Sulaimani Polytechnic University

Technical College of Informatics

Department of Computer networks

Computer Architecture
An overview of computer basics
3rd Stage, 6th Semester, Lec1, 2024-2025

Lecturer: Warmn Faiq Ahmed

MSc. in Information Technology
Warmn.faiq.a@spu.edu.iq
 Introduction cont.
Computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its
own memory that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules,
produce information (output), and store the information for future use
.
 Functionalities of a computer
Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms:
• Takes data as input.
• Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them when required.
• Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
• Generates the output
• Controls all the above four steps
 Computer Components

Software Hardware
 Computer Components cont.
Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer
system. It is the actual machinery, wires, transistors, and circuits … etc.
Characteristics of Computer System
 Characteristics of Computer System

1. Speed
The computer was designed to be a fast calculator. Since then, computers have been
designed to operate at faster speeds. The processing time it takes the computer to execute
a particular instruction is used to measure speed—the faster the computer, the shorter the
time. We don’t speak in seconds or even milliseconds (thousandths of a second). Today,
speed is measured in microseconds (millionths of a second), nanoseconds (thousand-
millionths), and, more recently, in picoseconds (million-millionths of a second). A strong
computer can add two 18-digit numbers in 300 to 400 nanoseconds, or around 3 million
calculations per second.
 Characteristics of Computer System cont.

2. Accuracy

Computers perform calculations with perfect accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy. A computer’s accuracy is very high unless the input is delivered
correctly. In most cases, the error is caused by a human element rather than a technological
flaw.
 Characteristics of Computer System cont.

3. Diligence

Diligence means making consistent and determined efforts and applications. The computer
can execute repeating tasks without becoming bored, and it never tires. It can operate for
several hours or days without becoming bored or exhausted. A computer, unlike humans, is
not affected by fatigue, weakness, lack of attention, or monotony. Computers may execute
operations ranging from simple arithmetic calculations to complicated calculations
continuously, accurately, and with no lacks of concentration.
 Characteristics of Computer System cont.

4. Versatility

Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works with same
accuracy and efficiency. One moment, it is preparing the results of a particular examination,
the next moment it is busy in preparing electricity bills, and in between it may be helping an
office secretary to trace an important letter is seconds. It can do multiple works at a same
time. It also used in data processing jobs, weather forecasting, ticket reservation purpose,
multimedia designing, animations, accountancy etc.
 Characteristics of Computer System cont.

5. Reliability

Computers are frequently used because they are dependable. As long as the input is right,
the computer will never produce an incorrect response.
A large amount of data, such as monetary transactions, banking accounts, and personal
information, is saved on a computer with high reliability.
The computer has become an integral part of our lives, assisting us in improving our standard
of living, improving product quality, providing better healthcare, assisting in teaching and
learning, and so on.
 Characteristics of Computer System cont.

6. Automation
A computer is an automatic machine that can work automatically once an appropriate set of
instructions and data are presented to it.
Once started on a computer, the job can run indefinitely. A computer can be programmed to
carry out a series of tasks that involve many programs. Computers can achieve these levels
of automation if the instructions are given correctly.
 Characteristics of Computer System cont.

7. Memory
Computers can store vast amounts of data, This data can be accessed quickly and efficiently
for processing or retrieval.
In computers, the internal memory of the CPU, or central processing unit, is only large
enough to hold a specific quantity of information. It is thus impossible to store massive
amounts of information on a computer. Much of the data is kept on auxiliary or secondary
storage devices, which are located outside of the CPU’s memory. Small chunks of total data
can be accessed quickly by the CPU and loaded into the main, i.e., internal memory, as
needed for processing.
 Data Processing Cycle in computer
• The computer Data Processing is any process that a computer program does to enter data,

analyze or convert data into useable information.

• The main aim of data processing cycle is to convert the data into meaningful information.

• The data processing cycle contains main four functions:

1. Data input

2. Data process

3. Data storage

4. Data output
 Data Processing Cycle in computer cont.

1. Data input
This is the process of entering data and programs in to the computer system. You should
know that computer is an electronic machine like any other machine which takes as inputs
raw data and performs some processing giving out processed data. Therefore, the input unit
takes data from us to the computer in an organized manner for processing.

2. Data process
The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and
makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided.
It is then sent back to the storage unit.
 Data Processing Cycle in computer cont.

3. Data storage
The process of saving data and instructions
permanently is known as storage.

4. Data output
This is the process of producing results
from the data for getting useful information.
 Types of Computer
A desktop or laptop computer is typically what comes to mind when most people hear the word
computer. On the other hand, computers work in our daily lives in a wide variety of ways and are
available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Computers are used when you use a calculator or
take out cash from an ATM.
 Types of Computer cont.
A computer system is classified as follows based on its size, internal structure, and applicability.

1. Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process huge amount of data. A
supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has thousands of interconnected processors.
Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting,
scientific simulations and nuclear energy research.

A supercomputer
„Hochleistungsrechner Karlsruhe“ (short „HoreKa“)
SCC data center at KIT campus north.
 Types of Computer cont.
2. Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can
support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously.
These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom sectors,
which need to manage and process high volume of data.
 Types of Computer cont.

3. Mini-frame computer
This computer is a mid-sized multiprocessor. It has two or more CPUs and can support up
to 200 users simultaneously. Institutions and departments use Miniframe computers for
accounting, management, and billing.
 Types of Computer cont.
4. Workstation computer
The computer of this category is a high-end and expensive one. It is a single user
computer that is designed for technical or scientific applications. It is exclusively made for
complex work purpose.
 Types of Computer cont.
5. Microcomputer
It is also known as a personal computer. Designed for personal use, it is a general-
purpose computer that serves as the device's input, output, memory, and central
processing unit. Such as laptops and desktops. They are appropriate for use in the
workplace for office work as well as personal work.
 Computer Units

• Input Unit
• Central processing Unit
• Primary Memory Unit
• Secondary storage Unit
• Output Unit
 Computer Units cont.
Input Devices
Input device enables the user to send data, information, or control signals to a computer.
Keyboards, mice, scanners, and microphones are examples of input devices used in a
computer.
 Computer Units cont.
Output Devices
The output device bring the result of the processing of raw data that is entered in the
computer through an input device. There are a number of output devices that display
output in different ways such as text, images, hard copies, and audio or video.
THANK YOU
For your attention