Computer Basics - Module 1 Overview

Module 1 Overview of Computer Essentials

• Computer basics are covered
• Includes these topics:
  • Computer functions
  • Information processing cycle
  • Data vs. information
  • Transistors
  • Measurement units
  • Number systems
  • Computer types

Computer Functions

• Electronic device that performs specific functions
• Based on instructions
• Functions:
  • Receiving, storing, processing, and outputting data
• Programs are instructions that dictate functions.
• Designed to execute applications and provide solutions via:
  • Hardware (physical parts)
  • Software (programs)

Information Processing Cycle

• Consists of four stages:
  • Input
  • Processing
  • Output
  • Storage

Input

• Receiving via devices:
  • Keyboards
  • Mice
  • Scanners
  • Cameras
  • Microphones
• Receives inputs from various peripherals.

Processing

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) processes input data
• Processes logically or arithmetically so the device understands.

Output

• Processed information is presented to the user via:
  • Displaying on a monitor
  • Printing
  • Playing sound through speakers
  • Saving to a file
  • Transferring data to another device
• Output devices:
  • Monitors
  • Printers
  • Speakers

Storage

• Involves saving the data during and after processing via:
  • Primary storage
  • Secondary storage
• Primary storage (e.g., RAM):
  • Offers faster access for the CPU
  • Temporary (Volatile)
  • Cleared when the device turns off
• Secondary storage (e.g., hard drives, SSDs):
  • Long-term storage
  • Retains data, even when the device is turned off

Data vs. Information

• Data and information are important concepts
• Data is raw, unorganized facts without context or interpretation
  • Characters
  • Words
  • Numbers
  • Binary digits
• Example of data: 9933115 (without context, its meaning is unclear).
• Information is data that has been analyzed or processed to be understandable
  • Provides context and meaning
  • Makes the data useful
• Example of information: "ID: 9933115" (the number is now identified as an ID).
• Example of information: "Date: 9933115" (the number is now identified as a date).

Transistors

• Electronic switches representing binary values (0 or 1).
• Transistors exist in one of two states:

Two States

• Non-conducting state:
  • Does not allow current to pass
  • Representing 0 in binary
• Conducting state:
  • Allows current to pass
  • Representing 1 in binary

Measurement Units

• Quantify storage and processing in computing
• Basic unit is the bit
• Larger units:
  • Bytes
  • Kilobytes
  • Megabytes
  • Gigabytes

Bit

• Smallest unit of data in computing
• Represented as 0 or 1
• Represents a single binary digit

Byte

• Consists of 8 bits
• Standard unit for measuring data that represents a character
• E.g., The letter "C" is one byte

Kilobyte

• One Kilobyte equals 1024 bytes

Megabyte

• Usually represents storage capacity
• One Megabyte equals 1024 kilobytes

Gigabyte

• One Gigabyte equals 1024 megabytes
• Commonly used to measure storage capacity for devices
  • Hard drives
  • SSDs
• Higher capacity
  • Terabyte: 1024 GB
  • Petabyte: 1024 TB
  • Exabyte: 1024 PB
• Each unit is 1024 times larger than the previous unit

Number Systems

• Information is processed using binary (base-2) digits
• Decimal (base-10) numerals are used for human interaction
• Decimal number representations are sometimes used for marketing
• Hexadecimal (base-16) is also used
  • Represents binary efficiently, is easily converted

Attributes

• Binary: Uses 0 and 1
• Decimal: Uses 0-9
• Hexadecimal: Uses 0-9 and A-F
  • A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15

Color Representation via Number Systems

• Digital designs and web development use hexadecimal to represent colors
• Colors are represented using RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values
• Each color channel has a value between 0 and 255 in decimal notation
• Each decimal value then is converted to a 2 digit hexadecimal number
• RGB Representation Example:
  • RGB(255, 255, 255) is represented as #FFFFFF (white)
  • RGB(0, 0, 0) is represented as #000000 (black)
  • #FF0000 for red.
  • #00FF00 for green.
  • #0000FF for blue.

Encoding

• Encodings like ASCII and Unicode translate characters into numbers for computers Provide a way to represent text data in a digital form

ASCII

• Character Encoding standards
• Represents 128 different characters
• Includes English alphabet letters, numbers, and control characters

Unicode

• Represents characters and symbols from most languages
• Uses 1 or 2 bytes, therefore supports a wider range and is more useful
• Facilitates a wider range of characters:
  • Emojis
  • International symbols

Computer Types

• Classified by:
  • Size
  • Capability
  • Purpose

Supercomputers

• Used for complex calculations:
  • Weather forecasting
  • Simulations
  • Research

Mainframe Computers

• Support large amounts of data
• Support numerous users
• Example: large scale transaction processing, bank transfers

Servers

• Provides data to other devices on a network
• Example Use:
  • Schools provide course database access for students

Microcomputers (Personal Computers)

• Also know as Personal computers, have a range of types:
  • Desktop Computers:
    • For everyday tasks
  • Laptop Computers:
    • Portable Desktops
  • Netbooks:
    • Designed for internet use
  • Tablets:
    • Touchscreen
    • Designed for internet use and multimedia consumption

Introduction to Computer Essentials Module 1 covering the basic functions of computers and the information processing cycle. It covers the four stages: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage. Module includes computer functions, information processing cycle and computer types.