What is computer studies?
– A computer study is a subject which deals with features of computers and the ways and methods of using it.
Objectives: –
This unit is intended to enable students to understand:
- The basic definition of a computer
- The meaning/definitions of important (key) words
- The main (basic) functions/ processes of the computer
- How a computer works
- Characteristics/features of a computer
- Advantages of a computer
- Applications (uses) of computer in different areas of human life
- Different types of computers.
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What is a computer?
- Is an electronic machine that accepts data from an input device performs arithmetic and logical operations according to predefined program and finally transfers the processed data to any output device.
- An electronic machine that processes raw data to generate (produce) information.
- Is an electronic machine that receives (accepts) input (raw data), processes it, and then produces output (information)
- Is an electronic machine that can be programmed to accept data (input) and process it into useful information (output)
- Is an electronic machine (device) that works under the control of stored programs, automatically accepting and processing data to produce information.
- Is an electronic machine that operates (works) under the control of instructions(programs) stored in its main memory, that can accept data (input), manipulate the data according to specified rules (process), produce results or information (output), and store the results for future use.
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A good definition of computer contains the basic functions of a computer i.e. input, process, Storage, Output.
A COMPUTER BLOCK DIAGRAM
BASIC FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER
INPUT: Is any data or instructions entered into a computer.
There are four types of input which are: –
(i) Data
(ii) Programs
(iii) Commands
(iv) User responses
STORAGE: Is the ability of a computer or an area in a computer to hold data instructions and information for future use.
Two types of computer storage are:
(i) Main storage (main memory),
(ii) Backing storage
PROCESSING; in the activity of changing data into information.
OUTPUT: Is data that has been processed into a useful form called information.
Types of output:
The four common forms of output are:
- Text e.g. words, sentences, paragraphs.
- Graphics e.g. drawings, charts, photographs.
- Audio e.g. music, speech or any other sound.
- Video e.g. played back images.
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COMMUNICATION: Is the sending and receiving of data and programs from one computer or secondary storage device to another.