THE COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT

ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM

• Data Processing
• The collecting, processing, and distributing of
information to achieve a desired result.
• The equipment and procedure through which the
result is achieved and constitute data processing
system.
 COMPUTER HARDWARE

• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• Principal hardware
• Controls the input and output devices
• Consist of:
I. Main storage unit
II. Arithmetic and logic unit
III. Control unit
 I. MAIN STORAGE UNIT

• Used to temporarily store programs and data for processing.

• Finite size.
• If greater storage capacity or a more permanent storage is needed, peripheral
equipment which is not part of the CPU may be used as an auxiliary storage.
• It is necessary to move the data from
the peripheral equipment into the main
storage unit to process the data in the
auxiliary storage.
 INPUT DEVICE

• Permits the computer to receive both data and instructions for processing.
 OUTPUT DEVICE

• Returns information from the computer to the user.

Speaker
Monitor

Plotter
Projector
Printer
 II. ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC UNIT

• Arithmetic Task:
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• Comparisons and other types of transformation.
 III. CONTROL UNIT

• Regulates the activities of the other units and devices by retrieving machine
language instructions from the main storage units and then interpreting the
instructions.
• Generates the signal and command that cause the other units and devices to
perform their operations at the appropriate times.
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE

• Software
• Is a series of programs or routines that proved instructions for operating
the computer.
• Two Categories of Computer Software
• Application Programs
• Designed to accomplish specific objectives for users.
• System Software
• Elements of a Software System
• Operating System
• Utilities
 OPERATING SYSTEM VS. UTILITIES

• An operating system is designed to

1. Serve as a means of communication between the computer
hardware and the human operator.
2. Schedule load, initiate and supervise the execution of programs.
3. Initiate and control input and output operations.
4. Manage and control compilers and utility programs.
Compilers are programs that translate high – level computer
languages/source code into machine language, which can be placed
into main storage and executed
• Utilities are programs or group of programs designed to perform
commonly encountered data handling functions (ex. Sorting, merging
and copying one file to another.
 COMPUTER INSTALLATIONS

• Facilities where computer hardware and personnel are located.

• Categories
1. In house and captive computer: the organization owns or leases the
equipment and hires the necessary trained personnel to program,
operate and control the various applications processed with the
equipment.
2. Service Bureau Computer: the computer is used by an independent
agency which rents computer time and provides programming, key
– punching and other services. The user organization pays only for
the computer time and other services it uses. Rates are generally
based on quantity or hours used.
 COMPUTER INSTALLATIONS

• Facilities where computer hardware and personnel are located.

• Categories
3. Time – Sharing: under this system, the organization acquires a
device capable of transmitting and receiving data and be agreement
the right to use a central computer facility. This facility will furnish
services to several users at the same time. The user company does
most of its programming and treats the computer as though the
company were the only one using it.
4. Facilities Management: it falls between the captive and the service
bureau computer categories. Under facilities management, the
organization needing computer services may lease or purchase the
necessary hardware and install it on its own premises.