1 Introduction to Computers

CURRICULUM FOR THE YEAR 2015 JC LEVEL

Objectives
- Definition of computer and its uses.
- Benefits of using computer
- Know what makes a computer powerful
- Main components of computer
- Uses of computer
- Types of Computer
- Computer Applications in society
- Various types of computer users

History of Computers
The first counting device was Abacus which originated in 80 BC, its main goal was to
assist in basic calculations such multiplication, addition and subtraction. From abacus
scientists made the first computer which was called Z Computer in 1930s. This was the
huge computer that could occupy large building. Scientists in 1951 made the computer
called Univac 1.
What is a Computer?
It is an electronic device that process information or data. It operates under the control
of instructions stored in its own memory. Computer has the ability to retrieve, process
and store data.
Computers are everywhere and people use them to type documents, send email, play
games, browse the web, edit videos and many more.
Areas where computers can be found
a) Hospital
b) Banks
c) School
d) Government
e) Home
f) Mines

Computer literacy is the knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses.
Having all the knowledge and understanding means that you are a computer literate.
Computer User: is a person who interacts with a computer.
 Computer performs 4 major functions namely;
a) Input: Enter data into the computer. e.g. keyboard.
b) Process: It process data. e.g. Central Processing Unit (CPU).
c) Storage: Save data programs. e.g. Hard disk
d) Output: Present the results. e.g. Monitor

Parts of the Computer

- System Unit
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
Data: collection of unorganized data or is raw facts that have not been processed. One
cannot make a decision or analysis out of it.
Information: it is a processed or organized data that is meaningful.
The below figure briefly illustrates the difference between data and information.

Employee worked for 10 days

in a month This is data.

This is the transformation

process whereby data is
transformed into information

NetPay= 10 * R10

Salary= R100.00 This is information. Here we

can now understand

Information Processing Cycle

This involves input, processing, output and storage.

INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT STORAGE

Computer receive instructions or data inserted as input, then it process this data into
information. The result is called the output. Then information is stored for future use.
This is a complete Information Processing Cycle. In other books it is said that it include
communication with other computers. This another form of input and output.
Benefits of Computer
- Facilitates communication.
- Allows us to have access to information from around the world via internet.
- Pay bills online
- Shopping online
- Compute assigned tasks in a short period of time
- Teachers prepare lessons, make tests and grade them through computer.
- Better gaming.
 Explain Why a Computer Is a Powerful Tool
A computer is a powerful tool because it is able to perform the information processing
cycle operations (input, process, output, and storage) with amazing speed, reliability,
and accuracy; store huge amounts of data and information; and communicate with
other computers. Computers allow users to generate correct information quickly, hold
the information so it is available at any time, and share the information with other
computer users.
Advantages of Computer
 Speed
 Accuracy/Consistency
 Storage
 Reliability
 Communication
Disadvantages

 Public Safety
 Violation of Privacy
 Health Risks
 Impact on Labor Force
 Impact on Environment

Green Computing – involves reducing electricity consumed and environmental waste

generated while using a computer.

Strategies of green computing

- Recycling
- Extending life of a computer

What makes up the computer system?

a) Hardware
b) Software
Hardware and Software are known as the main components of the computer.
Hardware
The physical part of the computer that one can touch. Consist of system unit and
peripheral devices.
a) System Unit – contains electronic components used to process data.
b) Peripheral devices – are devices which are attached or connected to the
computer.
Examples of computer hardware
 Monitor
 Mouse
 System unit
 keyboard
Software
Any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It guides the hardware and
tells it how to accomplish each task. It is also known as program.
Examples of computer software
 Web browser
 Games
 Word processor
Two types of computer software
 System software
Coordinates instructions between software and hardware. E.g. operating system
Two types of system software;
1) Operating System - coordinates all activities among hardware devices and
contains instructions that allow you to run application software
2) Utility programs - performs specific tasks, usually related to managing a
computer, its devices, or its programs

 Application Software
Programs that perform specific tasks. E.g. word processing
Installing –this is the process of setting up software to work with a computer, printer or
other hardware.
Programmer – is a person who develops software.
Components of Computer Hardware
a) Input devices
Hardware used to enter data and instructions into the computer. E.g. mouse,
keyboard.
b) Output devices
Hardware that conveys information to a user. E.g. monitor, printer.
c) System Unit:
It is generally, but not always, shaped like a box. It is a case that contains
electronic components connected to motherboard. It plays a vital role because it
protects components inside.
d) Storage Devices: holds data, information and instruction for future use. E.g.
CD/DVD drive.

Types Of Computers
a) Supercomputer: is a fastest and most powerful computer capable of processing
quadrillion instructions in a second. The figure below shows the Super computer.

Advantages:
- Carries millions and millions of calculations per second.
- It has 250, 000 processors.
Disadvantages:
- It is more expensive
Uses:
- For scientific applications

b) Mainframe: it is a large, expensive and powerful computer that can handle

hundreds or thousands of users connected simultaneously.
 Advantages:
- Holds huge information at speedy rate.
- Has large storage capacity
Disadvantages:
- It is expensive.

c) Mini Computer: a small computer that is in a range between microcomputer and

mainframe computers.

Advantages:
- More cheaper than Mainframe
- It is processes data at a very speed than Micro Computer

d) Micro Computer: it is a complete computer on a small scale, also known

personal computer (PC).
Advantages:
 Disadvantages

Uses
- at home
- at school
- Office etc
e) Portable Computers: are any computing devices that run of its own internal
power.
Advantages
- Light enough to be physically carried from place to place.
Disadvantages
- Easily stolen

Types of portable computers:

a) Laptop or Notebook: is a portable computer that fits in one’s lap.
Features of Laptop Computer
- It has low weight
- It has lower power consumption
b) Palmtop: a small computer that literally fits in your palmtop.

Embedded Computer: is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in

larger product. E.g process controllers and robotics.
Computer Applications in society
1) Business
Computer is used in business organizations for: Payroll calculations, Budgeting, Sales
analysis, Financial forecasting, Managing employees database, Maintenance of stocks.

2) Banking
Today’s banking is almost totally dependent on computer. Banks uses computer for
online accounting facility and ATM machines.

3) Insurance
Insurance companies are keeping all records up-to-date with the help of computers.
Insurance companies also maintain their database of all clients.

4) Education
The computer has provides a lot of facilities in the education system. It also helps the
school to easily manage student information and fees. Computer as a vital tool provides
with best methods in learning
 5) Marketing
Graphic designers uses computer to create animations or graphics for advertising
purposes.

6) Health Care
Computers are being used in hospitals to keep the record of patients and medicines. It
is also used in scanning and diagnosing different diseases. They are now also used in
surgery purposes.

7) Engineering Design
Computers are widely used for engineering purposes. One of major areas is CAD
(Computer aided design) that provides creation and modification of images. Used in
planning towns, designing buildings, design of ships and many more.

8) Government
Computers play an important role in government. They uses them to make budget, for
tax management, voting, driving licenses and many more.

Careers in IT industry
1) IT Consultant
2) Computer Forensic Investigator
3) Mobile Application Developer
4) Teacher
5) Web Developer
6) Software Engineer
7) Database Administrator
8) Computer Network Engineer

How to start up a computer

9) Press the power button
10)Wait for the computer to boot, and enter password if available
How to shut down a computer
11)Close all open applications
12) Click Start button
13)Click shutdown
 TUTORIAL 1

1. What does it mean to be “computer fluent”?

2. How can becoming computer literate help you in a career?
3. What kinds of benefits do computers bring to the society?
4. Give four major functions of a computer.
5. What is the difference between data and information?
6. What are a byte and a bits?
7. What hardware does a computer use to perform its functions?
8. What are the two main types of software?
9. Explain why a computer is a powerful tool.