COMPUTER COMPONENTS; COMP. FUNDAMENTALS

Computer

An electronic device that manipulates information, has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.

Types of Computers

1. Embedded Computers

2. Mobile Devices

3. Mobile Computers

4. Personal Computers

5. Gaming Consoles

6. Servers

7. Mainframes

8. Supercomputers

Computer System

A complete computer installation that includes hardware, software, users, procedures, and data

Hardware

Physical components of a computer system, including core components like processor, memory, and storage, as well as peripherals like input/output devices.

Hardware is used to carry out which 4 processes?

1. Accepting input

2. Processing that input

3. Producing the output info

4. Storing data/info for later use

Five general categories of hardware

1. CPU

2. Input Devices

3. Output Devices

4. Memory

5. Storage Media

CPU

The component of the computer that controls the interpretation and execution of instructions

Parts of the CPU and their functions?

1. Control Unit (CU) - Directs the operations of the CPU

2. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) - Performs calculations and logics operations

3. Memory Unit - Component that stores data, instructions and info

Peripheral devices

Devices controlled by the CPU but are located outside of it. Input, output and storage devices may be peripheral

Input Devices

Devices that get data into a computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, or scanner.

Output Devices

Devices that get processed information out of a computer, like printers, screens, or speakers.

Memory

Memory temporarily stores instructions and data in a computer

Storage media & devices

Includes hard disks, CD-ROMS, DVDS, and USBS.

Storage devices include DRIVES of the above listed.

Software

Set of instructions that tell hardware what to do and how to perform it. Examples include web browsers, games, and word processors.

IPO Principle

Input - Processing - Output; the basic sequence of data processing.

IPOS cycle

The four basic tasks of any computer: INPUT, PROCESSING, OUTPUT, STORAGE

Input

the data the computer receives for processing

Processing

Transforming recorded data into useful information for the user, using computer programs.

Output

the data the computer sends out in human-readable form

Storage

A non-volatile device that holds data until it is deleted or overwritten

Secondary Storage

Permanent placement of information on a device, can also refer to temporary storage in memory like RAM.

Advantages of computer usage

1. Increased speed of finishing tasks

2. Enhanced reliability within organizations

3. Enhanced storage capabilities

4. Consistency and accuracy of results

Disadvantages of computer usage

1. Easier security breaches and loss of data

2. Costly setup costs