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Computer Basics

The document provides an overview of computers, defining them as electronic devices that collect, process, store data, and provide information. It discusses the advantages and limitations of computers, the basic parts (hardware and software), types of hardware (input, output, storage), and types of software (operating system and application software). Additionally, it categorizes computers into four types: supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers, detailing their characteristics and uses.

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4 views

Computer Basics

The document provides an overview of computers, defining them as electronic devices that collect, process, store data, and provide information. It discusses the advantages and limitations of computers, the basic parts (hardware and software), types of hardware (input, output, storage), and types of software (operating system and application software). Additionally, it categorizes computers into four types: supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers, detailing their characteristics and uses.

Uploaded by

verolucian141
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMPUTER BASICS

MR. DENNIS FRANCIS MAJALIWA


PHONE: 0628 479884 / 0743 669699
EMAIL: [email protected]
DEFINE COMPUTER
• Computer is an electronic device that collects data, processes data, store data
and gives out information.
• Advantages of computer
Reliability. Computer guaratees accuracy results unless there is human error.
Storage capability. Computer can store huge amount of data with small
storage space. Example just one computer can store as much as all record of
tanzania voters.
Speed. Computer offers faster data processing and retrieval compared to
manual file system.
Accuracy. Computer is correct in all details unless if there is the human error.
Consistency. Computer always gives the same results without changes.
LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTER.

• Data corectness (GIGO). The term GIGO stands for Garbage in


Garbage out, if you enter wrong data in computer, you will get
wrong results.
• Program correctness. If the data entered is correct and the
program written to process this data has mistakes, once again the
information obtained will be incorrect.
• Computer do not think. Unlike the human brain the computer
cannot think but can effortlessly execute all instructions given to it
any number of times without errors.
• Experience. Computer cannot learn from the experience.
Parts of a Computer
 There
are two basic parts that make up a
computer...

Hardware Software
HARDWARE
• Hardware is basically anything that you can touch with
your fingers.

There are three types/categories of hardware


• 1. Input Devices
• 2. Output Devices
• 3. Storage Devices
INPUT DEVICES
• Input basically means getting data into the computer to
be processed.
• Keyboard, Mouse,
• Touch Pad
• Laser Scanner,
• Pointing Stick
• Touch Screen,
• Bar Code Reader, Scanner
• Microphone, Joystick
OUTPUT DEVICES
 Output basically means getting data out of the computer.

Monitor
Printer
Speakers
Headphones
STORAGE DEVICES
 Storagedevices are both input and output devices in one.
A storage device is a place to keep data that has been
processed so that it can be retrieved at a later time to be
used again.
Hard Disk
Floppy Disk
CD’s, DVD’s
Magnetic Tape
Flash Memory,
SOFTWARE
 Software is the programs and applications that
tell the computer what to do and how to look.
 Computer programmers write the
codes/instructions that make-up software
applications/programs.

 Computer Language
 C, C++, Java, Visual Basic, etc.
 HTML is a type of computer programming
language that allows programmers to make
web pages.
TWO TYPES OF SOFTWARE

 Application
Software

 Operating System
Software
OPERATING SYSTEM
SOFTWARE
Directs all the activities and sets all the rules for how the
hardware and software will work together.

Examples would be:


 DOS, Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, XP, Vista,
Windows 7,8, 10
 Unix, Linux,
 MAC system OS 6,7,8,9,10
Application Software

 Programs that work with operating


system software to help the computer to
do specific types of work.
Examples
1.Business software: word processors, spreadsheets, and
database programs.
2.Communication software: allows computers to
communicate with other computers: fax software, Novell
NetWare, AOL, Modem Software.
3. Graphics software: software that allows users to create
and manipulate graphics...Photoshop, Print Shop, etc.
4.Education and Reference software: Programs that help
teach new material and ideas, and programs that can be
used to find information...Encarta, Worldbook
Encyclopedia, Jumpstart Kindergarten, MicroType.
5.Entertainment and Leisure software...
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
TYPES OF COMPUTERS

The four basic types of computers


are :
•Supercomputer
•Mainframe Computer
•Minicomputer
•Microcomputer
SUPERCOMPUTER
• The most powerful computers in terms of performance
and data processing are the Supercomputers. These
are specialized and task specific computers used by
large organizations. These computers are used for
research.
• A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of
performance compared to a general-purpose
computer.
• The supercomputers are very expensive and very large
in size. It can be accommodated in large air-
conditioned rooms; some super computers can span
an entire building.
POPULAR SUPERCOMPUTERS

• IBM’s Sequoia, in United States


• Fujitsu’s K Computer in Japan
• IBM’s Mira in United States
• IBM’s SuperMUC in Germany
• NUDT Tianhe-1A in China
MAINFRAME COMPUTER
• Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers, but certainly they are
quite expensive nonetheless, and many large firms & government
organizations uses mainframes to run their business operations.
• The mainframe computers can be accommodated in large air-conditioned
rooms because of its size. Super-computers are the fastest computers
with large data storage capacity, mainframes can also process & store
large amount of data.
• Banks educational institutions & insurance companies use mainframe
computers to store data about their customers, students & insurance
policy holders.
MINICOMPUTER

• A minicomputer is a type of computer that possesses most of the features


and capabilities of a large computer but is smaller in physical size.
• Minicomputers are used by small businesses & firms. Minicomputers are
also called as “Midrange Computers”.
• These computers are not designed for a single user. Individual
departments of a large company or organizations use Mini-computers for
specific purposes. For example, a production department can use Mini-
computers for monitoring certain production process.
Minicomputer / Midrange
Computers
MICROCOMPUTER
• Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets &
smartphones are all types of microcomputers. The micro-computers
are widely used & the fastest growing computers.
• These computers are the cheapest among the other three types of
computers. The Micro-computers are specially designed for general
usage like entertainment, education and work purposes.
• Well known manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell, Apple,
Samsung, Sony & Toshiba.

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