Introduction to Computer

Definition:
1. A computer may be defined as a machine which accepts data from an input device perform
arithmetical and logical operations in accordance with a predefined program and finally
transfers the processed data to an output device
2. A computer is an electronic device that accepts data and instructions, stores them
temporarily in its memory waiting processing, automatically executes/ obeys the sets of the
issued instructions to produce information from the input raw data.
3. It is described as an electronic device because it is a processing tool/aid that makes work
easy (the work of processing) using electric energy in its logical operations.
4. It accepts data and instructions this means that it must be having means of communicating
from its external environment, what are collectively described as input device.
5. A computer is an information-processing machine. It may also be defined as a device that
works under the control of stored programs automatically accepting, storing and
processing data to produce information that is the result of that processing.

Why use computers?

1. Speed – Computers have higher processing speeds than other means of processing,
measured as number of instructions executed per second.
2. Accuracy – Computers are not prone to errors. So long as the programs are correct, they
will always give correct output. A computer is designed in such a way that many of the
inaccuracies, which could arise due to the malfunctioning of the equipment, are detected
and their consequences avoided in a way, which is completely transparent to the user.
3. Consistency – Given the same data and the same instructions computers will produce
exactly the same answer every time that particular process is repeated.
4. Reliability – Computer systems are built with fault tolerance features, meaning that failure
of one of the components does not necessarily lead to failure of the whole system.
5. Memory capability – A computer has the ability to store and access large volumes of data.
6. Processing capability – A computer has the ability to execute millions of instructions per
second.

Computer application areas

1. Communication – digital communication using computers is popular and is being
adopted worldwide as opposed to analogue communication using the telephony system.
Computers have also enhanced communication through email communication, electronic
data interchange, electronic funds transfer, Internet etc. More specific examples include:
2. Banking – the banking sector has incorporated computer systems in such areas as credit
analysis, fund transfers, customer relations, automated teller machines, home banking, and
online banking.
3. Organizational management – the proliferation of management information systems
have aided greatly the processes of managerial planning, controlling, directing as well as
decision-making. Computers are used in organization for transaction processing,
managerial control as well as decision-support. Other specific areas where computer
systems have been incorporated include sales and marketing, accounting, customer service
etc.
 4. Science, research and engineering – computers used
a. as research tools, complex computations
b. for simulation e.g. outer-space simulations, flight simulations
c. as diagnostic and monitoring tools,
d. computerized maps using global positioning satellite (GPS) technology
e. for modern mass production methods in the auto industry using computer driven
technology
5. Education– computers incorporate databases of information that are useful in organizing
and disseminating educational resources. Such E-learning and virtual or distributed
classrooms have enabled the teaching industry to have a global reach to the students.
Computers are also used for test scoring uniform tests done in schools, school
administration and computer aided instructions.
6. Management of information materials- The Internet has massive reference material on
virtually every learning area. Computer systems have enabled the efficient running of
libraries for information storage and retrieval.
7. Manufacturing and production – computer aided design (CAD), computer integrated
manufacturing (CIM), and process control systems among other technologies are
computer systems that have revolutionized the production industry.
8. Entertainment – use of computers in the entertainment industry has increased
tremendously over the years. Computers enable high-quality storage of motion pictures
and music files using high-speed and efficient digital storage devices such as CDs, VCDs
and DVDs. The Internet is also a great source of entertainment resources. Computer games
have also become a major source of entertainment.
9. Retailing – computers are used in point of sale systems and credit card payment systems
as well as stock inventories.
10. Home appliances – computers (especially embedded computers or microprocessors) are
included in household items for reasons of economy and efficiency of such items. Major
appliances such as microwave ovens, clothes washers, refrigerators and sewing machines
are making regular use of microprocessors.
11. Reservation systems – guest booking, accommodation and bills accounting using
computers in hotels have made the process to be more efficient and faster. Airline
computer reservation systems have also enhanced and streamlined air travel across major
airlines. Major players in the industry have also adopted online reservation systems.
12. Health care and medicine – computers have played an important role in the growth and
improvement of health care that the use of computers in medicine has become a medical
specialty in itself. Computers are used in such areas as maintenance of patient records,
medical insurance systems, medical diagnosis, and patient monitoring.

History of Computers
The first electronic computers were produced in the 1940s. Since then, a series of breakthroughs
in electronics have occurred leading to great improvements in the capacity, processing speed and
quality of computer resources.
1. The evolution of computerization in business may be summarized as:
2. 1870s: Development of the typewriter allows speedier communication and less
copying.
 3. 1920s: Invention of the telephone enables both Wide Area Networks (WAN) and Local
Area Networks (LAN) communication in real time. This marks the beginning of
telecommunication.
4. 1930s: Use of scientific management is made available to analyze and rationalize.
5. 1940s: Mathematical techniques developed in World War II (operations research) are
applied to the decision making process.
6. 1950s: Introduction of copying facilitates cheap and faster document production, and the
(limited) introduction of Electronic Data Processing (EDP) speeds up large scale
transaction processing.
7. 1960s: Emergence of Management Information Systems (MIS) provides background
within which office automation can develop.
8. 1970s: Setting up of telecommunication networks to allow for distant communication
between computer systems. There is widespread use of word processors in text editing and
formatting, advancement in personal computing- emergence of PCs. Use of spreadsheets.
9. 1980s: Development of office automation technologies that combine data, text, graphics
and voice. Development of DSS, EIS and widespread use of personal productivity
software.
10. 1990s: Advanced groupware; integrated packages, combining most of the office work-
clerical, operational as well as management.
11. 2000s: Wide spread use of Internet and related technology in many spheres of
organizations including electronic commerce (e-commerce), e-learning, e-health

Classification of computer
Computers are classified according to:
1. Generations
2. Purpose
3. Function
4. Size

Computer generation Computers

1. Gives a grouped summary of the gradual developments in the computer technology

First generation computers

1. The earliest time computers which were in use from around the mid 1950’s to rate 50’s
2. Comparatively large in size as compared to present day computers.
3. Generated lot of heat, they are not consistent and reliable as the valves tended to fail
frequently.
4. Low capacity of internal memory.
5. Processors operated in milliseconds speed range.
6. Internal storage consisted of magnetic drum and delay lines.

Examples
1. Univac
2. Commercial computer called LEO ( Lyon’s Electronic Office)

Advantages
 1. These computers were the fastest calculating machine at their time they could perform
computation in few seconds.
2. The vacuum tube technology make possible to advent of electronic digital computer.

Disadvantages
1. Too bulky in size
2. Unreliable
3. Air conditioning was required.
4. Manual assembling for individual components to functioning units was required.
5. Limited commercial use.
6. Constant maintenance
7. Thousands of vacuum tubes that were used to produce large amount of heat and burnt out
frequently.

Second generation computers

1. These were computers of the closing of the 1950’s to early 60’s which used transistors
which are relatively smaller too replace the valves
2. Smaller in size as compared to the 1st generation computers.
3. Generated a lower level of heat, as components were much smaller.
4. Greater degree of reliability because of solid state technology.
5. Use of core storage instead of magnetic drum and delay lines.
6. Processor operated in the microsecond speed.
7. High cost direct accesses storage.

Examples
1. IBM series
2. ATLAS

Advantages
1. Small in size as compared to first generation computer.
2. More reliable because they store more information and not producing more heat.
3. Less heat was generated.
4. Were able to reduce computations times.
5. Better portability
6. Wider commercial use.
7. Less prone to hardware failure.

Disadvantages
1. Required air conditions.
2. Commercial production was difficult and costly.
3. Require frequent maintenance.
4. Manual assemble of individual component into a functioning unit was required.

Third generation computers

1. The computers of this generation came being towards mid 60’s and they used integrated
circuits to replace transistors, diodes etc.
 2. Smaller in size as compared to 2nd generation computers.
3. Higher capacity internal storage
4. Remote communication facilities.
5. Multiprogramming facilities
6. Reduced cost of direct access storage.
7. Use of high level languages such as COBOL.
8. Wide range of optional peripherals.

Examples
1. ICL 1900 Series
2. IBM 360

Advantages
1. More reliable
2. High storage capacity compared to the second generation.
3. Computation speed was increased.
4. Small in size and portable as compared to second generation computer.
5. Maintenance cost was minimal
6. Commercial use was possible.
7. Assembling of individual component into a functioning unit was made easy.

Fourth generation computers

1. A modification of the third generation computer’s technology
2. They use complex circuitry
3. Marked the origin of the mini computers in use today.

Advantages
1. They are very fast.
2. Less expensive.
3. Portable.
4. Have greater data processing capacity than equivalent sized third generation computers
5. Use advanced technique to feed data into them and bring out processed data for the outside
world

Fifth generation computers

1. The design of these computers was based on the VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration)
technology, the micro chip technology that gave rise to smaller computer known as the
micro computers.

Example
1. IBM Personal Computer
2. BBC micro etc.

Advantages
1. They store large amount of information
2. When fully developed will be able to process non-numerical data.
Function
Analogue computers
1. They perform arithmetic operations and logical comparisons by measuring changes in
physical magnitudes e.g. electronic voltage, pressure changes, temperature changes etc
2. The application of analogue computers is confirmed to specialized areas as in scientific or
engineering experiments, manufacturing process and military weapons.
3. An analogue computer has the ability to accept inputs which vary with time and intensity
4. The output from the system may be in the form of a smooth graph.

Example
1. Slide rule
2. Car speedometer.

Digital computer
1. These are most commonly used type of computer
2. They process both numeric and alphabetic or alphanumeric data
3. The accuracy of digital computers is influenced by the memory size and the precisions of
the data input.
4. The digital computer also has unique ability and that is storing large quantities of data.

Hybrid computers
1. Are designed by interconnecting the digital computer and analogue computer’s element
directly into one processor, using a suitable interfacing circuitry.
2. Are more advantageous because they and analogue computers, through because of their
capabilities they are more expensive.

Purpose
Special purpose computers
1. Are designed to carry out special processing tasks in one or more applications e.g. the
servers.

General purpose computers.

1. These are computers designed to be used in a variety of applications in an environments as
required.
Dedicated purpose computers.
1. These are computers which are capable of performing a variety of tasks in different
applications environments
Size
Mainframe computers
1. They are most expensive of all the computers and are very big in size and offer the
maximum computing power.
 2. These are big general purpose computers capable of handling all kinds of problems whether
of bytes per second.
3. They can accept and transfer data from input / output devices at the rate of millions of bytes
per second.
4. They can accept all types of high level language.
5. They support large number of terminals.
6. They have large on-line secondary storage capabilities.

Mini computers
1. Are medium sized
2. They are physically bigger than the micro computer but smaller than the main frame
computers.
3. They support average internal and backing store.
4. These computers support several users at a time i.e. several work stations are connected to
one central mini- computer.
5. They are very fast in their operational speed more powerful and reliable than the micros
though lower that the mainframe computer’s capability.
6. They are more costly than the micros though cheaper than the mainframes.

Micro computers
1. The micro computers are the most common form of computers in offices of today as
desktop, personal or stand alone systems.
2. They are smallest of the three computer classes.
3. Their design is based on large scale circuit integration, that confines several physical
components per small elements thumb size, IC hence the size dramatically reduced.
4. Their internal memory is smaller than the mini computers and the mainframe computers
and they support limited backing storage media.
5. They are cheaper than the mini-computers and the main frame computers.

Personal computers (PC)

They are called so because they are designed for personal use of individual or business units’ office
automation units or professionals

Safe use and care of computers

Precautions to take while handling computers
1. Cabling-all cables connecting various components should be properly connected to avoid
damage and short circuit.
2. Stable power supply- there should be no interruption of power as this would lead to damage
or loss of data. The U.P.S should be encouraged.
3. Ventilation- the computer room should have free air circulation. Fans should be used to
improve ventilation.
4. Dust and dump proof- dust destroys the delicate parts of the computer system thus the
computer lab should be free of dust and dampness.
 5. Lighting- a computer lab should be well lit with natural light and also artificial lighting.
6. Floor space- should be kept clean and dry
7. Firefighting equipment- automatic fire direction devices should be used such as fire
extinguishers
8. Furniture- the computer must rest on a firm table to avoid any shaking that may damage
the hard disk.

Advantages of the computer

1. It operates at high speed, hence there may be cost saving e.g. staff costs, equipment costs
etc.
2. The computer results are accurate.
3. It works continuously without getting bored or tired.
4. It can work on voluminous data items.
5. Computer can operate in risky environment.
6. Computer is flexible
7. Produces reliable information.
8. Computer help to reduce paper work significantly
9. Provide useful information to management for control and decision making
10. Use of computer for office activities reduces the requirements of office space which
otherwise is required.

Disadvantages of a computer
1. Computers are costly.
2. They become outdated very fast due to change of technology.
3. Fear of loss of jobs to employees.
4. Controlling the computer master file’s contents is a difficult exercise due to fact that the
contents of the master files of computer based systems are non-human sensible.
5. In case the computer system fails, it might be extremely difficult to revert back to the old
manual system.

Computer Hardware

Computer hardware is the physical parts of the computer which can be seen and touched.
Generally, a computer system performs the following operations:
1. Inputting – the process of entering data and instructions into the computer system.
 2. Storing – saving data and instructions so that they are available for initial or additional
processing as and where required.
3. Processing- performing arithmetic operations or logic operations on data in order convert
them into useful information.
4. Outputting – the process of producing useful information or results for the user, such as a
printed reporter visual display.
5. Controlling- directing the manner and sequences in which all of the above operations are
performed.

Computer hardware include: -

Input unit- Data and information must enter into the computer system before any computation
can be performed on the supplied data so that task is performed by input that link the particular
device used to other devices.

Functions
1. It accepts (read) the list of instructions and data from outside world.
2. It converts these instructions and data in a computer acceptable form
3. It supplies the converted instructions and data to the computer system FOR further
processing.
Examples of input devices
Device Identification Usage
Mouse Mouse is a pointing device that
allows user to point to a specific
position on the screen. It has two
or three buttons on top for
selecting/executing different
operations. Pressing buttons of
mouse is known as clicking of
mouse. The mouse is placed on
flat surface and moved around to
move its controlling arrow on
screen. The arrow showing the
position of mouse on screen is
known as mouse pointer. Left
button of mouse is used execute
the operation associated with it.
Right Button/Middle buttons are
associated with special
operations in different situations.
Scannerq It is a device used to capture
digital images of printed
documents, graphics or other
printed media.
Keyboard The function of a computer
keyboard is to enter commands,
text and other forms of data
typically by pressing the
respective keys on the keyboard.
The normal layout of letters,
numbers, and punctuation on a
keyboard is called QWERTY
keyboard since the initial six
keys on the top right row of
letters spell QWERTY.
Digital It is a high-resolution camera,
Camera which captures images and stores
them in digital format. It has
provision to connect to the
computer using special computer
communication cables (such as
USB cables).
Web Camera It is an easy to connect low
resolution digital camera
normally employed for transfer
of images on the web-based
conferencing.

It is a device used to control

Joysticks cursor on screen. Normally it is
used in Games and specially
designed simulation software.

Track Ball As the roller is on the top with

selection buttons on the side. It is
also a pointing device used to
move the cursor and works like a
mouse. For moving the cursor in
a particular direction, the user
spins the ball in that direction. It
is sometimes considered better
than a mouse, because it requires
little arm movement and less
desktop space. It is generally
used with Portable computers.
Touch Pad/ It is a display device, which is
Screen touch-sensitive and allows user
to interact with the computer
system by touching an area on
the screen.
 It is a device used for drawing
Light Pen pictures and for directly
controlling screen operations.

It is used to accept barcode

Bar Code inputs. A barcode is a series of
Reader vertical bars representing
numbers and alphabets printed
on product labels. One must have
noticed all standard items like
perfumes, greeting cards, books,
cassettes available in the market
have similar lines as shown in the
figure, known as bar codes.
These can be read with the help
of bar code readers.
Microphone It is a device used to accept audio
inputs from the user.

Output unit- It supplies information and results of computation to the outside world, thus links
the computer with external environment.

Functions
1. Accepts the results produced by the computer which are in coded form.
2. It converts the coded results to human acceptable readable form.
3. It supplies the converted results to the outside world.

Examples Output Devices

Device Identification Usage
Monitor It displays the information as it is typed and
also displays the processed result or the
output. It is available in many forms cathode
ray picture tube based display, liquid crystal
based display (LCD), plasma panel display,
and touch panel display.
 Projector Projector is a type of video projector for
displaying video, images or computer data
on a screen or other flat surface. It is a
modern equivalent of the slide projector or
overhead projector. To display images, LCD
(liquid-crystal display) projectors typically
send light from a metal-halide lamp through
a prism or series of dichroic filters that
separates light to three poly silicon panels –
one each for the red, green and blue
components of the video signal. As
polarized light passes through the panels
(combination of polarizer, LCD panel and
analyzer), individual pixels can be opened to
allow light to pass or closed to block the
light. The combination of open and closed
pixels can produce a wide range of colors
and shades in the projected image.
Printer It is an output device to produce paper copy
(hard copy) for a document, pictures etc.
The job of a printer is to put on paper what
is seen on the monitor. Printers vary mainly
in cost, quality, speed and noise levels. Eg:
Dot Matrix Printer, Inkjet / Deskjet /
Bubblejet Printer, Laser Printer.
Plotter Plotters are expensive output devices
specially designed to produce outputs of
diagrams, illustrations and other graphics.

Speaker They allow you to hear sound from your

computer. Computer speakers are just like
stereo speakers. There are usually two of
them and they come in various sizes

Central Processing unit. This is where the manipulation of data is done. It is basically divided
into:

The arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

 1. Is the place where the actual execution of instructions takes place during the processing
operation.
All calculations are performed and all comparisons are made in the ALU.
Control unit
1. Coordinating and controlling various parts of the computer system i.e. main memory,
arithmetic unit and peripheral devices
2. Retrieving and decoding program instructions from the internal storage.
3. Connecting the required circuits to enable the arithmetic unit to process the data in storage
as specified by the program.
4. Controlling transfer of data to, from and within, the working storage area.
5. Control the activities of all the other units of the computer by using appropriate control
signals.
6. Store results in the CPU memory
7. Determine the location of the CPU memory of the next instruction to be retrieved.

Main Memory Unit (MMU)

This unit is sometimes referred to as the primary storage, internal memory, Immediate Access
Storage, Core Memory e.t.c.
The main memory
1. Hold data/instructions during processing
2. Holds intermediate results
3. Its size affects speed, power and capability
4. All inputs and outputs are transmitted through main memory

The main memory consists of the following functional areas:

1. Program Storage Area: holds instructions from both system software and application
software which enter the central processor from an input device.
2. .Working Storage Area: this area is analogous to a scratch pad, and is used to hold the
data being processed as well as intermediate results of such processing.
3. Input Storage Area: temporarily holds data that has been read from an input device. Since
input devices operate at a slower speed than the CPU, part of the input storage area works
as buffer to free the CPU for other jobs while the slower input/ output operations are
completing.
4. Output Storage Area: holds the finished results of processing until they are released to
the user. This area can also work as a buffer, that is, it can receive quantity of output
information from processing and then retain the data so that it can gradually come out of
the CPU at a speed appropriate to the slower output devices

Storage unit
The data and instructions that are entered into the computer system through the input unit have to
be stored inside the computer before the actual processing start, similarly the results produced by
the computer must also be kept somewhere inside the computer before being passed on the output
unit.

Functions
 1. All the data to be processed and the instruction required for processing must be stored in
the storage unit.
2. It stores intermediate results of processing
3. Final results of processing are also stored in the storage unit before produced.

Types of storage

Primary/ main memory

1. Is a computer memory that is directly accessible to the CPU of a computer without the use
of computer’s input/output channels.
2. Is used to store data that is likely to be in active use.

Types of Primary/ main memory

Device Identification Usage
RAM (Random 1. It takes the form of integrated
Access circuits that allow the stored data to
Memory/Read- be accessed in any order (random).
Write Memory) 2. Data stored in RAM can be
modified
3. RAM is volatile storage i.e. data
will lose after switching off the
computer
Types of RAM:
1. Dynamic RAM (DRAM): The
information stored in Dynamic
RAM has to be refreshed after
every few milliseconds otherwise it
will get erased. DRAM has higher
storage capacity and is cheaper
than Static RAM.
2. Static RAM (SRAM): The
information stored in Static RAM
need not be refreshed, but it
remains stable as long as power
supply is provided. SRAM is
costlier but has higher speed than
DRAM
ROM-Ready 1. It is non volatile storage i.e. data
Only Memory remains unchanged even after
switching off the computer
2. Data stored in ROM cannot be
modified.
3. It is a permanent memory

Types of ROM
 1. PROM (Programmable Read Only
Memory): A variation of the ROM
chip is programmable read only
memory. PROM can be
programmed to record information
using a facility known as PROM-
programmer. However once the
chip has been programmed the
recorded information cannot be
changed, i.e. the PROM becomes a
ROM and the information can only
be read.
2. EPROM (Erasable Programmable
Read Only Memory): As the name
suggests the Erasable
Programmable Read Only
Memory, information can be erased
and the chip programmed a new to
record different information using a
special PROM-Programmer. When
EPROM is in use information can
only be read and the information
remains on the chip until it is
erased.

Other types of memory

1. Cache memory- this is a high speed memory, therefore, is used to interface the slow
communicating main memory to the CPU. It acts as a buffer that receives the data,
instruction and information from the main memory, at the speed of the main memory and
remits them to the CPU at the speed of the CPU and vice versa.
2. Bubble memory- represents data and instructions within it in terms of magnetic principles
i.e. polarized spots (bubbles) to give binary representation of data, instruction and
information. The bubble represents a ‘1’ while the absence is represented by a ‘0’. The
bubble memories are very expensive with limited capacity but can withstand adverse
conditions like dust. The bubble memories are suitable where the internal (main) memory
is to be expanded limitlessly.
3. Holographic memory- this type of memory uses the principles of light to store data,
instruction and information, hence it is also described as optical memory. The data,
instruction and information stored are in terms of smear of dots on light sensitive plate.
4. Core memory- is an internal store which is made up of small magnetic rings which are
magnetized by the wires threaded on them. The core store are permanent, the set polarities
do not change even if the power is switched off, unless current is passed in the opposite
direction to reverse the polarity.
Secondary storage- It is used to store large volumes of data on permanent basis which can be
partially transferred to the primary storage as and when required for processing. They are:-
1. Cheap
2. Mass storage media that stores voluminous data items and instructions
3. Permanent storage media that stores data and instructions permanently for future reference
or manipulation

Examples are
Device Identification Usage
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Hard The computer's largest
Disk secondary storage location is its
hard disk drive, or just hard
drive. Hard drives are platters
like dishes which are stacked
top, middle, and bottom to
make one unit. Hard drives are
mechanical devices which store
data magnetically. They are
considered permanent storage.
The capacity of hard drives
typically ranges from about 40
GB to 400 GB, or higher up to
2 TB.
Advantages
1. Low setup costs. Optical
disks are inexpensive and
most new computers come
equipped with DVD writers
(or "DVD burners") right
from the factory. Most
DVD burners also include
manufacturer-provided
software to simplify the
backup process.
2. Durability. Although not
indestructible, optical disks
should remain readable for
many years if protected
from scratching, heat, and
bright light.
3. Simplicity. Especially
when used for data-only
backups, using an optical
disk to back up data can be
as simple as dragging and
 dropping the files to be
backed up onto the drive
icon, and then clicking
"Burn Disk."

Disadvantages
1. High cost compared to
other solutions. Although
inexpensive, the cost of
using optical disks for
backup can add up over
time. Network backup can
actually wind up being less
expensive, all things
considered. In addition,
optical drives tend to have
fairly shorter MTBF (Mean
Time Before Failure) and
typically require
replacement every year or
so under heavy use.
2. Cumbersome to
automate. Although some
backup software allows
backups to optical drives to
be scheduled, a human still
has to place the disk in the
drive prior to a scheduled
backup. So, you ask? The
Backup Nut knows from
experience that the
likelihood of a backup
being completed is
inversely proportional to
the amount of human effort
involved.
3. Security Concerns.
Ideally, backups should be
stored away from the
computer, which usually
means that a user tucks the
disk in his or her pocket on
the way to (or from) work,
which creates a risk of loss
or theft of the data.
Optical Is any storage media that holds
disk content in digital format and is
read using a laser assembly is
considered optical media.
There are three main types of
optical media: CD, DVD, and
Blu-ray disc. CDs can store up
to 700 megabytes (MB) of data
and DVDs can store up to 8.4
GB of data. Blu-ray discs,
which are the newest type of
optical media, can store up to
50 GB of data. This storage
capacity is a clear advantage
over the floppy disk storage
media (a magnetic media),
which only has a capacity of
1.44 MB. Another advantage
that optical media have over the
floppy disk is that it can last up
to 7 times longer, due to its
improved durability.

Pen USB Flash Drive

Drive The flash drive is a small
removable stick that plugs into
a USB port on the computer.
Flash drives are non-volatile.
Data can be read from and
written to them over and over
again. They are a convenient,
temporary storage medium.
They are, however, considered
a poor storage medium for long
term storage because they are
easily misplaced; somewhat
fragile; and they can be
corrupted through repeated use,
unintended damage and
ensuing malfunction. They are,
however, good for storing data
and carrying it with you from
one point (home) to another
point (the office) where the data
will be used.

Advantages
1. Cost. Although relatively
inexpensive, good-quality
flash drives are still more
expensive per unit of
storage than other backup
methods, such as external
hard drives or online
backup.
2. Flash Drives are Easy to
lose or Steal. Portability is
both an advantage and a
disadvantage of flash
drives. They get lost easily.
Ask any geek. We verily
lose a multitude of them
every year.
3. Flash Drives Don't Last
Forever. Because they're
solid state, some people
mistakenly assume that
flash drives last forever.
They don't. They actually
have a shorter MTBF
(Mean Time before
Failure) than hard drives,
although the better-quality
ones tend to last longer.
4. Flash drives are slower
than hard drives. Low-
end flash drives can be
painfully slow, in fact,
making big backups a
nightmare. The better-
quality ones, however,
aren't horrible. El-Cheapo
Flash Drives are
everywhere. And the old
adage "You get what you
pay for" is as true for flash
drives as for anything else.
Cheap flash drives tend to
be slow, flimsy, and
unreliable.
 Hardware data storage device
Zip Disk developed by Iomega that
(super functions like a Standard 1.44"
disk) floppy drive. What makes the
Iomega zip drive unique is its
capability to hold up to 100 MB
of data or 250 MB of data on
new drives.
A floppy disk is a thin, circular,
Floppy flexible plastic disk with a
Disk magnetic coating enclosed in a
square-shaped plastic shell.
1. The most widely used
floppy disk today is 3.5
inches wide.
2. Before anything can be
written on a new floppy
disk, it must be
formatted.
3. Today, most floppy disk
is high-density floppy
disk.
4. Floppy disks usually
spin at about 350
revolutions per minute.
5. The average access time
for current floppy disk
drives to locate an item
on the disk is 84
milliseconds, or
approximately 1/12
second.
6. To care for a floppy
disk, it should not be
exposed to heat, cold,
magnetic fields, and
contaminants such as
dust, smoke, or salt air.
Advantages
1. Floppy disk is portable
and inexpensive.
2. Data on a floppy disk
can be accessed
randomly.
3. Data on a floppy disk
can be write-protected
 from being changed
accidentally.
4. Floppy disk can be used
to transfer data from
one computer to
another.
Disadvantages
1. Floppy disk is not
durable (due to dust and
dirt) and can be
destroyed by magnetic
field.
2. Access time of floppy
disk is slow (about 84
ms).
3. Storage capacity of
floppy disk is limited
(only 1.44 MB).
Memory A memory card is a type of
Cards storage media that is most
commonly used in digital
cameras, digital camcorders,
handheld computers, MP3
players, PDAs, cell phones,
game consoles, and printers, to
store pictures, videos, music,
and other data.
Magnetic Magnetic tape is a medium for
tape magnetic recording, made of a
thin magnetizable coating on a
long, narrow strip of plastic. It
was developed in Germany,
based on magnetic wire
recording. Devices that record
and play back audio and video
using magnetic tape are tape
recorders and video tape
recorders. A device that stores
computer data on magnetic tape
is a tape drive (tape unit,
streamer).
Advantages
Tape drives do have some
advantages over other types of
media, including:
1. Reliability. Because it's in
use only during a backup
or recovery operation, tape
tends to be fairly reliable
compared to hard drives
(which always spin, even
when they're not in use).
2. Power savings. For the
same reason, tape drives
also use less power.
3. Ease of storage. Tape
cartridges typically are
small and can be easily
stored off-site, allowing
data to survive even if the
computer itself is
destroyed or stolen.
4. Ease of use. There's a lot
of support for tape drives,
and a lot of good software
that make restoring a
computer from tape a
reasonably painless
procedure.
Disadvantages
1. Expense. Although once
touted as being the most
economical backup
method per gigabyte of
data, tape drives and media
are now considerably more
expensive than hard drives
or network backup.
2. Tape degradation.
Magnetic media is subject
to degradation due to heat,
humidity, dust,
mishandling,
electromagnetic forces,
and ordinary wear.
3. Uncertainty of data
integrity. Unless a full
verification of each backup
is performed (which takes
as long as the backup
itself), there's no way to
 know for sure whether
your backup is reliable.
4. Cumbersome for non-full
restores. Tapes are
sequential-access devices,
and are best suited for full-
system restores. Finding
and restoring individual
documents can be a long,
slow, and cumbersome
process.
5. Security considerations.
Most tape backups are
done at night while the
machine is unattended, and
the previous night's tape is
in someone's jacket pocket.
As with any removable
media, security is a
concern both while the
machine is unattended and
while the tape is in
transport.

Internal Components
Device Identification Usage
The motherboard is actually the
The Mother logical foundation of a computer. In
Board other words, every component that
makes a computer system must be
attached to it, from the CPU to the
storage devices, and from RAM to
printer ports. The motherboard
offers the connections that help all
the components of a computer work
together.
Is a slot located inside a computer on
Expansion the motherboard or riser board that
Slots allows additional boards to be
connected to it. For example, if you
wanted to install a new video card in
the computer you'd purchase a video
expansion card and install that card
into the compatible expansion slot.
Below is a listing of some of the
expansion slots commonly found in
 IBM compatible computers as well
as other brands of computers and the
devices commonly associated with
those slots. Clicking on any of the
below links will give you additional
details about each expansion slot.

CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide

Battery Semiconductor. CMOS is an on-
board semiconductor chip powered
by a CMOS battery inside
computers that stores information
such as the system time and date and
the system hardware settings for
your computer. In the picture to the
right, is an example of the most
common CMOS coin cell battery
used in a computer to power the
CMOS memory.

Cooling Fan

Network Card Network adapter and is an

expansion card that enables a
computer to connect to a network
such as a home network or the
Internet using an Ethernet cable with
a RJ-45 connector.

Also known as video card is an

Graphics Card internal circuit board that allows a
display device such as a monitor to
display images from the computer.
Power The PS is an internal hardware
Supply Unit component used to supply the
(SMPS) components in a computer with
power by converting potentially
lethal 110-115 or 220-230 volt
alternating current (AC) into a
steady low-voltage direct current
(DC) usable by the computer.

Memory RAM slot is what allows computer

Slots memory (RAM) to be inserted into
the computer. Depending on the
motherboard, there will usually be 2
to 4 memory slots (sometimes more
on high-end motherboards) and is
what determine the type of RAM
used with the computer.

Computer hardware considerations

1. Processor type and speed.
2. Memory capacity
3. Warranty
4. Expansion and upgrades
5. The user needs
6. Cost
7. Portability