Computer Studies Made Simple : Introduction to Computer and its components

Definition of A Computer:

A computer is a machine that is programmed to receive data and process it into a meaningful information and store that information for use whenever required.

Components Of a computer:

Two main components of a computer are :

Hardware

Hardware is the physical part of the computer.

Software

Software refers to the programmes installed in the computer or the non-physical part of the computer that

processes the input to output.

Hardware components of a computer:

These include:

Input devices:

These devices input data into a computer and send data into the CPU / processing Unit.

Examples include : Keyboard and mouse

Processing Devices or the CPU

The central processing Unit processes the data

Main memory :

This stores the data before it is processed by the CPU and also stores the processed dadta as well.

Output Devices:

These devices display the results of processed data.

Example include Printer and monitor.

Storage Devices

These devices are used to store data.

Some examples include : Floppy disks,hard disc drives and CD ROM etc.

Computers Studies made Simple: Information And Data

Information And Data

Data:

This means a collection of  raw facts and figures.

Raw means the facts have not been processed yet to give them a meaningful form.

Data is collected from different sources for different purposes.

It may consist of numbers,letters,pictures,symbols etc

Information:

This term refers to a processed form of data to get a meaning ful outcome.

The information is used for various important applications.

Data Processing/Computing

This is the process of converting data into a meaningful form/ information .

It consists of the following steps:

Input / Data

Processing

Output/Information

Gastroenterology Made Simple : Mallory Weiss Syndrome

Mallory Weiss Syndrome

This term refers to acute upper GI bleed as a result of a longitudinal tear in the mucosa of distal oesophagus or proximal part of the stomach.

Usually,it preceeds a history of retching or vomiting prior to the episode of Upper GI Bleed.

Associated / Predisposing Factors:

It is associated with condition causing a sudden and repeated rise in intra-abdominal pressure.

Common precipitating factors include:

Repeated retching / vomiting

Excessive alcohol abuse

Frequent hiccups/coughing

Old age

Presence of hiatus Hernia

Management:

Upper GI Endoscopy to evaluate the cause and to implement therapeutic intervention and assess the damage is usually mandatory.

Prognosis:

Prognosis is usually good.

Bleeding is mild and self limited and most lesions heal with conservative treatment.

PPIs/Proton Pump Inhibitors are given to all patients to promote healing

Boerhaave”s Syndrome:

This is a term that refers to rupture/perforation of esophagus along with air in mediastinum (pneumomediastinum)

This is an acute emergency.

Clinical Features:

Patients will present with severe chest pain and pain in abdomen.

There would be clinical findings of haemodynamic compromise (Low blood pressure,Tachycardia)

Investigations:

An urgent Chest X-ray lateral and PA views will show pneumo-mediastinum

Management:

This condition requires immediate emergency surgery.