Introduction to Computer Systems

Computer Introduction

• A computer is an electronic device controlled by instructions stored in memory.
• Computers perform four basic tasks: input, processing, output, and storage.
• Input: Accepting data through input devices.
• Processing: Transforming data into useful information using processing devices.
• Output: Displaying or producing information on output devices.
• Storage: Saving information for future use in storage devices.

Computer System

• A computer system is a complete and functional computer with hardware and software.
• Hardware: The physical components of the computer system.
• Software: The instructions that tell the computer what to do.
• Data: Raw facts and figures that are processed.
• Information: Processed data that is meaningful.
• User: A person who interacts with the computer to perform specific tasks.

Data/Information

• Data is raw, unprocessed facts.
• Data is transformed by the computer to become information.

Hardware

• Hardware is the physical components of a computer system.
• Four categories of basic hardware: input, processing, storage, and output.
• Input devices: Capture and enter input data, validate data.
• Processing devices: Perform computations, make decisions.
• Storage devices: Store, access, and update data.
• Output devices: Produce or display information.
• Common hardware examples: Microprocessor, RAM, expansion cards, power supply, scanner, keyboard, monitor, mouse, hard disk, optical disc drive, motherboard, speakers, printer, external hard disk.

Software

• Software is a set of instructions directing computer functions.
• Users interact with the computer through software.
• Two categories of software: system software & application software.
• System software directly interacts with the computer hardware—managing the computer's resources and processes.
• Application software is designed to perform specific tasks.
• Examples of system software: operating systems (like Windows, macOS, Linux).