Computer Fundamentals: Hardware and Software

• Module 1 covers computer fundamentals
• The course aims to enable students to describe computer systems, hardware, software, and ergonomics, plus understand copyright and software licensing.

Basics of a Computer

• A computer is an electronic machine that accepts, stores, and processes data according to programmed instructions to produce information.
• The word "computer" is derived from 'compute', meaning to calculate.
• Data are raw, unorganized facts that need processing.
• Information results when data has been processed, organized, structured, and presented in a useful context.

Basic Parts

• The system unit is the case that contains the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other essential components.
• The monitor displays graphical or text output.
• The keyboard inputs text, characters, and commands.
• The mouse is an input device used to interact with objects on the screen.

Computer Classifications

• A desktop computer is designed to fit on a desk and includes a system unit, keyboard, mouse and a monitor.
• A laptop is a portable, battery-powered computer with an integrated screen and keyboard, making it more portable than a desktop.
• A tablet is a handheld computer that is more portable than a laptop and uses a touch-sensitive screen instead of a keyboard and mouse for typing and navigation.
• A smartphone is a more powerful version of a cell phone with a touch-sensitive screen.
• A server is a software or hardware device that accepts and responds to requests over a network.
• A client is a device that makes requests and receives responses from a server.
• A mainframe computer is a large, expensive computer that can support hundreds or thousands of simultaneous users.
• A supercomputer is the fastest and most powerful type of computer, used for specialized applications requiring immense calculations, like weather forecasting and energy research.

Hardware

• Hardware includes physical components like input/output devices, CPU, motherboard, power supply, and RAM.
• The motherboard is the main circuit board connecting most parts and peripherals.
• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the core of the computer system, also known as the microprocessor or processor, and is considered the brain.
• Processor speed is measured in Hertz.
• The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logic operations.
• The Control Unit (CU) directs operations within the processor.
• Registers are temporary storage areas in the processor.
• For every instruction, the CPU repeats the machine cycle.
• The machine cycle consists of fetching, decoding, executing, and storing.
• Fetching retrieves instructions or data from memory.
• Decoding translates instructions into executable signals.
• Executing carries out the command.
• Storing writes the result to memory.
• Memory allows information to be stored.
• Memory is known as primary memory.
• RAM (Random Access Memory) is the main memory where the operating system and applications are loaded.
• Data and instructions stored on RAM are temporary, making RAM a volatile memory that is cleared when the power is off.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a special chip on the motherboard that can only be read and not changed.
• ROM content is permanent, so ROM is non-volatile memory.

Input Devices

• Input devices are peripherals used to provide data and instructions to a computer.
• A keyboard inputs text and characters via buttons (keys), similar to a typewriter.
• An optical mouse uses lasers/LEDs to track surface movement.
• A trackball is a pointing device with an exposed ball that rotates on two axes.
• A touchscreen allows input via finger or stylus instead of a mouse and keyboard.
• A game controller inputs to video games or entertainment systems.
• An image scanner digitizes images, text, or objects.
• A webcam provides visual input over the internet.
• A digital camera captures pictures or video, storing it in memory.
• A fingerprint scanner identifies individuals via fingerprint authentication for access control.
• A microphone converts sound into electrical signals.
• A barcode reader scans barcodes using a laser.
• Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) recognizes characters using magnetized ink, and it is used in banking for security.
• An Optical Character Reader (OCR) converts images of letters or typed text into a data the computer can understand.
• A QR (Quick Response) code stores information and is read via smartphone apps to display data, such as website links.

Output Devices

• Output devices communicate the results of data processing to the user.
• A monitor or Visual Display Unit (VDU) presents information in an understandable format.
• Printers output information onto paper.
• Dot-matrix, ink-jet, and laser printers are all types of printers.
• Plotters are output devices which are similar to printers that allow for larger images to be printed.
• A 3D printer creates physical objects from digital models using materials like metal alloys, polymers, or even food.
• Speakers generate sound output.
• Projectors display images or videos onto a surface, often a screen.

Storage Devices

• Storage devices are secondary memory.
• Storage devices are non-volatile and persistent.
• Storage devices are not directly accessed by the processor.
• Storage devices allow long-term data storage.
• A hard disk drive (HDD) stores the operating system, applications, and data.
• Solid state drives (SSDs) use nonvolatile flash memory for data storage.
• Compact Discs (CDs) are suitable for music and data storage.
• Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) store more information than CDs are are used for digital videos.
• Blu-ray Discs (BD) store hours of high-definition video.
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drives are small, lightweight, removable and rewritable devices.
• External hard disks connect via USB and offer slower data transfer rates than internal drives.
• The smallest unit of data in a computer is a bit.
• A bit can hold a single binary value, either 0 or 1.
• Eight bits equal one byte.
• 1 Byte = 8 Bits
• 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1,024 Bytes
• 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1,024 KB
• 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1,024 MB
• 1 Terabyte (TB) = 1,024 GB

Software

• Software is the set of instructions (programs) that makes the computer work.
• Systems software loads automatically and controls computer operations and devices.
• Application software increases user productivity and assists with personal tasks.
• An operating system manages hardware and files and allows users to run other applications.
• Examples of operating systems are Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
• Utilities software adds functionality to the computer, including antivirus, backup, disk repair, file management, and compression tools.
• A device driver enables interaction between hardware and the operating system.
• Examples of application software are Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Web browsers, Adobe Photoshop and Games

Ergonomics

• Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker, to prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).
• Correct posture includes relaxed shoulders, a straight back, hips far back in the chair, reclining back, bent arms, elbows by the sides, and wrists in a comfortable position.
• The monitor should be directly in front of you with the top of the screen at eye level and at an arms length away from you.
• Ensure that your keyboard is close and directly in front of you, leave a gap of four to six inches to rest your wrists between spells of writing.
• Feet should be flat on the floor, and knees should be in line with the hips.

Software Copyright

• Computer software is protect with a single/multi-site license based on users, computers, and institution size.
• Software copyright by proprietary companies prevents unauthorized copying.
• Open-source licenses also enforce their terms using copyright law.
• An End User License Agreement (EULA) is a legal contract detailing the software's usage, restrictions, and manufacturer terms.
• Installation requires user agreement by clicking "Accept".
• Shareware is proprietary software provided on a trial basis without initial payment.
• The program may stop running when the license is purchased.
• Freeware is fully functional software available with no cost for an unlimited time.
• The author usually restricts one or more rights to copy, distribute and derivative works of the software.
• Copying, distributing and modification can be limited by its publisher, vendor or developer for proprietary software.
• Open-source software grants all rights to use, modify, and share the software in modified and unmodified form.
• A national initiative for Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) was launched in Oman in 2010 which introduces FOSS as a good choice along with proprietary software, and limit the use of unlicensed software.

Choosing a Computer

• Choosing the right computer involves considering the operating system, computer size, hard drive size, processor speed, and available hardware and software.
• Consider usability, price, and operating system when buying a computer.
• Windows 10 is an example of an operating system that has several editions available.
• The processor is critical.
• Buying a processor with a higher speed will support higher computer performance.
• Random Access Memory (RAM) also contribute to higher computer performance.
• If you are going to be saving photos and videos, ensure that you have high capacity hard disk.
• A Solid State Drive (SSD) is faster than HDD but it is more expensive.
• Consider the brand because famous brands have an attractive value.
• A minimum personal computer specification example includes an Intel Core i7 CPU @ 4.90 GHz, 8 GB RAM, Windows 10 Home, 2GB video memory, and 1 TB hard disk.