Lecture 01
IT Fundamental Concepts
Reference: Information Technology Essentials
Prof. Thomas Malone
Data VS. Information
Data VS. Information
(cont..)
• Data represents raw elements or unprocessed facts, from
numerical values and symbolic representations to textual
content and visual imagery, Where as
• You get information when data is processed, organized,
interpreted, and structured. The comprehensible output
derived from raw data helps inform decisions, strategies, and
actions. Information is data made valuable and accessible—an
integral component of decision-making.
Data VS. Information
(cont..)
• Data processing occurs when data is collected and translated into usable
information. Usually performed by a data scientist or team of data
scientists, there are six stages of data processing:
1. Data collection. Collecting data is the first step in data processing.
2. Data preparation. Once the data is collected, it then enters the data
preparation stage. ...
3. Data input. ...
4. Processing. ...
5. Data output/interpretation. ...
6. Data storage
What is Computer
• Computer is an electronic machine used to solve different
problems according to a set of instruction given to it. A
computer can accept data, process data into useful
information and store it for later use. Or
• Computer is an electronic device which takes some input from
the user, process it, produce output and store it for future
use.
Functionalities of a computer
• Takes data as input
• Stores data in memory and use them when required
• Process the data and convert into useful information
• Generates the output
Characteristics of Computer
• Speed
• Accuracy
• storage capability
• Versatility
• Reliability
Advantages of Using Computer
• Computers can do the same task repetitively with same
accuracy.
• Computers do not get tired or bored.
• Computers can take up routine tasks while releasing human
resource for more intelligent functions
Limitations of computer
• Computer cannot do any work or execute any task without
instructions from the user.
• It executes instructions as specified by the user and does not
take its own decisions
Applications of Computer
• Business
• Communication
• Banking
• Education
• Healthcare
• Military
• Government
What are the types of computer?
1. Supercomputer
a computer that led the world (or was close to doing so)
It was used to solve problems involving by major universities,
military agencies and scientific research laboratories.
2. Mainframe
• designed to handle very high volume input and output (I/O)
and emphasize throughout computing
• It is used mainly, by large organizations
What are the types of computer?
3. Mini Computer
CONT…
It is an old term for a class of multi-user computers, lies between
the largest multi-user systems (mainframe computers) and the
smallest single-user systems (microcomputers or personal
computers).
4.Microcomputer
• Small desktop or portable computer typically designed to be used by one
person at a time
• Microcomputers are the smallest of the four classes of computer (the
others are supercomputer, mainframe, and minicomputer).
What are the types of computer?
(CONT…)
5. Workstation
workstation is a special computer designed for technical or
scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by a single
user, they are commonly connected to a local area network and
run multi-user operating systems.
Major Components of Computer
Access, decode,
Math calculations
coordinate instructions
Hold program
instructions and data
Hardware Components in Action
• Instruction phase
– Step 1: Fetch instruction
– Step 2: Decode instruction
• Execution phase
– Step 3: Execute the instruction
– Step 4: Store the results
Execution of an Instruction
Major Components of Computer
(CONT..)
All general- purpose computer require the following
hardware components:
• Memory: Enables a computer to store data and programs common
mass storage devices include disk drives and tap drives.
• Input device: Input devices are the parts of the computer that we
interact with daily and are used to input data to the computers. An
input device is a hardware device that transfers data to a computer
system and allows us to control it.
Major Components of Computer
(CONT..)
• Outputs devices: the output devices are used to convert the
computer produced output into human-readable form. The output
device takes information from the computer and presents it in the
form of projection, display, or on paper.
• Central Processing units(CPU):the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
is the primary component of a computer that acts as its “control
center.” The CPU, also referred to as the “central” or “main”
processor, is a complex set of electronic circuitry that runs the
machine's operating system and apps.
Major Components of Computer
(CONT..)
Types of Computer Memory
• Primary Memory
• Secondary Memory
• Cache Memory
Major Components of Computer
(CONT..)
1. Primary Memory
Primary Memory is called as main memory of the System. During
computer operations, it stores data, programs, and instructions.
It is commonly called Semiconductor Memory or Volatile
Memory. Primary Memory is faster than Secondary Memory.
2. Secondary Memory
Secondary Memory is used to store a heavy amount of data or
information. The data or information stored in Secondary
Memory is permanent and secondary memory is slower than
primary memory, but secondary memory can’t be directly
accessible by the CPU.
Major Components of Computer
(CONT..)
3. Cache Memory
Cache Memory is faster memory that helps in fastening the speed of
the CPU. Cache Memory is used to store the data that is frequently
required by the CPU. Whenever the system gets off, data present in
the cache memory gets lost.
- Characteristics of Main Memory
1. Semiconductor memories.
2. Faster than secondary memories.
3. A computer cannot run without primary memory.
4. It is the working memory of the computer.
5. Usually volatile memory.
6. Data is lost in case the power is switched off
22
Basic Processing Cycle
Central Internal
Data Bus
Processing Memory
Unit
How Information is Stored
• Memory consist of switches which can be either on or off -
Off=0 On=1
• Each on/off switch is called a bit
• Eight bits make up a byte
• It takes one byte to store a character
– Character can be letter, space, punctuation, etc.
– ASCII code used
Other Memory Terms
• Byte is eight bits
• Kilobyte (KB) is approx. 1,000 bytes
• Megabyte (MB) is approx. 1million bytes
• Gigabyte (GB) is approx. 1 billion bytes
Software
• SOFTWARE As you are aware, computer cannot do anything
on its own. It is the user who instructs computer; what to do,
how to do and when to do.
• In order to perform any task, you have to give a set of
instructions in a particular sequence to the computer. These
sets of instructions are called Programs.
• Software refers to a set of programs that makes the hardware
perform a particular set of tasks in particular order.
Software
(cont…)
• Types of software
1. System software
- Operating systems
- Programming languages
- Database systems
2. Application software
- General office tasks (word processing, etc.)
- Accounting
- Design
- Factory automation , etc….
Operating Systems
• Manage processing tasks
– Allocate computer resources
– Multitasking (run more than once application at a time)
– Time-sharing (allow multiple access to a system)
• Provide networking capability
– Enable connection to the Internet
• Control access to system resources
– Authentication
• Manage files
– Access to files
Role of the Operating System
Popular Operating Systems
Sources of Software
Proprietary and Off-the-Shelf Software
