Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Al-Hilla University college

Department of Artificial Intelligence

Computer Technology
Lecture One: Introduction
Lecturer: Refad Emad AlSaddon
First stage
2023 - 2024
What is a computer?

 A computer can be defined as an electronic machine that accepts input (data), process it
and gives out results (information).

 Computers are electronic devices powered by electricity, which has only two states
(alternatives 0 and 1).

 A computer consists of hardware and software components.

Computer System Components:

 Computer System consists of Hardware equipment and software.

 Hardware is the physical equipment. It includes the case, keyboard, monitor, cables,
storage drives, speakers, and printers.

 Software includes the operating system and programs.

Computer Aspects:

 A computer system can be described by two important aspects; those are, its function and
structure.

 Function: is the operation of each individual component as part of the structure.

 Structure: is the way in which components are interrelated.

Computer Functions:

 Data Processing: This is computer's main purpose; therefore, it is essential that a

computer can process data.

 Data Storage: Data must be stored in some place, whether it would be used in a later time,

for future retrieval, or delivered to the outside world.

Computer Functions cont.

 Data Movement: The computer must be able to move data between itself and the outside

world.

 Control: There must be some sort of control to the above functions that would coordinate

their operation together to deliver their required function properly.

Computer Structure:

 Central processing unit (CPU): Controls the operation of the computer and performs its
data processing functions; often simply referred to as processor.

 Main memory unit : Stores data.

 I/O unit : Moves data between the computer and its external environment.
Computer Structure cont.

 System interconnection: Some mechanism that provides for communication among CPU,

main memory, and I/O. A common example of system interconnection is by means of a

system bus, consisting of a number of conducting wires to which all the other components

attach.
Thank you for attention