Lesson 1 – Basic

Definitions
INTRODUCTION
Lesson 1, Basic Definitions, aside from the course description, aims to give a
general overview of what a computer is and lay the foundation of the science of
computing. The module contents examine the overall aspect of computing, its relationship
to Information Communication Technology, components, operating systems, and internal
organization of the computer system, which include CPU elements, memory, internal
storage, and input/output units. The module contains concepts of computer storage
devices, its functionality, the CPU terminology, memory functionality, trend and concepts,
monitor and their controllers, video graphic, driver software, et cetera. Basic knowledge of
data representation, data communication, networking, operating systems, database
systems, web server and its properties, internet communication, and security will also be
acquired in this module.
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LESSON 1.1 : DATA AND INFORMATION
Data
as a general concept refers to the fact that some existing
information or knowledge is represented or coded in some form suitable
for better usage or processing. It is a series of observations,
measurements, facts, and communication. Computer data are
information that is stored or saved inside a computer or a computing
device.

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There are multiple types of data. Some of the more common types of
data include the following:

◎ Single character
◎ Boolean (true or false)
◎ Text (string)
◎ Number (integer or floating-point)
◎ Picture
◎ Sound
◎ Video

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 Data is raw, unorganized facts that need to be processed. Data can be something
simple and seemingly random and useless until it is organized. Each student's test score is
one piece of data. When data is processed, organized, structured, or presented in a given
context to make it useful, it is called information. The average score of a class or the entire
school is information that can be derived from the given data. The word comes from a singular
Latin word, datum, which originally meant "something given." Its first usage dates back to the
1600s. Over time "data" has become the plural of datum. "Information" is an older word that
dates back to the 1300s and has Old French and Middle English origins. It has always referred
to "the act of informing," usually regarding education, instruction, or other knowledge
communication.

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Information
is something that can be measure quantitatively. In the
computing world, information often means as computer data. The
primary unit of computer information is a bit. One bit of data consists of
two values: 1 and 0. All computer data or information are converted to
1‘s and 0‘s, which can be understood and the process by any computing
devices.

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A representation of computer information is shown below:

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 Information is also organized or classified data, which has
some meaningful values for the receiver. Information is the
processed data on which decisions and actions are based.

For the decision to be meaningful, the processed data must qualify

for the following characteristics:
◎ Timely − Information should be available when required.
◎ Accuracy − Information should be accurate.
◎ Completeness − Information should be complete.

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LESSON 1.2 : What is Information
Communication Technology (ICT)?
ICT stands for "Information and Communication Technologies“. It refers to
technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications . It is similar
to Information Technology (IT) but focuses primarily on communication technologies. ICT
includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums.

Modern information and communication technologies have created a "global

village," in which people can communicate with others across the world as if they were
living next door. For this reason, ICT is often studied in the context of how modern
communication technologies affect society.
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LESSON 1.3 : What is Computer?
A computer is a machine or device that performs processes,
calculations, and operations based on instructions provided by a software or
hardware program. It can accept data (input), process it, and then produce
outputs. Computers can also store data for later uses in storage devices and
retrieve them whenever it is necessary.

Modern computers are electronic devices used for a variety of

purposes ranging from browsing the web, writing documents, editing videos,
creating applications, playing video games, etc.
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Basic Parts of Computer
A PC is comprised of various parts. These parts cooperate to
do specific tasks. These parts are called “devices” and they are:
◎ The Input Devices

◎ The System Unit or Processing Device

◎ The Output Devices

◎ The Storage Devices

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LESSON 1.3.1 : The Input Devices
In a computer system, the input devices are hardware peripherals that are used
for communication between humans and computers. Input devices send signal to the
computer as input to command a computer machine what to do. Some of the popular
input devices are:

KEYBOARD - The keyboard is one of the many

ways to communicate with a computer. It looks
like a typewriter, has many buttons and are called
“keys”. You use the keyboard to type letters,
numbers, and symbols to give instructions to the
computer.
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MOUSE - The mouse is another
important tool for communicating with
computers. Commonly known as a
pointing device, it lets you point to
objects on the screen, click on them, and
move them. The mouse allows you to
control the movement of an on-screen
pointer, and when you move the mouse,
the cursor will also move. You can use the
mouse to tell the computer what to do.

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 MICROPHONE - A microphone is a sound-
detecting device that can be attached to a computer.
It allows you to input sounds like speech and songs
into the computer. You can record your voice with
the help of a microphone.

WEB CAMERA - A web camera is used to

take live photos videos. You can save them in the
computer. All cameras are made of
semiconductor device called CCD, which means,
Charged Coupled Device. It is the sensor that
sense images and convert it to digital signals.
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JOYSTICK - A joystick makes computer games a lot more fun. When it is moved, it
passes information to the computer. Most joysticks are used in game applications and
program simulation of animations.

SCANNER - A Scanner scans and copies pictures and pages, and turns them into
images that can be saved on a computer. It is often part of a printer and one of the features
of it. Scanners are like Xerox machines that can directly duplicate text and images.

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 LESSON 1.3.2 : The System Unit or
Processing Device
The System Unit or Processing device is the
metal and plastic box that contains the main
components of the computer, including the
motherboard, memories, central processing unit (CPU),
on/off button, and power supply. When you think, you
use your brain. In the same manner; system unit has the
CPU as the main brain of the processing device. It tells
the other parts of the computer what to do. It is the
controlling part of a computer that controls all the input
and out peripheral devices. 17
LESSON 1.3.3 : The Output Devices
An output device is a part of a complete computer hardware that
receives data and signals from a system unit and then translates that data into
another form. That form as output may also be data or signals like audio, video,
character texts, or paper hard copy printed as document. The difference
between an output device and an input device is that an input device sends
data into the computer, whereas an output device receives data and signals
from the system unit. Some examples are:

MONITOR - The monitor works with a video card,

located inside the computer case, to display images
and text on the screen.
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PRINTER - A printer prints the results of your work from the computer screen on a
sheet of paper. This is called a printout. It takes data from the system unit and output
those data as printed document. Those printed documents are composed of texts and
images.

SPEAKERS/HEADPHONES - The speakers and headphones are the output devices

that produce different types of sounds processed by the computer. Speakers are made of
electrical components called transducers that convert electrical signal from the
processing unit to audible signals. You can listen to songs or speeches stored in the
computer with the help of speakers.

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LESSON 1.3.4 : The Storage Devices
The storage devices that are used in computers are special devices made of
special materials. Some are made of special mechanical devices that are coupled with
magnetic materials. Many years ago, data was stored in papers and cardboards.
Nowadays, most storage devices are made of special semiconductor materials using
special and advanced physics technology. Both of the mechanical and semiconductor
types of storage materials used these advanced technologies to store data and digital
signals. Below are some of these storage devices.

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HARD DISKS - The hard disk is a part of a
computer which is used for storing data. Storing data
devices are called storage devices. These medium of
storage are semi magnetic disks that are called platter.

FLOPPY DISKS - A floppy disk stores small

amounts small amounts of information. It works when
it is inserted into the floppy drive. The floppy drive is
fixed in the system unit. It is also made of magnetic
devices formed in a thin film type disk-shaped inside
the disk cartridge.
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COMPACT DISKS - A Compact Disk or CD stores
many times more information than a floppy disk. It is
made using glass and laser technology. Data are stored
using sophisticated light technology and light beam
aimed into the glass disk by mechanical precision
achieving high data storage capacity.

USB FLASH DRIVE - A USB Flash Drive

(Universal Serial Bus) is a portable storage
device, small and lightweight enough to be
transported on a keychain or in a pocket. Flash
drive is also called thumb drive.
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RAM or RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY - A RAM (Random Access Memory) is the
internal, physical memory hardware device installed in the motherboard of the system
unit. This storage device helps the central processing unit (CPU) in the execution of the
operating system (OS), application programs and other data application. Random Access
Memory is a volatile memory material meaning data will be lost if the system‘s power is
not present.

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LESSON 1.3.5 : The Characteristics of
Computer
◎ It is an inanimate object.
○ It needs outside intervention for it to run.
○ It can only do things for which it is intended.

◎ It is electronic.
○ It is made up of electronic circuits.
○ It is powered by electricity.

◎ It is automatic.
○ It can set up its internal operations on its own.
○ The various functions are executed automatically by way of a stored computer
program. 24
◎ It can manipulate data.
○ Following specific rules, it can perform arithmetic functions such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, and other complex mathematical operations.

◎ It has a memory
○ It can remember what it has done.
○ It can store instructions in its memory and follow these through unaided.
○ It can store a large amount of data in a compact and easily retrievable form.

◎ It has logic functions.

○ It can perform specific decision instructions automatically.
○ It can determine whether a specific statement is true or false.

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LESSON 1.3.6 : Capabilities and
Limitation of Computer
CAPABILITIES
1. Speed. It operates at the speed of electronic flow, measured in billionth and trillionth
of a second.
2. Repetitiveness. It can perform the specified tasks repeatedly.
3. Accuracy. When the machines are programmed correctly, and when input data is
error-free, the accuracy of the output is relatively assured.
4. Decision-making capability/ logical operations. It can decide based on the data and
commands that the users input.
5. Store and retrieve information. It can save and retrieve information for future use.
6. Ability to check itself. Computers can check their work.
7. Ability to communicate with other users or machines. It can share files and
resources, among other computers.
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LIMITATIONS
1. It cannot generate on its own.

2. It cannot correct the wrong instructions.

3. It cannot come up with an original decision.

4. It can only be used to which it is intended.

5. It is subject to physical failure.

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LESSON 1.4 : ANALOG, DIGITAL, AND
HYBRID COMPUTERS
There are three basic kinds of computers. These kinds are based on the
hardware structure and the way physical quantities are represented in a computer.
The following are the three types analog, digital, and hybrid computers.

An analog computer is a special type of computer, where to use data in

continuous form, not discrete, and a changeable constant stream of data is known as
“Analog Data”. Analog PCs can store simple information in steady physical amounts
like electrical potential, liquid weight, or mechanical movement, lastly, it creates the
outcome utilizing measures. Analog computers are the first computers being
developed and provided the basis for the development of modern digital computers.
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Different applications of Analog Computers.

◎ Hybrid Controller ◎ Frequency of Signal and Voltage

◎ Simulation of a Spaceship ◎ Oscilloscope

◎ Mass-Spring-Damper System ◎ Television

◎ Simulation of Car-Suspension System ◎ Analog Sound Processor

◎ Vehicle Simulation ◎ Operational Amplifiers

◎ Speedometer ◎ Mechanical Integrators

◎ Telephone lines ◎ Wheel balancing computer

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Types of Analog Computers

◎ Slide Rules

◎ Differential Analysers
◎ Castle Clock

◎ Electronic Analog Computers

◎ Mechanical Analog Computers

◎ Pneumatic Analog Computer

◎ Hydraulic Analog Computer

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Differential Analysers - were analog computers designed to solve for all differential
equations. These computers had a large size for modern computers because today those
computers fill space like a PC. In the image is an obsolete differential analyzer that was
used in Calculus.

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Electronic Analog Computers - was developed in the USA, and initially, they were
used in the different missiles, airplane layout, and in-flight simulator. Electronic Analog
Computer contains thousands of vacuum tubes, but further some time replaced by
transistors. The latest analog computers are designed to use electrical signals flowing
through several resistors and capacitors, instead of mechanical interaction of their
components. The voltage of the signal produces the result in the form of graphic displays.
Mostly, these types of computers are enabled for different computing and defense
technology system.

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Mechanical Analog Computers - are designed along with different components
such as gears and lever, which do not use electronic parts. It produces output while
turning of gears, and it can perform multiplication and division operations. Examples are –
Cosmic Engine, Pascaline, Stepped Reckoner etc.

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Hydraulic Analog Computer - uses liquid, mostly
oil, to perform mathematical calculations. The first analog
computer was used to solve differential equations. It was
invented by Mihalo Petrovic Alas14 (1892), a member of the
Serbian Royal Academy of Sciences, and was a professor of
Theoretical Mathematics and Physics at Belgrade. The
MONIAC15 (based on Alas‘ works), also known as the
Phillips Hydraulic Computer and the Finance phalograph,
was created in 1949 by the New Zealand economist Bill
Phillips to model the national economic processes of the
United Kingdom, while Phillips was a student at the London
School of Economics.
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LESSON 1.5 : Types of Computer by
Classifications

There are four types of computers with their classification, such as:

◎ By Size and Capacity

◎ By Operating System Capabilities
◎ Based on Number of Microprocessors
◎ Based on the Number of Users

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LESSON 1.5.1: By Size and Capacity
Super Computer - In the old days, large enterprises and organizations
used the supercomputer because they required large-scale computing power.
A supercomputer is architectural and operational depend on parallel and grid
processing because, with the help of thousands of processors, all processes are
executed simultaneously.

Supercomputer mostly implemented in large scale scientific and

engineering areas, because where required maintenance for a large amount of
database.

Some examples are : Titan, Sequoia, K Computer, Mira, JUQUEEN, and Super
MUC.

Functions are : Industrial function, Space exploration, Weather forecasting,

and Nuclear testing. 36
Mainframe Computer - Mainframe computer
uses primary memory such as (RAM) and multiple
processors. It serves as a central processing unit for all
workstations and terminals points associated with it. A
mainframe computer was designed to be used to
process large amounts of data in pet bytes. It able
controls thousands of users at one time. Mainframe
‘means a frame to hold multiple processors and main
memory.

Some examples are : Banking, Government, and

Education System.

Functions are : Government data processing, Banking,

and Insurance.

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Mini Computer - The minicomputer is
introduced in the mid-1960. This type of computer is a
small size compared to a supercomputer and
mainframe computer. In which had been used the
different technologies such as transistors and core
memory. “Digital Equipment Corporation” was made
the first minicomputer with the US $161000.In this
computer also, multiple persons can work at a time
without waiting.

Some examples are : Tablet PC and Desktop

Minicomputer.

Functions are : Process Monitoring, Data

Acquisition, and Feedback Control
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Micro Computer - The microcomputer
is small in size. You can say it equivalent to
personal computers. Microcomputers use
different technologies like CPU (one single
chip), Microprocessor, Input/output
devices, and other storage parts. This is a
multi-User computer that is a significant
advantage.

Some examples are : PDA, PC,

Smartphone, and Notebooks.

Functions are :Application

Processing, Education, and
Amusment. 39
Embedded Computer - An embedded computer is a microcontroller technology-
based system, and this has been designed for a specific task. An embedded computer
does not need more power for massive computing. These computers can support some
devices.

Some examples are : DVD Player/Recorder, Medical Equipment, Printer, Fax

Machines, Washing Machine, Industrial Equipment, and Home Automation.

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LESSON 1.5.2: By Operating System
Capabilities
An operating system is the most critical software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to
communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an
operating system, a computer is useless.

Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the
computer. Several different computer programs are running simultaneously, and they all need to
access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system
coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.

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Example of Operating Systems
Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most
people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to
upgrade or even change operating systems. The most common operating systems for
personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS, Unix, and Linux.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI

(pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and
menus, and everything is displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and
text.

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Microsoft Windows
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There
have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows
10 (released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007).
Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most
popular operating system in the world.

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macOS
macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating
systems created by Apple Corporation. It comes preloaded on all
Macintosh computers or Macs. Some of the specific versions
include Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra
(2016).

According to StatCounter Global Stats, macOS users

account for less than 10% of global operating systems—much
lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%).
One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more
expensive. However, many people do prefer the look and feel of
macOS over Windows. 44
Linux
Linux (pronounced LINN-UX) is a
family of open-source operating systems, which
means they can be modified and distributed by
anyone around the world. Linux is different
from proprietary software like Windows, which
can only be modified by the company that owns
it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and
there are many different distributions or
versions you can choose from.

Linux has many distributions today, and some are Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint,
OpenSUSE, PCLinuxOS, Debian, Mandriva, Red Hat, Kali, Sabayon/Gentoo, etc. They have the
entire common core Linux, but the difference is in their different capabilities and usage
applications.
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LESSON 1.5.3: By Based on Number of
Microprocessors
Sequential Computers - The sequential computing is traditional architecture. In this model, all instructions are
performed one by one, so the speed of this computing is slow compare to parallel computing.

Parallel Computers - Parallel computing is an imaging type of model in which many processors or applications
execute simultaneously. In parallel computing splits the overload work into more than one processor and computation
simultaneously.

Classification of Parallel Computing:

◎ Bit-level parallelism

◎ Instruction-level parallelism (ILP)

◎ Data Parallelism

◎ Task Parallelism
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LESSON 1.5.4: By Based on Number of
Users

◎ Single User - In this model, only one user can perform a task at a time. Multi-
User- In this model, only multiple users can perform tasks at a time

◎ Multi-User - In this model, only multiple users can perform tasks at a time.

◎ Network Types - In this model, which has unique functionality, the connection
between computers and other terminals is connected with the local area network.

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LESSON 1.6: APPLICATIONS OF ICT
Information and communication technologies are becoming tangled with our everyday
lives in the industry, the service sector, transport, logistics, health care, housing, education, and our
leisure time, almost without discerning it.

As human beings, we are always attached to a lot of essential things in our life. Jobs,
education, retailing, and banking these are the compulsory things in our life. It was tough to get in
touch with these before technology changed our life and made it easier for us. It has contributed a lot to
exchange our experience from writing a letter which could take one month to arrive in the receiver, to
writing an email which can be received by the receiver in just one minute, from going to the shop to
choose and buy things to select and buy using E-commerce and no one even needs to go to the shop to
collect their goods.
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LESSON 1.6: Selected Applications of ICT
Jobs
Information and technology have helped a lot in the field of jobs. IT industry introduced
some unique and rare jobs which weren't very popular even in late 1980. This field has appeared as a
solution to increase the number of employments and reduce the number of unemployment in our
society. The IT industry created a lot of job facilities for people who have skills in IT.

It has created jobs like- Web developer, IT network administrator, computer game
designer, IT technicians, etc. The IT industry also helped many people to become successful self-
employer.

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Education
Technology helped us in our education as well. This has introduced the
most comfortable way of learning and teaching for both students and teachers. It has
also introduced us to know about 54 modern discoveries and even historical things as
well. We can use the internet everywhere in different books, and again we can watch
videos on the internet to get more ideas about the topic that we want to research on.

Nowadays, we use a projector in our school and other educational fields to

discuss the work with the whole class.

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Money and Banking
IT has also shown its valuable points on money and banking, which helped
us a lot to buy necessary things using E-commerce, which includes online shopping,
online selling, etc. It also helped a lot of companies to deal with other companies. We
can use online money and banking service 24/7 hours a day. This means people can
use this benefit whenever they want from any part of the world. We can also go to
different countries and use our same banking account to make money or put money in
our store. This is possible because of the 55 WAN (Wide area Network.) We can also get
a monthly statement using the internet, so we can compare our information every
month and make our plan for the upcoming months. Money transfer for another
country through banking will be a simple task.

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Business
Communication is an essential technique that is used to make a business
very famous. In earlier days, people used to communicate differently. They had to go
to everyone's house to promote their products, which could take a long time to
promote their work. They sometimes used to take a long journey so that they can deal
with someone, and they can expand their business. Since technology has arrived,
people still using the technique, which is communication, but they have changed the
method of promoting their products or dealing with someone who is far from one
another. Instead of going to everyone's house separately, people are making an
advertisement, which not involves one area or a country but the whole world and we
can also use IT to communicate someone who too far from each other.

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Health

When we get sick, we don't want to go to many places other than home. But
from home going for a consultation to a doctor, we need to move physically. Taking an
appointment, talking to the receptionist, describing the problem we have, and then
waiting for it increases our illness. This is when IT comes to helping us. Nowadays, we
don't need to go to the doctor's and describe our problems; we can use the Internet to
contact our doctor. We can use also use IT to do face to face communication with our
doctor even though we are at home. We can again frequently ask a question to our
doctors, and they can also answer us using E-mails.

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Crime and Policing
IT has introduced a lot of things that prevent people from committing a
crime. CCTV camera, GPRS system, using a database for finding criminals' information
is not an ordinary thing, which is not impossible without the blessing of IT. In ordinary
days police use GPRS to track someone's car, mobile phone if it has been stolen.
Authority uses a CCTV camera to detect criminals' faces. A fingerprint is another
particular method with which the police can identify the thieves. This is making our
lives safer and very easy in many ways. For example- big supermarkets like ASDA or
Tesco don't need to think about too much if someone tries to still their products,
because some products have got chips which can be detected if that product isn't
swiped over the bar code reader. They can also use CCTV cameras to help them
protecting their products.
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Retailing
IT has impacted on Retailing, and we are immensely enjoying the benefit of
using IT on Retailing. We are using IT on Retailing, which helps us to buy anything 24/7
every day. We can use this facility to choose whatever we want at any time we want.
We can select a range of items on the internet, and we don't even have to go to a place
to choose whatever we want. We can also reserve the items on the internet. We can
pay for the items on the internet with a safe internet payment option, which is PayPal.
We can also choose products from different countries on the internet and buy them
using the advantage of IT. IT also helped companies to make more money and spend
less on their business. The company does not need to hire more staff for the company.

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Thanks!
Stay safe everyone
You can find me at:
https://fb.com/aswaggero and
[email protected]

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