Introduction to Computer
Asst. Prof. KONLACHAN ANANTASOMBOON
School of Computer and Information Technology
Chiangrai Rajabhat University
The Basics – What is Information?
• Information is data processed for some purpose
• Information can only be considered to be 'real' Info if it meets certain criteria i.e.
• 1. it must be communicated to the recipient
• 2. it must be in a language that is understood
• 3. it must be in a suitable form
• 4. it must be relevant for achieving some purpose
Information
Information is
any form of
communication
that provides
understandable
and useful
knowledge for
the person
receiving it.
What Is A Computer?
A computer is a general
purpose, programmable
device that is used for
the production and
processing of
information
capable of calculating
and storing results
What do we mean by general purpose?
Computers, however, can be used for almost any purpose :
- typewriter
- video editor
- accounts tracker
- database/address book
- DVD / CD Player
- and many others…
Computers Are Programmable
Computers respond to instructions in the form of
programs
Programs are written in order to make computers
behave in specific ways i.e. word processor, systems
control
Programs are stored in the Computer memory
How computers process information
Computers accept inputs (data)
The input is translated into binary numbers and
‘processed’
The process produces output (information)
This sequence can repeat endlessly: outputs can be
inputs!
Illustrating this - the ‘Black Box’ model
Processing - the ‘Black Box’ model
We can think of a computer as a ‘black box’ :
Data
input process output
Information Computer
Components of a Computer System
Computer Systems are made up of:
Hardware – the physical parts
Software - the instructions or programs that control the
hardware
The Human Being – the brains behind the whole
system!
Computer Components
• Hardware
• Software
• Dataware
• Peopleware
• Procedureware
10
Computer : Hardware
• Input device
• Memory device
• Processor unit
• Output device
Reference : http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/2012/02/how-does-computer-work.html 11
Hardware : Input device
12
Hardware : Output device
13
Hardware : Memory unit
1.System Memory
- ROM
- RAM
2. Storage device
- Magnetic Tape
- Floppy Disk
- Hard disk
- CD/DVD ROM
- SSD (Solid State Drive)
14
Hardware : Processor unit
CPU : Central Processing Unit
- carries out the instructions
of a computer program
by performing the basic
arithmetical, logical, and
input/output operations of
the system
Components of CPU : - ALU
- Register
- Control unit
Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit 15
Input devices
Memory unit Memory unit
CPU
Output devices
Communication of Hardware
16
Example : Communication of Hardware
17
Questions
1. Explain briefly the meaning of Data and Information? 2. Why do someone state that Computer is Programmable machine? 3. What are main functions of Computer?