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Introduction to Computers What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that allows us to process information, perform mathematical operations and store data. The main components of a computer are: 1. Input Devices: these devices allow entrance of raw data inside the computer system. These include the keyboard, the mouse, joystick, the microphone, a touch screen, a pen tool and much more. 2. Central Processing unit (CPU): this unit is responsible for processing the input data using some programmed algorithms and written programs and returns back some results. The processing unit consists of the processor that resembles the brain of the computer. Part of this processor is called the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). The ALU performs all the needed arithmetic operations and some logic operations. 3. Output Devices: the computer displays the results of performed operations through these devices. These include the screen, the printer, the speakers and more. 4. Main Storage: this component is needed to store some data and processed information. This portion is essential for the CPU to use as a scratch paper while performing some processing. The Main memory consists of: the Read-Only Memory (ROM) and the Random Access Memory (RAM). ROM stores the necessary information needed by the CPU. The manufacturer creates this portion of memory and the computer cannot write on it. That is why it is called a read-only memory. RAM allows read and write access of the computer. The CPU utilizes the RAM as a scratch pad. In addition, there is another fast-access memory totally used by the CPU; it is called Cache. The Cache memory is very fast when compared to the RAM but it is very expensive. Accordingly, the cache size is smaller compared to the RAM size. Peripherals: In addition, there is a set of useful peripherals that add new functionalities to computers. Among these peripherals we may find the following: Secondary storage: This is external means of storing data. This includes the hard disks, the floppy disks, the compact disks (CD), Digital Video Disk (DVD), jazz tapes and zip tapes. These devices have bigger storage areas and more persistent than the Main memory storage, yet the speed of accessing information from them is low compared to Main Memory. Multimedia devices: these are external devices can be added to the computer to allow input of sound tracks either through a microphone, musical instruments, line in and the like. To produce digital sound from the computer, you need a professional sound card added to the computer. The output sound and music can be heard through speakers, headphones, line out and the like. Printers: these are output devices that allow you to have a printout (hard copy) of the edited text and graphics. The job of a printer is to put on paper what you see

on your monitor. Some printers are based on Laser technology; these are called Laser printers. Others use ink in the printing process; they are called Inkjet printers. Plotters: engineers to plot detailed diagrams processed by the computer mainly use these professional output devices Modems: the Modulator demodulator (Modem) is a device responsible for modulating the analog signal of the telephone line into digital computer signals and demodulates the digital computer signals into analog signals along the telephone line. This device is quite useful to connect the computers to the Internet through the well-established network of the telephony. Ethernet Cards: these cards are useful to connect a computer to a higher speed network onto the Internet. Scanners: it is an input device that allows us to convert printed matter into images and text on our machines. Compact Disks (CD): these media disks enable us to store data on them. Moreover, one can store audio data on these CDs to create audio CDs. The drive that reads and creates these CDs is called the CD drive. There are several types of CD drives as follows: Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) Drive: this drive can only read ready-made CDs. It cannot write data on them nor delete existing information on the CDs Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R) Drive: this drive has the capability of reading information from ready-made CDs and also can generate new CDs. It can write on the CD only once. It cannot delete written information from a CD. Compact Disk Read and Write (CD-RW) drive: this drive can read CDs, create new CDs, delete information from a CD and rewrites new information on top of the old data. This drive requires a special type of CDs (media) called CD-RW media.

Data Representation Data are stored in computers in the form of electric pulses; where a 5-volt charge represents existence of information and zero-volt charge indicates absence of data. Logically, the data is represented as 0 and 1. The zero indicates zero volts, and 1 indicates 5 volts. This system is called the binary system since it depends on two digits only. You can think of this as a sort of light switch. The unit data that is represented by such a digit (0 or 1) is called a bit stands for binary digit. Thus, each switch is the bit. In order for computers to represent meaningful data they represent each character by a combination of 8 bits called a byte. Both the bit and the byte are used as units of measurement of the device capacity in storing or processing data. The bit is represented by a lowercase b. An uppercase B represents the byte. The standard multiples of the byte or bit are: Kilobits (kb) that is 1024 bits, which is almost 1000 bits Kilo bytes (KB) that is 1024 bytes, which is almost 1000 bytes Mega bytes (MB) that is 1024 KB which is almost million bytes Gega bytes (GB) that is 1024 MB which is almost thousand million bytes Tera bytes (TB) that is 1024 GB which is almost trillion bytes

Mega Hertz (MHz) is the speed of processing data which indicates processing MB per second Kilobits per second (kbps) are the speed of transferring data through the network, where 1024 bits are transferred per second.

Computer Classifications: The speed of the processor is critical in setting the number of commands that can be processed per second. This speed is measured in Hertz. Along the evolution of computers, generations of computers where determined mainly according to the enhancements applied to the processor. There are 3 types of computers based on the range of use: Mainframes: a large digital computer serving hundreds of users and occupying a special air-conditioned room. Nowadays there is a diminishing need for these mainframes. Minicomputers: A computer built between about 1963 and 1987, smaller and less powerful than a mainframe, typically about the size and shape of a wardrobe, mounted in a single tall rack. Yet, when they were invented the speed of processors was better. They now appear in the form of high-speed servers. Microcomputers were invented for personal use. Their performance and size went through generations of enhancements till they reached the PCs we find nowadays. Software: Computer productivity is determined by programs which are step by step instructions telling the computer how to process data. Software can be divided into two groups, system and application. System Software: The operation of your computer is controlled by system software. As you boot the computer, the system software is stored in the computer's memory which instructs the computer to load, store, and execute an application. Examples of system software are Windows 95 and Windows 98 which use a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides visual clues (icons) to help the user. DOS, another disk operating system, is text based and not user friendly. Application Software Standard, general-purpose software packages: Professional programmers write a variety of application software to satisfy needs of the public who wants to perform specific tasks on their computers. The basic types of application software are word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, and communication.

Word Processing - Word processing is the most commonly used software in schools, home, and business. A key advantage of word processing software is that users can make changes such as spelling, margins, additions, deletions, and movement of text. Once you have learned how a word processor functions, you will be able to learn other software quicker. Database Software - Database software allows us to store and manipulate large quantities of data using the computer. For example, a database can sort the names, addresses, grades and activities for all of the students in a school. It would be possible to add or delete data and produce printed reports using the database. Spreadsheet Software - Spreadsheets store numeric data that can be used in calculations. A spreadsheet is used to store grades and calculates student averages. The primary advantage of a computerized spreadsheet is its ability to redo the calculations should the data it stores be changed. Calculations can be made automatically as formulas have been preset into the spreadsheet. Desktop Publishing - Desktop publishing applications allow the user to create newspapers, newsletters, brochures, and similar types of publications. It is similar to word processing except it allows the user to use text, graphics, pictures, lines, shapes, patterns, and borders. Desktop publishing requires more skill and computer knowledge of design and layout. Presently a user can purchase an integrated program. This means that a single program performs all applications and allows data to be transferred from one application to another. Microsoft Office, Works, and ClarisWorks are examples of integrated software. Each application includes a word processing, database and spreadsheet section of the software. Image Processing - This software manipulate images, and photos. Artists and professional users can create professional graphics using such software. This software allows image improvement, such as refining a picture in a paint program that has been scanned, applying techniques that can identify shades, colors and relationships that cannot be perceived by the human eye. There are numerous other applications available. There are software programs that can be used by musicians to produce musical scores and play them on a synthesizer, programs that assist an architect in designing a building, programs that produce the special effects that you see in movies, and programs that allow electronic mail (e-mail). Every line of work you can think of has had applications developed, which can ease or enhance its effectiveness and consistency. Tailored software and in-house developed software Some customers have software with special requirements; the software developers develop these customized programs to meet the users needs.

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