Introduction to Computer Technology
1. Computer Definition
Computer is an electronic machine
operating under the control of
instructions stored in its memory unit that
can:
- accept data (inputs)
- process data arithmetically and logically
- produce results (outputs)
2. Data
Data is a collection of unorganized facts, which include words,
numbers, images, and sounds. Computers process data to
create information.
3. Information
Information is data that is organized, has meaning and is
useful.
Example: reports, newsletters, a receipt, a picture, an invoice
or a check.
4. Terms of computer technology
i) Input – the data entered into a computer.
ii) Output – the processed results.
iii) Storage – a place whereas a computer hold
data and information for future use.
iv) User - a person that communicate with a
computer or uses the information it generates.
v) Hardware – the electrical, electronic and
mechanical equipment that makes up a
computer
vi) Software – is the series of instruction that tells
the hardware how to perform tasks.
Computer
System
Processing
Unit
- ALU
Input - CU
Output
Unit - Memory Unit
Storage
Unit
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the heart and brain of a computer. It receives
data input, executes instructions, and processes
information.
It communicates with input/output (I/O) devices, which
send and receive data to and from the CPU.
Arithmetical & Logical Unit (ALU)
The part of a computer that performs all arithmetic
computations, such as addition and multiplication, and all
comparison operations.
The ALU is one component of the CPU(central processing
unit).
ALU Digital Circuit
Control Unit (CU)
The control unit (CU) is a component of a computer's
central processing unit (CPU) that directs the operation of
the processor.
It tells the computer's memory, arithmetic and
logic unit and input and output devices how to respond to
the instructions that have been sent to the processor.
Control Unit
Computer system
A computer system is a basic, complete and
functional computer, including all the
hardware and software required to make it
functional for a user.
It should have the ability to receive user
input, process data, and with the processed
data, create information for storage and/or
output.
Memory
Essential component of computer system for
storing data.
It stores data, programs, results etc.
Computer memory is any physical device capable of
storing information temporarily like RAM (random access
memory), or permanently, like ROM (read-only memory).
Memory devices utilize integrated circuits and are used by
operating systems, software, and hardware.
Types are as :-
Primary Memory (RAM, ROM)
Secondary Memory (Hard Disk, Floppy , CDs )
CACHE memory 16
Cache memory is a chip-based computer
component that makes retrieving data from the
computer's memory more efficient. It acts as a
temporary storage area that the computer's
processor can retrieve data from easily.
Memory
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Primary memory
Primary memory is internal memory of the computer.
It is also known as main memory and Temporary memory .
Primary Memory holds the data and instruction on which
computer is currently working.
Primary Memory is nature volatile. It means when power is
switched off it lost all data.
Secondary memory
Secondary Memory is external memory of the computer.
It is also known as Auxiliary memory and permanent memory.
It is used to store the different programs and the information
permanently.
Secondary Memory is nature non volatile. It means data is stored
permanently even if power is switched off.
The secondary storage devices are:
Floppy Disks
Magnetic (Hard) Disk
Magnetic Tapes
Pen Drive
Cache Memory
Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is high-speed static random
access memory (SRAM) that a computer microprocessor can access
more quickly than it can access regular random access memory (RAM).
This memory is typically integrated directly into the CPU chip or placed
on a separate chip that has a separate bus interconnect with the CPU.
The purpose of cache memory is to store program instructions and data
that are used repeatedly in the operation of programs or information
that the CPU is likely to need next.
The computer processor can access this information quickly from the
cache rather than having to get it from computer's main memory.
Fast access to these instructions increases the overall speed of the
program.
Hardware
Computer hardware is the collection of physical parts of
a computer system.
This includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and
mouse.
It also includes all the parts inside the computer case,
such as the hard disk drive, motherboard, video card, and
many others.
Computer hardware is what you can physically touch.
Input Output Devices
Input device. An input device is any
hardware device that sends data to a computer,
allowing you to interact with and control it.
Eg, keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, etc.
An output device is used to send data out of the
system. Some output devices are:
Eg,
Monitor
Printer
Speaker
Output devices
Softcopy output:
The output received on the display screen or in the audio or
video form.
Temporary output
Commonly used softcopy device is display screen.
Other eg, speaker
Hardcopy output:
Permanent output form
Output printed on the paper is called hardcopy.
Eg, printers
Software
Software is a collection of instructions that enable
the user to interact with a computer, its hardware,
or perform tasks.
It is also called programs
Without software, most computers would be useless.
There are two types of software.
1. Application Software
2. System Software
1. Application Software
It includes programs that do real work for user.
It is created to perform specific tasks for
solving specific problem of a user.
Example: Banking software, computer games,
Photoshop, Microsoft excel, word, presentation,
Browsers, Media players etc
2. System software
It is set of programs to control and manage the
operations of a computer hardware.
It enables application programs to execute properly.
Functions:
a) supports development of other application software.
b) supports execution of other application software.
c) Monitors & manage effective us of various hardware
resources such as CPU, memory etc.
d) communicates and controls different devices such as
Questions:
What is computer system? Briefly explain the
components of computer system.
What do you mean by storage memory? Explain the
type of storage memory.
What is system software? Explain their types.
Differentiate between primary & secondary memory.
