Basic Information on Computers

Now that computers have become an essential part of our lives, I am certain you do get to use the computer in one way or the other. Knowing some basic information about it is necessary to understanding what really happens whiles using them. Now let’s begin by defining what the computer is. A Computer is an electronic device which when controlled with a program by the user can accept date, process data and communicate the results in a desired manner or form. Computers are now found in business organizations, education institutions, government agencies, recreation centers, military camps, scientific research centers, and in homes Common Computer Terms • Bit: A binary digit, (0 or 1) which happens to be the smallest piece of information that a computer can handle. • Byte: A unit of fixed number of bits (usually eight (8)) that is capable of holding one character. • Baud: Bits per second. The rate at which data enters or leaves the computer to and from a device such as a printer or a modem • Boot: To start a computer’s operations by loading a program in from storage, usually from disc. When the computer is turned on, it goes through a procedure called booting. By so doing the computer turn itself into a doctor i.e. it plays the role of a doctor and gives itself a check-up by so doing examining to make sure all innards are working properly. • Back Up: A copy of a file or disk containing information. All software and valuable information should be backed up in case a copy is accidentally destroyed or damaged. • Bug: A mistake in a program, which causes it not to work as intended. The work dates back to the very early days of computing when a large machine started to misbehave. One of the operators opened it up and a large moth flew out. Its wings had been jammed between two relays contacts, causing the malfunction. • Bus: A set of connections between internal parts of the computer. It is used for transferring data between parts of the computer. • Character: A letter, number or symbol. • Data: This is raw, unevaluated facts and figures, concepts or instructions • Information: Information is a data that has been made useful, by being processed by a computer system. • Data processing: One or more operations performed on data to achieve a desired objective. The phase of data processing includes Input, Processing, Output and storage. 1. INPUT: Before a computer can process date into information, the data must first be gathered together then send to the computer system. Input is the process whereby data is converted to a form that can be processed by the computer. Data is input to the computer system through the use of keyboard. 2. PROCESSING: Processing consists of performing mathematical instructions such as addition and subtraction, performing logical instructions such as comparing and contrasting etc. processing is therefore the method in which data is displayed either on a computer screen known as softcopy or printed out on paper known as hardcopy. 3. STORAGE: Once the information is displayed on the screen the information will vanish when the PC is reset or powered off. Thus, in order to use the information in the future you need to store it. Storage is saving information (or data or instructions) for permanent or future use.