COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

[image]. COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS. TUT0R J.B KIKAMBI.

[Audio] What Is A Computer? A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions (software) stored in its own memory unit, that can accept data (input), manipulate data (process), and produce information (output) from the processing. Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system..

[Audio] Devices that comprise a computer System Monitor (output) Speaker (output) System unit (processor, memory motherboard) Printer (output) Storage devices (CD-RW, Floppy, Hard disk, zip, Flash, memory cards) Mouse (input) Keyboard (input) Scanner (input).

[Audio] The key functions of the computer Computers can perform four general operations, which comprise the information processing cycle. Input Process Output Storage.

[Audio] Input This is where the raw data or raw facts or unprocessed information is input into the computer. This is done through the use of input devices like Keyboards Mouse Joysticks Scanners Touch screen.

[Audio] Process This involves manufacturing of raw data into useful meaning. The processing of data is mainly done by the Central Processing Unit which holds and interprets the command as they are input into the computer..

[Audio] Storage The computer stores the processed data that is information for future use. The processing unit is mainly done in two ways ie. A computer memory can store data while using it. Or a user may save data permanently so that it can be accessed again on the secondary storage devices like C-D-S--, D-V-D-s-, and hard disks among others..

[Audio] Output The information I out from the computer system in form of hardcopy if it is through printing and or a softcopy if it is displayed on a video displayed unit or a monitor. It may also be displayed through the projector..

[Audio] How the computer works C-P-U Input Output Storage As in the diagram, the computer accepts inputs, The computer performs useful operations including manipulating data in many ways. The computer stores data so that it is available for processing The computer output is information that has been processed and produced by the computer..

[Audio] Characteristics of a computer Speed: capable to do work at a very high speed Storage: capable to store huge amount of information and data Accurate : executes computations accurately Versatility : capable to do almost every work Automation : capable to perform automatically when set. Diligence : capable to work without getting tired Reliability : capable to produce very accurate values with predetermined values..

[Audio] What Do Computers Do? Input, Process, Output, & Store data Output Input Process Store Data.

[Audio] Data and Information Data: it is the correction of raw unprocessed facts in form of figures or symbols et cetera Information: is the data that is organized in a meaning full and useful way..

[Audio] Some of the advantages include Speed Accuracy Stores huge amount of data Online trading Online education | Distance Learning Research Forecasting weather,and predicting earthquakes ,volcano eruptions Produce Employement Internet In Business.

[Audio] Deference between data and information Data Information Raw facts Un ordered Un refined What is existing Complete Ordered Refined What is necessary or important.

[Audio] Advantages High Speed Computer is a very fast device. It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data. The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picosecond. It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will spend many months for doing the same task..

[Audio] Accuracy In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate. The calculations are 100% error free. Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that correct input has been given..

[Audio] Storage Capability Memory is a very important characteristic of computers. A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings. It can store large amount of data. It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio and many others..

[Audio] Diligence Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration. It can work continuously without any error and boredom. It can do repeated work with same speed and accuracy..

[Audio] Versatility A computer is a very versatile machine. A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done. This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields. At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be playing a card game..

[Audio] Advantages Reliability A computer is a reliable machine. Modern electronic components have long lives. Computers are designed to make maintenance easy..

[Audio] Automation Computer is an automatic machine. Automation means ability to perform the given task automatically. Once a program is given to computer in other words, stored in computer memory, the program and instruction can control the program execution without human interaction..

[Audio] Reduction in Paper Work The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper work and results in speeding up a process. As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced. Reduction in Cost Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high but it substantially reduces the cost of each of its transaction..