Introduction To Computers: Outline
Introduction To Computers: Outline
Introduction To Computers: Outline
Introduction to Computers
Outline
1.1 Introduction
What is a Computer?
Computer
Device capable of performing computations and
making logical decisions
Computers process data under the control of sets
of instructions called computer programs
A fast electronic device that accepts data
process it and produce a meaningful result
Hardware
Various devices comprising a computer
Keyboard, screen, mouse, disks, memory, CD-
ROM, and processing units
Software
Programs that run on a computer
Computer Systems
Computer Systems
What is a system?
Any organized assembly of resources and procedures united
and regulated by interaction or interdependence to accomplish
a set of specific functions.
A collection of personnel, equipment, and methods organized to
accomplish a set of specific functions.
Components
1. Hardware
Hardware
Components
2. Software
1. System Software
2. Application Software
System Software
~~ programs that manage and support the
resources and operations of a computer system as it
performs various information processing tasks
~~ provides the program that allow us to interact
with computer to operate the disk drives, the printer,
and other devices. It sets the rules on how the
computer, its peripherals and programs should work
together.
~~ consists of programs that allow the computer to
manage its own resources and run basic programs
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Components
3 major functional categories:
System Management Programs
- programs that manage the hardware,
software, and data resources of the computer
system during its execution of the various
information processing jobs of users.
example:
Operating systems Database Management
systems Telecommunications Monitors
Operating environments
Components
System Support Programs- programs
that support the operations and
management of a computer system by
providing a variety of support services
Major support programs are:
System Utilities/ Utility Software - a
program designed to perform maintenance
work on the system or on the system
components.
e.g. storage backup programs, disk & file
recovery, resource editor, virus scanner,
etc.
Components
Performance Monitors
Security Monitors
System Development Programs
programs that help users develop
information system programs and
procedures and prepare user programs
for computer processing.
Computer Organization
Six logical units in every computer:
1. Input unit
Obtains information from input devices (keyboard,
mouse)
2. Output unit
Outputs information (to screen, to printer, to control
other devices)
3. Memory unit
Rapid access, low capacity, stores input information
4. Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
Performs arithmetic calculations and logic decisions
5. Central processing unit (CPU)
Supervises and coordinates the other sections of the
computer
6. Secondary storage unit
Cheap, long-term, high-capacity storage
Stores inactive programs
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18
The Processor and Memory: Data
Manipulation
3. High-level languages
Codes similar to everyday English
Use mathematical notations (translated
via compilers)
Example:
Hardware Trends