NAME: EVANS OKOTH

REG NO: HE16/00046/24

1. Explain the basic components of a computer system and how they work together to perform
computing tasks
Made up of two components;
a]The hardware
the hardware process input data and provides the means to communicate with the external
environment
Comprises of the following components;
Input units
Accepts data from external environment and encode them into a form understandable to the
computer for processing.
Output units
Output units receive the processed data from the computer and decode them into a form
comprehensible to the user.
MEMORY
Computer memory is classified into two categories;the read only memory[ROM] and
random access memory[RAM]a general purpose memory initialized and use by a
computer to process data.
Central Processing Units

Processor is the computers brain

b]Computer software
Software is the logic that guide the hardware to perform a task
Generally software is classified into application software and system software

2]compare and contrast the different types of computers including super computer,main
frame,personal computer and embedded systems .

A] Supercomputers

These are the largest, most powerful and most powerful computers. Supercomputer is made up of
several computers that are joined so that to work together. They are used in complex scientific
evaluations and by defense agencies to process very large amount of data at a very his speed.

B] Mainframe computers

They’re Are large computers usually housed in controlled environment. Support huge of activities.

C] Minicomputers

Similar to mainframes but less powerful in terms of processing and terminal support ,used by small
Organisation
NAME: EVANS OKOTH
REG NO: HE16/00046/24
SCHOOL: HEALTH SCIENCE
UNIT CODE: COMP 101
TASK: ASSIGNMENTS

D] Microcomputers

Relatively small ,general purpose computer systems can usually be used only by one person at a time
to handle business activities

PC are also used at terminal for connecting to minicomputers and mainframes computers.

3] Discuss the evolution of computers tracing there development from the early mechanical
computers to modern day computers.

A] Early mechanical calculators.

Abacus often regarded as one of the first for calculation ,the abacus allowed users to perform basic
arithmetic using beads sliding on rods.

B] The age of Electromagnetic computers.

Is considered the world s first programmable computer .It used electromagnetic relays and was capable
of performing a range of calculations.

C] The development of personal computers.

Microprocessor introduced 4004,the word first microprocessor .this marked transition from large
mainframes to smaller more powerful devices.

D] The rise of networking and GUI The rise of internet transformed computing ,enabling
networks,email, and world wide web.

E] The mobile and ubiquitous computing era.

Laptops and mobile devices continued miniaturization led to rise of laptops,smart phones and tablets.

4] ADVANTAGES AND Disadvantages of computers in terms of performance,portability and

A] Desktops..

A] Advantages

Desktops offer superior performance compared to laptops and tablets.

Desktops offer better performance at lower prices compared to laptops or desktops.

Desktops are to upgrade.

B] Disadvantages.

Desktops are bulky and not designed for portability.

They require dedicated desk space and cannot clatter for environment.
NAME: EVANS OKOTH
REG NO: HE16/00046/24
SCHOOL: HEALTH SCIENCE
UNIT CODE: COMP 101
TASK: ASSIGNMENTS
B]laptops.

Advantages.

Laptops strike a good balance and portability.

While not as powerful as desktops,many laptops are equipped with sufficient hardware to handle most
tasks.

Disadvantages.

Limited upgradability compared to desktops

Due to compact design,laptops may experience over heating issues during intense work.

C] Tablets.

Advantages

Tablets are lightweight and extremely portable

The touchscreen interface can be very intuitive especially task involving browsing.

Tablets have long lasting battery life compared to laptops

Disadvantages

Tablets typically have less processing power and storage compared to laptops making them unsuitable
for heavy computing task.

Limited soft ware availability.

D] Smart phones.

Advantages.

Ultimate portability.

Have built in cellular connectivity,providing access to internet access.

Disadvantages.

Small screen can hinder productivity for task that require extensive typing.

Have battery drains.

5] Impacts of computers in modern society.

A] Health care.

Computer facilitates remote consultations and tele-health services,improving access to health care.
NAME: EVANS OKOTH
REG NO: HE16/00046/24
SCHOOL: HEALTH SCIENCE
UNIT CODE: COMP 101
TASK: ASSIGNMENTS
B] Education.

Schools use e_learning techniques to help student learn.

C] Entertainment.

Video games,watch movies through computers.

6] Discuss evolution /generation of computers.

A] First generation.

Technology;used vacuum tubes for circuiting and magnetic drums for memory.

B] Second generation.

Technology;transistors.

C] Third generation.

Technology;integrated circuit.

D] Fourth generation.

Technology;microprocessors.

E] Fifth generation.

Technology; artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

COMPUTER HARDWARE.

1] Explain function of central processing unit.

A] Instruction execution; fetches instructions from memory ,decodes them to understand what
actions are required,and then execute those instructions,which can involve calculations,data movement,
or control operation.

B] Data processing;perform arithmetic operations and logic operations on data.

C] Control unit operations;within CPU manages the flow of data between CPU ,memory and other
peripheral devices.

D] Memory management;CPU access data from computer RAM using various caches to speed up
processing time .

E] Input/output operations; CPU communicates system input/output devices.

2] Different between primary and secondary storage in computer hardware.

A] Primary storage

Primary storage is volatile.

Generally expensive per unit storage than secondary storage.

Provides temporary storage of data and programs that are in active use.

Examples;Random Access Memory,Cache Memory.

B] Secondary storage

Non-volatility

Generally slower than primary storage

Typically less expensive per unit storage compared to primary storage

EXAMPLES;hard Disk drive, User input Accessibility

3] Role/importance of input/output devices

A] role of input devices

User input

Data acquisition

B] role of output

Information presentation

Feedback mechanism

Importance of input of Input/Output devices

A. Enabling system interaction

B. Allows system performance

C. Enables versatility and capability

D. Data processing and analysis

E. Support for emerging technologies

4] Describe the different type of a computer memory;cache,ROM,virtual memory and explain how
they impact system perform

A] Cache memory.

Significantly improves system performance by reducing latency and increasing data thorough CPU .
NAME: EVANS OKOTH
REG NO: HE16/00046/24
SCHOOL: HEALTH SCIENCE
UNIT CODE: COMP 101
TASK: ASSIGNMENTS
B] Random access Memory.

RAM is the primary volatile memory used by the computer to temporarily store data and programs that
the CPU is currently processing.

It loses all the stored information when the power is turned on.

C] virtual memory.

Is a memory management capability that uses a portion of the hard drive as an extension of RAM.It
allows computer to compensate for physical memory

5] Evaluate the advancement in graphics processing units GPU s and there impacts on modern
society. Parallel processing ;evolution of architecture,modern GPUs are design with thousands of cores
that can perform parallel processing. Impacts;this architecture has made GPUs essential for AI and
machine learning task.

A] Increased Compute Power;performance improvements over the years GPU manufacturers like
DVIDIA and AMD have continuously improved the performance of there products,delivering higher
teraflops due to architecture,manufacturing process ,and memory bandwidth.

B] Ray tracing and Advanced graphics;realistic rendering ,the introduction of real time ray tracing
has revolutionized the gaming and visual effects industries,allowing for more realistic
lighting,shadows,and reflection in graphics.

Impacts;this has transformed video game design ,enhancing immersion and visual fidelity,making games
more life like and visually appealing.

6] Explain features of modern computer.

A] Motherboard;the system board is a board on which the major electronic components that
make a microcomputer work are fitted these may include RAM-slotsBlos chips, CPU,Chip set,.All
peripherals are plugged into motherboard including the monitor,keyboard,mouse,and printer.

B] Hard disk;are non removable secondary storage drives .It uses magnetic disk to store data.

C] Floppy disk ;are refereed to as removable disk drives the storage disk can be removed and
carried to another computer system.

D] Compact disk drive;CD-ROM drive is used to install software and to distribute large amount of
information.

E] Expansion slots;these are connectors used to install additional circuit boards,are used to
increase the functionality and the feature of a computer.
NAME: EVANS OKOTH
REG NO: HE16/00046/24
SCHOOL: HEALTH SCIENCE
UNIT CODE: COMP 101
TASK: ASSIGNMENTS
F] Cooling system;during operation of a computer the integrated circuits generate a lot of heat
which need to be removed,the cooling system is used to cool down the machine from excess heat.

G] System Speaker;each personal computer has a built in speaker useful in diagnosing faults.