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Computer Systems 1 Fundamentals of Computing

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%)

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Computer Systems 1 Fundamentals of Computing

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  1. Computer Systems 1Fundamentals 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 (2004 - 2005)

  3. 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)

  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 (2004 - 2005)

  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 (2004 - 2005)

  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 (2004 - 2005)

  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 e-mail with? • Stress-inducing, harmful, evil device that wants to take over the world!!!! • Something else to dust? Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

  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 (2004 - 2005)

  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 (2004 - 2005)

  10. INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT 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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

  11. 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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

  12. 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) Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

  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 (2004 - 2005)

  14. RAM INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT Backing Store Hardware • Employing RAM and backing store Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

  15. 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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

  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 (2004 - 2005)

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

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

  19. 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)

  20. 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 Computer Systems 1 (2004 - 2005)

  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 (2004 - 2005)

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