PART-TIME PROGRAMME

BUS 105: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

What is Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data.
It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already
know that you can use a computer to type documents, send email, play
games, and browse the Web.

Components of a Computer:
These are the 5 major components of a computer that you need to know
about:
Motherboard. ...
 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...
 Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) ...
 Random Access Memory (RAM) ...
 Storage device.
1. Motherboard
A complete computer components list always starts with
the motherboard, the primary circuit board that holds all the hardware in
place. Every PC has one, from dedicated workstations to personal
notebooks. A robust motherboard offers many slots for installing multiple
computer components (e.g. RAM, graphics card, etc.).
When a motherboard is damaged, PCs cease to function fully. Noting the
complexity of the circuitry and wiring in place, a faulty motherboard can
instantly stop your computer from working and potentially harm other
parts. While motherboards are easily replaced for desktops, the same
can’t be said for laptops, forcing you to buy a brand new one.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The central processing unit (CPU) - commonly referred to as the
processor - is the ‘brain’ of your computer. The CPU solves all the
sophisticated algorithms and programming your computer does while
running programs or applications.
Nowadays, almost all processors possess multiple CPUs to achieve quicker
processing speeds, ensuring faster response times when using software or
browsing the web. These special processors are called multi-core
processors, with each CPU designated as 1 processing core.
3. Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)
When handling graphical operations and advanced imagery,
the graphical processing unit (GPU) is the computer hardware
responsible for it. A GPU is required for your computer to read and
reproduce graphical representations and effects, which are almost present
in every form of media today.
Certain top-spec CPUs can also have basic GPUs embedded in them,
especially premium laptops that focus on lightweight mobility and use.
However, the finest GPUs are primarily used for video gaming, capable of
handling immense 3D-graphics loads to maintain smooth frame rates and
lag-free experiences.
4. Random Access Memory (RAM)
A RAM device keeps important currently-used data and codes on standby,
loading them instantly when respective programs or apps are opened.
RAM is a volatile type of memory, meaning all stored memory is refreshed
after turning off the PC. This allows the device to quickly absorb new data
immediately during the next session, prompting quicker loading
processes.
Almost all mainstream computers can be upgraded with more RAM by
buying a better RAM device - or RAM stick - that offers bigger storage
capacity, including mini laptops. Nevertheless, depending on your
computing activities, you might not use all RAM, so you need to
understand how much RAM is ideal for your PC according to its primary
use (work, gaming, etc.).
Although a damaged RAM stick might not necessarily disrupt your
computer from working properly, it will hinder its performance over time,
resulting in program crashes, unexpected decrease in RAM, and failure to
boot, among others.
5. Storage device
A storage device provides the memory for installing programs and
saving files. Unlike RAM, a storage device’s content is secured in non-
volatile memory, meaning that data is saved permanently inside its
memory bank, preserving them even after you turn off the PC (unless
manually deleted or uninstalled).
PCs use 2 common types of internal storage devices: hard disk drives
(HDDs) and solid-state drives (SDDs). HDDs are the cheaper option
but suffer from slower transfer speeds, while SDDs are their superior
counterparts but are more expensive. These devices are attached to your
computer using cables.
Other secondary storage devices exist, such as USB flash drives and
portable HDDs. However, these peripherals are not installed inside
computers. Instead, they are connected to the PC via alternative channels
like USB ports or external disk drives, depending on the specs.
Even though storage devices do not impact your computer’s boot-up
process, start-up programs like Google Chrome or Microsoft Word are
loaded directly from your HDD or SDD. So a damaged storage device can
interrupt the whole process, potentially corrupting your files. If so, you will
need to replace your hard drive immediately, sometimes requiring a
complete system reformat or Windows reinstall, which is a hassle.
Functions of the components of a computer
The motherboard: This is the backbone that ties the computer's
components together at one spot and allows them to talk to each other.
Without it, none of the computer pieces, such as the CPU, GPU, or hard
drive, could interact. Total motherboard functionality is necessary for a
computer to work well.

The CPU: is the brain of a computer, containing all the circuitry needed
to process input, store data, and output results. The CPU is constantly
following instructions of computer programs that tell it which data to
process and how to process it. Without a CPU, we could not run programs
on a computer.

The graphics processing unit (GPU) in your device helps handle graphics-
related work like graphics, effects, and videos.

RAM is a temporary memory bank where your computer stores data it

needs to retrieve quickly. RAM keeps data easily accessible so your
processor can quickly find it without having to go into long-term storage
to complete immediate processing tasks.

The Storage Device: This is typically used to store, transfer, and extract
data files. It is an essential component of a computer, and one of its
manifestations is the hard drive. A computer storage device allows its
owner to save and securely access data and applications stored on the
computer.

The impact of ICT in modern working environment

The use of ICT has been found to improve organizational efficiency by
increasing and enhancing communication and collaboration among
individuals and work teams, streamlining work processes within and
across organizational units, and giving employees greater access to
information for decision making.
ICTs can help businesses to keep up with competition, increase staff
satisfaction, increase operational efficiency, improve communication with
suppliers and customers, and enhance joint working in collaborative
venture.
Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a significant role
in all aspects of modern society. ICT have changed the way in which we
communicate with each other, how we find needed information, work,
conduct business, interact with government agencies, and how we
manage our social lives.