Course

I.T Fundamentals

Course

I.T fundamentals cover the basic concepts that explain what a computer is, how it works, and how it is used. At its core, a computer is an electronic device that takes input, processes it, stores the result, and produces output.

Key Components

 

The major building blocks of a computer system are divided into two main categories:

  1. Hardware: The physical, tangible parts of the computer.

    • Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer that executes instructions.

    • Memory (RAM & ROM):

      • RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory used for temporary storage of data and programs currently in use.

      • ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that stores the permanent instructions needed to start the computer (BIOS).

    • Input Devices: Tools used to enter data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).

    • Output Devices: Tools used to present the results of processing (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

    • Storage Devices: Used for permanent storage of data (e.g., Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), USB drives).

  2. Software: The set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do.

    • System Software (Operating System): Manages the computer's hardware and software resources, providing a foundation for application programs (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).

    • Application Software: Programs designed to perform specific tasks for the user (e.g., Word Processors, Web Browsers, Video Games).

 

🔢 Data and Binary

 

Computers operate on an electrical signal that is either ON or OFF. This is represented by the Binary system (Base-2):

  • 0 (Off/False)

  • 1 (On/True)

The fundamental units of data are:

  • Bit (b): A single binary digit (0 or 1).

  • Byte (B): A group of 8 bits, which is the amount of storage needed to represent one character (like 'A', '7', or '$').

Larger units are used for capacity: Kilobyte (KB), Megabyte (MB), Gigabyte (GB), and Terabyte (TB).

 

The Computer Cycle

 

A computer fundamentally follows a four-step process known as the Information Processing Cycle (or IPO Cycle):

  1. Input: The computer receives data or instructions from an input device.

  2. Processing: The CPU executes the instructions and performs calculations on the data.

  3. Storage: The results are saved temporarily in memory or permanently on a storage device.

  4. Output: The processed information (now called information) is presented to the user through an output device.