Computer

Introduction
Module 01

Chathura Abeysekara
Technical College | Hasalaka
 Data

 Data is raw, unorganized facts that need to be

processed. Data can be something simple and
seemingly random and useless until it is organized.
 Ex-
Each student's test score is one piece of data.

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 Information

 When data is processed, organized, structured or

presented in a given context so as to make it useful, it
is called information.
 Ex
The average score of a class or of the entire school is
information that can be derived from the given data.

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 Example

Data
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, Kasun Kumara, Minnariya, 0717545565,
No 54.

Information
Kasun Kumara
No 54,
Minnariya,
Polonnaruwa,
Sri Lanka.
0717545565
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 Data Process Information

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 Characteristics of good
information
 Valid: information that is correct and can be used for
the purpose that it is needed.
 Reliable : if information that you can rely on as being
correct. It will be from a valid and trusted source.
 Timely: information that is from the correct time
period.
 Fit for Purpose: Information that is fit for purpose
means that it is relevant to what you need it for.

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 Characteristics of good
information
 Accessible: information that is stored in a way that it
can be easily accessed at any time
 Cost Effective: information that is worth investing the
time and money to get to help make decisions.
 Sufficiently Accurate : Accurate information helps
make the correct decisions.

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 Data processing methods

 Manual Data Processing

 data is processed manually without using any machine or
tool to get required results.
 calculations and logical operations are performed manually
on the data.
 data is transferred manually from one place to another. 
 very slow and errors may occur in the output.
 labor intensive and very time consuming
 Mostly, is processed manually in many small business firms
as well as government offices & institutions

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 Data processing methods

 Mechanical Data
 data is processed by using different devices like
typewriters, mechanical printers or other mechanical
devices.
 data processing is faster and more accurate than manual
data processing.
 Electronic Data
 EDP is the modern technique to process data. The data is
processed through computer.
 processing data is very fast and accurate.

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 Information technology (IT)

ICT

Computer Communicatio
Science n
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 computer

 A programmable electronic device designed to accept

data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical
operations at high speed, and display the results of
these operations.
 Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets,
and smartphones are some of the different types of
computers.

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 Data Processing Cycle

DATA Process Information

Storage

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 Types of Computer

 Supercomputer
 Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest
computers currently available.
 An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of
millions of instructions per second.
 Have the largest capacity in terms of Data Storage.
 very expensive.
 employed for specialized applications that require immense
amounts of mathematical calculations (number crunching).
Example: weather forecasting, scientific simulations,
(animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear
energy research, electronic design, and analysis of
geological data
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 Super Computer

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 Types of Computer

 Mainframe Computer
 A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting
many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
 mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers
because they support more simultaneous programs.
 Most Expensive (Initial cost and maintenance)

 Minicomputer
 A multi-user computer capable of supporting up to
hundreds of users simultaneously.

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 Mainframe Computer

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 Types of Computer

 Workstation
 A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a
personal computer, but it has a more powerful
microprocessor and, in general, a higher-quality monitor.
 used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop
publishing, software development, and other types of
applications that require a moderate amount of computing
power and relatively high-quality graphics capabilities
 A large, high-resolution graphics screen, at large amount of
RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical user
interface, mass storage device such as a disk drive.
 workstations are typically linked together to form a local-
area network, although they can also be used as stand-alone
systems.
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 Workstation

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 Types of Computer

 Server Computer
 A server is a type of computer or device on
a network that manages network resources.
 single computer can execute several
programs at once. A server in this case
could refer to the program that is managing
resources rather than the entire computer.
 Server Computers are more powerful
than Personal Computers.

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Server Computer

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 Types of Computer

 Personal computer
 A small.
 single-user.
 All are based on the microprocessor
technology that enables manufacturers to put
an entire CPU on one chip
 One of the first and most popular personal
computers was the Apple II, introduced in
1977 by Apple Computer. Then, in 1981, IBM.
 it is common to link them together to form a
network.
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 Personal Computer Types

 Tower model
 The term refers to a computer in which the power supply,
motherboard, and mass storage devices are stacked on top
of each other in a cabinet.
 This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these
components are housed in a more compact box.
 The main advantage of tower models is that there are
fewer space constraints, which makes installation of
additional storage devices easier.

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 Personal Computer Types

 Desktop model
 A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk,
typically with the monitor sitting on top of the computer.
 Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas
tower model computers are narrow and tall. Because of
their shape, desktop model computers are generally
limited to three internal mass storage devices. Desktop
models designed to be very small are sometimes referred
to as slim line models.

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 Desktop Model Tower Model

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 Personal Computer Types

 Laptop computer
 A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit
on your lap.
 Nowadays, laptop computers are more frequently called
notebook computers.
 Laptops come with battery packs that enable you to run
them without plugging them in. However, the batteries
need to be recharged every few hours

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 Laptop

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 Personal Computer Types

 Palmtop / PDA
 A small computer that literally fits in your palm. 
 you can insert disk drives, modems, memory, and other
devices.
 PDAs (personal digital assistant) are pen-based, using a
stylus rather than a keyboard for input.
 The field of PDA was pioneered by Apple Computer, which
introduced the Newton Message Pad in 1993

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Computer System

 Hardware
 Physical components of a computer
 Software
 The non-physical, information handling parts of a computer
 Collection of programs or applications which contains the
instruction that makes the computer works.
 Live ware
 Human expertise needed in the field of IT
 Firmware
 The programs which are used to start up machine (Booting)

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 Hardware

 Central Processing Unit-CPU

 Memory and Storage Devices
 Input Devices
 Output Devices
 Peripheral Devices

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 Central Processing Unit

 CPU as the Brain of the Computer.

 Execute the instructions in the programs.
 Performs most of the computer calculations and run
the operating system and other software smoothly
 CPU Made up Millions of Electronic Components
(Transistors, Resistors, Capacitors)
 The CPU’s Speed- Internal Clock’s Speed
(Hertz-Hz)

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 Main Components of the CPU
 Control Unit
 Arithmetic and Logic Unit
 Cache memory
 Bus Line

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Main Components of the CPU

 ALU
 ALU is to perform arithmetic, Comparison between two and
other Mathematical operations of computer.
 Its basic calculations which includes division, Multiplication,
Subtraction and addition. Comparison function includes
comparing one Statistical data with another (Greater, Equal,
Less than and Different)
 CU
 Direct and Coordinate the Operations of the Computer.
 Cache Memory
 Provide High-speed data access to Processor
 Volatile Computer Memory
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 Computer Memory

Bit and Byte are Digital Storage unit in computer memory.

1Byte = 8 bit

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Unit of the Memory

 1024B = 1KB (Binary – 210 )

 1024KB = 1MB (Binary – 220 )
 1024MB = 1GB (Binary – 230 )
 1024GB = 1TB (Binary – 240 )
 1024TB = 1PB (Binary – 250 ) Peta Byte
 1024PB = 1EB (Binary – 260 ) Exa Byte
 1024EB = 1ZB (Binary – 270 ) Zetta Byte
 1024ZB = 1YB (Binary – 280 ) Yotta Byte

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Memory

Memory

Primary Secondary

RAM/ROM/Cache HDD/CD,DVD/Flash/Floppy

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RAM (Random Access
Memory)
 Store the currently active programs and their data
 Main Working Memory
 Volatile- Information lost when you switch of the power

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ROM (Read Only Memory)

 Special type of memory chip that holds software that

can be read not written to.
 Rom is non volatile (when the computer is switched of
the contents are not lost.
 E.g. – ROM-BIOS

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Cache Memory

 Provide High-speed data access to Processor

 Volatile Computer Memory

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Hard Drive
 Main Secondary Memory
 Non-volatile memory
 Data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store
and retrieve digital information.
 Internal and External HDD

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 Formatting and
Defragmentation
 Formatting
 Hard Disk is not able to record data immediately.
 This marks out concentric circles called tracks.
 Each Track is divided into a number of sectors.
 Track and sectors are marked out using magnetic markers.
 When a disk reformatted, the old data is lost.
 Defragmentation
 Data store on free areas in the disk
 File ends up being stored as a series of segments across the disk.
 This breaking up a file into many segments is called
fragmentation

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Defragmentation

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Solid-state drive (SSD)

 SSD device that uses integrated circuit assemblies as

memory to store data persistently.

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Floppy Disk

 Slow and low capacity (1.44Mb)

 Cheap Storage Device

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Zip Disk, Jaz Disk

 Removable magnetic disk

 Robust Storage Device.
 Number of capacities (100,250,750 Mb)
 Excellent backup device

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Data Cartridge

 Vary Similar to that found in a tape recorder.

 Good Quality and cheap devices for creating backups of
large quantities of data.
 Data Cartridge is slow

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Optical Storage
(CD/DVD/Blue ray)
 Use Optical technology.
 Data is written in small pits are burned into the surface using a
highly focused laser beam.
 Compact Disk (CD)
 CD have two type CD-R, CD-RW
 Maximum Capacity 700Mb
 Digital Versatile Disk (DVD)
 DVD Types (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RDL)
 Maximum Capacity 4.7Gb
 Blue Ray
 Mewer Storage Methods
 Maximum Capacity 25Gb
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Optical Storage Device

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Flash Memory and Memory
Strciks
 Connects to the computer via the USB port
 Very Fast, expensive
 Capacity (1Gb to 1Tb)

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 Input Devices

 inputting data or instructions into a Computer.

 Main input Devices are

 Key board
 Mouse
 Touchpad
 Scanner
 Light pen
 Joystick
 Camera
 Microphone
 Bar code reader
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 Input Devices

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 Input Devices

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 Output Devices

 Displaying the results of processing carried out by a

computer
 Output can be a hard copy, Visual or sound.
 Example
 Screens
 Printers
 Speakers

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 Screen

 Virtually all computers use some type of screen

(Primary Output Device)
 Type of Screens
 cathode ray tubes (CRT)
 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
 LED

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 Printers

 Produce a hard copy of the output on paper

 Three main type of Printers
 Dot Matrix
 Inkjet
 Laser

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Printers

Dot Matrix Inkjet Laser

Initial Cost Low Medium High
Cost per Printed Page Low High Medium
Speed Low Medium High
Noise level High Low Low
Print Quality Low Medium High
Print Graphics No Yes Yes
Print Color No Some Some
Print Source Ink Ribbon Ink Toner
Powder

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Output Devices

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Input/output Devices

 Some Devices are both input output devices

 Example
 Touch screen

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Mother Board

 Main Printed Circuit board in Micro Computer and other

expandable systems.
 Mother Board/System Board/Main Board
 Include Bus line, Chipset, Slot, System Clock etc.

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System Clock
 System clock switches from 0 and 1 at a million times
per second rate. Normally 66 Million per Second.

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Power Unit

 Converts mains ac to low voltage regulated dc power for

the internal components of a computer.

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 Software
 Collection of programs or applications which contains the
instruction that makes the computer works.
 Two Type of Software
 System Software
 Application Software

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 System Software

 System Software Designed to run a Computer hardware and

application programs
 Interface between the hardware and user application
 System Software types
 Operating System-OS)
 Utility and Service Programs
 Device Drivers
 Example for OS
 Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, windows server
2003
 Mac OS
 Ubuntu/Linux
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 Function of the operating
system
 Boot up Computer
 Control Hard drives (Format, Defragment, Clean, error
checking)
 Control input Devices
 Control output Devices
 Manage Memory
 Provide the functionality for computer to be linked in
network
 Application software launched

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 Utility Software

 Designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or

maintain a computer.
 Example
 Anti- Virus
 Backup software
 Disk Checkers
 Disk Cleaners
 Disk Defragmenters
 Disk Partition Editor
 Memory Checkers

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 Device Driver

 Computer Program that operates or control a particular

type of device that is attached to a computer.
 Example
 Printers/Scanner Drivers Software
 Video Adapters Drivers Software
 Network card Drivers Software
 Sound card Drivers Software

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 Application Software

 Application Program is a computer program designed to

perform a group of coordinated functions, task or
activities for the benefit of the user.
 Example
 Word processing, spreadsheet, Data base, accounting
Software

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 Application Software
Application Example
Word Processor Open Office Writer, Microsoft Word, Word Perfect,
Word pad, Notepad
Spread sheet Open office calc, MS Excel, K Spread, StarCalc
Presentation Open office Impress, Star Impress, Kpresenter, MS
PowerPoint
Data Base Management MS Access, My SQL, Oracle, Sybase
System
Email Client Evolution, Kmail, MS outlook
Web Browser Google Chrome, Fire Fox, MS InternetExplore
Desktop Publishing (DTP) Page Maker, MS Publisher
Accounting Sage, Gnu Cash, Pastel Accounting, Quick Book
Web Development Dream Weaver, MS Front Page
Graphics and
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| Hasalaka The GMP, Adobe Photo shop 76