Introduction to

computer
Contents
• Introduction to computer
• Elements of computer
• Types of software
• Operating system
• Major functions of operating system
• User interface
• Types of user interface
• Hardware
• Types of hardware
Introduction to computer

C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program

3
Design, Sixth Edition
Elements of a Computer System
• Software
• Hardware

C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design, Sixth Edition 4

software
• Software is set of instructions that tell the computer what to do and
how to do.
• We can use another name for software is program.

• There are two types of software :

• System software
• Application software
Types of software
• System Software:
• system software is a general purpose software
• an interface between user and computer
• Operating system (windows, Linux)
• Application Software:
• Performs specific tasks for users.
• programs used by the users to perform a task.
• Business application
• Multimedia application
• Entertainment and educational software
• Microsoft word
• Microsoft excel
• Photoshop
Architecture of Computer System
Hierarchy of computer software
A. Frank - P. Weisberg
Operating System
• An Operating system is a program which acts as an interface between
computer users and the computer hardware.
• It provides a user-friendly environment in which a user may easily
develop and execute programs.
• Otherwise, hardware knowledge would be mandatory for computer
programming.
• So, it can be said that an OS hides the complexity of hardware from users.
• When the computer is on, OS will first load into the main memory
• It is responsible for the management and coordination of activities of the
computer.
Operating System contd….
• In general, a computer system has some resources which may be
utilized to solve a problem. They are
• Memory
• Processor(s)
• I/O
• File System
• etc.
• The OS manages these resources and allocates them to specific programs and
users.
Major Functions of Operating
System

• Resource management
• Data management
• Job management
• Communication between User and Computer
Resource Management

• The resource management function of an OS allocates computer

resources such as CPU time, main memory, secondary storage, and
input and output devices for use
Data Management

• The data management functions of an OS control the input and

output of data and their location, storage, and retrieval.
Job Management

• A job is a collection of one or more related programs and their data

• The job management function of an OS prepares, schedules and

monitors jobs submitted for execution to ensure the most efficient
processing.
Communication between User and
Computer

• The OS also establishes a standard means of communication between

users and their computer systems.

• It does this by providing a user interface and a standard set of

commands that control the hardware.
User Interface

• A program that controls a display for the user (usually on a computer

monitor) and that allows the user to interact with the system) .

• The user interface allows the user to communicate with the operating
system.
User Interface (Cont.)

• The user interface provides:

• Input
• Output.
Types of User Interface

• Command line interface

• Graphical user interface
Types of User Interface
• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• A command-line interface is a mechanism for computer operating
system or software where interaction happens by typing commands
to perform specific tasks.
• This method of instructing a computer to perform a given task is
referred to as "entering" a command.
• Accept input via keyboard only.
• Not suitable for beginners.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Examples of command:
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Is a type of user interface which allows people to interact with

computer with images rather than text commands.
• Accept input via keyboard and pointing devices.
• Easy to learn.
Elements of Graphical User Interface

• Pointer
• Icons
• Desktop
• Windows
• Menus
Elements of Graphical User Interface
• Pointer
• A symbol that appears on the display
screen and that you move to select
objects and commands.
• Usually, the pointer appears as a
small angled arrow.
Elements of Graphical User Interface
• Icons
• Small pictures that represent
commands, files, or windows
Elements of Graphical User Interface
• Desktop
• The area on the display
screen where icons are
grouped is often referred to
as the desktop.
Elements of Graphical User Interface
• Windows
• Used to divide the screen into
different areas.
• In each window, you can run a
different program or display a
different file.
Elements of Graphical User Interface
• Menus
• Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a
choice from a menu.
Hardware
• Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be
touched or physically manipulated.
• It encompasses all the tangible parts that make up a computer and enable it to function.
• Computer hardware can broadly be categorized into the following major components:
• Input and output device
• CPU(Central processing unit)
• Motherboard
• Memories
• Storage devices
• Expansion cards
• Power supply
Input Devices:
• Input devices are used to provide data and
instructions to the computer. Examples include:
• Keyboard: Used for typing and entering commands.

• Mouse: Used to navigate and select objects on the

screen.
• Scanner: Used to convert physical documents or
images into digital formats.
• Microphone: Used to input audio or voice commands.

• Webcam: Used to capture video or images.

Output Devices:
• Output devices display or present the processed
data and information to the user. Examples include:
• Monitor or Display: Displays visual output in the form of
text, images, and videos.
• Printer: Produces hard copies of documents or images
on paper.
• Speakers or Headphones: Output audio or sound.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The CPU is the primary component of a computer that performs most of
the processing inside the system.

• It is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer because it carries out

instructions, performs calculations, and manages data flow.

• The CPU is responsible for executing program instructions and

coordinating the activities of other hardware components.

• It performs the basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output (I/O)

operations required to run software applications and carry out tasks.

• The CPU consists of several key components:

• Control Unit (CU): The control unit manages and coordinates the
operations of the CPU. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes
them, and controls the flow of data between CPU and other hardware
components.
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU performs mathematical
calculations (arithmetic operations) like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division and logical operations, such as
comparisons and decision-making, like AND, OR, and NOT.

• Registers: Registers are high-speed memory units located

within the CPU. They store data, instructions, and
intermediate results during processing. Registers provide fast
access to data, which helps improve the overall speed and
efficiency of the CPU.

• Cache: Cache is a small, high-speed memory located within

the CPU or in close proximity to it. It stores frequently
accessed data and instructions, providing faster access than
main memory (RAM). Cache helps reduce the time taken to
fetch data from the main memory, thereby improving the
CPU's performance.
Motherboard
• The motherboard is a circuit board that
connects and provides communication
between various hardware components.

• It houses the CPU, RAM, storage drives,

expansion slots, and other essential
components.

• The motherboard acts as a central hub for

data transfer and power distribution.
Memory (RAM)
• Random Access Memory (RAM) is the volatile
memory that temporarily stores data and instructions
that the CPU needs to access quickly.

• It allows for fast read and write operations and plays

a crucial role in the overall system performance.

• RAM holds the operating system, applications, and

data that are actively being processed.
ROM (Read-Only Memory)

• is a type of computer memory that stores

data and instructions that are permanently
programmed during manufacturing and
cannot be easily modified or erased by
normal computer operations.

• It retains its contents even when the

power to the computer is turned off.
Storage Devices
• Storage devices are used to store and
retrieve data in a computer system.
The two main types of storage devices
are:

• Hard Disk Drives (HDD): HDDs use

magnetic platters and read/write
heads to store and retrieve data. They
provide high-capacity storage at
relatively lower costs.

• Solid State Drives (SSD): SSDs use flash

memory chips to store data. They have
no moving parts and offer faster data
access, higher reliability, and better
performance compared to HDDs.
Expansion Cards

• Expansion cards are additional circuit boards

that can be inserted into expansion slots on the
motherboard to enhance or add functionality.

• Examples include graphics cards for improved

video rendering, network interface cards for
network connectivity, and sound cards for
enhanced audio capabilities.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• The power supply unit provides
electrical power to the various
components of the computer
system.
• It converts AC (alternating current)
power from a wall outlet into DC
(direct current) power that the
computer components require.
Any question?