Introduction to Information Technology
Introduction to Information Technology
Objectives
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts input (data),
processes that input and stores it or outputs the resulting information.
Storing - Just like how we remember things in our brain, a computer has a way to store and
remember information. It stores pictures, games, homework, and everything else on it's
memory, so we can use it later.
Example of Information:
“The test scores for students are: John: 5, Maria: 7, Sasha: 12, Liam: 9.”
Now the data (numbers) has been organized into useful information because we know the
scores belong to specific students.
Components of the Computer
● Hardware - The physical components that make up the computer system. (Things you
can touch).
● Software- A set of programs (a set of instructions) that tells the computer what to do.
● Computer System = Hardware+Software
Computer System
Computer system is an arrangement of computer components working together to process data
and to solve computer related problems.
Peripheral Devices
A peripheral device is any external device that connects to a computer to add extra functionality
or help it perform specific tasks.
The CPU consists of two smaller units known as the control unit (CU) and the arithmetic and
logic unit (ALU).
Control Unit
The Control Unit (CU) is the main part of the CPU that directs and coordinates all activities. It
determines the sequence of instruction execution. The CU performs the following steps:
● Fetches instructions from memory.
● Decodes the instructions.
● Fetches the required data from memory.
● Sends data and instructions to the ALU for processing.
● Sends the processed data back to memory.
Main Memory
Main memory is also called computer memory, immediate access storage (IMAS/IAS) or primary
storage. This unit of memory is directly accessible to the CPU. It holds data and instructions that
the computer is processing at the time.
Secondary Storage
Secondary storage is used to store data and instructions when they are not being processed.
Unlike main memory, it retains data even when the power is off, making it more permanent.
Common types of secondary storage include magnetic storage (tapes and disks), optical
storage (CDs and DVDs), and solid-state memory (flash drives and USBs).
Input devices
Input devices are any device that is used to put data and instructions into the computer.
Some commonly used input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, digital camera, scanners,
barcode readers and magnetic strips.
Output devices
Output devices allow data process by the computer to be available to users.
Common output devices are monitor, printer and speakers..
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Summary
● Computer: An electronic device that takes in data, processes it, and either stores or
outputs the information.
● Peripheral Devices: External devices that connect to a computer, like a mouse, printer, or
USB drive, to help it perform tasks.