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: BA 1-2
Assignment:
COMPUTER
A programmable electronic device designe
d
to accept data, performprescribed mathema
tical and logical operations at high speed, a
nddisplay the results of these operations.
General purpose machine,
commonly
consisting of digitalcircuitry, that accepts
(inputs), stores, manipulates, and generates
(outputs) data as numbers, text, graphics,
voice,video files, or electrical signals, in
accordance
withinstructions called a program.
PARTS
OF
COMPUTER
System unit
The system unit is the core of a computer
system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed
on or underneath your desk. Inside this box
are many electronic components that
process information. The most important of
these
components
is
the central
processing
unit
(CPU),
or microprocessor, which acts as the
"brain"
of
your
computer.
Another
component is random access memory
(RAM),
which
temporarily
stores
information that the CPU uses while the
computer is on. The information stored in
RAM is erased when the computer is turned
off.
Almost every other part of your computer
connects to the system unit using cables.
The
cables
plug
into
specific ports(openings), typically on the
back of the system unit. Hardware that is
not part of the system unit is sometimes
called a peripheral device or device.
System unit
Storage
Your computer has one or more disk drives
devices that store information on a metal
or plastic disk. The disk preserves the
information even when your computer is
turned off.
Hard disk drive
Your computer's hard disk drive stores
information on a hard diska rigid platter
or stack of platters with a magnetic surface.
Because hard disks can hold massive
amounts of information, they usually serve
as your computer's primary means of
storage, holding almost all of your programs
and files. The hard disk drive is normally
located inside the system unit.
CD
DVD drives can do everything that CD drives
can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD
drive, you can watch movies on your
computer. Many DVD drives can record data
onto blank DVDs.
Tip
Mouse
A mouse usually has two buttons: A primary
button (usually the left button) and a
secondary button. Many mice also have a
wheel between the two buttons, which
allows you to scroll smoothly through
screens of information.
Mouse pointers
When you move the mouse with your hand,
a pointer on your screen moves in the same
direction. (The pointer's appearance might
change depending on where it's positioned
on your screen.) When you want to select an
item, you point to the item and
then click (press and release) the primary
button. Pointing and clicking with your
mouse is the main way to interact with your
computer. For more information, see Using
your mouse.
Keyboard
Floppy disk
Why are these disks called "floppy" disks?
The outside is made of hard plastic, but
that's just the sleeve. The disk inside is
made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.
Mouse
Keyboard
Monitor
Speakers
Speakers are used to play sound. They can
be built into the system unit or connected
with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to
music and hear sound effects from your
computer.
Computer speakers
Modem
LCD
monitor
Picoseconds
One
trillionth
second(1/1000000000000).
of
Accuracy
You may work for years before experiencing
Characteristics of Computers
A computer is an intelligent amplifier that
performs the above-mentioned operations in
a much taster, accurate and efficient way.
Thus, it gives us ample time to use it in
matters involving creativity & judgment. The
characteristics possessed by computers can
be listed as follows:
Speed
A computer can add and subtract numbers,
compare letters to determine alphabetic
sequence, move and copy numbers and
letters. As such, there is nothing profound in
these operations. What is significant is the
speed with which computers carry out these
operations. This speed varies from a few
microseconds (millionth of second) to Nano
(billionth of second). For instance, People
would need to do a lot of waiting in queues
for grocery payments, for making telephone
calls, for making travel reservations, etc.
but with the help of computers the
processing can be done in a fraction of a
second. The speed of a computer at
performing a single operation can be
measured in terms of:
a) Milliseconds
second (1/1000)
b) Microsecond
second (1/1000000)
- One thousandth of a
- One millionth of a
c) Nanosecond
- One billionth of a
second (1/1000000000). The speed at which
a computer performs logical operations is
measured in nanoseconds.
Bit
Byte
Kiloby
te
Mega
byte
Giga
byte
8,192
1,024
8,388,60
8
1,048,57
6
1,024
8,589,93
4,592
1,073,74
1,824
1,048,
576
1,024
Reliability
Computer output is generally very reliable,
subject to the condition that the input data
entering the computer should be correct
and the program of instructions should be
reliable and correct. Incorrect input data and
unreliable programs give us computer errors
and wrong results. Hence, the phrase
GARBAGE IN-GARBAGE OUT (GIGO).
Automation
Computers are quite capable of functioning
automatically, once the process is given to
the computer. They do not require any
instruction from the operator atany stage of
the
process. Computers can be programmed to
perform a series of complex tasksinvolving
multiple programs. Computers will execute
the programs in the correct sequence,
provided they are programmed correctly.
Diligence
Versatile
Computers are versatile (can do many types
of jobs). It can carry out processes ranging
from simple mathematical calculations to
highly complex and logical evaluations for
any extended period of time. Computers can
communicate with other computers and can
receive and send data in various forms such
as text, video, etc. This ability of computer
to communicate to one another has led to
the
development
of
computer
networks.Internet, and so on. All this is
possible because of computers and other
related technologies.
Scientific Approach
The entire approach to solving problems is
highly scientific, objective and sequentially
carried out, leaving no room for emotional
and subjective evaluations made by man,
which are sources of potential errors and
unjustified results.
Reduced Cost
With the ever increasing advances being
made in the state of the art. me cost of
computer
equipments
has
dropped
drastically over the years. Hardware costs
have been decreasing at an estimated
annual rate of 25%. Thus. Companies that
at one time could not justify the cost of
acquiring their own computer system may
now find it not only feasible to acquire a
system. But cost effective as well.
SOFTWARE
Software
means computer instructions or data.
Anything that can be stored electronically is
software, in contrast to storage devicesand
display devices which are called hardware.
the programs used to direct the operation
of a computer,as well as documentation givi
ng instructions on how to
use them.
Software is divided commonly into two main
categories:
(1) System software: controls the basic (and
invisible to the user) functions of a
computer and comes usually preinstalled
Computer Components:
Computers are made of the following basic
components:
1. Case with hardware inside:
1. Microprocessor - This
is the brain of your
computer. It performs
commands and
instructions and controls
the operation of the
computer.
2. Memory - The RAM in
your system is mounted
on the motherboard.
This is memory that
must be powered on to
retain its contents.
3. Drive controllers - The
drive controllers control
the interface of your
system to your hard
drives. The controllers
let your hard drives work
by controlling their
operation. On most
systems, they are
included on the
motherboard, however