Computer Fundamentals: Data, Processing, and Hardware
A. Introduction
Data
Data: The smallest unit of information, which can be numerical, alphabetical, or alphanumeric.
Data Processing
Data Processing: A set of operations required to transform initial data, information, or results. These operations can include sorting, adding, subtracting, classifying, etc.
Information
Information: The result of data and its processing.
B. Computer and its Elements
Source of Information
Computer Science: The science in charge of research and development of automatic information processing.
The Computer
The computer is an electronic machine capable of processing data at high speed. Its basic function is information processing.
Types of Computers
Computers are classified by size and power:
- Supercomputers: Perform many calculations at high speed, equivalent to 1,024 personal computers.
- Mainframes: Specialize in complicated calculations at high speed.
- Minicomputers: Similar to mainframes but with less capacity.
- Microcomputers: Lower performance, but their computing capacity, price, and multimedia features have made them mainstream among individuals and SMEs.
- Nanocomputers: Very limited performance, e.g., game consoles, portable media players, and mobile phones.
They are further divided into:
- Analog: Programmers, washing machines, old cash registers.
- Digital: Programmable calculators, digital washing machines, and digital computers.
E. History of Computers
1st Generation (1946-1954)
The ENIAC was the first electronic digital computer, operating in the U.S. from the mid-twentieth century. It occupied 140 square meters. From 1951, computers began to be mass-produced, starting the computer revolution. These computers used vacuum tubes.
2nd Generation (1955-1964)
This generation emerged with the advent of the transistor, replacing vacuum tubes. It used high-level languages like Algol, COBOL, and Fortran.
3rd Generation (1965-1970)
The major advancement was the appearance of the first chips, replacing transistors. Chips significantly reduced the cost and physical dimensions of computers. Microprocessor chips emerged. Multiprogramming appeared, allowing several programs to run simultaneously.
4th Generation (1971-1981)
The first microprocessor was developed. Widespread use of mass-produced computers occurred. A microprocessor consists of millions of transistors and resistors, enabling computer miniaturization. Time-sharing operating systems appeared.
5th Generation (1982-Present)
Personal computers (PCs) based on operating systems like MS-DOS appeared, along with clone computers. Increasingly powerful and faster PC models were developed. Portable PCs became common. The potential of computers expanded into multimedia.
1.2 Hardware Elements
Introduction
The set of operations performed on initial data is called information processing (Corrected from errata in the book).
Data Processing
| Input | Data Collection, Data Cleansing, Data Storage |
|---|---|
| Process | Arithmetic, Logical |
| Output | Collecting Results, Result Distribution |
Computer: Fundamental Pillars
There are three fundamental pillars:
- Hardware: The physical, tangible part of the computer, i.e., the material elements that compose it.
- Software: The intangible part of the computer, accessible through input and output peripherals. It consists of applications and programs for working with and controlling hardware elements.
- Human Element: Computer professionals dedicated to research, programming, and end-users of software.
CPU
The CPU is the computer’s operating center, responsible for processing information.
- Control Unit: Manages the overall operation of the computer, controlling all other elements.
- Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU): Also known as the calculation unit. It receives data from the central unit, performs operations, and returns results.
- Main Memory: Also called internal memory, stores programs and data necessary for system operation.
The PC case contains a large printed circuit card called the motherboard, which interconnects all PC elements. Components include:
- CPU
- Expansion Slots
- Memory Modules (RAM)
- Chipset
- System Buses
- Connectors for External Peripherals
- Electrical Connector
- CD/DVD Drive
- Hard Drive
- Fan
Buses
A set of parallel electrical conductors interconnecting PC elements.
- Address Bus: Transmits memory addresses.
- Data Bus: Transmits data within the PC; has a much greater width.
- Control Buses: Serially carries control data for peripheral connections; includes internal buses within the processor and external buses outside the processor.
Memory
The purpose of memory is to receive, store, and provide information.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): Stores system configuration data, including BIOS, which contains information needed to boot the PC.
Other Types of Memory
- Hard Disk: An auxiliary storage system with high capacity and information retention.
- Cache: Very fast memory that accelerates main memory operation.
- V-RAM (Video RAM): More V-RAM results in higher screen resolution.
Peripherals
Input, Output, Storage.