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What is a computer?
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Traditional Types of Computers
General purpose computers
◦ Mainframe
◦ Minicomputer
◦ Microcomputer (Personal Computer)
TRADITIONAL TYPES OF COMPUTERS
• Mainframe Computers
• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Tablets
• Smart Phones
Embedded Computers
Embedded computers
– Computers found inside
consumer goods in order to
enhance their function.
Cars today might have as many
as 50 microprocessors on
them.
Special Purpose Computers
Special purpose or dedicated computers – A device with a specific
purpose such as game system or information kiosk.
Computer is Hardware and Software
Hardware versus Software
Hardware = The physical
components that make up a
computer system.
Hardware versus Software
PERMANENT
STORAGE
Input and Output Devices
PERMANENT
STORAGE
Input Devices
Input devices allow a user to key-in data into the
computer.
Dot-matrix Printer
Speakers
Speakers are used to play sounds. They are
connected into the computer which then allows
you to listen to music and hear sound effects from
your computer.
System Unit
PERMANENT
STORAGE
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System Unit
The system unit is the core of the computer system. It is
usually the rectangular box placed underneath a
computer desk. Inside the box are the following electronic
components that help in the processing of information:
◦ CPU
◦ Memory
◦ Motherboard
◦ Power Supply
CPU
Central Processing Unit. Also known as the microprocessor.
The CPU acts as the “brain” of the computer. It is a place in
the computer where data is processed.
CPU
CPU (Central Processing Unit) = A complex collection of electronic
circuits on one or more integrated circuits (chips) which:
1. executes the instructions in a software program
2. communicates with other parts of the computer system,
especially RAM and input devices
Inserting RAM
PERMANENT
STORAGE
Storage Devices:
◦ Floppy disks (obsolete) ◦ Flash drive/disk
◦ CD-ROMs, DVDs (becoming ◦ Tape drives
obsolete) ◦ Network drives
◦ Hard disks and solid state ◦ Storage Area Networks
drives (SSD)
◦ Zip / Rev disks (obsolete)
Hard Disk
It is the computer’s permanent storage area. It holds all the computers’
program and files.
Data Measurement
DATA SIZE
Bit Single Binary Digit (1 or 0)
Byte 8 bits
Kilobyte (KB) 1,024 Bytes
Megabyte (MB) 1,024 Kilobytes
Gigabyte (GB) 1,024 Megabytes
Terabyte (TB) 1,024 Gigabytes
Petabyte (PB) 1,024 Terabytes
Exabyte (EB) 1,024 Petabytes
Computer Performance
CPU speed (and type)
Amount of RAM (and speed)
Hard disk capacity
Software
Software refers to the instructions or programs that tell the
hardware what to do. It is the name given to the programs
that you install on the computer to perform certain types of
activities.
The following are the types of software:
◦ Operating System
◦ Application Software
◦ Utility Software
◦ Programming Software
Operating System
Loads automatically when you switch on a computer
Main roles:
◦ Controls hardware and software
◦ Permits you to manage files
◦ Acts as intermediary between user and applications
Operating System Software
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Operating System
Three well-known operating systems include MacOS,
Windows, and Linux GNU.
GUI – Graphical User Interface
Windows 3.1
Windows
95/98/XP
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Windows 7, 8, 10
Linux Mint
Ubuntu
OpenSUSE
Mac OS
CLI – Command Line Interface
No GUI
MS DOS / Command Prompt
CLI – Command Line Interface
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Operating Systems for Smartphones
Open-source OS
Currently developed by Google.
Having the largest installed base
worldwide on smartphones
Android's releases are named after sweets or dessert items (except
for the first and second releases)
Alpha (1.0 & 1.1)
Beta (1.2)
Cupcake (1.5)
Donut (1.6)
Eclair (2.0, 2.0.1, 2.1)
Frozen Yogurt/“Froyo” (2.2.x)
Gingerbread (2.3, 2.3.3)
Honeycomb (3.0, 3.1, 3.2)
Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0, 4.0.3)
Jellybean (4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
KitKat (4.4.4)
Lollipop (5.0, 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 5.1, 5.1.1)
Marshmallow (6.0, 6.0.1
Other Android-based mobile OS:
Color OS – Oppo
EMUI – Huawei
Fire OS – Amazon
MIUI (Mi User Interface) – Xiaomi
Mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc.
and distributed exclusively for Apple hardware.