INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTER SYSTEMS
LESSON 1
WHAT IS A COMPUTER?

•A computer is a device that can

accept input, process this input to
produce meaningful output.
•The process is usually done
according to a predetermined set
of instructions.
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

•Hardware
•Software
HARDWARE

•The physical computer and its

components are known as
hardware.
SOFTWARE

• Software is a set of instructions written by humans

and given to the computer.
• These instructions (programs) tell the computer which
operations to apply to the data, to ultimately
produce informational output.
TYPES OF SOFTWARE

•Software types typically fall into 2 categories:

• System Software
• Application Software
SYSTEM SOFTWARE

• System software manages the hardware components

EXAMPLES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE INCLUDES:

 Operating System – a software that makes the

computer work
 Security Software that protects the computer
from intrusion
 Device Drivers that communicate with
hardware such as printers
EXAMPLES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE INCLUDES:

 Utility programs that handle specific tasks

such as data backup and disk management
 Network operating system(NOS) which
controls the flow of data, provides data security,
and manages network accounts
 Language translator translates programs
written in a variety of programming languages
into machine language codes.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE

• Application software(apps) is a program that perform

specialized functions or specific jobs.
• Consists of programs that support day-to-day business
functions and provide users with the information they
require
EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE INCLUDES:

 Spreadsheets
 Word processors
 Presentation
 Database management systems
 Order processing systems
 Payroll systems
 Company communications networks