Deck 2
Basic Components and Types of Computers
Today's Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
- ✅ Identify core hardware components and their specific roles in various business functions like finance and operations.
- ✅ Differentiate between computer types to select the right tool for specific business tasks (e.g., data analysis vs. point-of-sale).
- ✅ Analyze how hardware choices impact overall business efficiency, cost, and strategic decision-making across the enterprise.
What is a Computer System?
Hardware ⚙️
The physical parts of the computer you can touch. The "body".
- CPU, Memory, Keyboard, Monitor
Software 🧠
The set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. The "mind".
- Operating System, Tally, Microsoft Excel
The Core Components: A Business Analogy
🧠 CPU (Processor)
The "Manager" - makes decisions and performs calculations.
🛠️ Memory (RAM)
The "Desk Space" - temporary area for active work.
🗄️ Storage (SSD/HDD)
The "Filing Cabinet" - permanent storage for all company records.
👁️🗣️ Input/Output Devices
The "Communication Tools" - how you interact with the system.
The CPU: The Engine of Business
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes instructions and performs calculations. Its speed directly impacts business productivity.
Business Impact of CPU Speed:
- 💰 Finance: Faster processing of complex Excel models, running accounting software, and completing month-end reports in less time.
- ⚙️ Operations: Powers real-time supply chain analytics and inventory management systems, preventing stockouts.
- 🤝 Human Resources: Speeds up payroll processing for hundreds of employees, ensuring timely payments.
Memory (RAM) vs. Storage
The Workspace vs. The Warehouse
RAM (Random Access Memory)
- Volatile (temporary)
- Your active "desk space"
- More RAM = Better multitasking
- Business Example: An HR manager running payroll software, an employee database, and email simultaneously without the system slowing down.
Storage (SSD/HDD)
- Non-volatile (permanent)
- Your "filing cabinet"
- Stores all business data
- Business Example: A finance department storing 10 years of audited financial records and transaction logs securely.
Input Devices: Getting Business Data In
Input devices feed information and instructions into a computer.
- ⌨️ Keyboard/Mouse: Essential for data entry in accounting systems, writing business reports, and internal communication.
- ║█║ Barcode Scanners: ⚙️ Critical for Operations. Used in warehouses for inventory tracking and at checkout counters for Point-of-Sale (POS) systems.
- 👆 Biometric Scanners: 🤝 Used by HR for accurate employee time and attendance tracking, and for securing access to sensitive areas.
- 🎤 Microphones: Enable virtual meetings, customer support calls, and voice-to-text functionality for efficient note-taking.
Output Devices: Getting Information Out
Output devices present processed data in a human-readable format, enabling decision-making.
- 💻 Monitors: The primary tool for visualizing financial dashboards, project management charts, and marketing analytics reports.
- 🖨️ Printers: Used by Finance to create hard copies of invoices and statements; used by HR for employment contracts and official documents.
- 📽️ Projectors: Essential for management presentations, company-wide meetings, and employee training sessions.
Types of Computers in Business
It's not one-size-fits-all. The right hardware depends on the business task.
Matching the Tool to the Task
PCs & Laptops
The workhorse for most office employees.
Used for: General productivity, data entry, email, analysis.
Departments: Finance, HR, Marketing, Admin
Servers
The powerful, centralized hub for data and applications.
Used for: Hosting websites, running ERP/CRM systems, central file storage.
Supports: ALL departments.
Mobile Devices
For the workforce on the move.
Used for: Sales updates, field service reports, executive dashboards.
Departments: Sales, Operations, Senior Management
Specialized Business Computing
Workstations
High-performance PCs for power-intensive tasks.
Business Use: 💰 Financial analysts running complex simulations; engineers using CAD software; marketing teams editing high-resolution video.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
Specialized computers for processing transactions.
Business Use: ⚙️ Retail stores, restaurants. They handle sales, track inventory, and manage customer data in real-time.
Hardware in Action: The Nepali Business Landscape
Let's look at how local companies use different types of hardware.
eSewa (FinTech) relies on powerful, secure servers to process millions of daily transactions and store sensitive financial data.
Daraz (E-commerce) uses barcode scanners and warehouse computers for operations, and massive servers to run its online marketplace.
CG Foods (Manufacturing) uses embedded computers (PLCs) to control the Wai Wai production line and servers to run their SAP ERP system for enterprise-wide planning.
Summary & Key Takeaways
What should you remember for your business career?
- 🎯 Hardware is the physical foundation that enables all business software and processes. Weak hardware leads to inefficient operations.
- 💼 Different business functions require different hardware for optimal performance (e.g., a Finance workstation vs. a Sales team's tablets).
- ⚡ Choosing the right hardware is a strategic business decision that impacts efficiency, employee productivity, and long-term costs.
- 🔍 Understanding basic components helps you make informed purchasing decisions and better communicate needs to the IT department.
Thank You!
Any questions?
Next Topic: Hardware Components and CPU