Computer Concepts

Introduction
Computer systems are extremely complex objects. Even the smallest systems consist of millions of individual parts. Each part is relatively simple in its function and easy to understand. It is only when these millions of simple parts interact with each other that we develop the complex structures that comprise our modern computing systems. In this lesson, we take a brief look at the major components of a computing system. In subsequent lessons, we will study each component in more detail.

Many people have tried to classify computing systems in different ways, always with difficulty. We will look at some of the terminology used to describe different types of computing systems, from the ubiquitous micro to the extremely powerful supercomputer. Common terms, such as hardware and software, will be discussed. Different methods of processing data and information will be explained. After this brief survey, we will come back, in later lessons, and explore in greater detail the topics introduced here.

Data and information processing have been previously defined as the transformation of unorganised raw material or data into useful information. This processing may be done manually or with the help of mechanical and electronic devices. It is common to refer to the collection of personnel, equipment, software, and procedures that perform the data and information processing functions as an information processing system. Very often, when a computer is used, the system is referred to as a computer system. We will use the term computer system to refer to the hardware and software exclusively, and reserve the term information processing system to include the people and procedures. In the early days of computing, when the computer was used simply to replace manual operations such as payroll, the term that was used was EDP, or electronic data