COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLICATIONS

WEEK 1

INTRODUCTION TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY

Digital literacy involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices,
the web, and related technologies.

Computers have become an important part of our lives because they can accomplish easy tasks
repeatedly without getting bored and complex ones repeatedly without committing errors. In this chapter we
will discuss in detail about the different parts of computer that enable it how to carry out tasks efficiently and
correctly.

What is a computer?

 It is an electronic device that receives input, stores or processes the input as per user instructions and
provides output in desired format.
 It is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory.

The Information Processing Cycle

Input-Process-Output Model

Computer INPUT- DATA

Computer OUTPUT- INFORMATION

Note: Raw facts and figures which can be processed using arithmetic and logical operations to obtain
information are called Data.

In the operation of the processes of computer there are 2 types that can be applied to data.

 Arithmetic operations− Examples include calculations like addition, subtraction, differentials, square
root, etc.
 Logical operations − Examples include comparison operations like greater than, less than, equal to,
opposite, etc.

HARDWARE- components that we can see and touch.

 Examples include keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.

SOFTWARE- components that we cannot see and touch.

The Components of a Computer

The computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware.

Each of the hardware mentioned below works together in order to make the information processing cycle
possible.

 Input Device- allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
 Output Device- hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
 System Unit- case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process
data.
 Storage Device- records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media
 Communications Device- enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to
and from one or more computers or mobile devices.

The

Characteristics of Computer

 Speed− Typically, a computer can carry out 3-4 million instructions per second.
 Accuracy− Computers exhibit a very high degree of accuracy. Errors that may occur are usually due to
inaccurate data, wrong instructions or bug in chips – all human errors.
  Reliability− Computers can carry out same type of work repeatedly without throwing up errors due
to tiredness or boredom, which are very common among humans.
 Versatility− Computers can carry out a wide range of work from data entry and ticket booking to
complex mathematical calculations and continuous astronomical observations. If you can input the
necessary data with correct instructions, computer will do the processing.
 Storage Capacity− Computers can store a very large amount of data at a fraction of cost of traditional
storage of files. Also, data is safe from normal wear and tear associated with paper.

Advantages of Using Computers

 Computers can do the same task repetitively with same accuracy.

 Computers do not get tired or bored.
 Computers can take up routine tasks while releasing human resource for more intelligent functions.

Disadvantages of Using Computer

 Despite so many advantages, computers have some disadvantages of their own −

 Computers have no intelligence; they follow the instructions blindly without considering the outcome.
 Regular electric supply is necessary to make computers work, which could prove difficult everywhere
especially in developing nations.

Other disadvantages:

 Health Risks,
 Violation of Privacy,
 Public Safety,
 Impact on Labor Force,
 Impact on Environment

Some factors that can be done in order to fight some of its disadvantages and becomes positive or
advantages while using computers.

Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a
computer.

Strategies include:

 Recycling
 Regulating manufacturing processes
 Extending the life of computers
 Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers

Starting Computers

Booting - starting a computer or a computer-embedded device

Booting takes place in two steps −

1. Switching on power supply

 2. Loading operating system into computer’s main memory. Keeping all applications in a state of readiness
in case needed by the user

Rebooting

- If a system is already running but needs to be restarted

- May be required if a software or hardware has been installed or system is unusually slow.

Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

- First program or set of instructions that run when the computer is switched on
- A firmware; a piece of software permanently programmed into the hardware.

Categories of Computers

Historically computers were classified according to processor types because development in processor
and processing speeds were the developmental benchmarks. Earliest computers used vacuum tubes for
processing, were huge and broke down frequently. However, as vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors and
then chips, their size decreased and processing speeds increased manifold.

All modern computers and computing devices use microprocessors whose speeds and storage capacities
are skyrocketing day by day. The developmental benchmark for computers is now their size.

Computers are now classified on the basis of their use or size;

1. Desktop
Desktop computers are personal computers (PCs) designed for use by an individual at a fixed
location. IBM was the first computer to introduce and popularize use of desktops. A desktop unit
typically has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), monitor, keyboard and mouse. Two popular
architectures are the PC and the Apple
2. Laptop
Despite its huge popularity, desktops gave way to a more compact and portable personal computer
called laptop in 2000s. Laptops are also called notebook computers or simply notebooks. Laptops
run using batteries and connect to networks using Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) chips. They also have
chips for energy efficiency so that they can conserve power whenever possible and have a longer life.
3. Mobile computers/device
Mobile Computer- personal computer you can carry from place to place.
Examples include notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra-thins, and Tablet PCs.
Mobile Device- computing device small enough to hold in your hand.
Examples include smart phones and PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media
players, and digital cameras.
Game Consoles- A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or
multiplayer video games
4. Server
A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network
Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information
5. Mainframe
 Are computers used by organizations like banks, airlines and railways to handle millions and
trillions of online transactions per second. Important features of mainframes are −
 Big in size
 Hundreds times Faster than servers, typically hundred megabytes per second
 Very expensive
 Use proprietary OS provided by the manufacturers
 In-built hardware, software and firmware security feature
6. Supercomputer
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer
Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single
second.
Supercomputer speed or performance is measured in teraflops, i.e. 1012 floating point operations
per second.
7. Embedded Computers
A special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product

Embedded Computers they are mostly integrated

with the following:

Consumer Home Automobiles Process Computer

Electronics Automation Controllers and Devices and
Devices Robotics Office
Machines
Mobile and Thermostats Antilock Remote Keyboards
Digital Sprinkling brakes monitoring Printers
telephones systems Engines systems Copiers
Digital Security control Power monitors Faxes
Televisions monitoring modules Machine
Cameras systems Airbag controllers
Video Recorders Appliances controller Medical devices
DVD players and Lights Cruise
RecordersAnswe control
ring machine

Elements of an Information System

Hardware: Information systems hardware is the part of an information system you can touch – the physical
components of the technology. Computers, keyboards, disk drives, iPads, and flash drives are all examples of
information systems hardware.

Software: is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. Software is not tangible – it cannot be
touched. When programmers create software programs, what they are really doing is simply typing out lists of
instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

Data: The third component is data. You can think of data as a collection of facts. For example, your street
address, the city you live in, and your phone number are all pieces of data. Like software, data is also intangible.

People: From the front-line help-desk workers, to systems analysts, to programmers, all the way up to the chief
information officer (CIO), the people involved with information systems are an essential element that must not
be overlooked

Procedures: The last component of information systems is Procedures. A Procedures is a series of steps
undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal. Information systems are becoming more and more integrated
with organizational processes, bringing more productivity and better control to those processes
 COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLICATIONS
WEEK 2

COMPUTING COMPONENTS
System unit a.k.a "Tower" or "Chassis"

The case contains and protects the electronics of the computer or mobile device from damage

 The electronic components are considered internal hardware seeing that they are inside the system unit
and you cannot see when you look at the computer.
 These components inside the system unit are what process the data and really makes the computer
work

What is inside the system unit?

A. The Motherboard

The motherboard serves to connect all of the parts of a computer together. The CPU chip, memory, hard
drives, and other ports and expansion cards all connect to the motherboard directly or via cables. It is the main
circuit board of the computer that holds a computer chip that usually contains integrated circuits.

The motherboard is the piece of computer hardware that can be thought of as the "backbone" of the PC, or
more appropriately as the "mother" that holds all the pieces together.

B. Processors
 The processor, also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic
instructions that operate a computer
 A multi-core processor is a single chip with two or more separate processor cores

Processors contain a control unit and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

 The control unit is the component of the processor that directs and coordinates most of the operations
in the computer. In a real life scenario, the control unit of a supermarket for example in terms of
customers paying their groceries are the queue barriers (usually fixed oriented or movable) to make an
organized payment.
 The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations. These
operations are the math (MDAS -, +,/,*,^) and logic (and/or, yes/no, true/false)

The Machine Cycle

 The machine cycle is a 4 process cycle that includes reading and interpreting the machine language,
executing the code and then storing that code.

1. Data or instruction is fetched to the CPU by the control unit in order to decode and decide what to be done.
2. Then forwarded to the other step which handled by the ALU that executes the operation decided either MATH
or logic operations
3. After the execution, the information generated will now be stored back to the memory.
4. Lastly, the data being processed and transform into a form of valued information can now be seen through an
output device.
Clock Speed

Every microprocessor has an internal clock that regulates the speed at which it executes instructions and also
synchronizes it with other components. The speed at which the microprocessor executes instructions is called
clock speed.

 Clock speeds are measured in MHz or GHz where 1 MHz means 1 million cycles per second whereas 1
GHz equals to 1 billion cycles per second. Here cycle refers to single electric signal cycle.
 The system clock controls the timing of all computer operations

In term of quality and processor features such as speed, the two leading manufacturers of personal computer
processor chips are Intel and AMD

Processors: Cooling systems

Since processor can execute millions of instruction per nanosecond, a processor chip generates heat that could
cause the chip to malfunction or fail. It requires additional cooling system to make the operation smooth.
Common cooling systems are as follows:

 Heat sinks
 Liquid cooling technology
 Cooling pads

Data Representation

Data representation is how data types are structures; for example, how signs are represented in numerical
values or how strings are formatted such as single character or text/paragraph in the computer system.

In order to represent a data digitally, it must use a digital signal. The Analog signals are continuous and vary in
strength and quality as we know so it must be converted first to digital signal because computers cannot accept
this type of signals. Digital signals are in one of two states: on or off.

Eight bits grouped together as a unit are called a byte. A byte represents a single character in the computer or
mobile device

The Memory

It is the working table of the computer system wherein all materials must set in its first in order for the
computer to execute. In a real life scenario, a teacher’s podium in a classroom is used to set the projector, class
record, marker and other things for him/her to use during a lecture session. This podium will be vacated after
the class period ready for the next class.

 Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the
processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data.
 It stores three basic categories of items:
 o The operating system and other programs
o Applications
o Data being processed and the resulting information
 Each location in memory has an address
 Memory size commonly is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB)
 Computers and mobile devices contain two types of memory:
RAM chips usually reside on a memory module and are inserted into memory slots

Two common types of RAM exist:

1. Static RAM
2. Dynamic RAM

Memory cache

 Speeds the processes of the computer because it stores frequently used instructions and data

Small piece of high speed volatile memory available to the processor for fast processing is called cache memory.
Cache may be a reserved portion of main memory, another chip on CPU or an independent high speed storage
device. Cache memory is made of fast speed SRAMs. The process of keeping some data and instructions in
cache memory for faster access is called caching. Caching is done when a set of data or instructions is
accesses again and again.

TERMS TO REMEMBER:

 Read-only memory (ROM) refers to memory chips storing permanent data and instructions
 Firmware is permanent software programmed into a read-only memory.
 Flash memory can be erased electronically and rewritten
 CMOS (Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor) is a technology uses battery power to retain
information when the power to the computer is off.

The Access Time:

 It is the amount of time it takes the processor to read from memory (as what happen in 1st step of
machine cycle)
 Measured in nanoseconds

Adapters

 An adapter card enhances functions of a component of a desktop or server system unit and/or provides
connections to peripherals
o Example: Sound card and video card
 An expansion slot is a socket on a desktop or server motherboard that can hold an adapter card

With Plug and Play, the computer automatically can recognize peripheral devices as you install them

Buses

 A bus allows the various devices both inside and attached to the system unit to communicate with one
another
Word size is the number of bits the processor can interpret and execute at a given time

Connection lines used to connect the internal parts of the microprocessor chip is called bus. There are three
types of buses in a microprocessor

1. Data Bus− Lines that carry data to and from memory are called data bus. It is a bidirectional bus
with width equal to word length of the microprocessor.
2. Address Bus− It is a unidirectional responsible for carrying address of a memory location or I/O
port from CPU to memory or I/O port.
3. Control Bus− Lines that carry control signals like clock signals, interrupt signal or ready signal are
called control bus. They are bidirectional. Signal that denotes that a device is ready for processing is
called ready signal. Signal that indicates to a device to interrupt its process is called an interrupt
signal.

Power Supply and Batteries

 The power supply or laptop AC adapter converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power
 Mobile computers and devices can run using either a power supply or batteries
 Batteries typically are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
 COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLICATIONS
WEEK 3

Input is any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer.
Here are the commonly used inputs methods include:

A. Keyboard- an input device that contains keys you press to enter data and instructions into a computer or
mobile device

Nearly all keyboards have…

 Typing area
 Function keys
 Toggle key
 Navigation keys
 Media control buttons
 Internet control buttons
 Other special keys

Ergonomics incorporates comfort, efficiency, and safety in the design of the workplace.
 An ergonomic keyboard and mouse has a design that reduces the chance of repetitive strain injuries
(RSIs) of wrist and hand

B. Pointing devices- A pointer is a small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a user
moves a pointing device

Mouse
 pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably optical mouse, laser mouse, and touch
mouse
Touchpad
 A touchpad is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion
Trackball
 A trackball is a stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side

C. Touch screens- A touch screen is a touch-sensitive display

You use your thumb or finger to rotate or press buttons on a touch-sensitive pad, which commonly found on
portable media players as you can see on the left image.

D. Pen input- With pen input, you touch a stylus or digital pen on a flat surface to write, draw, or make
selections. You use a stylus to write, draw, or make selections on a touch screen that supports pen input

E. Motion input- With motion input, sometimes called gesture recognition, users can guide on-screen elements
using air gestures.
Graphics Tablet
 A graphics tablet, also called a digitizer, is an electronic plastic board that detects and converts
movements of a style or digital pen into signals that are sent to the computer. Architects use a graphics
tablet to create blueprints.

F. Voice input- is the process of entering input by speaking into a microphone.

Voice recognition
 also called speech recognition, is the computer or mobile device’s capability of distinguishing spoken
words

G. Audio input- It is the process of entering any sound into the computer such as speech, music, and sound
effects

Music production software allows users to record, compose, mix, and edit music and sounds

H. Video Input- is the process of capturing full-motion images and storing them on a computer or mobile
device’s storage medium.

A webcam is a type of DV camera that enables a user to video chat with other; i.e, videoconference in a meeting
between two or more groups

I. Scanners and reading devices

A scanner is a light-sensing input device that reads printed text and graphics and then translates the results
into a form the computer can process

A flatbed scanner works in a manner similar to a copy machine except it creates a file of the document in
memory instead of a paper copy

An optical reader is a device that uses a light source to read characters, marks, and codes and then converts
them into digital data that a computer can process.

Optical character recognition (OCR)

 OCR (optical character recognition) is the use of technology to distinguish printed or handwritten text
characters inside digital images of physical documents, such as a scanned paper document. The basic
process of OCR involves examining the text of a document and translating the characters into code that
can be used for data processing.

A bar code reader, also called a bar code scanner uses laser beams to read bar codes. Barcode readers are
commonly used in grocery stores in managing items on sale. A bar code reader uses laser beams to read bar
codes on products such as clothing, shown here.

A QR code stores information in both a vertical and horizontal direction. This customer pays her bills by
scanning an on-screen QR code.

Optical mark recognition (OMR)

 commonly use with PCOS machine here in the Philippines during Elections
RFID (radio frequency identification) uses radio signals to communicate with a tag placed in or attached to
an object

 An RFID reader reads information on the tag via radio waves

 RFID can track:
 Tracking times of runners in a marathon
 Tracking location of people and other items
 Checking lift tickets of skiers
 Gauging temperature and pressure of tires on a vehicle
 Checking out library books
 Managing purchases
 Tracking payment as vehicles pass through booths on tollway systems

Magstripe readers read the magnetic stripe on the back of cards such as:

 Credit cards
 Entertainment cards
 Bank cards
 Identification cards
 Other similar cards

MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) devices read text printed with magnetized ink

 An MICR reader converts MICR characters into a form the computer can process
 Banking industry uses MICR for check processing

The MICR characters preprinted on the check represent the bank routing number, customer account number,
and check number. The amount of the check in the lower-right corner is added after the check is cashed.

A data collection device obtains data directly at the location where the transaction or event takes place. An
employee in a warehouse uses this data collection device to scan items, which wirelessly transmits information
about the scanned item to the store’s inventory system.

Output is data that has been processed into a useful form either a soft copy or hard copy.
Four types of output are:
 text,
 graphics,
 audio,
 video.

The different output devices and their method of showing information to end-users.

A. Display
 A display visually conveys text, graphics, and video information
 A monitor is a display that is packaged as a separate peripheral device
  LED monitor (light emitting diode monitor)

The quality of a display depends primarily on its:

 Resolution - the number of pixels a screen can show, both horizontally and vertically
 Response time - the time it takes your monitor to shift from one color to another
 Brightness – how bright the monitor display
 Dot pitch - rating of a monitor tells you just how sharp the displayed image will be
 Contrast ratio - defined as the ratio of the luminance of the brightest color to that of the darkest color
that the system is capable of producing

Today’s monitors use a digital signal to produce a picture. To display the highest quality images, the monitor
should plug in a:

 A DVI port
 An HDMI port
 A Display Port

Home users sometimes use a digital television (DTV) as a display

HDTV is the most advanced form of digital television

A Smart TV is an Internet-enabled HDTV

B. Printers
 A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium.
 Before purchasing a printer, ask yourself a series of questions.

2 Major types of printer

1. Impact printers- form characters and graphics on a piece of paper by striking a mechanism against an
inked ribbon that physically contacts the paper. An impact printer produces printed images when tiny
pins strike an inked ribbon.
2. Non-impact printers- form characters and graphics on a piece of paper without actually contacting the
paper.
Examples:
a. Ink-jet printer- forms characters and graphics by spraying tiny drops of liquid ink onto a piece of
paper
 Color or black-and-white
 Speed is measured by the number of pages per minute ( ) it can print
 Ink-jet printers are a popular type of color printer used at home and in the office
b. Photo printer- is a color printer that produces lab-quality photos. Many use ink-jet technology
c. Laser printer - a printer linked to a computer producing good-quality printed material by using a
laser to form a pattern of electrostatically charged dots on a light-sensitive drum, which attract toner
(or dry ink powder). The toner is transferred to a piece of paper and fixed by a heating process.
 High-speed - High-quality
 Color - Black-and-white
d. All-in-one printer- is a single device that prints, scans, copies, and in some cases, faxes. Also called a
multifunction printer
 e. 3-D printer- uses a process called additive manufacturing to create an object by adding material to
a three-dimensional object, one horizontal layer at a time
f. Thermal printer generates images by pushing electrically heated pins against the heat-sensitive
paper
g. Mobile printer is a small, lightweight, battery-powered printer that allows a mobile user to print
from a mobile device
h. Label printer is a small printer that prints on an adhesive-type material that can be placed on a
variety of items.
i. Plotters are used to produce high-quality drawings. Large-format printers create photo-realistic
quality color prints.
j. Braille printer, also known as braille embosser, is an impact device that creates tactile dots on
sturdy paper, making written documents accessible to the blind

C. Speakers
 It is often used to attach to their computers, consoles, and mobile devices to generate higher-quality
sounds.

1. Headphones are speakers that cover or are placed outside of the ear for more comfortable computing
experience.
2. Earbuds (also called earphones) rest inside the ear canal.

D. Data projector
 A device that projects the text and images displaying on a computer or mobile device screen on a larger
screen so that an audience can see the image clearly
 A data projector projects an image from a computer or mobile device screen on a larger screen so that
an audience easily can see the image.

E. Interactive whiteboard
 A touch-sensitive device, resembling a dry-erase board, that displays the image on a connected
computer screen.
 Teachers and students can write directly on an interactive whiteboard, or they can write on a slate that
communicates wirelessly with the whiteboard.
 COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLICATIONS
WEEK 4

THE DIGITAL STORAGE

A digital storage, storage, storage media, or storage medium, a storage device is any hardware capable of
holding information either temporarily or permanently.

Key terms:

Storage medium is the physical material on which a computer keeps data, information, programs, and
applications
Cloud storage keeps information on servers on the Internet, and the actual media on which the files are
stored are transparent to the user

A storage device is the hardware that records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media

Factor in choosing storage device

 Capacity is the number of bytes a storage medium can hold.

In using a computer system, there is what we call Access time in storage device, and it measures:
 The amount of time it takes a storage device to locate an item on a storage medium
 The time required to deliver an item from memory to the processor

Hard Drives

A hard drive, also called a hard disk drive (HDD) contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use
magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information

The storage capacity of hard disks varies and is determined by:

 The number of platters the hard disk contains

 Whether the disk uses longitudinal or perpendicular recording
 Density

In setting up a hard drive, formatting is the process of dividing the disk into tracks and sectors where data will
be stored. People who are knowledgeable in doing this formatting can do this or you can do it on your own with
a step-by-step manual with you.

Characteristics of a hard disk include:

 Tracks
 Sectors
 Platters
 Form factor
 Read/write head
 Revolutions per minute
The Solid State Drive (SSD)

Another type of storage that computer uses nowadays is the SSD(solid state drive). It is a flash memory storage
device that contains its own processor to manage its storage

An SSD (solid state drive) has several advantages over traditional (magnetic) hard disks:

 Faster access times  Less power consumption

 Faster transfer rates  Less heat generation
 Quieter operation  Longer life
 More durable  Defragmentation not required
 Lighter weight

Since there’s no moving parts inside the SSD (just like a flash drive), it is much efficient to use

External hard disk

Another type of storage which is a separate freestanding storage device that connects with a cable to a
USB port or other port on a computer or mobile device. Portable just like a flash drive but has a larger space to
store data and information.

RAID (Redundant Array Of Independent Disks)

RAID on the other hand is a group of two or more integrated hard disks or SSDs. They are often used by
power users such as multimedia jobs to store big chunks of data.

Portable Flash Memory Storage

A memory card is a removable flash memory storage device that you insert and remove from a slot in a
computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer

 SDHC  CF
 SDXC  xD Picture Card
 MiniSD  Memory Stick prO Duo
 microSDHC  M2
 MicroSDXC

USB flash drives plug into a USB port on a computer or mobile device

Cloud storage is an Internet service that provides storage to computer or mobile device users

Examples:
 Google drive
 One Drive
 iCloud
An optical disc consists of a flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is written and
read by a laser. Optical discs commonly store items in a single track that spirals from the center of the disc to the
edge of the disc

CD
 Track is divided into evenly sized sectors
 A CD-ROM can be read from but not written to
 Single-session disc
 A CD-R is an optical disc on which users can write once, but not erase
 A CD-RW is an erasable multisession disc

DVD
 A DVD-ROM is a high-capacity optical disc on which users can read but not write on or erase
 A DVD-R or DVD+R are competing DVD-recordable WORM formats, on which users can write once but
not erase
 DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD+RAM are competing DVD-rewritable formats that users can write on
multiple times

ENTERPRISE HARDWARE

 allows large organizations to manage and store data and information using devices intended for heavy
use, maximum efficiency, and maximum availability
 RAID duplicates data, instructions, and information to improve data reliability

1. Network attached storage (NAS)

 It is a server that is placed on a network with the sole purpose of providing storage to users, computers,
and devices attached to the network.
 This type of storage is efficient for companies that work collaboratively in a single projects or
collaboration of workers.
2. Storage Area Network (SAN)
 It is a high-speed network with the sole purpose of providing storage to other attached servers. This
type is a larger version of NAS where servers are connected with each other.
3. Tape technology
 It is a magnetically coated ribbon of plastic capable of storing large amounts of data and information. A
tape drive reads and writes data and information on a magnetic tape.

Other Types of Storage

 A magnetic stripe card has a magnetic stripe that contains information.

 A smart card stores data on an integrated circuit embedded in the card.
 The RFID tag consists of an antenna and a memory chip that contains the information to be transmitted
via radio waves.
 An RFID reader reads the radio signal and transfers the information to a computer or computing device.
 An NFC (Near Field Communication)- enabled device contains an NFC chip
An NFC tag contains a chip and an antenna that contains information to be transmitted
Most NFC tags are self-adhesive.

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLICATIONS

 WEEK 5

Software

Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function. A program is a

sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem.

There are two types of software

 System Software
 Application Software

System Software

The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the processing
capabilities of the computer itself. System software is generally prepared by the computer manufacturers. These
software products comprise of programs written in low-level languages, which interact with the hardware at a
very basic level. System software serves as the interface between the hardware and the end users.

Operating Systems

 An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that coordinate all the activities among computer or
mobile device hardware.

o Start and shut down a computer

o Provide a user interface
o Manage programs
o Manage memory
o Coordinate tasks
o Configure devices
o Monitor performance
o Establish an Internet connection
o Provide file management and other device or media-related tasks
o Updating operating system software
o Control a network
o Administer security

Operating System Functions

Starting Computers and Mobile Devices

 If a computer or mobile device is off, you press a power button to turn it on
 
The process of starting or restarting a computer is called booting
 Cold boot
o Turning on a computer that has been powered off completely
 Warm boot
o Using the operating system to restart a computer (discussed earlier in module 1
An operating system includes various power options:
 Sleep mode saves any open documents running programs or apps to RAM, turns off all unneeded
functions, and then places the computer in a low-power state
 Hibernate mode saves any open documents and running programs or apps to an internal hard drive
before removing power from the computer or device.

User interface (UI)
 Controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen
o With a graphical user interface (GUI), you interact with menus and visual images
o In a command-line interface, a user types commands represented by short keywords or
abbreviations or presses special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions

Manage Multitasking Environment

How an operating system handles programs directly affects your productivity
 
Single tasking
 allows a single user to perform only one task at a time is called a Single-User Single-Tasking Operating
System. Functions like printing a document, downloading images, etc., can be performed only one at a
time

Multitasking
 allows a single user to perform more than one task at a time is called Single-User Multitasking
Operating System

Foreground and background

A priority assigned to programs running in a multitasking environment. The foreground contains the
applications the user is working on, and the background contains the applications that are behind the scenes,
such as certain operating system functions, printing a document or accessing the network.

Single user and multiuser

 A Single-User Operating System is a system in which only one user can access the computer system at
a time like a common used in a desktop or laptop computer. A Multi-User Operating System is a system
that allows more than one user to access a computer system at one time like a server allowing users to
connect.
Memory management
 optimizes the use of the computer or device’s internal memory.

Virtual memory
 is a portion of a storage medium functioning as additional RAM

The operating system determines the order in which tasks are processed

External Device Management

A driver is a small program that tells the operating system how to communicate with a specific device
Plug and Play automatically configures new devices as you install or connect them
 
POINT for Discussion:
How to uninstall a device attached to the computer.

Monitoring Performance
A performance monitor is a program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources
and devices

Connectivity
 Operating systems typically provide a means to establish Internet connections
Many programs, including operating systems, include an automatic update feature that regularly provides new
features or corrections to the program.

Operating systems often provide users with a variety of tools related to managing a computer, its devices, or
its programs
 Some operating systems are designed to work with a server on a network
 These multiuser operating systems allow multiple users to share a printer, Internet access, files, and
programs
 A network administrator uses the server operating system to:
 Add and remove users, computers, and other devices
 Configure the network, install software and administer network security

User management

A user account enables a use to sign in to, or access resources on, a network or computer

 A user name, or user ID, identifies a specific user

 A password is a private combination of characters associated with the user name

Types of Operating Systems

Most operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you purchase. Most of time, people use the
operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating
systems. For some cases, operating systems are used in larger type of computers and small ones like mobile
computers.

A desktop operating system is a complete operating system that works on desktops, laptops, and some tablets

Windows 10 is meant to unify desktop PC’s, Windows tablets, and Windows smart Phones with one interface,
one way of operating and one account:

The latest versions of Windows offer these features

 Uses tiles to access apps

 Includes the desktop interface
 Support for input via touch, mouse, and keyboard
 Email app, calendar app, and browser included
 Photos, files, and settings you can sync with OneDrive
  Enhanced security through an antivirus program, firewall, and automatic updates
 Windows Store offers additional applications for purchase

The Macintosh operating system has earned a reputation for its ease of use

Latest version is OS X

UNIX is a multitasking operating system developed in the early 1970s.

Linux is a popular, multitasking UNIX-based operating system

Chrome OS is a Linux-based operating system designed to work primarily with web apps

Chrome OS is a Linux-based operating system by Google.

Server Operating Systems

A server operating system, also called a server OS, is an operating system specifically designed to run
on servers, which are specialized computers that operate within a client/server architecture to serve the
requests of client computers on the network

Mobile operating system

The operating system on mobile devices and many consumer electronics is called a mobile operating
system and resides on firmware

Android is an open source, Linux-based mobile operating system designed by Google for smartphones and
tablets

iOS, developed by Apple, is a proprietary mobile operating system specifically made for Apple’s mobile devices

Windows Phone, developed by Microsoft, is a proprietary mobile operating system that runs on some
smartphones

Utility Programs

A utility program is a type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks

 A file manager is a utility that performs functions related to file management

 Displaying a list of files

 Organizing files in folders
 Copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files and folders 

A search utility is a program that attempts to locate a file on your computer based on criteria you specify

An uninstaller removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files

An image viewer allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file

A disk cleanup utility searches for and removes unnecessary files

  Downloaded program files
 Temporary Internet files
 Deleted files
 Unused program files

A disk defragmenter reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so that the operating
system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster

Defragmenting – the scattering of files in different sectors of the hard disk

A backup utility allows users to copy files to another storage medium

A restore utility reverses the process and returns backed up files to their original form

A screen saver causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no activity occurs for
a specified time

A personal firewall detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions

A virus describes a potentially damaging computer program that affects a computer negatively

A worm copies itself repeatedly in memory or over a network

A Trojan horse hides within or looks like a legitimate program

An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses

Spyware is a program placed on a computer without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information
about the user

A spyware remover detects and deletes spyware and other similar programs

Adware displays an online advertisement in a banner or pop-up window

An adware remover is a program that detects and deletes adware

 Filters are programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed

 Anti-spam programs
 Web filters
 Phishing filters
 Pop-up blockers
 

A file compression utility shrinks the size of a file(s)

 Compressing files frees up room on the storage media

 Compressed files sometimes are called zipped files
 Can be uncompressed
A media player allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video files on your
computer