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Lab Comm & Computer Applications - Lecture 3

The document provides an overview of computer systems, including definitions of key terms such as computer, program, hardware, software, data, and information technology. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using computers, as well as details on computer hardware components like input, processing, output, and storage. Additionally, it explains computer configuration, including the roles of the CPU, ALU, main memory, control unit, and secondary storage.

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8 views5 pages

Lab Comm & Computer Applications - Lecture 3

The document provides an overview of computer systems, including definitions of key terms such as computer, program, hardware, software, data, and information technology. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using computers, as well as details on computer hardware components like input, processing, output, and storage. Additionally, it explains computer configuration, including the roles of the CPU, ALU, main memory, control unit, and secondary storage.

Uploaded by

kanoyangwasharmain
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LABORATORY COMMUNICATION & COMPUTER

APPLICATIONS
360/24/M08

LECTURE: 3

BY: E. MAKONI

+263 773 064 598

EDMAK - 0773064598 1
Computer – it is an electronic data processing device that works under the control of stored
programs, automatically accepting, storing and processing data to finally produce
information.

Program – is a sequence of instructions that is designed by a computer to make a


computer system perform a specific task.

Information Technology (I.T)

Dfn 1 – it is a combination of telecommunication technologies and the application of business


technologies i.e. data processing, data storage, data capture and communication.

Dfn 2 – it refers to hardware, software, telecommunication, database management and other


information technologies used in computer based information systems.

Hardware – these are tangible/physical components of the computer system e.g keyboard,
VDU, printer, e.g.

Software – a suite of programs.

Data – raw facts and figures that are unclassified and meaningless.

Information – processed data

Peripheral –computer hardware that are external to the computer system but directly connected
to the computer CPU.

Advantages of Using Computers

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Reliability
• Storage
• Communication, e.g.

Disadvantages of Computers

• Expensive
• Affected by power failure
• Prone to viruses
• Health hazard, e.t.c

EDMAK - 0773064598 2
COMPUTER HARDWARE
Dfn:
These are tangible or physical components of the computer system.
They can be internal i.e. hard-drive or external i.e. keyboard, mouse, e.t.c

INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT

STORAGE

Input

• A component that deals with data capturing.


• The speed of input depends on the methods adopted.
• It can be traditional i.e. use of keyboard or electronic i.e. voice detection systems or speech
synthesizers.
• The input method adopted can be determined by the volume of data and the type of data
handled.
• Devices such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, MICR, OCR, light-pen, joystick, e.t.c

Processing

• A part that converts data into information.


• It also has internal storage RAM and ROM.
• It involves sub-processes such as arranging, sorting, analysing, validation and verification.
• The major processing device is the CPU.

Output

• A component that displays the results of processing.


• Output can be shown in various forms.
• It can be hardcopy, softcopy or sound.
• Hardcopy is information inn printed from.
• Softcopy is information displayed on the computer screen.
• Sound is through electronic voices i.e. playing an MP3 on a media player and sound comes
through the speakers.

EDMAK - 0773064598 3
Storage

• A component that deals with data and information storage requirements of the computer
system.
• It can be internal storage in RAM and ROM or external storage i.e. secondary storage.
• RAM is for temporary storage and ROM is for permanent storage.
• Secondary storage acts as a back-up to the main storage.

Computer Configuration

This relates to the set-up or arrangement of devices with a computer system

CPU

MAIN
INPUT ALU MEMORY OUTPUT

CONTROL UNIT

SECONDARY
STORAGE/AUXILLIARY STORAGE

KEY

Data or Information Flow

Command or Instruction Flow

1. Input

2. CPU

• The major processing device.


• It comprises of 3 sub-elements which are:-

EDMAK - 0773064598 4
ALU – stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit
- Performs calculations within the system.
- These calculations range from +, -, /, *, e.t.c
- Besides calculations it also performs logical operations.
- This is testing for relationships between two or more variables.
Main Memory – also known as primary storage

• Deals with internal storage requirements of the system


• It comprises of RAM and ROM.
• Random Access Memory stores data temporarily before final
processing.
• It allows users to have access to the document as well as making
some alterations.
• It is non-volatile.
• This means it retains its contents after a power interruption.
• Read Only Memory stores information on a permanent basis.
• It allows users to have access to the documents but no alterations
are permitted
• It is volatile.
• This means it loses all its contents after a power interruption.

Control Unit (CU) - It controls the overall activities of the computer system.

• It is the backbone of the computer.


• It acts as a central nervous system of the computer.
• All instructions and commands are generated by the Control Unit
(CU).

Secondary Storage – also known as auxiliary or backing storage.


- It supplements the main memory.
- This means it acts as a back-up to the main memory.
- Secondary storage relates to the storage of information onto
devices that are external to the computer system.
- These devices have vast storage and are portable.
- Devices include CD, DVD, VCD, DAT, Cassettes, USB, etc

EDMAK - 0773064598 5

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