IT1101
Computer Fundamentals
Prepared by:
Chrisna L. Fucio
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UNIT 1:
Basic Computer Concepts
OBJECTIVES:
Know the key historical development of computer.
Learn the definition and nature of computer.
Become familiar with the functions of computer.
Identify the principal areas of computer use.
Identify the Devices that comprise a computer system
Learn the capabilities and limitation of computer
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Lesson1:
Overview of Information
and
Communication Technology
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I. Introduction
Why do we need computers?
The answer is clear. In all aspects of daily living –
education, work, pleasure, entertainment,
communication, marketing, business and the like,
computer is always presents. With the advent of
globalization, technological revolution has taken place.
Man has to be computer literate because that is the
demand of time. If he does not go with the tide, he will
be left behind.
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I. Introduction
Three measurements to assess the level of
computer literacy.
AWARENESS. When you begin to study computers, you
will be aware of their importance, versatility and
pervasiveness in our society.
KNOWLEDGE. You will learn what computers are and
how they function. This requires knowing some technical
jargons in order to understand the computer language.
INTERACTION. The best way to understand computers
is to use is to directly for some simple applications, like
doing research via internet, mailing and chatting
electronically.
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What Is A Computer?
An electronic device designed to manipulate data in order
to achieve a desired result based on the stored program
or instructions.
An intelligent machine that is capable of connecting and
communicating.
A powerful tool that can be used as basis for decision
making.
A machine that can be programmed to accept data
(input), process it into useful information (output), and
store it (in a secondary storage device) for safe keeping
or reuse.
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What Is A Computer?
A computer is an electronic device, operating under
the control of instructions (software) stored in its
own memory unit, that can accept data (input),
manipulate data (process), and produce information
(output) from the processing. Generally, the term is
used to describe a collection of devices that function
together as a system.
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Devices that comprise a computer system
Monitor Speaker
(output) (output) System unit
(processor, memory…)
Printer
(output)
Storage devices
(CD-RW, Floppy,
Hard disk, zip,…)
Mouse
(input)
Scanner Keyboard
(input) (input)
Digital Camera
(input)
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What Does A Computer Do?
Computers can perform four general
operations, which comprise the information
processing cycle.
FOUR FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER:
Input
Process
Output
Storage
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Data and Information
All computer processing requires data, which is a of
raw facts, figures and symbols, such as numbers,
words, images, video and sound, given to the
computer during the input phase.
Computers manipulate data to create information.
Information is collection data that is organized,
meaningful, and useful.
During the output Phase, the information that has
been created is put into some form, such as a printed
report.
The information can also be put in computer storage
for future use.
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II. Nature of Computer
Why Is A Computer So Powerful?
The three fundamentals characteristics of computer:
1. SPEED – computer provides the processing speed
essential to our fast-paced society.
2. RELIABILITY – capable of producing accurate and
timely results.
3. STORAGE CAPABILITY – capable of storing
tremendous amounts of data which can be located and
retrieved efficiently.
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II. Nature of Computer
Why Is A Computer So Powerful?
These three characteristics have the following by-products:
Productivity – more jobs can be performed at almost
the same duration of time. Multi-tasking results to
greater productivity.
Decision-making – computer provides up-to-date
alternatives that will make the user select the best
option.
Cost-reduction – computer helps us to hold down the
cost of labor, energy and paperwork. As a result,
computers help reduce the cost of goods and services.
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How Does a Computer Know
what to do?
It must be given a detailed list of instructions,
called a compute program or software,
that tells it exactly what to do.
Before processing a specific job, the
computer program corresponding to that job
must be stored in memory.
Once the program is stored in memory the
compute can start the operation by executing
the program instructions one after the other.
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III. Uses of Computer
Principal AREAS of computer use:
1. Graphics 9. Government
2. Retailing 10. Education
3. Energy 11. Home
4. Paperwork 12. Health and
5. Transportation Medicine
6. Law enforcement 13. Robotics
7. Money 14. Sciences
8. Agriculture 15. Connectivity
16. Human Connection 14
V. COMPUTER
CAPABILITIES
1. Ability to perform certain logic operations
2. Ability to provide new time dimensions
3. Ability to store and retrieve information
4. Ability to control errors
5. Ability to check itself
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VI. COMPUTER LIMITATIONS
1. Dependence on prepared instructions
2. Inability to derive meanings from
objects
3. Inability to generate information
4. It cannot correct wrong instructions
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VII. DISADVANTAGES OF
USING THE COMPUTER
The use of computer also presents some
danger for people and environment:
1. Safety
2. Health risks
3. Environment
4. Use of power
5. Privacy violations
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VIII. WHY COMPUTERS
SOMETIMES FAIL?
1. Input Errors - (GIGO) Garbage IN Garbage
OUT
2. Errors in instructing a computer
3. The communication gap
4. Improper controls
5. Lack of standards
6. Lack of adequate manufacturer support
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