Computer 1

(Introduction to Computer Concepts and Software)

Unit 1: Computer Basics
The Computer System
A computer is a programmable machine. It allows the user to
store all sorts of information and then ‘process’ that
information, or data, or carry out actions with the information,
such as calculating numbers or organizing words.

Computer: A machine that can receive and store information

and change or process it.
Information: Knowledge that is communicated.
Data (pl.): The representation of information in a formalized
manner suitable for communication, interpretation and
processing, generally by a computer system. Note: the term
‘raw data’ refers to unprocessed information.
Four Basic Functions
All computers perform four basic functions:
The computer accepts input. Computer input is whatever is entered or fed into a computer
system. Input can be supplied by a person (such as by using a keyboard) or by another
computer or device (such as a diskette or CD-ROM). Some examples of input include the
words and symbols in a document, numbers for a calculation, instructions for completing a
process, pictures, and so on.
The computer performs useful operations, manipulating the data in many ways. This
manipulation is called processing. Examples of processing include performing calculations,
sorting lists of words or numbers, modifying documents and pictures according to user
instructions, and drawing graphs. A computer processes data in the CPU. Process: A
systematic series of actions a computer uses to manipulate data.
The computer stores data. A computer must store data so that it is available for processing.
Most computers have more than one location for storing data (the hard drive or C:\, and the
floppy drive or A:\). The place where the computer stores the data depends on how the data is
being used. The computer puts the data in one place while it is waiting to be processed and
another place when it is not needed for immediate processing. The storage of data in the
computer is called ‘online storage’ while the storage of data on computer tapes, diskettes or
CD-ROMs is called ‘offline storage’.
The computer produces output. Computer output is information that has been produced by a
computer. Some examples of computer output include reports, documents, music, graphs, and
pictures. Output can be in several different formats, such as paper, diskette, or on screen.

Note: A computer receives data as input, processes it, stores it and then produces output.
Computer Advantages
The use of computer gives us very real advantages. The
following list of advantages is what makes a computer a better
tool than others for specific tasks.
Speed – once data has been stored into a computer, the computer
cam process data into information much faster than any human
being using any other tools. A computer can do billions of actions
per second.
Accuracy – if the computer has been given the correct
instructions (program), the information it will provide will be
totally and consistently accurate.
Repeatability – this is the computer’s capability of doing the
same task repeatedly. Quickly and without complaint.
Programmability – computers have the advantage of being
programmable.
Components of Computer system
Computers are made up of two parts: the
hardware and the software.
Hardware: The physical equipment
required to create, use, manipulate and
store electronic data.
Software: The computerised instructions
that operate a computer, manipulate the
data and execute particular functions or
tasks.
Hardware component of computer system

All computers require the following hardware components:

Central processing unit (CPU): The chip or chips at the

heart of a computer that enable it to process data. Also
known as a processor. The faster the processor in a
computer, the more quickly the computer will perform
operations.

Memory: An area within a computer system that

holdsdata waiting to be processed. The most common
type of memory that most users are familiar with is ‘main
memory’ or ‘RAM’ (random-access memory). Random
access memory (RAM): An area in the computer system
unit that temporarily holds a user’s data, operating system
instructions and program instructions.
 Hardware component of computer system

Storage device: The place where a computer puts data. The

area within a computer system where data can be left on a longer
term basis while it is not needed for processing.
Following are common storage devices:
 Diskette. A small, removable, flexible mylar plastic disk covered
with a thin layer of a magnetisable
 substance, onto which digital data can be recorded and stored. Also
known as a floppy disk.
 Hard drive: The storage area within the computer itself, where
megabytes of space are available to store bits of information. Also
known as a hard disk.
 Optical disk: A storage device that uses reflecting surfaces and
laser technology to read and write data on a disk. Also known as a
laser disk.
 Magnetic tape: A continuous plastic strip covered with magnetic
oxide; the tape is divided into parallel tracks onto which data may
be recorded by selectively magnetising parts of the surface, or
spots, in each of the tracks. The data can then be stored and reused.
 Hardware component of computer
system
input devices : the devices that allow
data and instructions to enter a
computer (such as a keyboard, mouse,
scanner) Input: Any resource required
for the functioning of a process, in the
course of which it will be transformed
into one or more outputs.
output devices: the devices that allow
information to be represented (that is,
given out) to the user, such as a
display screen or printer) Output: The
product of the transformation of inputs
by a process.
Software Components of Computer
System
 
System Software is essentially the master controller for all the
activities that takes place within a computer. Operating systems
are classified as system software.
Example: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Unix
Application Software is a set of computer programs that helps
a person carry out a task.
Example: Word processing software, Electronic Spreadsheet,
Presentation software, video/image editing and many more.
Programming Language - An artificial set of rules,
vocabulary and syntax used to instruct the computer to execute
certain tasks. Computer program: A sequence of instructions
that can be executed by a computer to carry out a process.
Computer Categories
Categorizing computers is way of
grouping them according to criteria such
as usage, cost, size, and capability.
Supercomputers
Mainframe computers
Minicomputers
Workstations
Microcomputers, or personal computers
Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the most powerful
computers made, and physically they are
some of the largest. These systems are built
to process huge amounts of data, and the
fastest supercomputer can perform more
than 1trillions calculations per second.
Mainframe
Mainframe computers are used
in large organizations like
insurance companies and banks
where many people need
frequent access to the data,
which is usually organized into
one or more huge databases.
Aside from the obvious
differences in processing speed,
the major difference between
minicomputers and mainframes
is the number of remote
terminals serviced.
Minicomputers
Firstreleased in the 1960s,
minicomputers got their name
because of their small size
compared to other computers of
the day.
The capabilities of a
minicomputer are somewhere
between mainframes and
personal computers. The most
powerful minicomputer can
serve the input and output needs
of hundreds of users at a time.
Workstation

Workstations are specialized, single-user

computers with many of the features of a
personal computer but with the processing power
of a minicomputer. It typically uses advanced
processors and feature more RAM and storage
capacity than personal computers.
Workstations often have large, high-resolution
monitors and accelerated graphics-handling
capabilities, in making them perfect for advanced
design, modeling, animation, and video editing.
Microcomputer
This machine has taken fullest advantage of the use of
large - scale integration on silicon chips. The
microprocessors literally contain a computer on a chip
that can pass through the eye of a needle. It is generally
made of semiconductors fabricated on silicon chips.
Personal computers come in four different physical sizes:

pocket PCs (palmtop)

Lap top PCs (small ones are notebook
PCs)
desktop PCs
tower PCs
Personal computer system equipments:
System unit. The system unit is the case that holds the
main circuit boards, microprocessor, power supply, and
storage devices.
Display Device. Most desktop computer use a separate
monitor as a display device, whereas notebook computers
use a flat panel LCD screen attached to the system unit.
Keyboard. Most computers are equipped with a keyboard
as the primary input device.
Mouse. A mouse is an input device designed to manipulate
on-screen graphical objects and controls.
Hard disk drive. A Hard disk drive can store billions of
characters of data. It is usually mounted inside the
computer’s system unit.
Personal computer system
equipments:
CD and DVD drive. A CD/DVD drive is a storage device that uses laser
technology to work data on computer or audio CDs.
Floppy disk drive. Floppy disk drive is a storage device that reads and
writes data on floppy disks.
Sound card and speaker. Desktop computer have a rudimentary built-in
speaker that’s mostly limited to playing beeps. A small circuit board, called
a sound card, is required for high-quality music, narrator, and sound effects.
Modem and Network card. Many personal computer systems include a
built-in modem that can be used to establish an internet connection using a
standard telephone line. A network card is used to connect a computer to a
network or cable internet connection.
Printer. A computer printer is an output device that produces computer
generated test or graphical images on paper.
Unit 2. Operating a Personal
Computer
Windows
Windows is a graphical user interface
program or GUI (pronounced “gooey”)
which makes interacting with you computer
easy. A GUI is an alternative to a command-
line interface, where text commands are
entered from the keyboard. Windows is
faster, more powerful, and gives you better
performance when doing several computer
things at the same time.
To start windows:
Locate the power switch for any devices
connected to your computer and turn them
on.
Locate the power switch for your
computer and turn it on.
If a message asks for your user ID and/or
password, type them in, and then press the
enter key on your computer’s keyboard.
Wait for the Windows desktop to appear.
Windows Desktop
The windows desktop is your base of operations for using your
computer. The desktop is divided into several areas:
Icon. The main part of the desktop displays icons that represent
software, files and folders containing documents, graphics and
other data.
Taskbar. The taskbar contains the Start button, Quick start bar,
and Notification area.
Start button. The start button is used to display the start menu,
which lists all the programs installed on your computer.
Quick start bar. The quick start bar is always visible, making it s
good place for icons that represent the programs you frequently
use.
Notification area. The notification area displays the current time
and status of programs, devices and internet connections.
Mouse pointer. The on-screen pointer (usually an arrow) that you
use to select items and choose commands.
Mouse Basic
Mouse is a device used to manipulate items
on the screen, such as the control displayed
on the Windows desktop. The following list
describes your repertoire actions.
Action How to Result
Click Press the left mouse button once, and then Select an object
immediately release it.
Double- Press the left mouse button twice in rapid Activate an
click succession without moving the body of the object
mouse.
Right- Press the right mouse button once, and then Display a
click immediately release it. shortcut menu
Drag Hold the left mouse button down while you Move an object
move the mouse
The Ubuntu Desktop

Ubuntu(pronounced “oo-boon-too”) is a South

African ethical idealogy focusing on people's
allegiances and relations with each other. The
word comes from the Zulu and Xhosa
languages.
Ubuntu 10.04, also known as the Lucid Lynx,
arrived on April 29, 2010 and it is the 12th
release of the Ubuntu operating system.
Ubuntu is an entirely open source system built
around the Linux kernel.
A kernel is an important part of any
operating system, providing the communication
bridge between hardware and software.
GNOME desktop
One of the most popular desktop
environments which is used by default in
Ubuntu.
Major components of the
GNOME Desktop
Desktop

The desktop itself is behind all of the other components

on the desktop. You can place objects on the desktop to
access your files and directories quickly, or to start
applications that you use often.

Panels

The panels are the two bars that run along the top and
bottom of the screen. A panel is a bar that sits on the edge
of your screen and contains various applets. These applets
provide useful functions such as running programs,
viewing the time, or accessing the main menu.
Top Panel
This includes menu headings- Applications,
Places, and System-followed by two program
icons. The Firefox web browser and the next will
open the Ubuntu help Center. On the right side of
their panel is the notification area, which is similar
in function to the “system tray” in Windows.
On the far right of the panel is the session menu,
which provides menu options for locking the
computer logging out, restarting, or shutting down
completely.
Bottom Panel

The bottom panel is used to display a list

of all programs or windows that are
currently open.
Using the Application menu
There are three menu headers in the top panel.
Let’s take a look at these in more detail,
starting with the Applications menu.
Accessories
Games
Graphics
Internet
Office
◦ Open office.org Word Processor
◦ Open office.org Spreadsheet
◦ Open office.org Presentation
◦ Open office.org Drawing (located under the
Graphics sub-menu)
Soundand Video
Ubuntu Software Center
 System Menu
The System menu
contains two important
sub-menus; Preferences
and Administration.
These allows you to
make modifications to
Ubuntu’s appearance, as
well as the way it
functions.
System sub-menus
Preferences

Modify the appearance of the desktop and windows,

assign a default printer, designate keyboard shortcuts,
change the entries listed in the Applications menu, edit
network connections, and change mouse settings,
among other options.

Administration

It contains programs you can use to monitor computer

performance, change disk partitions, activate third-party
drivers, manage all installed printers, and manage how
your computer receives updates from Ubuntu.
 Browsing files on your computer

Two ways to locate files on your computer:

Search for Files tool in the Applications menu, under
Accessories.
You can also use the Places menu on the top panel.

 Places
The Places menu holds a list of commonly used folders (such
as Documents, Music, Downloads, and the Home Folder).

 Home Folder
The home folder is where all users’ personal files are located.
Workspaces
Workspaces allow you to manage which
windows are on your screen. Every
workspace contains the same desktop, the
same panels, and the same menus.
However, you can run different
applications, and open different windows
in each workspace. The applications in
each workspace will remain there when
you switch to other workspaces.