COMPUTER SKILLS

LECTURE 1

Introduction to computer

Mr Abdulazeez M. Sulaiman
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Contents

• What is a computer and why learn computer?

• Computer System Components.
• Computer Types
• Computer Units
• Advantages And Disadvantages Of Computer
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What is a computer
• Computer is an electronic device that accepts data (input), manipulates the
data (process), produces information based on the manipulation (output)
and stores the results (storage).

• It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.

• A computer does not think on its own. You have to tell it what to do.
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why learn computer?

• To open up a world of information

• A computer can teach you almost anything

• Resolve problems and questions faster

• Computers and robots are replacing jobs

• To easily access government & other organizations

• To connect with family & friends

• To have fun!
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Hardware and Software

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Hardware

• Physical structure that houses a computer's processor, memory, storage,

communication ports and peripheral devices. Each of these components

(called devices) have a different purpose, which may be either accepting
inputs, storing data or sending outputs.
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Hardware examples

• Processor (CPU): The component that processes and executes inputs received from

hardware and software.

• Motherboard : A mainboard that provides basic connection between all the other

hardware components and devices (internal and external).

• Memory (RAM): A temporary data storage space that stores the information the

CPU is actively using.

• Storage device : A storage device where data is stored on a permanent basis. It’s

slower but less volatile than the RAM.

• Power supply : unit That’s pretty self-explanatory: without power, no electronic

device can work!

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Software

• Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate

computers and execute specific tasks.

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Computer Types

• Supercomputer

• Mainframe computer

• Minicomputer

• Workstation

• PC (Personal Computer)
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Supercomputer
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Supercomputer

• They are the biggest and fastest computers(in terms of speed of processing

data).
• Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount of

data, like processing trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is

because of the thousands of interconnected processors in supercomputers.

• It is used in big organizations for managing the online currency world such as

bitcoin and nuclear energy research etc.

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Mainframe computer
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Mainframe computer

• Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that it can support

hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple
programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes
simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for
big organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc.
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Super computers Vs. Mainframe computer

1. Supercomputers are used for large 1. While Mainframe computers are
and complex mathematical used as a storage for large
computations. database and serve as a
2. Supercomputer’s speed is more maximum number of users
than Mainframe computer. It can simultaneously.
execute billions of instructions 2. Mainframe computer’s speed is
within a second. comparatively less than
3. Super computers are mostly Supercomputers.
purpose-built for one or a few 3. Mainframe computers are built
specific institutional tasks. to handle a large variety of tasks.
4. Supercomputers are the largest 4. Mainframe computers are
and costly computers. smaller and less costly than
supercomputers in size.
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Minicomputer
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Minicomputer
• A minicomputer is a type of computer that possesses most of the features
and capabilities of a large computer but is smaller in physical size.

• A minicomputer is a computer which has all the features of a large size

computer, but its size is smaller than those.

• Minicomputer can support multi-users at a time or you can say that

minicomputer is a multiprocessing system.

• A minicomputer may also be called a mid-range computer.

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Workstation

• Workstation is designed for technical or scientific applications. It consists of

a fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic
adapter. It is a single-user computer. It generally used to perform a specific
task with great accuracy.
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PC (Personal Computer)
• a digital computer designed for use by only one person at a time.
• Can be set on a desk , not expensive, very popular.
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the Four Components of Computer

• CPU
• CPU the "brain" of the computer because this is where programs are
executed. A program is a set of instructions that tells the computer how to
accomplish a specific task, such as sending a file to the printer, opening a
browser window, or playing music or video.
1. Fetch
2. Decode
3. execute
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the Four Components of Computer

• Memory
• Once the CPU converts a specific set of computer program instructions into
machine code, it stores that machine code in primary storage or memory.
The machine code will be treated as either data or instructions.
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the Four Components of Computer

• Input units
• Input units are all the devices you use to feed information to the computer,
such as a keyboard, a hard drive or a networking card.
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the Four Components of Computer

• Output Units
• Output units are the devices your computer uses to relay information to
the user, such as a printer, monitors and speakers.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of computer

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Advantages of computer
• Multitasking- Multitasking is one among the main advantage of
computer. Person can do multiple task, multiple operation at a same
time, calculate numerical problems within few seconds.

• Speed – One of the most advantages of computer is its incredible speed,

which helps human to finish their task in few seconds.

• Cost/ Stores huge

• Accuracy – One among the basis advantage of computer is which will

perform not only calculations but also with accuracy.
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Advantages of computer
• Data Security – Protecting digital data is understood as data security.

• Task completer – Completes tasks that might be impossible for humans to complete.

• Communication – Computer helps the user in better understanding and communication

with the other devices.

• Reduces work load – Information are often accessed by more than one person with the
necessity for work to be duplicated.

• Reliability – Computers can perform same sort of work repeatedly without throwing up
errors.

• Storage – The pc has an in-built memory where it can store an outsized amount of
knowledge . You can also store data in auxiliary storage devices.
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Disadvantages of computer
• Virus and hacking attacks – Virus may be a worm and hacking is just an
unauthorized access over computer for a few illicit purpose.

• Online Cyber Crimes – Online cyber-crime means computer and network may
have utilized in order to commit crime.

• Reduction employed opportunity.

• High cost

• Health Problems

• Increases waste and impacts the environment

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