Introduction to Computing

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 What Is A Computer?
A computer is an electronic device, operating under
the control of instructions (software) stored in its own
memory unit, that can accept data (input), manipulate
data (process), and produce information (output) from
the processing. Generally, the term is used to describe
a collection of devices that function together as a
system.

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 What Is A Computer?
A computer is a programmable machine that receives
input, stores and manipulates data, and provides output
in a useful format.
takes input….. processes it according to stored
instructions…… produces results as output….

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 Devices that comprise a computer system
Monitor Speaker
(output) (output) System unit
(processor, memory…)

Printer
(output)

Storage devices
(CD-RW, Floppy, Hard
disk, zip,…)
Mouse
(input)
Scanner Keyboard
(input)
(input)

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 What Does A Computer Do?
Computers can perform four general operations,
 Input
 Process
 Output
 Storage

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 What Are The Primary Components Of A
Computer ?
 Input devices.
 Central Processing Unit.
 Memory.
 Output devices.
 Storage devices.

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 THE LANGUAGE OF COMPUTERS

Binary Numbers

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 Binary Numbers

• Binary language consists of combinations of 1's and 0's that represent

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 • Hardware
– The physical (electronic and mechanical) parts of
a computer.
• Software
– The programs that control the operation of the
Computer…

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 Uses for a PC
 Word Processing
 Database Management
 Spreadsheets
 Communication
 Finance
 Education
 Entertainment
 News and Information

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 Input Devices
Keyboard.
Mouse.
Touch Screens
Pens

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 The Central processing Unit
 The central processing unit (CPU) contains electronic
circuits that cause processing to occur. The CPU interprets
instructions to the computer, performs the logical and
arithmetic processing operations, and causes the input and
output operations to occur. It is considered the “brain” of
the computer.

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 The Central processing Unit
It’s speed is measured in Megahertz (MHZ) (Millions
of cycles per second) or Gigahertz (GHZ) Billions of
cycles per second.

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 Memory
 Memory also called Random Access Memory or RAM
(temporary memory/ Non-volatile) is the main memory of
the computer. It consists of electronic components that
store data including numbers, letters of the alphabet,
graphics and sound. Any information stored in RAM is lost
when the computer is turned off.

 Read Only Memory or ROM (Volatile memory) is

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 Output Devices
 Output devices make the information resulting from the
processing available for use. The two output devices more
commonly used are the printer and the computer screen.

 The printer produces a hard copy of your output, and the

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 Storage Devices
 secondary storage devices are used to store data when they
are not being used in memory. The most common types of
auxiliary storage used on personal computers are floppy
disks, hard disks and CD-ROM drives.

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 Computer Software
Computer software is the key to productive use of
computers. Software can be categorized into two
types:

 system software (Operating system software)

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 Operating System Software
 Operating system software tells the computer how to
perform the functions of loading, storing and executing an
application and how to transfer data.
 Operating System is the software that manages the overall
operation of the computer system.
 Main purpose is to support application programs..
 Hide details of devices from application programs..

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 Application Software
 Application Software consists of programs that tell a
computer how to produce information. Some of the more
commonly used packages are:
 Word processing
 Electronic spreadsheet
 Database

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 Classification of Computers

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 Classification of Computers
Supercomputers
The largest, most powerful, and most expensive
Used by universities, research institutions, large
corporations, and the military

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 Mainframe Computers
Less powerful and less expensive than supercomputers
Used by businesses with large amounts of data that need
to be stored in a central computer

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 Classification of Computers
Minicomputer
Often used as the host computer in a
network of smaller computers
Priced in the tens of thousands to a few
hundred thousand dollars
Manufacturers: Compaq (VAX), IBM
(AS/400), and Hewlett-Packard

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 Classification of Computers
Servers
designed to support a computer network
that allows you to share files, application
software, hardware, such as printers and
other network resources.
Example: file server, printer server,
database server,

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 Classification of Computers
Server computers usually have following characteristics:
• Designed to be connected to one or more
networks
• The most powerful CPUs available

• Multiple CPUs to share the processing tasks

• Large memory and disk storage

• High-speed communications capabilities

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 Classification of Computers
Personal Computers / Clients
• The most common for home users , computers that
can fit on a desktop or in one's briefcase.
• Can perform all of its input, processing, output and
storage activities by itself.

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 Importance of Standards
Compatibility
Software and peripheral devices from one computer can
be used with another computer.
In a networked environment, computers need to
communicate to share databases and other computing
resources.
In addition to power and cost, compatibility is an
extremely important factor in purchasing decisions.

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