Computer Fundamentals Overview
Module 1
COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
Dr. A. O. Ameen & Dr. A. O. Bajeh
ahmedameeny2k4@gmail.com
bajehamos@unilorin.edu.ng
Department of Computer Science
Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Chapter Outline
Elements of a Computer
Types of Computer
Computer Memory
Input/Output Devices
Computer Network
Computer Troubleshooting
1: Elements of a Computer
What is a Computer?
an electronic device that accepts data as input,
processes the data and generates results as output.
Figure 1.1: Basic Architecture of Computer
1: Elements of a Computer
Elements of a Computer:
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Hardware: The hardware refers to the physical components and
the devices which make up the visible computer
Figure 1.2: Computer Architecture
1: Elements of a Computer
Elements of a Computer:
Software: is basically a computer program. A program consists
of sequence of instructions required to accomplish a well-defined
task
System Software
It is written by computer manufacturers
It directly controls and manages the underlying hardware
components of the computer
Examples are Operating System, Language Translators,
Utilities and Service Programs, Device drivers
Application Software
1: Elements of a Computer
Characteristics of a Computer
Electronic in nature
Speed
High degree of accuracy- It is garbage-in-garbage-out
(GIGO)
Consistency – That is, given the same set of input
data, the same result will always be produced
Iterative - Ability to perform repetitive operations
without getting bored or fatigued
Storage: Can store data/information on a long term
basis.
2: Types of Computer
Computer Classification:
By Nature of Data
By Size
By Generation
By Purpose
By Nature of Data:
Analogue Computer:
measures changes in current, temperature or pressure and
translates these data into electrical pulses for processing.
Examples are speedometer, electric meter, water meter,
thermometer, etc.
Figure 1.3: A Typical Analogue Computer
2: Types of Computer
By Nature of Data:
Digital Computers:
This operates on data representation in the form of discrete
values or digits, i.e. it processes data represented in the form of 0s
and 1s
Figure 1.4: A Typical Digital Computer
2: Types of Computer
By Nature of Data:
Hybrid Computers:
= Analogue features + digital features.
They handle data in both discrete and variable quantities
They are mostly found in industrial processes for data
acquisition and data processing purposes.
Analogue-to-Digital Converter and Digital-to-Analogue
Converter Modulator/Demodulator (MODEM)
2: Types of Computer
2: Types of Computer
By Size:
Super Computers:
They are extraordinarily powerful computers
They are the largest and fastest computer systems
They are used for animation purposes, meteorological,
astronomical and oil exploration applications
Examples: Cray-1, Cyber series, Fujistu, ETA-10 system
Figure 1.5: Super Computer
2: Types of Computer
By Size:
Mainframe Computers:
very big general-purpose computers
powerful Central Processing Unit (CPU) linked by cable to
hundreds or thousands of terminals.
memory capacity more than 100 million bytes and processing
power of well above 10 Million Instructions Per Second
(MIPS).
Examples: ICL 1900 and IBM 360/370 series, IBM 704
Figure 1.6: Mainframe Computer
2: Types of Computer
By Size:
Minicomputer:
It share the same features like the mainframe but differs in:
Size – It is smaller,
Heat – It generates lower amount of heat,
Instruction set – has less number of instruction set
Cost – It is not as expensive as mainframe
Examples: IBM AS/400, NCR Tower 32, DEC System’s PDP 7
Figure 1.7: Minicomputer
2: Types of Computer
By Size:
Microcomputer:
It is also called Personal Computer (PC)
It is smaller in size compared to mini and mainframe
computers.
It is made up of ICs and elements of computer are replaced
by a single IC called “chip”.
It is cheaper in terms of cost compared to others.
Microcomputer was first developed by companies like Apple
Computers and later by IBM PC in 1981.
Figure 1.8: Microcomputer
2: Types of Computer
By Generation:
First Generation Computers:
manufactured in the1940s and last till 1950s
use vacuum tubes as its major components
programmable only in Machine Language (ML)
Examples:
UNIVAC (UNIVersal Automatic Computer)
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator)
2: Types of Computer
By Generation:
Second Generation Computers:
manufactured in the early 1950s and lasted until late1950s
use transistors which replaced the vacuum tube in the first
generation
reduction in size, less power consumption, generation of less
heat
improved storage facility due to introduction of magnetic
devices for storage medium
programmable using symbolic languages
Examples:
ATLAS, IBM 1400 series
PDP I & II (Programmed Data Processor I & II)
2: Types of Computer
By Generation:
Third Generation Computers:
manufactured in the early 1960s to the late 1960s
use Integrated Circuitry (IC): thousands of transistors
combined into a single unit component
reduction in size, less power consumption, generation of less
heat
the concept of multi-programming was introduced
programmable using High Level Languages
Examples:
IBM 360/370 series
ICL 1900 series (International Computers Limited)
PDP I & II (Programmed Data Processor I & II)
2: Types of Computer
By Generation:
Fourth Generation Computers:
manufactured in the early 1970s
built with Very Large-Scale Integrated Circuitry (VLSI): over
ten thousand flip-flops were placed in a single silicon chip,
i.e. thousands of ICs were combined into a single chip
microcomputer with the introduction of microprocessors as its
major component
reduction in size, less power consumption, generation of less
heat
programmable using High Level Languages
Examples:
IBM, COMPAQ 2000 series,
Dell series,
Toshiba
2: Types of Computer
By Generation:
Fifth Generation Computers:
Started in the 1980s and classical researches are still going
on in this generation of computers
The research is to build a computer system that mimics the
intelligence of human expert in a knowledge domain such as
medicine, law, education, criminal investigation, etc.
They use the concept of Artificial Intelligence
2: Types of Computer
By Purpose:
Special purpose Computers:
developed to perform only one task
the program for the machine is built into the machine
permanently
used in air traffic control system; military weapons control
system, ship navigation system and industrial process
controls
General Purpose Computers:
ability to handle a wide variety of programs and to solve
many problems such as payroll, numerical analysis, software
development for accounting, inventory system, etc.
It makes use of stored program for switching from one
application to another
3: Computer Memory
Definition:
A memory is the store in which data/information and instructions can
be temporarily or permanently kept for processing or future use.
The computer memory is made up of elements called BIT
(BInarydigiT).
Bits are organized into 8-bit addressable units called BYTES.
Memory Sizes:
3: Computer Memory
Types of Memory:
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Figure 1.9: Main Memory or RAM.
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Local HD
External HD
Optical Disk
Flash Drive Memory Card
Figure 1.10: Auxiliary Memory
3: Computer Memory
Types of Memory:
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is the memory that serves as a buffer between the primary memory
between the CPU and main memory.
Data/information and instruction frequently used in the CPU are
kept in the cache for faster access
4: Input and Output Devices
Input Devices:
Data and instructions are fed into the computer through input devices
The input device translates data and instruction into the form the
computer can process
Examples:
Keyboard
Mouse
Bluetooth
Scanner
Web cam
Joy stick
Touch pad
Light pen
Bar code Reader
MCR
Figure 1.11: Input Devices
4: Input and Output Devices
Output Devices:
Information are received from the computer through the output devices
The output device translates information into the form users can
understand.
Examples:
Monitor (VDU)
Printer
Graph Plotter
Speaker
Projector
Figure 1.12: Output devices
5: Computer Network
Definition:
A computer network is a system of computers interconnected to share
data and resources with one another.
Figure 1.13: A Computer Network
5: Computer Network
Types of Computer Network:
Local Area Network (LAN):
It
is a network that interconnects computers within a limited
area and has its equipment locally managed.
The limited area covered by a LAN could be a residence,
school, laboratory, university campus or office building.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
It is a network that connects computers in a geographical
area larger than that covered by LAN such as a city.
Wide Area Network (WAN):
It is a network that extends over a large geographical
distance. The area covered is wider than that of MAN.
5: Computer Network
Hardware Components of Computer Network:
Network Cable
Distributor
External Network Card
Internal Network Card
Router
Figure 1.14: Computer Network Equipment
5: Computer Network
Benefits of Computer Network:
Share files stored in one location(network) by multiple
users
Shares devices such as printers or access the internet
Company information is organized in one central area for
storage, maintenance and backup
6: Computer Troubleshooting
Definition
:
Computer troubleshooting is the act of identifying and
correcting faults in a computer system.
It involves a step-by-step logical and systematic search
for the sources of faults or problems in order to fix them
and make the computer work properly as expected.
The steps taken for troubleshooting are determined by the type
of problem or fault in the computer. The following are some
common problems and the troubleshooting steps for fixing them
6: Computer Troubleshooting
Examples
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Begin by checking the power cord to confirm that it is plugged
securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.
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If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. To
check your outlet, you can plug in another electrical device such as
a lamp.
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If the computer is plugged into a surge protector, verify that it is
turned on. You may have to reset the surge protector by turning it
off and then back on. You can also plug a lamp or other device into
the surge protector to verify that it is working properly.
6: Computer Troubleshooting
Examples
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Step 1 (Windows OS only):
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Next, locate and select Windows Explorer from the Processes tab
and click Restart.
Step 2 (Mac OS only):
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Next, locate and select Finder, then click Relaunch.
Step 3:
Press and hold the Power button
Step 4:
If the computer still refuses to shut down, you can unplug the power
cable from the electrical outlet.
This module provides an overview of computer fundamentals, covering elements of a computer, types of computers, computer memory, input/output devices, computer networks, and troubleshooting. It discusses hardware, software, and the characteristics of a computer, offering insights into different types of computers based on nature of data, size, generation, and purpose.
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Presentation Transcript
Module 1 COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS Dr. A. O. Ameen & Dr. A. O. Bajeh ahmedameeny2k4@gmail.com bajehamos@unilorin.edu.ng Department of Computer Science Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Chapter Outline Elements of a Computer Types of Computer Computer Memory Input/Output Devices Computer Network Computer Troubleshooting
1: Elements of a Computer What is a Computer? an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes the data and generates results as output. Figure 1.1: Basic Architecture of Computer
1: Elements of a Computer Elements of a Computer: A computer system can be divided into three main components: hardware, software and humanware. Hardware: The hardware refers to the physical components and the devices which make up the visible computer Figure 1.2: Computer Architecture
1: Elements of a Computer Elements of a Computer: Software: is basically a computer program. A program consists of sequence of instructions required to accomplish a well-defined task System Software It is written by computer manufacturers It directly controls and manages the underlying hardware components of the computer Examples are Operating System, Language Translators, Utilities and Service Programs, Device drivers Application Software
1: Elements of a Computer Characteristics of a Computer Electronic in nature Speed High degree of accuracy- It is garbage-in-garbage-out (GIGO) Consistency That is, given the same set of input data, the same result will always be produced Iterative - Ability to perform repetitive operations without getting bored or fatigued Storage: Can store data/information on a long term basis.
2: Types of Computer Computer Classification: By Nature of Data By Size By Generation By Purpose
2: Types of Computer By Nature of Data: Analogue Computer: measures changes in current, temperature or pressure and translates these data into electrical pulses for processing. Examples are speedometer, electric meter, water meter, thermometer, etc. Figure 1.3: A Typical Analogue Computer
2: Types of Computer By Nature of Data: Digital Computers: This operates on data representation in the form of discrete values or digits, i.e. it processes data represented in the form of 0s and 1s Figure 1.4: A Typical Digital Computer
2: Types of Computer By Nature of Data: Hybrid Computers: = Analogue features + digital features. They handle data in both discrete and variable quantities They are mostly found in industrial processes for data acquisition and data processing purposes. Analogue-to-Digital Converter Modulator/Demodulator (MODEM) Converter and Digital-to-Analogue
2: Types of Computer By Size: Super Computers: They are extraordinarily powerful computers They are the largest and fastest computer systems They are used for animation purposes, meteorological, astronomical and oil exploration applications Examples: Cray-1, Cyber series, Fujistu, ETA-10 system Figure 1.5: Super Computer
2: Types of Computer By Size: Mainframe Computers: very big general-purpose computers powerful Central Processing Unit (CPU) linked by cable to hundreds or thousands of terminals. memory capacity more than 100 million bytes and processing power of well above 10 Million Instructions Per Second (MIPS). Examples: ICL 1900 and IBM 360/370 series, IBM 704 Figure 1.6: Mainframe Computer
2: Types of Computer By Size: Minicomputer: It share the same features like the mainframe but differs in: Size It is smaller, Heat It generates lower amount of heat, Instruction set has less number of instruction set Cost It is not as expensive as mainframe Examples: IBM AS/400, NCR Tower 32, DEC System s PDP 7 Figure 1.7: Minicomputer
2: Types of Computer By Size: Microcomputer: It is also called Personal Computer (PC) It is smaller in size compared to mini and mainframe computers. It is made up of ICs and elements of computer are replaced by a single IC called chip . It is cheaper in terms of cost compared to others. Microcomputer was first developed by companies like Apple Computers and later by IBM PC in 1981. Figure 1.8: Microcomputer
2: Types of Computer By Generation: First Generation Computers: manufactured in the1940s and last till 1950s use vacuum tubes as its major components programmable only in Machine Language (ML) Examples: UNIVAC (UNIVersal Automatic Computer) ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator)
2: Types of Computer By Generation: Second Generation Computers: manufactured in the early 1950s and lasted until late1950s use transistors which replaced the vacuum tube in the first generation reduction in size, less power consumption, generation of less heat improved storage facility due to introduction of magnetic devices for storage medium programmable using symbolic languages Examples: ATLAS, IBM 1400 series PDP I & II (Programmed Data Processor I & II)
2: Types of Computer By Generation: Third Generation Computers: manufactured in the early 1960s to the late 1960s use Integrated Circuitry (IC): thousands of transistors combined into a single unit component reduction in size, less power consumption, generation of less heat the concept of multi-programming was introduced programmable using High Level Languages Examples: IBM 360/370 series ICL 1900 series (International Computers Limited) PDP I & II (Programmed Data Processor I & II)
2: Types of Computer By Generation: Fourth Generation Computers: manufactured in the early 1970s built with Very Large-Scale Integrated Circuitry (VLSI): over ten thousand flip-flops were placed in a single silicon chip, i.e. thousands of ICs were combined into a single chip microcomputer with the introduction of microprocessors as its major component reduction in size, less power consumption, generation of less heat programmable using High Level Languages Examples: IBM, COMPAQ 2000 series, Dell series, Toshiba
2: Types of Computer By Generation: Fifth Generation Computers: Started in the 1980s and classical researches are still going on in this generation of computers The research is to build a computer system that mimics the intelligence of human expert in a knowledge domain such as medicine, law, education, criminal investigation, etc. They use the concept of Artificial Intelligence
2: Types of Computer By Purpose: Special purpose Computers: developed to perform only one task the program for the machine is built into the machine permanently used in air traffic control system; military weapons control system, ship navigation system and industrial process controls General Purpose Computers: ability to handle a wide variety of programs and to solve many problems such as payroll, numerical analysis, software development for accounting, inventory system, etc. It makes use of stored program for switching from one application to another
3: Computer Memory Definition: A memory is the store in which data/information and instructions can be temporarily or permanently kept for processing or future use. The computer memory is made up of elements called BIT (BInarydigiT). Bits are organized into 8-bit addressable units called BYTES. Memory Sizes: Size Equiv. in Byte 1 Kilobyte (KB) 1,024 bytes 1 Megabyte (MB) 1,048,576 bytes 1024 KB 1 Gigabyte (GB) 1, 073, 741, 824 bytes 1024 MB 1 Terabyte (TB) 1, 099, 511, 627, 776 bytes 1024 GB 1 Petabyte (PB) 1, 125, 899, 906, 8242, 626 bytes 1024 TB
3: Computer Memory Types of Memory: Primary/Main Memory : resides inside the CPU and hold data/instruction undergoing processing Figure 1.9: Main Memory or RAM. Secondary/Auxiliary Memory: is an external memory used to store data/information permanently for future use. Local HD External HD Optical Disk Flash Drive Memory Card Figure 1.10: Auxiliary Memory
3: Computer Memory Types of Memory: Cache Memory (pronounced as Kash) : is the memory that serves as a buffer between the primary memory between the CPU and main memory. Data/information and instruction frequently used in the CPU are kept in the cache for faster access
4: Input and Output Devices Input Devices: Data and instructions are fed into the computer through input devices The input device translates data and instruction into the form the computer can process Examples: Keyboard Mouse Bluetooth Scanner Web cam Joy stick Touch pad Light pen Bar code Reader MCR Figure 1.11: Input Devices
4: Input and Output Devices Output Devices: Information are received from the computer through the output devices The output device translates information into the form users can understand. Examples: Monitor (VDU) Printer Graph Plotter Speaker Projector Figure 1.12: Output devices
5: Computer Network Definition: A computer network is a system of computers interconnected to share data and resources with one another. Figure 1.13: A Computer Network
5: Computer Network Types of Computer Network: Local Area Network (LAN): It is a network that interconnects computers within a limited area and has its equipment locally managed. The limited area covered by a LAN could be a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): It is a network that connects computers in a geographical area larger than that covered by LAN such as a city. Wide Area Network (WAN): It is a network that extends over a large geographical distance. The area covered is wider than that of MAN.
5: Computer Network Hardware Components of Computer Network: Network Cable Distributor External Network Card Internal Network Card Router Figure 1.14: Computer Network Equipment
5: Computer Network Benefits of Computer Network: Share files stored in one location(network) by multiple users Shares devices such as printers or access the internet Company information is organized in one central area for storage, maintenance and backup
6: Computer Troubleshooting Definition: Computer troubleshooting is the act of identifying and correcting faults in a computer system. It involves a step-by-step logical and systematic search for the sources of faults or problems in order to fix them and make the computer work properly as expected. The steps taken for troubleshooting are determined by the type of problem or fault in the computer. The following are some common problems and the troubleshooting steps for fixing them
6: Computer Troubleshooting Examples: 1. Problem: Power button will not start computer Step 1: Begin by checking the power cord to confirm that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet. Step 2: If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. To check your outlet, you can plug in another electrical device such as a lamp. Step 3: If the computer is plugged into a surge protector, verify that it is turned on. You may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on. You can also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it is working properly.
6: Computer Troubleshooting Examples: 2. Problem: The computer is frozen Step 1 (Windows OS only): Restart Windows Explorer- press and hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open the Task Manager Next, locate and select Windows Explorer from the Processes tab and click Restart. Step 2 (Mac OS only): Restart Finder- press and hold Command+Option+Escon on your keyboard to open the Force Quit Applications dialog box. Next, locate and select Finder, then click Relaunch. Step 3: Press and hold the Power button Step 4: If the computer still refuses to shut down, you can unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet.
