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Computer Essentials - Lecture 1

The document provides an introduction to computer organization by defining what a computer is, listing its key characteristics of speed, accuracy, reliability, versatility and storage capacity. It then describes the main types of computers as microcomputers, mini computers, mainframe computers and supercomputers. The basic components of a computer system are also outlined as hardware, software and users. Hardware includes input, output, storage and central processing units. Storage units are cache memory, primary memory and secondary memory. The central processing unit contains an arithmetic logic unit, control unit and registers. Finally, the document defines data versus information and the basic components of computer hardware according to the Von Neumann model.

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SHKO MAGDID
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75 views6 pages

Computer Essentials - Lecture 1

The document provides an introduction to computer organization by defining what a computer is, listing its key characteristics of speed, accuracy, reliability, versatility and storage capacity. It then describes the main types of computers as microcomputers, mini computers, mainframe computers and supercomputers. The basic components of a computer system are also outlined as hardware, software and users. Hardware includes input, output, storage and central processing units. Storage units are cache memory, primary memory and secondary memory. The central processing unit contains an arithmetic logic unit, control unit and registers. Finally, the document defines data versus information and the basic components of computer hardware according to the Von Neumann model.

Uploaded by

SHKO MAGDID
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Introduction to Computer Organization

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that stores, accepts and processes


data and gives output according to a set of instructions.

Characteristics of Computer: sifatakani computer


1. Speed: - Computer can work very fast. It can perform millions (1,000,000)
of instructions and even more per second.

2. Accuracy: - Computers are very accurate in every calculation they do.


Computer errors are due to human and inaccurate data.

3. Reliability: - computers don’t get tired and can work for hours with no
errors.

4. Versatility: - the capacity to perform completely different type of work.

5. No IQ: - Computers are dumb, and cannot do any work without


instruction from the user.

6. Storage: - Computers have in-built memory where it can store a large


amount of data.

Types of Computers:

1. Microcomputers:
Microcomputer is the smallest category of computers, in which
single microprocessor is used. Examples are PC (Personal
Computer), laptop, and smartphone.

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2. Mini computers:
Minicomputers are relatively larger and faster computers.
 They have high performance and high capability processors.
 Memory size is generally very large.
 They support multiple terminals (users).
 Large capacity disks are used in multiple numbers.

3. Mainframe computers:
Few characteristics of mainframes are listed below:
 They have larger memory sizes than that of minicomputers.
 They support larger capacity disks.
 They have large number of application libraries that provide
great help to developers.
 Support multiple terminals (users) more than minicomputer

4. Supercomputers:
Supercomputer is the largest category of computers. They use
multiple CPUs.. Applications like weather forecasting and
nuclear weapon design can be very well executed on
Supercomputers.

Parallel processing: a task Is divided into multiple one’s, and


each CPU performs one task in parallel.
*La midtermu final hatbowa

Data vs. Information:

 Data and information are interrelated.


 Data usually refers to raw data, or unprocessed data.
 Data hasn’t been analyzed or processed once it is, it’s
considered as information
 Data is input. Information is the output.
 Data doesn’t depend on Information. The opposite is wrong
 Data doesn’t carry a meaning. Information must carry a logical
meaning.

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Elements of a Computer System:

1- Hardware (H/W):
the physical components of a computer Many of these are
contained within the case. Other are connected to the
computer (peripheral devices). These allow data to be entered
(input) and retrieved (output) and storedat

2- Software (S/W):
Software means computer programs; instructions that make
hardware work.
A computer program is a set of instructions given to the
computer for performing a task.

system software (operating systems),controls the working of the


computer, and applications, such as word processing programs
(e.g. MS Word), spreadsheets (e.g. MS Excel), games.

3- User: bakarhehnar
Persons who make use of computers are called users.
Dujor haya:
- Programmers.
- End users.

Basic Components of Computer Hardware: parcha saratayakani


computer

1. Input Unit
2. Output Unit
3. Storage Unit
- Cache Memory
- Primary Memory
- Secondary Memory
4. Central Processing Unit
- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

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- Control Unit
- Registers

The Von Neumann Model

1. Input Unit
The role of input unit in computer is to supply data or instructions.
Such as Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone, etc.

2. Output Unit
The role of output unit is to show the results of processing. Such as
Monitor, Printer, Speaker, etc.

3. Storage Unit
- Cache Memory
It is a high-speed memory buffer that temporarily
stores data the processor needs,

- Primary Memory

Also called internal memory or main memory.

 Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Data cannot be written in this memory. Not only if you use a ROM
programmer, It contains the basic instructions for what to happen
when a computer is powered on. This is called a Firmware. Firmware
is also called BIOS, or basic input/output system. ROM plays a
critical part in booting up, or starting up, your computer.

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 Random Access Memory (RAM)

Data can be read and written on this memory temporarily. That’s


why its called temporary memory

The data written in Random Access Memory remains there till the
time computer power is on.

- Secondary Memory
Secondary storage is any data storage medium other than RAM &
ROM. Such as Hard Disk they’re used to store data in a semi-
permanent form.

4. Central Processing Unit


 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs computation (+, -, ×, ÷) and comparison (>, <, =)
operations.

 Control unit (CU)


It organizes data movement within the computer

 Registers
They are storage locations that hold inputs and outputs for the
ALU.

General purpose Registers:


Accumulator (AX), Data Register (DX), Base Register (BX),
Counter Register (CX), Accumulator (AX).

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Special purpose Register:
Instruction Register (IR), Memory Address Register (MAR),
Memory Buffer Register (MBR), Program Counter (PC).

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