Computer Systems 1 Fundamentals of Computing

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Computer Systems 1Fundamentals of Computing

• COMHN113
• HNC/HND Computing Programme

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About the module

• HNC/HND Level 1 Module
• Basics of Computer Systems
• Components Functions
• Fundamentals of Computing Technology
• Hardware Software
• Assessed through
• Coursework (75)
• Group Task Assignment (50)
• Practical / Individual Assignment (25)
• End of module Class Test (25)

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About the lecturer

• Stuart Cunningham
• Room B126
• s.cunningham_at_newi.ac.uk
• Tel [phone]
• Notes and information found at
• www.newi.ac.uk/cunninghams/
• Scottish!
• If I say something you dont understand please
  ask! (Generally a good idea, not just because of
  the accent)

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Module Aims

• Provide a theoretic and practical introduction to
  computer systems
• Introduce essential computing principles and
  terminology
• Introduce the basic hardware and software
  components of a computer
• Consider the range of computing technologies and
  scope of computer applications
• Investigate the structure and function of a
  computer operating system
• Provide an introduction to and practical
  experience of different computing platforms

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Module Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, you will be able to

• Describe the basic structure of a computer
• Understand and use essential computing terms,
  descriptors, abbreviations and units
• Discuss the range of computing technologies
  currently available
• Discuss the range of applications of modern
  computing
• Identify and work with key hardware and software
  components in a computer system
• Outline the function and structure of an
  operating system
• Compare different computer platforms from a
  hardware and software perspective

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Module Learning Outcomes

• Transferable / Key Skills
• By the end of this module, you will be able to
• Work effectively as a member of a group
• Conduct essential research into an allocated
  topic
• Produce a written report
• Undertake practical work

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What is a Computer System?

• Heavy metal/plastic box?
• Collection of wires and electronic bits?
• That thing in the corner of the room?
• Typewriter on steroids?
• Life enhancing object?
• Something to play games on?
• Most dominant force in the calculator world?
• The thing you check e-mail with?
• Stress-inducing, harmful, evil device that wants
  to take over the world!!!!
• Something else to dust?

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Computers

• Computers are in widespread use today
• Business
• Education
• Home
• Computers used for many things
• Office work
• Science and Research
• Games and Entertainment
• Multimedia production
• Data storage
• and loads more...

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Computer System

• Computer System consists of two main areas of
  functionality
• Hardware
• Physical components to a computer system
• Stuff you can touch and hold
• Wires, transistors, keyboard, printer etc.
• Software
• Instructions given to the hardware
• Programs or applications to run on the hardware
• Sets of instructions
• The stuff you can do useful things with
• E.g.- Windows, Dreamweaver, MS Office, etc.

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The Computer

• The computer is a machine
• TOM (Totally Obedient Moron)
• Carries out instructions
• Consists of electronic components
• Performs three main tasks
• Accepts INPUT
• Performs a PROCESS on the input
• Produces OUTPUT from the process

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Input Process Output

• Input
• Telling the computer what to do
• User Make me a cup of coffee!
• e.g.- Mouse or keyboard
• Process
• Computer carries out a task in response to
  instructions
• Computer Mixes water and coffee granules. Pour
  into cup.
• e.g.- Processor
• Output
• Computer displays the results of task
• Computer Hands user coffee cup
• e.g.- Monitor

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Hardware

• Essential Hardware Components
• Input
• Keyboard, mouse
• Processing
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• E.g.- Intel Pentium n, AMDAthlon
• Output
• Monitor, printer
• Memory
• Temporary data storage, with fast retrieval
• E.g.- RAM (Random Access memory)
• Permanent storage
• A form of media to store data for a long term
• E.g.- Hard disk drive
• E.g.- ROM (Read Only Memory)

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Hardware

• Employing RAM and backing store
• RAM Random Access Memory
• Sometimes called main memory
• Used for temporary storage
• Contents are erased when power is off
• Very fast access to data
• Any byte can be accessed randomly
• Backing store
• Permanent place to keep important data
• Commonly a hard disk drive
• Allows reading and writing of data
• Could also be a ROM (Read Only Memory) chip
• Once written to can only be read in future

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Hardware

• Employing RAM and backing store

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Hardware

• Peripheral Hardware Components
• Input
• Scanner, microphone, light pen
• Processing
• Graphics card, sound card
• Output
• Speakers, plotter, digital projector
• Memory
• Extra RAM, VRAM
• Permanent storage
• Zip drives, memory sticks, floppy disks
• Other Devices
• Modem, NIC, DVD-R, DV-Camera

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Software

• Operating Systems
• Acts as an interface between the user and the
  capabilities (hardware software) of the
  computer
• Need the OS to run other applications
• Need OS to control hardware
• Organises files and directories
• Is the front end of the computer
• The environment the user interacts with
• Responds to commands issued by the user

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Software

• Operating Systems
• Command Line Interface (CLI)

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Software

• Operating Systems
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)

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Software

• Application Software
• Word processing
• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Web browsing
• Email client
• Internet hosting
• Desktop Publishing (DTP)
• Integrated Development Environment
• Games (?)

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Types of Computer

• Personal Computer (PC)
• Single-user computer
• Standalone
• Supercomputer
• Very fast computer which can carries out huge
  amounts of instructions per second
• Mainframe
• A powerful computer which can be used by lots of
  users at the same time

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Computer Systems 1

• What you know now
• More about this module
• More about your lecturer
• (more importantly, where to find module notes)
• What a computer is
• Basic make-up of a computer system
• Input
• Process
• Output
• Employing RAM Backing Store
• Overview of Software
• Operating Systems
• Applications