Introduction to Computers

Lecture 1 October 7, 2013

A World of Computers
Computers are everywhere

What Is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use. Computer processes data into information.

Data and Information

Data
Collection of unprocessed items
E.g. Text, Numbers, Images, Audio, Video

Information
Processed form of data Meaningful and useful
E.g. Result Card, Pay Slip, Inventory Report

Data and Information

Information Processing Cycle

Computer perform four major operations:
Input Process Output Storage Communication

These operations process data into information and store it for future use.

The Components of a Computer

A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware
Input Device Output Device System Unit Storage Device Communications Device

Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data Holds data, instructions, and information for future use Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices

The Components of a Computer

The Components of a Computer

System Unit
Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data Main Components:
Motherboard Processor Memory (RAM, ROM)

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System Unit

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board inside the PC. It holds the CPU and memory, provides expansion slots for peripherals, and, whether directly or indirectly, connects to every part of the PC.

Processor

Also called a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer.

Memory

Consists of instructions and data.

electronic

components

that

store

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Motherboard

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Processor
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Control Unit (CU) Cache Memory

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Memory
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Volatile memory, requires constant power to maintain the stored information. Allows stored data to be accessed directly in any random order

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory, retains its contents even if computer is turned off. Stores the program that boots the computer.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers

Advantages of Using Computers Speed
Reliability
Consistency Storage Communications

Disadvantages of Using Computers Health Risks

Violation of Privacy
Public Safety
Impact on Labor Force Impact on Environment

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