Computer Fundamentals &

Component Identification

Ogunniran Stephen T.

Table of ContentTable of ContentDefinition of ComputerForms of ComputerComputer GenerationStructure of a ComputerComponent IdentificationTypes of ComputerWorking Computer SystemComputer Application Advantages & Disadvantages of

Computer

DefinitionsDefinitions

Computer is an electronic data processing device, which does the following:

Accept and store an input data.

Process the data input.And output the processed data in the required format.

Any electronic device that can be programmed to accept data (Input), process the data into useful information (output), and store it away (in a secondary storage device) for safe keeping or later use.

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves output for future use.

Forms of ComputerForms of Computer

AnalogueDigitalHybrid

Analogue: A form of computer which accept data as a quantity (continuous values) over a length of time. They are used for scientific purposes. They can be compared to measuring instruments such as the thermometer, speedometer / tachometer used in plants and refineries.

A practical example that is still widely used is the Distributed Control System (DCS) is a computerized control system used to control the production line in the industry .

DCS is a dedicated system used to control manufacturing processes that are continuous or batch-oriented, such as oil refining, petrochemicals, Power Generation etc.

A DCS typically uses custom designed processors as controllers and uses both proprietary interconnections and communications protocol (TCP/IP) for communication. Input and output modules form component parts of the DCS.

OC 6000e DCS (GE)

Digital Computer: Digital Computers are capable of performing operations on data represented in digit or number form (i.e discrete values). There advantage over analogue is that there accuracy level is higher.

Most computer today are digital, because they carry out logic, arithmetic and control processes involving the manipulation of bits, words / characters or information.

Hybrid Computer: A hybrid computer in a simple term combines the measuring capabilities of the analogue with the logic, arithmetic and control capabilities of the digital computer. They are usually designed to perform specific tasks and are widely used in space vehicle simulations and training of space and airline pilots.

Generation & DescriptionGeneration & Description

• First Generation The period of first generation: 1946-1959. Vacuum tube based.

Second Generation (minicomputer)

The period of second generation: 1959-1965. Transistor based.

Third GenerationThe period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit based.

Fourth GenerationThe period of fourth generation: 1971-1980. VLSI (very large scale integrated) microprocessor based.

Fifth GenerationThe period of fifth generation: 1980-onwards. ULSI (ultra large scale integrated) microprocessor based

- (Dual Core processors generation Core i3 – i7)

STRUCTURE OF A STRUCTURE OF A COMPUTERCOMPUTER

INPUT UNITINPUT UNITThis unit contain devices with which

we enter data into computer. It makes the link between user and

the computer possible by translating the human information into the form which the computer understands.

such devices include: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanners, Finger Print Sensor, Camera …

MEMORY / STORAGE UNITMEMORY / STORAGE UNIT

Memory Or Storage Unit: This unit can store instructions, data and intermediate results. It supplies information to the other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as internal storage unit or main memory or primary storage or Random access memory(RAM).

The Computer system uses two type of storage namely: Primary and Secondary storage. The CPU interacts closely with primary storage or main memory (RAM).

A computer's memory holds data only temporarily at the time the computer is executing a program.

ARITHMETIC UNIT ARITHMETIC UNIT

This section performs arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

LOGIC UNITLOGIC UNIT

This section performs logic operations such as comparing, selecting, matching and merging of data.

CONTROLCONTROL

This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer. It does not carry out any data processing operations.

It’s functions includes: Controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other units of a computer.

It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.

It obtain instructions from the memory, interprets them and directs the operation of the computer.

It communicates with Input / Output devices for the transfer of data or results from one storage device to another.

It does not process or store data.

OUTPUTOUTPUT

Video Display Unit (VDU) or Monitor

Printers etc

COMPONENT COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION IDENTIFICATION

This section briefly examines all components required to assemble a basic PC.

1. CHASIS1. CHASIS

Also known as case, houses the motherboard, power module, disk drives, adapter cards and any other physical component in the system unit. The different types includes: Tower, Desktop, and low profile (slim line).

Tower ComputerTower Computer

Desktop ComputerDesktop Computer

2. Power Module2. Power Module - feeds - feeds electrical power to every electrical power to every segment in the PC. It converts segment in the PC. It converts Alternating Current (AC) into Alternating Current (AC) into Direct Current (DC) which the Direct Current (DC) which the computer requires to operate.computer requires to operate.

3. Motherboard3. Motherboard

The motherboard is the core of the system which interconnects the various components of the computer.

4.Microprocessor4.Microprocessor

Is the engine of the computer, also called the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The unit of a processor is the transistor, combination of two or more transistors is referred to as Integrated Circuit (IC). Modern microprocessor (microchip) contain millions of transistors.

MICROPROCESSORMICROPROCESSOR Microprocessor is a multipurpose,  programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory and provides results as output. Microprocessors operate on numbers and symbols represented in the binary numeral system.

Makers of ProcessorsMakers of Processors

AMD, Analogue Device, Appolo, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, IBM, Intel, NEC, OpenCores, Oracle Corporation (former sun Microsystems), Texas Instruments, Western Digital etc

The processor used in a computer system determines the :

a.Memory size to be used.b.Speed of the computer.c.Size / Speed of the cooling fan or the need for it (2nd Gen 80286 did not require fan).

d.Power consumption - aiming at usage in laptops ( 3rd Gen).

e.Cost of the computer

Memory (RAM)Memory (RAM)This memory is volatile, referred to as Random Access Memory (RAM). It is the primary memory which holds all programs and data the processor is using at a given time. RAM requires power to maintain storage. So when power is turned off, everything in RAM is cleared; and has to be released (from the cache) when power is turned on.

CacheCache

A CPU cache is a cache used by the central processing unit of a computer to reduce the average time to access memory. The cache stores copies of the data from frequently used main memory locations.

The initial programs for the processors come from a special memory called Read Only Memory (ROM) which is not erased when power goes off.

Video CardVideo Card

The video card controls the information displayed on the VDU.

Sound CardSound Card

CMOS BatteryCMOS Battery

CMOS is Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. It is responsible for keeping the certain computer setting such as the time and date running even when the computer is not in use.

a.a.Cooling FanCooling Fan

Ethernet CardEthernet Card

Wireless CardWireless Card

Disc DriveDisc Drive

HDD - Hard Disc Drive ( IDE / SATA)

IDE – Integrated Drive Electronics (a standard electronic interface used between a computer motherboard's data paths or bus and the computer's disk storage devices).

SATA – (Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is a computer bus interface that connects host bus adapters to mass storage devices such as hard disk drives and optical drives.

The recent development is the Solid State HDD.

Solid-State DriveSolid-State Drive

A solid-state drive (SSD) (also known as a solid-state disk or electronic disk, though it contains no actual "disk" of any kind, or motors to "drive" the disks) is a data storage device using integrated circuit assembled as memory to store data.

SSD technology uses electronic interfaces compatible with traditional block input/output (I/O) hard disk drives, thus permitting simple replacement in common applications.

Advantage of SSD over Advantage of SSD over HDDHDD SSDs and HDDs do the same job: They

boot the system, store applications, and store files. But each type of storage has its own unique feature. The advantages are :

1.Speed : SSD will boot in seconds i.e faster than HDD, hence increases the overall speed of the PC’s performance.

2.Fragmentation: Files are stored on its chip, even when the drive space is filled up its performance is not affected.

3. Durability: An SSD has no moving parts, so it is more likely to keep your data safe in the event that a drive, PC or laptop drops or is shaken while in use. SSD is best used by Site Engineers or by a rough handler of equipment.

4. Form Factors: Because HDDs rely on spinning platters, there is a limit to how small they can be manufactured.

5. Noise: Even the quietest HDD will emit a bit of noise when it is in use from the drive spinning or the read arm moving back and forth,

particularly if it's in a system that's been banged about or in an all-metal system where it's been shoddily installed. Faster hard drives will make more noise than slower ones. SSDs make virtually no noise at all, since they're non-mechanical but electronic.

Disadvantages of SSDDisadvantages of SSD

1. Price : SSD’s are quit expensive, for a 1TB internal 2.5-inch drive, HDD cost about $100 (i.e) N16,000 while its SSD equivalent goes for $600 (N96,000).

CD/DVD - R & RWCD/DVD - R & RWCD - Compact DiscDVD- Digital Versatile

Disc (formerly Digital Video Disc

ConnectorsConnectors

PS/2 - A Personal System/2 (PS/2) connector is a 6-pin connector used to connect peripheral devices, usually a mouse or keyboard to a computer via the motherboard.

USB PS/2 USB PS/2

VGA PortVGA Port

IDE to SATA IDE to SATA

SATA connector for HDDSATA connector for HDD

PS/2 USB PS/2 USB

IDE connecting cableIDE connecting cable

Types of Computer Types of Computer

Until recently computers were basically classified as microcomputer, minicomputers and mainframes because of their physical sizes and CPU technology among other factors. However, technology is changing and all computers now uses microprocessors as their CPU

which accounts for their speed and computing power.

1. Microcomputer 1. Microcomputer

A microcomputer is a complete computer on a smaller scale and is generally a synonym for , personal computer or PC , a computer designed for an individual.

A PC (as it is now called) is small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user for word-processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications, e.t.c

At home, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games and surfing the Internet.

2. WorkStation2. WorkStation Workstation is a computer used for engineering applications such as Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and other types of applications, which require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.

Workstations generally come Workstations generally come with:with: A large, high-resolution graphics

screen, Large amount of RAM Inbuilt network support A graphical user interface A mass storage device such as a disk

drive NAS (Network Attached Storage) A special type of workstation, called a

diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive. E.g Thin Client.

3. Minicomputer3. Minicomputer

The term "minicomputer "evolved in the 1960s to describe the smaller computers that became possible with the use of transistor  technologies.

TransistorsTransistors

Minicomputer (Minicomputer (with the advent with the advent of chip)of chip)It is a midsize computer.

A minicomputer is a multi-processing system capable of supporting up to 250 users simultaneously. A minicomputer, (a term no longer used) is a computer of a size intermediate between a microcomputer and a mainframe.

Typically, minicomputers have been stand-alone computers (computer systems with attached terminals and other devices) sold to small and mid-size businesses for general business applications and to large enterprises for department-level operations. In recent years,

The minicomputer has evolved into the "mid-range server"

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A high processing speedImproved GUIMultiple CPU …

Mainframe is a very large in size and expensive computer capable of supporting thousands of users simultaneously.

Mainframe executes many programs concurrently.

Mainframes support many simultaneous programs execution.

4. Mainframe computer 4. Mainframe computer

Mainframe computer Mainframe computer ( before)( before)

Mainframe computer Mainframe computer ( now)( now)

The types of computer deployed in Data Centers can be referred to as “mainframe computer” and can be located remotely from the users.

5. Supercomputer5. Supercomputer

Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers currently available. They are :

Very expensive and are deployed for specialized applications that require large amount of mathematical calculations (number crunching).

For example, weather forecasting, scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting).

WORKING COMPUTER SYSTEM

A working computer system is made up of computer hardware and software.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

COMPUTER HARDWARE

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

HARDWARE & SOFTWAREHARDWARE & SOFTWARE

Hardware: Refer to the physical units that make up the computer system. Any other physical attachment (peripherals) would also be part of the hardware. The hardware on its own is non-functional. It normally requires the software to work.

Software Refer to any program designed to assist users to make best use of their hardware. Computer software are therefore the programs that run on the computer hardware, enabling the system to perform specific tasks for the end users.

- System Software - is a computer software designed to operate and control the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software. They are sequence of instructions, written in a language which the computer understands e.g Windows, Linux, Android, Mac etc

- Application software is any software created for a specific purpose. Typically it is based on customer’s requirement.

Examples of such are: - Microsoft Office - for office processes

- Corel - for graphics and design- AutoCAD – for Architectural drawings & design

- NAAPS, Peachtree – for accounting purposes .

- DHML Enrollment Application etc

Computer ApplicationComputer Application

The use of computer has become part of our day to day life, ranging from electronic calculator, mobile phones, ipod, home electronics, etc. Hence computer application is growing each.

BusinessBusinessComputer is used in business organisation for:

Payroll CalculationsBudgetingSales AnalysisFinancial forecastingManaging employees database etc.

BankingBanking

On-line banking is possible via the use of computer.

ATM machines makes it easier for customers to deal with banks.

InsuranceInsurance

Insurance companies keep all records with the use of Computer.

Insurance Companies are maintaining a database of all clients with information showing:

how to continue with policiesstarting date of the policiesnext due installment of a policymaturity dateinterests duesurvival benefitsbonus

EducationEducationThe computer has provided a lot of facilities in the Education System.

The uses of computer provide a tool in the Education system known as CBE (Computer Based Education).

CBE involves Control, Delivery and Evaluation of learning.

The computer education is very familiar and rapidly increasing the graph of computer students.

There are number of methods in which educational institutions can use computer to educate the students.

It is used for prepare a database about student performance and analyses are carried out.

MarketingMarketingAdvertising: With computers, advertising professionals create art and graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal of selling more products.

At Home Shopping: Home shopping has been made possible through use of computerized catalogues that provide access to product information and permit direct entry of orders to be filled by the customers.

Health CareHealth CareComputers are being used in

hospitals to keep the record of patients and medicines. It is also used in scanning and diagnosing different diseases. ECG, EEG, Ultrasounds and CT Scans are also done by computerized machines.

Some of major fields of health care in which computers are used:

Diagnostic System: Computers are used to collect data and identify cause of illness.

Lab-diagnostic System: All tests can be done and reports are prepared by computer.

Patient Monitoring System: These are used to check patient's signs for abnormality such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG, etc.

Pharma Information System: Computer checks Drug-Labels, Expiry dates, harmful drug side effects etc.

Nowadays, computers are also used in performing surgery.

Engineering DesignEngineering Design

One of major areas is CAD (Computer a’;ided design). CAD provides creation, edition, and modification of image. Some fields are:

Structural Engineering: Requires stress and strain analysis required for design of Ships, Buildings, Bridges, Airplanes, etc.

Industrial Engineering Computers deal with design, implementation and improvement of Integrated systems of people, materials and equipments.

Advantages of ComputerAdvantages of Computer

HIGH SPEEDComputer is a very fast device.It is capable of performing addition of

very big data.The computer has units of speed in

microsecond, nanosecond and even the picosecond.

It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man, who can spend many months for doing the same task.

ACCURACYACCURACY

In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.

Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy.

STORAGE CAPABILITYSTORAGE CAPABILITY

Memory is a very important characteristic of computers. The computer has much more storage capacity than human beings. It can store large amount of data.

It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio and any other type.

DILIGENCEDILIGENCEUnlike humans, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration.

It can work continuously without creating any error and boredom.

It can do repeated work with same speed and accuracy.

VERSATILITYVERSATILITYA computer is a very versatile

machine.A computer is very flexible in

performing the jobs to be done.This machine can be used to solve the

problems relating to different fields.At one instant, it may be solving a

complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be playing a card game.

RELIABILITYRELIABILITY

A computer is a reliable machine.

Modern electronic components have failure-free long lives.

Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

AUTOMATIONAUTOMATION

Computer is an automatic machine.

Automation means ability to perform the task automatically.

Once a program is given to computer, i.e. stored in computer memory, the program and instructions can control the program execution without human interaction (as in auto-pilot)

REDUCTION IN PAPER WORKREDUCTION IN PAPER WORKThe use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper work and speeds up the process.

As data in electronic files can be retrieved when required, the problem of maintenance of large number of files gets reduced.

REDUCTION IN COSTREDUCTION IN COST

Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high but it substantially reduces the cost of each of its transaction.

DisadvantagesDisadvantages

NO IQA computer is a machine and has

no intelligence of its own to perform any task.

Each and every instruction has to be given to the computer.

A computer can not take any decision on its own.

DEPENDENCYDEPENDENCY

It can perform function as instructed by user, so it is fully dependent on human being.

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT

The operating environment of computer should be dust-free and suitable to it.

NO FEELINGNO FEELING

Computer has no feeling or emotions.

It cannot make judgement based on feeling, taste, experience and knowledge unlike a human being.

Thank you for listening