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Computer Fundamentals

The document provides an overview of computer fundamentals, including definitions, types of computers (supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and microprocessors), and the components of a computer such as hardware and software. It explains the IPOS cycle (Input, Processing, Output, Storage) and details the Central Processing Unit (CPU), including its two main parts: the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit (CU). Overall, it serves as a foundational guide to understanding how computers operate and their various classifications.

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3 views

Computer Fundamentals

The document provides an overview of computer fundamentals, including definitions, types of computers (supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and microprocessors), and the components of a computer such as hardware and software. It explains the IPOS cycle (Input, Processing, Output, Storage) and details the Central Processing Unit (CPU), including its two main parts: the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit (CU). Overall, it serves as a foundational guide to understanding how computers operate and their various classifications.

Uploaded by

tylertaylor602
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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Computer Fundamentals

Objectives
• Definition of a Computer

• Types of computers

• Components of the Computer

o IPOS cycle

• The Central Processing Unit

o Control Unit (cu)

o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)


What is a Computer?

• A computer is any electronic device that accepts data, processes the data using stored programs to produce

information and creates output for the user or store the information for later use.

o Accept data (input)

o Process the data (processing)

o Produce information (output)

o Store the data and results for later use (storage).


IPOS cycle

INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT

STORAGE
Types of Computers

• There are four types of computers:

 Supercomputers – are the most powerful

kind of computers. They are capable of

performing millions to trillions of task at any

given time. Super computers are used to

identifying trends in diseases, combat

cancer, space exploration etc.


Types of Computers
 Mainframes are high performance computers known
as servers that are used to perform millions of
calculations and real time task. They are used within
the commercial and government agencies because of
the up time( they rarely crash), security and data
privacy

 Minicomputers are similar to the mainframe


computer; however, they are smaller and slower than
the mainframe.
Types of Computers
 Microcomputers are desktops, laptops, smartphones
etc.
o Desktop systems are computer systems that fit on
a desk.
o Laptops and smartphones are portable computers
we can carry.
Types of Computers

 Microprocessors are the smallest kind of computers

where a small chip performs the functions of the CPU.

It is not powerful or fast and is found in microwaves,

digital watch etc.


Parts of a Computer

• The computer is made up of two parts: Hardware and Software.

• Computer Hardware is the physical parts of the computer. Anything you can touch and feel.

• Computer Software refers to the program that make the computer function and carry out many different

task.

• N.B: A program is a set of instructions that tells the computer how to carry out its task.
Computer Hardware

• There are four types of components of the

computer hardware:

1. The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2. Input and Output devices

3. Main Memory

4. Secondary Storage Devices


The Central Processing Unit
The CPU or the processor processes all the data entered into the computer.
It is responsible for transforming the raw data into meaningful information.

• The CPU is broken into two main parts:

1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Responsible for performing all


the arithmetic and logic operations of the computer.
o Arithmetic operation include addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division of numbers.
o Logic operation is used to compare numbers (quantities)
for example greater than, less than and equal to functions.
The Central Processing Unit Cont.
2. Control Unit (CU): controls and coordinates all the functions of the computer. These functions are:
o Directs and coordinates the operations of the ALU.

o It coordinates the flow of data or information between itself and the other components of the computer.

o It reads and interpret instructions.

o It determines the sequence for processing data entered into the computer.

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