Unit 1: Computer fundamentals & data representation
IT Tools for Business notes · PTU syllabus (BBASEC 301-18)
On this page
Unit summary
Every business runs on computers. This unit covers what data, instructions and information are, the characteristics and applications of computers, input-output devices, hardware, software, humanware and firmware, the block diagram of a computer, and number systems and their conversion.
After this unit you can
- Distinguish data, instructions and information
- Describe the characteristics and business applications of computers
- Explain the block diagram and functional units of a computer
- Convert between binary, octal, decimal and hexadecimal
PTU syllabus topics
- Data
- instruction and information
- characteristics and applications of computers
- input-output devices
- hardware
- software
- humanware and firmware
- block diagram and functional units of a computer
- number systems and their conversion
- 1Input unit
Keyboard, mouse, scanner
- 2CPU: control unit
Directs all operations
- 3CPU: ALU
Does arithmetic and logic
- 4Memory
Stores data and instructions
- 5Output unit
Monitor, printer
Topic 1
Data, instructions and information
- Data: raw facts and figures (85, "Ana").
- Instructions: commands telling the computer what to do with data.
- Information: processed, meaningful data ("Ana scored 85%").
A computer accepts data (input), processes it according to instructions, and gives information (output).
Topic 2
Characteristics and applications
Characteristics: speed, accuracy, storage, diligence (no fatigue), versatility and automation; limitations: no intelligence of its own and no feelings. Business applications: accounting (Tally), payroll, inventory, banking and ATMs, online shopping, customer relationship management, data analysis and communication.
Topic 3
Hardware, software, humanware and firmware
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Physical parts | Keyboard, CPU, monitor |
| Software | Programs | Windows, MS Office |
| Humanware | People who use and run computers | Users, programmers, operators |
| Firmware | Software stored permanently in hardware | BIOS in ROM |
Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, barcode reader, webcam. Output devices: monitor, printer, speakers, projector.
Topic 4
Block diagram of a computer
- 1Input unit
Accepts data and instructions
- 2Memory unit
Stores data and programs
- 3Control unit
Directs and coordinates all operations
- 4Arithmetic logic unit
Performs calculations and comparisons
- 5Output unit
Presents results
The CPU = control unit + ALU (+ registers).
Topic 5
Number systems and conversion
| System | Base | Digits |
|---|---|---|
| Binary | 2 | 0, 1 |
| Octal | 8 | 0–7 |
| Decimal | 10 | 0–9 |
| Hexadecimal | 16 | 0–9, A–F |
Decimal to binary
Divide by 2 repeatedly; read remainders bottom-up
Binary to decimal
Multiply each bit by 2^position and add
Binary to octal
Group bits in threes from the right
Binary to hexadecimal
Group bits in fours from the right
Example
(25)₁₀ = (11001)₂ = (31)₈ = (19)₁₆.
Key terms
- Information
- Processed, meaningful data
- Firmware
- Software permanently stored in hardware
- Humanware
- People who operate and use computers
- CPU
- Control unit plus arithmetic logic unit
- Binary
- Base-2 number system
Quick revision
- Data → processing → information.
- Speed, accuracy, storage, diligence, versatility.
- Hardware, software, humanware, firmware.
- Input → memory → CU/ALU → output.
Important exam questions
Practice questions written to the PTU exam pattern for this unit's syllabus: short answers (Section A style) and long answers (Sections B and C style).
Short-answer questions
- Q1.Differentiate between data and information.
- Q2.List four characteristics of computers.
- Q3.What is firmware?
- Q4.Draw the block diagram of a computer.
- Q5.Convert (45)₁₀ to binary.
Long-answer questions
- Q1.Explain the characteristics and business applications of computers.
- Q2.Explain the block diagram of a computer and the function of each unit.
- Q3.Explain number systems and convert a given number between them.
Stuck on this unit?
Message SBS on WhatsApp for help with IT Tools for Business, or to ask about studying BBA at Synetic.