software to protect your machine from malware and unwanted
viruses
Care for the work environment
Some tips to keep work environment safe include:

1. Use suitable furniture that is able to bear the weight of the equipment

2. Keep cables neatly arranged and out of walkways to avoid trip hazards

3. Do not overload electrical outlets to avoid fire hazards

4. Do not place other items on the equipment they may block the vents
Health & Safety Tips
Some tips to take care of yourself include:
1. Ensure that your chair and desk are the correct height
2. Avoid extended use of the equipment- take regular
breaks
3. Ensure that the lighting is adequate
4. Avoid using in direct sunlight or in the dark
5. Do not place laptop directly on your skin