Introduction to Information

Technology
Lecture 2
Rafia Bokhari

What is a Computer?

It is an electronic device that processes

data, converting it into information that is
useful to people.

Information Processing Cycle

Input
Processing
Output
Storage

Parts of Computer System

Hardware
Software
Data
User

Computer Hardware

Processor
Memory
Input and Output
Storage

Processing Devices

Processing Procedure that

transforms raw data into useful
information

Processor Organizes and carries out

instructions
Memory

Processor

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Consists of specialized chips
Microprocessors
Motherboard

Memory Devices

One or more set of chips that store

data
Two main types of memories

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Read-only Memory (ROM)

Random Access Memory

Like electronic scratch pad

RAM holds

Data
Program Instructions

Also called Read/write memory

Volatile
Tremendous impact on computer
speed

Units of Measure for Computer

Memory

Byte the amount of memory it takes

to store a single character

Kilobyte (KB) 1,000 (App.)

Megabyte (MB) 1 million (App.)
Gigabyte (GB) 1 billion (App.)
Terabyte (TB) 1 trillion (App.)

Read-only Memory (ROM)

Permanently stores data

Non-volatile memory
Holds instructions computer needs to
operate

Input and Output Devices

Input devices accepts data and

instructions from user or other
computer system
Output devices return processed data
to the user or other computer system

Input Devices Examples

Keyboard
Mouse
Microphone
Trackball
Touchpad
Joystick
Scanner
Digital Camera

Output Devices Examples

Monitor
Printer
Stereo Speakers
Headphones

Input/Output Device

Touch Screen
Communication Devices

Connect one computer to another

Modems
Network Interface Cards

Storage Devices

Purpose to hold data permanently

Storage Vs Memory (RAM)

More room
Contents are retained
Operate much slower than memory chips
Costs cheaper than memory

Storage Types

Magnetic
Optical

Magnetic Storage

Almost always housed inside a case of

some kind
Disk drive Device that holds a disk
Hard Drives
Floppy Disks

Optical Storage

Devices that use lasers to read/write

data to reflective surface of an optical
disc

CD-ROM
DVD

Computer Software

System Software
Application Software

References

Introduction to Computers, Peter

Norton, Chapter 1B