week 1

Computer Hardware Basics: Computer Main Components

                    This is my first week that I learnt about computer and internet course. As for the first week, I learnt about basic computer components and data representation systems. By learning these, I realized the construction of computers and how the data represents in a computer. First and foremost, I would like to share some ideas about computers. Computer is a programmable machine that carries out what it has been instructed to do. It receives input, performs processes, provides output and excutes tasks.

                   Another thing I got to know is about computer is Information Processing Cycle. In this cycle, A computer converts data (from input) to become information (as output). Processing requires a set of instructions, known as programs or software. A computer holds data, instructions and information in storage for future use. Data is a collection of unprocessed items such as text, numbers, images, audio and video.

Information is meaningful and useful facts to people. 

Here are basic computer componenets: 

1.     Hardware: the physical parts of the computer

2.     Software: the set of programs in a computer

Hardware

         It is the electrical or mechanical part of a computer which includes input devices, output devices, system unit, storage device and communication devices. 

       

      

Software

A series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose. It tells the computer what task to do and how to do it. There are two types of software: system software, and application software. 

As for my last lesson in this week, I learnt about Data Representation and Number Systems. There are 4 number systmes namely, Decimal Number System, Binary number system, Octal number system and Hexadecimal number system. 

Decimal Number system 

It uses ten numerals to form a string of numbers. The values are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

Decimal numbers have a base or radix of ten, written as X_10. 

_E.g  18₁₀

Binary Number System

It uses two numerals/ digits to form a string of numbers. They are 0 and 1. Binary numbers have a base or radix of two, written as X_2.

_E.g 110₂

Octal Number System

It uses eight numerals to form a string of numbers. They are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Octal numbers have a base or radix of eight, written as X_8.

_E.g  45₈

 _{Hexadecimal Number System}

_{It uses sixteen symbols (numerals + letters) to form a string of numbers. They are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D and E. Also known as Hex. E.g, 35B16}

I enjoyed this week lessons because I realized the basic components of computers and the number systems of data in a computer. It made me improved my basic knowlege of computers.