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The Basic System Components

 The basic operational design of a computer system is called its architecture.

 John Von Neumann, a pioneer in computer design, is given credit for the architecture of

most computers in use today.

 A typical Von Neumann system has three major components:

o the central processing unit (or CPU)

o memory, and

o input/output (or I/O).

Major Components of Computers

 an electronic device which manipulates and stores data and performs mathematical and

logical operations.

 performs tasks, such as calculations or electronic communication, under the control of a

set of instructions called a program. Programs usually reside within the computer and

are retrieved and processed by the computer’s electronics. The program results are

stored or routed to output devices, such as video display monitors or printers.

Computers perform a wide variety of activities reliably, accurately, and quickly.

Types of Computer

 Minicomputer

o It is a scaled-down version of the mainframe, since it is now becoming more

powerful it can now be found in hospitals and HMO's.

 Microcomputers (PCs)

o It is an inexpensive processing power for an individual user.

 Laptop or Notebook, Handheld, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

o A handy computer which can be carried from one place to another.

 Analog Computer

o Deals with quantities that are continuously variable and give approximate results

 Digital Computer

o They deal with quantities that are distinct, separate or discrete.

 Hybrid Computer

o Special purpose machine that combines measuring capabilities of analog and

logical control capabilities of digital computer

 Super Computers

o These are the largest and most expensive, it can perform billions of instructions

every second.

 Mainframes

o These are large computers capable of processing several millions instructions

per second. They support organizational functions, therefore have been the

traditional equipment in hospitals. Customized software results in high cost.

Components of Computer

 HARDWARE-It is the physical part of the computer and its associated

equipment/tangible parts of the computer.

o Includes

 INPUT DEVICES, These are devices used to enter information into a

computer;

 Examples: keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch screen, light pen,

microphone, bar code reader, fax modem card, joystick, and

scanner.

 OUTPUT DEVICES - used to view and hear processed data; Display or

transfer information to the user after processing. It displays data once it

has been processed;

 Examples: video monitor screens, printers, speakers, and fax.

 SOFTWARE- General term for the various kinds of programs used to operate

computers.

 PEOPLEWARE - Refers to anything that has to do with the role of people in the

development and use of computer software and hardware.

Basic Parts of Computer

HARDWARE: INPUT DEVICES

 Keyboard- One of the most used input devices, consisting of keys which are pressed to

enter data and instructions into the computer.

o -IBM first introduced the 83-key keyboard followed by the 84 keys and finally

101-key keyboard which was the de facto standard, until further modifications

were introduced by Microsoft.

o -QWERTY Keyboard Layout - Originally designed by Christopher Sholes in 1867.

Its name was derived from the first six characters on the top row of normal

keyboard arrangement.

 Mouse -It is used to move on and control a pointer on the computer screen, specifically

in a graphical user interface (GUI) system. This is connected to the computer by wire/

wireless and is held by hand.

 Trackball - It is similar to the mouse. It also has a rotating ball, but the ball is on top.

Instead of moving the device itself, the user moves the ball.

 Joystick-This gives the computer information on the direction and extent of displacement

of a hand-held lever, enabling a corresponding movement in an object on the screen that

is part of particular program, usually used for games

 Light pen - It is shaped like a pen with the telltale cable connecting it to the computer.

This is used to indicate a particular location on a computer screen and is usually utilized

for programs on computer-aided design (CAD)

HARDWARE: OUTPUT DEVICES

 Printer

o Different types of printers

 Dot Matrix: use small wires to press on ribbons and quite noisy.

 Inkjet Printer: similar to matrix printers but instead of using needles it

sprays droplets of ink onto the paper to form images

 Laser Printer: noise-free, as these employ light to draw text and images;

uses electrostatic process

 Plotter-It is a special output device which also causes printed output to be

produced in a manner not too different from that used by regular printers.

 Speakers-Provide output for voice, sound or music and are a necessary of a multimedia

system.

 Scanner- This device inputs a digital image of a document or picture into a computer.

This is usually consisting of a flat bed, on which an image is placed and scanned.

 Graphics Tablet- This is an input device in which a stylus is moved, by hand, over a flat

surface. The position of the stylus is tracked so that the user can input shapes and

drawings.

 Touch-Sensitive Screen- This is a computer monitor, which consists of a specialized

screen. Users can touch particular areas or touch-points on the screen to input certain

preferences or commands.

 Recognition Devices- These devices are mostly used by banks and commercial

establishments to recognize and input large volumes of data. These include Optical

Character Recognition (OCR), Optical Mark Recognition (OMR).

 Voice Recognition Device- Allow you to communicate to the computer through speech

and the like. The simplest example is a condenser microphone which can be used to

capture sound.

Processing Device- Device used to process data into information

CPU (Central Processing Unit) - “Brain" of the computer

 The main part of a computer which executes instructions and controls various other

functions of the computer. It consists of Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit

and the Memory.

 Three components:

 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Number "crunching“

 Registers - Similar to memory but has special purposes

 Control Unit: manages instructions to other parts of the computer,

including input and output devices "traffic cop“

Primary Memory:

 Read-only memory (ROM) is permanent; it remains when the power is off. Start-up

instructions for the computer is an example of ROM.

 Random access memory (RAM) is a temporary storage area for program instructions

and data that is being processed, it is only active while the computer is turned on.

(located on the motherboard not part of CPU)

Secondary Storage Device:

 It allows data to be permanently stored so that it can be used at a later time.Provides

space to retain data in an area separate from the computer's memory after the computer

is turned off, these include; hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, zip drives, optical drives,

flash memory, and CD-ROM drives.

System Unit

 It contains the central processing unit and primary memory (the electronic circuitry that

enables the computer to process and store data)

MEMORY DEVICES

 These are devices that are used for the temporary and short-term storage of data, which

the compute can use during processing

 These include ROM (Read Only Memory) and (RAM) Random Access Memory

RAM

 The CPU’s short-term memory.

 Volatile storage

 Can be accessed quickly but it disappears when the power is turned off.

Power Input

 Where your plug in the PC’s electrical power cord

Keyboard Port

 Dedicated port for the keyboard

Mouse Port

 dedicated port for the mouse

USB Port

 Universal serial Bus ports are general-purpose

connectors found on newer PC’s

Serial ports

 This 9 pin connector is one of the oldest and most

universal ports found in the back of the PC

Parallel Port

 Virtually as old as the serial port, the 25-pin

parallel port has been updated a number of times,

popular means for connecting printers

Video Port

 This unique three-row, 15-pin connector is where

the monitor connects to the system unit

Audio Ports

 Used to connect speakers, microphones, and other audio devices

Game Port

 Also known as a joystick port, this 15-pin connector can be used for both joystick and for

MIDI musical devices

Modem Port

 This looks like a telephone jack. It enables your computer to communicate with other

computer via telephone line.

Internal Components of a System Unit

Northbridge

 A special helper chip that connects CPU and RAM

BUS

 multiple wires used to connect two or more devices in the motherboard.

Frontside Bus

 connects the CPU, Northbridge and RAM

CPU Speeds

 Clock Chip – a crystal that oscillates at a certain frequency when electricity use applied

to it, providing the system speed.

 Each click of the clock is measured in millions or billions of cycles per second

 Note:

o One cycle per second is Hertz (Hz)

o One million cycles per second is a megahertz (MHz)

o One billion cycles per second is a gigahertz (GHz)

Processor Packages

 The form factor of the chip: its shape, size and external features

 Single-Edge Cartridge (SEC)

o Introduced in mid-1990s

o Pentium II is an example of this package.

 Pin-Grid Array (PGA)

o Most commonly used package for the processor

o It has tiny golden wires sticking out the underside of the CPU

Motherboard

 The big printed circuit board that covers most of the bottom of the system unit.

 Provide an area where all of the internal components of the PC can connect.

Expansion slots

 Enable you to expand the capabilities of your system by adding extra components.

 Any device that snaps into an expansion slot is an expansion card.

 Three Types of Expansion Slots

1. Peripheral Component Interconnect

a. Expansion slot used for high-speed input/output device which uses

PCI bus.

2. AGP

a. Accelerated Graphics Port

b. Expansion slot used for a video card

3. ISA

a. Industry Standard Architecture

b. Used by older and/or slower devices

Hard Drive

 The PC’s long-term memory; data stored there remains available for later use.

IDE

 Integrated Drive Electronics

 A standard that defines how the motherboard communicates with secondary storage

devices.

Floppy Drives

 Read floppy discs

 The first kind of storage used by PCs

Data Hierarchy

 Bit = 1 or 0

 1 Byte = 8 bit = 1 character

 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte

 1024 KB = 1 Megabyte

 1024 MB = 1 Gigabyte

 1024 G = 1 Terabyte

Video Card

 Also known as graphic adapter

 Act as the interface between computer and monitor

Power Supply

 Converts standard household A/C current into the D/C current needed by the PC

Sound Card

 Provides the sound input and output for your PC.

 Used for speakers and microphones

Network Interface Card (NIC)

 To access a Local Area Network

Storage Media & Devices

 Provide a permanent storage for data, information and programs for later use or

retrieval.

Hard Disk

 Most common storage media which usually permanent part of the computer

 This is where most programs and data are stored, especially the operating system for

fast retrieval and execution by the user

Floppy Disk

 This is removable storage device which has a smaller capacity compared to a hard disk

 The standard 3.5-inch floppy disk has 1.44 MB capacity

Compact Disc (CD)

 Also a removable device with a larger capacity than a floppy

 It usually come in the form of CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)

 The common capacity of a CD-ROM is 650MB

 There are also recordable and erasable CDs

CD-ROM Drives

 Compact Disc – Read Only Memory

 Design to read CDs.

CD-R

 Compact Disc Recordable

 Allow you to write data to them but only one time

CD-RW

 Compact Disc ReWritable

 Enables you to read and write repeatedly.

Digital Video Disc (DVD)

 CDs which contain a very large amount of data and are used for storing films and other

data-intensive files such as computer games and applications

 Usually store up to 8 GB of data

Hardware Connection

 These are the connectors that physically connect and link the components and devices

so that they can interact and exchange data

BUS

 This is a group of wires composing a system interconnection that allow communication

between the different devices

 It is the electrical pathway through which the computer processor communicates

Circuit Boards

 These are arrangements of electrical components through which signals or current can

pass through

Serial Connection

 This type of connection which involves a slow transfer of information from the computer

to an external component such as mouse or printer

Parallel Connection

 Uses multiple sets of wires but is limited in terms of distance covered

 It also connects components such as printers or scanners to the computer

o Note: Input, output and secondary storage devices are also sometimes referred

to as peripheral devices

SOFTWARE

 It is a set of instructions that tells the computer hardware what to do.

 It is also known as program

o Examples: MS Word, Excel, & PowerPoint

Types of Software

System Software: The kind of software that controls and takes care of the working

computer and overall functioning of the system.

The best example of system software is the operating system

Ex. Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows XP, Linux, Unix, Apple’s OS

Application Software: Software that generally suited to perform a particular task or

function

Ex. Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Computer Games, Desktop Publishing

Software and Graphics Program

PEOPLEWARE

 They are mainly responsible for the development and use of the system

 No computer would run without the help of people

How the Computer Works?

Electronic vs. Electric

Electronic Device- Generally, at 0 volt the state is off and at 5 volts the state is

on. Power dissipation for computers, particularly portable such as laptops and palmtops

is kept low.

Electric Appliance uses raw power to operate and function and not to store or

represent data. Air-conditioning units, refrigerators, electric fans, and the like all use

powerline voltage levels of 110 or 220 volts.

Computers use the 110- or 220-volt electricity for their power supply and

internally convert this to the appropriate voltage levels.

Proper Care of Computers

Here are some ways:

 Place your computer in a dry, clean and cool place

 Do not eat or drink while working on your computer

 Clean your computer regularly. Use dry cloth and a wax specially made for

computers.

 Cover your computer when not in use so that dust will not gather on it.

 When you are using a computer, handle its parts with care.

 Do not hit your computer when there is something wrong with it. Call somebody who

is technically knowledgeable in fixing the problem.

 Run the shutdown program before turning off, your computer. Failure to do so many

results in data loss.

 Clean your mouse regularly so that you will not have difficult rolling it over a mouse

pad.

 Protect the data stored in your storage media. Place your disks and CD-ROM in a

protective case. Don’t bend your disks or put them near magnets. Magnets will

damage the data stored in your disks.

Opening of a Computer

 Check all the cables if properly connected

 Plug and switch on the AVR

 Switch on the Monitor

 Press the Power Button of the System Unit

 Wait until the desktop appears and the cursor will look like this  before opening any

program

Shutting Down of a Computer

 Close all the programs

 Click the Start button and click Turn Off or Shut Down

 A dialog box will appear, click again the Turn Off or Shut Down button

 Wait until the monitor turns off or totally black screen.

 Switch Off the monitor

 Switch off and unplug the AVR

Software Breakdowns: What to do?

 Turn the computer off and then on again (cold booting), then run the program again

 If the program continues to encounter difficulties, try reinstalling it.

 If the problem continues, contact your software vendor or dealer and try replacing the

software

Note: This problem may occur due to other problems such as a hard disk loaded

with too many programs, viruses or just simple incompatibility with the hardware.

Hard Disk Crash: What to do?

 Have your hard disk checked if there is hope for recovering any important data or file

 Have your hard disk reformatted and programs you want to reinstalled

 The next time you use your computer, have a BACKUP of all your important files in

another storage media.

Virus

 It is a program that copies itself, and then transfers from one computer to another

without users knowing it.

 The program cannot be seen like an ordinary file. It is hidden within executable files or

data

 It is made to either express something through screen, or to infect and erase data

 A virus is not a germ, bacteria or organic virus

 A virus is not a malfunction of any devices or computer part.

Virus Attacks

Note:

 Hard disk may crash caused by viruses

 Computer may behave in an unpredictable manner

 The software or programs may breakdown

 Things to do to in Virus Attacks

 Always BACKUP your important data

 Install an anti-virus program on your computer.

 NEVER share floppy disk and other storage media with other computer users. Also don’t

use pirated software.

 Don’t open or access unknown files or attachment in the Internet as these be affected by

a virus

Safety Precautions for Working on a Computer

1. Make notes as you work so that you can go back step-by-step to check your work later if

necessary

2. When unpacking hardware or software, remove the packing tape and cellophane from

the work area as soon as possible

3. Keep components away from your hair and clothing

4. Keep screws and spacers orderly and in one place, such as a cup or tray

5. Do not stack boards on top of each other, you could remove a chip accidentally

6. When handling motherboards and expansion cards do not touch the chips on the boards

7. Hold expansion cards by the edges. Do not touch any soldered components on a card,

and do not touch chips or edge connectors unless it is absolutely necessary. Do not

touch a chip with a magnetized screwdriver.

8. Do not use a graphite pencil to change DIP switch settings, because graphite is a

conductor of electricity and the graphite can lodge in the switch.

9. Always turn off a computer before moving it. A computer’s hard drive always spin while it

is on, unless it has a sleep mode

10. Always turn off a computer before moving it. A computer’s hard drive always spin while it

is on, unless it has a sleep mode.

11. To protect disks, keep them away from magnetic fields, heat and extreme cold. Do not

open the shuttle window or touch the disk’s surface.

12. The power supply and the monitor can hold a dangerous level of electricity even after

you turn them off and disconnect from a power source.

ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD)

 Commonly known as static electricity

 An electrical charge that can build up on the surface of insulating materials, such as

clothing or plastic.

 This is why touching a metal doorknob after you cross a carpet in your stocking feet can

result in a very noticeable shock.

Why worry about ESD?

 A charge of much less than 3000 volts can damage electronic components.

 Walking across carpet can generate 1,500 to 30,000 volts of static electricity.

 Just picking up a common plastic bag can generate over 1,000 volts and often much

more.

How to prevent ESD?

 Ground Bracelet or Antistatic Wrist Strap

 Ground Mat

 Static Shielding Bag

Manual Way to prevent ESD

 As you work on a computer, make a point of touching the metal frame or power

supply box before you touch any other part.

 Touch it again every time you move around, this will at least equalize the amount of

static electricity stored up and waiting to move in you and in the PC.

Handling PC Connections

 Identify the types of ports and connections

 You need a computer with standard peripherals attached including a mouse, keyboard

and monitor.

Opening a System Unit

You need:

 PC

 A Phillips screwdriver

 Preferably an antistatic wrist strap

 Identify the internal parts of the System Unit

Handling Expansion Cards

You need:

 A PC running Windows

 A Phillips screwdriver

 A straight-slot screwdriver

 An Antistatic wrist strap

 A three-prong parts retriever

Identifying the Type of CPU in Your PC

 A working PC running Windows

 Paper and Pencil

 Screwdrivers

 An antistatic wrist strap

 You need to know the manufacturer, model, speed and package.

Five ways to identify the type of the CPU

1. System Information

2. My Computer Properties

3. Physical Connection

4. Reboot

5. CPU-Z (Application Program) can be downloaded at www.cpuid.com

USES OF COMPUTERS IN HEATHCARE

 Acute Care Physiologic Monitoring System

 Comprehensive patient monitoring systems that can be configured to measure

and display various patient parameters.

 Pulse Oximeter:

 Measure the arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation of the patient’s blood.

 Intracranial Pressure Monitors

 Are connected to sensors inserted into the brain through a cannula or bur hole.

 Apnea Monitors

 Use electrodes or sensors placed to detect cessation of breathing, display

respiration parameters, and trigger an alarm.

 Ventilators

 Consist of a flexible breathing circuit, gas supply, heating/ humidification

mechanism, monitors, and alarms.

 Infusion Pumps

 Employ automatic, programmable pumping mechanisms to supply the patient

with fluids intravenously or epidurally through a catheter.

 Crash Carts

 Also called resuscitation carts or code carts, are strategically placed for

immediate availability when a patient experiences cardiopulmonary failure/

arrest.

 Intra- Aortic Balloon Pump

 Uses a balloon placed in the patient’s aorta to help the heart pump.

Softwares used by RNs

 Chatroom

o Like electronic conference calls.

o Synchronous; users can connect in real time even at huge distances.

 Social Network

o Any number of web addresses designed to create online communities.

 Electronic Bulletin board

o may be called discussion boards electronic forums.

o Forums can be posted using administrative or user defined categories.

 Listservs

o Least powerful version of the electronic bulletin board.

o Software functions more like an electronic mailing list.

Impact of Internet on the Different Nursing Areas

 Nursing Practice

o Information sites

o Support groups for patients

o Consultations

 Nursing Administration

o Careful development of the program according to needs and capabilities of the

users, strong education pedagogical principles, and constant evaluation for

success in order to make alterations as they are needed.

 Nursing Education

o No More Pencils, No More Books.

o Students everywhere have access to virtual classrooms and degree programs.

o Online education means that the limits previously imposed by location and time

become less important.

o Employers can select educational seminars and show them in real time in a

conference room or select courses that have been archived for their nurses to

watch later.

 Nursing Research

o The internet has the ability to find trends in aggregate data, which derived from

large population group.

o The adoption of standardized language related to nursing terms and computerize

literature searching

FOUR MAJOR AREAS OF NURSING in relation to COMPUTERS

 Nursing Practice

o Computer system with nursing and patient care data.

o Nursing care plans are no longer separated subsystems of the computerized

HIS, but rather integrated into on interdisciplinary patient health record in the

EHR.

 Nursing Administration

o Policies and procedure manuals are accessed and retrieved via the computer.

o The internet is now being accessed by nurses to access digital libraries, online

resources and research protocols at the bedside.

 Nursing Education

o Computer enhanced courses in nursing, online courses, and distance education.

o Campus wide computer systems are now available where students communicate

via emails, transfer data files, access to digital libraries and retrieve online

resources in the internet.

o Educations teach courses via the web and communicate with students via e-mail.

They require new tools techniques and full arrays of multimedia strategies to

stimulate their student.

o Live classroom via computer.

 Nursing Research

o Computer were used to analyze nursing data

o Software programs were developed to process qualitative and quantitative data