Hardware and Software Fundamentals

1. Computer Basic
Hardware and Software Fundamentals

2. Objectives
• At the end of this session students will be able to:
• Define the following terms:
• Computer, input, output, device, storage, peripheral, hardware, software, process, GIGO,
Data, Information
• Identify the characteristics of a computer
• State the Stages of Processing (Basic and Advance)
• State the Advantages and Disadvantages

3. Keywords
• Hardware – refers to ALL the physical components of a computer.
• Input – refers to the entering of data into the computer for processing
• Output – refers to the giving out of information after processing has taken place.
The information is presented in human readable form.
• Storage – refers to placing of data and instructions/information in the computers
primary and secondary storage locations.
• Processing – refers to the conversion of data into information through the use of
the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

4. Keywords
• Data – ALL the raw facts and figures
• Information – processed data
• Device- refers to a piece of equipment
• Peripheral device – refers to a hardware device that is controlled and monitored by
the Central Processing Unit.
• Software – refers to the collection of programs
• Program – refers to a set of instructions that the computers uses to solve a problem
or accomplish a task.

5. What is a computer?
• It is a programmable electronic device that consist of two main resources
hardware and software which allows you to input data, process data, store
and output information.

7. Characteristics of a Computer
• Its principal characteristics are:
• It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner,
• It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program),
• It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.

8. Basic Hardware Components
• A general –purpose computer usually has the following devices:
• Central processing unit (CPU)
• Storage Devices
• Memory (fast, expensive, short-term memory)
• Mass storage device (slower, cheaper, long-term memory.
• Input device
• Output device

9. Basic Stages of Processing

10. Advance Stages of Processing
INPUT
DEVICES
OUTPUT
DEVICES
ARITHMETIC
AND LOGIC
UNIT
CONTROL UNIT
R.A.M
SECONDARY
STORAGE

11. Advantages
• Speed -Data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits in a computer, and
travel at extraordinarily fast speeds. computers process billions or trillions of operations per
second.
• Consistency -Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same.
• Accuracy -Errors only occur if there is an error in the hardware and the software have been set
up. GIGO (garbage in, garbage out), points to the accuracy of a computer’s output dependent
on the accuracy of the input.
• Reliability - The electronic components in modern computers are dependable and reliable
because they rarely break or fail.
• Storage - Can store large amounts of data in small storage locations. A computer can transfer
data quickly from storage to memory, process it, and then store it again for future use.

12. Disadvantages
• Loss of Jobs
• Health Risks
• Repetitive Strain injury
• Computer Vision Syndrome
• Carpal tunnel Syndrome
• Lower back pain
• Data Security

13. Disadvantages
• Violation of Privacy
• Impact on the Environment

14. Conclusion
• What does the term :- Computer, input, output, device, storage, peripheral,
hardware, software, process, GIGO, Data, Information
• What are the characteristics of a computer ?
• Draw and label a diagram illustrating the basic Stages of Processing
• Draw and label a diagram illustrating the advance Stages of Processing
• State the Advantages and Disadvantages

15. Home-Work
• Read and make notes on the Social Effects of Computers (pages 415-418).
As it relates to the Disadvantages of computers