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

2. 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 ( )

3. About the lecturer… Stuart Cunningham Room B126
Tel:
Notes and information found at:
Scottish!
If I say something you don’t understand please ask! (Generally a good idea, not just because of the accent)
Computer Systems 1 ( )

4. 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 ( )

5. 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 ( )

6. 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 ( )

7. 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 with?
Stress-inducing, harmful, evil device that wants to take over the world!!!!
Something else to dust?
Computer Systems 1 ( )

8. 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 ( )

9. 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 ( )

10. 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 ( )

11. 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 ( )

12. 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 ( )

13. 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 ( )

14. Hardware Employing RAM and backing store INPUT OUTPUT PROCESS
Computer Systems 1 ( )

15. 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 ( )

16. 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 ( )

17. Software Operating Systems Command Line Interface (CLI)
Computer Systems 1 ( )

18. Software Operating Systems Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Computer Systems 1 ( )

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

20. 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 ( )

21. 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 ( )