 INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTERS

 Prepared By O. Hibbert
What is a Computer?

 A computer is an automatic,
electronic, digital data
processor that accepts,
stores, and manipulates data
and outputs the results.
 Characteristics of the
Computer
It can perform its operations with
it amazing speed, reliability,
accuracy, power and
communication capabilities.
Characteristics of the
Computer cont….
 SPEED:
 A computer can process
billions of instructions in a
single second. E.g. Computers
used by utility companies to
produce monthly bills. Without
fast and powerful computers
this would be impossible.
Characteristics of the
Computer cont….
 RELIABILITY:
 Modern computers have a low failure
rate, and they produce consistent
results.

 Computers can work continuously and

never go a strike.
Characteristics of the
Computer cont….
 ACCURACY:

 The computer produces error

free results if the data is
entered correctly. (GIGO)
Characteristics of the
Computer cont….
 STORAGE:

 A computer stores large amounts

of data in a very small place for
later use.

 Spare copies or backup can also

be stored in case of accidents.
Characteristics of the
Computer cont….
 COMMUNICATION:

 Communication devices such

as modems allows two or
more computers to share
stored data and information.
 Drawback of Computer
use
 Computers can replace people.
(Unemployment)

 Computers hold personal

information that may me misused.

 Downtime- Problem arise when a

computer cannot be used. Curtain
task has to be done manually or
postponed.
Drawback of Computer
use cont…
 Staff need to be trained.
Training can be expensive and
if the current staff leaves new
staff will have to trained.
Basic Operation of The
computer
 The computer’s basic operations are
– Input
– Processing
– Output
– Storage
Computers can usually:
* "input" data from a mouse or keyboard,
* "process" the data using a CPU and memory,
and
* "output" the result onto a monitor or save it
onto a disk.
Data Flow of Computer
System
 Data

 Raw facts and figures

 Meaningless until they are
processed
 When processed, it provides
Information
E.g. of DATA 250299
 Information

 Data that has been processed

 Data made meaningful

 250299 could be a data value

 i.e. February 25, 1999
The Computer System
 HARDWARE
 SOFT WARE
 USERS

 All part of the computer system

MUST interact for it to function
 Hardware
 Parts of the computer that can
be touched (Tangible)

 Peripheral are hardware

components usually outside the
system unit.

 Eg. Speaker, keyboard, mouse,

scanner, disk drives.
Types of Hardware

 Input devices – Used to capture

data
 The Processing Unit – CPU and
Memory
 Output devices – Provide Output
 Backing storage – Used to
permanently store data.
Software

 Programs that allows

hardware and users to
perform.

 Two types- System software

and Application Software
Users

 Anyone who operates the

computer
 Uses the computer to carry
out tasks
 Can be computer professionals
or end users such as students
or employees.
Home work

 Make notes on the following

– Microprocessors
– Microcomputers
– Personal computer
– Minicomputers
– Mainframe computer
– Supercomputer