Computer Systems 1 Fundamentals of Computing COMHN113 HNC/HND Computing Programme

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%) Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

About the lecturer… Stuart Cunningham Room B126 s.cunningham@newi.ac.uk Tel: 01978 293583 Notes and information found at: www.newi.ac.uk/cunninghams/ Scottish! If I say something you don’t understand please ask! (Generally a good idea, not just because of the accent) Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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? Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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... Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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. Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

The Computer The computer is a machine Performs three main tasks ‘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 INPUT OUTPUT PROCESS Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

Input Process Output Input Process Output 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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

Hardware Essential Hardware Components Input Processing Output Memory 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) Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

Hardware Employing RAM and backing store INPUT OUTPUT PROCESS Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

Hardware Peripheral Hardware Components Input Processing Output Memory 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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

Software Operating Systems Command Line Interface (CLI) Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

Software Operating Systems Graphical User Interface (GUI) Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

Software Application Software Word processing Spreadsheets Databases Web browsing Email client Internet hosting Desktop Publishing (DTP) Integrated Development Environment Games (?) Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

Types of Computer Personal Computer (PC) Supercomputer Mainframe 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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)