Republic of the Philippines

JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY

The Premiere University in Zamboanga del Norte

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Fundamentals of Computers
Working with Computers

I. Introduction:

A computer is an electronic machine that can process, store, and retrieve different types of data
and information.

Two main parts: Hardware (physical components) and Software (intangible instructions,
applications, data).

Types of Personal Computers:

 Desktop: Stationary, separate components (base unit, monitor, keyboard, etc.).

 Laptop: Portable, all components integrated into a single device.
 Tablet: Portable, smaller than laptop, often used for entertainment.
 Smartphone: Handheld, primary use for calls, but increasingly used for various tasks with
apps.

II. Hardware:

There are three main categories of hardware devices: Input, Output, and Input/Output.

1. Input Devices: are used to provide data and instructions to the computer. They translate human-
readable information into a machine-readable format that the computer can process. Essentially,
they allow us to communicate with the computer.

 Key Characteristics:
o Data entry: Allow users to enter text, numbers, images, audio, etc.
o Instruction input: Enable users to control the computer's operations.
o Conversion: Translate human input into digital signals.
 Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick/ Gamepad, Microphone, Scanner, Fingerprint
Scanner, Iris Scanner, Barcode Scanner, Graphics Tablet, Webcam

2. Output Devices: display or present information processed by the computer to the user. They
translate machine-readable data into a human-understandable format. They allow the computer to
communicate with us.

 Key Characteristics:
o Information display: Present processed data in visual, audio, or other formats.
o User feedback: Provide results of computations and actions.
o Physical output: Can produce tangible output (printed documents).

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 Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premiere University in Zamboanga del Norte

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

 Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Headphones/ Earphones, Projector, Plotter, Braille

Display, 4D Printer, Haptic Feedback Devices

3. Input/ Output (I/O) Devices: can perform both input and output functions. They allow for two-
way communication between the user and the computer.

 Key Characteristics:
o Bidirectional communication: Can send and receive data.
o Versatility: Serve multiple purposes.
 Examples: Touchscreen, MODEM, Network Interface Card, Hard Drive/ SSD, USB Drive/
Flash Drive, Optical Disc Drive (CD/DVD/ Blu-ray), Headset

The System Unit

The system unit is the central enclosure of a computer that contains the primary electronic
components that process data. It's the box (or sometimes a smaller, more integrated form factor)
where the magic happens. While peripherals like the monitor, keyboard, and mouse are essential
for interaction, the system unit houses the core components that actually perform the computations.

 Key Components Inside: While many components reside within the system unit, we'll
focus on two crucial ones: the CPU and RAM.
o Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU, often called the "brain" of the
computer, is the primary component responsible for executing instructions and
performing calculations. It's a small chip, but it's incredibly powerful.
o Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is the computer's short-term, working
memory. It's where the CPU stores data and instructions that it's actively using.
Think of it as the CPU's desk – things that are needed immediately are kept there
for quick access.
 Key characteristics of RAM:
 Volatile: Data in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off.
This is why you save your work to a permanent storage device
(like a hard drive).
 Fast: RAM provides very fast read and write access, allowing the
CPU to quickly retrieve and store information.
 Capacity: Measured in gigabytes (GB), RAM capacity determines
how much data and how many programs the computer can handle
simultaneously.
o The CPU and RAM Partnership: The CPU and RAM work in a tight partnership.
The CPU fetches instructions and data from RAM, processes them, and then
stores the results back into RAM. This constant back-and-forth is essential for the
computer to function. The speed and capacity of both the CPU and RAM
significantly impact the overall performance of the computer.

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 Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premiere University in Zamboanga del Norte

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

III. Software:

Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs that tell a computer what to do. It's the
intangible component of a computer system, as opposed to the physical hardware. Essentially,
software is what allows us to interact with and use the computer for specific tasks, from writing
documents to playing games to browsing the internet. There are two types of software: Operating
System and Application Program.

1. Operating Systems (OS):

 Manages hardware and software, provides user interface.

 Examples: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS.

Windows Basics:

 Login: Username and password or PIN.

 Desktop: Customizable workspace for files and shortcuts.
 Taskbar: Access Start menu, search, pinned apps, clock, notifications, etc.
 Start Menu: Access all applications, settings, power options.
 File Explorer: Manage files and folders.
 Right-click: Access context-sensitive menus for various actions.
 Window Management: Maximize, minimize, restore, snap windows for multitasking.
 Personalization: Customize background, colors, lock screen, themes, taskbar.

File Management:

File management refers to the processes and techniques used to organize, store, retrieve, and
manage computer files.

A well-organized file system makes it easier to find and access your files, preventing data loss and
improving workflow.

 Key Concepts:
o Files: A collection of data stored as a single unit. Can be documents, images,
programs, etc. Each file has a name and an extension (e.g., .docx, .jpg, .exe) that
identifies its type.
o Folders (Directories): Containers used to organize files and other folders. They
create a hierarchical structure for your data. Think of them like physical folders in
a filing cabinet.
o Paths: A sequence of folders that specifies the location of a file or folder within
the file system. (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\Documents\[Link])
o File Explorer: The primary tool in Windows for navigating and managing files
and folders.

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 Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premiere University in Zamboanga del Norte

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

 Working with Files and Folders:

o Creating:
 Right-click in File Explorer, select "New," and choose the desired file or
folder type.
 Use the "New Folder" button in the File Explorer ribbon.
o Renaming:
 Right-click the file or folder, select "Rename," and type the new name.
 Select the file/folder, press F2, and type the new name.
o Moving:
 Drag and drop files/folders between locations in File Explorer.
 Right-click, select "Cut" (Ctrl+X) or "Copy" (Ctrl+C), navigate to the
destination, and select "Paste" (Ctrl+V).
 Use the "Move to" or "Copy to" options in the File Explorer ribbon.
o Copying:
 Drag and drop while holding Ctrl.
 Right-click, select "Copy" (Ctrl+C), navigate to the destination, and select
"Paste" (Ctrl+V).
o Deleting:
 Right-click, select "Delete" (Del). Files are moved to the Recycle Bin.
 Select the file/folder and press the Delete key.
 Use the "Delete" button in the File Explorer ribbon.
o Restoring:
 Open the Recycle Bin, right-click the deleted file/folder, and select
"Restore."
o Searching:
 Use the search bar in File Explorer to find files and folders by name or
content.
 Use advanced search operators (e.g., file type, date modified).
o Sorting:
 Click on column headers in File Explorer to sort files by name, size, date,
type, etc.
o Viewing:
 Change the view in File Explorer (e.g., Details, List, Icons) to display files
and folders in different ways. Use the "View" tab in the ribbon.

File Explorer Navigation:

 Navigation Pane: Displays the hierarchical structure of your drives and folders, allowing
for quick access.
 Address Bar: Shows the current path, allowing you to navigate directly to a specific
location.
 Quick Access: Provides shortcuts to frequently used folders.
 Back/Forward Buttons: Navigate through recently visited folders.

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 Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premiere University in Zamboanga del Norte

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Common Keyboard Shortcuts:

Shortcut Action
Ctrl+N Open a new File Explorer window
Ctrl+A Select all files and folders
Ctrl+C Copy selected items
Ctrl+X Cut selected items
Ctrl+V Paste copied or cut items
Ctrl+Z Undo the last action
Ctrl+Y Redo the last undone action
Ctrl+F Open the search box
Ctrl+Shift+N Create a new folder
Ctrl+W Close the current window
Ctrl+Tab Switch between open windows
Delete Delete selected items (moves to Recycle Bin)
Shift+Delete Permanently delete selected items (bypasses Recycle Bin)
F1 Open Help
F2 Rename selected item
F5 Refresh the current window
Esc Cancel the current operation
Tab Cycle through options or elements
Enter Open selected item or confirm an action
Backspace Go up one level in the folder hierarchy
Windows Key + E Open File Explorer
Windows Key + D Display and hide the desktop.

2. Application Programs

Application programs are software designed to perform specific tasks. They interact with the
operating system to access hardware resources and provide functionality to the user. Think of
them as the specialized tools in your digital toolbox.

 Types of Application Programs:

o Productivity Software: Aids in creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations,
and managing information.
o Communication Software: Enables communication via email, instant messaging,
video conferencing, etc.
o Multimedia Software: Used for creating, editing, and viewing audio, video, and
images.
o Entertainment Software: Includes games, media players, and other applications
for leisure.
o Utility Software: Performs maintenance tasks, manages system resources, and
improves computer performance.
o Development Tools: Used by programmers to create new software applications.

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 Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premiere University in Zamboanga del Norte

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

o Educational Software: Designed for learning and instruction.

o Specialized Software: Caters to specific industries or professions (e.g., CAD
software for engineers, medical imaging software for healthcare).
 Common Applications for Engineers:
o Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion
360): Creating 2D and 3D models for product design, architecture, and engineering
projects.
o Simulation and Analysis Software (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB, COMSOL):
Simulating and analyzing engineering systems and designs.
o Programming Languages and Development Environments (e.g., Python, Java,
C++): Writing code and developing software applications.
o Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello): Planning,
tracking, and managing engineering projects.
o Data Analysis and Visualization Tools (e.g., MATLAB, R): Analyzing and
visualizing large datasets.
o Engineering-Specific Calculation Software (e.g., Mathcad): Performing complex
engineering calculations.
o Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software (e.g., Revit): Designing and
managing building projects.
o Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software: Simulating fluid flow and heat
transfer.
o Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software: Analyzing the structural integrity of
designs.

IV. Buying a Computer

Purchasing a new computer is a significant decision. Let us outline the key factors you should
consider to ensure you choose a machine that meets your needs and budget. Don't just buy the
flashiest or most expensive model; buy smart.

Defining Your Needs:

Before you even start browsing, the most crucial step is to define why you need a computer. What
tasks will you be performing? This will heavily influence your hardware requirements. Consider
these questions:

 Primary Use: Is it for work, school, gaming, content creation (video editing, graphic
design), or general home use (browsing, email, streaming)?
 Software Requirements: What specific software will you be using? Some programs have
demanding hardware requirements.
 Portability: Do you need a laptop for mobility, or is a desktop suitable for a fixed location?
 Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Set a realistic budget and stick to it.

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 Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premiere University in Zamboanga del Norte

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

 Longevity: How long do you expect to use this computer? This influences how future-
proof your purchase should be.

Hardware Considerations:

Once you understand your needs, you can focus on the hardware specifications:

 Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer. Consider clock speed
(GHz) and number of cores. For basic tasks, a mid-range CPU is sufficient. For demanding
tasks like gaming or video editing, a higher-end CPU is recommended. (e.g., Intel Core
i3/i5/i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 3/5/7/9)
 Random Access Memory (RAM): The computer's short-term memory. 8GB is generally
a minimum for modern use. 16GB or more is recommended for demanding tasks or
multitasking.
 Storage:
o Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Traditional storage, larger capacity, lower cost per GB,
but slower.
o Solid State Drive (SSD): Faster storage, significantly improves boot times and
application loading, but more expensive per GB. A combination (SSD for the
operating system and frequently used programs, HDD for mass storage) is a good
compromise.
 Graphics Card (GPU): Important for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive
tasks. Integrated graphics (built into the CPU) are sufficient for basic use. Dedicated
graphics cards offer significantly better performance for demanding applications. (e.g.,
NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon)
 Display: Consider screen size, resolution, and panel type (IPS, TN, VA). For laptops,
portability is also a factor.
 Ports: Ensure the computer has the necessary ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.) for your
peripherals.
 Operating System: Windows and macOS are the most common. Consider your familiarity
and software compatibility.
 Peripherals: Factor in the cost of a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories if
you're buying a desktop.