Fundamentals of

Computing

Miss N. Thomas-White
Subject: E.D.P.M.
Table of Contents
01 What is a Computer?
02 Components of a
Computer system
03 Types of Computers

04 Advantages and
disadvantages of
computer usage
05 Use of various Input
and output devices
06 Types of storage media
Table of Contents
07 Distinguish between
operating system
software and
application software

08 Ways of caring for your

Computer

09 Health and safety

factors associated with
computer use
 What is
a computer?
✔Electronic machine or device that
accepts and processes data to
produce information.

✔The computer performs four basic

operations:
⮚ It accepts data (input)
⮚ It manipulates the data
(processing)
⮚ It produces information or
results (output)
⮚ It stores the data and results
(storage)

These operations are operated under

the direction of stored programs. A
 Components of a Computer System

HARDWARE PEOPLE DATA

SOFTWARE
PROCEDURE
 HARDWARE PEOPLE SOFTWARE
Users of the computers. Intangible parts of
Tangible parts of the
computer that you can a computer that you
see and touch. can see but cannot
touch.

PROCEDURE DATA
Instructions that tell Consist of raw facts
a user how to such as numbers,
operate and use the letters, special
information system. characters or
symbols.
 Types of Computers

Minicomputer. Supercomputer.

Mainframe Computer.
Micro Computer.
Minicomputers
 Minicomputers

A minicomputer is a smaller, less expensive, and

less powerful computer than a mainframe or
supercomputer but more expensive and more
powerful than a personal computer.

Minicomputers were used for scientific and

engineering computations, business transaction
processing, file handling, and database
management
Microcomputers
 Microcomputers

A microcomputer is an electronic device with one

microprocessor that acts as its central processing
unit (CPU). Before the rise of the term "personal
computer," the term microcomputer was used to
refer to any small, relatively inexpensive computer
system designed for personal use. As the brain of
the system, the CPU orchestrates all operations,
computing every essential calculation and
executing each command
Supercomputers
 Supercomputers

Super Computers are designed to carry

out single, extremely, complex
computing tasks such as climate research,
cryptanalysis (Code breaking), Physical
simulations, oil and gas exploration and
weather forecasting.
MainFrame computer
 MainFrame computer

A mainframe is a large-scale powerful computer

with a large storage capacity and a fast Central
Processing Unit (CPU)
Different types of Hardware

INPUT OUTPUT
DEVICES DEVICES

PROCESSING STORAGE
DEVICES DEVICES
INPUT DEVICES OUTPUT DEVICES

Gets processed information out of a

Get data into a computer. Input devices computer. These devices allows
have been made to make input faster, messages to be sent out of the system
easier and more accurate. either directly to a user or to another
computer.
E.g. Keyboard, Mouse
E.g. Monitor, Printer

PROCESSING DEVICE Hardware's

This is the brain of the
computer. It processes or STORAGE DEVICES
works on the information in the Used to store information even after
computer. the computer is turned off.
E.g. Central Processing Unit
(CPU) E.g. Thumb drive, CD Drive
Advantages and
disadvantages of
computer usage
 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Social Risk-computers provide

humans access to social media,
Provides access to more
which can be addictive , make
information
people less happy and gets in the
way of real world relation ships.

Health risk-research has shown

that excessive computer use can
Completes tasks that might be
result in several medical problems
impossible for humans to complete
including back pain, eyestrain and
obesity.
 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Security risk- computer security

risk can be created by malware ,
that is, bad software that can
Saves time attack your computer system,
destroy your files, steal personal
data or allow an attacker to gain
access to your computer.

High Cost- computers are

expensive. Even the most
Automate repetitive tasks
affordable computers are quite
expensive for average persons.
 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Distractions/Disruptions- hours can be

spent browsing the internet on different
social medias such as Facebook,
Allows for greater productivity YouTube, Instagram etc. Because of
their high entertainment value , it is easy
for computers to distract people and
stop them from being productive

Environmental Impact- computers use a

lot of electricity and in most cases the
Allows for better communication and
generation of electricity is harmful to
connections
the environment becauae of carbon
emission
Operating system software
VS
Application Software
Operating System Software
Programmes that co-ordinate the activities
among computer devices. They contain
instructions that allow the user to run
application software.

Application Software
Programmes that perform specific tasks for
users, including, word processing software,
spread sheet software, database
management software, presentation
software, and anti-virus software.
Ways of caring for your
Computer
 • Keep liquids away from your laptop.
As tempting as it might be to drink coffee, soda, water
or any other liquid near your laptop, accidents can
happen all too easily. Alternatively, use a cup with a
cover on it, so even if it does spill, the liquid doesn't go
anywhere. Spilled liquids may damage the internal
microelectronic components or cause electrical damage.
Short circuits can corrupt data or even permanently
destroy some parts of the laptop. The solution is very
simple:
Keep your drinks away from your computer.
Even if you are careful, someone else
might spill your drink.
• Having antivirus software available is the best
defense against a virus.
Even if you know what you download, it could still
contain a virus. If you choose not to have antivirus
software you run the risk of a circuit error or
software problem in your system. The virus may
also slow down the system
operations and performance.
 • Keep food away from your laptop.
Don't eat over your laptop, the crumbs can fall
between the keys and provide an invitation to small
bugs or damage the circuitry. Worse yet, the laptop
will look dirty if there are crumbs on it.
 • Do not use your computer in a room
where animals are.
Their fur and hair can get into the internal
workings and damage them. Also larger
animals (e.g dogs) can accidentally damage
them by knocking them off their support by
brushing
past, wagging tail,
tripping over leads etc.
• Ideally keep the computer in a clean and
dust free room.

• Always have clean hands when using your

laptop.
Clean hands make it easier to use your laptop
touchpad and there will be less risk of leaving
dirt and other stains on the computer. In
addition, if you clean your hands before you use
the laptop, you will reduce wear and tear on the
coating caused by contact with sweat and small
particles that can act upon the laptop's exterior.
 • Protect the LCD display monitor.
When you shut your laptop, make sure there are
no small items, such as a pencil or small ear-
phones, on the keyboard. These can damage the
display screen if the laptop is shut on them; the
screen will scratch if the item is rough. Close the
lid gently and holding it in the middle.
Closing the lid using only one side
causes pressure on that hinge,
and over time can
cause it to bend and snap.
• Hold and lift the computer by its base, not by
its LCD display (the screen).
If you lift it by the screen alone, you could damage
the display or the hinges attaching the display to the
base. The display is also easily scratched or
damaged by direct pressure – avoid placing
pressure on it.

• Don't roll your chair over the computer cord.

Stick the cord onto your desk with tape or a special
computer cord tie which can easily be undone when
you've finished using the laptop. Always try to keep
the cord away from the floor and your legs.
 • Don’t pull on the power cord.
Tugging your power cord out from the power
socket rather than pulling directly on the plug
can cause the cord to break off from the plug
or damage the power socket. Also, if the
power cord is near your feet, avoid kicking it
accidentally; in fact, it is best to refrain from
bumping into the plug at all because you
could loosen it and eventually break it.
.
Health and safety factors
associated with computer
use
Health
• Ergonomics Effects of extended use.
• Inadequate lighting.
• Inappropriate furniture.
• Bad posture.

Safety
• Overloading electric sockets
• Position of work stations
• Location of extension cords
THANK YOU