INTRODUCTION TO

INFORMATION SYSTEMS
LEVEL 2
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
TOPIC 5: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
ACHITECTURE

The computer as an electronic processor.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER???

➢ A computer is an
electronic device
that converts raw
data into
meaningful
information.
THE CONVERSION PROCESS

1. an electronic device,
2. operating under the control of instructions stored in
its own memory,
3. that can be programmed to accept data (input),
4. process it into useful information (output),
5. and store it in a secondary storage device (store) for
safekeeping or future use.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN COMPUTERS

1. SPEED

• Computers are quite fast in their operation in that their speed is measured in
Millions of Instructions Per Second (MIPS) or Megahertz (MHz). Many computers
process billions or trillions of operations in a single second.

2. Accuracy

• Computers are known to be accurate.

• They can process large amounts of data and generate errorfree results, provided
the data entered is correct.
• They are capable of detecting and correcting any mistakes made.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN COMPUTERS

3. Storage

• For a computer to be able to work, it must have a work space where data is stored
before being processed or where information is stored before being output to
particular devices.
• This storage space is known as Memory

4. Automation

• Computers work automatically.

• They do not need any supervision in order to perform programmed routines. This is
because of the instructions (programs) installed in them.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN COMPUTERS

5. Diligence (Consistency)

• Computers have the ability to perform the same task over and over for a long
time without getting bored and with nor mistakes (errors).

6. Artificial intelligence

• Computers are artificially intelligent.

• They can respond to requests given to them and provide solutions. This is
because of the programs installed in them.
• Evidence is seen in industrial Robots.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN COMPUTERS

7. Versatility / Flexibility

• Computers are capable of performing different kinds of tasks

provided the specified task is followed in a proper order.
A computer system

➢Is a functional unit consisting of integrated assembly of devices, centered on at

least one processing mechanism which are used to input, process, store, and
output data and information.

It is made up of five different components:

1. Hardware (Input, Output, storage, processing and communication hardware)

2. Software
3. Data and information
4. People (Users)
5. Procedures
COMPUTER HARDWARE vs.
SOFTWARE
COMPUTER HARDWARE vs. SOFTWARE

HARDWARE SOFTWARE
➢ Hardware refers to the physical and tangible ➢ Any set of instruction that tells the hardware
components of a computer. These are devices you what to do and how to do it.
can see, touch and feel.

• Types of software
• Types of Hardware

1. Operating system
1. Input hardware
2. Utility software
2. Output hardware
3. Programming languages
3. Storage hardware
4. Processing hardware
5. Communicating hardware.
COMPUTER HARDWARE

➢ Hardware refers to the physical and tangible components of a

computer. These are devices you can see, touch and feel.
Hardware can be:

• Input hardware: Instructs the computer • Storage hardware: Stores data either
(Mouse or Keyboard). temporarily or permanently on the
computer.
• Output hardware: Presents the
information processed by the computer to • Processing hardware Communicating
the user (speaker or monitor). hardware: Raw data is processed and made
into usable information.
PROCESSING HARDWARE
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

➢It is an electronic device that interprets and carries out the basic
instructions that tell the computer how to work.
➢It is the main part (“Brain”) of the computer.
➢It is normally called a microprocessor on a personal computer
EXAMPLE OF A CPU (What it looks like)
WHAT’S INSIDE A CPU…
Parts of a CPU

a) Control Unit

• It is the component of the processor that directs and coordinates

most of the operations in the computer.
• It sends data required for mathematical operations from the
memory to the ALU.
• It sends the data processed to the printer or a storage device.
• It erases/deletes/rubs data from memory when instructed to do
so.
Parts of a CPU

b) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• It performs arithmetic and logical operations, executing instructions that

involve calculations, comparisons, and data manipulation.
• Arithmetic operations include;

1. Addition,
2. Subtraction
3. Multiplication
4. Division.
Parts of a CPU

c) Registers

• Registers are high-speed working storage areas in the CPU that temporarily hold instructions
and data.
• Types of registers and their roles:

1. Instruction register: Contains the instruction being executed

2. Address register: Keeps track of where a given instruction or piece of data is stored in
memory.
3. Storage register: Temporarily holds data taken from or about to be sent to memory.
4. Accumulator: Collects the result of computations;
5. General-purpose register: Used for several functions, such as arithmetic operation
Parts of a CPU

d) Cache

• Is a small, fast memory located within the CPU that stores

frequently-used data and instructions.
• Its primary function is to speed up the CPU's access to data and
instructions by reducing the time it takes to retrieve them from
the main memory.
 CONT…

How Cache Works:

i. Data Retrieval: When the CPU needs data or instructions, it first checks the
cache.
ii. Cache Hit: If the required data or instructions are found in the cache, the
CPU accesses them directly from the cache. This is called a cache hit.
iii. Cache Miss: If the required data or instructions are not found in the cache,
the CPU retrieves them from the main memory. This is called a cache miss.
iv. Cache Update: When the CPU retrieves data or instructions from the main
memory, it stores a copy of them in the cache.
THE PROCESSING CYCLE
HOW INFORMATION IS PROCESSED
CONT...
Class Activity:

Read each question carefully and answer .

QUESTIONS

1. What is the primary function of the CPU?

2. Which of the following is NOT a type of CPU instruction?
a) Arithmetic b) Logical c) Control d) Storage
3. What is the term for the CPU's ability to execute multiple instructions
simultaneously?
4. Which component of the CPU is responsible for retrieving instructions from
memory?
5. What is the purpose of the CPU's cache memory?
Class Activity:

• ANSWERS

• 1. To execute instructions and perform calculations

• 2. D) Storage
• 3. Parallel processing
• 4. Control Unit
• 5. To provide fast access to frequently used instructions and data
INPUT AND INPUT
DEVICES
INPUT AND INPUT DEVICES

INPUT INPUT DEVICE

• Any data or program instructions • Is any hardware component that

people enter into the memory of allows the user to enter data and
the computer. instructions (programs,
commands, and user responses)
into the computer.
• Input devices translate our data
and communications into a form
that the computer can
understand.
TERMINOLOGY

1. Data: Is collection of raw unorganized facts that can include words,

numbers, images, sounds, and videos. Data is the raw material to be
processed by a computer.
2. Information: Is processed data that is organized, meaningful and
useful.
3. A program: Is a series of instructions that directs a computer how to
perform the tasks necessary to process data into information.
4. A command: Is an instruction given to a computer program to perform
a specific action.
5. A user response: Is an instruction users issue to the computer by
replying to a question posed by a computer program. A response to the
question instructs the program to perform certain actions.
Examples of input devices

➢Keyboard ➢Digital Cameras and Video

➢Pointing Devices Input
➢Controllers for Gaming and ➢Scanners and Reading Devices
Media Players ➢Terminals
➢Biometric Input
➢Audio Input
KEYBOARD AND NAVIGATION

THE KEYBOARD

• It is a primary input device made up of numbers, letters, symbols

and special keys used to enter data into the computer.
• The arrangement of the English language keyboard keys was
modeled after the QWERTY type writer keyboard developed by
Christopher Sholes in 1868.
• Its name was derived from the first six letters at the top of the
keyboard.
QWERTY KEYBOARD
DVORAK KEYBOARD

• NB; The alternative to the QWERTY

keyboard is the Dvorak keyboard
developed by Dr. Dvorak in 1936.

• With the Dvorak, the most used letters

are positioned in the middle row of
the keyboard, intending to reduce
typing time and finger movements.
PARTS OF THE KEYBOARD
PARTS OF THE KEYBOARD

Typing Keys

1. Alphanumeric Keys: Letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9)

2. Punctuation Keys: Symbols such as !, @, #, $, etc.
3. Spacebar: Inserts a space between words
PARTS OF THE KEYBOARD

Navigation Keys

1. Arrow Keys: ↑, ↓, ←, → (up, down, left, right)

2. Home Key: Moves cursor to beginning of line or document
3. End Key: Moves cursor to end of line or document
4. Page Up Key: Moves cursor up one page
5. Page Down Key: Moves cursor down one page
PARTS OF THE KEYBOARD

Modifier Keys

1. Shift Key: Changes case of letters or symbols

2. Ctrl (Control) Key: Used for shortcuts and controlling cursor
3. Alt (Alternate) Key: Used for shortcuts and accessing menus
4. Windows Key (or Command Key on Mac): Opens Start menu or
activates Windows functions
PARTS OF THE KEYBOARD

Function Keys

1. F1-F12 Keys: Perform specific functions, such as help, settings,

or shortcuts

Numeric Keys

1. Numeric Keypad: Separate section for entering numbers

PARTS OF THE KEYBOARD

Special Keys

1. Enter Key: Inserts new line or confirms action

2. Backspace Key: Deletes characters to left of cursor
3. Delete Key: Deletes characters to right of cursor
4. Tab Key: Moves cursor to next field or cell
5. Caps Lock Key: Toggles uppercase and lowercase letters
6. Num Lock Key: Toggles numeric keypad on and off
7. Scroll Lock Key: Toggles scrolling on and off
THE MOUSE

➢This is a hand operated device used to position the cursor, point,

select and move objects on the computer screen

• Basic mouse operations: Point, Click, Right Click, Double Click and
drag.
• Types of Mouses: Optical, Mechanical and Air mouse.
OTHER TYPES OF INPUT DEVICES

• Track ball • Game controllers include

• Touch pad
• Pointing Stick ➢Gamepads,
• Touch Screen ➢Joysticks and whe
➢Light guns,
➢Dance Pad
➢Motion-sensing controllers