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EDPM-Objective 1 - Definition of A Computer - Section 1

The document defines a computer as an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it, and produces information as output. It describes the six main components of a computer system as hardware, software, people, procedures, data, and describes the parts of a personal computer system as input devices, the system unit containing the central processing unit (CPU) and its components, output devices, secondary storage, and communication devices. The CPU is described as the most important element, containing a control unit to extract and execute instructions and an arithmetic logic unit to perform calculations.

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R.D. Khan
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579 views

EDPM-Objective 1 - Definition of A Computer - Section 1

The document defines a computer as an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it, and produces information as output. It describes the six main components of a computer system as hardware, software, people, procedures, data, and describes the parts of a personal computer system as input devices, the system unit containing the central processing unit (CPU) and its components, output devices, secondary storage, and communication devices. The CPU is described as the most important element, containing a control unit to extract and execute instructions and an arithmetic logic unit to perform calculations.

Uploaded by

R.D. Khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT PREPARATION & MANAGEMENT

SECTION 1 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTING

DEFINITION OF A COMPUTER

A computer is an electronic machine or device that accepts data,


processes the data and produces information.

COMPONENTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM


The Computer system consists of the following SIX (6) components:

1. Hardware The physical parts or devices of the computer


system.
E.g. System unit, input & output devices, secondary storage
devices and communication devices.

2. Software A set of instructions written in computer language


called programs. They control the operation of the hardware
components of the computer.
E.g. Microsoft Word, Windows Media Player, Paint etc.

3. People Persons who program, use and maintain the computer


system.

4. Procedures A sequence of instructions (steps, methods and


rules) for using and managing the computer system.

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RDK 2015

ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT PREPARATION & MANAGEMENT


5. Data or Database Data that is stored in an organized way for
quick access.

PARTS OF THE PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEM


The personal computer (PC) system consists of the following parts:
1)

Input Devices ** Devices used to enter data into the


computer system.

2)

Processing Devices housed in the System Unit a metal


casing.
The System Unit contains a motherboard which comprises:
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - referred to simply as the
processor or central processor, the CPU is where most
calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU
is the most important element of a computer system. It is also
referred to as the Brain of the computer.
The CPU consists of two (2) typical components:
i.

Control Unit (CU) This extracts instructions from


memory and decodes and executes them, calling on the
ALU when necessary.

ii.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Performs mathematical


calculations and stores the results in memory or
registers.

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RDK 2015

ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT PREPARATION & MANAGEMENT


3)

Output Devices ** - to present processed information to a


computer user.

4)

Secondary Storage Devices to store data permanently for


later use.

5)

Communication Devices to connect the computer to


communication networks.

** Input / Output (I/O) Devices are known as peripherals.

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RDK 2015

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