Chapter -1

Introducing
Computer System

W.C. Deshapriya
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Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to understand the

basics of an ICT.
Also, you will be able to,
•Define an computer
•Define Hardware, Software, Liveware, Firmware
•Describe types of computers

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What is a computer?

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What is a computer?
 A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information,
or data. It can store, retrieve, and process data.
 The computer is used to convert data into information.

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Data
data is any set of row facts that gathered and translated for
some purpose, usually to analysis.
It can be any characters, text and numbers, pictures, sound, or
video.
The following is an example of data:

• J. Smith, no:124, Colombo-3, 8015553211 Bottled Water 120.00 Air

Freshener 549.50

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Information
• Information can be defined as the set of data which has been shaped
into a form that is meaningful and useful for human beings.

The following is an example of Information:

• Name: J. Smith,
• Address: no:124, Colombo-3,
• Bill No: 8015553211
• Item: Bottled Water price: 120.00
• Item: Air Freshener price: 549.50

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Data →process → Information

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Data Vs Information
• Data is a raw and unorganized detail. • Information is a set of data that is

• Data does not have any specific purpose. processed in a meaningful way according to

• Data alone has no meaning. the given requirement.

• Information carries a meaning that has
• Data never depends on Information.
been assigned by taking data.
• Data measured in bits and bytes.
• Information is dependent on Data.
• Data can be structured, tabular data,
• Information is measured in meaningful
graph, data tree.
units like time, quantity, etc.
• Information is language, ideas, and views
based on the given data.

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Basic Terminology

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Basic Terminology
Hardware Software
Includes the electronic set of instructions which enable the
and mechanical devices hardware to perform a specific set of
that process the data; tasks.
refers to the computer
as well as peripheral devices.

Liveware Firmware
Liveware are peoples that firmware is a specific set of computer
operate computer system using software that provides the low-level
hardware and software. control for a device's specific hardware

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Computer Hardware
• Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a
computer, such as the case, central processing unit (CPU),
random access memory (RAM), monitor, mouse and other
peripheral devices.

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Activity 01
• List 10 hardware components available in your computer.

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Type of Computer Hardware
• Input/output devices
• Processing device
• Storage devices
• Communications devices

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Activity 02
• Categorized hardware devices according different types.

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• Input/output devices

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• Processing devices
Different Types of Processors

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Graphics processing unit (GPU)
• Network processor.

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• Storage device
Primary storage : Directly communicate with CPU.
Volatile and fast memory.
Secondary storage: Directly not connected with CPU.
Non-volatile and slow memory.

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• Communications devices
Communication devices are used to transfer data, instructions, or
information with other computers or devices

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Computer Software
• Set of instructions which is used to operate computers and
execute specific tasks.
• Software can be classified as follows,
- System software
- Application software

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System software
Programs which are designed to run the computer's hardware
and application programs.

Type of system software :

▪ Operating systems
▪ Utility programs
▪ Service programs
▪ Device driver

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Application software
A software that has been designed to carry out specific tasks or
solve particular problems

Type of Application software :

▪Online and offline Application

▪ Anti-virus Software
▪Browser Software
▪Database Software
▪ Presentation/ Media Software
▪ Desktop publishing programs
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Computer Liveware
• Liveware are peoples that operate computer system using
hardware and software.
• These are devices that make any electronic or computer
device work and execute tasks.
• These are people who make computer system work behind
acts.

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Computer Firmware
• firmware is a specific set of computer software that provides
the low-level control for a device's specific hardware.

• Examples:
-System firmware
BIOS firmware
- Peripherals devices firmware
Printer firmware

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What are the type of computer?
• Super computers
• Mainframe computers
• Mini computers
• Micro computers
• Others

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Type of computer
Super computers
• High capacity
• Used by very large organizations
• Tracking space
• Tracking weather

Mainframe Computers
• Used to store, manage, and process large
amounts of data that need to be reliable, secure,
and centralized.

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Type of computer
Mini computers
• Used by medium-size companies
• Used by departments in large companies

Micro Computers
• Widely used. Notebook

• A personal computer;
• Four types of Microcomputers:
Handheld Tablet PC
Desktop

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Type of computer
Workstation
• Powerful desktop computer designed for
specialized tasks. (main- power, central AC
control )
• Can be an normal personal computer
attached to a LAN

Server Computers
• It is a Powerful computer that provides
resources, data, services to ther computers,
known as clients, over a network

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Thanks!

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