Understanding Computer Fundamentals: A Beginner’s Guide
Converting Binary to Decimal
To convert a binary number to a decimal number, use the following formula: For example, 1101 = 1×2^3 + 1×2^2 + 0x2^1 + 1×2^0 = 8 + 4 + 0 + 1 = 13
Converting Decimal to Binary
To convert a decimal number to a binary number, divide the number and then take the results of the division from bottom to top.
What is a Bit and a Byte?
- Bit: The smallest unit of information that we can store on a computer (0 or 1).
- Byte: A group of 8 bits.
Hardware vs. Software
Hardware: The physical components of the computer system that we use and those we can touch, move, and see, like the mouse and the keyboard.
Software: Refers to the data and the instructions we use to manage that data. It is the part that we can’t see, move, or touch, like operating systems or programming languages.
Information Units
Convert some units into others activities.
ASCII Code
It is used to represent all the characters on computers. Each character (letter, number, symbol) is represented by a group of 8 bits (1 byte).
The Motherboard
It is the physical support for some elements. These elements are: microprocessor, memories, slots, ports, and connectors. It is used to allow the communication of the different components. The communication among these components takes place through sets of copper wires called buses.
The Microprocessor
The microprocessor is an integrated circuit made up of millions of tiny transistors working together to process the instructions and data received from the memory. Its two main characteristics are:
- Clock rate: It is the computer’s microprocessor speed.
- Number of bits: It is the number of bits at which a computer can work at a time.
Computer Memories
RAM: It is the computer’s main memory. When we run an application, the application is copied in this memory because accessing the hard disk is very slow. So, the microprocessor accesses this memory and the computer will work faster.
ROM: When you turn on your computer, it automatically checks the system. This initial check is carried out using instructions stored in a special read-only memory: the ROM BIOS.
Cache memory: The cache memory stores the data that the microprocessor uses most often.
Identify the Different Parts of the Unit
Identify the different parts of the unit.
Storage Devices
Magnetic disk: Store bits positioning millions of tiny magnets in two possible orientations that represent ‘0’ and ‘1’.
Optical disc: Store the data in a series of grooves on the disc surface.
Solid-state memory: Store the information using transistors acting as switches.
The Operating System
Operating systems: Software that manages resources and provides common services for other software that runs”on to” of them. Functions:
- It manages the microprocessor.
- It manages the memory and storage systems.
- It provides an interface or working environment for the user.
- It allows communication between applications and peripheral devices.
How an Operating System Works
- The operating system finds the application on the hard disk, sends a copy to the RAM, and loads it onto the screen.
- The program is now the active application. It receives data from the keyboard and sends instructions to the microprocessor through the operating system.
- When we save the document, the operating system looks for free space on the hard disk and transfers the data from the memory to that space.
- To print, click on Print, and the word processor will send the command to the operating system, which sends the appropriate signals to the printer.
- When we close the word processor, the operating system deletes the application from the memory, though not from the hard disk.
Hard Disk Structure
Explain the physical structure of a hard disk.
Partitions
We use partitions to divide the disk.
Partition Types
The extended partition works as a container that allows you to create a larger amount of logical partitions. A primary partition is one in which an Operating System can be installed.