UNIT 01 – INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING

LESSON # 1
TITLE: THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

Terminologies
Computer – a powerful machine capable of performing a variety of tasks and processes.
Computer system – is made up of components that work together in order to transform data into
information.
People – one of the component of the computer system.
End users – people who uses computer to help them do their job.
Computer Industry – a term used to describe business organizations involved in developing software,
designing hardware, manufacturing computer components, and providing information technology
service.
Computer Software – is a set of instruction that tells the computer what actions to perform.
System Software – a set of computer programs that is used to control different parts of the computer.
Operating System – a software that is used to manage and coordinate the activities of all computer devices.
Utility Software – a system software that is designed to help the user set up the computer, examine the
computer, keep the computer from harmful programs.
Application Software – A type of software that is designed to help a user perform a particular task.

Discussion

Computer Hardware – It is the physical component of the computer system.

There are three main hardware components: The CPU, Memory, and Peripherals.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is found inside the system unit.
Two CPU components: Control Unit and Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU). The control unit directs and
coordinates the operation of the computer while the ALU performs all arithmetic operations, compares
data, and evaluates conditions.

Computer Memory
The memory is the temporary storage of data to be processed and instructions to be executed by the
CPU.
Two types of Memory: Volatile and Non-Volatile

Type Description Example

A type of Memory that needs Random Access Memory

electricity to retain data, (RAM)
Volatile
instructions and information Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
contained in it. Static RAM (SRAM)

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

A type of memory that does not
Flash Memory
Non-Volatile need electricity to keep its
Complementary Metal-Oxide
contents.
Semiconductor (CMOS)
Peripheral Devices
Peripheral Devices are the machines that are connected to the computer.
Four Types of Peripheral Devices: Input, Output, Communication, Storage Devices.

Peripheral Device Description Types of Devices

Keyboard
Pointing Device
Scanner
Peripheral Device that is used Optical Reader
Input to enter data and instruction Magnetic Ink Character
into the memory. Recognition (MICR)
Digital Camera
Audio Input Devices
Video Input Devices

Peripheral Device that is used

Display
to display or print the
Output Printer
information produced by the
Audio Output Devices
computer.

A special type of peripheral

device that is categorized as
Communication both input/output devices. It is Modem
used to connect one computer
to another computer.

Peripheral Devices that is used

Magnetic Storage
to permanently store data
Storage Devices Optical Storage
instructions and information for
Solid State Storage
future use.