3-Components of a Computer

Input Unit

The component of a computer that consists of input devices that convert user input into binary language.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The brain or control center of the computer, responsible for fetching, interpreting, and executing instructions.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A component of the CPU that performs mathematical calculations and logical decisions.

Control Unit (CU)

The part of the CPU that coordinates data flow and controls operations of the ALU and memory.

Output Unit

The component that converts binary data from the CPU into a human-readable form.

Internal Memory

Memory within the computer, including RAM (volatile) and ROM (non-volatile).

External Memory

Also known as secondary memory, it is non-volatile and stores files permanently.

Bus

An electronic circuit that sends data and messages between computer components.

Ports

Interfaces that connect input and output devices to the computer.

Expansion Slots

Allow the addition of extra features to a computer.

Registers

Temporary storage within the CPU for immediate data and instruction use.

Input Hardware

Hardware that accepts or collects data for processing.

Keyboard

The most commonly used input device for data entry.

Dumb Terminal

A terminal that can only input data and receive information.

Smart Terminal

A terminal that can perform input and output with limited processing capability.

Intelligent Terminal

A microcomputer with a communication link.

Scanning Device

Translates images of text and drawings into data forms understandable by the computer.

Voice Recognition Systems

Convert human speech into digital code.

Primary Storage

Refers to main memory (RAM) used for temporary data storage.

Secondary Storage

Non-volatile storage devices that retain data permanently.

Hardcopy

Information recorded in a tangible medium, such as paper.

Softcopy

Output displayed temporarily on a screen.

Impact Printer

A printer that makes contact with paper to produce output.

Non-impact Printer

A printer that does not contact paper, such as laser or ink-jet printers.

Operating System

A group of related programs that supervise the execution of application programs.

Application Software

Programs designed to solve specific problems for users.

Peopleware

Refers to the personnel involved in data processing operations.

Random-Access Memory (RAM)

It is a volatile type of memory referred to as Main Memory or Primary Memory.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

contains permanently stored instructions that cannot be changed

Secondary Memory

Also known as Auxiliary Memory. It is a non-volatile type of memory that is responsible for keeping files permanently

Input and Output Unit

It allows communication between the computer and its outside world via input and output devices.

Terminals

It consists of a keyboard, a video display screen, and a communication line to a mainframe computer

Pointing devices

Pointing Devices

input devices used to interact with a computer interface

Mouse

a pointing device that allows you to control an on-screen cursor

Trackball

the upside-down version of the mouse. A ball mounted in the box is rolled with the fingers to move the cursor

Joystick

a video display screen that picks up input from the user through the touch of a finger

Light pen

It is a point-and-draw input device that allows you to draw directly on the screen

Digitizing tablet

a pen-like device with which the user “sketches” an image or puck

Pen-based systems

a pen-like stylus to enter handwriting and marks into a computer

Bar code readers

photoelectric scanners that translate the bar code symbols into digital forms

MICR (Magnetic-Ink Character Recognition)

it reads the strange-looking numbers printed at the bottom of bank checks

OMR (Optical Mark Recognition)

it reads pencil marks

OCR(Optical Character Recognition)

it reads special preprinted characters

Fax Machine (Facsimile Transmission Machine)

it scans an image and sends it as an electronic signal over telephone lines

Imaging Systems/Image Scanner/ Graphics Scanner

it converts text, drawings, and photographs into forms

Smart cards

they contain a microprocessor and a memory chip.

Optical Cards

It's a plastic, laser-recordable card used with an optical card reader

Audio- Input Device

they record or play analog sounds

Video- Input Devices

signals that come from a VCR or a camera recorder

Electronic cameras

they capture images in electronic form

Sensors

they collect specific kinds of data directly from the environment

Storage Hardware

It temporarily or permanently stores data used for processing and the output of such processing

Optical storage

use a laser beam to pack information densely on are movable disk

Magnetic tapes

sequential file storage represented by various arrangements of magnetized spots along the width of the tape

Magnetic disk

a metal plotter where data is represented by magnetized spots on the tracks.

Magnetic strip

a recording of a data cell device capable of storing 400 million of data

Paper tape

a continuous strip of paper wound on a reel where data is represented by holes punched on the paper.

Drum

a recording medium of data represented by magnetized spots that are coated with a magnetically sensitive material divided into tracks

Continuous forms

long sheets of paper where data is represented through printouts.

Computer Output Microfilm (COM)

stores large volumes of information printed or photographed as a very small image on sheets or rolls of film called Microfiche

Output Hardware

It provides a means for the user to view information produced by the computer system.

Printer

it is capable of printing characters, symbols, and graphics

Plotter

they are specialized output devices that can produce high-quality graphics in a variety of colors

Pen plotter

the most popular type of plotter

Electrostatic plotter

Electrostatic charges create tiny dots on specially treated paper

Thermal plotter

its pins are electronically heated and are used with heat-sensitive paper to produce images

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

the most popular softcopy output device used on microcomputers

Flat Panel Displays

They are used with portable computers

Operating environment

refers to programs that sit on top of the OS

Utilities

a single term for all types of programming aids

Programming damages

the programs used to write other programs

Language processor

used to convert source program into a form suitable for execution. (Compilers, Assemblers, Interpreters)

Types of system software

Operating Systems, Operating environment, Utilities, Programming damages, Firmware, Language processor

Types of Application Software

Operating environment, Custom Program

Package Program

commonly called application package

Custom Program

specifically written for an organization

Levels of Programming Languages

Machine language, Symbolic language, High-level language

Types of Package Programs

word processing software, desktop publishing software, spreadsheet software, database management system, graphic software, communication software, integrated software, groupware, software suites, desktop accessories, personal information manager, project management software, multimedia software

Functional Areas of Peopleware

Systems Programming, System analysts, Application programming, Computer Operations

Functional Areas of Personnel

Data Entry Operator, Computer Operator, Computer Programmer, System Analysts, Computer Center Director