COMPUTING SKILLS (FPCS001)

Semester 1, AY 2021-2022
 
Module 1 – Computer Fundamentals

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Learning Outcomes:
 
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Describe the main functional blocks of a computer system and how they work in sequence to process
information.
2. Describe the functions of different hardware components such as CPU, storage systems, types of
memories like RAM, ROM etc. and common input and output devices.
3. Compare and contrast different types of computing and end-user devices.
4. Explain the essential terms related to computing such as Hertz and byte.
5. Describe the different types of software: operating systems, application software and programming
software.
6. Install and uninstall software applications.
7. Explain the concept of software copyright.
8. Explain the terms shareware, freeware, end-user license agreement.
9. Describe computer ergonomics (seating, lighting, positioning, ventilation etc.).
10. Explain the common health problems associated with computer usage and ways to avoid them.
11. Be aware of new trends and developments in computing

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BASICS OF A COMPUTER

What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data, stores and processes it according to
instructions (programs) in order to produce the results (information).
The word “computer” comes from the word ‘compute’, which means to calculate.

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Data: is a raw material and unorganized facts that
need to be processed.

Information: When data is processed, organized,

structured or presented in a given context so as to
make them useful, it is called information.

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Basic Parts
of a
Computer:

1. S Y S T E M U N I T : A C A S E C O N TA I N I N G T H E E S S E N T I A L C O M P O N E N T S O F T H E
COMPUTER. IT INCLUDES THE MOTHERBOARD, CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
( C P U ) , R A N D O M A C C E S S M E M O RY ( R A M ) , A N D O T H E R S .
2. M O N I TO R : W O R K S A S A N O U T P U T D E V I C E THAT D I S P L AY S G R A P H I C A L O R T E X T
O U T P U T.
3. K E Y B O A R D : U S E D TO I N P U T T E X T, C H A R A C T E R S A N D O T H E R C O M M A N D S I N TO A
COMPUTER.
4. M O U S E : I S A N I N P U T D E V I C E U S E D TO P O I N T TO O B J E C T S O N T H E S C R E E N , C L I C K O N
THEM, AND MOVE THEM.

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 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTERS
Desktop Computer - a personal
computer designed to fit on a desk. It
is typically made up of a system unit, a
keyboard, a mouse and a monitor.

Laptop Computer - a portable computer

with an integrated screen and keyboard.
It is battery powered and more portable
than a desktop computer.

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Tablet Computer - is a handheld
computer that is more portable than a
laptop. Instead of a keyboard and
mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive
screen for typing and navigation.

Smartphone - is a more powerful

version of a traditional cell phone with a
touch-sensitive screen.

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A server is a software or hardware device that accepts and
responds to requests made over a network.
The device that makes the request, and receives a response
from the server, is called a client.

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Mainframe Computer, a very large
and expensive computer capable of
supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously.

Supercomputer, the fastest and most

powerful type of computer which are
employed for specialized applications
that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations, such
weather forecasting, nuclear energy
research, and petroleum exploration

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HARDWARE
The term hardware refers to the physical component
of the computer. Computer hardware incudes input
devices, output devices, central processing unit
(CPU), motherboard, power supply, random access
memory (RAM), and other components.
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HARDWARE components Slot for CPU
Slot for RAM

Motherboard is the main

circuit board of your computer. It is
where most of the parts and
peripherals are connected. Expansion Slots

Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the

central component of the computer system;
it is called as microprocessor or processor.
It is the brain of the computer.
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Processor Speed
Processor speed is measured in Hertz.

Parts of the processor:

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): A part of CPU used to perform arithmetic
operations (MDAS) and logic operations such as comparison (<, >, =).
Control Unit (CU): It directs operations within a computer's processor.
Register: It is temporary storage areas of the computer processor.

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Memory is called the primary memory.

Types of Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory). It is the main memory
where the operating system is loaded and also where your
applications are copied to, when you load an application.
The storage of data (or information) and instructions on RAM
is temporary. So we can say that RAM is volatile memory.
When the power is switched off the RAM becomes empty.

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 Types of Memory

ROM (Read-Only Memory): is a special chip held

on your computer’s system (motherboard) which can
be read only (not changed).
The content in the ROM is permanent, so ROM is a
non-volatile memory.

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 Input Devices

 
Input devices: any peripheral (piece of computer hardware
equipment) used to provide data and send instructions to the computer.

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 Examples of Input Devices

Keyboard: a device to input text and characters

by pressing buttons (referred to as keys),
similar to a typewriter.

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Examples of Input Devices
Pointing Devices
Optical Mouse: uses lasers, or more commonly LEDs, to track
the surface under the mouse to determine motion of the
mouse.

Trackball: a pointing device consisting of an exposed

extended ball housed in a socket that detects rotation
about two axes.

Touchscreen : It is a computer screen that can be used by touching

it with a finger or a stylus pen, instead of using a mouse and
keyboard.

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Examples of Input Devices

Game controller – an input device used

with video games or entertainment system to
provide input to a video game.

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Examples of Input Devices
Image Scanner - a device that provides input
by analyzing images, printed text, handwriting,
or an object. Scanners capture images from the
paper document and convert them into a
digital format.
Webcam: a low-resolution video
camera used to provide visual input
that can be easily transferred over
the internet

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Examples of Input Devices
Digital Camera is used to capture
pictures or video which is then stored
into its memory card.

Fingerprint scanner - is a type of technology

that identifies and authenticates the fingerprints
of an individual in order to grant or deny access
to a computer system or a physical facility.

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Examples of Input Devices

Microphone: A sound sensor that provides

input by converting sound into electrical
signals.

Bar code reader - a hardware input device

capable of reading a barcode using a laser. An
example of a barcode reader is a supermarket
barcode scanner.

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Examples of Input Devices

Magnetic Ink Character

Recognition (MICR) - a character-
distinguishing technology that makes
use of special magnetized ink. It is
largely used in banks and other
organizations where security is a high
priority

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Examples of Input Devices

Optical Character Reader (OCR) -

is used for taking an image of
letters or typed text and converting it into
data the computer understands.

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Examples of Input Devices
QR (Quick Response) Code - is a two-
dimensional barcode with a larger storage
capacity than the standard UPC (i.e.
barcode). A QR code reader app can be
installed on a smartphone, allowing the
user to scan a QR code and view the data
stored in it. QR codes often contain
information about a product or a direct
forward to a website.

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 Output Devices

Output Device: is any piece of computer

hardware used to communicate the results of
data processing to the user.

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Examples of Output Devices

Monitor or Visual Display Unit (VDU): it is used for

outputting information in an understandable format for
humans.

Printers: an output device that used to print

information on paper (referred as hard-copy) There
are many different types of printers such as Dot-
Matrix printer, Ink-Jet printer and Laser printer.

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Examples of Output Devices
Plotters: it is an output device similar to a printer,
but normally allows you to print larger images.

3D Printer: is a device that creates a physical object from

a digital model by layering materials. 3D printers use
materials, such as metal alloys, polymers, plastics, or even
food ingredients.

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Examples of Output Devices

Speakers: an output hardware device

that connects to a computer to generate
sound.

Projector or image projector: It is an

optical device projects an image (or videos) onto a
surface, commonly a projection screen.

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Storage devices
Storage devices are called secondary memory. They are
non-volatile and persistent in nature and is not directly
accessed by a computer/processor. It allows a user to
store data/information for a long- term period of time.

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Examples of Storage Devices
Hard Disk Drive - Hard disks are the
main, large data storage area within your
computer which are used to store your
operating system, your application
programs and your data.

Solid State Drive: SSDs use

nonvolatile flash memory chips to
store data.
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Examples of Storage Devices
Compact Disc (CD) - the most common type of
removable media, suitable for music and data.

Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - a popular

type of removable media that is the same
dimensions as a CD but stores more
information. It is the most common way of
transferring digital video.
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Examples of Storage Devices

Blu-ray Disc (BD) Drive: is a digital

optical disc data storage media is capable
of storing hours of video in High-Definition
and Ultra High-Definition resolution.

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Examples of Storage Devices
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Flash Drive – is a
flash memory data storage device integrated with
a USB connector, typically small, lightweight,
removable, and rewritable.
External Hard Disk - External hard disk
drives typically connect via USB; which
has slower data transfer rates when
compared to internally mount hard disk.

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Units used to Measure Memory Capacity

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Units used to Measure Memory Capacity

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 SOFTWARE
Software is a set of instructions (programs) that makes the
computer work.

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 Types of a Software
Systems Software
The system software is a special type of programs that load
automatically when you start your computer. They control or
maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.

Application Software – these are softwares

designed to make users more productive and assist them
with his personal tasks The following are some examples
of application programs:

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Examples of System Software
Operating System: is a system software that allows a
user to run other applications on a computing device. Also, it
communicates with hardware devices and manage the files
storages.

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Examples of System Software
Utilities software: a type of system software that adds functionality to
your computer or help your computer perform better. They include antivirus,
backup, disk repair, file management, files compression, and many more.

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Examples of System Software
Device driver: is type of system software that is designed to enable
interaction between the hardware device and the operating system or programs
that use it. Without the device driver, the hardware device fails to work. Many
hardware devices need drives such as: printers, graphic cards, sound cards,
network cards and modems.

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 Examples of Application
Software

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Installing and Uninstalling
Software
Installing from:
A disc or USB Flash
From the web
Uninstalling from:
Control Panel
Settings

Please refer to the course materials, pages 25-27.

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SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT
Computer Software is usually protected under a single site or multi-site
license based on number of users, type of users, number of computers, and
size of institutions.

Software copyright is commonly used by proprietary software

companies to prevent the unauthorized copying of their software. Open
source licenses also rely on copyright law to enforce their terms.

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 END-USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA)
End User License Agreement (EULA) is a legal contract between the
manufacturer and/or the author and the end user of an application. EULA
details how the software can and cannot be used and any restrictions that the
manufacturer imposes. The user has the choice of accepting or rejecting the
agreement, often without reading it first. The installation of the software is
conditional to the user clicking a button labeled "Accept".
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Shareware
Refers to proprietary software that is provided to users without payment on
a trial basis. Once the trial period has passed, the program may stop running
until a license is purchased Example: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop
etc.

Freeware
Software that is fully functional for an unlimited time with no cost.
The author usually restricts one or more rights to copy, distribute,
and make derivative works of the software. Example: Mozilla
Firefox, Google Chrome etc.

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Proprietary software
 Any software that is copyrighted and bears limits against use, distribution and
modification that are imposed by its publisher, vendor or developer.

Open-Source Software
 Software made by many people and distributed which grants all the rights to use, modify, and share the software
in modified and unmodified form.
 
In Oman, a national intuitive for Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) was launched in 2010. The
initiative has many objectives such as: introducing FOSS as a good choice along with proprietary
software, developing IT solutions based on FOSS, and encouraging the public to use FOSS in order to
limit the use of unlicensed software.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPUTER
Students of all ages are using computers more often than ever.
They use computers for schoolwork, online classes, chatting, e-
mail, games, and surfing the internet. However, choosing the right
computer for a student can be a difficult task. Operating system,
computer size, hard drive size, processor speed, and available
hardware and software all help determine which computer you
will decide to buy.

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 ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and
workplace to fit the worker, necessary to prevent Repetitive
Strain Injuries (RSI), which can develop over time and can lead
to long-term disability.

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 ERGONOMICS
The image below demonstrates the correct posture ergonomics:

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