Copy of Computer Fundamentals I.pptx

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL S -I By: L Wallace GPHS  OBJECTIVES Students should be able to: Explain the concept of Information Technology; Distinguish among the major types of computer systems in terms of processing speed, storage and portabilit...

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL S -I By: L Wallace GPHS  OBJECTIVES Students should be able to: Explain the concept of Information Technology; Distinguish among the major types of computer systems in terms of processing speed, storage and portability; Explain the functions of the major hardware components of a computer  OBJECTIVES #1 Explain the concept of Information Technology;  Information Technology Information Technology – Information technology (IT) refers to the use of computers, software, networks and other electronic devices to store, process, transmit, and retrieve information. – It is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of technologies, from personal computers to mainframes to supercomputers.  Information Technology Scope of Information Technology – The scope of IT is constantly evolving, as new technologies are developed, and old ones become obsolete. However, some of the key components of IT include:  Hardware – The physical components of a computer system, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage devices.  Software – The programs that control the hardware and hardware and run applications.  Information Technology  Data: – The information that is stored and processed by a computer system.  Networks: – The connections between computers that allow them to share data and resources.  Telecommunications: – The transmission of data over long distances, such as through the internet.  Cybersecurity: – Focuses on protecting digital information from unauthorized access or damage.  Information Technology  Web Development: – Deals with creating and maintaining websites and web applications.  Mobile Technology: – Concerned with the development of mobile applications and services.  Cloud Computing: – Utilizes remote servers to store and process data, offering scalability and accessibility.  Emerging Technologies: – Such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are shaping the future of IT.  OBJECTIVES #2 Distinguish among the major types of computer systems in terms of processing speed, storage and portability;  Computer Systems Computer – A computer is an electronic device that processes data following a set of instructions. o The action of processing data produces information that can be output or stored for future use. Computer System – A computer system refers to the complete computer, which includes all the hardware and software required for the computer to work. o Computer systems allows users to input, process, output and store data. Computer Systems  Types of Computer Systems Computer systems can be classified into different types based on their processing speed, storage capacity, and portability. Supercomputers – Thes types of computers are the fastest and most powerful type of computer system. They are used for complex scientific and engineering calculations, such as weather forecasting and climate modeling. Examples include IBM's Summit and Fujitsu's Fugaku. Mainframes – Mainframes are large, high-performance computer systems that are used by industries such as finance, healthcare, and transportation to store and process critical large amounts of data. Example: IBM zSeries mainframes  Types of Computer Systems Desktop systems – are personal computers that are designed for home and office use. They are typically less powerful than mainframes and supercomputers, but they are more affordable and easier to use. Popular brands include Dell, HP, and Apple. Mobile devices – are portable computers that can be used to access the internet, run applications, and play games. They include smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearable computers (Smart watches). Examples are the MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and Nintendo Switch.  Types of Computer Systems Embedded systems – are special-purpose computer systems that are embedded in other devices, such as microwaves, cars, and medical equipment. They are designed to perform a specific task and are not as general-purpose as other types of computer systems. These devices are typically not user-programmable. Types of Computer Systems Types of Computer Systems  OBJECTIVES #3 Explain the functions of the major hardware components of a computer system  Functions of Computer Hardware Components The major hardware components of a computer system are: Input devices – Allow users to input data into the computer system. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, and scanners. Central processing unit (CPU) – Is the brain of the computer system. It is responsible for carrying out the instructions of the computer program. Primary memory (RAM) – Is the temporary storage area for data and instructions that are being used by the CPU.  Functions of Computer Hardware Components Secondary storage – is the long-term storage area for data and instructions. Examples of secondary storage devices include hard disks, optical disks, and flash drives. Output devices – allow users to view the output of the computer system. Examples of output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers.  Functions of Computer Hardware Components  Functions of Computer Hardware Components  Functions of Computer Hardware Components  Units of Storage The amount of data that can be stored in a computer system is measured in units of storage. The most common units of storage are:  Bits are the smallest unit of storage. A bit can store a single binary digit, either a 0 or a 1.  Nibble (n) are made up of 4 bits.  Bytes are made up of 8 bits / 2 Nibble. A byte can store a single character, such as a letter or a number.  Kilobytes (KB) are made up of 1024 bytes.  Megabytes (MB) are made up of 1024 KB.  Gigabytes (GB) are made up of 1024 MB.  Terabytes (TB) are made up of 1024 GB.  Petabytes (PB) are made up of 1024 TB. Converting Units of Storage  Converting Units of Storage EXAMPLES: Convert 67,003,324,746 bytes to Gigabytes: – 67,003,324,746 / 1024 / 1024 / 1024 = 62.40 GB (Divide by 1024 three times because we are moving across 3 units, smaller to larger unit)  Converting Units of Storage Convert 67,003,324,746 bytes to Megabytes: – 67,003,324,746 / 1024 / 1024 = 63,899 MB (Divide by 1024 two times because we are moving across 2 units, smaller to larger unit)  Converting Units of Storage Convert 8,846,679 Megabytes to Terabytes: – 8,846,679 / 1024 / 1024 = 8.44 TB (Divide by 1024 two times because we are moving across 2 units, smaller to larger unit)  Converting Units of Storage Convert 78 Gigabytes to Bytes: – 78 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024 = 83,751,862,272 (Multiple by 1024 three times because we are moving across 3 units, larger to smaller unit)  Converting Units of Storage Convert 52 Terabytes to Gigabytes: – 52 * 1024 = 53,248 Gigabytes (Multiply by 1024 one time because we are moving across 1 unit, larger to smaller)  Converting Units of Storage One’s Complement – To convert a binary number to its ones compliment representation you change all the 1s to 0s and all 0s to 1s. Converting Units of Storage Converting Units of Storage  Converting Units of Storage Two’s Complement – The Twos complement of a binary number is formed by first finding its ones compliment and adding a one to the least significant bit. Converting Units of Storage Converting Units of Storage  Practice Questions: Scenario Question: – You have been tasked with introducing a group of non-technical colleagues to the concept of information technology. How would you explain it to them in simple terms, highlighting its importance in today’s world? Ensure to provide examples  Practice Questions: Scenario Question: – Imagine you're helping a friend choose a computer for their specific needs. They are looking for a system with fast processing speeds, ample storage, and high portability. How would you advise them to differentiate between desktops, laptops, and tablets in terms of these  Practice Questions: Scenario Question: – You're assisting a relative who is new to using computers. They are curious about what each major hardware component in a computer does. How would you describe the functions of the central processing unit (CPU), hard drive, RAM, and motherboard to help them understand the internal workings of a computer?  Practice Questions: Scenario Question: – You work for a technology consulting firm, and a client is considering upgrading their computing infrastructure. They have specific requirements for processing speed, storage capacity, and portability. Explain the differences between supercomputers, mainframes, and desktop systems, and provide examples of each. Based on their needs, which type of computer system would you recommend to your client, and why?  Practice Questions: Scenario Question: – Imagine you are a product manager at a tech company, and you are developing a new wearable device. You need to explain the distinctions between mobile devices and embedded systems to your team. Additionally, provide examples of both types. Given that your product is intended to be worn and used on the go, which category, mobile devices or embedded systems, do you believe would be a better fit for your project? Justify your choice.  References Birbal, R., & Taylor, M. (2020). Log on to IT for CSEC. Hodder Education. Duncan, O. (2019). Information technology for CSEC examinations. LMH Publishers. Gay, G., & Blades, R. (2019). Oxford information technology for CSEC workbook: Third Edition.