Computer Fundamentals

EC-110

Lecture # 03
Lecturer: Tauqeer Anjum
LC: Abdullah Azhar
 Chapter 1B

Looking Inside the Computer System

Overview
⚫ Parts of Computer System
> Hardware > Software
> Data > User
⚫ Information Processing Cycle
⚫ Essential Computer Hardware
⚫ Processing Devices
⚫ Memory Devices
⚫ RAM
⚫ ROM
⚫ Input and Output Devices
⚫ Storage Devices
⚫ Magnetic Storage
⚫ Optical Storage
Parts of the Computer System
⚫ Computer systems have four parts
⚫ Hardware
⚫ Software
⚫ Data
⚫ User
⚫ Hardware
⚫ Mechanical devices in the computer
⚫ Anything that can be touched
⚫ Interconnected electronic devices used to control computer’s operations,
input, output
⚫ Referred to as device

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Parts of the Computer System

⚫ Software
⚫ Set of instructions which make the computer work
⚫ Tell the computer what to do
⚫ Also called a program
⚫ Thousands of programs exist
⚫ Some to help computer perform its tasks and manage
its resources, others to help users perform their tasks
such as creating documents

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Parts of the Computer System
⚫ Data
⚫ Pieces of information that by themselves do not make
much sense
⚫ Computer processes them in various ways, converting
them to useful information
⚫ Computer organize and present data
⚫ Users
⚫ People operating the computer
⚫ Most important part
⚫ Tell the computer what to do
⚫ No system is completely autonomous 1B-7
 Information Processing Cycle
Steps followed to process data
⚫ A computer converts data into information by performing
various operations on data according to some instructions from
a program, displays results to user and stores them
⚫ This is called Information Processing Cycle
⚫ Following are the step, and each involves one or more specific
components of computer
⚫ Input
⚫ Processing
⚫ Output
optional
⚫ Storage 1B-9
Essential Computer Hardware
⚫ All Computers use the same basic hardware
⚫ Hardware categorized into four types
⚫ Processor
⚫ Memory
⚫ Input and Output
⚫ Storage

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1. Processor
⚫ Process that converts raw data into useful information is called
‘Processing’
⚫ To perform this computer needs two components:
⚫ Processor
⚫ Memory
⚫ Processor is Brain of the computer
⚫ PC generally has one or more specialized chips called
‘Microprocessor’
⚫ These are slivers of silicon etched with many electronic
circuits
⚫ Carries out instructions from the program
⚫ To process instructions computer passes electricity through
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these circuits
⚫ Processor is called CPU “Central Processing Unit”
⚫ Microprocessor is plugged into computer’s motherboard
⚫ “Motherboard” is rigid rectangular card containing circuitry
connecting processor to other hardware
⚫ It can be thought of as a master circuit board
Essential Computer Hardware

2. Memory devices
⚫Stores data or programs permanently or
temporarily
⚫Two most important types are:
⚫ Random Access Memory (RAM)
⚫ Read Only Memory (ROM)

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Random Access Memory (RAM)
⚫ Volatile
⚫ Like an electronic scratch pad
⚫ As the program is launched it is loaded into and run from memory
⚫ Similarly when data is entered it is entered into memory
⚫ Therefore it is called read/ write memory
⚫ Made up of chips mounted on a circuit board
⚫ Stores current data and programs
⚫ More RAM results in a faster system
⚫ Measured in Bytes
Read Only Memory (ROM)
⚫ Permanent storage of programs even if computer is shut down
⚫ Called ‘Non-Volatile’ memory
⚫ Holds the computer boot directions
⚫ Whenever computer starts it checks ROM for directions that help it start up
and for info about hardware devices
Essential Computer Hardware
3. Input and output devices
⚫ Allows the user to interact
⚫ Input devices accept data
⚫ Keyboard, mouse
⚫ Output devices deliver data
⚫ Monitor, printer, speaker
⚫ Some devices are input and output
⚫ Touch screens
⚫ Communication devices

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Essential Computer Hardware
4. Storage devices
⚫ Hold data and programs permanently
⚫ Different from RAM
⚫ Magnetic storage
⚫ Floppy and hard drive
⚫ Uses a magnet to access data
⚫ Optical storage
⚫ CD and DVD drives
⚫ Uses a laser to access data

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Software Runs The Machine
⚫ Tells the computer what to do
⚫ A set of instructions that drive a computer to perform tasks
is called a ‘Program’
⚫ When a computer uses a particular program it is said to be
‘running’ or ‘executing’ that program
⚫ Two types
⚫ System software
⚫ Application software

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Software Runs The Machine
1. System software
⚫ Any program that controls computer’s hardware or used to
maintain it and run in an efficient way
⚫ Most important software
⚫ Three basic types
⚫ Operating system
⚫ Network operating system (OS)
⚫ Utility

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⚫ Operating system
⚫ Tells computer how to use its own components
⚫ Windows XP, Macintosh, Linux
⚫ Essential for any computer as it acts as an interpreter
between hardware, application programs and the user
⚫ NetworkU operating system (OS)
⚫ Allows computers to communicate and share data across
a network
⚫ Windows Server 2003
⚫ Utility
⚫ It is a program that makes computer system easier to use
or perform highly specialized functions
⚫ Symantec Antivirus
Software Runs The Machine
2. Application Software
⚫ Accomplishes a specific task
⚫ Most common type of software
⚫ MS Word, power point, games
⚫ Covers most common uses of computers

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Computer data
⚫ Fact with no meaning on its own
⚫ Stored using the binary number system
⚫ Computerized data is ‘digital’
⚫ Data can be organized into ‘files’
⚫ File is simply a set of data with a name
⚫ File that user can open and use is often called a ‘document’
⚫ Programs can also be organized as files

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Computer users
⚫ Personal computers are specifically designed to work with
human users
⚫ Some people think of computers as intelligent devices but in
sense no computer is completely autonomous
⚫ Computer can take on various Roles
⚫ Setup the system
⚫ Install software
⚫ Running programs
⚫ Mange files
⚫ Maintain the system
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⚫ “User-less” computers
⚫ Require no human interaction once they have been setup,
programmed, installed and started up
⚫ Examples might be many home appliances, security
systems, communication systems
⚫ Run with no user input
⚫ Automated systems
⚫ Typically controlled by operating systems
Any Questions ?
 Chapter 2
Interacting with Your Computer
 Chapter 2A

Using the Keyboard And Mouse

 Overview Of Input Devices
⚫ Used to input data to computer
⚫ If computer is brain, input devices are sensory organs
⚫ Keyboard and Mouse
⚫ Devices for Hand
> Pens > Touch screens
> Game controllers
⚫ Optical Input Devices
> Bar Code Readers > Image Scanners and OCRs
⚫ Audio Visual Input Devices
⚫ Microphones
⚫ Other Audio Inputs (Musical Instruments)
⚫ Video Inputs
⚫ Digital Cameras
The Keyboard
⚫ The most common input device
⚫ Must be proficient with keyboard
⚫ Skill is called keyboarding
⚫ Has 100+ keys.
⚫ Each key sends different signal to CPU

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Standard Keyboard Layout
⚫ Character or Alphanumeric Keys
⚫ Modifier Keys
⚫ Numeric Keypad
⚫ Function Keys
⚫ Navigation or Cursor Movement Keys
⚫ Special Purpose Keys
Standard Keyboard Layout
The Keyboard
⚫ How keyboard works
⚫ Keyboard controller detects a key press
⚫ Places a code into part of its memory called keyboard buffer
⚫ Controller sends code to the CPU through system software
⚫ Code represents the key pressed
⚫ Controller notifies the operating system
⚫ Operating system responds
⚫ Controller repeats the letter if held too long
⚫ Setting for it is called ‘repeat rate’

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How PC accept Input from Keyboard ?
The Mouse
⚫ All modern computers have a variant
⚫ Allows users to select objects
⚫ Pointer moved by the mouse
⚫ Pointer is an on screen object
⚫ Mechanical mouse
⚫ Has a rubber ball connected to rollers and sensors
⚫ Sensors send signals to computer
⚫ Rubber ball determines distance, direction and speed
⚫ The ball often requires cleaning

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How PC accept Input from Mouse ?
The Mouse
⚫ Optical mouse
⚫ Light shown onto mouse pad
⚫ Reflection determines speed and direction
⚫ Requires little maintenance

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The Mouse
⚫ Interacting with a mouse
⚫ Actions involve pointing to an object
⚫ Clicking selects the object
⚫ Clicking and holding drags the object
⚫ Releasing an object is a drop
⚫ Right clicking activates the shortcut menu
⚫ Modern mice include a scroll wheel

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The Mouse
⚫ Benefits
⚫ Pointer positioning is fast
⚫ Menu interaction is easy
⚫ Users can draw electronically

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Variants of the Mouse
⚫ Trackballs
⚫ Upside down mouse
⚫ Hand rests on the ball
⚫ User moves the ball
⚫ Uses little desk space

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Variants of the Mouse

⚫ Track pads
⚫ Stationary pointing
device
⚫ Small plastic rectangle
⚫ Finger moves across the
pad
⚫ Pointer moves with the
pointer
⚫ Popular on laptops

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Variants of the Mouse
⚫ Track point
⚫ Little joystick on the keyboard
⚫ Move pointer by moving the joystick

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Ergonomics and Input Devices
⚫ Ergonomics
⚫ Study of human and tool interaction
⚫ Concerned with physical interaction
⚫ Attempts to improve safety and comfort

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Ergonomics and Input Devices
⚫ Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
⚫ Caused by continuous misuse of the body
⚫ Many professions suffer from RSI
⚫ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
⚫ Carpal tunnel is a passage in the wrist
⚫ Holds nerves and tendons
⚫ Prolonged keyboarding swells tendons

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Ergonomics and Input Devices
⚫ Office hardware suggestions
⚫ Office chairs should have
⚫ Adjustable armrests and height
⚫ Armrests
⚫ Lower back support
⚫ Desks should have
⚫ Have a keyboard tray
⚫ Keep hands at keyboard height
⚫ Place the monitor at eye level

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Ergonomics and Input Devices
⚫ Techniques to avoid RSI
⚫ Sit up straight
⚫ Have a padded wrist support
⚫ Keep your arms and wrist straight
⚫ Keyboard properly
⚫ Take frequent breaks

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Class Participation

⚫ COMPUTER stands for??

⚫ Different PORTS in your System??

Computer Ports
⚫ A computer port is a connection point or interface between a computer and
an external or internal device.

⚫ Internal ports may connect such devices as hard drives and CD ROM or
DVD drives

⚫ External ports may connect modems, printers, mice and other devices.

⚫ Serial (Mice , Modems).

⚫ Parallel (Printers).
⚫ SCSI (hard-drive, other drives, up-to 7 devices).
⚫ USB ports.
 Chapter 2B

Inputting Data In Other Ways

Devices for the Hand

⚫ Pen based input

⚫ Tablet PCs, PDA
⚫ Pen used to write data
⚫ Pen used as a pointer
⚫ As a tapping device
⚫ Handwriting recognition
⚫ On screen keyboard
⚫ Used for short notes taking,
inputting signatures,
delivering orders

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Devices for the hand

⚫ Touch Screens
⚫ Sensors determine
where finger points
⚫ Sensors create an X,Y
coordinate
⚫ Usually presents a
menu to users
⚫ Found in cramped or
dirty environments

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Devices for the hand
⚫ Game Controllers
⚫ Enhances gaming experience
⚫ Provide custom input to the game
⚫ Modern controllers offer feedback
⚫ Joystick
⚫ Game pad

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Optical Input Devices
⚫ Allows the computer to see input
⚫ Bar Code Readers
⚫ Converts bar codes to numbers
⚫ Computer find number in a database
⚫ Works by reflecting light
⚫ Amount of reflected light indicates number

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Optical Input Devices
⚫ Image Scanners
⚫ Converts printed media into electronic
⚫ Reflects light off of the image
⚫ Sensors read the intensity
⚫ Filters determine color depths

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Optical input devices
⚫ Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
⚫ Converts scanned text into editable text
⚫ Each letter is scanned
⚫ Letters are compared to known letters
⚫ Best match is entered into document
⚫ Rarely 100% accurate

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Audiovisual Input Devices
⚫ Microphones
⚫ A sound card is a device which translates analogue audio signals to digital (a
process called digitizing) and vice versa
⚫ Used to record speech
⚫ Speech recognition
⚫ “Understands” human speech
⚫ Allows dictation or control of computer
⚫ Matches spoken sound to known phonemes
⚫ Enters best match into document

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Audiovisual Input Devices
⚫ Musical Instrument Digital Interface
⚫ MIDI
⚫ Connects musical instruments to computer
⚫ Digital recording or playback of music
⚫ Musicians can produce professional results

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Audiovisual Input Devices
⚫ Video Input
⚫ Uses PC video Camera
⚫ Digitizes the image by breaking it into pixels
⚫ Its color and other characteristics are stored as digital code
⚫ Usually now Webcam is used
⚫ Using Video capture cards other video devices can also be connected

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Audiovisual Input Devices
⚫ Digital cameras
⚫ Captures images electronically
⚫ No film is needed
⚫ Image is stored as a JPG file
⚫ Memory cards store the images
⚫ Used in a variety of professions

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