Basic Operations, Concepts, and
Terminologies of Computers
1. What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according to a set of
instructions, stores it, and produces meaningful results (output).
Key characteristics:
Electronic – operates using electricity.
Programmable – follows instructions (software).
Versatile – used for different tasks.
Fast & Accurate – processes millions of operations per second.
2. Basic Operations of a Computer (IPO Cycle)
Every computer performs four main operations (known as the Information Processing Cycle):
1. Input
oProcess of entering data into the computer.
oInput devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, camera.
2. Processing
o The central operation carried out by the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
o Includes calculations, comparisons, and logical decision-making.
3. Output
o The processed data (information) presented to the user.
o Output devices: monitor, printer, speakers, projectors.
4. Storage
o Saving data and instructions either temporarily or permanently.
o Primary storage: RAM (temporary).
o Secondary storage: Hard disks, SSDs, flash drives (permanent).
3. Basic Concepts of Computers
1. Hardware vs Software
o Hardware: Physical components of a computer (CPU, keyboard, monitor).
o Software: Programs/instructions that tell the hardware what to do (MS Word,
browsers).
2. System Software vs Application Software
o System software: Manages hardware (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS).
o Application software: Designed for user tasks (e.g., Excel, Photoshop).
3. Data vs Information
o Data: Raw facts (e.g., 45, “Kenya”).
o Information: Processed/organized data (e.g., “Kenya’s population is 45M”).
4. Networks & Internet
o Computer Network: A collection of computers connected to share resources.
o Internet: The global network connecting millions of computers worldwide.
5. Cloud Computing
o Delivery of services (storage, software, processing) over the internet instead of a
local computer.
4. Basic Terminologies in Computing
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The “brain” of the computer; executes instructions.
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary working memory; data is lost when
power is off.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent memory storing firmware.
Bit (Binary Digit): The smallest unit of data (0 or 1).
Byte: 8 bits; used to measure memory and storage (e.g., 1GB = ~1 billion bytes).
Operating System (OS): Software that manages hardware and software (e.g., Windows).
Peripheral Devices: External devices connected to a computer (printers, scanners,
external drives).
Database: An organized collection of data stored electronically.
Algorithm: Step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.
Cloud Storage: Online storage of files (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive).
Malware: Malicious software (viruses, worms, spyware).
5. Generations of Computers (Conceptual Background)
1st Generation (1940s–1950s): Vacuum tubes, very large, slow.
2nd Generation (1950s–1960s): Transistors, faster and smaller.
3rd Generation (1960s–1970s): Integrated circuits (ICs).
4th Generation (1970s–Present): Microprocessors, personal computers.
5th Generation (Now & Future): AI-based, quantum computing.
6. Examples of Computer Applications in Daily Life
Education: e-learning, research, simulations.
Health: patient records, diagnostics, medical imaging.
Business: payroll, accounting, e-commerce.
Communication: emails, social media, video conferencing.
Entertainment: gaming, streaming, digital art.
✅ Summary
Basic operations = Input, Processing, Output, Storage.
Basic concepts = Hardware, Software, Data vs Information, Networking, Cloud.
Basic terminologies = CPU, RAM, Bit, OS, Algorithm, Database.
Computers are powerful, fast, and versatile tools whose effectiveness relies on understanding
these operations, concepts, and terms.
