Computer

Fundamentals and
Information Processing
Campion College Teachers
But first the rules…
Computer
Fundamentals
To develop an understanding of the fundamental
hardware and software components and the
interrelationship among them.
Why Information Technology?
• Why do we want to get into the field of IT?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WB6RcY0MPc
What is Information Technology?
• Simple Definition: The use of computers to store, retrieve,
manipulate and send information.
• A computer based system of accessing information.
• What is a Computer?
• What is a Computer System?
• What is Hardware?
• What is Software?
Definitions
• A Computer is an electronic device that manipulates
information, or data and outputs the results.
• Computer Systems are a collection of hardware and software
that are designed to receive, process, manage the
instructions/data given by user and return output in the
form of human readable information.
• Hardware – Tangible parts of the computer system. Computer System

• Software – Intangible parts of the computer system. Hardwa

re
Softwar
e
Characteristics of the
Computer

It can perform its

operations with it
amazing speed,
reliability,
accuracy, power
and
communication
capabilities.
 SPEED:
Characteristi
cs of the
Computer
cont….
A computer can process billions of
instructions in a single second. E.g.
Computers used by utility companies to
produce monthly bills. Without fast and
powerful computers this would be impossible.
Characteristics of the Computer
cont….

RELIABI
Modern computers
have a low failure
rate, and they
LITY: produce consistent
results.

Computers can
work
continuously and
never go a strike.
Characteristics of the Computer
cont….
ACCURACY: THE COMPUTER PRODUCES ERROR
FREE RESULTS IF THE DATA IS
ENTERED CORRECTLY. (GIGO)
 STORA A computer stores
large amounts of

GE:
data in a very small
place for later use.

Spare copies or
Characteristics of backup can also
be stored in case
the Computer of accidents.
cont….
 COMMUNICATION: COMMUNICATION DEVICES SUCH AS MODEMS
ALLOWS TWO OR MORE COMPUTERS TO
SHARE STORED DATA AND INFORMATION.

Characteristics of the
Computer cont….
 Computers can
replace people.
(Unemployment)

Drawbacks of Computers hold

personal information
Computer use that may be misused.

Downtime- Problems arise

when a computer cannot
be used. Certain tasks have
to be done manually or
postponed.
Drawbacks of
Computer use
cont…
• Staff need to be
trained. Training
can be expensive
and if the
current staff
member leaves a
new staff
member will
have to be
trained.
Types of Computer Systems
• Super Computers
• Mainframes
• Microcomputer – has a microcontroller
• Personal Computer
• Desktop
• Mobile devices
• Embedded devices

• Homework Create a Document on the types of computer system. Categorize

them in terms of processing speed, storage ability and portability.
• Major types OF Computer Systems: (a)
Super Computers (for example, Cray).
• (b) Mainframes (for example, IBM
zEnterprise System).
• (c) Desktop systems.
• (d) Mobile devices (for example, laptops,
Lets discuss
notebooks, netbooks, smartphones, What did you find?
tablets and game consoles).
• (e) Embedded devices (for example,
special-purpose systems such as
controllers in microwaves, car ignition
systems, answering machines).
Hardware Components
The bits you can touch..
Hardware

Parts of the Eg. Speaker,

computer keyboard,
that can be mouse,
touched scanner, disk
(Tangible) drives.

Peripheral are
hardware components
usually outside the
system unit.
 The System Unit

https://www.youtube.com./
watch?v=ctAVC2JwEwI
 System board (Motherboard)
More about the motherboard and
ports when we do PC
Troubleshooting
Hardware Components
• CPU
• Peripheral Devices
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage Devices

• A peripheral device is not a core device for a computer

which means a computer can “work” without a peripheral
device connected to it.
Basic Functions of a Computer System
• There are Four major functions/operations of every
computer system.
• Input – Accept/Get Data
• Process – Manipulate Data
• Output – Produce Results
• Storage – Keep Data for future use
• Explain how these components Interrelate...
IPOS Cycle
Name the function of each
CPU Component.
Processing
CPU
• The CPU processes the instructions it receives from input devices and
gives the required output using output devices. CPU has four basic
functions to perform a task:

• Homework: Find out more about each step of the CPU

Clock/Instruction/Machine Cycle.
CPU
• The microprocessor (CPU chip) contains a variety of
circuitry and components and is connected to the
motherboard.
Types of Processors
• https://
www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Computer_Processor_Types

• https://www.pchardware.co.uk/processors.php
CPU cont’d
• Processing speed is measured in megahertz (MHz)
or gigahertz (GHz).
• A computer word is a group of bits or bytes that
may be manipulated and stored as a unit. (more
on this later)
• Other factors that affect the speed of the computer
include:
• RAM,
• cache memory,
• bus width, and
• bus speed.
CPU Components
• Central Processing Unit consists of 3 components
• ALU
• CU
• Register

• https://www.computerhunger.com/what-is-the-cpu-and-its-functio
n-components-and-diagram/
Machine Cycle
I-Cycle(Instruction) E-Cycle(Execution)

• Control Unit fetches • Control Unit retrieves

from memory the data and commands
next command. ALU to execute and
• Control Unit decodes ALU complies.
the command into an • Control Unit stores the
instruction that the result in memory.
ALU can process.
Storage
Quick side note
Storage
• Primary
• Volatile
• Non Volatile

• Secondary
• Local Devices: Magnetic, optical, Flash memory
• Cloud – Discuss the pros and cons of Cloud vs Local storage

• The history of Storage devices

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KRLWGaIunA
Primary Storage Devices
• Primary storage is one that is accessed directly by the CPU.
• 2 main types are RAM and ROM
RAM & ROM
Random Access Memory Read Only Memory
• Non-volatile meaning contents
• aka Main Memory
are not lost when power is
• Volatile meaning it is lost shut off
when power is turned off • Contents are Read Only
• DRAM - ordinary RAM • Stores the BIOS (Basic Input
• SRAM - faster type of RAM Output System)
• PROM, EPROM, EEPROM
Secondary Storage Devices
• Secondary storage is non-volatile, long-term storage.
• Usually have large storage capacity and they store data
permanently. It can be internal or external to the computer.
• Storage terms
• Media is the material storing data.
• Storage devices manage the media.
• Magnetic devices use a magnet.
• Optical devices use lasers.
Storage Device VS Storage Media
• Device – manages the media – Reads and Writes to the media
• Read/write Head
• Flash Drive
• Cassette Reader

• Media – the material that stores the content

• Hard Disk(Platters)
• Floppy Disk
• CD
• Magnetic Tape

• Page 21-25 in online text book.

Cloud Vs Local Storage
Assessment criteria: capacity, cost, accessibility, security issues.

• Cloud • Local
• Advantages • Advantages

• Disadvantages • Disadvantages
Data Representation on Storage devices
• Bistable Devices – Device that is either on or off eg switch, transistor
• Bits – Smallest chunk of data a computer can manage – either 1 or 0.
• Bytes – 8Bits
• Kilobytes – 1024Bytes – kilo means 1thousand rep in significant figures as 10 3.
• Think about the 100s 10s and 1s table…. Its all about place value.

• But because the computer only has 1 and 0 it is 2 10 – 1024

• Megabytes – 220 Bytes
• Gigabytes
• Terabytes
• Files have to be stored as a whole within the device capacity.
Input/output devices
Project
• Input and output devices presentation and discussion.
 System Specifications
develop expertise in evaluating computer
systems;
 Hardware/System Specifications
• Memory – GB, MB RAM
• CPU Type/Processor
• Pentium, Celeron (Dual Core, Quad Core)

• Hard disk capacity – 80GB, 125GB

• CPU Speed – GHz, MHz
• Word Size– 32bit, 64bit
• Display Resolution
• 1080p, 1024x768 px

• Gaming Systems vs Web Browsing Vs

Graphic Designing, Video Editing,
Ports and Interfaces
• https://www.electronicshub.org/types-of-computer-ports/
Software
The bits you can’t touch…
Types of Software
• System Software
• Application Software
System Software
• System software is the set of software programs that helps
run the computer and coordinates instructions between
application software and hardware devices. It consists of the
operating system (OS) and utility programs.
• The OS controls how your computer system functions.
• Utility programs are programs that perform general housekeeping
tasks for the computer, such as system maintenance and file
compression.

• Responsibilities of the System Software

• Booting
• Utilities
• Hardware control
• Software control
Booting
• When you start your computer, it runs through a special
process called the boot process.
• The boot process consists of four basic steps:
• (1) The basic input/output system (BIOS) is activated when the user
powers on the CPU.
• (2) In the POST check, the BIOS verifies that all attached devices are
in place.
• (3) The OS is loaded into RAM.
• (4) Configuration and customization settings are checked.
Utilities
• Utilities include those that
• enable you to adjust your display,
• add or remove programs,
• compress files,
• clean unnecessary files off your system,
• check for lost files and errors,
• restore your system to an earlier setting,
• back up your files,
• check on programs that have stopped running.
Hardware control
• Sets the rules of how the user and other software can
communicate
Software control
• Memory Management – Virtual memory
• I/O Management - drivers
• Process Management
• File Management
File Management
• The OS allows you to
organize the contents of your
computer in a hierarchical
structure of directories that
includes files, folders,
libraries, and drives.
• Same as was explained in 3rd
Form.
• C:/My
Documents/School/Fun.txt
Kinds of Operating Systems
• There are many different kinds of operating systems.
• Real-time operating systems (RTOSs) require no user intervention. They are designed
for systems with a specific purpose and response time (such as robotic machinery).
• A multiuser operating system (network operating system) provides access to a
computer system by more than one user at a time.
• Smartphones have their own specific operating systems, which allow the user to
multitask.
• Tablets use operating systems (such as iOS, Android, and Windows 8) that allow
interaction with touch-screen interfaces.
• Gaming consoles use operating systems developed specifically for those particular
devices.
• Current operating systems for desktops, laptops, and netbooks have multitasking and
networking capabilities.
Common Operating Systems
• Microsoft Windows is the most popular OS. It has evolved into a
powerful multiuser OS. The most recent release is Windows 8.1.
• Another popular OS is the Mac OS, which is designed to work
on Apple computers. Apple’s most recent release, Mac OS X, is
based on the UNIX OS.
• There are various versions of UNIX on the market, although
UNIX is most often used on servers and networks.
• Linux is an open source OS based on UNIX and designed
primarily for use on personal computers, although it is often
used on servers and supercomputers.
Human Computer Interface/User
Interfaces
• Hardware User interfaces
• Touch Screen
• Specialized Keyboards – ergonomic, braille etc
• Mouse
• Sensors

• Software user interfaces

• Command line
• GUI
• Menu Driven
• Touch (more GUI)
Application Software
• General Purpose – not specific to any organization and can be used for a
range of tasks.
• Word Processor, database manager, spreadsheets, presentation tools

• Special Purpose/Specialized – a software made solely for a specific task

• eg. The Camera App on your phone.

• Integrated Package – A package that contains a combination of popular

General purpose software
• MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite

• Custom Written – Written for a specific organization/company to perform

tasks specific to what they need in that institution.
• Customized – A general purpose software that is modified to be more specific
to a company or task. Automates certain tasks.
• Page 30 of online text for more examples, you will be asked to recall.
Troubleshooting Basic Hardware Problems
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHtK_Gs4uws

• Will we ever go back to school in person? Who knows!

• When we reach that bridge we cross it!
Information Processing
develop an understanding of basic
information processing principles.
Data vs Information
• Data – Raw Unprocessed Facts
• Information – Processed Data
• Sources of Data and Information
• People
• Places
• Things
Document types
• Human – Readable
• Machine Readable
• Turnaround
• Hardcopy
• Softcopy
Reliability of information Online
• Who updates these wikis?
• Who created this web article?
• Fake news?
• CAN we trust CNN?
Validation vs Verification of Data
• Validation is a COMPUTERISED check of input data for errors
BEFORE the data is processed. Whether the information is TRUE is
not checked.
• Verification is checking for MISTAKES when data is copied from one
medium or device to another.
• Errors
• Data Entry Errors
• Unintentional/Accidental Errors
• Deliberate Error
• Transmission Errors
• Software/Hardware malfunction
Verification Checks
• Double Entry
• New Password (check the second against the first)

• Proofreading/Visual Check
• Typographical and Transpositional Errors
Validation Checks
• Range Check
• Reasonableness Check
• Data Type Check
• Consistency Check
• Presence Check
• Format Check
• Length Check
File Access Methods
• Sequential
• Serial
• Direct
• Random
Data Processing
• Batch
• Online
• Real Time
• Time Sharing
Data Transfer
• Uploading
• Downloading
• File Compression
The End of Section 1
of the Syllabus
Computer Fundamentals and Information Processing