Computer basics

Understanding its principle

computer
• Is an electronic device/machine that manipulates data and information.

Functions of the computer:

• Input - ability to accept data
• Process - processes and executes the set of instruction
• Output - produces result from a computer operation
• Store - saves data and information for later use and
references
working principle

input
process output

store /save
Elements of the computer system
Software - programs or visualized aids that contribute to
the operation of the computer system
Hardware - the physical parts of the computer
People / user - the person who uses the computer
Procedure - are set of instruction/steps in executing a
command
Data/Information - types of data that are being used in the computer
Communication - is the electronic transfer of data
Major elements of the computer
 Hardware  Software
Components of hardware
1. Input devices
2. Output devices
3. System unit
4. Storage devices
5. Communication devices
Components of hardware
1. Input Devices – any hardware component that allows user to enter data
and instructions into the computer.

Devices include:
- keyboard
- mouse
- microphone
- scanner
- game controllers
- webcam
Components of hardware
2. Output Devices –displays or produces results from a computer operation.

Devices include:
- monitor
- speaker
- headphone
- printer
- projector
- plotter
Components of hardware
3. System Unit – houses all the important components of the computer.
- processing devices

Devices include:
- motherboard
- RAM
- processor
- buses
- power supply
Components of hardware
4. Storage Devices - hardware that keeps data inside the computer for later
use and remains persistent even when the computer has no power.

Devices include:
- hard disk drive
- optical disc
- flash drive
- external HDD
- floppy disk
Components of hardware
5. Communication Devices – hardware component that enables a
computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions and
information to and from one or more computers.

Devices include:
- LAN card
- modem
- router
- WAP
- switch
- hub
Classifications of software
1. System software - controls the work of the computer hardware
2. Application Software - programs that allows user to accomplish one or
more specific task
Programs under system software
1. Operating system – is a program that conducts the communication
between the various pieces of hardware like the video card, sound
card, printer, the motherboard and the applications.

Functions of the O.S. :

• Allocates Resources
• Monitors Activities
• Manages Disk and Files
Programs under system software
2. Utility Programs – perform tasks related to the maintenance of your
computer’s health
Utility programs include:
 
• File Management Programs – software that helps the user to manage
files easily.
• Disk Management Tools – involve formatting and defragmenting of disks.
• Memory Management Software – software that manages memory-
resident items. This can effectively increase the memory available by getting
all the unused pieces together in one spot, making a useable amount.
• Backup Program – programs that allow the users create a backup in any
data at all that you want to keep around for a while.
Utility programs continued
• Data Recovery Program – software that attempts to recover deleted or
damaged (corrupted) files.
• Data Compression Programs – squeeze out the slack space generated by the
formatting schemes.
• Anti-virus – programs that monitor the computer for the activity of viruses,
which are nasty little programs that copy themselves to other disks to spread
other computers. Viruses can be merely annoying or they can be vastly
destructive to your files.
Utility programs
Common types of Application software
1. Word Processing Software
2. Graphic Software
3. Desktop Publishers
4. Spreadsheets
5. Database Management Software
6. Communication Software
7. Browsers
8. E-mails
Word processing software
▫ Software that enables the user to type and edit text on a computer.
▫ its purpose is to create and produce documents

• Examples of Word Processing Software:

 Word Star
 Word Perfect
 MultiMate
 Microsoft Word
 Professional Write
Graphic software
▫ Program that deals with pictures, either static or moving, flat or 3D.
▫ its purpose is to create and edit images

Examples:
 Photoshop
 Photo deluxe
 Corel Draw
 Adobe
 AutoCAD (Automatic Computer Aided Design / Drawing)
Desktop Publishing software
- programs that combined text and graphics and create a new publication.

Examples:
▫ Aldus PageMaker
▫ Print Master
▫ Instant Artist
▫ News Master
▫ Certificate Maker
Spreadsheet
▫ is essentially an electronic ledger that performs all the calculations such as
household budgets, financial statements, grade sheets and sales records.
▫ its purpose is to organize numbers

Examples:
◦ Lotus 1-2-3
◦ Symphony
◦ Quattro Pro
◦ Microsoft Excel
Database management software
▫ a database is a collection of data that you want to manage, rearrange and
add to later.
▫ Its purpose is to manage data

Examples :
◦ Dbase I, II, III
◦ Fox Base, Fox Pro
◦ Clipper
◦ Power Builder
◦ Microsoft Access
Communication software
▫ these are programs that temporarily connect computers to each other to
exchange information.
▫ Its purpose is to transmit data and messages between computers

Examples :
▫ FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
▫ Messenger
▫ Instant Messaging
▫ Skype
▫ Yahoo Messenger
Browser
- A program that lets you navigate the World Wide Web (WWW).

Examples:
▫ Internet Explorer
▫ Netscape Navigator
▫ Mozilla Firefox
▫ Safari
▫ Chrome
E-mail
- electronic mail
• - its purpose is to transmit messages between computer users
• 
▫ Examples:
▫ Yahoo Mail
▫ Google Mail