Computer System
Computer System
CHARACTERISTIC OF A
COMPUTER
A computer is a machine
that:
Runs on electricity
Can be instructed to
perform certain functions
Processes data quickly and
accurately
Has storage capacity
Can recall stored
information
TYPES of COMPUTER
Microcomputer
Minicomputer
Mainframe Computer
MICROCOMPUTER
Commonly known as personal computers or
PCs. The typical type of computer at home.
Size: Small
Price: Low
Usability: Elementary
Areas of Usage: Personal or Small
Businesses
Power: Low
Applications: Word Processing, Gaming
Example: Desktop Computer
MINICOMPUTER
a computer of medium power, more than
a microcomputer but less than a
mainframe.
Size: Medium
Price: Mid range
Usability: Intermediate
Areas of Usage: Medium sized business or
organisations
Power: High
Applications: Automated Teller Machine
Example: IBM 36
MAINFRAME COMPUTER
A large computer that can carry out
different tasks for different people at the
same time. Can process large amounts of
dataLarge
Size:
Price: High
Usability: Advanced
Areas of Usage: large business or
organization
Power: Very high
Applications: Weather forecasting, oil and gas fields
Example: Cray-2
COMPUTER BASICS
A computer system needs
hardware and software to
function.
Peripheral
devices are added to the
system according to the
needs of the user.
HARDWARE
Hardware refers to the physical parts
of the computer that you can see
and touch. The following are some
examples of computer hardware.
Monitor Displays information
System Unit
Process data and
instructions, stores
data
Keyboard
key in data
and instruction
Mouse Point,
click and select
menus and icons
SOFTWARE
In order for a computer to do work, it needs a
set of instructions called a program. Different
programs are used for different purposes.
Computer programs are also known as
software.
Peripheral Devices
Devices which can be connected to the system
unit to enhance its functions. They are part of
the hardware of a computer system. The
following are some examples of peripheral
devices.
Inkjet
Printer
Speakers
Web
Camera
Scanner
What Is a Computer?
Data are simply facts
or figures bits of
information.
Information is
processed,
interpreted,
organized,
structured or
presented data
which is
meaningful or
useful.
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The Components of a
Computer
A computer contains many electric, electronic,
and mechanical components known as
hardware
Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Input
Device
Output Device
System Unit
Storage Device
Communication
s Device
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What is ______
an output device?
Hardware that
conveys information
to user. Devices that
processes a raw
data and
instructions
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Box-like case
containing
electronic
components
used to process
data
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What is storage?
Physical
Physicalmaterial
materialon
onwhich
whichdata,
data,instructions,
instructions,
and
andinformation
informationare
arestored
storedExample:
Example:floppy
floppydisks
disks
Optical
Opticaldiscs,
discs,
Storage
Storagedevice
device
Records
Recordsand
andretrieves
retrievesitems
itemstotoand
andfrom
from
aastorage
storagemedium
mediumExample:
Example:internal
internalhard
harddrives,
drives,
External
Externalhard
harddrives,
drives,thumb
thumbdrive
drive
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Storage device
What is a floppy disk?
Thin, circular,
flexible disk
enclosed in rigid
plastic shell
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The Components of a
Computer
What is a hard disk?
Provides much
greater storage
capacity than a
floppy disk or
Zip disk
Housed inside the
system unit
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