What is a computer?

It is an electronic machine, operating

under the control of instructions stored in its
own memory, that can accept data,
manipulate the data according to specified
rules, produce results, and store the results
for future use.

1
Characteristics of a
Computer

1. It is a machine.
2. It is electronic.
3. It is automatic.
4. It can manipulate data.
5. It has a memory.
6. It has logic functions.

2
Capabilities of a Computer
1. Speed
2. Repetitiveness
3. Accuracy
4. Logical operations
5. Store and recall information
6. Self-checking
7. Self-operating
3
 Limitations of a Computer

1. The computer cannot generate

information on its own.
2. A computer cannot correct wrong
instructions.
3. A computer cannot come out with
an original “decision.”

4
 Main reason for
developing Computers?

Data Processing
or
Information Processing

5
 Classification of Computers

Personal Computers (PCs)

 Categories:
 low-end functional computers
(cheap PCs)
 fully-powered PCs
 workstations

6
 Variations of PCs:

 network computers
 thin client
 notebook computers
 handheld computers
 midrange computers
 mainframes
 supercomputers

7
 Information Processing Cycle

 Input is any data or instructions you

enter into a computer.

 Process performing some predefined

sequence of operations on an input to
produce an output.

8
 Information Processing Cycle (continued)

 Output is data that has been processed

into information.

 Storage is an area in a computer that

can hold data and information for
future use.

9
 Components of a Computer
System
 Hardware

 Software

 Peopleware

 Data – Information

 Procedures
10
 Hardware is the electric, electronic,
and mechanical equipment that
makes up a computer.

11
 Input Devices
 An input device is any hardware
component that allows a user to
enter data and instructions into a
computer. Examples are: keyboard,
mouse, microphone, scanner, digital
camera, and PC camera.

12
 Output Devices
 An output device is any hardware
component that can convey
information to a user. Examples
include a printer, a ,monitor and
speakers.

13
 System Unit

 The system unit, sometimes called a

chassis, is a box-like case made from
metal or plastic that protects the
internal electronic components of the
computer from damage.

 The circuitry in the system unit usually is

part of or is connected to a circuit board
called the motherboard.

14
 Two main components on the
motherboard
 Central Processing Unit (CPU), also
called a processor, is the electronic device
that interprets and carries out the basic
instructions that operate the computer.

 Memory is a temporary holding place

for data and instructions.
NOTE: Both the processor and memory consist of chips – an electronic
device that contains microscopic pathways that carry electrical
current.

15
Typical component of the CPU

1. Control unit – it acts as a supervisor

that controls and supervises the
operation in the CPU.
2. Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) – it
performs the mathematical and logical
operations of the computer system.
3. Memory unit – it is the storage device
of the computer.

16
Two types of computer memory
inside the computer:

1. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a

place where the programs and software
we load gets stored. Functions only
when the computer is ON.
2. ROM (Read Only Memory) – it is
where the CPU fetches or reads
instructions. It a type of unchangeable
memory residing in chips.
17
 Software is the series of instructions
that tells the hardware how to perform
tasks.
Classification of Software:
1. System software – programs which
control and assist in the computer
operation.
2. Application software – programs which
provide a solution to a specific
operation or application.
18
 What is a storage medium?

 It is the physical material on which a

computer keeps data, instructions, and
information.

 A storage device records and retrieves

items to and from a storage medium.

Common devices include floppy disk drive,

a Zip drive, CD-ROM drive, CD-RW drive,
DVD-ROM drive, DVD+RW drive, etc.
19
 Data Storage and Media
Devices

 Storage holds data, instructions, and

information for future use.

 Storage holds data permanently.

20
 Units to measure the
Computer memory

1. Byte – a grouping of 8 binary digits

(bits). The smallest addressable unit of
data.
2. Kilobyte (KB) – a grouping of 1024 or
210 bytes
3. Megabyte (MB) – a million bytes or
1,048,576 bytes

21
6. Gigabyte (GB) – a billion bytes or
1,073,744,824 bytes
7. Terabyte (TB) – a trillion bytes or
1,009,511,627,776 bytes

BPS (bytes per second) – is used to

measure modem speeds.

22
Clock Speed – it is how fast a computer
processes

1. Hertz (Hz) – a single clock cycle per

second.
2. Kilohertz (kHz) – 1000 cycles per
second.
3. Megahertz (MHz) – 1 million cycles
per second.
23
 Peopleware is the most important
component of the computer system.
Refers to the human issues in IT
projects, including productivity,
personalities, teamwork and group
dynamics.

 Data is a collection of raw, unprocessed

facts, figures and symbols. Computers
process data to create information.

24
  Information is data that is organized,
meaningful, and useful.

 Procedures step-by-step instructions

to be followed by a computer to
produce an output. Examples: user’s
manual, system documentation,
policies, disclaimer, etc.

25
 Why is a Computer so
Powerful?

 Speed
 Reliability
 Accuracy
 Storage
 Communications

26
 Where Computers are used:

 Education; Government
 Graphics; Home
 Retailing; Health &
Medicine
 Energy; Robotics
 Law Enforcement; The Sciences

27
 Where Computers are used: (continued)

 Transportation; Connectivity
 Money; Training
 Agriculture; Paperwork
 The Human Connection

28