Module 1 - Computer Fundamentals PDF

MODULE 1 - COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS In our history of civilization, we can find that man had been inventing various tools to control the world around us. In the last 20 years, however, a powerful general purpose mind tool; computer has become widely available. The computer can help us think, write, lea...

MODULE 1 - COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS In our history of civilization, we can find that man had been inventing various tools to control the world around us. In the last 20 years, however, a powerful general purpose mind tool; computer has become widely available. The computer can help us think, write, learn, keep records, perform arithmetic operations and retrieve information. In this module, students are expected to understand the different components of a personal computer system in terms of hardware and software, data storage and memory. Also, students are expected to be aware about the ergonomic related to computer usage, and the Omani data legislation. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this module, students should be able to: 1. Describe the main functional blocks of a computer system and how they work in sequence to process information. 2. Describe the functions of different hardware components such as CPU, storage systems, types of memories like RAM, ROM etc. and common input and output devices. 3. Compare and contrast different types of computing and end-user devices. 4. Explain the essential terms related to computing such as Hertz and byte. 5. Describe the different types of software: operating systems, application software and programming software. 6. Install and uninstall software applications. 7. Explain the concept of software copyright. 8. Explain the terms shareware, freeware, end-user license agreement. 9. Describe computer ergonomics (seating, lighting, positioning, ventilation etc.). 10. Explain the common health problems associated with computer usage and ways to avoid them. 11. Be aware of new trends and developments in computing 1.1 BASICS OF A COMPUTER 1.1.1 What is a computer? A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data, stores and processes it according to instructions (programs) in order to produce the results (information). The word “computer” comes from the word ‘compute’, which means to calculate. Input Devices Output Devices Information Processor (CPU) Data RAM Storage Devices Data: is a raw material and unorganized facts that need to be processed. Information: When data is processed, organized, structured or presented in a given context so as to make them useful, it is called Information. 1.1.2 Basic Parts of a Computer: System Unit Monitor Keyboard Mouse 1. System Unit: a case containing the essential components of the computer. It includes the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and others. 2. Monitor: works as an output device which displays graphical or text output. 3. Keyboard: used to input text, characters and other commands into a computer. 4. Mouse: is an input device used to point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them. 1.2 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTERS 1.2.1 Personal Computer (or Microcomputer) Desktop Computer: a personal computer designed to fit on a desk. It is typically made up of a system unit, a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor. Laptop Computer: a portable computer with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is battery powered and more portable than a desktop computer. Tablet Computer: is a handheld computer that is more portable than a laptop. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. Smartphone: is a more powerful version of a traditional cell phone with a touch-sensitive screen. Smartphones can connect to the Internet and you can use it for browsing the Web, receiving and sending emails or playing games. Desktop Laptop Tablet Smartphone 1.2.2 Server A server is a software or hardware device that accepts and responds to requests made over a network. The device that makes the request, and receives a response from the server, is called a client. On the Internet, the term "server" commonly refers to the computer system that receives requests for a web files and sends those files to the client.  1.2.3 Mainframe Computer A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe. 1.2.4 Supercomputer The fastest and most powerful type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations, such as weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration. 1.3 HARDWARE The term hardware refers to the physical component of the computer. Computer hardware incudes input devices, output devices, central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, power supply, random access memory (RAM), and other components. 1.3.1 Motherboard Slot for CPU Slot for RAM The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer. It is where most of the parts and peripherals are connected. It holds the central processing unit CPU, random access memory RAM, Expansion Slots read only memory and other components. 1.3.2 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) Central processing unit (CPU) is the central component of the Computer System. Sometimes it is called as microprocessor or processor. It is the brain of the computer. All functions and processes that are done on a computer are performed directly or indirectly by the processor. The CPU consists of transistors that receives data and instructions, process (calculate) the data according to the instructions and produces the results of the calculations. The most common types of computer processor are Intel and AMD. Processor Speed The Speed of the CPU is a primary factor determines the computer performance. CPU speed is the number of cycles per second at which the processor operates and is able to process information. The more cycles that a processor unit is able to complete per second, the faster data is able to be processed. Processor speed is measured in megahertz. A hertz equals to one cycle per second. For Example, a processor with 3.8 GHz runs 3.8 billion cycle per second. To help CPUs run faster, multi-core processors were developed. Multi-core processor means having two or more processors on one integrated circuit, such as: dual-core and quad-core processors. Parts of the processor: 1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): It is the part of computer processor (CPU) used to perform arithmetic operations (such as: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and logic operations such as comparison. 2. Control Unit (CU): It directs operations within a computer's processor. It receives instructions from a program, then passes them to the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and sends these result of processing to the corresponding program as output. 3. Register: It is temporary storage areas of the computer processor. It holds data that is being worked on by the processor. The size of the register is measured in bits. The available size in the market is 32-bits or 64-bits. How a processor works? For every single instruction to be executed, the CPU repeats the machine cycle which consists of four operations: fetching, decoding, exulting, and storing. Fetching: is the process of getting the instruction or data from the memory. Decoding: is the process of translating the instruction into signals that computer can execute. Executing: is the process of carrying out the command. Storing: means writing the result to the memory. Step 2: Decode Step 3: Execute instructions commands into commands Control ALU Unit Step 4: Store Step 1: Fetch results in instruction memory from memory RAM Machine Cycle 1.3.3 Memory It is also called the primary memory. It consists of electronic chips that holds: a) the operating system and other system software, b) the application programs, and c) the data being processed and resulting information. 1.3.3.1 RAM (Random Access Memory) The RAM is the main memory where the operating system is loaded and also where your applications are copied to, when you load an application. The capacity of RAM plays an important role on the performance of the computer, the more capacity the RAM has, the more programs you can open at the same time. If your system is running slowly due to a lack of RAM, it is better to add more RAM modules to increase its capacity. The content of the RAM is directly accessed by the CPU. The storage of data (or information) and instructions on RAM is temporary. So we can say that RAM is volatile memory. When the power is switched off the RAM becomes empty. 1.3.3.2 ROM (Read-Only Memory): is a special chip held on your computer’s system (motherboard) which can be read only (not changed). It contains software that is required to make your computer work with your operating system. The content in the ROM is permanent, so ROM is a non-volatile memory. 1.3.4 Input Devices Input devices: any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and send instructions to the computer. 1. Keyboard: a device to input text and characters by pressing buttons (referred to as keys), similar to a typewriter. The most common English-language key layout is the QWERTY layout. It has around 104 keys, include alphabetic characters, punctuation symbols, numbers and a variety of function keys 2. Pointing Devices Optical Mouse: uses lasers, or more commonly LEDs, to track the surface under the mouse to determine motion of the mouse, to be translated into mouse movements on the screen. Trackball: a pointing device consisting of an exposed extended ball housed in a socket that detects rotation about two axes. Touchscreen : It is a computer screen that can be used by touching it with a finger or a stylus pen, instead of using a mouse and keyboard. Touchscreens are used in personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, smartphones and other devices 3. Game controller – an input device used with video games or entertainment system to provide input to a video game. Game controllers could include gamepads, joysticks, steering wheels, paddle, and the keyboard and mouse. Gamepad Joystick Steering wheel and paddle 4. Image Scanner - a device that provides input by analyzing images, printed text, handwriting, or an object. Scanners capture images from the paper document and convert them into a digital format. 5. Webcam: a low resolution video camera used to provide visual input that can be easily transferred over the internet. Digital Camera: It is used to capture pictures or video which is then stored into its memory card. Stored digital images or video can be transfer to a computer by connecting the camera or the memory card to it. 6. Fingerprint scanner - is a type of technology that identifies and authenticates the fingerprints of an individual in order to grant or deny access to a computer system or a physical facility. 7. Microphone: A sound sensor that provides input by converting sound into electrical signals. 8. Bar code reader - a hardware input device capable of reading a barcode using a laser. An example of a barcode reader is a supermarket barcode scanner that reads and logs the price of a product. 9. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) - a character- distinguishing technology that makes use of special magnetized ink. It is largely used in banks and other organizations where security is a high priority. 10. Optical Character Reader (OCR) - is used for taking an image of letters or typed text and converting it into data the computer understands. 11. QR (Quick Response) Code - is a two-dimensional barcode with a larger storage capacity than the standard UPC (i.e. barcode). A QR code reader app can be installed on a smartphone, allowing the user to scan a QR code and view the data stored in it. QR codes often contain information about a product or a direct forward to a website. 1.3.5 Output Devices Output Device: is any piece of computer hardware used to communicate the results of data processing to the user. 1. Monitor or Visual Display Unit (VDU): it is used for outputting information in an understandable format for humans. Older computer monitors made use of cathode ray tubes (CRT), which made them large, heavy and inefficient. Nowadays, flat-screen LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or LED (Light Emitting Diode) monitors are lighter and more energy efficient. 2. Printers: an output device that are used to print information on paper (referred as hard- copy) There are many different types of printers such as Dot-Matrix printer, Ink-Jet printer and Laser printer. In large organizations laser printers are most commonly used due to the fact that they can print very fast and give a very high quality output. Dot-Matrix Printer Ink-Jet Printer Laser Printer  3. Plotters: it is an output device similar to a printer, but normally allows you to print larger images. 4. 3D Printer: is a device that creates a physical object from a digital model by layering materials. 3D printers use materials, such as metal alloys, polymers, plastics, or even food ingredients. 5. Speakers: an output hardware device that connects to a computer to generate sound. 6. A projector or image projector: It is an optical device which projects an image (or videos) onto a surface, commonly a projection screen. The newest types of projectors are handheld projectors that use lasers or LEDs to project images. 1.3.6 Storage Devices Storage devices are called secondary memory. They are non-volatile and persistent in nature and is not directly accessed by a computer/processor. It allows a user to store data/information for a long- term period of time. 1. Hard Disk Drive - Hard disks are the main, large data storage area within your computer. Hard disks are used to store your operating system, your application programs and your data. The data is written on the platters by moving a magnetic head over the platters as they spin The storage capacity of the hard disk ranges from gigabytes (GBs) to terabytes (TBs). 2. Solid State Drive: SSDs use nonvolatile flash memory chips to store data. This means that they are faster than magnetic HDDs. Their storage capacity also ranges from GBs to TBs. SSDs have no moving parts and therefore make no noise, are more energy efficient, and produce less heat than HDDs. 3. Tape drive - a device that reads and writes data on a magnetic tape, used for long term storage and backups. It could store up to 100 TB of data. 4. Compact Disc (CD) - the most common type of removable media, suitable for music and data. It has a memory size of 700 MB. 5. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - a popular type of removable media that is has same dimensions as a CD but stores more information. It is the most common way of transferring digital video, and is popular for data storage. A single layer DVD can store up to (4.7 GB), but a dual layer DVD can store up to (8.5 GB). 6. Blu-ray Disc (BD) Drive: is a digital optical disc data storage media that has Single Layered and Dual layered disc with a memory size of 25 GB and 50 GB respectively. It is capable of storing hours of video in High- Definition and Ultra High-Definition resolution. 7. Universal Serial Bus (USB) Flash Drive – is a flash memory data storage device integrated with a USB connector, typically small, lightweight, removable, and rewritable. Capacities vary, from hundreds of megabytes to tens of gigabytes. 8. External Hard Disk - External hard disk drives typically connect via USB; which has slower data transfer rates when compared to internally mount hard disk. The available capacities for external hard disk drives ranged from 500 GB to 10 TB. 1.3.7 Units used to measure the memory capacity: The smallest unit of data in a computer is a bit. A bit can hold a single binary value, either 0 or 1. Eight bits equal to one byte, which is an 8-digit number. 1 Byte of binary 1 Bit for the letter A 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Byte = 8 bits The following table lists the various units of memory. 1 Bit 0 (or) 1 1 Byte 8 Bits 1 Kilobyte (KB) 1,024 Bytes 1 Megabyte (MB) 1,024 KB 1 Gigabyte (GB) 1,024 MB 1 Terabyte (TB) 1,024 GB 1.4 SOFTWARE The software is the instructions (programs) that makes the computer work. Software is held either on your computer’s hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD or on a USB flash memory, and is loaded (i.e. copied) from the disk into the computers RAM (Random Access Memory) when needed. Software System Software Application Software Operating System Utility Program After a software installed on a computer, it is important to be updated regularly. Software updating is important to fix problems and to enhance features of the software. Auto update option is available for most software, but for software doesn’t update automatically make sure to update them manually. 1.4.1 TYPES OF SOFTWARE 1. Systems Software The system software is a special type of programs that load automatically when you start your computer. They control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. Operating system: is a system software that allows a user to run other applications on a computing device. Also, it communicates with hardware devices and manage the files storages. Examples of operating system are: MS-DOS, Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Mobile, Enterprise), Linux, and Mac OS for computers. Also, they include Android and IOS for mobile phones.  Utilities software: a type of system software that add functionality to your computer or help your computer perform better. They include antivirus, backup, disk repair, file management, files compression, and many more. Some of them are built-in with operating system and others are installed independently. Device driver: is type of system software that is designed to enable interaction between the hardware device and the operating system or programs that use it. Without the device driver, the corresponding hardware device fails to work. Many hardware devices need drives such as: printers, graphic cards, sound cards, network cards and modems Operating System Hardware device Device Driver Applications User 2. Application Software Is a software designed to make users more productive and assist them with his personal tasks. The following are some examples of application programs: 1. Microsoft Word 2. Calculator 3. Microsoft Excel 4. Web browser 5. Microsoft Access 6. Adobe Photoshop 7. Microsoft 8. Games PowerPoint 1.4.2 INSTALLING AND UNINSTALLING SOFTWARE The installation process for software or apps depends on your operating system (Windows or MAC OS), your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet), and the program you are installing. The following are guidelines for installing a software: 1.4.2.1 Installing from a disc or USB flash: if you need to install software from a CD-ROM, simply insert the disc into your computer, then follow the instructions. If you need to install software from a USB flash, open “This PC” or “File Explorer” and find the USB drive. After the drive is opened, double-click on the “setup” or the “executable file” to start the installation process. 1.4.2.2 Installing from the web: After downloading the program from the website providing the program, open the downloads folder and double-click the file icon to start the setup process. If the downloaded file is compressed (e.g.,.zip or.Rar), you must extract the file's contents before setup can begin. 1.4.2.3 Uninstalling software application To uninstall (or remove) a programs using windows 10, you can do it as following: From Control Panel: Control Panel >> Programs and Features >> select the program you want to uninstall >> click on “Uninstall” button.  From Setting: Settings >> Apps >> Apps and feature >> select the program you want to uninstall >> click on “Uninstall” button 1.4.3 SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT Computer Software is usually protected under a single site or multi-site license based on number of users, type of users, number of computers, and size of institutions. Software copyright is commonly used by proprietary software companies to prevent the unauthorized copying of their software. Open source licenses also rely on copyright law to enforce their terms. 1.4.3.1 End-User License Agreement (EULA) End User License Agreement (EULA) is a legal contract between the manufacturer and/or the author and the end user of an application. EULA details how the software can and cannot be used and any restrictions that the manufacturer imposes. The user has the choice of accepting or rejecting the agreement, often without reading it first. The installation of the software is conditional to the user clicking a button labeled "Accept". 1.4.3.2 Shareware Refers to proprietary software that is provided to users without payment on a trial basis. Once the trial period has passed, the program may stop running until a license is purchased Example: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop etc, 1.4.3.3 Freeware Software that is fully functional for an unlimited time with no cost. The author usually restricts one or more rights to copy, distribute, and make derivative works of the software. Example: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome etc. 1.4.3.4 Proprietary software Any software that is copyrighted and bears limits against use, distribution and modification that are imposed by its publisher, vendor or developer. 1.4.3.5 Open source software Software made by many people and distributed which grants all the rights to use, modify, and share the software in modified and unmodified form. Software freedom is essential to enabling community development of open source software. Example: Open Office. In Oman, a national intuitive for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) was launched in 2010. The initiative has many objectives such as: introducing FOSS as a good choice along with proprietary software, developing IT solutions based on FOSS, and encouraging the public to use FOSS in order to limit the use of unlicensed software. 1.5 CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPUTER Students of all ages are using computers more often than ever. They use computers for schoolwork, online classes, chatting, e-mail, games, and surfing the internet. However, choosing the right computer for a student can be a difficult task. Operating system, computer size, hard drive size, processor speed, and available hardware and software all help determine which computer you will decide to buy. 1.5.1 Factors considered when buying a computer When you decide to purchase a computer, there are some factors you should consider before taking such decision. Considering those factors will help you to choose the right computer for your need. Usability: you should ask yourself why you want to buy a computer? How much you are going to use it? Price: this is an important factor that will determine which computer you will buy? Operating System: Windows 10, for example, comes with several editions: home, pro, Enterprise, education, etc. Editions with more features are obviously more expensive. Processor: Since the processor is a critical computer component, choosing a good processor with high speed will support your computer performance. Random Access Memory (RAM): The more RAM a computer has, the smoother performance you will get and the more applications you can open on the same time. Storage: if you are planning on saving a lot of large files such as photos or videos, high capacity hard disk will be a good choice for you. Nowadays, SSD (Solid State Drive) works faster than the traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but it is more expensive. Brand: In general, the famous brands around the world are the straightaway winner on the market. Also, some brands come with attractive offer such as warranty and software. Below is an example of minimum personal computer specifications: Processor: Intel Core i7 CPU @ 4.90 GHz RAM: 8 GB Operating System: Windows 10, Home Video memory : 2 GB Hard disk: 1 TB 1.6 ERGONOMICS Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker, necessary to prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. The following factors should be considered in your workplace: Enough lightening and ventilation. A comfortable and adjustable chair. A suitable size monitor with a good level of brightness and contrast. Take a regular short interval breaks. Many health problems can result when not following the correct office ergonomics, such as: Repetitive strain injury. Back and neck pain. Joint pain and muscle stiffness. Computer vision syndrome. Headaches. The image below demonstrates the correct posture ergonomics: SUMMARY This Module covered the two essential parts of a computer system: hardware and software. Hardware is the physical component of the computer. Computer hardware incudes input devices, output devices, storage devices, central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, Random Access Memory (RAM), and other components. The software is the instructions (programs) that makes the computer work. There are two categories of software: system software and application software. Understanding how different hardware components work together to process data helps to understand how the computer works. The module also highlighted how to avoid Repetitive Strain Injuries while we work on computer. Ergonomics includes the right way to set in front of a computer, good lightening and ventilation, and taking regular short interval breaks. REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is the definition of a computer? 2. What are the different types of computers? 3. Explain the four operation included within the machine cycle? 4. Give three types of printers? 5. Compare between the capacity of CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray? 6. List 3 functions of the operating system? 7. How a software can be uninstalled using Windows 10? 8. Many hardware devices need drivers to work on a computer, why? 9. What are the most important factors need to be considered when buying a computer? 10. List some health problems can result when not following the correct office ergonomics? REFERENCES 1. https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cpu.htm (Retrieved March, 2018) 2. http://www.techopedia.com/definition/1104/primary-memory. (Retrieved March, 2018) 3. http://www.techopedia.com/definition/2280/secondary-memory. 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Shelly and Vermaat , iscovering Computers 2009, Course Technology, USA, ISBN: 13:978-1-4329-1198-2