C o m p u t e r

What is a computer?
• A computer is a programmable machine, it is an electronic device that can store
and work with large amounts of information.

• There are two principal characteristics of a computer,

These are:
1. It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner, and;
2. It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).
4 computer system operations

• Input
• Process
• Output
• Storage
Classifications of a computer

• Purpose
• Data representation
• Technology
• Computing power
According to purpose
1. General purpose- It is designed to run a variety of applications. It can be a large
system that is capable of supporting remote terminal operations or small
desktop workstations.
2. Specific purpose- It is designed to run a variety of applications. It can be a large
system that is capable of supporting remote terminal operations or small
desktop workstations.
3. Single purpose- It is designed to run a variety of applications. It can be a large
system that is capable of supporting remote terminal operations or small
desktop workstations.
According to Data Representation
1. Analog Computers- It is designed to run a variety of applications. It can be a
large system that is capable of supporting remote terminal operations or small
desktop workstations.
2. Digital Computers- It is designed to run a variety of applications. It can be a
large system that is capable of supporting remote terminal operations or small
desktop workstations.
3. Hybrid Computers- It is designed to run a variety of applications. It can be a
large system that is capable of supporting remote terminal operations or small
desktop workstations.
According to Computing Power
- pertains to the ability of a computer to perform varied tasks efficiently and
effectively. It is measured in terms of processing capacity, particularly its speed of
calculation.
1. Supercomputer
2. Microsupercomputers
3. Workstations
4. Personal Computers
3 types of Personal Computer
1. Desktop
2. Portable (Notebook/Laptop)
3. Hand-held
According to Implementation Technology
1. Mechanical
2. Electromechanical
3. Electrical
Parts of a Computer
There are two basic parts that make up a computer:
1. Hardware
2. Software
Hardware
• It is basically any computer parts that you can touch with your fingers.
Examples: Computer Case, CPU (Central Processing Unit; Pentium chip), Monitor,
Keyboard &amp, Mouse, Disk Drive, Zip Drive, CD-ROM, DVD , Hard Drive, Memory
(RAM), Speakers, Printer
There are 3 types of a hardware device
1. Input Device
2. Output Device
3. Storage Device
Input Device
- It is putting information into the computer
- It basically means getting data into the computer to be
processed.
Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Trackball, Touch Pad, Light Pen, Laser Scanner,
Pointing Stick, Touch Screen, Bar Code Reader, Scanner, Microphone, Joystick
Output Device
-Any information inputted or processed by the computer that
will be displayed on an output device.
- Or getting data out of a computer
Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Headphones, Modem, Fax
Storage Device
Storage Device
- It is the computer’s way to use the memory. This is where
all information in the computer are stored.
- A storage device is a place to keep data that has been
processed so that it can be retrieved at a later time to be
used again.
Examples: Hard Disk, Floppy Disk, CD’s, DVD’s, Magnetic Tape, Flash Memory, Jump
Drive
Software
It is the programs and applications that tell the computer what to do and how to
look.
- Computer programmers write the codes/instructions that make-up a software
applications/programs.
- It also refers to the programs that a computer executes to perform a function. The
kinds of software that run on a computer system define the systems functions and
capabilities.
- It is also intangible and modifiable.
Types of Software
1. Operating System Software
2. Application Software
Operating System Software
- It is the system software that directly controls and manages
the computer hardware and its basic system operations.
- It also directs all the activities and sets all the rules for how
the hardware and software will work together.
Examples: DOS, Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Unix, Linux, MAC
system OS 6,7,8,9,10
Categories of Operating Systems
• User Interface
- A computer’s user interface is the means by which its users
communicate with computer software. It accepts input from
the user in the form of commands and data input.

• Command Line OS
- Command-driven operating systems enable users to
communicate with the computer by inputting commands
based on a standard syntax.
3. Graphics-based
- A graphics-based operating system uses the concept of
WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers)
An Example of graphics-based OS are: Linux, Windows, Mac OS
Operating Systems
1. Unix
It is the oldest operating system that was also the first open source
OS. IT was designed as an interactive time-sharing systems at Bell
Labs in 1969.
2. Linux
It is a 32-bit multitasking operating software that is both command-
driven and graphics-driven. It can run almost any type of application
on almost any type of a computer.
3. Mac OS
The Macintosh Operating System or Mac OS comes with Apple
Computer’s Macintosh line of personal computers and workstations.
It is developed by Apple Corp.
4. Windows
It was designed in the mid-1980s and was Microsoft Corporation's
answer to the MAC OS. It was designed as an operating environment
which ran on top of DOS rather than as an operating system itself.
Application Software
- Programs that work with operating system software to help
the computer to do specific types of work.
Types of Application Software
-1. Business software- It includes word processors, spreadsheets, and database
programs.
2. Communication software- Allows computers to communicate with other
computers.
3. Graphics software- Software that allows users to create and manipulate
graphics.
4. Education and Reference Software- Programs that help teach new material and
ideas, and programs that can be used to find information
5. Entertainment and Leisure Software
6. Integrated Software- Combines several types of software into one program or
package