Kampala International University

Assistant Lecturer: Lawrence Odyek

Telephone : +256 (0) 789727066

Qualifications: PhD in MIS (KIU) [on-going]; MISC (MUK)

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 Computer
Fundamentals
Introduction

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 Introduction to a Computer

What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data/inputs from its user and processes it into
useful information as per the processing instructions to generate the output.
An electronic device that accepts input/data and processes it into valuable information i.e. output
is named a computer.
How does the computer operate?
Any electronic computer performs the following five operations:
Step 1 − Accepts data as input.
Step 2 − Saves the data/instructions in its memory and utilizes them as and when required.
Step 3 − Execute the data and convert it into useful information.
Step 4 − Provides the output.
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Step 5 − Have control over all the above four steps
 Types of computers
 Unlimited Test Re-Attempts

1. PC/Personal Computer
•These are single-user computer systems having small, relatively reasonable computers designed for an individual user. This
type of computer can easily be moved from one place to the other comprising a personal storage unit, input & output unit, and
a Central Processing Unit.
2. Workstation
•Regularly a single user system is named a workstation. Workstations usually come with a high-resolution graphics screen,
inbuilt network support, a large amount of RAM, and a graphical user interface. They are often designed for self-use by an
individual and can be used for multiple purposes. This type of system is not convenient for carrying from one place to another.
3. Mini Computer
•These come under multiple user computer systems that are capable of holding hundreds of users simultaneously.
4. Mainframe
•Mainframe computers are also multi-user computer systems, capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously;
designed to be used in large firms and organizations where a lot of people have to work on the same database. Software
technology is different from minicomputers.
5. Supercomputer
•These are extremely fast computers, which can execute hundreds of millions of instructions per second. Supercomputers are
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mostly used in scientific and engineering operations where processing is difficult. They are costly and complex to work on.
 Advantages of Computer

•High Speed
o The computer is a very fast device.
o It can perform the calculation of a very huge amount of data.
o The computer has units of speed in a microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picosecond.
o It can process millions of computational calculations in a fraction of seconds, unlike the man who may spend many months
performing the same task.
•Accuracy
o In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
o The calculations are 100% error-free.
o Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.
•Storage Capability
o Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
o A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
o It can store a large amount of data.
o It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.
•Diligence
o Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration.
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 Continued…………
•Versatility
o A computer is a very versatile machine.
o A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
o This machine can be used to solve problems related to various fields.
o At one moment, it may be processing and simplifying a complex scientific problem, and the very next moment it may be running a
card game.
•Reliability
o A computer is a reliable machine.
o Modern electronic components have long lives.
o Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
•Automation
Automation is the capability due to which a machine can perform its task without the need for human consideration. Once the program
is fed to the computer i.e., the program is held in the computer memory, then the program and instruction can be executed in absence of
human consideration.
•Reduction in Paperwork and Cost
o With the help of computers for data processing in an organization, there is a reduction of paperwork and results in speeding up the
process, which in return saves trees.
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o Because data saved as electronic files can be retrieved whenever required, the headache of maintaining piles of paper files gets
Disadvantage of a computer
•No I.Q.

o A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.

o Each instruction has to be given to the computer.

o A computer is not capable enough to make any decision on its own.

•Dependency

o It works according to the user’s instruction, thus it is entirely dependent on humans.

o Environment

o The operating environment of the computer should be dust-free and suitable.

•No Feelings

o Computers have no feelings or emotions.

o It is not smart enough to make a judgment based on experience, feeling, taste, and knowledge just7
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 Questions

1.What are the two main aspects of computers?

2. What types of computer associated questions are mainly asked in the competitive examinations?
3. How many generations of computers are there?
4. What are the major types of computers?

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 Visit the Library

END

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