Computer Basics

• A computer is an electronic machine that can collect, store, process, or find information.
• Computers are used for education, business, research, and communication.

Main Parts of a Computer

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the "brain" of the computer, providing instructions and enabling its operation.
• The Random Access Memory (RAM) stores data temporarily.
• The Hard Drive provides data storage.
• Input devices enter information into the computer (e.g., keyboards, mouse, webcams).
• Output devices transmit information from the computer in a human-perceivable way (e.g., speakers, monitors, printers, headphones).

History of Computers

• 19th Century: Charles Babbage designed the first modern computer, known as the Analytical Engine.
• 20th Century: John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry designed the first electronic computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer.
• 1994: The first main free.
• 21st Century: Smartphones and tablets were designed.

Information Systems

• An information system is an interconnected set of components used to collect, store, process, and transmit digital information.
• Hardware, software, data, people, and processes are parts of the information system.
• Information systems allow users to collect, store, organize, and distribute data for various purposes.
• They enable businesses to identify trends and patterns and analyze information efficiently.

Six Parts of an Information System

• People: Individuals who use microcomputers as a tool to fulfill their information needs.
• Procedures/Data: Written guidelines to help end-users use software and hardware.
• Telecommunication: Transmission of data over a network.
• Hardware: Physical components of the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, monitor).
• Software: Programs that tell the computer what to do.

System Software

• Operates the computer's basic system.
• Manages other application programs.
• Provides a secure interface for users.
• Manages and controls computer hardware.
• Examples: Microsoft Word, MacOS, Android, Google, Yahoo, Bing.

Application Software

• Designed to perform specific tasks or functions for an end product.
• Includes word processors, spreadsheets, email clients, web browsers and specialized business software (e.g., accounting, CRM).
• Examples: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Office, Apple Music, Spotify, Zoom, Teams, Skype.

Different Types of Computers

• Microcomputers: Least powerful but most widely used.
  • Examples: Desktops and Notebooks (weighing 1.8kgs - 4.5kgs).
• Minicomputers: Midrange computers used by medium or large companies.
  • Examples: Used for monitoring manufacturing processes.
• Mainframe computers: Large computers with great processing and data storage.
  • Examples: Used by insurance companies to process policyholder information.
• Supercomputers: Most powerful, used by large organizations.
  • Examples: Used by NASA for tracking and controlling space exploration.

Different Types of Personal Computers

• Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk.
• Laptop computers are portable.
• Tablet computers are portable and use a touchscreen interface.
• Smartphone computers are portable and used to make cellphone calls and various other multimedia functions.

Computer Devices

• Computer devices are physical components used to input, process, store, or output information.
• Input devices: Mouse, keyboards, touch screen, joystick, and webcam.
• Processing devices: Central Processing Unit, Graphic Processing Unit, Random Access Memory.
• Storage devices: Hard Disk Drive, Solid-State Drive, USB flash drive.
• Output devices: Monitor, Printer, Speaker, Headphones.
• Communication devices: Modems, Routers, Network devices.

Computer Connectivity

• Computer connectivity is the ability of computers to connect and communicate with each other.
• Allows data sharing, resource sharing, and collaboration.
• Connects through cables or wireless tech like WiFi and Bluetooth.

The Internet

• The Internet: A global network of interconnected computers using standardized communication protocols to exchange data and information.
• Enables services like email, file sharing, online streaming, and social media.

Wireless Revolution

• Refers to the widespread adoption of wireless communication technology.

Web Server

• A software program that stores and delivers web pages to clients.
• Uses protocols like HTTP to communicate with web browsers.

Web Page

• A document containing information (text, images, audio, video) accessible using a web browser.
• Uses HTML to link web pages, websites, and online resources.

Web Browser

• A software application that retrieves and displays web pages from web servers.
• Uses HTTP to communicate and download web pages.
• Uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to render and display pages.
• It retrieves web pages and files and displays them on the user's computer screen.
• The URL sends a request to the appropriate web server to retrieve the page.

Web Address Examples

• http://www.msn.co.za
  • http stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
  • www is short for World Wide Web.
  • msn or google or yahoo are the names of web sites.
  • co shows that it is an address of a company.
  • com shows that it is an address of a commercial organization.
  • za shows that the site is situated in South Africa.