DIT 002 – FUNDAMENTALS

OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
MOD 1 - Introduction to
Computer Systems
 Academic norms (Pls read it, very important!!!)
• Choices have consequences. To Fail or to Pass well in an exam is an
Option/Choice. Lets aspire for 100% Pass rate in this unit.
• Class will be starting on time. Student lateness will be allowed 10 minutes
after starting the class.
• During the learning process, all the hand phones must be off or silent.
• CAT dates will be announced a week earlier
• Plagiarism not allowed for all assignments and final examination.
• The attendance minimum 75 percent of the total learning process
• Lectures will be offered on100% on physical basis though virtual classes
can still be offered.
• Quality of Education = Q of Students x Q of Faculty x Q of Learning
Environment
• Remain Relevant. How do you stay relevant ? Learn, Build Competencies &
Build a Brand, You as a brand.
• Soft skills, also known as power skills,to Computer
MOD 1 - Introduction common Systems skills, essential skills, or
2
Learning Objectives
After completing Module 1, you will be able to:

• What is a computer?

• Describe the importance of computers in today’s world.

• Identify the main parts of a computer.

• Identify the steps for starting a computer.

• Identify the different groups of keys on a keyboard.

• Perform different tasks by using a mouse.

MOD 1 - Introduction to Computer Systems 3
What is a computer?
• A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or
data.
• It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
• You may already know that you can use a computer to type
documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web.

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 CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
A computer is the combination of hardware and software. Hardwares are the physical components of a computer
like motherboard, memory devices, monitor, keyboard etc. while softwares are the set of programs or instructions
that governs the working of computer. Both hardware and software together make the computer system function.

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Data and Information
What is Data?
Data is a raw and unorganized fact that required to be processed to make it meaningful Generally, data comprises facts, observations, numbers,
characters, symbols, image, etc.Data is always interpreted, by a human or machine, to derive meaning.
What is Information?
Information is a set of data which is processed in a meaningful way according to the given requirement. Information is processed, structured, or
presented in a given context to make it meaningful and useful.

Data is utilized as input and the information is the output of this processing .Information is meaningful, ordered and processed form
of data. It is extra important than data because decisions are made by using it. Data and information are interconnected and closely
related to each other. Furthermore, Information cannot be compiled without data. Data is an unsystematic, unorganized and
unrelated entity. While information is systematized, organized and understandable. Data is independent but the information is
dependent.

Ex. Students' names in a class are Data While names of students in alphabetic order are Information.
A student's subject marks are Data While his percentage of marks, grade and position are Information.

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BASIC ARCHITECTURE OF COMPUTER

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The Role of Computers

• In Business and Industry

• In Publication Field

• In Education Field

• In Government Organizations

• In Medical Field

• In Science Field

• In Entertainment Field
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Hardware vs. Software
• Before we talk about different parts of computers, let's talk about two
things all computers have in common: hardware and software.
• Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure,
such as the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's
internal parts, which you can see in the image below.
• Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to
do and how to do it.
• Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word
processors.

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• Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and
software.
• For example, right now you may be viewing this lesson in a web
browser (software) and using your mouse (hardware) to click from
page to page.
• As you learn about different types of computers, ask yourself about
the differences in their hardware.

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Parts of a Computer

1. Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, etc.)

2. Output Devices (Monitor, Speakers, etc.)

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory

4. Motherboard (Circuit Board)

5. Expansion Cards (Video Card, Sound Card, or NIC)

6. Hard Drive Ports and Connections (USB, Firewire, etc.)

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 Input Units

Input devices connected to a computer system makes its input unit. The input unit is responsible for
taking input and converting it into computer understandable form(the binary code). Since computer
operates on electricity, it can understand only the language of electricity ON/OFF . i.e. the binary
language 1(ON) or 0(OFF).
• So Input unit is responsible to accept input and to convert it into computer understandable format.
• Different input devices are used for different types of input.
Some of the input devices are as under –
 Mouse
 Keyboard
 Microphone
 Joy-stick
 OMR
 MICR
 Light Pen
 Scanner
 Camera
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Parts of a Computer
Input Devices

• Mouse

• Keyboard

• Microphone

• Scanner

• Webcam

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Parts of a Computer
Output Devices

• Monitor

• Printer

• Speaker/Headphone

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Parts of a Computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• A device that interprets and runs the commands that you
give to the computer.

• Also referred to as the processor.

• Two major brands are Intel and AMD.

• Examples: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Turion X2

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 Central processing unit
The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it controls the entire computing system.As the
CPU is located on a small chip, it is also called the microprocessor. In the CPU, there are three primary
components.

• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

The ALU, as its name suggests performs mathematical calculations and takes logical
decisions. Arithmetic calculations include addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division. Logical decisions involve comparison of two data items to see which one is
larger or smaller or equal.
• Control Unit
The Control unit coordinates and controls the data flow in and out of CPU and also
controls all the operations of ALU, memory registers and also input/output units. It is
also responsible for carrying out all the instructions stored in the program. It decodes
the fetched instruction, interprets (understands) it and sends control signals to
input/output devices until the required operation is done properly by ALU and
memory.
• Memory Registers
A register is a temporary unit of memory in the CPU. These receive data/information
and then this data/information is held in them as per the requirement. Registers are small unit of
data holding places inside CPU.The CPU uses registers to temporarily hold some data during
processing.It can be of different sizes(16 bit , 32 bit , 64 bit and so on) and each register inside the
CPU has a specific function like storing MOD
data, storingto an
1 - Introduction instruction,
Computer Systems storing address of a location in
16
memory etc.
 Parts of a Computer
Memory

• Memory is where information is stored and retrieved

by the CPU.

• There are two main types of memory:

• Random Access Memory (RAM): It is the main
memory and allows you to temporarily store
commands and data.
• Read Only Memory (ROM): It is the memory that
retains its contents even after the computer is
turned off.

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 MEMORY UNIT
Computer memory is the storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and instructions required for
processing are stored. The memory is divided into large number of small parts called cells. Each location or cell has a
unique address. Memory is primarily of three types −
Cache Memory
Primary Memory/Main Memory
Secondary Memory

Cache Memory:
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up the CPU. It acts as a buffer between
the CPU and the main memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and program which are most frequently used by
the CPU.
Advantages
1. Cache memory is faster than main memory.
2. It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
3. It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.
4. It stores data for temporary use.
Disadvantages
5. Cache memory has limited capacity.
6. It is very expensive. MOD 1 - Introduction to Computer Systems 18
Units of Memory:

The smallest unit is bit, which mean either 0 or 1.

1 bit = 0 or 1
1 Byte = 8 bit
1 Nibble = 4 bit
1 Kilo Byte = 1024 Byte= 210 Byte
1 Mega Byte = 1024 KB= 210 KB
1 Gega Byte = 1024 MB= 210 MB
1 Tera Byte = 1024 GB= 210 GB
1 Peta Byte =1024 TB= 210 TB
1 Exa Byte =1024 PB= 210 PB
1 Zetta Byte = 1024 EB= 210 EB
1 Yotta Byte = 1024 ZB= 2 ZB
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Main Memory
Main Memory is often known as Primary memory. It is not like human memory
because data stored in this memory, automatically flushes out with power cut off
and can not be recovered later. So it is also known as volatile memory. It is the
workplace of a computer system where data is to be kept on temporary basis for
the purpose of processing. Every memory location has a definite address. The total
time taken to access data from memory is called Memory Access Time .
Characteristics of Main Memory
These are semiconductor memories.
Usually volatile memory.
Data is lost in case power is switched off.
It is the working memory of the computer.
Faster than secondary memories.
A computer cannot run without the primary memory.

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Secondary Memory

Secondary Memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile memory.

• It is slower than the main memory.
• These are used for storing data/information permanently.
• CPU directly does not access these memories, instead they are accessed via input-output routines.
• The contents of secondary memories are first transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU
can access it.
• For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

Characteristics of Secondary Memory

 These are magnetic and optical memories.
 It is known as the backup memory.
 It is a non-volatile memory.
 Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
 It is used for storage of data in a computer.
 Computer may run without the secondary memory.
MOD 1 - Introduction to Computer Systems 21
 Slower than primary memories.
Parts of a Computer
Motherboard
o Is the main circuit board inside the computer.

o Has tiny electronic circuits and other components

on it.

o Connects input, output, and processing devices

together (CPU, Memory, Hard Drive, DVD Drive)

o Tells the CPU how to run.

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Parts of a Computer
Expansion Cards

• Video Card – is connected to the computer monitor and

is used to display information on the monitor.

• Network Interface Card (NIC) – is connected to other

computers so that information can be exchanged
between them.

• Sound Card– converts audio signals (microphone or

audio tape) which can be stored as a computer audio
file.

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Parts of a Computer
Storage Devices
• Hard Disk

• Flash Drive

• CD-ROM

• DVD-ROM
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Parts of a Computer
Ports and Connections

• Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port

• FireWire (similar to USB but faster)

• Network Port (Ethernet)

• Parallel Port and Serial Port

• Display Adapter

• Power
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 OUTPUT UNIT
Output devices connected to a computer system makes its output unit. The output
coming from CPU is in the form of electronic binary signals which needs to be
converted again to human understandable form .i.e. either textual or graphical or
audio visual form. It is the responsibility of an Output unit to produce output after
processing. Different output devices are used for different types of output. Some of
the output devices are
Monitor(most common form of output .The screen on monitor is made up of
thousands of tiny coloured dots called pixel)
Projector
Printer
Plotter
Speaker
Headphone

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Using a Computer

• To turn on a computer, press the power button on the

system unit.

• Log on to the operating system by your user name and

password.

• Computers allow you to create, modify, and save files.

• To shut down a computer, click Start, and then, at the

bottom of the Start menu, click Shut Down.

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Using a Keyboard

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Using a Mouse
• A mouse is a small device that you can use to move,
select, and open items displayed on your monitor.

• Most mouse devices have at least two buttons, left

and right.

• Mouse’s action:
o Point
o Double Click
o Left Click
o Right Click
o Click-and-Drag or Drag-and-Drop
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Using a Mouse (cont.)

Different types of mouse devices available in the market:

o Regular mouse

o Trackball mouse

o Optical mouse

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Common Computer Terminology
Objectives

• Identify the primary hardware components of a

computer.

• Define an operating system and its role.

• Define the term program.

• Explain what is meant by data.

• Define the term network, and identify the benefits of

networking.

• Define the term Internet.

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Hardware
• Refers to all the physical components of a
computer.

• Includes all input devices, processing devices,

storage devices, and output devices.

• Examples of hardware are:

o keyboard
o mouse
o motherboard
o monitor
o hard disk
o cables
o printer
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Operating Systems

• Is the most important software on the computer

• Controls and manages the hardware connected to your

computer

• Provides an interface that helps you to interact with the

computer

• Ensures that your computer is functioning properly

• Windows XP is an example of the operation system.

• Can be either text-based or graphics-based.

• Graphics-based operating system help you install hardware or

software with easy-to-use interface.
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Programs
o The hardware and the operating system
together are referred to as a platform.
o Programs, also called applications, use this
platform to perform tasks.
o There are many types of programs:
o Some programs allow you to perform tasks
such as writing letters, doing calculations, or
sending e-mail messages.
o Other programs allow you to create
illustrations, play games, watch movies, or
communicate with other computer users.
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Data

o Programs process data that you provide as

input to your computer.
o Data can be in the form of text, graphics, audio,
or video depending on the type of program.
o Program processes the data and displays the
output on the screen.
o You can save this output in a file.
o The file can be an audio file, a text file, a
graphics file, or a video file.

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Networks
• Is a group of computers and associated devices that
are linked together to facilitate sharing information.

• Can also be used to share data and devices such as

printers.

• A typical network has the following three

components:
o Server
o Workstation
o Communication channel

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 Networks
LAN

• Connects devices within a limited area (home or a

small group of offices)

• Commonly includes computers and shared resources

(printers and scanners)

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Networks
WAN

• Is a network that connects devices in geographically

separated areas.

• Is used to connect networks across different countries.

• The Internet is an example of a WAN.

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Internet

• Internet is a worldwide collection of public networks

that are linked to each other for information exchange.

• Internet offers a range of services to its users (file

transfers between Internet users and electronic mail)

• The World Wide Web (WWW), or the Web, is another

service that the Internet provides.

• An intranet is similar to the Web but is accessible only

to authorized users of the organization.

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What are the different types of
computers?
• When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal
computer such as a desktop or laptop.
• However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they
perform many different functions in our daily lives.
• When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or
use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.

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Desktop computers
• Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and school.
• Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and they're
typically made up of a few different parts, including the:
i. computer case
ii. Monitor
iii. keyboard, and
iv. mouse

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Laptop computers
• The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop
computer, commonly called a laptop.
• Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more portable than
desktops, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.

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Tablet computers
• Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are
even more portable than laptops.
• Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive
screen for typing and navigation.
• The iPad is an example of a tablet.

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Servers
• A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers
on a network.
• For example, whenever you use the Internet, you're looking at
something that's stored on a server.
• Many businesses also use local file servers to store and share files
internally.

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 Other types of computers
• Many of today's electronics are basically specialized computers, though
we don't always think of them that way. Here are a few common
examples.
i. Smartphones: Many cell phones can do a lot of things computers can
do, including browsing the Internet and playing games. They are often
called smartphones.
ii. Wearables: Wearable technology is a general term for a group of
devices—including fitness trackers and smartwatches—that are
designed to be worn throughout the day. These devices are often
called wearables for short.
iii. Game consoles: A game console is a specialized type of computer that
is used for playing video games on your TV.
MOD 1 - Introduction to Computer Systems 49
iv. TVs: Many TVs now include applications—or apps—that let you
access various types of online content. For example, you can stream
video from the Internet directly onto your TV.

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PCs and Macs
• Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac.
• Both are fully functional, but they have a different look and feel, and
many people prefer one or the other.

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PCs
• This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was
introduced in 1981.
• Other companies began creating similar computers, which were
called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC).
• Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it
typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.

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MACs
• The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first
widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface,
or GUI (pronounced gooey).
• All Macs are made by one company (Apple), and they almost always
use the Mac OS X operating system.

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***END***

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