Chapter 1: Introduction to basic computer skill
What is computer?
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory; that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results and store the results for future use.
What are 6 elements of computer system?
1) Hardware: the part of the computer that we can physically see and touch. For example like system unit, keyboard, mouse, monitor and speaker.
2) Software: consists of a series of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do it. 2 categories of software are:
i. System Software-consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. 2 types of system software are
- (a) Operating System. e.g : Windows Vista, Window XP, etc.
- (b) Utility programs. e.g : Anti-virus software
ii. Application Software-consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks.Some common kinds of application software: Word processor software, Database software, Spreadsheet software, Desktop Publishing software, Paint and Draw software.
3) Data: raw material (can be text, number, sound or image that the computer process into meaningful information)
*Information : Complete Processed data by the computer.
4) People: people who operate the computer hardware and they create the computer software.
5) Procedure: descriptions of how things are done, steps for accomplishing a result. E.g: Reference manual which have guidelines to follow.
6) Communication: used to shared data or info. electronically from one computer to another computer. E.g: Satellite, Phone Line.
What are 5 components of a computer ?
1) Input devices: any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer: Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone, Scanner, Digital camera &Web Cam.
2) Output devices : an output devices is any hardware component that display information produced by the computer: Monitors, Printers & Speakers.
3) System unit : case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data: Motherboard – cover most of the bottom of the system unit. 2 main components on the motherboard are: Processor & Memory.
4) Storage Devices: hardware device designed to store data or information: 3 main types of computer storage
are:
- a) Magnetic storage – use magnetic particles to store items such as data, instructions and information on a disk’s surface.Examples: Hard Disks, Floppy Disks and external hard disks.
- b) Optical Storage – is a type of storage media that consists of a flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic that is written and read by a laser. Example: CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, & DVD-RW.
- c) Mobile Storage/ Solid State Storage – allow mobile users easily to transport digital images, music, or documents to and from computers and other devices.Example: Flash memory cards, USB flash drive, and smart cards.
5) Communication Devices: hardware component that enables a computer to send and receive data, instruction, and information to and from one or more computers). A widely used communication device is a modem or telephone line.