This document provides an introduction to computers including definitions of key concepts. It discusses that a computer is a machine that performs processes and calculations based on instructions from software or hardware programs. Data is raw information while information is processed data. The computer originated from Charles Babbage's analytical engine design in the 19th century. Computers can be classified by size from personal computers to quantum computers. The basic parts of a computer are hardware, which are the physical components, and software, which are the instructions that control the hardware. Hardware includes input, output, and storage devices while software includes system software that manages the computer and application software for end users.
2. Computer
• A computer is a machine or device that performs processes,
calculations and operations based on instructions provided by
a software or hardware program. It is designed to execute
applications and provides a variety of solutions by combining
integrated hardware and software components.
3. Data and Information
• Data: The raw form of information is called data or Data is a
collection of facts, such as numbers, words, measurements,
observations or even just descriptions of things.
• Information: The processed form of data is called information.
4. History of Computer
• The computer as we know it today had its beginning with a
19th century English mathematics professor name Charles
Babbage.
He designed the Analytical Engine and it was this design that
the basic framework of the computers of today are based on.
5. Types of Computer
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows,
Personal computer, workstation, Mini Computer, Mainframe Computer,
Super Computer and Quantum Computer.
Personal computer
A small, single-user
computer based on
a microprocessor.
6. Workstation
A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal
computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and, in general,
a higher-quality monitor.
7. 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 multi-user computer capable of supporting
up to hundreds of users simultaneously.
8. Mainframe Computer
A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting
many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
10. Quantum computer
An extremely fast computer
then super computer that is
four time powerful then
super computer.
It can solves a problem in
2.5 days as human could do
it in 10000 years.
11. Computer Basic parts
Computer is made of two basic parts
1. Hardware 2. Software
Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer. This is
also sometime called the machinery or the equipment of the computer
The parts of the computer that we can touch and have physical shape and
existence. Such as, CPU, Motherboard, Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor and
etc.
12. Hardware
Input Devices: all those devices through which computer gets
data like; Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone, USB and etc.
Output Devices: All those devices through which computer
display or provide information like; Monitor, speakers and etc.
Storage Devices: A storage device refers to a computing
hardware used to store information permanently or temporarily.
The device can be external or internal to a computer, server, and
other computing systems, like Hard disk, USB, RAM, ROM, DVD
and etc.
13. Storage Devices
• Secondary (Permanent) storage device
• A secondary storage device has a larger storage capacity and
can store data permanently. The device can be both external
and internal to a computer and includes; compact disk, USB
drive, hard disk, etc.
• Primary (Temporary) storage device
• A primary storage device is quite smaller in size and it’s
designed to capture or hold data for a temporary period. Most
primary storage devices are found inside the computer, and
they have the fastest access to data. Examples of Primary
devices include Cache memory and RAM.
14. Computer Basic Parts
Software:
Commonly known as programs or apps, consists of all the
instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task or the
parts of the computer that we can see but cannot touch and have
no physical existence.
Such as, Operating system, Game, Photoshop and etc.
Types of Software
1. System Software: includes the programs that are dedicated to
managing the computer itself, such as the operating system, file
management utilities, and disk operating system (or DOS).
2. Application Software: is a program or group of programs designed
for end users like Microsoft word, Photoshop and etc.