Shaqlawa Technical Institute

MLT Department – Semester One

COMPUTER ESSENTIALS

ESSENTIAL COMPUTER CONCEPTS

Lecturer
Dr. Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 COMPUTER
❖Electronic device aims to process data.

❖Or it is a general-purpose machine that can

be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or
logical operations automatically.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 COMPUTER
Types of Computers
• Personal computers (PCs)
– Desktop computers
– Notebook (laptop) computers
– Tablet PCs
• Handheld computers
– MP3 players
– Cell phones
• Mainframe computers
• Supercomputers

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

COMPUTER

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 DATA REPRESENTATION
▪ Data refers to the words, numbers, figures, sounds, and
graphics that describe people, events and things.
▪ Data representation refers to the internal method used
to represent various types of data stored on a computer.
▪ Binary digits (bits) value is either 0 or 1
▪ A series of eight bits (8 bits) is called a byte
➢ Kilobyte (KB or K) = 1024 bytes
➢ Megabyte (MB) = approx. one million bytes = 1024 KB
➢ Gigabyte (GB) = approx. one billion bytes = 1024 MB
➢ Terabyte (TB) = approx. one trillion bytes = 1024 GB

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 COMPUTER COMPONENTS

 Hardware (H.W)  Software (S.W)

Any physical thing that you can Such as:
touch it, such as:
- Antiviruses .
- Consists of 3 Parts: - Movie-player.
- 1- I/O devices - Power point.
- 2- Screen
- Microsoft Word
- 3- Case

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 COMPUTER COMPONENTS

✓ Hardware:- It is the physical components that composes the

Personal Computer (PC) such as the Hard disk, Keyboard,
Monitor, etc.
✓ Hardware components can be divided into two groups, the
main components (i.e. parts) which the computer cannot be
operated without them such as Motherboard, RAM, CPU,
Hard disk, etc.
✓ The secondary parts (also called peripherals) provide
additional services to the user, but they are not necessary for
operating the PC such as the printer, scanner, UPS, etc. The
following slides presents several H/W parts along with their
definitions and functions.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 HARDWARE
H/W

Main parts Secondary parts

Monitor Printer

Keyboard Scanner

Mouse Data show

Case UPS

Power supply

Motherboard

RAM
CPU

Hard disk
CD ROM

etc.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 INPUT & OUTPUT DEVICES

Input Devices Output Devices

• Such as: • Such as:

• Keyboard • Monitor
• Mouse • Printer
• Voice recognition • Speakers
• Scanner
• Digital camera

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 CASE

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
Computer Case
✓ A box that contains most of the
computer’s parts, protecting
them from dust and damage

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
Power Supply
✓ Supplies power to the computer's
components.
✓ Transforms the utility power into the proper
voltages needed to operate the PC
components (i.e. Motherboard, hard disk,
CD ROM, etc.).

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
Motherboard
✓ Connects the computer’s components to allow
them to communicate with one another.
✓ It is the main platform that other components
(such as RAM, CPU, Video card and extension
cards) can be installed on top of it via slots and
sockets.
✓ It also includes a complex circuitry that provides
channels for communication and data transfer
between other components of the PC.
✓ Moreover, it provides Ports from which a user
can connect external devices such as mouse,
keyboard, printers, etc. to the motherboard.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
CPU (Central Processing Unit))
✓ The computer's main element,
performs the basic operations of the
system.
✓ CPU sometimes called the Microprocessor
or simply the processor.
✓ It is the brain of the PC; it contains a
complex circuitry that is needed to carry out
calculations, control input/output devices
and execute instructions, since any software
is basically a set of instructions.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
Memory (RAM)
✓ It is the main memory; it stores files and
programs that are currently being
executed by the processor temporarily.
✓ RAM stores programs temporarily (i.e.
the RAM keeps its contents as long as the
PC is powered, when the power is
interrupted, RAM contents are lost;
therefore, it is called a volatile memory).
✓ Part of the RAM is reserved for the
Operating System while the rest contains
the user programs. In order to execute the
programs by the CPU, these programs
must be loaded into the RAM.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
Sound card
✓ Translates digital information into
sound.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
Video card
✓ Converts digital information into
images.
✓ Video card or Graphics card is an
extension card that includes a
processing unit, a memory and a
cooling mechanism.
✓ This card is responsible for handling
and processing the graphics data that
are produced by some programs such as
games and Graphic programs
(such as 3DMAX and Photoshop).

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
Cooling Systems
✓“Heat sinks” and fans keep
computer from being
damaged by overheating.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
CD / DVD Drive
✓ Allows computer to read from and possibly
write to a CD or DVD (Digital Video Disc).
✓ CD-ROM (also called a Compact Disk) is a
portable storage medium that consists of an
aluminum layer coated with a protective plastic
layer.
✓ The data is written onto the CD by a laser
beam, the laser burns the CD surface (i.e.
engraves the data onto the CD surface as Pits
and Lands).

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Internal Components
Hard Drive
✓ The hard drive is where your software,
documents, and other files are stored.
✓ The hard drive is long-term storage, which
means the data is still saved even if you turn
the computer off or unplug it.
✓ When you run a program or open a file, the
computer copies some of the data from
the hard drive onto the RAM. When
you save a file, the data is copied back to
the hard drive. The faster the hard drive, the
faster your computer can start up and load
programs.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 KEYBOARD
The keyboard is one of the main ways to communicate with a
computer. There are many different types of keyboards, but most
are very similar and allow you to accomplish the same basic tasks.
Check the buttons description in the next slides to learn about
the different parts of the keyboard.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 KEYBOARD

1 The Escape (Esc) key allows you to stop a function or action. For example, if a
webpage is taking a long time to load, you can press the Escape key to stop loading it.
2 The function keys are labelled F1 through F12. Some programs use these keys as
shortcuts for common tasks. For example, in many programs, F1 opens the Help file.
3 The Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break keys are at the top-right corner of the
keyboard. The Print Screen key takes a picture of your screen (called a screenshot)
that you
Computer canDr.Nashwan
Essentials, edit orA. OTHMAN
save using a graphics program. Scroll Lock and Pause/Break are
rarely used today, so some keyboards do not have them.
 KEYBOARD

4 The Tab key is used to create indents in word processing programs. Also, if you are filling
out a form online, you can use the Tab key to switch to the next field.
5 The central part of the keyboard includes the alphanumeric keys (letters and numbers)
and the spacebar.
6 The Backspace key erases the character to the left of the cursor.

7 Insert: This switches between insert mode (which inserts new text without deleting
anything) and overtype mode (which deletes text after the cursor as you type).
Delete: This erases the character to the right of the cursor.
8 Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN
The Enter key executes commands. For example, while on the Internet, you can type a
website address and then press Enter to go to the site. It is also used to start a new line in
word processing programs.
 KEYBOARD

9 Page Up and Page Down: These scroll a document or webpage up or down.

10 Arrow Keys: The arrow keys are used for many different purposes, including moving the
cursor, scrolling a document, and controlling a game.
11 Home and End: These move the cursor to the beginning or end of the current line.

12 The numeric keypad resembles a calculator keypad. Many users find that it is easier to
type numbers using this keypad. On some keyboards, these keys double as arrow keys.
13 The Control (Ctrl), Alternate (Alt), and Shift keys are designed to work in combination
with other keys. Typically, you hold down Ctrl, Alt, or Shift and then type another key to
Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN
perform a specific task. For example, in many programs, typing Ctrl+S will save a file.
 MOUSE

The mouse is another important tool for communicating with computers.

Commonly known as a pointing device, it lets you point to objects on the
screen, click on them, and move them.
Clicking: Move the pointer of the mouse to the object you want and then click the left
mouse button to select an object.
Double click: just as Clicking but the mouse button is pressed and released twice in
rapid succession.
Right click: position the pointer on an object and then click the right side of the mouse.
Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

Drag: move the pointer to the desire location, then hold down the left button and then
move the mouse to the new location and release the mouse button.
 MOUSE

There are other devices that can do the same thing as a mouse. Many people
find them easier to use, and they also require less desk space than a traditional
mouse. The most common mouse alternatives are :
Trackball: A trackball has a ball that can rotate freely. Instead of moving the device like a
mouse, you can roll the ball with your thumb to move the pointer.

Touchpad: A touchpad—also called a trackpad—is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you

control the pointer by making a drawing motion with your finger. Touchpads are common
on laptop computers.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 BUTTONS AND PORTS ON A COMPUTER
• Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will vary from computer
to computer. However, there are certain ones you can expect to find on most desktop
computers. Learning how these ports are used will help whenever you need to connect
something to your computers, like a new printer, keyboard, or mouse.

1 Optical Disc Drive: Often called a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM

drive, this lets your computer read CDs and DVDs.

2 Power Button: The power button is used to power the

computer on and off. 1
1

3 Audio In/Audio Out: Many computers include audio ports on

the front of the computer case that allow you to easily connect
speakers, microphones, and headsets without fumbling with
2
the back of the computer.
3
4
4 USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port: Most desktop computers
have several USB ports. These can be used to connect almost
any type of device, including mice, keyboards, printers, and
digital cameras. They will often appear on the front and back
of the computer.
Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN
 BACK OF A COMPUTER CASE
The back of a computer case has
connection ports that are made to fit
specific devices. The placement will vary
from computer to computer, and many
companies have their special connectors
for specific devices. Some of the ports may
be colour-coded to help you determine
which port is used with a particular device.
Check the buttons in the figures to
become familiar with the back of a
computer.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 BACK OF A COMPUTER CASE

1 Power Socket: This is where you'll connect the power cord

to the computer.

2 Audio In/Audio Out: Many computers include audio ports

on the front of the computer case that allow you to easily
connect speakers, microphones, and headsets without
fumbling with the back of the computer.

3 Ethernet Port: This port looks a lot like the modem or

telephone port, but it is slightly wider. You can use this port
for networking and connecting to the Internet.

4 USB Ports: On most desktop computers, most of the USB

ports are on the back of the computer case. Generally,
you'll want to connect your mouse and keyboard to these
ports and keep the front USB ports free so they can be
Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN
used for digital cameras and other devices.
 BACK OF A COMPUTER CASE
5 Monitor Port: This is where you'll connect your monitor
cable. In this example, the computer has both a DisplayPort
and a VGA port. Other computers may have other types of
monitor ports, such as DVI (digital visual interface) or HDMI
(high-definition multimedia interface).
6 Serial Port: This port is less common on today's computers.
It was frequently used to connect peripherals like digital
cameras, but it has been replaced by USB and other types of
ports.
7 PS/2: These ports are sometimes used for connecting the
mouse and keyboard. Typically, the mouse port is green, and
the keyboard port is purple. On new computers, these ports
have been replaced by USB.
8 Expansion Slots: These empty slots are where expansion
cards are added to computers. For example, if your
computer did not come with a video card, you could
purchase one and install it here.
9 Parallel Port: This is an older port that is less common on
new computers. Like the serial port, it has now been
Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

replaced by USB.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMPUTER'S OS

What is an operating system?

▪ An operating system is the most important
software that runs on a computer.
▪ It manages computer's memory and processes, as well
as all its software and hardware.
▪ It also allows user to communicate with the computer
without knowing how to speak the computer's language.
▪ Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMPUTER'S OS
The operating system's job
▪ Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all
the software and hardware on the computer.
▪ Most of the time, there are several different computer programs
running at the same time, and they all need to access your
computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory,
and storage.
▪ The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each
program gets what it needs.
▪ Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if
you switch to a different operating system it may seem
unfamiliar at first.
▪ However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to
use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMPUTER'S OS
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There
have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones
are Windows 10 (released in 2015). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new
PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

macOS
macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple.
It comes preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs.

Linux
Linux is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be
modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different
from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the
company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are
many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from.
Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMPUTER'S OS
Nowadays, macOS users account for less than 10% of global operating
systems; much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%).
One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. Linux
users account for less than 2% of global operating systems. However,
most servers run Linux because it is relatively easy to customize.

Operating systems for mobile devices

The operating systems we have been talking about so far were designed to run
on desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet
computers, and MP3 players are different from desktop and laptop
computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for
mobile devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple
iOS and Google Android.
Operating systems for mobile devices generally are not as fully featured as
those made for desktop and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all
of the same software. However, you can still do a lot of things with them, like
watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play games.
Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN
 APPLICATIONS
What is an application?
You may have heard people talking about using a program,
an application, or an app. But what exactly does that mean? Simply
put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific
tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes
called desktop applications, while those for mobile devices are
called mobile apps.
When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until
you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than one application
open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking.
App is a common term for an application, especially for simple
applications that can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free.
Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 APPLICATIONS
Desktop applications
▪ There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some
are more full featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two
things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you
might use.

▪ Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and
create many other types of documents. The most well-known word processor
is Microsoft Word.

▪ Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most
computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a
different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet
Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

▪ Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded;
you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player is popular media players.

▪ Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. Many action
games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a
newer and powerful computer.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 APPLICATIONS
Mobile apps
Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run
applications. You can also download apps for mobile devices
like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few examples of mobile
apps.
Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails
from your mobile device. It's available for Android and iOS devices.
Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with
your friends and family. It's available for Android and iOS.

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN

 THANK YOU

Questions?

Computer Essentials, Dr.Nashwan A. OTHMAN