Essentials of IT

Course : - BBA
First Year

1 2010
 What is a “Computer”
• an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions stored in
its own memory, that can accept data (input), manipulate the data according
to specified rules (process), produce results (output) and store the result for
future use.

• Data – a collection of unorganized facts, which can include words, numbers,

images and sounds.

• Computers manipulate and process data to create information.

• Information – data that is organized, has meaning and is useful. Example;

report, newsletter, receipt, picture, invoice, check.

• Input – data entered into computer.

• Output – the processed results.

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 Continued…

Storage – an area to hold data and information for future use.

Information processing cycle – the cycle of input, process, output and

storage.

User – a person that communicates with a computer or uses the information it

generates.

Hardware – the electric, electronic and mechanical equipment that makes up a

computer.

Software – the series of instruction that tells the hardware how to perform
tasks.

Hardware needs the instructions provided by software to process data into

information.

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 Characteristics of Computers

Speed – the speed with which computers perform is way beyond human
capabilities.

Accuracy – Consistently high , errors occur, but these are almost always due
to human error rather then technological weakness

Diligence – Unlike human beings computer does not suffer from limitations
associated with human beings like tiredness or lack of concentration

Versatility – Computers are capable of performing any task, provided the task
can be reduced to a series of logical steps

Intelligence – It performs only those tasks that can be broken down into series
of steps

Storage – Computers can store & recall any amount of information through
different storage capability & thus information can therefore be retained as long
as desired and recalled as and when required

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 Components of Computers

A computer consist of a variety of hardware components that work together

with software – perform calculation, organize data, communication with
other computers.

Hardware components include:-

Input device
Output device
System unit
Storage device
Communication device

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 Input Device
Allows a user to enter data and commands into the memory of a computer.

Three commonly used input devices are the keyboard, the mouse and a
microphone.

Computer keyboard – contains keys that allow user to type letters of the
alphabet, numbers, spaces, punctuation marks and other symbols.

Mouse – a small handheld device that contains at least one button.

Microphone – allow user to speak to the computer in order to enter data

and control the actions of the computer.

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 Output Device
Used to convey information generated by a computer to the user.

Three commonly used output devices are printer, monitor, and speaker.

Printer – produces text and graphics such as photographs, on paper or

other hardcopy medium.

Monitor – used to display text and graphics.

Speaker – used to hear music, voice and other sound generated by the
computer.

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 System Unit
Is a box-like case made from metal or plastic that houses the computer
circuitry.

Contains:-
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - interprets and carries out the
instructions that operate a computer, including computations.

Memory - a series of electronic elements that temporarily holds data and

instructions while the CPU is processing them.

CPU and memory are chips; electronic device that contains many
microscopic pathways designed to carry electrical current.

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 Storage Device

A mechanisms used to record and retrieve data, information, and instructions to

and from a storage medium.

As a source of input – transfer item from storage into memory.

Common storage devices are floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, CD-ROM drive,
and DVD-ROM drive.

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 Communication Device

Enable a computer to exchange items such as data, instructions, and

information with another computer.

It transmit these items over transmission media such as cables or telephone

line, used to established a connection between two computers.

Modem; enable computer to communicate via telephone line.

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 Software

Also called a computer program/program; a series of instructions that tells the

hardware of a computer what to do.

Software can be categorized into two types:

1. System Software - controls the operation of the computer and its
devices and serves as the interface between a user and the
computer’s hardware. Two types of system software;
 Operating system - contains instructions that coordinate the
activities of hardware devices.

 Utility programs - perform specific tasks usually related to

managing a computer, its device or its programs.

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 Software Contd..

2. Application Software - performs specific tasks for users, such as

creating documents, spreadsheets, databases, or presentation
graphics.
 Word processing software – create documents (eg. Letter, memo)
 Spreadsheet – calculate number arranged in rows and columns.
Often used for budgeting, forecasting, and other financial task.
 Database – store data in organized fashion, retrieve, manipulate
and display data in meaningful form.
 Presentation graphic – create documents called slides for
presentation.
 Other software application – reference, education and
entertainment; desktop publishing; photo and video editing;
multimedia authoring; network, communication, electronic mail and
web browser; accounting.

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 Software Contd..

Application software is available as packaged software, custom software,

shareware, freeware and public-domain software.
Packaged Software:-

Is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single
user or company.
 Also called commercial off-the-shelf software.

Custom Software:-
Sometimes a user or organization cannot find packaged software that
meets all of its needs.
In this case, they can use custom software – a program or programs
developed at a user’s request to perform specific function.

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End of Presentation

14 2010