Lecture 2 Computing-Systems-and-Components

Page 1: Introduction

  • HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

  • Department of Computer Science

  • Course: HOTU 103/CLT 112 - Computer Literacy

  • Instructor: Prince Modey

Page 2: Overview of Computing Systems and Components

  • Focus on fundamental building blocks of computing systems.

  • Covers:

    • Different types of computers.

    • Essential hardware components.

    • Overview of software and databases.

Page 3: Types of Computers

  • Desktop:

    • Powerful, stationary computers for general-purpose tasks.

  • Laptop:

    • Portable computers with integrated displays and keyboards.

  • Mobile Devices:

    • Handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets.

  • Servers:

    • Powerful computers designed for multiple users/applications.

Page 4: Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • The CPU is the brain of the computer.

  • Responsible for executing instructions and processing data.

Page 5: Random Access Memory (RAM)

  • Temporary storage for data and programs currently in use by the CPU.

Page 6: Storage Devices

  • Provide long-term storage for data/programs.

  • Types include:

    • Hard drives

    • Solid State Drives (SSDs)

    • Flash drives

Page 7: File Compression

  • Two techniques for data compression:

    • Lossy Compression:

      • Certain loss of accuracy, high degree of compression (1:10 to 1:50).

      • Commonly used for graphic files and digital voice files.

    • Lossless Compression:

      • Generates an exact duplicate, lower degree of compression (1:4).

      • Used for databases, spreadsheets, and documents.

Page 8: Backup

  • The process of creating duplicate copies of information.

  • Types of backups include:

    • Full Backup:

      • Backs up all selected data.

    • Differential Backup:

      • Backs up only the data that has changed since the last full backup.

    • Incremental Backup:

      • Backs up only data changed since the last backup of any type.

Page 9: Full Backup

  • Contains all data in selected folders and files.

  • Serves as the base for subsequent backups.

Page 10: Disk Defragmentation

  • Consolidation of fragmented data on a volume.

  • Fragmentation occurs over time due to file operations.

  • Disk Defragmenter helps improve efficiency by rearranging data.

Page 11: The Importance of Disk Defragmentation

  • As fragmentation increases, computer performance may decrease due to inefficient data retrieval.

  • The Disk Defragmenter tool re-organizes fragmented data to enhance efficiency.

Page 12: Data Recovery

  • Data Recovery Utility:

    • Used to restore physically damaged data.

  • Data can be damaged by:

    • Viruses, bad software, hardware failures, or power fluctuations.

Page 13: File Compression (Overview)

  • The process of reducing the file size.

  • Works by eliminating redundancy and unnecessary data.

  • Different compression formats, including:

    • WinZip (.zip)

    • WinRAR

Page 14: Input/Output Devices

  • Input devices allow users to interact with the computer.

  • Output devices display or provide information generated by the computer.

Page 15: Input Devices Overview

  • Defined as hardware that allows users to input data into a computer system.

  • Examples include:

    • Keyboard

    • Mouse

    • Scanners

Page 16: Types of Input Devices

  • Keyboard:

    • Converts characters to electrical signals.

  • Pointing Devices:

    • Includes mice, trackballs, joysticks, touchpads, etc.

  • Source Data Entry Devices:

    • Such as scanners (barcode readers, fax machines, imaging systems).

Page 17: More Input Devices

  • Touchpad:

    • Detects fingertip movement to control cursor on laptop screens.

  • Trackball:

    • Mouse alternative with a ball on top for navigation.

Page 18: Joysticks and Scanners

  • Joysticks:

    • Used primarily for gaming.

  • Scanners:

    • Convert printed materials to digital format, can use OCR for text.

Page 19: Multimedia Input Devices

  • Webcam:

    • Used for live images via the internet.

  • Digital Cameras:

    • Store images on memory cards.

  • Microphone:

    • Converts speech to text using specialized software.

Page 20: Keyboard Design and Function

  • Keyboards are essential input devices consisting of various buttons (keys).

  • Different layouts include QWERTY and Dvorak.

Page 21: QWERTY Keyboards

  • Widely used, named after the first six letters on the top row.

Page 22: Dvorak Keyboards

  • Designed for speed with frequently used keys located near typical finger positions.

  • Less common, many prefer QWERTY despite Dvorak's logical structure.

Page 23: Keyboard Variants

  • Traditional Keyboards:

    • Standard full-sized and rigid design.

Page 24: Flexible Keyboards

  • Designed for mobile users; can be rolled or folded.

Page 25: Ergonomic Keyboards

  • Focus on comfort with unique designs that reduce wrist strain.

Page 26: Wireless Keyboards

  • Battery-powered, using wireless technology (e.g., infrared) for connectivity.

Page 27: Mouse Overview

  • Common pointing device enabling interaction with GUI.

  • Variants include features like scrolling wheels.

Page 28: Mechanical Mouse

  • Uses a ball for movement sensing; often requires a mouse pad.

Page 29: Optical Mouse

  • Senses movement with light; preferred for precision and flexibility.

Page 30: Wireless Mouse

  • Functions similarly to wired mice but operates without cables.

Page 31: Scanning Devices

  • Convert text and images into digital forms; include:

    • Optical scanners, barcode readers, and character recognition devices.

Page 32: Flatbed Scanners

  • Documents placed on a glass surface for scanning (similar to a photocopier).

Page 33: Portable Scanners

  • Handheld devices that slide across the material to scan it directly.

Page 34: Barcode Readers

  • Translates barcodes into digital data for pricing and inventory.

Page 35: Output Devices Overview

  • Used to produce output from processed data.

  • Common types:

    • Monitors

    • Printers

    • Speakers

Page 36: Types of Output

  • Softcopy:

    • Displayed on screens (intangible).

  • Hardcopy:

    • Printed output (tangible).

Page 37: Monitors

  • Displays signals from a computer; comes in CRT and flat-panel types.

Page 38: Monitor Features

  • Comprised of pixels; resolution affects image clarity.

Page 39: Software

  • Provides instructions for hardware operations; includes:

    • Operating systems

    • Applications

    • Utilities

Page 40: Databases

  • Organized collections of data for efficient access and management.

Page 41: Database Fundamentals

  • Key definitions and components of databases as referenced in Chapter 1 of "Fundamentals of Database Systems" by Elmasri and Navathe.

Page 42: Definitions of Database

  • Organized collections of logically related data.

  • Shared data for various users' needs.

Page 43: Database Application Examples

  • Everyday uses such as supermarket transactions, credit card purchases, and insurance applications.

Page 44: Data Definitions

  • Data: Representations of objects/events.

  • Information: Processed data for knowledge gain.

  • Metadata: Descriptive data about other data.

Page 45: What is a Database?

  • Shared collection of logically related data designed for organizational needs.

Page 46: Data Context

  • Contextual understanding enhances data usability (e.g., course rosters).

Page 47: Data Presentation

  • Graphical displays convert data into actionable information for decision-making.

Page 48: Data Properties

  • Descriptions of data characteristics, including types, sizes, and values.

Page 49: Organizational Database Concept

  • Highlights inter-departmental relationships within an organization.

Page 50: Historical Context of Computers

  • Initially used for computational purposes; commercial applications expanded functionalities.

Page 51: File Processing System Overview

  • Programs perform services with individual data management responsibilities.

Page 52: Registration Applications

  • Registration data management structures for educational institutions.

Page 53: Example Data Structures

  • Includes attributes like names, registration numbers, and contact details within systems.

Page 54: File-Based Processing

  • Outlines the stages of data entry and transaction processing.

Page 55: Disadvantages of File Processing

  • Issues include data dependence, redundancy, limited sharing, and inconsistent data.

Page 56: Project Disadvantages

  • Challenges in development timelines, maintenance, and potential data inconsistencies.

Page 57: Data Dependence Problems

  • Concerns about the need for each application to manage its metadata and processes separately.

Page 58: Data Redundancy Problems

  • Issues surrounding duplicate data causing integrity issues.

Page 59: Solution: Database Approach

  • Centralized management and organization of data for streamlined access.

Page 60: Advantages of Database Approach

  • Benefits include improved sharing, independence, controlled redundancy, and integrity.

Page 61: Database Management System (DBMS)

  • Software for creating and maintaining databases; handles user access through requests.

Page 62: DBMS Operational Concept

  • Demonstrates integration of various departments within an organizational database.

Page 63: Key Takeaways

  1. Components of computing systems include hardware and software.

  2. Different computer types serve specific functions.

  3. Software organizes and manages data via databases.

Page 64: Next Steps

  • Explore further into computing systems to deepen understanding.

Page 65: Conclusion

  • The end of the presentation.