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Lecture 2 Basic Concepts 2024

This document outlines the fundamental concepts of computing, including the definition of a computer, its basic functions, and the various components that work together to process data. It covers hardware versus software, types of memory, and different categories of computers such as microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers. Additionally, it discusses the roles of servers and workstations in a networked environment.

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Bassoma Diallo
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8 views23 pages

Lecture 2 Basic Concepts 2024

This document outlines the fundamental concepts of computing, including the definition of a computer, its basic functions, and the various components that work together to process data. It covers hardware versus software, types of memory, and different categories of computers such as microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers. Additionally, it discusses the roles of servers and workstations in a networked environment.

Uploaded by

Bassoma Diallo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ICT 161

Computing Skills
Fundamentals I

Faculty of
Education

Lecture 2: Basic Concepts of IT


Overview
In this lecture you will learn:

 Definition of a Computer

 Basic Functions of a Computer

 How different Components of a Computer Work together


to achieve a particular task

 Storage and Peripheral Devices

 Different Types Of Computers

 Servers and Workstations


What is a Computer?
 Computer: A machine that accepts input data and
instructions, and processes/manipulates the
data to produce useful results/Output.

Computer

Receives Data from


user
User
Processes the Data

Sends back results

 e.g. Find average of students’ scores


 input=scores, instructions=how to find the average, process
data according to instructions, output=average , display
output/store output
Hardware vs Software
 Hardware : physical/tangible components of
computer you can touch

 Software: set of instructions ( a program)


that tells hardware what to do
 OS/applications that run
on a computer
Benefits of a Computer
 Speed and Efficiency- Processing of data is
carried out at high speed, allowing billions of
tasks to be carried out in a second

 Consistency- Executes a pre-recorded list of


instructions (a program) the same way
 Once programmed to carry out specific tasks a
computer carries out instructions
consistently/reliably

 Storage: Computers are able to quickly store


and retrieve huge amounts of data
Basic Parts of a Computer
 Mouse and Keyboard are used for data entry

 System Unit-Housing for electronic components of a


computer. This is where processing takes place and data
is stored

 Monitor displays output to the user


Basic Functions of a Computer
 The parts mentioned work together to perform
four basic functions of a computer:
 Input
 Processing
 Output
 Storage
Basic Functions of a Computer
 Different devices are required to perform the 4 basic functions:

 Input is received through input devices such as mouse, keyboard,


touch screen, etc.

 Processing on the data received is carried out by the CPU and


working memory, which is within the system Unit

 After data processing output devices are used to display the


results, example Monitor, Printer

 This output can then be stored for later use on storage devices
such as hard disk, magnetic tape, memory stick etc.

 NB: Some devices can be used for several purposes; e.g. a


printer, scanner and photocopier can be combined as one
physical device.
Central Processing Unit
 Central Processing Unit(CPU)
 basic instructions that operate the computer are carried
out here; responsible for managing everything the
computer does

 It consists of :
 Arithmetic and Logic Unit- This is where calculations are
done i.e. it executes all arithmetic and logical operations

 Control Unit- The order in which instructions are carried


out is controlled here. Coordination of all hardware
operations

 Working Memory- works with the CPU closely to


hold data and instructions for processing
Processing
 Central Processing Unit

CPU
Arithmetic Control
/Logic Unit Unit Output
Input

Memory

Secondary Storage
Types of Memory: Main Memory
There are two types:
 Read Only Memory (ROM)
 Holds data that can be stored and used but
cannot be modified
 Typically contains manufacturer’s instructions
 Non volatile

 Random Access Memory (RAM)


 Temporarily stores/holds data that the CPU is
currently processing (Analogy - Workbench)
 Volatile
Types of Memory :Secondary Memory
 AKA Mass Storage or backing storage

 Stores
data that the computer is NOT currently
Processing (Analogy – Cabinet)

 Persistent
memory that keeps data even when
power is switched off

 Relatively low speed

 Relatively cheaper than main memory


Secondary Storage
 Examples of Storage Devices:
 Magnetic Tape –Common for Backup storage
 Hard Disk
 CD/DVD R
 Flash Drive
Exercise: Storage
 Primary vs Secondary Storage

In which Categories does each of these two


devices belong?
Exercise: Peripheral Devices
 External
devices connected to the
computer(System Unit) to provide input and
output.

Can you think of any?


Peripheral Devices

Input Devices Output Devices


 keyboard  monitor

 mouse  projector
 printer
 digital pen
 speakers
 joystick
 keypad
Both Input/Output
 scanner
 external hard drives
 microphone  digital camcorders
 touch screen
Types of Computers
 Today there are many types of computers, very
difficult to keep track of how many are out
there, but these can be categorized and be
classified under few categories:

 The classification is generally according to:


 Their Speed
 Processing Capabilities
 Price
 Size
Types of Computers
The main categories of Computers are:

 Microcomputers/Personal Computers
 Desktop computer, Tower Computer, Laptop, netbooks,
Handheld: tablets, smartphones, palmtop computer, PDA

 Minicomputers
 More expensive, powerful and faster than a personal
computer

 Mainly developed for complex operations such as maths


and engineering calculations

NB: categories can overlap


Types of Computers
The main categories of Computers are:

 Mainframe
 Large in size compared to micro and mini computers

 Capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously

 Mainly used by large organizations for critical applications such as registration,


records, reports
 Examples: banks, airlines, insurance companies, and colleges

 Supercomputers
 The most expensive also the fastest

 Typically many computers working together to perform complex and data


intensive calculation tasks such as forecasting weather, genetic analysis, and
astrophysics

NB: categories can overlap


Types of Computers
Examples
 Minicomputers

Supercomputer Mainframe
Servers and Clients-Network
 Server
 A computer that provides other computers with services

 An example is a computer in a local area network in the


University library which control access to resources in the
library like printers.

 On the internet it could be a computer that responds to request


from a client e.g. sharing files

 Client
 Generally a computer that requests services from a server

 Example is a computer in the lab that you use to access


notes in the form of files located on a server (running
Moodle)
Workstations
A workstation is a special computer designed for
technical/ scientific and professional applications
e.g. performing intensive scientific calculations,
creating complex graphics

 Intended for individual use but can also be setup to


service multiple clients as a server

 However more capable and faster than a personal


computer

 Note
that a workstation can also refer to a
computer connected to a server
Thank You!!!
Questions???

Recommended Reading
 https://www.unm.edu/~tbeach/terms/types.html#equipment

 Recommended Video

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLgTnkw558w&t=18s

Optional Viewing (FYI)


 Read about one of Africa’s most powerful super computers
(LENGAU)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NplqeHspJ7g

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