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Computer Science

Uploaded by

lallihere2703
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Science

Chp:1 Basic concepts of a computer System

1.1.1: Identify computing devices used for input, process, storage and output;

Computing devices can be categorized based on their primary functions in a system: input,
processing, storage, and output. Here are examples for each category:

1. Input Devices

These devices allow users to input data and instructions into a computer.

 Keyboard – for typing text and commands.


 Mouse – for pointing, clicking, and dragging items on the screen.
 Scanner – for converting physical documents into digital format.
 Microphone – for inputting sound (e.g., voice commands or audio recording).
 Webcam – for capturing video and images.
 Touchscreen – for direct interaction with the display.

2. Processing Devices

These devices handle the manipulation and processing of data.

 Central Processing Unit (CPU) – the primary component that executes instructions and
processes data.
 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) – specialized for rendering images, video, and
graphics.
 Motherboard – the main circuit board that connects and facilitates communication
between all components.
 Sound Card – processes audio data for output to speakers or other devices.

3. Storage Devices

These devices are used to store data for short-term or long-term access.

 Hard Drive (HDD) – a traditional mechanical storage device.


 Solid-State Drive (SSD) – a faster storage device with no moving parts.
 Optical Disc (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) – used to store data on discs.
 USB Flash Drive – a portable storage device for transferring files.
 Cloud Storage – remote storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
 Random Access Memory (RAM) – volatile memory used for temporary storage during
operations.
4. Output Devices

These devices present processed data to the user in various forms.

 Monitor/Display – for visual output like text, images, and video.


 Printer – for creating physical copies of documents or images.
 Speakers – for audio output, including music or system sounds.
 Projector – for displaying visual content on a larger screen or surface.
 Headphones – for private audio output.

1.1.2 describe simple data processing cycle (input, process, output and
storage);

The simple data processing cycle consists of four stages: input, process, output, and storage.
Here's a brief description of each:

1. Input: This is the stage where raw data is collected and fed into the system. Input can
come from various sources like user input, sensors, or external databases.
o Example: Typing information into a form, capturing data from a sensor.
2. Processing: At this stage, the input data is transformed, calculated, or manipulated to
produce meaningful information. It involves running calculations, applying algorithms, or
using logic to convert data into a useful format.
o Example: A program sorting or filtering data, performing calculations like
addition or generating reports.
3. Output: Once the data is processed, it is presented in a format that can be understood or
used. The output could be visual displays, printed reports, or data sent to another system.
o Example: A display on a screen, printed documents, or feedback in the form of
alerts or sounds.
4. Storage: Processed data and sometimes the raw data are stored for future use. Storage
ensures that information is retained and can be retrieved as needed.
o Example: Saving data to a hard drive, cloud storage, or database.

These stages work in a continuous cycle as data flows through systems. For example, in a
weather monitoring system, sensor data (input) is processed by algorithms (processing), and the
resulting weather forecast (output) is saved to a database (storage) for future reference.

1.1.3 classify computers according to processing speed, size and uses


(microcomputer, minicomputer, mainframe computer and supercomputer)

Computers can be classified into four main categories based on processing speed, size, and use:
microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers. Here’s how
they differ:

1. Microcomputers (Personal Computers)


 Processing Speed: Relatively lower compared to other types of computers, typically in
the range of a few GHz.
 Size: Small and compact, usually fits on a desk or can be portable (e.g., laptops, desktops,
tablets).
 Uses: Designed for individual users for general purposes like browsing the internet,
office work, gaming, and multimedia tasks. Examples include personal computers (PCs),
laptops, and smartphones.

2. Minicomputers (Mid-range Computers)

 Processing Speed: Moderate, often faster than microcomputers, designed for specific
tasks that require more computing power but not as much as mainframes or
supercomputers.
 Size: Mid-sized, often larger than microcomputers but smaller than mainframes. Can be
rack-mounted or housed in small data centers.
 Uses: Used in mid-sized organizations for specific purposes like process control,
scientific simulations, or small-scale data processing. They can support multiple users
simultaneously, commonly used in research labs or business applications.

3. Mainframe Computers

 Processing Speed: High, capable of processing large volumes of data at once. Their
speed is significantly higher than microcomputers and minicomputers.
 Size: Large, usually occupying entire rooms or even floors.
 Uses: Primarily used by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing,
transaction processing, and large-scale computations. Examples include banks, insurance
companies, and government institutions that handle massive databases and need to serve
thousands of users simultaneously.

4. Supercomputers

 Processing Speed: Extremely high, capable of performing billions or trillions of


calculations per second (measured in FLOPS – Floating Point Operations Per Second).
 Size: Very large, often occupying entire rooms or specialized facilities, with extensive
cooling systems to prevent overheating.
 Uses: Used for extremely complex and resource-intensive tasks like weather forecasting,
scientific simulations, nuclear energy research, and cryptography. Supercomputers are
usually employed by governments, universities, and large research institutions.

These categories help distinguish computers based on their computational power, physical size,
and intended applications.

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