The Computer

The Computer

Objectives

• Identify the components of the computer system Identify the different types of computer

• Explain the four (4) basic tasks that the computer performs

Introduction

• A computer may be defined as an electronic device that accepts data as inputs, processes the data into information, stores and allows the retrieval of the processed data, and outputs those results in a form that is useable by humans or other computers

  
  

The four basic tasks that the computer performs

The computer performs four basic operations

It accepts data (input)

It manipulates the data (processing)

It produces information or results (output)

It stores the data and results (storage)

These operations are executed under the direction of stored programs.  A program is a sequential set of instructions that enable the computer to perform a specific task

Multiple Choice

Why is the computer is known as an electronic device?

• It is battery operated

• It is operated by humans

• It uses electricity

• It only works at nights

What are the Components of a Computer System?

A computer system is combination of:

1.Hardware

2.Software

3.Procedures

4.Data

5.people

Hardware and Software

The term hardware refers to all the tangible parts of the computer, that is all the parts that you can see or touch. These include:-

Computer case, Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard and Disk drives.

Software

The computer must have organized sets of instructions or programs to make it work.  Programs are also called software.  You cannot see or touch software.  You can only see and touch the packaging in which it comes

Procedures and Data

Procedures

These are instructions that tell a user how to operate and use the information system.

Data

Data consists of raw facts such as numbers, letters, special characters or symbols.  These conveys little meaning individually.  However when they are combined and processed they appear in context and convey meaning to people.

People

People are the users of the computer.  Although some computers operate without a human manipulating them, people are the still the users of the output of the computer.  Additionally, it is people who design, build, program and maintain the computer system.  When you bring together hardware, software, data, procedures, and users you get a complete computer system.

Multiple Choice

Which component of the computer system is tangible (can be touched)

• Software

• Hardware

• Softcopy

• Data

Multiple Choice

Can the hardware works independently of the software?

• Yes

• No

• Sometimes

• Most of the times

Multiple Select

Identify all the components of the computer system below.

• Softcopy

• Software

• Statistics

• People

Multiple Choice

Programs such as games and Microsoft Word can be classified as:

• Software

• System unit

• Hardware

• Hardcopy

What makes up a Computer System

The devices that make up a typical computer are as follows:

1.The computer case

2.The monitor

3.The keyboard

4.The mouse

The Computer Case

The computer case is also called the systems unit.  It contains the most important part of the system the central processing unit (also called the CPU) or brain of the computer.  You cannot see the CPU unless you open the system unit.  The systems unit also contains other parts many of which can be seen only when the case is opened

The Monitor and Keyboard

Monitor

The monitor is a device that displays text and images generated by the computer.  It is sometimes called a Visual Display unit or VDU.  The screen is the display area of the monitor. 

Keyboard

You use the keyboard to enter information and instructions into a computer by pressing various labeled keys.  Keyboards were designed to be similar to typewriters and have a similar layout.

The Mouse

The mouse is a handheld device that allows you to make a selections and move items on the computer’s screen by clicking on different parts.

Multiple Choice

Which device is used to enter information and instructions into a computer by pressing various labeled keys

• Mouse

• OMR

• Scanner

• Keyboard

Multiple Choice

What is an handheld device that allows you to make a selections and move items on the computer’s screen by clicking on different parts

• Mouse

• Keyboard

• OMR

• Scanner

Multiple Select

Identify the part of the picture labelled 1 - 3

• Scanner

• Monitor

• System Unit

• Speaker

• Mouse