COMPUTER CONCEPTS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
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1.1. Introduction
1.2. Objectives
1.3. Computer Carts
1.4. Computer Functions
1.5. Application of Computer, Advantages and Disadvantages
1.6. DOS, Windows, File and Extension Programs
1.7. Summary
1.8. Model Exam Questions
1.9. Further Readings
1.1 Introduction and Definition of Computer
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The 20th century saw the birth of one of the most important tools widely in use today
called a computer. Today, computers are used for communication, management, research,
drawing and design as well as entertainment.
This 21st century is being referred to as the digital age
A computer is an electronic device that accepts user input (data) and processes it under
the influence of a set of instructions referred to as programs to produce the desired output
generally referred to as information.
.Data are the raw facts may not make much meaning to the user.
.Programs are set of instructions that instruct a computer what to do.
.Information is result after data has been processed
By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:
1. Identify and name computer parts
2. Define basic concepts used in computer
3. Explain applications of computers
4. Discuss advantages & disadvantages of computers
5. Practice the DOS, Windows, File and Extension programs with computer
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1.3 Computer Parts
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There are 4 basic types of computer parts:
a) Input devices - parts of the computer that allow information or data to be given to
the computer like keyboard or a mouse.
b) Storage devices – parts of the computer that hold information. The primary
storage device is the computer’s memory called RAM (random access memory).
It remembers everything that is read, input, or output. But, because the
computer’s memory is on a temporary area—it forgets everything when turned
off—it must have another place to store information permanently. This secondary
storage device is usually a disk
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c) Processing device – part of the computer that processes and controls the flow of
information; it actually does the work. The one part of the computer that handles
this job is the central processing unit or CPU.
d) Output devices - parts of the computer that gives out information generated by the
computer, like a monitor, printer or speaker.