Computer Essentials - Hardware
LECTURE 1
By
Prof. M.A.M. Victor
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Objectives
At the end of this topic, you must be able to:
Compare the types of computers
Explain the meaning of hardware and its
components processing, input, output and
storage devices.
Describe input and output peripheral devices
Examine data representation and the ASCII code
Define memory and storage
Discuss the management challenges in hardware
systems.
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What Is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts
information and instructions from a user, manipulates
the information according to the instructions, displays
the information in some way, and stores the
information for retrieval later
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The basic system including keyboard,
mouse and monitor.
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Hardware Definitions
Hardware are physical components that form a
computer system
Also we can refer computer hardware as all physical
and tangible components of a computer system.
They use binary systems in processing as opposed to
decimal system used by human beings
They process data in several ways batch, online or real
time systems
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Basic structure of computer hardware
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Input and Output
The data or instructions you type into the computer
are called input
The result of the computer processing your input is
referred to as output
Peripheral devices accomplish input and output
functions. They are usually external to the
computer
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Input Devices
You use an input device, such as a keyboard or a mouse, to input
data and issue commands
Keyboard
Ergonomic
Pointing device
Controls the pointer
Mouse
Scroll wheel
Trackball
Touch pad
Pointing stick
Scanner
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Examples of input devices
Keyboard-Use input devices and your hands to input
data to the computer system.
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Mouse
A handheld device whose rolling movement on a flat
surface causes corresponding movement of a cursor on
a screen.
It contains buttons which can be clicked to make
selections from choices on the screen.
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Output Devices
Output devices show you the
results of processing data
Monitor
Flat panel
LCD
CRT
Printer
Laser
Inkjet
Dot matrix
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Examples of output devices
Printer
Printers are the most popular devices used for
producing the output in form of papers
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Examples of output devices-Monitors
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) - standard monitor,
inexpensive, good resolution, good pixel size
Flat Panel (Liquid Crystal Display - LCD) – more
expensive, prices dropping
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Other Input devices
Touch screen
Digital scanners
Voice input devices
Pen based input
Other Output Devices
Plotters
Voice Output Devices
Computer output microfilm
Speakers
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
This is the brain of the computer.
The CPU directs and controls the information
processing done by the computer.
CPU is an integrated circuit or “chip” which processes
instructions and data
A closer look at the CPU reveals that it consists of two
major components:
The Control Unit (CU)
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The Control Unit fetches the instructions from
computer programs residing in memory, interprets the
instructions and then directs the execution of the
instructions.
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The Control Unit (CU)
& The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
When the arithmetic calculations (i.e. addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division) must be
performed, the control unit directs the ALU to perform
the tasks.
Logical operations are also performed by the ALU.
The figure below illustrates this concept:
CPU
Arithmetic Logic
Control Unit Unit
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Primary Memory OR RAM
A collection of cells, each with a unique
physical address; both addresses and contents
are in binary
Also called RAM-Random Access Memory
RAM-Is just a Memory in which each location can be
accessed and changed
RAM is volatile!!!
What does volatile mean?
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Secondary Storage
Secondary storage is also called auxiliary storage and
is used to store data and programs when they are not
being processed.
It is external storage
Secondary storage is more permanent than main
memory, as data and programs are retained when the
power is turned off.
The needs of secondary storage can vary greatly
between users.
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Data Representation
Binary digits (bits)
A series of eight bits is called a byte
Kilobyte (KB or K)
Gigabyte (GB)
Terabyte (TB)
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information
Interchange
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Storage Media
A computer file is a named collection of stored data
An executable file contains the instructions that tell a
computer how to perform a specific task
A data file is created by a user
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Examples of storage devices
Magnetic tapes
Hard disks
The hard disk is a direct-access
storage medium with a rigid
magnetic disk.
You either have
Fixed Hard disks
Removable hard disks
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Other storage devices
USB drives
Optical Disks
Compact disks (CD)
Digital versatile disks (DVD)
Storage in a Network
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Storage Media
Magnetic media
Hard disk
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Storage Media
Tape
Floppy disk
Optical storage device
CD
DVD
CD-R
CD-RW
CD-ROM
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Storage Media
Flash memory
Flash memory cards
USB flash storage device
USB drive (flash drive)
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Communication devices
Communication devices provide for the flow of data
from external computer networks (e.g. the Internet
and intranets) to the CPU, and from the CPU to
computer networks.
Any examples please!!!
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Data Communications
The transmission of text, numeric, voice, or video data
from one computer to another or to a peripheral device
is called data communications
Sender and receiver
Channel
Protocol
Device driver (driver)
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Data Bus
This path between the microprocessor, RAM, and
peripherals is called the data bus
Controller card
Expansion card
Expansion slot
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Networks
A network connects one computer to other computers
and peripheral devices, enabling you to share data and
resources with others
Network interface card (NIC)
LAN
WAN
WLAN
PAN
WiMax
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Telecommunications
Telecommunications means communicating over a
comparatively long distance using a phone line or
some other data conduit
Modem
Digital and analog signals
DSL
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The Internet
The Internet is the largest
network in the world,
connecting millions of people
Electronic mail
World Wide Web
Web page
Web site
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Just Note
The performance of central processing device ins
measured in terms
1. Capacity of memory unit to store data (measured
in megabytes)
2. Processing speed of the system
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Computer Types
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Microcomputer
A personal computer; designed to
meet the computer needs of an
individual.
Provides access to a wide variety of
computing applications, such as
word processing, photo editing, e-
mail, and internet.
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Desktop Microcomputer
A microcomputer that fits on a
desk and runs on power from
an electrical wall outlet.
The CPU can be housed in
either a vertical or a horizontal
case.
Has separate components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.) that are
each plugged into the computer.
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Laptop Computer
A portable, compact
computer that can run on an
electrical wall outlet or a
battery unit.
All components (keyboard,
mouse, etc.) are in one
compact unit.
Usually more expensive than
a comparable desktop.
Sometimes called a
Notebook.
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Workstation
Powerful desktop computer designed for specialized
tasks.
Can tackle tasks that require a lot of processing speed.
Can also be an ordinary personal computer attached to
a LAN (local area network).
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Supercomputer
A computer that was the fastest in the world at the
time it was constructed.
Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for other
computers.
Typical uses
Engineering issues
Modeling weather systems
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Mainframe
Large expensive computer
capable of simultaneously
processing data for
hundreds or thousands of
users.
Used to store, manage, and
process large amounts of
data that need to be reliable,
secure, and centralized.
Usually housed in a closet
sized cabinet.
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Server
Purpose is to “serve.”
A computer that has the
purpose of supplying
its users with data;
usually through the use
of a LAN (local area
network).
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Handheld
Also called a PDA (Personal
Digital Assistant).
A computer that fits into a
pocket, runs on batteries,
and is used while holding
the unit in your hand.
Typically used as an
appointment book, address
book, calculator, and
notepad.
Can be synchronized with a
personal microcomputer as a
backup.
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That’s all for now
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Review questions
Describe the five parts of an information system.
Explain the difference between data and information
and give an example of each.
Differentiate among the four kinds of computers.
What is an input device? Give two examples.
Describe three common output devices.
Differentiate between primary and secondary storage.
What are some distinguishing features of mainframes
and supercomputers as compared to PCs?
Why CPU is referred as a brain of the computer
system.
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