Introduction to computer system.

                             COMPUTERS.

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and non numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.

                                A computer has four functions:

a. accepts data           - input

b. processes data       - Processing

c. produces output     - Output

d. stores results          - Storage

A computer is general purpose machine which can receive/accept (inputting), process it, stores it and output information (outputting).

Hardware consists of the computer itself, and any equipment connected to it or it refers to the tangible or physical components that make up a computer system. Ideally these are components which can be seen and touched. Both hardware and software are important computer parts because both of these types of components influence the way in which the computer system operates and the way in which a certain user can work with it. The following are some of examples of hardware;

• System fan 
• Floppy disk
• Heat sink
• Hard drive
• RAM modules
• Processors
• Mother board

Computer hardware is classified into four categories namely; input devices, processing devices, output devices and storage devices.

Software is the set of instructions that a computer flows in performing a task. Software is another term for computer program. Software controls the computer and makes it do useful work. Without software a computer is useless, its like asking a car without someone to drive it.

Computer system can be defined as a set of interrelated elements working together in a integrated way to archive a set of objectives. Computer system components include hardware, software, data, procedures and users that work together to receive, process, manage and present information in meaningful format.

                                                      Working of the Computer

 Data is entered into the computer through the input devices like keyboard then it received by the main memory (RAM) which stores it temporary as it waits to be processed, it is then sent to the CPU for processing and finally it is outputted through the output devices like the monitor 

                          COMPUTER WORKING FLOW.

External storage include;

Primary storage - RAM, ROM, EPROM

Secondary storage - DVD, Hard disk, USB Flash Drive

Other computer terminologies.

Data: This is the basic facts of any event in the life such as names, prices, date, time and etc.

(Unorganized facts) eg lists of students in the school irrespective of their classes, sex or age.

Data presentation in a computer.

Data is usually presented in form that the computer understands and provides easy conversation.  For information to be used by the computer, it must be reduced into Bits which stands for Binary digits. A bit is a binary digit representing either 0 or 1. A string of eight Bits is called a byte which represents a character e.g. the computer representation of the word Computer is a series of 8 bits where by each bit represents one character or letter in the name.

A byte can store one number or character. Characters and numbers can be represented by two common binary codes which are:

Information: This is data is that has been turned into a more meaningful form that would make immediate sense to any user. i.e. processed data (organized data) example of processed data include: printed documents, headed tables.