Component and Classification-Week1-B

Introduction to ICT
• Computer
• Components of Computer
• Classification of Computers
• Some Basic Definitions
What is a Computer
• Computer is an electronic device that is
programmed to accept data, process data into
useful information and store it for later use.
• Computer consists of hardware and software.
• Software is a set of instructions that tell
computer what to do.
• Hardware is the physical part of a computer
e.g. keyboard, mouse etc.
10/19/2016 ICT 2
What is a Computer
10/19/2016 ICT 3
Advantages of Computers
10/19/2016 ICT 4
Components of Computers
• Input devices
• Output devices
• System unit
• Storage devices
• Communication devices
10/19/2016 ICT 5
• Input devices
– The devices that are used to enter data and
instructions into the computer.
– Most commonly used input devices are Keyboard
and Mouse.
10/19/2016 ICT 6
• Output Devices
– Output devices are used to display processed data
to the user.
– Most commonly used output devices are Monitor,
Printer and Speakers.
10/19/2016 ICT 7
• System Unit
– It is a box that contains different electronic
components of a computer system.
– All electronic components in the system unit are
connected to motherboard.
– Motherboard is the communication medium for
the entire computer system.
10/19/2016 ICT 8
• Two important components of system unit are
– CPU- CPU stands for central processing unit. It is
also called processor. It is the brain of computer. It
interprets and executes the instructions in the
computer.
– Memory- The hardware component that stores
data and instructions temporarily is called
memory. It is volatile as it contents are lost when
the computer is turned off.
10/19/2016 ICT 9
• Storage Devices
– These are the hardware components used to store
data, instructions and information permanently.
– Storage devices are non volatile as their contents
remain safe when the computer is turned off.
– Some examples are USB Flash Drive, Hard Disk and
Optical Disks.
10/19/2016 ICT 10
• Communication Devices
– Hardware components used to communicate and
exchange data, instructions and information with
other computers are called communication
devices.
– Modem is an example of communication devices.
– It enables the computer to communicate with
other computers through telephone line and
cable.
10/19/2016 ICT 11
Classification of Computer
• Computers are classified into the following
categories on the basis of their size, speed,
processing power and price.
– Personal Computers/Micro Computers
– Mobile Devices
– Mini Computers
– Mainframe Computer
– Super Computer
• Personal Computer is designed to be used by one
person at a time.
• It consists of a processor, memory and one or
more input and output devices.
• It also often contains a communication device.
• It is available in sizes, shapes and price range and
are widely used by individuals.
• Most commonly used personal computers are PC
(Windows OS) and Apple (MAC OS).
• There are two major types of personal
computers
– Desktop computer is designed in a way that all its
components fit on a desk or a table.
– Portable Computer is a mobile computer that can
be carried from one place to other easily. Its input,
output, storage and processing components are
integrated into a single unit. Common examples
are laptop and tablets.
• Mobile device is a computing device designed to hold
in the hand.
• Mobile devices typically have small screens and usually
have no disk drives.
• They are almost powered by a rechargeable battery
system.
• They have built-in wireless connectivity for internet
access.
• Common examples are smart phones, handheld
computer, portable media players and e-book.
• Mini Computer is typically larger, more
powerful and more expensive than desktop
computer.
• It is also called mid-range server and generally
consists of two or more processors.
• It can serve up to several hundred connected
computers simultaneously.
• Mini computers are often used by small and

medium sized companies or departments.
• Some examples are Prime 9955, HP 3000, AS
400 and VAX 8600.
• Mainframe Computer is a large computer in
terms of price, power and speed.
• It consists of multiple processors and is
specially designed to perform multiple tasks
for several thousand users simultaneously.
• It often runs 24 hours a day and can be
serviced and upgraded while running.
• Mainframe computers are used in large

organizations such as banks, educational
institutes and government departments.
• Some examples are IBM S-390, NEC 610, Dec
10 and IBM System Z10.
• Super Computer is the fastest and the most
powerful computer.
• It is biggest in size and is used to perform
complex tasks.
• It has a very large storage capacity and
consumes too much energy.
• It consists of thousands of processors and can
process trillions of instructions in one second.
• Super computers are mostly used for weather
predictions, weapon design and atomic research.
• Aircraft manufactures use it to simulate aircraft
and check its performance.
• It is also used in media industry for animation
purposes.
• Some examples are Roadrunner, Blue Gene,
Deep Blue and ASCI White.
Some Basic Definitions
• Computer literacy refers to the knowledge
and understanding of computer and its uses.
• Computer literate is a person who
understands computer and its applications.
10/19/2016 ICT 23
Some Basic Definitions
• DATA is a collection of raw facts and figures,
raw means the facts have not been processed
to get their exact meaning.
• INFORMATION is basically the processed data.
It is an organized and processed form of data.
It is more meaningful than data and is used in
making decisions.
10/19/2016 ICT 24

Component and Classification-Week1-B

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Component and Classification-Week1-B

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Component and Classification-Week1-B

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction to ICT

• Mini computers are often used by small and

• Mainframe computers are used in large

You might also like