Introduction to Computer The Case (System Unit or System
Organization and Systems Cabinet)
Computer
The computer is a set of
independent physical components
and devices (Hardware), which
have a specific job to do for
each one and working together by
Hardware
Software to make up the computer
system. 1.Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Computer perform three main 2.Input units
operations:
3.Output units
4.Memory (Main or Primary Memory &
Secondary or Auxiliary Memory)
Look inside the computer
Input Devices
Translate data from form that
humans understand to one that
Computers are made of the computer can work with
Most common are keyboard and
1.HARDWARE
mouse
2.SOFTWARE Examples of Input Devices
Keyboard
1.HARDWARE Mouse
Scanner
Pre-storage Devise (Disk,
CD’s, … etc.)
Optical mark recognition
(Light Pin, Bar code
scanners)
Microphone
Joystick
Point and Draw devices
Trackball
Touchpad
Touch screen
Magnetic stripes and smart
cars.
Digital Cameras
The parts of computer itself
(tangible objects) including:
CPU (or Processor) and Primary
memory (or Main Memory)
Input devices i.e. the keyboard
and mouse
Output devices
Storage devices
Primary Memory
Memory (fast,
expensive, short-term
memory): Enables a
computer to store, at
least temporarily,
data, programs, and
intermediate results.
Two general parts:
RAM,ROM
Know How Computer Memory Is
Measured
Bit
All computers work on a
binary numbering system, i.e. they
process data in one's or zero's.
This 1 or 0 level of storage is
called a bit.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Byte
•A specific chip or the
processor a CPU's performance is A byte consists of eight
determined by the rest of the bits.
computers circuitry and chips. Kilobyte
•The Central Processing Unit A kilobyte (KB) consists of
(CPU) performs the actual 1024 bytes.
Megabyte
A megabyte (MB) consists of
1024 kilobytes.
Gigabyte
A gigabyte (GB) consists of
1024 megabytes.
processing of data.
Main Memory
•The speed (clock speed) of CPU
measured by Hertz (MHz). RAM (Main Memory)
its a primary storage or
random access memory (RAM).
The Control Unit (CU):coordinates it temporarily holds data and
all activities of the computer by: programs for use during processing
Determining which operations to (volatile)
perform and in what order to Any information stored in RAM
carry them out. is lost when the computer is turned
The CU transmits coordinating off.
control signals to other computer RAM is the memory that the
components. computer uses to temporarily store
the information as it is being
The ALU:consists of electronic processed. The more information
circuitry to perform: being processed the more RAM the
computer needs.
Arithmetic operations (addition,
RAM consists of locations or
subtraction, multiplication and
cells. Each cell has a unique
division)
address which distinguishes it from
Logical operations (and, or, not, other cells.
…) and to make some comparisons
(less-than, equal, … etc.)
ROM: Read Only Memory ROM is part
of memory)
Optical Laser Discs
Programmed at manufacturing CD ROM & DVD’s
time
Its contents cannot be ◦ Data is represented as pits and
changed by users lands
It is a permanent store ◦ Some kinds are read only (CD-
Other Kind of Memory ROM) and some Kinds are
rewritable (CD-RW)
PROM: Programmable Read Only
Memory.
◦ Significantly more capacity and
faster operating than diskettes
EPROM: Erasable Programmable
Read Only Memory
Cache Memory
Registers: not part of the
main memory.
Secondary Storage
Stores data and programs
permanently: its retained
after the power is turned off
Examples
Hard Drive (Hard Disk) Common Secondary Media
Located outside the CPU, Tapes
but most often contained Panasonic's LS120 3.5 inch
in the system cabinet diskettes
Floppy Disk Iomega's Zip & Jazz disks
Optical Laser Discs VCR tape (Video Cassette
Recorder )
Flash USB disks
CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD MMC (Multi Media Card )SD
Common Secondary Media
Diskettes
Data represented as
magnetic spots on
removable flexible plastic
disks Output Devices
Most common size is 3 1/2 Monitors
inches, in a rigid plastic Printers
case - Dot matrix printers
Disk drive holds the - Ink jet printers
diskette, reads the data - Laser printers
and writes or stores data
Common Secondary Media Sound Blasters (Sound Card By
Hard drive Creative Lab)
Data is represented Controlling other devices
magnetically as diskettes
Normally more than one Software
rigid platter in a sealed The instructions that tell the
unit computer what to do
These disks are not
removable 1.Application Software - helps end-
Significantly more users perform general purpose tasks
capacity and faster
operating than diskettes
2.System Software - enables
application software to interact
with the computer
Application Software – Basic
Tools
System Software
The software that controls Word processors– example:
everything that happens in a Microsoft word
computer. Spreadsheets-- example:
Background software, manages Microsoft Excel
the computer’s internal Database managers-- example:
resources
Microsoft Access
Graphics-- example: Photoshop
All hardware and software are Spreadsheets: Computer
under the control of the software that allows the user
operating system. Among other to enter columns and rows of
things, the operating system: numbers in a accounting book
like format.
1.Determines how valuable RAM is
allotted to programs.
2.Performs tasks related to file
management.
3.Sets priorities for handling
tasks.
4.Manages the flow of instructions,
data and information to and from
the processor (CPU).
Examples of Microcomputer
Operating System Software
DOS - original standard for
IBM compatibles
Windows - a graphical
operating environment
- Windows VISTA, XP,and 95
Examples of Microcomputer Operating
System Software cont.
Windows NT - for powerful
workstations & networks
OS/2 - competitor to Windows
2000
Macintosh Operating System
Unix - originally for
minicomputers, now used on
microcomputers and Internet
servers
