Week 2 Students learning objectives
1. Explain what each part of a computer hardware does: - input, output, processing
and storage devices.
2. Understand the basic building blocks of logic
3. Manipulate data in binary, octal and hexadecimal.
4. Understand and appreciate the concept of Boolean algorithms.
5. Understand and appreciate basic logic gates and their applications in computer
architecture.
Topics
ÿ Computer hardware: - input, output, processing and storage devices.
ÿ An introduction to Software:- definition, classification
ÿ The Building Blocks: Binary Numbers, Boolean Logic and Gates.
COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
Computer architecture refers to the design and construction of a computer system.
Computer System Components
A computer set has the following major elements:-
∑ Input devices
∑ Output devices
∑ The processors (CPU)
∑ The storage devices
The organization of computer Hardware is based on the Von-Newman Architecture, which is
based on the concept of binary representation of numbers in the computer. This organization,
also known as the computer theoretical organization, describes how the different types of
computer hardware interact with each other, in the processing of data, so that the desired results
can be achieved. The figure below illustrates the architecture:
SECONDARY MEMORY
OR
OUTPUT
INPUT MAIN
DEVICES
DEVICES MEMORY
CONTROL Key:
Data Flow
1| ARITHMETIC / LOGIC
Command
UNIT
, Peripheral devices
These are equipment that are used with the computer but are not integral part of it. They include
printers, keyboards, monitors, mice, disk drives.
Monitor
Systems Unit
Keyboard
Mouse
Input Devices
Input refers to the process of entering programs, commands, user responses and data into main
memory. The most common input devices are:
a) Keyboard:
Users input data to a computer by pressing the keys on the keyboard. As the user enters the data
on the Keyboard it displays on the screen. It has several keys such as:-
∑ The function keys labeled with letters F1 - F12. Which perform different tasks depending
on the software program you are using.
∑ The arrow keys/cursor control keys used to move the cursor.
∑ The Data Keys used to enter the letters, numbers and symbols.
∑ Special purpose keys e.g. Backspace, Del. Shift, Alt., Ctrl, Enter ,Esc., Pause etc.
Function Keys
b) Mouse
2|Compiled by T,Njoroge
Numeric Keypad
1. Explain what each part of a computer hardware does: - input, output, processing
and storage devices.
2. Understand the basic building blocks of logic
3. Manipulate data in binary, octal and hexadecimal.
4. Understand and appreciate the concept of Boolean algorithms.
5. Understand and appreciate basic logic gates and their applications in computer
architecture.
Topics
ÿ Computer hardware: - input, output, processing and storage devices.
ÿ An introduction to Software:- definition, classification
ÿ The Building Blocks: Binary Numbers, Boolean Logic and Gates.
COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
Computer architecture refers to the design and construction of a computer system.
Computer System Components
A computer set has the following major elements:-
∑ Input devices
∑ Output devices
∑ The processors (CPU)
∑ The storage devices
The organization of computer Hardware is based on the Von-Newman Architecture, which is
based on the concept of binary representation of numbers in the computer. This organization,
also known as the computer theoretical organization, describes how the different types of
computer hardware interact with each other, in the processing of data, so that the desired results
can be achieved. The figure below illustrates the architecture:
SECONDARY MEMORY
OR
OUTPUT
INPUT MAIN
DEVICES
DEVICES MEMORY
CONTROL Key:
Data Flow
1| ARITHMETIC / LOGIC
Command
UNIT
, Peripheral devices
These are equipment that are used with the computer but are not integral part of it. They include
printers, keyboards, monitors, mice, disk drives.
Monitor
Systems Unit
Keyboard
Mouse
Input Devices
Input refers to the process of entering programs, commands, user responses and data into main
memory. The most common input devices are:
a) Keyboard:
Users input data to a computer by pressing the keys on the keyboard. As the user enters the data
on the Keyboard it displays on the screen. It has several keys such as:-
∑ The function keys labeled with letters F1 - F12. Which perform different tasks depending
on the software program you are using.
∑ The arrow keys/cursor control keys used to move the cursor.
∑ The Data Keys used to enter the letters, numbers and symbols.
∑ Special purpose keys e.g. Backspace, Del. Shift, Alt., Ctrl, Enter ,Esc., Pause etc.
Function Keys
b) Mouse
2|Compiled by T,Njoroge
Numeric Keypad
