IT-Essentials Lab 1: Computer Basics

Software & Hardware

Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, which include:

• Case: Encloses and protects internal components.
• Storage Drives: Store data and programs.
• Keyboard & Monitor: Input and output devices for user interaction.
• Cables, Speakers, and Printers: Additional peripherals for connectivity and multimedia.

Software

Software includes the operating system (OS) and various programs or applications:

• Operating System: Instructs the computer on how to operate and manage hardware.
• Programs or Applications: Perform specific tasks or functions, such as word processing or browsing.

Computer Language

Computers communicate through electrical signals, processed in the binary system, which is the fundamental language for computing.

Binary System

The binary system uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent all data. Binary data is grouped as follows:

• Nibble: 4 bits.
• Byte: 8 bits.
• Word: 16 bits (2 Bytes).

Conversion Practice

Decimal to Binary Conversion

Convert decimal numbers to binary with the specified number of bits:

• 6 to binary (4 bits): 0110
• 17 to binary (4 bits): 10001
• 57 to binary (8 bits): 00111001
• 257 to binary (8 bits): 100000001

Binary to Decimal Conversion

Convert binary numbers to decimal:

• 0110: 6
• 10110111: 183