Lecture 1: Definitions, Components of a computer system

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Lecture objectives
1.3 Lecture outline
1.4 Definitions
1.5 Functions of a computer
1.6 Components of a computer system
1.7 Reflection questions, activity, exercises/quizzes
1.8 Summary
1.9 Suggestion for further reading
1.1. Introduction
Welcome to our first lesson in this module. Perhaps you have heard someone ask what a
computer can do. Before we answer this question, perhaps we should begin by asking
ourselves what we can do without computers. Our daily activities such as payment of bills,
buying groceries, banking, entertainment or communicating with friends can be done with a
computer. It is important therefore not only to know how to use a computer, but also to
understand the components of a computer and what they do. In this lesson, we explore basic
terminologies as used in computers, various components of the computer as well as functions
of computers.
1.2. Lecture objectives
By the end of this lecture you should be able to:
Define common terms as used in computer applications software
Explain functions of computers
Identify and describe various components of a computer system
1.3. Lecture outline
1.3.1. Define common terminologies used in computers
1.3.2. Identify functions of computers
1.3.3. Identify and describe components of a computer
1.4. Definitions
There are a number of terminologies that we will encounter in this module and in future
related to computers and are therefore worth being defined at this time. Such terminologies
include:
Data
Information
Process
Computer
System
Information system
Software
Hardware
Computer system
Data: Raw facts about an entity e.g. Person is an entity but data can be name, height, gender,
nationality, qualification e.g.
Information: A collection of facts organized in such a way that they have additional value
beyond the value of facts themselves. Simplify put, information is a processed data.
Process: A set of logically related tasks performed to achieve a defined outcome.
Computer: A computer is an electronic device used to capture, store and process data,
according to instructions given.
System: A set of components that work together to achieve a common objective.
Information system: A set of interrelated elements or components that collect (input),
manipulate and store (process), disseminate (output) data and information, and provide a
feedback mechanism to meet an objective.
Software: A set of instructions that a computer can execute and constitutes a computer
system.
Hardware: This is a collection of physical electronic components that constitute a computer
system.
Computer system: Refer to a set of components that constitute a computer.
1.5. Functions of computers
The functions of a computer can be placed into four categories:
Input: Involves getting data into the computer for storage or processing.
Output: Involves displaying information from the computer.
Process: Involves calculating or manipulating the input data/values e.g. the square root of
a number, sorting a list of names.
Store: Involves saving or writing results of after processing in a computer e.g. Archiving
digital pictures.
1.6. Components of a computer systems
The computer system can be broken down into two major components: The hardware and
software components.
1.6.1. Hardware components
The hardware components are the tangible electronic parts of a computer system and
includes: System unit, CPU, CD-ROM, CD-R,CD-RW, Keyboard e.t.c.
Tower/Chassis/System unit: The box or case that holds the parts that make up a
computer: CPU, hard disk drive, floppy drive, memory chips, power supply, interface
cards.

CPU VS SYSTEM UNIT: Central Processing Unit. This component does the actual processing
of the data. It consists of three components: Arithmetic Logic Unit(ALU), Control Unit(CU) and
registers. The System Unit is a casing that houses many internal hardware components including
the CPU, Motherboard, Memory, Heatsink, System fan and many others
Monitor: This is an output device that displays information in visual form, using text and
graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a
television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.

Disk drive: A device that reads data from (input) or records data onto a disk for storage
(output).

Hard drive: This is a storage device that a computer uses to store information. Most
computers come with a hard drive, called drive C, located inside the computer case.

CD: A compact disc is a small, portable, round medium made of molded polymer used for
recording, storing, and playing back audio, video, text, and other information in digital
format. There are several variations of CDs: CD-ROM, CD-R,CD-RW,DVD,VCD e.t.c.

Mouse: This is a hand-held electronic device that controls the coordinates of a cursor on the
computer screen as you move it around on a pad. When you move the mouse, the mouse
pointer on the screen moves in the same direction. The mouse has left button and right
buttons for clicking and may have a wheel for scrolling.

Speakers: Output device that produces sound and music when connected to the
computer. Speakers come in different shapes and may even be in the monitor's case.

Light Pen: This is a pointing device which is similar to a pen. It is used to select a displayed
menu item or draw pictures on the monitor screen. It consists of a photocell and an optical
system placed in a small tube. When light pen's tip is moved over the monitor screen and pen
button is pressed, its photocell sensing element detects the screen location and sends the
corresponding signal to the CPU.