IT Learning Centre

The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong Workshop for IT Proficiency Test

01 Hardware & Software

IT Test: 4 M.C. Qns.

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IT Learning Centre
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

Contents
(A) Categories of computers
(B) Components of a computer
(I) Hardware
(II) Software

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What is Computer?
◼ A computer is an electronic
machine, operating under the
control of instructions stored
in its own memory;
◼ It can accept data,
manipulate the data
according to specified rules,
produce results, and store
the results for future use.

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(A) Categories of computers

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(A) Categories of computers

◼ Mobile Computers and Devices
◼ E.g., notebooks, tablet PCs, and smart
phones
◼ Microcomputers
◼ E.g., desktop computers
◼ Mainframe Computers
◼ Supercomputers

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Mobile Computers and Devices (1)

Notebook
◼ Portable, small enough to fit on your lap
◼ Also called a laptop
◼ Generally more expensive than a desktop
computer

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Mobile Computers and Devices (2)

Tablet PCs
◼ A special type of notebook computer that
you can interact with by touching the
screen with finger or a digital pen which
uses pressure instead of ink.

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Mobile Computers and Devices (3)

Smart Phones
◼ An Internet-enabled phone that usually also
provides personal information management
functions such a calendar, an appointment book,
and an address book,…etc.
◼ Besides, it allows users to send and receive e-
mails, access the Web and includes built-in
digital camera.

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Mobile Computers and Devices (4)

Smart Phones
◼ Also offers a variety of application
software (APP) such as games, instant
messaging, word processing, and live
video conferencing.

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Wireless Media
◼ Notebook computer
and Mobile computers
can be equipped with
Wi-Fi to connect to
the Internet

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Microcomputers
◼ A microcomputer is a computer with a
central processing unit (CPU) as a
microprocessor.
◼ We now refer to microcomputers as,
simply, computers, or personal computers
(PC).

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Microcomputers –
Desktop Computers
◼ Designed so all of the
components fit on or under a
desk or table

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The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

Mainframe Computers
◼ Huge and towering
machines with lots of
processing power to handle
huge amounts of simple
tasks.
◼ Mostly used by corporations,
government agencies, and
banks – organizations that
need a way to store large
quantities of information.

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Supercomputers
◼ With hundreds of thousands of processors,
capable of computing quadrillions 105 of
calculations in just a few nanoseconds.
◼ Supercomputers are used in computational
science to calculate and carry out complex tasks.

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(B) Components of a computer

(I) HARDWARE
(II) SOFTWARE

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(B) Components of a computer

◼ A computer consists of a
variety of hardware
components that work
together with software to
perform calculations,
organize data, and
communicate with other Software
computers.
Hardware

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(I) Hardware
◼ It is the physical parts of a computer.
◼ It includes
◼ input devices, output devices, a system unit,
storage devices, and communication devices.

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1. Input Devices
◼ An input device is
any hardware
component that
allows a user to
enter data and
instructions into a
computer.
◼ E.g. keyboard,
mouse, microphone,
scanner, digital
camera, etc.

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2. System Unit
◼ It is a box-like
case that houses
the electronic
components of
the computer
used to process
data.

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2. System Unit

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Motherboard
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

System Unit Case

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3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

◼ The main component of
the system unit is CPU.
◼ It is the electronic device
that interprets and carries
out the basic instructions
that operate the computer.
◼ It consists of two parts:
◼ Control Unit
◼ Arithmetic and Logic
Unit (ALU)
CPU chips
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3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

◼ Control unit: decodes and executes instructions,
calling on the ALU when necessary.
◼ Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU): performs
arithmetic/mathematical, logical, and decision
operations.

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4. Memory - Primary Storage

◼ Random Access Memory (RAM)
◼ Commonly called “memory”, stores
programs and data while you work, the
memory vanishes when power off.

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5. Storage Devices - Secondary Storage

◼ Secondary storage is necessary because memory
(primary storage) loses its data when a computer
is turned off whereas secondary storage does not.
◼ Hence, secondary storage is also known as non-
volatile storage, as the data on it stays there
until it is deleted or overwritten by the user.
◼ Types of secondary storage
◼ Magnetic storage: Hard drive (internal or
external)
◼ Optical storage: CD-R, DVD-R
◼ Solid State Storage: Flash memory and USB
drive
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5. Storage Devices - Secondary Storage

USB flash memory

Internal hard drive

External hard drive

Floppy disk
Optical disc

Tape

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6. Output Devices
◼ An output device is any hardware component
that can convey information to a user.
◼ E.g. Printer, Monitor, Speakers

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(II) Software
◼ It is a series of instructions that tells the
hardware of a computer what to do.
◼ Types of software
1. System Software
2. Application Software

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1. System Software
◼ System software is a type of computer program
that is designed to run a computer’s hardware
and application programs. It is the interface
between the hardware and user applications.
◼ The operating system (OS) is the best-known
example of system software. The OS manages
all the other programs in a computer.
◼ Other examples:
◼ Boot program
◼ Printer driver program

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Operating System
◼ An operating system (OS) is the program that, after
being initially loaded into the computer by a boot
program, manages all the other programs in a
computer.
◼ Every desktop computer, tablet, and smartphone
includes an operating system that provides basic
functionality for the device.
◼ Examples
◼ Microcomputer OS: Windows 10, Windows 7
◼ Server OS: Unix, Linux, Windows Server
◼ Smart phone OS: iOS, Android
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Operating System
◼ What are the two most popular series of
personal computers?
Windows OS Apple Mac OS

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Functions of Operating System

start the provide a user manage
computer programs &
interface
devices
administer
security

control
network manage
memory

Provide utilities programs, e.g. file management,

monitor performance, internet connection.
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Functions of Operating System

◼ Providing User Interface
◼ Controls how you
enter data and
instructions and
how information
displays on
screen

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Functions of Network Operating System

◼ Allows users to share printer, Internet access, files,
and programs on a network.
◼ Administers security by establishing user name and
password for each user on a network.

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2. Application Software
◼ Application software consists of programs
that perform specific tasks for users.

Word
Spreadsheet
Processing

Presentation
Database
Software

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Common Application Software

◼ Word Processor (e.g. Microsoft Word)
◼ Allows users to create and manipulate documents
that contains text and graphics.
◼ Spreadsheet (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
◼ Organizes data in rows and columns so that data
calculation and what-if analysis can be performed.
◼ Presentation Software (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint)
◼ Organizes presentation into slides.

◼ Database: (E.g., Microsoft Access)

◼ Collects and organizes data in manner that allows
access, retrieval and updating of the data.

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References
◼ Shelly, G. B., Vermaat, M. E., Quasney, J. J. Sebok, S.
L. & Freund, S. M. (2016). Discovering Computers:
Your interactive guide to the digital world: complete
(Chapter 3-8). Australia: Course Technology,
Cengage Learning.

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