Comp Prog | Prelims

Computer Fundamentals and Programming Lab

Computer

A special type of electronic calculating device, capable of performing arithmetic and logical operations based on different programming languages and applications.

Characteristics of a Computer

1. Accurate

2. High speed processing

3. Perform arithmetic and logical operations

4. Repeated tasks

5. Store and retreive information

Limitations

1. Can detect, but can’t completely correct errors

2. Can’t create own ideas

3. Can’t combine ideas to form new ones

4. Needs periodic maintenance

5. May experience breakdowns

Computers according to TYPES

1. Analog

2. Digital

3. Hybrid

Analog Computers

Computers that work with continuous signals (temperature, sound waves, speed).

Digital Computers

Computers that work with binary numbers (0, 1).

Hybrid Computers

Computers that combine both continuous measurements and binary numbers.

Computers according to USES

1. Scientific Computers

2. Business- oriented Computers

Scientific Computers

Computers that deal with complex math calculations.

Business-oriented Compters.

Computers that are mainly used for data handling and inventory.

Computers according to SIZES

1. Super Computer

2. Mainframe Computers

3. Mini Computers

4. Micro Computers (Desktop)

5. Laptop Computers

6. Pen-based Computers

Super Computers

The fastest, most complex, and high performance computers.

Mainframe Computers

Fast computers that are mainly used for bulk data processing.

Mini Computers

Mid-range, multi-use computers that are greater/more complex than micro.

Micro Computers

Your average desktop computer.

Laptop Computer

A compact, battery-powered, and mobile version of the standard desktop computer.

Pen-based Computer

A computer that uses a stylus as an input device.

Elements of Computers

1. Hardware

2. Software

3. Firmware

4. Dataware

5. Peopleware

Hardware

The peripherals and physically touchable parts of the computer.

2 Kinds of Software

1. System Software

2. Application Software

System Software

A type of software that deals with the computer’s core functions and managing its hardware. (EX: Operation Systems, Windows)

Application Software

A software designed to perform specific tasks (EX: Web browsers).

Firmware

A specialized software embedded directly into hardware devices, stored in non-volatile memory, and responsible for enabling the device’s core functions.

Dataware

It provides a shared, real-time data backend for all applications.

Peopleware

The users, programmers, and/or developers who input data into the computer.

Genral Architecture of Computers

1. Input

2. CPU

3. ALU

4. CU

5. Register

6. Primary Memory Unit

7. Secondary Memory Unit

8. Output

Input

This is the data and information fed to the CPU.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The brain of the computer. It is responsible for all of the computer’s activities.

Arithmetic Logic Unit

It performs all mathematical and logical operations within the computer.

Control Unit

It is responsible for the CPU’s activities.

Register

A small, fast storage location inside the CPU used to hold data and instructions temporarily.

Primary Memory Unit

It is the internal storage of data and the main memory of a computer.

Two types of Primary Memory Unit

1. Volatile (RAM)

2. Non-Volatile (ROM)

Random Access Memory (RAM)

It is the temporary storage for data and clears when the computer shuts down.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

It is a permanent storage for data and retains even without power.

Deep Freeze

The ability of both a physical appliance and a metaphorical state of extreme cold or inactivity. I

Secondary Memory Unit

It is the external memory of a computer.

Output

The data being presented after the processing of your input.