Introduction to computers What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes the data into information and is able to store the information for future use. It is an electronic device that enables its users to process data into information. Computers in their nature are able to ease the work of human beings. For example, creating reports, writing budgets, creating banners and posters etc Computers accept user information and process it into meaningful information. What are some of the parts of a computer? A computer is made up the following parts. These parts enable it to realize its function to the fullest. But, there are three elements of a computer system and these are; Hardware, software and Liveware. The Items listed below are peripherals-external parts of a computer. 1. The system Unit 2. The Monitor 3. The keyboard 4. The mouse 5. The Speaker 6. Microphone The computer Hardware. These are the physical tangible parts of a computer-which includes the following classes: 1.Input hardware 2.Processing Hardware 3.Storage Hardware 4.Output Hardware # Input Hardware- These are devices that enable computer users to enter data and instructions into the computer. With the help of these devices the computer user is able to communicate with the computer itself. The input hardware serves as the eye of the computer because it allows the computer to see whatever the user wants it to process. # Process hardware- These are the components of a computer that allows the data and instructions that have been fed into the computer to be converted into information. Information is the output obtained from the computer- and is aimed at serving the purpose that it was intended by the user. If the output does not serve the purpose for which it was intended then it is regarded as raw facts. The processing hardware is usually found in the system unit- also acronymed as C.P.U meaning the central processing unit. The central processing unit is responsible for all the operations of the computer. It serves as the hear or brain of the computer. The central processing unit is divided into: -The control Unit- responsible for controlling the actions of the computer hardware. -The Arithmetic and Logic unit- Responsible for logic and basic arithmetic operations of the

computer # The storage hardware- These are the parts of a computer that we use to store information or the end results after processing data. There are two main categories of storage hardware: -Primary storage- Is located inside the system unit (CPU). Examples include: Hard disk -Secondary storage- Are external storage media- they are portable Examples include: Flash disk, Floppy diskette, Compact disks etc

# The output hardware- These are tangible parts of a computer that display the processing results to the user. They allow the computer to communicate the processed results to the user. They include: Printers, Monitors and Speakers. The computer Software What are softwares?

These are untangible sets of instructions that the computer hardware what to do and how to do it. These softwares are the ones that serve as a link between the computer user and the computer hardware itself. There are several classes of softwares. Let's have a look at a few: 1.System softwares 2.Application softwares 3.Utility programs 4.Special/ Tailored programs The computer Liveware The computer liveware is also the computer user. A computer system can not be complete without the user/ computer operator. The computer user is the one who develops the computer and its parts- he is the one who uses the computer. The computer user plays a very important role as far as computing is concerned. Computer liveware also plays a very vital role as far as computers are concerned. Computer's System Unit The system unit of a computer serves as the brain of the computer. This comprises of parts like Main memory, Processor, Mother board, and Memories. The processor forms the part of the computer which is responsible for controlling the speed and requests made to it by other components.