S4CS:Basic Computer Concepts
Basic Computer Concepts
A computer is a machine that accepts input, processes instruction, and produces output.
Input  Process  Output
Hardware (硬件)
Hardware is the physical components of computer systems. There are 5 types of
hardware:
Hardware:
Description
Example
Input Device
It (accepts) data or information from user.
keyboard, mouse,
writing pad, scanner
(輸入設備/裝置)
Output Device
It displays the processed (results) to user.
monitor, printer,
speaker
(輸出設備/裝置)
Central Processing Unit It processes the input data and (executes)
(中央處理器)
(執行) program instructions.
Main Memory
It stores program instruction and data in the Random Access
(主存貯器/主記憶體)
processing stage.
Backing Store
It supplements the main memory and stores Hard disk,
(後備存貯器)
large volume of data programs.
Memory (RAM)
floppy drive
Software(軟件)
Software is a set of instructions(指令) that tells the computer what to do. There are two
types of software:
Software
Description
Example
Application Software It helps to perform specific task such as preparing word processor,
(應用軟件)
documents, processing database.
spreadsheet,
Internet browser
System Software
(系統軟件)
1. The operation systems(操作系統) that
DOS
coordinates the (fundamental) operation of a
Windows
computer.
Unix
2. It controls the (allocation) (分配) and usage of Linux
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S4CS:Basic Computer Concepts
input and output devices.
Mac OS
COMPUTER
SYSTEM
Hardware
Output Device
CPU
Input Device
Software
(Main Memory)
(Application)
System
software
software
Backup Store
Notes: Hardware needs software to operate and perform tasks.
Program(程式/程序)
 Program is a set of instructions for a computer to perform a specific task.
 Both application software and the system software are programs.
Data(數據)
Data is the raw facts about somebody or something. It can be represented in the form of
symbols, (number) or characters.
Relation between Program and Data
Data
Computer
Information
Program
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S4CS:Basic Computer Concepts
Classification of Computer
Type
Purpose
Mainframe
1. It is designed for handle:
Computer/

the most intensive computational tasks.
Mainframe

large (centralized) database(資料庫).
(大型電腦)

multi-user environment.
2. It is large, powerful and expensive.
3. Used in government departments and large
companies.
(Minicomputer)
(小型電腦)
1. It is smaller, cheaper and less powerful than
mainframe.
2. Transaction-processing(交易處理) like accounting
and order taking.
3. Used in small or medium-sized businesses, college
or universities.
Microcomputer/
1. It is the smallest and least expensive computers.
Personal
2. It is also powerful machine.
Computer (PC)
3. Used in office, school and at home.
(微型電腦)
4. It can be categorized as:
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
(desktop) computers(桌上電腦)

notebook(筆記簿電腦)

palmtop(掌上電腦)
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