Chapter 1: Computer Fundamentals

Introduction

Computer Fundamentals help students to understand the world that surrounds them, with computer technologies, and
gives the necessary IT skills to perform their work at home, in the office, or anywhere.
An individ technology, who wakes up in the morning by the alarm or ringtone of
mobile phone or by a digital alarm clock. Sometimes, before the breakfast, a person could check the
messages etc. from the social networking applications, reads or watches news from a computer, tablet or smartphone.
the movements of
traffic flow, or landmarks. In the university, a student works on assignments using computers, or accesses the library
through laptops. When dining in a restaurant, the cashier uses a computerized system to take orders and sends it
automatically to the kitchen for food preparation. Nearly everyone pays the bills using debit or credit card. Evening
entertainment includes watching the favorite shows, viewed on a digital TV connected to the Internet. Indeed, the
computer and its technologies have become an integral part of fe.
In this chapter, students are expected to understand different parts of a personal computer, in terms of hardware,
software, data storage, memory and how information networks are used within computers, usages of computer-based
software applications in their everyday life, and factors to consider when buying a computer or laptop.
Outline
Computer Basics
What is Computer
Basic Parts of a Computer
Computer System
Characteristics of a Computer
Benefits and Usage of Computer
Types of Computer
Hardware Components
The System Unit (CPU, Memory, Motherboard, Expansion Slot, Ports, Power Supply)
Input Devices
Output Devices
Storage Devices
Communication Devices
Software Components
Types of Software
System Software ( BIOS , Operating System , System Utilities and Device Driver)
Application Software
Other Applications Software
Programming Language
Viruses and Antiviruses
How to Buy a Computer?
Workplace And Software Copyright Issues Related To The Computer
Workplace
IT related injuries
End User Agreement
Software copyright
Types of software that has copyright and free from copyright
Multiple Choice Exercises and Fill in.
Spotlight

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 PART 1 - COMPUTER BASICS

What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that takes the data as input, processes data as processing, generates a required
information as output, and stores it if desired.
calculate.
A. Computer System
A computer system is made up of multiple electronic components that consist of four broad categories, serving in
the information processing cycle. Figure 1.1.

Input Processing Output

Storage

Figure 1.1: The Information Processing Cycle

Input: Those components helping user to insert data to the computer, like keyboard, mouse and touchscreen.
Processing: Those components moving and processing data inside the computer, like CPU, memory, sound
card, and other components inside the system unit.
Storage: Those components storing software and data until it is needed, like hard drive, USB flash drive and
optical device.
Output: Those components providing results of processing to the user, like the monitor, projector, and
printer.

B. Characteristics of Computers
Characteristics of computers are as follows:
High Speed: computers are very fast and can calculate large amount of data, they can perform millions or
billions of calculations in a fraction of a second (i.e. microsecond, nanosecond or picosecond).
Storage: computers use different types of memory storage to keep data and information. Some storage can
keep large amount of data and other storage can recall the data very fast.
Accuracy: computers are completely accurate; this means they make calculations those are 100% error free.
Computers error usually come from a data input error or a software error.
Reliability: computers are reliable machines, where the hardware and software components perform
consistently according to their specifications for a long period. They are also designed to be easily
maintained.
Versatility: computers are very versatile and can perform multiple tasks simultaneously with equal ease.
Diligence: computers do not have any human traits, therefore, they do not feel any tiredness or lack of
concentration. They can work continuously without errors, with the same speed and accuracy.
Resource sharing: computers can connect to other devices and share their resources or vice versa. They can
connect to printer s hard drive can also be shared with other computers.

C. Benefits and Uses of Computers

Computers are powerful and useful tools and provides many useful benefits, such as its capability to produce high
quality task within a short span of time. Computers can be used to learn a wide range of skills those are important
in . The general benefits and uses of computers are as follows:
Business: companies are making computers part of their business organization. They are used for payroll,
sales, budget planning, financial, management information system, etc.

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 Banking: banks are dependent on computers. They offer online transaction facilities to track bank records
such as loans, account statements, interest charges, credit cards and other services. They provide Automated
Teller Machine (ATM) and Cash Deposit Machine (CDM) for faster financial operations and 24-hours
availability.
Government: computers play an important role in government. They are used in different areas of the
government such as passport and visa systems, driving licensing, traffic systems, national ID system and
many more.
Military: computers are widely used in defense and today most military weapons have computerized
control systems.
Heath Care: hospitals use computers to keep patients health records and medicine history. Most of the
equipment used in the hospital laboratories have computerized control systems.
Education: computers have provided a lot of benefits in the education system. They are vital tools in the
E-learning system, student information system, teacher and student evaluation system and others.
Communication: communication is a way of conveying the messages
help people to communicate easily. E-mail, chatting and video conferencing are the most commonly used
applications in communication.
Home Computer: every home uses computers in different ways, such as entertainment, Internet
connectivity, security system and even household appliances are operated by computer systems.

D. Types of Computer
Computers can be classified by their size, speed and power of computing as
following:
1. Supercomputers are the fastest and the most expensive computers,
executing hundreds of millions of instructions per second. They are
designed for specialized applications like nuclear energy research, weather
forecasting, electronic designing, evaluation of geological information, and
scientific simulation. It may occupy the whole floor of a building depending
on the number of processors those are used. Figure 1.2.
Figure1.2: Supercomputer

2. Mainframe computers (Enterprise Servers): are expensive powerful

servers those are part of network system, handle thousands of users
simultaneously and capable of processing and storing large amounts of
business data. These can also support many program applications and
execute them simultaneously. In the early days Mainframe were occupying
big rooms, but as the size of these machines have been reduced and the power
has increased, the term mainframe has fallen out of use in favor of enterprise
server. Figure 1.3.
Figure 1.3: Mainframe
3. Minicomputers (Midrange Servers): are midsize servers for multi-user
computer system, supporting only hundreds of users simultaneously from 4
to 200 clients. Software technology is different from Mainframe computer.
It was developed in the mid-1960s and the size was smaller than Mainframe
and larger than Microcomputer, for the reason system is called "midrange
computer". Figure 1.4.

Figure1.4: Minicomputer in 1969

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 4. Microcomputers or PCs (Personal Computers): are small and inexpensive, designed for a single user.
They are centered on the microprocessor technology that allows the manufacturers to fit in an entire CPU
within a single chip. Although, they are designed for a single-user those can be linked to other device to form
or join a network computer.

There are different types of microcomputers, such as:

Desktop computers are usually used at home, work, or school. These are
designed to be positioned on a desk and are usually a collection of system
unit, keyboard, mouse and monitor. Figure 1.5.
Figure 1.5: Desktop Computer

Laptops or Notebooks are battery-powered computers and are portable,

letting users to use them everywhere. Its cover opens up to reveal a screen,
keyboard and a tactile sensor that is a substitute of mouse. See Figure 1.6.

Figure 1.6: Laptop/Notebook

Tablet computers are handheld and easy to carry laptops. As an alternate of

mouse and keyboard, they provide touch screen option for keying and
navigation. Figure 1.7.
Figure 1.7: Tablet

Smartphones are devices those are the combination of a mobile phone and a
handheld computer. They can perform the tasks like computers, such as,
surfing the internet, and using desktop applications etc. Figure 1.8.

Figure 1.8: Smartphone

PART 2 - HARDWARE COMPONENTS

Basic Parts of a Computer

A computer s basic parts are made up of the system unit, keyboard, monitor and mouse. Figure1.9.

Figure 1.9: Basic Parts of a Computer

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A. The System Unit
The heart of any computer is its system unit that is the main body of the computer, containing all essential
components, required for its functioning. The quality and features of the components inside the system unit are the
main reasons, resulting in difference of price among different types
of computers.
1. Motherboard
It is the major circuit board, on which all components are placed and
connected. It contains Central Processing Unit, RAM, ROM,
connectors for (HDD, Optical Drive CD/DVD/BD), expansion slots,
network interface card etc. Motherboards vary in many ways,
including the CPUs and memory they support, the technology used
in their chipset, the expansion slots they have and the external ports
Figure 1.10 Motherboard
they support. Figure 1.10.
Expansion Slot
It adds capabilities that are not available on the motherboard. It is used to insert
an expansion card such as a graphic card, a network card or a sound card, which
gives additional features to a computer. Figure 1.11.

Figure 1.11 Expansion Slot

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Each computer has one processor at the minimum, which is called Central
Processing Unit (CPU), brain or virtual brain of the computer. It accomplishes all
kinds of tasks like information processing, storing, accessing, and instruction
processing. It also controls all parts of the computer. CPU consists of Control Unit,
Arithmetic and Logical Unit and Register. The CPU is composed of a very small and
thin sheet of semiconductor material. It holds millions of small transistors and
pathways those carry the information, instructions, perform calculations as per the
given commands, and generates the output as per the given command. The Figure 1.12
components inside it are so small that you need a microscope to see them. Figure Intel and AMD processors
1.12 shows the most common type of computer processor, Intel and AMD
processors. Example (Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and i9).
Components of a CPU
Control Unit (CU): controls and sequences all the processes performed by processor. It manages the flow of
data through the components of the CPU. CU is considered as the central nervous system for all the internal
parts. It organizes the whole computer, gets commands from the RAM and ROM, understands and acts on the
commands, generate signals for the other parts of computer to perform different tasks, guides and controls the
actions of the input and output devices.
Arithmetical and Logical Unit (ALU): does the actual processing. It carries out arithmetic tasks, such as: +, -
, *, / and logic operations, such as: >, >=, <, <=, = <>, AND, OR, NAND, NOR on the operands in computer
instruction words.
Register: is one of a small set of data holding places those are the part of a computer processor. It may hold an
instruction, a storage address, or any other kind of data. The size of the register is expressed in bits. Nowadays,
the available capacity of register is 32-bit and 64-bit or more.

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Data Representation:
The smallest unit of data in a computer is bit. A bit is a single binary digit, and has either a value of 1 or 0. Eight bits
can combine to make a byte, which is an 8-digit binary number. Modern systems work with thousands, millions and
even billions of bytes at a time. Table 1.1. Lists the names of certain multiples of bytes.

Measurement Acronym Equivalent(s)

1 Byte B 8 bits Example: 1 Byte or 8-bits 10010100
10
1 Kilobyte KB 2 byte = 1024 bytes. Here the word kilo is tricky as compared to our normal

KB would represent 64 x 1024.

1 Megabyte MB 1024 Kilobytes
1 Gigabyte GB 1024 Megabytes
1 Terabyte TB 1024 Gigabytes
1 Petabyte PB 1024 Terabytes
Table1.1 Units of Data.

Example: Convert 25 Gigabytes to Bytes

25 GB = 25 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024

= 26,843,545,600 bytes

To conversion between Byte and bits, for example: convert 10MB to ( ??? ) Mb
o 10 MB = 10 *8 = 80 Mb
To conversion between bits and Bytes, for example: convert 16 Gb to ( ??? ) GB
o 16Gb = 16/8 = 2 GB

To Convert file from size 20 GB to [ ??? ] KB

o (20 * 1024) * 1024 =20,971,520 KB
To convert file from size 500,850 KB to [ ??? ] MB
o (500,850 / 1024 ) =489.11 MB

We use some terms in computer, such as

o Bytes (B) for storage, for example: file size is 20 Kilo Bytes (KB).
o bits (b) we use it for transmission, for example the speed of Ethernet card is 100 Megabits per second
(Mbps) or speed of internet 20 Mb.
o Hertz (Hz) we use it for the speed of CPU processor, for example the speed of CPU 1.2 Giga Hertz (GHz).

Cores of CPU
Modern CPUs have multiple cores, so they can complete multiple tasks simultaneously as if they physically were
more than one CPU. A core consists of a separate set of CPU components (CU, ALU and register). The CPU
are located in the same chip. An example of a CPU that has one or more cores is Core 2 or Dual Core. These CPUs
have 2 cores. Quad-Core CPU means it has 4 cores, and Octa-Core CPU means 8 cores.

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Caches
Cache is a computer memory component that stores and retrieves the data faster.
The CPU can execute a function with every tick of the system clock called a clock cycle. The CPU is sometimes idle
because of delays between the request for data and the delivery of data from the memory. The bus (pathway) between
the memory and the CPU is not fas es may pass when the CPU is
processing this action. The delay caused by the waiting for another component to deliver data is called latency.
To minimize the latency, CPUs have caches. A cache is a small amount of very fast memory located near or within
the CPU. Most of the data used by the CPU are placed in the cache for temporary holding. If the CPU needs the data,
it is more readily available and is delivered faster, which means less delay.
CPU usually have a multi-level cache, L1 (Level 1), L2 (Level 2), L3 (Level 3) cache. Figure 1.13.
Table 1.2 shows how cache make a difference in delivering data from the different levels of cache and the main
memory.
Table 1.2: How Caches Minimize Latency

Location Average number of clock cycles required to retrieve data

L1 cache 2 to 3 clock cycles
L2 cache 10 clock cycles
L3 cache 20 to 30 clock cycles
Main Memory 100 or more clock cycles

CPU with 4 cores inside it L1 and Separate L3

L2 caches cache RAM

Figure 1.13: caches in core i7

CPU Performance Factor

The performance of CPU relates to some of the following factors:
The CPU maximum speed, which is measured in billions of hertz (cycles per second) or gigahertz
(GHz). Gigahertz means 1,000,000,000=109 Hertz.
Another factor is the CPU word size, which is the number of bits that the CPU (per core if it is multi-
core) can accept as input simultaneously. CPUs usually have 32-bit or 64-bit word size.
Number of Cores
Cache designs and its Capacity.

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 3. Memory
Computer memory is stored on an electronic chip which has integrated circuits. This memory is a storage space in a
computer where data is processed and instructions required for processing are stored. Memory storage could either
be temporary or permanent.
Classification of Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory): is the main memory and is also called dynamic
RAM (DRAM). It is used as a temporary storage space, in which the CPU has
direct access to stored data, programs or results. When the computer is shutdown or
the power is cut-off, the content of DRAM would be lost or cleared.

Figure 1.14 RAM

ROM (Read Only Memory): is another type of primary memory that is a small chip located in motherboard,
stores the instructions permanently. This chip is used during the start-up of the computer.
The program inside ROM includes a function called POST (Power-On Self-Test). The
POST is used to diagnose and test the hardware and software components of the
computer.
Figure 1.16 shows the fastest memory and slowest memory. Figure 1.15 ROM

Secondary Storage Hard Main memory RAM L3 Cache: L2 L1

Disk Located on a Cache Cache
Separate chip
close to CPU

Slowest Fastest

Figure 1.16: The fastest and slowest memory speed

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To show CPU, RAM and Disk properties of any PC that use MS. Windows, only press on the keyboard keys
CTRL + SHIFT + ESC Manager then click more details, and select Performance. Figure 1.17.

CPU Name

CPU speed

CPU cores

CPU cache

Size type of
RAM

RAM speed

Figure 1.17: CPU and RAM properties

4. Power Supply
It is used to convert AC (Alternative Current) power to low-regulated voltage DC (Direct
Current) power that can be supplied to the components of the computer system. It is a large
silver metal box mounted in one corner of the system unit, with many bundles of colored
wires and connectors. Each wire carries a different voltage. Each connector has
appropriate wires to deliver the exact voltage required. Figure1.18.
Figure 1.18 Power Supply

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 5. Computer Ports
Most motherboards have built-in components such as video, audio and networking. Having these components means
there is no need to buy a separate circuit board for these capabilities.

Types of Ports
Universal Serial Bus (USB): is most common multipurpose port that connects all types of external devices
such as external hard disk, flash disk, printer, scanner, digital camera, mouse, keyboard and even
smartphones.
o There is difference between type of USB and Data Transfer protocol of the USB:
USB types refer to the shape of the port and connector
While (Data Transfer protocol) refer to the technology used in that type.
o The basic types can be seen in table 1.3.

2. USB Type B ( use in 3. USB Type C

1. USB Type A
printers)

Port Connector Port Connector Port Connector

Table 1.3: USB Types
o The technology used in USB related to different versions and other features such as speed, power
delivery and supporting video as shown in Table1.3.
Data Transfer Protocol Max Speed Power Delivery ( PD) Symbol Support Video

USB 2.0 480 Mbps NO NO

USB 3.0 5 Gbps NO

(USB 3.1 Gen1) NO
5 Gbps YES

10 Gbps NO
USB 3.1 Gen 2

10 Gbps YES

USB 4
40 Gbps YES YES
( Thunderbolts 3 )

Table 1.3 USB versions

o The symbol indicate that the port support video, so that port can be connected direct to
the monitor.

o USB4 : Was developed in 2019 by intel and Apple which used thunderbolt 3 technology from Apple
company with speed = 40 Gbps . Thunderbolt 3 ports, used by Apple, are fully compatible with USB
devices and cables, and the port and connectors come in Type C, see symbol Thunder in the
Figure.1.19
The USB type C ( USB 3.1 and USB 4 ) will substitute most or all port for
many reasons :
1. The connector can be inserted in both sides. Figure 1.19 thunderbolt3 port
2. It can be used for charging Laptops. and connector
3. The speed of transmission is very high from 10Gbps to 40 Gbps.

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 Ethernet Port: It is an RJ-45 jack used to connect to the network or
to the high-speed Internet. Figure 1.20.

Figure 1.20
Audio Port: is a small 3.5mm round external connector for plugging
in speakers, headphones and microphones. It is usually color-coded;
pink for microphone, green for speakers or headphones and blue for
line input. Figure 1.21.
Figure 1.21: Audio port

Display Adapter: i A
motherboard might has one of the following

o Video Graphics Array (VGA) Port which is used for older CRT
style of monitor or LCD monitor.
o Digital Visual Interface (DVI) Port which is used for the digital
type of monitor
o The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) adapter is
an interface used to transfer audio/video data from the HDMI-
compliant source device. Figure1.22
Figure 1.22: Display ports and connectors

B. Input Devices:
Input devices allow the user to communicate with the operating system and application.

1. Keyboard: enables a user to enter typed data. This is the basic

way to communicate with the computer. The layout of a
keyboard is similar to a traditional typewriter. It contains
alphanumeric keys, punctuation keys, and special keys.
Figure1.23.
Figure 1.23 Qwerty keyboard

2. Pointing Device: is a piece of hardware that enables you to move the onscreen pointer in a graphical user
interface. A mouse is most common pointing device that lets you point to an object on the screen and click,
select, or move.

Types of pointing devices:

A mouse can be a Mechanical mouse which has a rubber ball
underneath. As you move the mouse, the ball activates the sensor inside
the mouse and moves the pointer onscreen. Figure1.24.
Figure 1.24 Mouse with rubber

Another type is the Optical mouse which uses LED (Light Emitting
Diode) sensor for moving and controlling the pointer onscreen. Figure
1.25.

Figure1.25: Optical Mouse

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 Trackball is a stationary device with a ball on top or on one side that you roll
with the fingers. Figure1.26.

Figure1.26: Trackball

Touch Pad is also a pointing device, which is built-in to many

notebook computers. Figure1.27.
The Light Pen is used in most touchscreen devices, such as the
tablet computer. Figure1.27.
Figure1.27: Touchpad and Light Pen

3. Scanner: most scanners are flatbed models, where you place the image on the
flat piece of glass and then a sensor and light bar moves to capture the image. It
works like a photocopy machine, instead of a hardcopy output, the scanner will
convert the paper document into a digital file such as jpeg, tiff or even a pdf file.
Figure 1.28.
Figure1.28 Flatbed Scanner

4. Voice Data Entry: most common type is a microphone. When it is connected

to a computer, converts human voice data into a digital signal. Figure 1.29.

Figure1.29: Microphone
5. Digital Camera: is used to capture the picture or video which is then stored
into its memory card. Stored digital images or video can be transferred to a
computer by connecting the camera or the memory card to it. Figure 1.30.
Figure1.30: Digital Camera

6. Web Camera: is a camera that is directly connected to a computer and used

to capture picture or video and can be used with internet applications for
video chatting or video conferencing. Figure 1.31.
Figure1.31: Web Camera

7. Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR): is a character-recognition technology used

by banks to ease the process of determining the validity of cheques, which uses a
the
contents of magnetic substance that is machine readable. Figure 1.32.
Figure1.32: MICR

8. Optical Character Reader (OCR): is a device to scan the handwritten printed

text. It optically takes the information character by character and changes it to
machine-readable code. Figure 1.33.

Figure1.33: OCR Device

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 9. Bar Code and QR code Reader: is a device used to read bar
coded data or QR (Quick Response) Code. It scans bar
coded ge and sends the related
information to the computer where the device is attached or to
the mobile.. It is used widely in supermarkets, shopping stores
in which every item for sale is bar coded. Figure 1.34.
Figure 1.34: Bar Code and QR code Readers
QR (Quick Response) Code Scanner. is a two-dimensional
barcode, a square panel with encoded data in both dimensions, which allows
the QR code to store more data than bar codes. Figure 1.35.

Figure1.35: Quick Response

C. Output Devices:
the user.
1. Display Screen: is a video screen that the computer uses to provide information to a user. It can be built into
a device as with smartphones, tablets and notebook PCs or can be a separate unit as a monitor with a desktop
computer.
Types of display screen:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or LED (Light Emitting
Diode) is flat screen monitor (as shown in Figure 1.36 and
1.37), which is the current stand-alone monitor. Another
type is the old CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, which
is contained, in a large plastic case. See Figure 1.37
Figure1.37: CRT Monitor Figure1.36: Flat Screen

Digital projector (Figure 1.38.) can be connected to a computer to display large sized
images, videos or computer data on a flat white surface or wall.

2. Printer: is used to print information on the paper and is referred as hard-copy. Figure1.38: Projector

Types of Printers:
Dot Matrix is an impact type of printer which is still sold today. It creates image on
the page by striking the page through an inked ribbon. It prints letter by letter so is
slow. Figure 1.39.

Figure1.39: Dot Matrix

Inkjet Printer sprays liquid ink on the page through a set of very small nozzles (ink
jets) as shown in Figure 1.40. Depending on the model, it uses either heat or
electricity to squirt out the ink through the nozzles. It prints line by line so is faster
than a dot matrix.

Figure1.40: Inkjet

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 Laser Printer is popular in business because it is fast. It can handle high-
volume printing (Figure 1.41). It produces good-quality and high-resolution
output in both black and color models. A laser printer prints by creating an
image of the page on a rotating drum (toner) using varying levels of electrical
charges. It prints page by page so it is faster than other types of printers.
Figure1.41: Laser Printer

Plotter is a large-format printer that can create high precision drawings like
blueprints, maps, and engineering drawings. Plotter is available in inkjet or
laser technology. Figure 1.42.

Figure1.42: Plotter
3D Printer is new technology in printing that uses plastic resin, rather than ink.
(Figure 1.43.). It lays down layers of plastic in a particular arrangement to
produce a 3D object.

Figure1.43: 3D Printer

3. Audio Output Device: is an output device that emits sound from the
computer. Speakers and headphone are the most common audio output
devices. Figure1.44.

Speaker Headphone
NOTE: A touchscreen display used in Smartphones or Tablets, including
Touchscreen monitors used in some notebooks and in desktop Computers are Figure 1. 44: Audio Output
considered as both, Input and Output devices. A headset contains a microphone that
is used as an input device and the headphone itself is used as an output device.
D. Storage Device
A storage device is where programs and data are stored or written for a long period of time or permanently. It is also
used for carrying data from one computer to another. It is not accessible directly to the CPU that is why slower for
read/write operation. It is cheap and used for large data storage.

Types of Storage Devices

Magnetic Tape: stores the digital information in the form of recording. It
is packed in cartridge and plastic case. It could store up around 100 TB of
data. Figure 1.45.

Figure 1. 45: Magnetic tapes

Hard Disk Drive (HDD): is the most common secondary storage. It is

composed of 4-6 metallic disk platters and both sides of the disk are used
for data storage except the upper and lower disk. The disks are very
sensitive that is why the casing is protectively sealed. Available sizes of
the hard disk are 500 GB/1 TB/ 2TB/3 TB or more. Figure 1.46.

Figure 1. 46: Hard Disk Drive

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 Optical Disk Drive: is an optical circular disk on which data such as sound, text, video, graphics or any
type of information are digitally encoded onto the disk. Figure 1.47.

Types of Optical Disk

o Compact Disk (CD) is oldest and most basic type which can
hold up to of 700MB of data.
o Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) is a single layer single-sided
DVD can store up to 4.7GB, the Dual Layer-single sided DVD
can store up to 8.5GB and the Dual-layer double-sided DVD can
hold up to 17GB of data.
o Blu-ray Disk (BD) is a disk that can store High Definition (HD)
Figure 1. 47: Optical Disk
videos, including 3D videos. It can store up to 25GB in a single
layer, 50GB on a dual-layer, 100GB and 128GB on a BD-XL
format.

External Hard Disk: is a portable hard disk that is used to carry data from
a computer or as a backup device. An internal hard disk is faster than an
external hard disk. Available capacity in the market is 500 GB/ 1TB/ 2 TB
/ 4TB or more. Figure 1.48.

Figure 1. 48: External Hard Disk

Flash Drive: is the most common portable storage device, about the size
of a thumb or even smaller. It is a plug and play device that is connected to
a USB port. Available sizes of the USB flash memories are 2 GB,
4/8/16/32/64/128/256/512/1 TB/2 TB or more. Figure 1.49.

Figure 1. 49: USB Flash

Solid State Drive (SSD): is used to store the data permanently on the solid
memory, without having any moving mechanical components such as HD.
It uses the same technology as the USB flash drive, but SSD has a larger
capacity where the microcontroller is optimized to improving the
throughput (i.e. speed of access, start up and shutdown) and other storage
based improvements. Smartphones, Tablets, High-end desktops and
notebooks use SSD. Figure 1.50. Figure 1. 50:Solid-state Drive

E. Communication Device:
A hardware component that can transmit an analog or digital signal on a telephonic network, transmission lines
or wireless networks.
Types of communication devices
Modem is a device that can send and receive data over a telephone network.
Figure 1.51.
Figure 1. 51: Modem

Network Interface Card (NIC) also called an Ethernet card,

used to connect a computer with a network by using a wire
(cable) with wired NIC or without wire, through wireless NIC.
Figure 1.52 (a)-(b).
(a)Wireless NIC (b)Wired NIC
Figure 1. 52

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 Switch and Router: Switch is a network device that connects
computers inside a network, whereas, Router is a device that
connects several networks and connect network with internet.
Figure 1.53 (a)-(b).
(a) Router (b) Switch
Figure 1. 53

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Device connects a computer or other

equipment wirelessly. Example of Wi-Fi devices are Access point
and Wireless Router. Figure 1.54. (a)-(b).

(a) Access point (b) Wireless Router

Figure 1. 54

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 PART 3 SOFTWARE COMPONENTS

A program that is made to accomplish a particular task is called software. A program is a series of commands written
to find the solution of a specific problem.
A programmer writes the instructions that become computer programs. The programmer writes line-by-line using
programming language, and then compiles those instructions into usable programs.
Types of Software:
There are two main categories of software:
1. System Software
2. Application Software
System Software
Software that starts the computer and keeps it running, performs elementary tasks such as running applications,
files management and correction of errors. System software includes:
A. The BIOS.
B. Operating System.
C. System Utilities that add many maintenance functions.
D. Device Drivers.
A. The BIOS: is a permanent program inside the ROM, which stands for (Basic Input/output System). When
computer is turned on, the booting process start in black screen and the BIOS automatically run and performs a
power-on self-test (POST) function, which is part of the BIOS program. The POST ensures that all critical
hardware devices are functioning properly, including the CPU, RAM, and the motherboard. If the POST
discovers any problem, an error message will appear on black screen or beep sound will be heard, otherwise if
there is no problem then the BIOS looks for the operating system to complete the boot process and load it to the
RAM. See the Booting screen and BIOS Program in the Figure 1.55 (a) and (b)

(a) Booting Black Screen (b) BIOS Basic Input/output System

Figure 1. 55

B. Operating System
It is a set of programs that manages and controls the resources of a computer.
The operating system performs these important functions:
Provides user interface to give commands and receive feedback.
Performs communication with hardware and instructs it for necessary actions to accomplish task.
Runs programs and manage.
Performs controlling and management for the file storage.

There are many kinds of operating systems, suited for different devices, from supercomputer to smartphones.
Each operating system is optimized for the hardware it runs on and the task the user wants to perform.

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Some operating systems are designed to run a specific platform, which is a type of computer hardware,
compatible with a certain operating system. Intel-platform could run operating system like Microsoft Windows,
Unix or Linux. Most tablets and smartphones support only one operating system. For example, Samsung platform
uses the Android operating system; Macintosh platform uses the Apple IOS operating system in their Apple iPad
and iPhones.
Examples of operating systems are Unix, Linux, Mac OS, Microsoft Operating Systems (MS-DOS, Windows
3.1, 95, 98, 2000, NT, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10) and also includes Android and IOS for mobile phones
C. System Utilities
Also called utility programs, these
programs work together with
operating system and perform services
that keep OS running smoothly.
System utilities are developed to
customize, analyze, configure and
maintain a computer. Microsoft
Windows comes with built-in system utilities. Other utilities are needed to be
installed. Examples are Anti-virus, Backup and Restore, Data compression,
Disk cleaners, File managers, and many more. So we can say it performs
housekeeping tasks on computer. Figure 1.56 (Disk Clean-up).
Figure 1.56: Disk Clean-up
D. Device Driver
It is a type of system software that is used to control a particular hardware. The manufacture of hardware such
as HP printer writes the driver software for a particular operating system that comes in an optical disk (CD/DVD)
from the internet.
Once Device Driver is installed, it will work with OS to make sure the device works correctly. Device driver
controls and manages hardware devices and tells the computer how the device is working.
Application Software
It is a software designed to accomplish a range of coordinated functions, tasks or activities that benefits the user.
It is also called end-user programs.
Categories of Application Software
General Purpose Software: - -made), which is used by lots
Package software
spreadsheets, graphical designing software, databases, desktop publishing software, multimedia
applications, and web browsers, etc.
Custom Software: Tailor-
made software
application software, banking system software and many more.

Other Application Software

Programming Language: is a software used to create programs, controls the behavior of a machine or
to express an algorithm. Java, C++, Visual Basic, Python, and Ruby are examples of a programming
languages. Each programming language needs a compiler or interpreter to convert the source code from
a programming language into a machine code which the computer can understand. The compiler scan
code while
interpreter translates source code line by line.
Compilers used by: Visual Basic, C++, while interpreter used by: Python and Ruby

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 Virus: is a type of malicious computer program, when entered and activated in a system, duplicate and
reproduce (replicates) itself, could harm other programs by changing their properties. And Antivirus is
a software developed to detect and remove computer viruses. We will talk about viruses types in the
Security chapter later.
End-User License Agreement (EULAs):
Most of software comes today with (EULAs) see the Figure
1.57, this agreement is a contract you have to accept if you
want to install the software and if you press cancel then you

contract. There are many terms of the license agreements,

some of them:

Forbids changing or reverse engineering the

software.
We are not responsible if this product messes up
your computer.
By agreeing this contract, we agree any future
changes we make, and we will make changes
without notice.
Figure1.57: EULAs For Real player program

When we purchase a software program we are actually buying a software license, or in the case of an
organization that needs many copies, a site license. A software license can only be copied for backup purposes
while site licenses let the organization make a specific number of copies to be used within that organization only.
Software Copyright:
A protection for any software from copying or installation without fully licensed is defined as copy right. Free and
open source licenses also rely on copyright laws to enforce their terms.

Most software is copyrighted, so if you copy, distribute or use any software without license, it will be infringing of
software copyrights and this infringement is called software piracy.

Three types of software have copyright and one type of software is free from copyright:
Commercial Software: is a copyrighted software that needs to be purchased in order to get a
license key which is needed for the installation of the program.

Shareware: is a copyrighted software that can be used at no cost for a particular period of time,
with limitations and restrictions. After the trial period, a registration fee is required for the full
version of the program. Such as Mac OS X and Microsoft Office.

Freeware: is a copyrighted software that is available for use without any cost but with restrictions,
-distributed and re-
General Public License (GPL).

Open Source software: This software is free from copyright, and the source code is available for
everyone to use. So we can freely use, modify and sell it to others. This type of software is also
called Public Domain Software.
that indicates the copyright, heading towards public domain. An example of open source software
is Linux.

Plagiarism sing that the work

belongs to us. It contains any work in the form of hard or soft copy, from the internet, or any other form.

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 There are sites, running the
easily traced and the consequences could be severe.

While giving the reference (to give credit to the author towards the source of information), we have to

ould be used if we wish to cite a reference and quote the important information (like a sentence),
using the same wordings of the author.
Copyright infringements apply on the original work, which has a copyright, could get us sued. It
covers anything expressed by anybody in any way. The concepts of an individual belong to the originator,
and it is prohibited to pretend that they are related to us.

Notes about using Music from internet and how we can use small section of copyrighted work.
o Music uploading and downloading: Uploading or downloading the copyrighted music is an
infringement that is unlawful in terms of copyrights. There is a misconception that uploading a
copyrighted music file for 24 hours is legal and if we buy the original work, we allowed to upload
the file.

o Fair use
granted the approval to use the work.

How to Buy a Computer?

Factors to consider in purchasing a computer:
Purpose: it is important to consider the task that you want to perform on the PC.
Price: one of the most important factors is your budget; how much money to invest in a PC?
Operating System: most of the PCs and Notebooks are bundled with a minimum requirement for the
operating system such as Windows Home edition.
Size: we need to decide which size of PC is needed; a notebook which we can take anywhere or a desktop
which we will be using at home or in the office.
Processor: it is important to consider the processor which is installed in the PC.
Memory: memory will affect the computers multitasking efficiency and its speed of operation.
Storage: there are different options that we need to consider for the hard drive. This decision is depending
on the reason, why we are going to use the PC?
Brand: some brands come with attractive packages, such as warranty and software package.
Warranty: is an important consideration while buying a new computer. Warranty is an after sales support
from the PC company so that if something happens to the PC, either they will repair or replace it with a
new PC.

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 Part 4: Workplace and Ergonomics:

The continuous use of computer results in various health related issues and ignoring the safety could cause computer
related problems. Before turning on the computer, make sure that the workplace is safe for the user and safe for other
people.
Workplace should have:
Adequate lighting and ventilation
Appropriately positioned monitor
Indirect sunlight
A comfortable desk with good leg room
An adjustable chair

Ergonomics is the design and arrangement of a workplace and devices for the human usage (like human
posture, sitting position) so the user could work together with the device towards maximum efficiency and
safety.

The use of computer for a long time causes common IT related injuries, which includes:

Aches and pains due to bad posture: having a bad posture while using the computer may leads to aches
and pains, and constantly using it for a long period of time could cause real damages.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI): means the repetition of any action could cause strain that turns into injury.
RSI is a word, used to explain the paining problem of muscular or nervous tissues, which appears through
the excessive use or movements of arms, forearms, hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck, etc.
Eye strain: looking to the screen for a long term may cause eye strain. To reduce eyestrain, we have to
take frequent breaks and make some eye exercises by looking away from the computer, after around every
20 minutes and focus at an outlying item, at least 20-feet away, around 20 seconds. It is known as "20-20-

Electric shocks due to dangerous wiring: disordered or faulty electrical wiring at the workplace may
cause dangerous electric shock.

To avoid injuries during working on computer, it is important to modify our monitor, chair and body posture as
shown in the Figure 1.58.

Figure1.58: Ergonomics

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 Multiple Choice and Fill in the blank Exercises:

1. Which of the following is not an example of 6. One Gigahertz speed of the CPU is equal to:
System Software? a) 1,000,000 Hertz
a) Linux b) 1024 MHertz
b) Android c) 1,000,000 KHertz
c) Device Driver d) 106 Hertz
d) Internet Explorer 7. Workplace should have:
2. Tailor made software is: a) Proper ventilation
a) General purpose software b) Access Rights
b) Special purpose software c) Eye strain
c) Custom software. d) NIC
d) System Utility Software. 8. The processor with 8 cores is:
3. We can express 3 bytes by: a) Dual core
a) 24 bits b) Quad core
b) 210 bits c) Octa core
3
c) 2 Byte d) Hexa core
2
d) 3 bits 9. Encircle the picture of DVI from the following:
4. Which computer is used in weather forecasting? a)
a) Supercomputer b)
b) Microcomputer c) .
c) Mainframe d)
d) Minicomputer
5. Which of the following is not an input device? 10. An Example of Open Source software is:
a) Projector. a) Unix
b) Scanner. b) Linux
c) Microphone. c) MS. Windows 10
d) Bar code reader d) Mos X

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 Fill in the blank Questions:

1. ----------------------------------- are expensive powerful servers those are part of network system, handle
thousands of users simultaneously and capable of processing and storing large amounts of business data.
2. ----------------------------------- are midsize servers for multi-user computer system, supporting only
hundreds of users simultaneously from 4 to 200 client.
3. -------------------------- is one of a small set of data holding places memory that are part of the computer
processor. It may hold an instruction, a storage address, or any other kind of data.
4. ------------------------------- is the main memory, used as a temporary storage space.
5. ------------------------ port provides power delivery, supports video with a maximum speed of 10 Gbps.
6. --------------------------- is an input device with a ball on top or on one side that you roll with the fingers.
7. -------------------------- is a device that can send and receive data over a telephone network.
8. ---------------------------- are programs work together with operating system and perform services that keep
OS running smoothly.
9. ------------------------------------------ - -made), which is used by a lot
of people and for a variety of tasks.
10. Examples of programming Languages using the interpreter are --------------------- and ------------------- .
11. ------------------------------------- is an agreement we have to accept if we want to install the software and if
we press cancel,
12. ---------------------------------- is a copyrighted software that can be used at no cost for a particular period of
time, with limitations and restrictions.
13. --------------------------------- is a copyrighted software that needs to be purchased in order to get a license
key which is needed for the installation of the program.
14. ---------------------------------
the work belongs to us.

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 Spotlight

Number Systems
Number systems are the technique to represent numbers, the Decimal system that consist of 10 digits represent with
0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 . We called this system Decimal System or System (Base-10) because it has 10 digits.
In computer, we use deferent number systems we called it Binary system. Binary system has two digits (0 and 1)
for that we called it Binary system or (Base-2).
Other number system we use it in computer like Hexadecimal system which consist of 16 Alphanumeric values
represent with 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C,D,E and F . We called this system Hexadecimal system or (Base-16).
Decimal System:
The system number related to the position of the digit, for example Decimal Number (358) we use a positional
notation system. Each digit is multiplied by an appropriate power of 10 depending on its position in the number:

The position 102 101 100

( 358 )10 The digit 3 5 8

8 * 100 = 8 * 1 = 8
5 * 101 = 5 * 10 = 50 (8 + 50 + 300 ) 385
3 * 102 = 3 * 100 = 300
The Binary Number its base is 2 to convert any binary number (01101101) 2 to decimal number (???)10 , you can
draw the table below and insert an appropriate power of 2 depending on its position in the number :
The positional 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
----Weighted
( 01101101 )2 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
The Binary 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1

1*20 = 1*1 = 1

0 * 21 = 0*2 = 0

1 * 22 = 1 * 4 = 4

1 * 23 = 1 * 8 = 8
( 01101101 )2 = (1+0+4+8+0+32+64+0) (109)10
0 * 24 = 0 * 16 = 0
Sum the result for
1 * 25 = 1 * 32 = 32 each position:

1 * 26 = 1 * 64 = 64 (1+0+4+8+0+32+64+0) (109)10
0 * 27 = 1 * 128 = 0

Another Example convert Binary number ( 01010110 )2 to Decimal number (???)10 :

(01010110)2 = ( 0 * 27 + 1 * 26 + 0 * 25 + 1 * 24 + 0 * 23 + 1 * 22 +1 * 21 + 0 * 20 )
=(0 + 64 + 0 + 16 + 0 + 4 + 2 + 0 ) = ( 86 ) 10

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To convert from Decimal to Binary we can use division by 2 but we will use an easy method; follow the example
bellow:
Convert Decimal Number ( 58 )10 to Binary Number (???) 2
Draw the table as below then insert 1 below the largest position less than or equal 58 it will be 25 = 32
128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
The positional weight
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
( 58 ) 10 The Binary number

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
The positional weight
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
The Binary number 1
Sum 32 with 16 = 48 still less than or equal 58 so add 1 to the position 24 = 16

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
The positional weight
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
The Binary number 1 1
Sum 48 with 8 = 56 still less than or equal 58 so add 1 to the position 23 = 8

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
The positional weight
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
The Binary number 1 1 1
Sum 56 with 4 = 60 it is more than 58 so add 0 to the position 22 = 4

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
The positional weight
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
The Binary number 1 1 1 0
Sum 56 with 2 = 58 it is equal than or equal 58 so add 1 to the position 21 = 2

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
The positional weight
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
The Binary number 1 1 1 0 1
Now insert 0 to other positions 20,26 and 27

( 58 ) 10 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
The position weight
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
(00111010)2 The Binary number 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0

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Every time we use computer or mobile to watch movie, use internet, listen to music or use GPS, the device will use
binary code to store, transmit and display files.
Each character in the keyboard has a unique binary system of 8 digits based on standard rules like ASCII / UTF-8
which assign values between 0 and 255 for upper and lower, numeric digits, punctuation marks and other symbols
See Appendix D , example of characters and its binary string:

Character Decimal Binary Character Decimal Binary

A 65 01000001 a 97 01100001
B 66 01000010 b 98 01100010

Z 90 01011010 z 122 01111010

Write Hello in binary code: 01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111

H e l l o
01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111

The device and program use binary code such as ( 01000001 )2 will recognize if this binary string is capital letter A
or number ( 65 ) or other meaning.

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