Computer Systems 1 Fundamentals of Computing COM116 BSc (Hons.) Computing Programme

Computer Systems 1 ( ) About the module… BSc (Hons.) Level 1 Module Basics of Computer Systems Components & Functions Fundamentals of Computing Technology Hardware & Software Assessed through: Coursework (50%) Group Task Assignment (25%) Individual Assignment (25%) End of module exam (50%)

Computer Systems 1 ( ) About the lecturer… Stuart Cunningham Room B126 Tel: Notes and information found at: Scottish! If I say something you don’t understand please ask! (Generally a good idea, not just because of the accent)

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Module Aims Provide a theoretic and practical introduction to computer systems Introduce essential computing principles and terminology Introduce the basic hardware and software components of a computer Consider the range of computing technologies and scope of computer applications Investigate the structure and function of a computer operating system Provide an introduction to and practical experience of different computing platforms

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Module Learning Outcomes Describe the basic structure of a computer Understand and use essential computing terms, descriptors, abbreviations and units Discuss the range of computing technologies currently available Discuss the range of applications of modern computing Identify and work with key hardware and software components in a computer system Explain the function and structure of an operating system Compare different computer platforms from a hardware and software perspective By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Module Learning Outcomes Transferable / Key Skills By the end of this module, you will be able to: Work effectively as a member of a group Conduct essential research into an allocated topic Produce a written report Undertake practical work

Computer Systems 1 ( ) What is a Computer System? Heavy metal/plastic box? Collection of wires and electronic bits? “That thing in the corner of the room”? Typewriter on steroids? Life enhancing object? Something to play games on? Most dominant force in the calculator world? The thing you check with? Stress-inducing, harmful, evil device that wants to take over the world!!!! Something else to dust?

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Computers Computers are in widespread use today: Business Education Home Computers used for many things: Office work Science and Research Games and Entertainment Multimedia production Data storage …and loads more...

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Computer System Computer System consists of two main areas of functionality: Hardware Physical components to a computer system Stuff you can touch and hold Wires, transistors, keyboard, printer etc. Software Instructions given to the hardware  Programs or applications to run on the hardware  Sets of instructions  The stuff you can do useful things with  E.g.- Windows, Dreamweaver, MS Office, etc.

Computer Systems 1 ( ) The Computer The computer is a machine ‘TOM’ – (Totally Obedient Moron) Carries out instructions Consists of electronic components Performs three main tasks Accepts INPUT Performs a PROCESS on the input Produces OUTPUT from the process INPUTOUTPUTPROCESS

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Hardware Essential Hardware Components Input Keyboard, mouse Processing Central Processing Unit (CPU) E.g.- Intel Pentium n, AMDAthlon Output Monitor, printer Memory Temporary data storage, with fast retrieval E.g.- RAM (Random Access memory) Permanent storage A form of media to store data for a long term E.g.- Hard disk drive E.g.- ROM (Read Only Memory)

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Input Process Output Input Telling the computer what to do [User] “Make me a cup of coffee!” e.g.- Mouse or keyboard Process Computer carries out a task in response to instructions [Computer] Mixes water and coffee granules. Pour into cup. e.g.- Processor Output Computer displays the results of task [Computer] Hands user coffee cup e.g.- Monitor

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Computer Systems 1 What you know now: More about this module More about your lecturer (more importantly, where to find module notes) What a computer is Basic make-up of a computer system Input Process Output