Computer Fundamentals Notes

Objectives

  • Define computers and data/information relationship.

  • Describe the five components of a computer.

  • Discuss advantages and disadvantages of computer use.

  • Differentiate computer types, sizes, and functions.

  • Discuss computer applications in various sectors.

1.1 What Is A Computer?

  • Electronic device under instruction control.

  • Accepts data, processes it, produces results, and stores them.

  • Key processes: Input, process, store, output.

Data and Information

  • Data: Unprocessed items (text, numbers, etc.).

  • Information: Processed, meaningful data.

  • Example: ATM withdrawal involves PIN and amount input, system verification, and cash/receipt output.

1.2 The Components Of A Computer

  • Hardware: Electric, electronic, and mechanical components.

  • Includes: Input, output, system unit, storage, communication devices.

Input Device

  • Enters data/instructions (keyboard, mouse, etc.).

Output Device

  • Conveys information (printer, monitor, etc.).

System Unit

  • Contains electronic components (CPU, RAM, etc.) on the motherboard.

Storage Device

  • Records/retrieves items (USB, hard disks, etc.).

Communications Device

  • Sends/receives data (Modem, router, etc.).

Relationships Between The 5 Components Of A Computer

  • All components work together to process data.

1.3 Advantages Of Using Computers

  • Speed: Fast calculations.

  • Reliability: Dependable components.

  • Consistency: Same input yields same output.

  • Storage: Large data storage.

  • Communication: Data exchange.

Disadvantages Of Using Computers

  • Privacy issues: Data vulnerability.

  • Public safety: Risks from sharing personal info.

  • Impact on labor force: Job displacement.

  • Impact on the environment: Waste pollution.

  • Health risks: Injuries from prolonged use.

1.4 Categories of Computers

  • Categories: Personal, servers, mainframes, supercomputers, embedded, terminal.

Types of Computers

  • Personal Computers (PCs):

    • Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, wearables.

  • Servers/Midrange Computers:

    • Provide network services.

  • Mainframes:

    • Handle many users simultaneously.

  • Supercomputers:

    • Fastest, for complex calculations.

  • Embedded Computers:

    • Specific-purpose in larger products.

  • Terminal:

    • Sends/receives data from a host.

1.5 Computer Applications in Society

  • Various applications in education, finance, health care, government, science, publishing, travel, manufacturing.