In this content I am trying to demonstrate the high level over view of computer and computer hardware and software.

1. Introduction to Computer
and IT
Course Code: GED0611125
Course Instructor : Al Amin
Email: alamin.cse321@gmail.com

2. Table of content
• What is Computer?
• Characteristics of a Computer.
• Computer Hardware.
• Computer Software.
• Computer Categories
• Applications of Computer.

3. What is Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data
(input), process the data according to specified rules, produce
information (output), and store the information for future use.
Examples:
• Desktop Computers
• Laptop Computers
• Tablet Computers
• Smartphones
• Servers

4. Characteristics of a Computer
• High Speed
Computer is a very fast device.
It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the
picosecond.
It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man
who will spend many months to perform the same task.
• Accuracy
In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
The calculations are 100% error free.
Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is
correct.

5. Characteristics of a Computer (Continued)
• Storage Capability
Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
It can store large amount of data.
It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.
• Versatility
A computer is a very versatile machine.
A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very
next moment it may be playing a card game.

6. Characteristics of a Computer (Continued)
• Automation
Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically. Once the
computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer
memory, then the program and instruction can control the program
execution without human interaction.
Reduction in Paper Work and Cost
The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to
reduction in paper work and results in speeding up the process.
As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the
problem of maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced.
Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it
substantially reduces the cost of each of its transaction.

7. Computer Hardware
• Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a
computer system that you can touch and feel.
• Computer hardware can be categories into two types:
Internal hardware: Internal components collectively process or store the
instructions delivered by the program or operating system (OS).
External hardware: External hardware components, also called peripheral
components, are those items that are often externally connected to the
computer to control either input or output functions. These hardware
devices are designed to either provide instructions to the software (input)
or render results from its execution (output).

8. Computer Hardware (Continued)
• Internal Hardware are:
Motherboard
CPU
RAM
Hard drive
Solid-state drive (SSD)
Optical drive
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Network interface card (NIC)
Power supply unit (PSU)

9. Computer Hardware (Continued)
• External Hardware are:
• Input hardware components:
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Microphone
• Camera
• Touchpad
• USB flash drive
• Memory card
• Output hardware components:
• Monitor
• Printer
• Speaker
• Headphones, Earphones, Earbuds

10. Computer Software
• Software is a collection of instructions that enable the user to
interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks.
• Without software, most computers would be useless.
• For example, without a browser software, you could not surf
the internet
• Types of Computer software:
Application software
Utility software
System software

11. Computer Software (Continued)
• Application Software:
Application software is a program or group of programs designed
for end users.
Examples of an application include a word processor, a
spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser, a media
player, a file viewer etc.
• Example of Application Software:
• Student record software
• Inventory management software
• Income tax software
• Railways reservation software
• Microsoft Office, like MS word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.

12. Computer Software (Continued)
• Features of a Application Software:
Close to the user
Easy to design
More interactive
Slow in speed
Generally written in high level language
Easy to understand
Easy to manipulate and use
Bigger in size and requires large storage space

13. Computer Software (Continued)
• System Software:
The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate, control,
and extend the processing capabilities of the computer itself.
System software is generally prepared by the computer manufacturers.
These software products comprise of programs written in low level languages,
which interact with the hardware at a very basic level.
System software serves as the interface between the hardware and the end
users.
Examples of system software:
Operating System
Compilers
Interpreter and assemblers

14. Computer Software (Continued)
• Features of a System Software:
Fast in speed
Difficult to design
Difficult to understand
Less interactive
Smaller in size
Difficult to manipulate
Generally written in low level language

15. Computer Software (Continued)
• Utility Software:
Utility software is a type of software that helps users manage,
maintain, and optimize their computer systems.
It includes a range of tools and applications that perform specific
tasks to improve the performance, security, and functionality of
a computer system.
• Example of Utility Software:
• Antivirus Software
• File management tool
• Disk cleanup
• Compression tool
• Disk management tool and Backup and recovery software

16. Computer Software (Continued)
• Advantages of Utility Software:
 Improved system performance: Utility software can optimize a computer’s performance
by removing unnecessary files and programs, managing system resources, and optimizing
system settings.
 Enhanced security: Utility software includes tools such as antivirus and encryption
software that help users protect their computer systems from security threats such as
viruses, malware, and unauthorized access.
 Data backup and recovery: Utility software includes backup and recovery tools that can
help users recover lost or deleted data in the event of a system failure or data loss.
 Time-saving: Utility software can help users automate routine tasks such as disk cleanup,
file compression, and data backup, saving time and effort.
 Customization: Utility software can help users customize their system settings and
preferences to enhance their overall user experience.
 Cost-effective: Many utility software applications are available for free or at a low cost,
making them a cost-effective solution for managing and maintaining a computer system.

17. Computer Categories
Based on capacity we can categories mainly four types:
• Microcomputer: These computers are small in size and relatively inexpensive.
They have microprocessors such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) which
include memory and input/output (I/O) circuitry mounted on a single printed
circuit board. They are also called Personal Computers as they are usually
designed for personal use. They are mainly used in homes, schools, offices,
shops, banks, etc. Example: desktops, laptops, tablets.

18. Computer Categories (Continued)
• Minicomputers: These computers were
developed in the mid-1960s. They are bigger in
size than the micro-computers, these are
smaller than mainframe computers. It generally
consists of two or more processors. Mini
computers have a higher processing speed and
are more expensive than their predecessors.
Mini computers are also called mid-range
servers. A minicomputer may also be called a
mid-range computer.

19. Computer Categories (Continued)
• Mainframes: Mainframe computers are big in size, have
large memory, and have high speed. It was introduced
in 1975. Mainframe computers are very expensive.
Mainframes are large, powerful computers used
primarily by large organizations for critical applications
like bulk data processing, transaction processing, and
hosting multiple users simultaneously. It is more
powerful than a mini-computer. It consists of multiple
processors. They are designed such that they can
process large amounts of data. It often runs twenty-
four hours a day. It can be serviced and upgraded while
running. Mainframe computers are primarily used in :
Institutions, Research, Academics, Health care,
Libraries, Large businesses, Financial institutions, Bank.

20. Computer Categories (Continued)
• Super-computer: The most powerful computers,
supercomputers have a high level of
performance. These possess an impressive
processing speed. It is the biggest in size and
more expensive than other computers. These are
the most powerful computers designed to
perform complex computations and simulations
at incredibly high speeds. They are used in
scientific research, weather forecasting, and
other applications requiring massive
computational power.

21. Application of Computer
• Education
• Office
• Medical or Healthcare
• Business
• Banking
• Government office
• Home
• Manufacturing and Industry
• Scientific research

22. Thank You