ITCS Topic 1 - Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware PDF

Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Science V1.0 Topic 1: Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware...

Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Science V1.0 Topic 1: Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.2 Scope and Coverage This topic will cover: Functions of a computer system Types of computer systems The role of computer hardware Types of computer hardware Accessible computer hardware © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.3 Learning Objectives By the end of this topic, students will be able to: Describe the functions of a computer system Describe a range of computer systems or justify the use of a type of computer system for a particular purpose Define the term ‘hardware’ Describe the purpose or characteristics of computer hardware © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 1 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.4 Terminology Terminology will be explained in the lectures and tutorials on computer systems and computer hardware You should make notes Ask questions if you there is anything that you don’t understand © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.5 Definition of a Computer System The basic components of a computer system are: Hardware Software Data Information Hardware and software interact to receive and process data and this results in the production of information. © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.6 Basic Components of a Computer System © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 2 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.7 Hardware Hardware refers to: A computer Components inside a computer Devices (equipment) outside a computer which can be connected to the computer and removed from it In the previous diagram we can see that: Hardware and software interact Hardware and data interact © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.8 Software Software refers to: Programs/instructions inside a computer Without software, a computer cannot be used In the previous diagram we can see that: Software and hardware interact Software and data interact © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.9 Data Data refers to a raw fact that a computer can process into meaningful information An interest rate percentage input into a computer could be defined as data In the previous diagram we can see that: Data and hardware interact Data and software interact © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 3 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.10 Information When data is processed and then organised it becomes information. An interest rate percentage is processed and a report produced that lists the average monthly savings - this is information. In the previous diagram we can see that: Hardware can be used to produce information Software can be used to produce information © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.11 Functions of a Computer System The main functions of a computer system are: Input of data Output of information Processing of data Storage of data/information © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.12 Main Functions of a Computer System © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 4 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.13 Input Input refers to data that is provided to a computer system It can be provided in a variety of ways, for example, a keyboard, a barcode scanner, etc. A user does not always have the responsibility of inputting data, for example, a system may process data input from a sensor © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.14 Process Data that is input to a computer is processed, by the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) After data is processed, it can be stored and/or output A computer system can be categorized according to the speed of its processing © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.15 Storage Data that is processed can be stored A computer system has internal storage A computer system has external storage Storage can be permanent or temporary A computer system can be categorised by how much data it can store © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 5 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.16 Output Information can be output by a computer system Output can be provided in a variety of ways, for example, displayed on a computer’s screen, in the form of sound via speakers, etc. A user does not always have to generate output, for example, a system may output data automatically after processing © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.17 An overview of a Computer System There are many types of computer system. Let’s take a look at a popular type of computer system: © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.18 Components of a Computer System A computer system is a combination of hardware and software It processes data that is input It outputs information It stores data and information © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 6 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.19 Types of Computer Systems A computer system can be categorized according to criteria that includes: Its application - what it is used for Its size How powerful it is, for example, its speed of processing Let’s have a look at each category © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.20 Applications of Computer Systems Standalone - a computer system not linked to another computer system Network - two or more computer systems linked together General purpose - undertakes most frequent tasks required of general users Embedded system - a device that contains a computer, for example, car, washing machine © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.21 Sizes of Computers Supercomputer (largest) Mainframe, server Desktop, tower, server Laptop, notebook, netbook Tablet, handheld, games console Smartphone Watch (smallest) © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 7 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.22 Power of Computer Systems The size of a computer usually corresponds to how powerful it is The latest type of computer to be developed will be capable of processing data far more quickly than any other computer, it is called a quantum computer © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.23 Users of Computer System Individuals for leisure and work Many organisations, such as businesses, schools, colleges and universities, industries, governments, shops, communication organisations, utility companies, doctors, hospitals, travel companies, media organisations, entertainment, etc. Monitoring, control, simulation, robotics Locations range from home to across the world © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.24 Big Data More and more computer data is stored and analysed by computer systems and this increase in volume of data is known as big data Big data requires computer systems to have vast storage capacities and extremely fast processing speeds Cloud storage is one method to try and deal with the mass amount of data needing to be stored globally © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 8 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.25 The Internet of Things (IoT) The Internet is made up of millions of connected computer systems The IoT aims to link systems and devices to the Internet, for example, home heating systems Computer systems are evolving to meet this need to connect to the Internet Businesses, medicine and farming are three areas that are involved in the development of the IoT © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.26 Review of Computer Systems In Lecture One we have identified and discussed: Components of a computer system Functions of a computer system Types of computer systems Categorisation of computer systems Users of computer systems Big data The Internet of Things © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.27 References Google’s new quantum computer is '100 million times faster than your PC‘, Mark Molloy, The Telegraph, 9th December 2015 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/12042781/Google-D-Wave- quantum-computer-is-100-million-times-faster-than-your-PC.html An engineer uses IoT to tackle illness, Patrick Thibodeau, Computerworld, Aug 8, 2016 http://www.computerworld.com/article/3105585/internet-of-things/an- engineer-uses-iot-to-tackle-illness.html © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 9 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.28 Definition of Computer Hardware As we saw in the first lecture, hardware refers to: Computers Components inside computers Devices outside computers which are connected to computers Let’s take a look at hardware in more detail © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.29 Computer Hardware Types Computers Internal components External devices that facilitate: Input Output Storage © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.30 The Role of Computer Hardware Hardware is used to perform the four basic functions of a computer system: Input Process Storage Output It receives its instructions from software It needs to be compatible with software © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 10 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.31 Internal Hardware There are various types of internal hardware components Each type of hardware component has a particular purpose, for example, undertaking tasks for the purpose of input, output, processing or storage © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.32 Components of Internal Hardware The main types include: Motherboard Microprocessor Basic input/output system (BIOS) Storage Memory Drives Cards Buses © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.33 External Hardware There are various examples that facilitate input, output and storage Remember that some devices (mice, keyboards, speakers) are integrated into computers such as laptops, tablets and smartphones The term to describe an external device that is connected to a computer is peripheral device. © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 11 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.34 Peripheral Devices Include input, output and storage devices Devices can be connected by wires Devices can be connected wirelessly Devices can be selected according to criteria such as the application, accessibility and cost © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.35 Removable Storage Devices Can be connected to a computer via insertion into a port or drive. Examples include: Memory sticks CD-ROM DVD Blu-ray External hard drives © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.36 Wearable Hardware Recent developments of miniature computers include wearable computers or body-borne computers Hardware can be worn: On the body (wrist, head, finger) With clothing On clothing Under clothing © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 12 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.37 Applications of Wearable Hardware Wearable hardware applications include: Watches that provide leisure and communication services Headsets to enable hands free and easier interaction, e.g. voice control Watches and clothes that can provide medical support and monitoring Watches and clothes that can provide support for disabled and elderly people Clothing for fashion design purposes © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.38 Accessibility of Computer Hardware Hardware devices should be able to be used easily by as many people as possible Hardware that is accessible is also known as assistive technology It is essential that people are not excluded from using a computer system because of poor hardware design © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.39 Accessible Hardware Developments in computer hardware have made it possible for people who find it difficult or impossible to use traditional hardware devices to use computers Many more people are now able to study, work, shop and communicate via a computer and the aid of assistive technology © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 13 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.40 Types of Accessible Hardware Many hardware devices have been designed to be accessible and these include: Input devices, e.g. touchscreens, keyboards, alternatives to mice and keyboards Output devices, e.g. screen magnifiers, braille embossers Notetakers © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.41 Criteria when selecting hardware When choosing hardware devices, the following criteria should be considered: Capacity Speed Portability Durability Reliability Accessibility Cost © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.42 Review of Computer Hardware In Lecture Two we have identified and discussed: Types of computer hardware The role of computer hardware Internal hardware External hardware Accessible hardware Criteria for selecting hardware © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 14 Topic 1 Introduction to Computer Systems and Introduction to Computer Science Hardware Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.43 References Computing Components News http://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components The tech giving people power to deal with disability, Padraig Belton, BBC News, 29th January 2016 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35427933 The Latest News in Assistive Technology, http://assistivetechnology.about.com/ © NCC Education Limited Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Topic 1 - 1.44 Topic 1 – Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware Any Questions? V1.0 www.nccedu.com © NCC Education Limited V1.0 Visuals Handout – Page 15