Introduction to Computer Data Processing

Computers are Data Processing Devices

• Computers are data processing devices that perform four main functions:

  • Input: Collects data (text, images, sounds).
  • Processing: Manipulates, calculates, and organizes data into information.
  • Output: Displays data and information.
  • Storage: Saves data and information.

  Data vs. Information

  • Data represents facts, figures, or ideas, like numbers, words, pictures, or sounds.
  • Information is organized and presented data with meaning, making it useful.

Binary Language

• Computers use binary language, a language that consists of only two digits, 0 and 1 (bits).
• An 8-bit combination represents a byte.
• Units of measurement:
  • Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes.
  • Megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB
  • Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB
  • Terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB
• Transistors:
  • Electrical switches inside computers are called transistors.
  • They are made from semiconductor materials that conduct or insulate electricity based on their state.
• Integrated circuits (chips):
  • Tiny semiconductor regions containing numerous transistors.
• Embedded computers:
  • Self-contained devices with their own programming.

Input Devices

• Allow entering data and instructions.
• Examples:
  • Keyboard: Physical or virtual.
  • Touch Screen: Changes screen state when touched, registering the location as a command.
  • Stylus: A pen-like tool for touch screen interaction.
• Mice and other pointing devices
  • Mouse
  • Touch pad (trackpad)
  • Game controllers
• Images, Sound, and Sensor Input:
  • Images: Digital cameras, camcorders, mobile device cameras, flatbed scanners, webcams
  • Sound: Microphones (e.g., USB, Electret, Condenser)
  • Sensors: Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope

Output Devices

• Send processed data out of the computer.
• Examples:
  • Monitors: Display text, pictures, sounds, and videos.
    • LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
    • LED (Light-Emitting Diode)
    • OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)
  • Printers:
    • Inkjet: Affordable, high-quality color, quick and quiet.
    • Laser: Faster printing, higher-quality printouts, more expensive.
    • Cloud-ready printers
    • All-in-one printer (combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing)
    • Large format printer (for oversize images)
    • 3D printer
  • Speakers: Output device for sound.
  • Headphones or earbuds: For personal listening and to avoid disturbing others.

Processing and Memory on the Motherboard

• Motherboard:
  • CPU (Central Processing Unit) - “Brains” of the computer.
  • RAM (random access memory): Volatile storage for temporary data.
  • ROM (read-only memory): Nonvolatile storage for permanent data.
  • Cache: A small amount of fast memory that stores frequently used data.
  • Expansion slots for cards like sound/video cards, network interface cards (NIC).
• Processing:
  • CPU: Controls all functions of the computer's components, processes all commands and instructions.
  • CPU performance measures:
    • Speed: Measured in Hertz (Hz), often megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
    • Number of cores: Single, dual, quad, or more.

Storing Data and Information

• Storage options:
  • Local storage devices
    • HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Primary nonvolatile storage, can be internal or external.
    • SSD (Solid-state Drive): Faster and more durable than traditional HDDs.
  • Portable storage options
    • Flash drive: Small, removable storage.
    • Flash memory card
  • Cloud storage: Files stored on the internet, offering free or paid storage options.
  • Optical storage
    • CDs (Compact Discs)
    • DVDs (Digital Video Discs): Higher storage capacity than CDs.
    • Blu-ray Discs (BDs): Even larger storage capacity.

Connecting Peripherals

• Ports:
  • Thunderbolt: High-speed data transfer up to 20 Gbps.
  • USB (Universal Serial Bus): 3.1 standard offers speeds up to 10 Gbps.
  • Ethernet port: Network connectivity.
  • HDMI port: High-definition multimedia interface.

Power Management and Ergonomics

• Power management:
  • Battery drain: It's important to identify devices that use more battery power on portable devices.
  • Battery drain: It's important to identify devices that use more battery power on portable devices.
  • Power supply: Transforms wall voltage to the voltages required by the battery or computer chips.
  • Sleep mode: Preserves data in RAM while the computer is inactive.
  • Warm / Cold boot: Warm boot restarts the computer from a running state, while a cold boot starts from a completely off state.
  • Hibernate: Saves all data from RAM to the hard drive.
• Ergonomics:
  • The study of how humans interact with their environment.
  • Creating a comfortable and efficient work environment, minimizing wear and tear, and preventing injury.

Explore the essential functions of computers as data processing devices. This quiz covers the difference between data and information, understanding binary language, and the basics of data storage units like KB, MB, and GB. Test your knowledge on how computers manipulate and present data effectively.