CSC101: Introduction to

Information
Technology.

Presentation made by:

KAYITABA R.
Theoretical part (next)
Classification of Computers
• On the basis of Technology
• On the basis of Purpose
• On The basis of size & Speed
• On the basis of how it functions
Contents
 Theoretical part (30hours)
• Definition of computer
• Evolution of computers
– History of computing
– Generations of computers
(Five generations)
• Basics of computer and its operation:
– Functional Components and their interconnections
(Input unit, computer case, and output units)
Parts of Module
 Practical part (60hours)
• Software Concepts:
 Operating system
Ms Word (word processing/traitement de text)
Ms Excel ( designed for calculation)
Ms Power Point ( Text presentation)
Definition
Definition of a computer
• A computer is an electronic device capable of
executing instructions, developed based on
algorithms stored in its memory, to process
data fed to it and produce the required results
faster than human beings.
• Electronic device: material which recognize the
presence of electric signal.
• Instructions: (order/request/ )
• Algorithms: instructions given step by step to
accomplish a task,
• Memory: storage devices,
• Data : Raw fact of object
• Information : processed data gives information
Hardware
Basic Components of a Computer
Evolution of Computer
The development of the
modern day computer was the
result of advances in
technologies and man's need to
quantify.

Let us look at some of the

important milestones in the
evolution of computers.
ABACUS

•The abacus was invented in

3000 BC in Babylonia.
•Beads on rods to count and
calculate
Pascal’s Adding Machine

In 1642 AD, Blaise Pascal , a French

mathematician invented a calculating
machine named as Adding Machine.
This machine was capable of doing
Addition and Subtraction. This device is
known as the First Calculator of the
world.
Leibnitz’s Calculator

In 1671 AD, Gotfried Leibnitz, a German

Mathematician improved the Adding
machine and made a new machine capable
of performing multiplication and division
also.
Jacquard Loom - 1801

First stored program - metal cards

First computer manufacturing, still in use
today!
Babbage’s Difference Engine

Charles Babbage was a famous British

mathematician. In 1822, he designed a
machine called Difference Engine. It
aimed at calculating mathematical tables.
Since the technology was not so
advanced at that time this machine could
Babbage’s Analytical Engine

In 1833, Charles Babbage designed a

machine called Analytical Engine. It had
almost all the parts of a modern computer.
Unfortunately, this machine could not be
built because of lack of technology. His
designs remained a concept.
His great designs earned him the title of
Lady Ada

Lord Byron's daughter, Ada, Countess

of Lovelace, suggested to Babbage that
he use the binary system in his machine.
She wrote programs for his analytical
engine in 1840, becoming the world's first
computer programmer.
Hollerith’s Tabulating Machine

Hollerith, a Mathematician, invented a

fast counting machine named Tabulating
Machine in 1880.
This machine was used by American
Department of Census to complete their
1880 census data.
Computer named
‘Mark 1’

Howard Aiken of Harvard University in USA

joined hands with the company IBM.
He developed a computer named Mark I in
1943.
It could perform mathematical operations very
fast.
It could perform one operation per second.
ENIAC

The first electronic computer ENIAC was

developed in 1946 by a team lead by Professor
Eckert and Mauchly at the University of
Pennsylvania in USA.
Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer (ENIAC) was very huge and very fast.
It could solve 5000 operations per second.
Intel 8080 Processor

In 1974 the Intel 8080 processor was

introduced - it became the basis for the
first personal computers.
Definition of Computer

Electronic Device
Accepts and stores input
Manipulates result
Outputs results
Under direction of stores programs and
instructions
Characteristics of Computer
Speed
Accuracy
Diligence
Reliability
Versatility
Memory
Characteristics of Computer
Speed: the computer can process data faster than
any other machine with its speed of 1/1M of a sec
Accuracy: a computer's high-speed processing gives
99.99% error free results
Diligence : not afflicted to tiredness, monotony,
lack of concentration like human beings.
Reliability: the computer can make decisions based
on alternative course of action.
Versatility: can work with different types of data like
sound, graphics, audio.
Memory :computers can store information in the
memory and use them when needed.
What is Data and Information

Data is raw facts

Example: Rwanda, ICT, Africa, 2007

Information is meaningful and arranged form of data

Example: Rwanda is fastest growing ICT country in Africa

according to a public poll held in 2007.
Hardware
Hardware refers to physical components that can
be seen and touched. E.g. CPU, Memory, I/O
devices.

Software
Software is a set of programs that make the
Hardware of the computer run. Program is a
set of instructions.
Computer system
Computer system

Software
Hardware

Inputs Computer Outputs System Application

Device Case Devices Software Software
s

Power Central Examples: Examples: Examples:

Examples: supply processin
g unit

Mother
Board/
Carte
Mère Control Arithmetic and Register
unit Logic Unit s
Classification of
Computer Systems
• On the basis of Technology
• Generations of computers
• On the basis of Purpose
• General Purpose, special Purpose computers
• On The basis of size & Speed
• Micro, Mini , mainframe & Super Computers
• On the basis of how it functions
• Analog, Digital & Hybrid Computers
Technology Based Classification of
Computer Systems

Each generation of
computer is characterized
by a major technological
development that
fundamentally changed
the way computers
•operate,
smaller, •resulting
more efficientin
increasinglyand
•cheaper,
•reliable devices.
•more
powerful
FIRST
GENERATION Structure of
TIME PERIOD : 1940's- a Vaccum
1950's Tube

TECHNOLOGY USED :
Vacuum Tubes
SIZE AND SPEED : Huge, UNIVAC
taking up entire

rooms, Slow speed

LANGUAGE USED : Machine
ENIAC
language
COST : System
OTHER FEATURES :
•Used a great deal of
electricity.
•Generated a lot of heat.
•Input was based on punched
cards and paper tape, and
output was displayed on
printouts.
EXAMPLE : UNIVAC and
ENIAC
Second Generation Computers
(2nd Generation)
TIME PERIOD : 1950's-
1960's
TECHNOLOGY USED : Transistors
Transistors
SIZE AND SPEED : Lesser size
and increased speed UNIVAC 1108

LANGUAGE USED : Assembly

language and languages like

COBOL and FORTRAN

IBM 1401
OTHER FEATURES : More efficient
and reliable.
Though the transistors still
generated a great deal of heat that
subjected the computer to damage,
it was a vast improvement over the
vacuum tube.
Second-generation computers still
relied on punched cards for input
and printouts for output.
EXAMPLE : UNIVAC 1108, IBM
Third Generation Computers
(3
TIME
rd
Generation)
PERIOD : late 1960's-
1970's
IBM 360/50
TECHNOLOGY USED : Integrated Circuit

SIZE AND SPEED : Size Lesser and

speed further increased

LANGUAGE USED : Operating

System was developed.

COST : Cost decreased

OTHER FEATURES : Instead of
punched cards and printouts, users
interacted with third generation
computers through keyboards and
monitors and interfaced with an
operating system, which allowed the
device to run many different
applications at one time with a central
program that monitored the memory.

Computers for the first time became

accessible to a mass audience because
they were smaller and cheaper than
Fourth Generation
Computers (4th Generation)
TIME PERIOD : 1970's-today

TECHNOLOGY USED :
Microprocessor The Macintosh 128K,
the first Macintosh,
was the first
SIZE AND SPEED : commercially
successful personal
Reduced size and tremendous computer to use
speed images, rather than
text, to communicate.

LANGUAGE USED :
High Level Languages like
PASCAL, Intel 4004D
Microproce
• ssor
•OTHER FEATURES :
Microprocessors also moved out of
the realm of desktop computers and
into many areas of life as more and
more everyday products began to
use microprocessors.
•As these small computers became
more powerful, they could be linked
together to form networks, which
eventually led to the development
of the Internet.
•Fourth generation computers also
Fifth Generation Computers
(5 Generation)
th PERIOD
TIME : 1990's -today

TECHNOLOGY USED : Microprocessor

SIZE AND SPEED : Reduced size

and tremendous speed

LANGUAGE USED : Based on Artificial

intelligence

COST : Reduced Cost

OTHER FEATURES : Fifth generation

computing devices, based on artificial
intelligence, are still in development,
EXAMPLE :
Parallel Inference Machine

Note
• Artificial Intelligence is the branch of
computer science concerned with making
computers behave like humans.
•Voice Recognition is the field of
computer science that deals with
designing computer systems that can
recognize spoken words.
According to purpose

• General purpose- a machine that can

be used to process many types of
applications. Ex microcomputers
• Special purpose- a machine that can be
used for a specific application or just
ONE application. Ex: Weather
Forecasting and Airlines Reservation
According to data handled
• Analog computers- a computer that
manipulates continuous or approximate types
of data
• Digital computers - a computer that
manipulates discrete types of data
• Hybrid computers- a computer that can
manipulate both analog or digital types of data
According to size or capacity
• Microcomputer – smallest in size and the cheapest. It
can handle thousands of records.
• Minicomputer – the medium size computer, bigger
and more expensive than the microcomputer
• Mainframe – a large computer that can handle
millions of data, Support multiple user, does server
tasks
• Supercomputer – is a very large computer that
manipulates billions of data
Other names
of Microcomputer

– Personal Computers ( PC )
– Office computer
– Microcomputer
– Home computer
– Desktop computer
Notebook Computers
• Portable
– Lightweight
– Fits in a briefcase
– Battery operated

• Laptop
– Larger
– Heavier

• More expensive that

desktop models
Handheld Computers

• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

– Scheduling
– Addresses
– Handwritten input
– May offer wireless e-mail and fax

• Pocket
– More power than PDA
– Runs basic productivity software
Basic Computer Concepts

Definition of a computer
A computer is an electronic device capable of
executing instructions, developed based on
algorithms stored in its memory, to process data fed
to it and produce the required results faster than
human beings.
Or
A computer is a machine that manipulates data
according to a set of instructions.
Computer system
Computer system

Software
Hardware

Inputs Computer Outputs System Application

Device Case Devices Software Software
s

Power Central Examples: Examples: Examples:

Examples: supply processin
g unit

Mother
Board/
Carte
Mère Control Arithmetic and Register
unit Logic Unit s
The block diagram of a computer
Basic Units

A computer is designed using four

basic units. They are
1)Input Unit
2)Central Processing Unit (CPU
3)Memory Unit
4)Output Unit
1. Input devices
• Accept data or commands and convert them
to electronic form
• Getting data into the computer
– Typing on a keyboard
– Pointing with a mouse
– Scanning with a wand reader or bar-code reader
– Terminal
Examples:
• Key Board
• Mouse
• Speech Input
• Unit Microphone
• Scanner
• Digital Camera
2. Output devices
• Convert from electronic form to some other
form
• May display the processed results
• Usable information
Monitor or screen Printer
• Text • Black and white
• Numbers • Color
• Symbols
• Art
• Photographs
• Video
Examples:
• Monitor or Video Display Unit
• Printer
• Drum Plotter
• Flat Bed Plotter
• Microfilm and Microfiche
• Graphic Display device (Digitizing Tablet)
• Speech Output Unit
[Link] Central Processing Unit (CPU)

. Converts data to useful information

• Interpret and execute instructions

• Communicate with input, output and storage
• Three parts ( Some times 2 parts)
– Control Unit (CU)
– Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
– Registers
Arithmetic / Logic Unit
ALU

Performs arithmetic operations

Performs logical operations
Arithmetic Operations

Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Logical Operations

• Evaluates conditions
• Makes comparisons
• Can compare
– Numbers
– Letters
– Special characters
Control Unit
CU
• Part of the hardware that is in-charge
Directs the computer system to execute
stored program instructions
Communicates with other parts of the
hardware
Registers

Special-purpose
High-speed
Temporary storage
Located inside CPU

Instruction register Data register

Holds instruction currently Holds data waiting to be

being executed processed

Holds results from processing

4. Computer Memory
• Computer data storage, often called
storage or memory, refers to computer
components, devices, and recording media
that retain digital data used for computing
for some interval of time.
Computer data storage
provides one of the core
functions of the modern
computer, that of information
retention. It is one of the
fundamental components of
all modern computers, and
coupled with a
central processing unit (CPU,
a processor).
Types of Memory

M e m o ry

P r im a r y S e c o n d a ry

ROM RAM

PROM EPROM EAPROM EAPROM SRAM DRAM

• Secondary storage
long-term storage

• Primary storage or memory or

Primary memory or Main storage or
Internal storage or Main memory

temporary storage
Memory / Primary Storage
RAM ( Random Access Memory )

• RAM - Temporary storage

• Holds input to be processed
• Holds results of processing
• Contains the programs to control the
computer and manipulate input into
output
• Volatile
• It is known also as the Read and Write
memory. This memory is volatile.

• Whatever information you store is

temporary in nature and when you switch
off the computer everything is erased.
What’s in RAM?
• Operating System
• Program currently running
• Data needed by the program
• Intermediate results waiting to be output
ROM (Read Only Memory )

• It is a memory unit that performs

the Read operation only and
does not have a write capability.
• Non-volatile
• Instructions for booting the computer
• Data and instructions can be read, but not
modified
• Instructions are typically recorded at factory
Secondary Storage
• Long-term storage
• Non-volatile
• For safekeeping and later re-use
An optical drive is a storage device
that uses lasers to read data on the
optical media. The two types are CD
and DVD (Digital Versatile/Video Disc).

A flash drive is a removable storage

device that connects to a USB port.
A flash drive uses a type
of memory that requires no power to
maintain the
data.
Secondary Storage Examples
• Magnetic disks – read and written by magnetic
disk drive
– Hard disk
– Diskette(floppy Disk)
• Optical disks – read and written by optical disk
drives
– CD-ROM
– DVD-ROM
• Magnetic tape – read and written by magnetic
tape drives
– Primarily used for back-up
The principal characteristics of a
memory.
Capacity: representing the total volume of
information (out of bits) that the memory
can store;
The access time: corresponding to the
interval of time enters the request for
read/write and the availability of the data;
Cycle time: representing the interval of
minimum time between two successive
accesses;
The principal characteristics
of a memory (cont).

Flow: defining the volume of

information exchanged per
unit of time, expressed out of
bits a second;
Nonvolatility:
characterizing the aptitude of
a memory to preserve the
data when it is not fed any
more electrically.
Motherboards

 Video Graphics Array (VGA)

 Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
Motherboards(cont)
The main printed circuit board.
Contains the buses, or electrical
pathways found in a computer.
•Buses allow data to travel
among the various components.
•Also known as the system board,
the backplane, mobo, or the main board.
Motherboards(cont)
•Accommodates CPU, RAM, expansion
slots, heat sink/fan assembly, BIOS chip,
chip set, internal and external
connectors, various ports, and the
embedded wires that interconnect the
motherboard components.
Internal Cables
Data cables connect drives to
the drive controller, which is
located on an adapter card or
on the motherboard.
Floppy disk drive (FDD) data
cable
USB Ports and Cables
USB Ports and Cables
USB is a standard interface for
connecting peripheral devices to
a computer.
USB devices are hot-swappable.
USB ports are found on computers,
cameras, printers, scanners,
storage devices, and many other electronic
devices.
USB Ports and Cables
A single USB port in a computer
can support up to 127 separate
devices with the use of multiple
USB hubs.
Some devices can also be
powered through the USB port,
eliminating the need for an
external power source.
Parallel Ports and Cables
Parallel Ports and Cables
Parallel ports can transmit 8 bits of data at
one time.
To connect a parallel device, such as a
printer, a parallel cable must be used.
A parallel cable has a maximum length of
15 feet (4.5 m).
To access a printer, a computer must have an
interface with it. The following are common
interface types:
 Serial data transfer is the movement of single bits of
information in a single cycle.
 Parallel data transfer is the movement of multiple
bits of information in a single cycle.
Parallel data transfer is faster than serial data
transfer
 Small Computer System Interface (SCSI),
pronounced “scuzzy”, uses parallel communication
to achieve high data-transfer rates.
 Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a common interface
for printers and other devices.
Power Supplies
Power Supplies(cont)
•The power supply converts alternating-
current (AC) power coming from a wall
outlet into direct-current (DC) power,
which is a lower voltage.
•DC power is required for all of the
components inside the computer.
Cables, connectors, and
components are designed
to fit together snugly.
Four Basic Units of Electricity
•Voltage (V) is a measure of the force required to push
electrons through a circuit. Voltage is measured in volts.
A computer power supply usually produces several
different voltages.
•Current (I) is a measure of the amount of electrons
going through a circuit. Current is measured in amperes,
or amps (A). Computer power supplies deliver different
amperages for each output voltage.
Four Basic Units of Electricity(cont)

•Power (P) is voltage multiplied by current.

The measurement is called watts (W).
Computer power supplies are rated in
watts.
•Resistance (R) is the opposition to the
flow of current in a circuit. Resistance is
measured in ohms. Lower resistance
allows more current to flow through a
circuit.
Power Supplies
CAUTION: Do not open a power supply.
Electronic capacitors located inside of a
power supply can hold a charge for
extended periods of time.
The block diagram of a computer
Data Representation
On/Off
Binary number system is used
to represent the state of the
electronic circuit in memory
When we press any key from the key
board, 8 electrical signal are generated
from there to the CPU to be processed.
Number System Conversion
Different Number Systems:
•Decimal Number System: Use 10
symbols( 0,1,2,… 9)
•Binary Number System: Use 2 symbols
(1 and 0)
•Hexadecimal Number System: Use 16
symbols(0,1,2,…9, A,B,C,D,E,F)
•Octal Number System: Use 8 symbols
(0,1,2, …, 7)
Conversion from Dec. N. S to B.N.S
• Continuously dividing a given number by 2
and keeping the remainder value for each
step.
• Read(record) the remainders from the last to
the first.
Ex: Convert 2710 from Dec. system into binary
system
Conversion: Dec. N. S to B.N.S (cont)
• 27:2=13 R=1
• 13:2=6 R =1
• 6:2=3 R=0
• 3:2=1 R=1
• 1:2=0 R=1

Then we say 2710 in Dec. N System = 110112 into

Binary Number System.
Conversion: B.N.S to Dec. N. S

Ex: Convert 110112 from B N S to Dec.

NS

• step1: count the position of each digit

in a given number, from right to left
starting from Zero.
•Step2: Sum ( each digit * 2position)
Conversion: B.N.S to Dec. N. S( cont)

Step1: 1 4 13 0 2 1 1 10

Step2: 1*24+1*23+0*22 +1*21+1*20

= 16+8+0+2+1
=27
Conversion from Dec. N. S to Hex.
N. S
• Continuously dividing a given number by 16
and keeping the remainder value for each
step.
• Read(record) the remainders from the last to
the first.
Ex: Convert 2710 from Dec. system into
Hexadecimal Number System
Conversion: Dec. N. S to Hex. N. S
(cont)
• 27:16=1 R=11
• 1:16=0 R =1

Then we say 2710 in Dec. N System = 1 B into

Hexadecimal Number System. Here, we are
replacing 11 by B which is accepted in
Hexadecimal Number System
Conversion: Hex. NS to Dec. N. S

Ex: Convert 1B from Hex. N.S to Dec.

NS

• step1: count the position of each digit

in a given number, from right to left
starting from Zero.
•Step2: Sum ( each digit * 16position)
Conversion: Hex. NS to Dec. N. S

Step1: 11 B0

Step2: 1*161+11*20
= 16+11
=27
Exercises
Conversion: Dec. N. S to Octal Number System

The same steps as these used to convert

from Dec. N.S into hex. N.S are followed to
convert a given number from Dec. N.S into
Octal Number System and vice-versa
Homework No: I
(GROUP OF 15 STUDENTS)
Find out how to convert a given number from
Hexadecimal number system into binary
number system and vice-versa.

Find out how to convert a given number from

Octal number system into binary number
system and vice-versa.

Find out how to perform arithmetic operations

into binary number system (addition,
subtraction, multiplication).
Homework No: I (cont)

Discuss different types of Keyboards.

Discuss different types of CD, and DVD.
Discuss different areas(fields) where the
computer is used.

NB: If possible, support your answers with

example.
Bits, Bytes, Words
• BIT
– Binary DigIT
– On/off circuit
– 1 or 0
• BYTE
– 8 bits
– Store one alphanumeric character
• WORD
– Size of the register
– Number of BITS that the CPU processes as a unit
Measuring Storage Capacity

KB – kilobyte GB – gigabyte
• 1024 bytes • Billion bytes
• Some diskettes • Hard disks
• Cache memory • CDs and DVDs
MB – megabyte TB – terabytes
• Million bytes • Trillion bytes
• RAM • Large hard disks
Kilobytes, megabytes

• A kilobyte (KB) = 210 bytes = 1024 bytes

• One Megabyte (MB) = 220 bytes = 1024 KB
= 1 048 576 bytes
• Gigabyte (GB) = 230 bytes = 1024 Mo = 1
073 741 824 bytes
• Terabyte (TB) = 240 bytes = 1024 Go = 1 099
511 627 776 bytes
Computer Software
Software & Hardware
•A set of programs associated with the
operation of a computer is called software.

•The electronic circuits used in building the

computer that executes the software is known
as the hardware of the computer.
Types of Software
Software is a set of
programs that govern the
operations of computer )

System Application
Software Software

( Software that ( Set of

controls programs to
internal carry out
Types of Software
(CONT)
Software is a set of
programs that govern the
System operations
Software : of computer )
( Software that controls
internal computer
operations )
Operating
Language
System
Processor
( Software which
( Software which
acts as an
converts HLL
interface
System Software
Operating System:
A system program that provides resources to
the other programs.
•It is an environment in which the other
programs run.
•It provides an interface to the user.
•There are two types of operating systems:
Graphic User Interface, and Command Line
Interface. Examples of Graphic User
Interface are windows 9x, windows XP,
Windows NT. Examples of Command Line
Interface are MS-DOS, and UNIX.
Need For Operating
System
To make computer system
convenient to use
To use computer hardware in an
efficient manner
It decides
How to do?
What to do?
When to do?
Functions of
Operating System
• File Management
• Device Management
• Memory Management
Types of operating
• Desktop operating sytem,
ex: Window 9x, window XP, Window Vista,etc.
• Network operating system,
ex: UNIX, Window server 2000,
• PDA( personal digital) OS,
• Other operating system.
Language
Processor
Compiler: It is a translator system program
used to translate a High-level language
program into a Machine language program.
Assembler: It is another translator program
used to translate an Assembly language
program into a Machine language program.
Interpreter: It is also a translator system
program used to translate a High level
language program into a Machine language
program, but it translates and executes line by
line.
Language
Processors
There are three types of Language
Processors:
Assembler: This language processor converts
the program written in Assembly language
into machine language.

Compiler: This converts HLL program into

machine language in one go.
After the compiler is not needed. It is removed
from the [Link], better memory
utilization.

Interpreter: This converts HLL program into

machine language by converting and
Fifth Generation

Fourth
Generation

Third Generation
(High Level Language)

Second Generation
(Assembly Language)

First Generation
(Machine Language)

Low Level Language

FIRST GENERATION : Machine language
i.e. language of 0 and 1
SECOND GENERATION : Assembly
language (Similar to English) , Uses mnemonics
codes
THIRD GENERATION : High Level Language
(Very close to English) E.g. C, C++, Java,
VBFOURTH GENERATION : Languages for
accessing databases .FIFTH GENERATION:
Uses a visual or graphical development interface to
create source language that is (usually compiled
with a 3GL or 4GL) language compiler .Used
Types of Software
Software is a set of programs that
overn the operations of computer )
Application Software
( Set of programs to carry out
operations for a specified
application )
Customized
Packages
Software
( General
( Tailor made
utility
software
software )
according to
Application Software
It is the set of programs necessary to carry
out operations for a specified application.
Example
Programs
To solve a set of equations
To process examination results
To prepare a Pay-Bill for an organization
To prepare Electricity-Bill for each month
All Microsoft office tool (word, excel, access,
power point)
Word processing
Word processing is the use of computer
technology to enhance document production.
The documents that can be produced include
letters, memos, cards, posters, books, labels etc
There are many word-processing programs,
such as Corel Word Perfect, Word Pad, Notepad,
XY-Write, MS-Word, and MS-Write.

.
A spreadsheet

A spreadsheet is a very powerful computerized

ledger. Today, most spreadsheets can also make
graphs of their data.
A Spreadsheet can also be described as a
computerized Matrix composed of cells that can
contain labels, values, formulas or functions. A
spreadsheet is used for calculations (e.g.
budgets, simple check balancing, calculations
for decision charts, grade calculations, what if
computations, etc.)
APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Word Processor
Presentation tools
Spreadsheet Package
Database Management System
Business Software ( ex: School Management
System, Inventory Management System,
Payroll System, Financial Accounting, Hotel
Management, Reservation System)
BASIC COMPONENTS of COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
(Block Diagram)

Secondary
Memory
BASIC COMPONENTS of COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
Input/Output

Terminal
– Simpler than a PC
– Designed strictly for input and output
– Has keyboard and screen
– Does not have a processor
– Connected to computer with
telecommunication line
– Allows user to key data directly into computer

Page 28
BASIC COMPONENTS of COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
Input/Output
• Common input methods:
– Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) –
used to process bank checks
– Optical character recognition (OCR) – directly
scans typed, printed, or handwritten material
– Imaging – inputs digital form of documents
and photos
– Bar code labeling – scans bar codes on
packages or products, and reads into
computer
Page 29
BASIC COMPONENTS of COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
Input/Output

• Common output methods:

– Print – output to paper using various types of
printers
– Computer output microfilm (COM) – microfilm
generated for archive copies in small space
– Voice response units – computer recognizes input,
generates verbal response messages

Page 29
BASIC COMPONENTS of COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
Input/Output

rest…
Of i n te
Multimedia –
relatively new term for computer input and output
in the form of text, graphics, sound, still images,
animations, and/or video

Page 29
BASIC COMPONENTS of COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
Computer Memory

Memory
– All data flows to and from memory
– Divided into cells:
• Each has a unique address
• Memory cell types:
– Byte – stores one character of data
– Word – stores two or more characters of data

Page 31
BASIC COMPONENTS of COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
Bits and Coding Schemes

• Each memory cell is a set of circuits

• Each circuit is on or off (represented by 1 or 0)
• Each circuit corresponds to a bit (binary digit)
• Most computers – 8 bits (circuits) represents a
character (byte)
• 2 common bit coding schemes used today:
– ASCII
– EBCDIC

Page 32
Bits and Coding Schemes

. . . . . .
. . . . . .
. . . . . .

Figure 2.4 Computer Coding Schemes Page 32

BASIC COMPONENTS OF
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
mputer Files (Secondary Memory)
• When power is off, everything stored in
Main memory is lost
• Computer files are used to store data for
long term
• File storage devices (Secondary Memory) :
– Magnetic tape drives, disk drives, floppy drives
– Optical CD or DVD drives

Page 33