Transcript Computer Systems 1

Computer Systems 1
Fundamentals of Computing
COM116
BSc (Hons.) Computing Programme
About the module…
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BSc (Hons.) Level 1 Module
Basics of Computer Systems
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Components & Functions
Fundamentals of Computing Technology
Hardware & Software
Assessed through:
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Coursework (50%)
 Group Task Assignment (25%)
 Individual Assignment (25%)
End of module exam (50%)
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
About the lecturer…
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Stuart Cunningham
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Room B126
[email protected]
Tel: 01978 293583
Notes and information found at:
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www.newi.ac.uk/cunninghams/
Scottish!
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If I say something you don’t understand please ask!
(Generally a good idea, not just because of the
accent)
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
Module Aims
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Provide a theoretic and practical introduction to
computer systems
Introduce essential computing principles and terminology
Introduce the basic hardware and software components
of a computer
Consider the range of computing technologies and
scope of computer applications
Investigate the structure and function of a computer
operating system
Provide an introduction to and practical experience of
different computing platforms
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
Module Learning Outcomes
•By the end of this module, you will be able to:
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Describe the basic structure of a computer
Understand and use essential computing terms, descriptors,
abbreviations and units
Discuss the range of computing technologies currently
available
Discuss the range of applications of modern computing
Identify and work with key hardware and software
components in a computer system
Explain the function and structure of an operating system
Compare different computer platforms from a hardware and
software perspective
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
Module Learning Outcomes
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Transferable / Key Skills
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
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Work effectively as a member of a group
Conduct essential research into an allocated topic
Produce a written report
Undertake practical work
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
What is a Computer System?
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Heavy metal/plastic box?
Collection of wires and electronic bits?
“That thing in the corner of the room”?
Typewriter on steroids?
Life enhancing object?
Something to play games on?
Most dominant force in the calculator world?
The thing you check e-mail with?
Stress-inducing, harmful, evil device
Something else to dust?
that wants to take over the world!!!!
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
Computers
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Computers are in widespread use today:
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Business
Education
Home
Computers used for many things:
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Office work
Science and Research
Games and Entertainment
Multimedia production
Data storage
…and loads more...
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
Computer System
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Computer System consists of two main areas of
functionality:
 Hardware
Physical components to a computer system
 Stuff you can touch and hold
 Wires, transistors, keyboard, printer etc.
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Software
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Instructions given to the hardware
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Programs or applications to run on the hardware
Sets of instructions
The stuff you can do useful things with
E.g.- Windows, Dreamweaver, MS Office, etc.
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
The Computer
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The computer is a machine
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‘TOM’ – (Totally Obedient Moron)
Carries out instructions
Consists of electronic components
Performs three main tasks
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Accepts INPUT
Performs a PROCESS on the input
Produces OUTPUT from the process
INPUT
PROCESS
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
OUTPUT
Hardware
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Essential Hardware Components
 Input
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Processing
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Monitor, printer
Memory
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
E.g.- Intel Pentium n, AMDAthlon
Output
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Keyboard, mouse
Temporary data storage, with fast retrieval
E.g.- RAM (Random Access memory)
Permanent storage
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A form of media to store data for a long term
E.g.- Hard disk drive
E.g.- ROM (Read Only Memory)
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
Input
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Telling the computer what to do
[User] “Make me a cup of coffee!”
e.g.- Mouse or keyboard
Process
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Output
Input
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Process
Computer carries out a task in response to instructions
[Computer] Mixes water and coffee granules. Pour into cup.
e.g.- Processor
Output
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Computer displays the results of task
[Computer] Hands user coffee cup
e.g.- Monitor
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)
Computer Systems 1
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What you know now:
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More about this module
More about your lecturer
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(more importantly, where to find module notes)
What a computer is
Basic make-up of a computer system
Input
Process
Output
Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)