INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

COMPUTER
An electronic device that helps people perform
different tasks.
a programmable, multiuse machine that process or
accept data into information.
A device that manipulates data according to a set of
instructions.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
Speed
Reliability
Consistency
Storage
Communication

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER

Violation of privacy
Impact on labor force
Health risks
Impact on environment


COMPUTER SYSTEM
refers to all components that contribute in making the
computer a useful tool.
combination of hardware, software & storage

DATA consists of raw facts and figures that are
processed into information.

INFORMATION data that has been summarized for
decision making.

TYPES OF COMPUTER

1 MICROCOMPUTER (Portable Computer or
Personal Computer)
the PC is the most common type of computer used
in the office, and is also now widely used in many
homes

Examples: Desktop computers, video game consoles,
laptop computers, tablet PCs,

2. MINICOMPUTER
lower to mainframe computer in terms of speed and
storage capacity
less expensive and some features of mainframes
will not be available in mini computer
3. MAIN FRAME
large and expensive computer capable of supporting
hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously
often used by large corporate and government data
processing departments


3 COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER

1. HARDWARE
refer to all machinery and equipment in
a computer system.
devices in the computer that can be seen and touch.
objects that you can actually touch, like disks, disk
drives, display screens, keyboards, printers, boards,
and chips

A. Input Device is a peripheral device through
which data entered is transformed into machine

Ex. Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Fax Machine,
Pointing Device, USB & etc.

B. Memory
An area of a computer which stores data
Enables a computer to store, at least
temporarily, data and programs.
Main memory (RAM), electronic, fast, volatile,
expensive, holds data currently in use.

Types of Memory

1. RAM Random Access Memory (temporary)

is the temporary memory where the computer read
data for the current processing task.
It holds the data that is being manipulated by the
CPU until it is moved to a permanent memory store
such as a disk.
Example: when you create a document (such as a
letter), the document is stored in your computers
RAM until you save it to disk.


2. ROM Read Only Memory (Permanent)

the computer can read its contents but cannot write
to the contents of memory.
holds permanent information such as the software
that enables the components in your computer to
communicate with each other. It cannot usually be
deleted or overwritten.

C. CPU Central Processing Unit
CPU is an acronym that stands for central
processing unit.
responsible for performing all of the mathematical
calculations that are required for a computer to
function properly.
CPU as the "brains" of a computer.



Component of CPU:

a. CU Control Unit. It controls the flow of the
information
b. ALU Arithmetic Logic Unit. It performs all
mathematical and logical functions.

Standard Parts of System Unit
Power supply
Ports
Video card
Drive bays
Processor
Memory
Sound card

D. OUTPUT DEVICE is a device that receives and/or
displays output from a computer
Ex. Monitor, Printer


2. PEOPLEWARE

refer to anything that has to do with the role of
people in the development or use of computer
software and hardware systems

Kinds of Peopleware:

A. System Analysts
responsible for researching, planning, coordinating
and recommending software and system choices to
meet an organization's business requirements
the one identifies problem and find solution to the
problem and designing the solution.

A systems analyst performs the following tasks:
Interact with the customers to know their
requirements
Interact with designers to convey the possible
interface of the software
Interact/guide the coders/developers to keep track of
system development
Perform system testing with sample/live data with
the help of testers
Implement the new system
Prepare High quality Documentation

B. Programmer
Computer programmers can write, test, debug, and
maintain the detailed instructions, called computer
programs, that computers must follow to perform their
functions.
Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical
structures for solving problems by computer.

C. User / Operator user of the program.



3. SOFTWARE
collection of data
program install in the computer that tells the
hardware what to do
Programs and data that a computer uses


Kinds of Software Program
1. System Program it helps the computer perform
essential operating tasks.

ex. MS Windows, Visual Basic & etc.

2. Application Program a software that has been
developed to solved a particular problem, perform
useful work and provide entertainment.

ex. Word, excel, powerpoint, & etc.