PRELIMINA

LIVING IN AN IT ERA RY
20
(INFORMATICS) 23
LECTURE |

COMPUTER

COMPUTER
- As the names implies the word “computer” comes
from the term to compute, meaning to calculate or
the functions of arithmetic operations are present
like the ff: “plus (+)”, “subtraction (-)”, “division (/)”
and “multiplication (x)”.
- a machine that performs tasks, such as
mathematical calculations or electronic
communication, under the control of a set of
instructions called a program.
BYTE
PROGRAM - Byte is a group of eight bits of computer
- is a set of statements or instructions written in a information, representing a unit of data such as a
given language that is executed by the computer number or letter.
to perform a certain task.

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE:
HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE
 C
 Pascal Sample: (1 byte = 1 char)
 BASIC – Beginners All-purpose Symbolic
Data (Thesis document):
Instruction Code.
 20 kb = 20,000 of bytes / characters
 FORTRAN – Formula Trans.
Flash Drive:
 COBOL – Common Business Oriented
 512 Mb = 512,000,000 of bytes /characters
Language
Hardrive:
 LIST – List Processor  20Gb = 20 billion of bytes / characters
LOW LEVEL LANGUAGE
 Assembly language
USES OF COMPUTER

DATA FLOW SAMPLE: - People use computers in a wide variety of

- When you press a letter on a keyboard, the ways. In business, computers track inventories
electronic signals are converted into binary with bar codes and scanners, check the credit
form and stored into memory. The computer status of customers, and transfer funds
then processes the data as bytes of information electronically.
and converts them to the letters you see on the
HOW COMPUTERS WORK
monitor screen or on a printed page.
- The physical computer and its components are
known as hardware. Computer hardware
includes the memory that stores data and
instructions; the central processing unit (CPU)
that carries out instructions; the bus that
connects the various computer components;
the input devices, such as a keyboard or
 mouse, that allow the user to communicate 4. It cannot correct wrong instructions – The
with the computer; and the output devices, computer will do exactly what you instruct
such as printers and video display monitors, it to do, regardless of what you mean.
that enable the computer to present
information to the user. THE MAKEUP OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
Three types of “ware” must function in the line with
FOUR MAIN COMPONENTS: the overall design of the computer as a system.
• Input devices – device that allows a person to 1. HARDWARE
communicate information to the computer. 2. SOFTWARE
(keyboard) 3. PEOPLEWARE
• Output devices – It allows the computer to
communicate information to the user (CRT –  HARDWARE
Cathode Ray Tube) - The term hardware refers to the physical
• Central Processing Unit – Video display equipment or components of a computer.
Terminal / terminal. Each component is designed to perform one
• Memory – In order to store input & to have the of more of the following functions:
equivalent of scratch paper for performing  Memory – Internal storage areas in
calculations, computers are provided with the computer. Form of chips.
memory.  RAM – Random Access Memory
(read & write memory, contrast in
ROM)
 ROM – Read Only Memory (cannot
be written)
 CPU – The brain of the computer /
the most important element of a
computer system.

 SOFTWARE
- Computer instructions data.

 PEOPLEWARE (Manpower)
COMPUTER CAPABILITIES: - The term “peopleware” represents the
1. Ability to perform certain logic operations. personnel involved like the ff:
2. Ability to provide new time dimensions.  systems analysis,
3. Ability to store and retrieve information.  programming,
4. Ability to control error.  computer operations,
5. Ability to check itself.  system maintenance, and
 the like.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
COMPUTER LIMITATIONS
I. CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY
1. Dependence on prepared instructions – The PURPOSE
computer performs only what it is
1. General-purpose Computers – These
programmed to do and nothing else.
machines have the capability of dealing with a
2. Inability to derive meanings from objects – A
variety of different problems, and are able to act
computer does not have feelings.
in response to programs created to meet
3. Inability to generate information – The
different needs.
computer cannot generate information on its
own. 2. Special-purpose Computers – A special-
purpose computer is designed to perform one
specific task.
 II. CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BY TYPE OF
DATA HANDLED:

1. Analog computers – The name analog comes

from he word ”analogous”, meaning similar.

2. Digital computers – The digital computer

operates by counting numbers.

3. Hybrid computers – The hybrid computer

combines the measuring capabilities of the
analog compute and logical and control
capabilities of the digital computers.

WHY COMPUTER SOMETIMES FAIL

1. Input errors
2. Errors in instructing a computer
3. The communication gap
4. Improper control
5. Lack of standards
6. Lack of adequate manufacturer support