Computer Fundamentals: Hardware, Software, and Data Processing

Posted on Jun 9, 2025 in Computing and Communications

Computer Basics: Definitions and Types

What is a Computer?

An electronic device designed for performing operations on data at high speed.

Computer Types

  • Desktop: The monitor and computer (tower) are separated. Non-portable.
  • Laptop: The monitor and computer are integrated. Portable.

Core Computing Concepts

Hardware

The physical computer and its parts.

Software

Digital instructions to be run by the computer.

  • Program: A piece of software.
  • Operating System: A program for running other programs.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

  • It is the first program that runs when the computer is turned on.
  • It initializes and tests the system hardware components.

Understanding Computing and Data

Computing (Informática)

The science that studies and develops data processing.

Data and Information Processing

Data Processing: A set of operations to transform raw data into specific results.

Data Units

  • Bit: The smallest unit of information. It can be 0 or 1.
  • Byte: 8 bits
  • Kilobyte (KB): 1024 bytes
  • Megabyte (MB): 1024 KB
  • Gigabyte (GB): 1024 MB
  • Terabyte (TB): 1024 GB

Fundamental Elements of Computing

  • Software: The digital part, including applications or programs.
  • Hardware: The physical part, including the CPU and peripherals.
  • Human Element: Professionals and users.

Hardware Components

Microprocessor

Performs data processing.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The main processing unit of the computer.

Buses

Circuits that connect the CPU with other devices in a computer.

Memory

Used to get, store, and provide information (data).

RAM (Random Access Memory)

  • Temporary storage.
  • Fast at finding and providing information.
  • Allows both reading and writing data.
  • First, it loads the operating system, and then the rest of the programs.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

  • It is not usually changed by the user.
  • It holds programmed instructions for the system (configuration).
  • It holds the BIOS information.

Hardware Peripherals

Input Devices

Send data from the user to the computer (e.g., mouse, scanner).

Output Devices

Send data from the computer to the user (e.g., monitor, printer).

Input/Output Devices

Perform both input and output functions (e.g., router, digital camera).

Data Storage Devices

Hold information, process information, or both (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM).

Point of Sale (POS) Terminals

Devices and technologies that help manage a retail establishment.

Operating System Features

Taskbar Components

  • Start Menu
  • Notification Area
  • Desktop Access

Task Manager Functions

Displays information such as:

  • Process Name
  • Status
  • CPU Usage Percentage
  • Memory Usage Percentage
  • Disk Usage Percentage
  • Network Usage Percentage

How to Open Task Manager

  • Ctrl + Alt + Delete
  • Ctrl + Shift + Esc

How to Pin an Icon to the Taskbar

Right-click the icon and select “Pin to taskbar.”

Programming Languages

  • Low-level Language
  • Middle-level Language
  • High-level Language

Activating the On-Screen Keyboard

Can be activated from the Task Manager.

Show Desktop Button

An invisible button (usually in the bottom-right corner) to quickly return to the desktop.

Uninstalling a Program

Programs can be uninstalled from “Settings” under “Applications.”

Plug and Play

Refers to devices (like a mouse or keyboard) that come with pre-installed software, allowing the computer to recognize and use them immediately upon connection without manual driver installation.

Point of Sale (POS) Devices

  • Cash Register

    A machine that records sales and purchase data for a business, stores money, and prints receipts.

  • POS Terminal

    A more modern version of a cash register that controls more functions and aspects of a retail operation.

  • Counterfeit Bill Detector

    Detects if banknotes are fake.

  • PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

    Its function is to transmit data related to a purchase from one point to another.

  • Scale

    Used for weighing food items, printing tickets, and calculating the total price.

  • Receipt Printer

    A machine for printing sales receipts.

  • Touch Monitor

    A touchscreen display used to administer and manage the POS system.

  • Barcode Reader

    A device that scans barcodes to retrieve information about a product.