Lecture 1-Basic Computer Terminology

COMPUTER
COMPETENCY - 099
Lecturer
Ms. Jane Muchiri
[email protected]
Aim of Course
Why use computers
1. Feel comfortable using and operating a computer
system
2. Interact with computers comfortably
3. Able to make it work for you
4. Understand the impact of computers on society –
now & in future
5. Be an intelligent consumer of computer equipment

Definition of Computer – ‘a tool for
processing, storing and manipulating
data’
Types Of Computers
 Types of computers – mainframes, personal
computers – desktops i.e. system unit, screen,
keyboard, laptops/notebooks, microcomputers
(enterprises) – greater processing power, storage
capacity than PC’s, Network computers/servers
– administer, support and protect security of a
computer network. Users can use resources (data,
software, hardware).
 Nowadays we have intelligent terminals – PC’s
with own local processing and storage capacities
What Computers Are Used For
 Business & Administration
 Industry
 Retailing
 Home
 Schools
 Health Care
 Government & Public Administration
Definitions
 Computer system consists of hardware &
software.
 Hardware – the physical machinery – the
components that make up the computer
 Software – these are computer programs
(sequences of instructions) that instruct the
computer on various commands or events.
Computer Hardware -Parts
 Processor  Memory
 Hard Disk  Diskette
 Keyboard  Screen
 Mouse  Printer
 Modem  Multimedia
 Flashdisk
Computer Hardware
 In the box – System Unit is most essential
– houses the processor (brain), memory and
electronics to control all the other
components.
 Includes a fan- to keep unit cool. Horizontal
or vertical.
Processor
 Processor – Length of time it takes computer to
perform tasks depends on number of factors.
1. Speed of processor (chip at heart of computer)
2. Measured in MHz, the bigger the number the
faster the processor (faster the calculations per
second). Measure of performance is important
and is usually included in name of computer.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 This is the heart of the computer systems. It
consists of three components, all of which
are electron based:-
1. Arithmetic Logic Unit
2. Main Memory
3. Control Unit
The functions of the CPU are:
 (a) Store data as well as instructions

 (b) Control the sequence of operations as
per the stored instructions.
 (c) Issue commands to all parts of the
computer system.
 (d) Carry out data processing and to send
results to the output unit
Arithmetic and Logic Unit
 The Arithmetic Logic Unit performs two
functions:
 1.It carries out arithmetic operations like
addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division.
 2.It performs certain logical actions based
on AND and OR functions.
an Intel 80486DX2 microprocessor (actual
size: 12×6.75 mm) in its packaging
Memory
 Computer has to store results of its calculations.
There are two types of memory – RAM & ROM.
 RAM – Random Access Memory – used by
computer as working area while carrying out a
given task- sometimes called working storage.
 Holds list of instructions that it is currently
working on, data on which it is working and
interim results of calculations. ‘R’ for random
means that the computer can get any data
directly.The more RAM the better. Often called
main memory
 Memory capacity is measured in bytes. One
byte is 8 bits. Think of a bit as electrical
term – on and off. Or in mathematical terms
as a binary number
 RAM is volatile- If power is turned off, data
that was in RAM is lost.
 You can upgrade memory by adding
memory chips
 Read Only Memory (ROM) – Where low
level programs e.g instructions to start
computer are stored.
 You can read it, but not write to it.
 Contents remain unchanged even when
power is turned off.
Hard Disk
 After processor speed & amount of RAM, next
determinant of computer power is amount of disk
space.
 Information is recorded magnetically – is not
volatile. Once recorded remains unchanged unless
updated or deleted.
 Retrieval or ‘saving’ involves mechanical
manipulation. Disk moves at constant high speed,
read/write head moves above surface of disk.
 Capacity measured in bytes. Bigger by magnitude
e.g 12 gigabyte disk (12 billion bytes).
Diskettes
 A.k.a – floppy- typically 1.4 MB.
 Referred to as ‘backing or secondary’
storage.
Peripherals
 Keyboard – set of typewriter like keys that
enables you to enter information & instructions –
Alphanumeric (letters & numbers, Punctuation
( Comma, full stop, semicolon etc), Special Keys
(Function keys, control keys, arrow, caps lock etc).
 Screen – Monitor/VDU.
 Mouse – pointer
 Other pointing devices – trackball, joystick,
touchpads, light pens, touch screens, graphics
tablets (Personal digital assistants –PDA’s)
Optional Peripherals
 Printers – Laser – similar to photocopy – act
under instruction from computer.
 Inkjet – have a ‘write head’ that holds ink
catridge.
 Impact printer – work like typewriter – dot
matrix, daisy wheel and line printers.
 Plotters – used in specialist applications –
architectural or engineering drawings- fairly
expensive
 Modem – connects computer to telephone
network – enable internet connection
 Multimedia – applications in which text,
video and sound are mixed to deliver
instruction, information or entertainment.
Summary – input/output devices
 Input devices
 Keyboard, trackboard, trackpad, joystick,
trackpoint, digitizer tablet & pen, OCR &
Bar code scanners, magnetic stripes and
smart cards, microphones, digital cameras,
Scanners
 Output devices
 Monitors, Printers – page laser, ink-jet, dot
matrix, all in one printers, speakers
Software
 Set of instructions that determines how
computer behaves
 Two kinds of software – System and
applications software.
System Software
 Main concern is operating system – this is the driving
force of PC.
 Other programs depend on OS to communicate with
& control hardware. OS also controls sequencing of
events- to ensure security & integrity.
 When load new hardware may need driver to enable
OS to control hardware.
 Older PC’s – Disk operating system – using
commands like DIR, COPY.
 Recent computers –OS represented by GUI –
software resources, data files represented by icons.
Application Software
 Software that is designed to deal with our
day-to-day productive work operations.
 The programs that do the work – e.g

MsWord, Excel, Microsoft Explorer,
Netscape Navigator(internet browsers).

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COMPUTER

 (a) Store data as well as instructions

 The programs that do the work – e.g

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