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Introduction to computers
Information Technology (Mount Kenya University)
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Introduction to computers
A computer is an electronic device that accepts raw data as input and processes it under a set of
instructions to produce an output (information).
Input- Raw facts and figures.
Information- Data that has been processed and changed into a more useful form.
Components of a computer
Hardware -These are the physical parts of a computer. E.g monitor, keyboard, mouse
Software- Set of instructions that are used to control the hardware.
The hardware has the following components ;
CPU and main memory
Input devices
Output devices
Storage devices
The system unit is part of a computer that houses the main components such as CPU, input and
output units, and memory.
Hardware organization
Input devices
They translate data from the users into a form that a computer can understand.
Examples include keyboard, mouse, scanner, touchpad, joystick etc.
CPU
It is the brain of a computer and performs the processing of data.
It consists of;
1. Arithmetic Logic Unit – Performs all the arithmetic and logical operations in a computer.
2. Control unit – Coordinates all the operations being carried out in a computer.
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3. Registers – Type of memory that stores data and instructions that are required for use by
the CPU.
Memory
Divided into 2 parts :
1. RAM
2. ROM
RAM (Random Access Memory)
It holds data and instructions used for processing temporarily.
It is volatile meaning information is lost when the computer if turned off.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
It is non volatile.
It permanently stores data and it’s contents cannot be altered by users.
It is also where information about BIOS is stored.
Secondary storage
These are devices that can store data permanently.
Examples include :
Hard drive
Optical laser discs
Diskettes
Floppy disks
Output devices
These are devices that transform information from the CPU into a form that users can
understand.
Examples include :
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Monitors
Printers
Sound blasters
Software
These are sets of instructions or programs that control the hardware of a computer.
There are 2 types :
Application software
System software
Application software
It is a type of computer program that helps users to perform specific tasks.
Examples include :
Word processors E.g Microsoft Word
Spreadsheets E.g Microsoft Excel
Database managers E.g Microsoft Access
Graphics software E.g Adobe Photoshop
System software
It is a computer program that manages the resources of a computer and also gives a path for
application software to run optimally.
Example - operating system (OS)
Units of measurement
Bit – It is a binary digit and is the smallest unit of measurement of data in a computer.
It can hold one of two values i.e 0 or 1.
A group of 8 bits can form a byte.
1 KB (kilobyte) = 1024 bytes
1 MB (megabyte) = 1024 KB
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1 GB (gigabyte) = 1024 MB
1 TB (terabyte) = 1024 GB
There are 4 types of computers :
1. Microcomputers
2. Mini computers
3. Mainframe computers
4. Super computers
1.Microcomputers
They are small, single user computers with a microprocessor as the CPU.
Examples : PC, workstation
2.Mini computers
They are used by small organizations and are intermediate in terms of size, speed and storage
capacity.
3.Mainframe computers
They are used by large organizations for large information processing jobs.
4.Supercomputer
Very powerful computer that can process large amounts of data very quickly.
Characteristics of computers
1.Has memory and secondary storage that is capable of storing data and information.
2. Can process a lot of instructions in a very short period of time.
3.Performs operations with very high accuracy.
4.Able to share resources in a network.
Difference between data, information and knowledge
Data – Raw facts and figures that are not in a structured way.
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Information – Processed data converted into a more meaningful form.
Knowledge – Putting together information of the same type under one category.
COMPUTER VIRUSES
A computer virus is a program that corrupts the files in a computer system.
Computer viruses are created by hackers who have malicious intentions.
It can create duplicates of itself and spread to other computer programs thus infecting them.
Sources of computer viruses
1.The internet through downloads and exchanges
2.File sharing networks
3.Removable media such as USB drives and CDs
Virus protection
The following practices can prevent your computer from getting infected by a virus :
1.Installing an antivirus software.
2.Avoid using the same password on multiple sites.
3.Avoid accessing unsecured websites.
4.Do not use pirated software.
