Introduction to Computers PDF

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS NANA YAW DUODU 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 1   Meaning of a computer  Parts of a computer  Categorize different aspec...

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS NANA YAW DUODU 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 1   Meaning of a computer  Parts of a computer  Categorize different aspects of a computer system. OUTLINE  Characteristics of Computer.  Limitations of Computers.  Main Components of a Computer System  Input Devices 02/03/2025 08:39 PM 2  A computer is an electronic device that processes data, performs calculations, and executes predefined instructions to carry out various tasks. It consists of hardware components, including a central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage, input and output devices, and is controlled by software programs and an operating system. Computers are versatile tools used in a wide range of applications, from business and education to entertainment and scientific research. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 3  A computer system refers to a complete, integrated set of components that work together to perform computing tasks. It consists of both hardware and software components that collaborate to process data and carry out specific functions. The main components of a computer system include: Parts of a computer system In computing, the terms "hardware," "software," "firmware," and "liveware" are often used to categorize different components or aspects of a computer system. These terms are part of a classification system that helps describe the various elements involved in the functioning of a computer. 02/03/2025 08:39 PM 4  1.Hardware: refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be touched and seen. This includes the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (hard drives, SSDs), input devices (keyboard, mouse), output devices (monitor, printer), and other tangible components. 02/03/2025 08:39 PM 5  2. Software: Software consists of programs, applications, and instructions that tell the computer what to do. It includes the operating system, application software (like word processors and web browsers), and system software that manages hardware resources. Software is intangible and stored electronically. 02/03/2025 08:39 PM 6  3.Firmware: is a type of software that is embedded in hardware components. It is a set of instructions or code that is stored on a chip within a device. Firmware is used to control the operation of specific hardware components and is often more permanent than regular software but can be updated. 02/03/2025 08:39 PM 7  4. Liveware: is a term used to refer to the human component of a computer system. It includes the people and systems who interact with and use the computer, including end-users, administrators, programmers, and anyone involved in the system's operation and maintenance. 02/03/2025 08:39 PM 8 In summary, these terms categorize different aspects of a computer system: Hardware: Physical components of the computer system. Software: Programs and instructions that run on the computer. Firmware: Software embedded in hardware components. Liveware: The human users and operators of the computer system. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 9 THE INTEGRATION OF THE COMPONENTS Users 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 10 Characteristics of Computers: 1. Speed: Computers can perform operations at incredible speeds, processing vast amounts of data in a fraction of a second. 2. Accuracy: Computers perform calculations and tasks with high precision, minimizing errors associated with human intervention. 3. Versatility: Computers can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks, from complex scientific calculations to simple data processing. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 11 4.Automation: Computers can execute tasks automatically, reducing the need for human intervention in repetitive or routine processes. 5.Storage: Computers can store large amounts of data and information, allowing for easy retrieval and analysis. 6.Diligence: Computers can work continuously without fatigue, maintaining consistent performance over extended periods. 7.Multitasking: Modern computers are capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and productivity. 8.Connectivity: Computers can be interconnected in networks, facilitating communication and information sharing. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 12 9. Effortless Communications: Computers have made communication easier than ever. A computer helps people around the world to remain in touch with their loved ones. 10. Easy and Cost-Effective to Upgrade: Computers are easy to upgrade because you can easily remove the CPU in them. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 13  Limitations of Computers: 1.Lack of Creativity: Computers lack creativity and the ability to think independently or generate original ideas. 2.Dependence on Instructions: Computers can only perform tasks based on the instructions provided by programmers and users. 3.No Common Sense: Computers lack common sense and may not interpret information in the same way humans do. 02/03/2025 08:39 PM 14  4.Initial Cost: The initial cost of acquiring and setting up a computer system can be significant. 5.Maintenance: Computers require regular maintenance, software updates, and security measures to ensure optimal performance. 6.Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of electronic components contribute to environmental challenges. 7.Vulnerability to Malware: Computers are susceptible to viruses, malware, and other security threats that can compromise data and functionality. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 15 Main Components of a Computer System: 1.Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 16 2. Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory (RAM) provides temporary storage for data and instructions that the CPU is currently using. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 17 Main Components of a Computer System: 3. Storage Devices: Hard drives, solid-state drives, or other storage devices store data and programs for long-term use. 4. Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects and facilitates communication between various components. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 18 5. Input Devices: Devices like keyboards and mice allow users to input data into the computer. 6.Output Devices: Monitors, printers, and speakers display or produce information from the computer.. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 19 7.Peripheral Devices: Additional devices such as scanners, webcams, and external drives enhance the functionality of the computer. 8.Power Supply: The power supply unit provides electrical power to the computer components. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 20 9.Operating System: The operating system manages hardware resources and provides an interface for users to interact with the computer. 10.Software Applications: Programs and applications, such as word processors and web browsers, enable users to perform specific tasks on the computer. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 21  9. Input Device: Input devices are hardware components used to provide data and control signals to a computer or similar processing system. These devices allow users to interact with the computer, enabling them to input information, control the system, or communicate commands. Here are some common input devices: 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 22 Types of Input Devices: 1.Text input devices, 2.pointing devices, 3.Audio visual input devices, 4.Input card readers, 5.Input Reading Text / Codes, 6.Input Sensors, 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 23 Text input devices Text input devices are specifically designed for entering text data into a computer or a digital device. These devices are essential for a wide range of computing tasks, from basic typing to complex programming. Common text input devices: 1.Keyboard: The most common and widely used text input device. Keyboards come in various layouts, the most popular being the QWERTY or DVORAK layout. They can be connected via USB, wireless, or even Bluetooth. 2.Virtual Keyboard: A software-based keyboard that appears on the screen of a touchscreen device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Users input text by tapping on the virtual keys. This type of keyboard is common in mobile computing. 3.Voice-to-Text (Speech Recognition) Systems: These systems convert spoken words into written text. Users speak into a microphone, and the speech recognition software transcribes the speech into text and is increasingly accurate with advancements in AI. (Virtual assistants. Siri, Alexa and Google virtual assistants) 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 24 Text input devices 1.Text Scanners (OCR Systems): Optical Character Recognition (OCR) systems scan printed or handwritten documents and convert them into digital text. This is useful for digitizing paper documents. 2.Chorded Keyboards: These are specialized keyboards that allow typing with fewer keys than a standard keyboard. Users press combinations of keys (chords) to input characters. They are less common and typically used in specialized fields. 3.Braille Keyboards: Designed for visually impaired users, these keyboards allow typing in Braille, which can be converted into standard text for screen readers or Braille displays. 4.Smart Pens: While primarily used for writing or drawing. 5.Video Input Devices 6.Audio Input Devices 7. Biometric Input Devices 8.Ergonomic Keyboards: While their primary purpose is to reduce strain during typing, ergonomic keyboards are also used for text input. They often feature a design that's more natural for hand placement. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 25 ‘Pointing input devices A pointing device is a hardware device that allows the user to control the movement of a cursor or pointer on a computer screen. It is used to interact with graphical elements on a digital display, making it an essential component for most graphical user interface (GUI) systems. Common pointing devices Mouse. Trackball. Joystick. Pointing stick. Wii Remote. Finger tracking. Graphics tablet. Stylus. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 26 ‘Audio-Visual input devices Audio-visual input devices are peripherals that capture audio and visual data and send it to a computer for processing, storage, or transmission. These devices are key in multimedia systems, video conferencing, content creation, and various forms of digital communication. 1.Microphone 2.Webcam 3.Digital Camera: 4.Camcorder 5.Video Capture Card 6.Document Camera 7.Digital Scanner 8.Voice Recorder 9.VR Headsets with Cameras 10.Barcode Scanner 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 27 Input card reader devices Input card readers are devices used to read data from a card-shaped storage medium. They are widely used in various applications for identity verification, financial transactions, access control, and data transfer. Here are some common types of input card readers: 1. Magnetic Stripe Readers: These readers scan the information from the magnetic stripe found on the back of credit cards, debit cards, and other types of cards like hotel key cards. They are widely used in point-of-sale (POS) systems and for access control in hotels and offices. 2. Chip Card Readers (EMV Readers): Designed to read cards embedded with a smart chip (also known as EMV cards for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa). These readers are more secure than magnetic stripe readers and are commonly used for processing credit and debit card transactions. 3. RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) Readers: RFID readers use radio waves to read data from RFID tags, which are embedded in many modern ID cards, access cards, and even passports. These readers can often scan the card without requiring physical contact. 4. Barcode Scanners: While primarily used for reading barcodes on products, barcode scanners can also read barcodes printed on cards for tracking, identification, or access control purposes. 5. Smart Card Readers: These are used to read smart cards, which have an embedded integrated circuit chip. They can be contact-based, requiring the card to be inserted into the reader, or contactless. Smart cards are used in various applications, including personal identification, financial transactions, and secure access. 6. Memory Card Readers: These are used to read data from memory cards like SD cards or CompactFlash cards. Commonly used in cameras, phones, and other electronic devices, they allow for easy transfer of data like photos and videos to computers. 7. Biometric Card Readers: Some sophisticated card readers incorporate biometrics, like fingerprint scanning, for additional security. These are often used in secure facilities or for high-security applications. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 28 Input Sensor devices Input sensors are devices that detect and respond to some type of input from the physical environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure, or any one of a wide variety of other environmental phenomena. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 29 Examples of Input Device: 1.Keyboard: A keyboard is a peripheral device that uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. It is used for typing text and numbers into a computer. 2.Mouse: A mouse is a small handheld device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. It’s used for pointing, clicking, and dragging objects on the computer screen. 3.Touchpad: Also known as a trackpad, it is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you control the cursor on the screen with your fingers. It’s commonly found on laptops. 4.Scanner: A scanner converts documents and pictures into digital images that can be stored, edited, and displayed on a computer. 5.Digital Camera: Digital cameras capture and store images and video in digital format that can be transferred to a computer. 6.Microphone: A microphone is used to input sound that is then processed or recorded by a computer. 7.Graphics Tablet: Also known as a drawing tablet, it allows users to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and paper. 8.Joystick: A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling, commonly used in gaming. 9.Touch Screen: A touch screen is an input device and display screen that lets users interact with a computer by touching areas on the screen. 10.Webcam: A webcam is a video camera that feeds or streams its image in real time to or through a computer to a computer network, like the internet. 11.Game Controller: Used mainly for gaming, these devices can range from simple handheld joysticks to more complex controllers with multiple buttons and triggers. 12.Biometric Devices: These include fingerprint scanners, retinal scanners, and voice recognition systems, used for security purposes as they provide input based on unique human characteristics. 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 30 Assignment 1.With the aid of images numbered as figures in your document, write short notes on the following concepts: 1.Output Devices 2.Types of Output Devices 3.Softcopy Output Devices 4.Hardcopy Output Devices 5.Types of monitors and printers NOTE: 6. Your images should be in Portable Network Graphic format. 7. Font Size: 12, Font Type: Time New Roman, Font Align: Justify 2025/02/03 08:39 p.m. 31 QUESTI ONS 02/03/2025 08:39 PM 32