Introduction to Computing

INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTING

Course Syllabus 1 | P a g e
Introduction to Computing

UNIT I: OVERVIEW OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

The word computer is derived from the word compute. Compute means to calculate. It
had the capacity to solve complex arithmetic and scientific problems at very high speed. But
nowadays computers perform many other tasks like accepting, sorting, selecting, moving,
comparing various types of information. They also perform arithmetic and logical operations on
alphabetic, numeric and other types of information. This information provided by the user to the
computer is data. The information in one form which is presented to the computer is the input
information or input data.
Computer is defined as a fast and accurate data processing system that accepts data,
performs various operations on the data, has the capability to store the data and produce the
results on the basis of detailed step by step instructions given to it.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, the student is expected to:
1. Identify and define the components of computer system
2. Categorize computers. Compare and understand the different types/classifications of
computer
3. Identifies various events/improvements in the computing world.
4. Qualifies the understanding of computer usage.
5. Submit a write up on the recent ICT developments/contributions.

COURSE MATERIALS

ELEMENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Hardware:
Hardware refers to the tangible component of a computer system. The hardware is the
machinery itself. It is made up of the physical parts or devices of the computer system like the
electronic Integrated Circuits (ICs), magnetic storage media and other mechanical devices like
input devices, output devices etc. Various hardware are linked together to form an effective
functional unit.
The various types of hardware used in the computers, has evolved from vacuum tubes
of the first generation to Ultra Large Scale Integrated Circuits of the present generation.

Software:
Software refers to the intangible component of a computer system. The computer
hardware itself is not capable of doing anything on its own. It has to be given explicit instructions
to perform the specific task. The computer program is the one which controls the processing
activities of the computer. The computer thus functions according to the instructions written in
the
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program. Software mainly consists of these computer programs, procedures and other
documentation used in the operation of a computer system. Software is a collection of programs
which utilize and enhance the capability of the hardware.

Peopleware
Peopleware is regarded as the most important element of the computer and
communication system. It is said that without this element, there would not be any hardware
computers to be used, no software systems that would run computers, and no outputs to be
interpreted as a valid source of information. But thanks to the founding men and women behind
the innovations in the field of computing, the likes of Charles Babbage, Lady Ada Lovelace, Alan
Turing, and others, the world we live in today has made it a necessity for computers and its
systems to be part of our daily lives.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
The computer systems can be classified on the following:
1. According to Size.
2. According to Functionality.
3. According to Types of Data Handling.
4. According to Purpose

I. Classification on the basis of size

1. Super computers

The super computers are the highest performing system. A supercomputer is a

computer with a high level of performance compared to a general-purpose computer.
The actual Performance of a supercomputer is measured in FLOPS instead of MIPS. All
of the world’s fastest 500 supercomputers run Linux-based operating systems.

Supercomputers actually play an important role in the field of computation, and

are used for intensive computation tasks in various fields, including quantum mechanics,
weather forecasting, climate research, oil and gas exploration, molecular modeling, and
physical simulations. Throughout the history, supercomputers have been essential in the
field of the cryptanalysis.

2. Mainframe computers

These are commonly called as big iron, they are usually used by big
organizations for bulk data processing such as statics, census data processing,
transaction processing and are widely used as the severs as these systems has a higher
processing capability as compared to the other classes of computers, most of these
mainframe architectures were established in 1960s, the research and development
worked continuously over the years and the mainframes of today are far more better
than the earlier ones, in size, capacity and efficiency.

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3. Mini computers
These computers came into the market in mid 1960s and were sold at a much
cheaper price than the main frames, they were actually designed for control,
instrumentation, human interaction, and communication switching as distinct from
calculation and record keeping, later they became very popular for personal uses with
evolution.

In the 60s to describe the smaller computers that became possible with the use
of transistors and core memory technologies, minimal instructions sets and less
expensive peripherals such as the ubiquitous Teletype Model 33 ASR. They usually took
up one or a few inch rack cabinets, compared with the large mainframes that could fill a
room, there was a new term “MINICOMPUTERS” coined.

4. Micro computers
A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a
microprocessor as its CPU. It includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal I/O
circuitry mounted on a single printed circuit board. The previous to these computers,
mainframes and minicomputers, were comparatively much larger, hard to maintain and
more expensive. They actually formed the foundation for present day microcomputers
and smart gadgets that we use in day to day life.

II. Classification on the basis of functionality

1. Servers
Servers are nothing but dedicated computers which are set-up to offer some
services to the clients. They are named depending on the type of service they offered.

2. Workstation

Those are the computers designed to primarily to be used by single user at a

time. They run multi-user operating systems. They are the ones which we use for our
day to day personal / commercial work.

3. Information Appliances

They are the portable devices which are designed to perform a limited set of
tasks like basic calculations, playing multimedia, browsing internet etc. They are
generally referred as the mobile devices. They have very limited memory and flexibility
and generally run on “as-is” basis.

4. Embedded computers

They are the computing devices which are used in other machines to serve
limited set of requirements. They follow instructions from the non-volatile memory and
they are not required to execute reboot or reset. The processing units used in such
device work to those basic requirements only and are different from the ones that are
used in personal computers- better known as workstations.

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III. Classification on the types of data handling

1. Analog computers

An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously-changeable

aspects of physical fact such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model
the problem being solved. Anything that is variable with respect to time and continuous
can be claimed as analog just like an analog clock measures time by means of the
distance traveled for the spokes of the clock around the circular dial.

2. Digital computers

A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities

represented as digits, usually in the binary number system of “0” and “1”, “Computer
capable of solving problems by processing information expressed in discrete form. from
manipulation of the combinations of the binary digits, it can perform mathematical
calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other processes, and
simulate dynamic systems such as global weather patterns.

3. Hybrid computers

A computer that processes both analog and digital data, Hybrid computer is a
digital computer that accepts analog signals, converts them to digital and processes
them in digital form

Classification of Computer According to Purpose

1. General Purpose Computer

General Purpose Computer are computers that are utilized for ordinary work. These
computers can do numerous sorts of work, yet each one of those assignments is
ordinary. For example, - Writing a letter with Word Processing, setting up a record,
printing reports, making a database, and so forth. The CPU limit of these computers is
likewise less. In this manner, just ordinary work should be possible in it.
2. Special Purpose Computer
These computers are built for a particular task. The CPU capabilities in this
additionally relate to that particular function. On the off chance that more than one CPU
is required, at that point, numerous computers are introduced on these computers.
Aside from this, on the off chance that the work requires particular hardware or gadget,
at that point those gadgets or gadgets can be included in these calculations.

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CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTER

I. Capabilities of computer

A computer system is better than human beings in a way that it possesses the following
capabilities:

1. Speed
Speed is the amount of time taken by the computer in accomplishing a task of an
operation. The time taken by a computer to perform a particular task is far less than that
taken by than a human being. Different computers are classified on the basis of their speed
by comparing their MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second).

2. Accuracy

Accuracy refers to the degree of correctness and exactness of operations performed

by a computer. In the absence of bad programming, computers do not commit errors and
are capable of handling complex instructions accurately. If the data fed into a computer is
not error free, it is likely to produce inaccurate results.

3. Reliability

Computer systems are non-respondent to human factors like fatigue, tiredness or

boredom. Therefore, they are more likely to work repeatedly and efficiently. In case of any
failure in a computer system, there are provisions for immediate backup of information and
programs.

4. Versatility

Computers are capable of performing all levels of tasks- simple or complex.

Therefore, they can be used in any area-science, technology, business, finance,
accounts, communications and so on.

5. Storage:

It refers to the capacity of a computer to store data and programs. Storage is

done in storage media such as CDs, Floppies, DVDs, RAM (Random Access Memory),
ROM (Read Only Memory).

Limitations of a Computer

Although a computer is far better in performance than a human being, it fails in certain
ways as follows:

1. Dependent on User Input:

Computers cannot think and they can’t do any job unless they are first
programmed with specific instructions for same. They work as per stored instructions.
Algorithms are

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designed by humans to make a computer perform a special task. This is also called
artificial intelligence.

2. Cannot Decide on Their Own:

Computers are incapable of decision making as they do not possess the essential
elements necessary to take a decision i.e. knowledge, information, wisdom, intelligence
and the ability to judge.

3. No Feeling

Lack of feeling is another limitation of computer. A computer cannot feel like us. It
does not have emotions, feelings, knowledge etc. It does not get tired and keep on doing
its tasks. It can do very risky works which are not capable by human beings.

4. Computers can’t Implement:

Though computers are helpful in storage of data and can contain the contents of
encyclopedias even, but only humans can decide and implement the policies.

HISTORY OF COMPUTING

I. Earliest computing devices

YEAR PLACE MACHINE INVENTOR DESCRIPTION

18st Century China Abacus A frame with beads strung on
wires and rods and arithmetic
calculations are formed by
manipulating the beads.
17th Century Europe Napier’s Logs John Napier Simple device for multiplying.
and Bones
17th Century Europe Oughtred’s Slide William Oughtred Consists of two movable ruler
Rule placed side by side. Each ruler is
marked off in such a way that the
actual distance from the
beginning of the ruler are
proportional to the logarithms of
the number printed on the ruler.
1642 France Calculator Wilhelm Von Capable of adding, subtracting,
Leibniz multiplying, and dividing
numbers.
19th Century Difference Charles Babbage Calculate and print mathematical
Engine tables.
1930 Differential Dr. Vannevar Used to calculate artillery
Analyzer Bush trajectories during World War II.

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YEAR PLACE MACHINE INVENTOR DESCRIPTION

1896 America Punch Card Herman Hollerith Automatically read the
Machine information that had been
punched into card, without
human intermediation.
1897 America Automatic Howard Aiken Handled 23 decimal place
Calculating numbers and could perform all
Machine four arithmetic operations. It has
built-in special programs, or
subroutines, to handle logarithms
and trigonometric functions.
1943-1946 America Electronic Presper Eckert The first large-scale vacuum tube
Numeric Jr. computer.
Integrated and John Mauchly
Calculator
(ENIAC)
1946 EDVAC John Von Modified version of the ENIAC.
Neumann

II. Generations of computers

1. First Generation (1946-1959)

The use of vacuum tubes as a means of storing data in memory and the use of the
store program concept.

Advantages:
1. It made use of vacuum tubes which are the only electronic component
available during those days.
2. These computers could calculate in milliseconds.

Disadvantages:
1. These were very big in size; weight was about 30 tones.
2. These computers were based on vacuum tubes.
3. These computers were very costly.
4. It could store only a small amount of information due to the presence of magnetic
drums.
5. As the invention of first-generation computers involves vacuum tubes, so another
disadvantage of these computers was, vacuum tubes require a large cooling system.
6. Very less work efficiency.
7. Limited programming capabilities and punch cards were used to take inputs.
8. Large amount of energy consumption.
9. Not reliable and constant maintenance is required.

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2. Second Generation (1959 – 1965)

The use of transistors, diodes, and magnetic storage, built-in error detecting
device.

Advantages:
1. Due to the presence of transistors instead of vacuum tubes, the size of electron
component decreased. This resulted in reducing the size of a computer as compared
to first generation computers.
2. Less energy and not produce as much heat as the first generation.
3. Assembly language and punch cards were used for input.
4. Low cost than first generation computers.
5. Better speed, calculate data in microseconds.
6. Better portability as compared to first generation

Disadvantages:
1. A cooling system was required.
2. Constant maintenance was required.
3. Only used for specific purposes.

3. Third Generation (1965 – 1971)

The use of integrated solid-state circuity improved secondary storage devices,

and new input/output devices were the most important advantages. IC was invented by
Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby In 1958-1959. IC was a single component containing
number of transistors.

Advantages:
1. These computers were cheaper as compared to second-generation computers.
2. They were fast and reliable.
3. Use of IC in the computer provides the small size of the computer.
4. IC not only reduce the size of the computer but it also improves the performance of
the computer as compared to previous computers.
5. This generation of computers has big storage capacity.
6. Instead of punch cards, mouse and keyboard are used for input.
7. They used an operating system for better resource management and used the
concept of time-sharing and multiple programming.
8. These computers reduce the computational time from microseconds to
nanoseconds.

Disadvantages:
1. IC chips are difficult to maintain.
2. The highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.
3. Air conditioning is required.

4. Fourth Generation (1971 – 1980)

The development of the different areas in computer technology such as:

multiprocessing, multiprogramming, miniaturation, time-sharing, operating speed and virtual
storage. This technology is based on Microprocessor. A microprocessor is used in a

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computer for any logical and arithmetic function to be performed in any program. Graphics
User Interface (GUI) technology was exploited to offer more comfort to users.

Advantages:
1. Fastest in computation and size get reduced as compared to the previous generation
of computer.
2. Heat generated is negligible.
3. Small in size as compared to previous generation computers.
4. Less maintenance is required.
5. All types of high-level language can be used in this type of computers.

Disadvantages:
1. The Microprocessor design and fabrication are very complex.
2. Air conditioning is required in many cases due to the presence of ICs.
3. Advance technology is required to make the ICs.

5. Fifth Generation (1980 – onwards)

This generation is based on artificial intelligence. The aim of the fifth generation
is to make a device which could respond to natural language input and are capable of
learning and self-organization. This generation is based on ULSI(Ultra Large Scale
Integration) technology resulting in the production of microprocessor chips having ten
million electronic component.

Advantages:
1. It is more reliable and works faster.
2. It is available in different sizes and unique features.
3. It provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features.

Disadvantages:
1. They need very low-level languages.
2. They may make the human brains dull and doomed.

UNIT ASSESSMENTS/ACTIVITIES

1. Discuss what is your understanding on the elements of computer system and how are
they interrelated with one another.

2. Aside from the examples on the classification of computers discussed, give and explain
examples for each classification of computers.

3. Give and discuss additional capabilities and limitations of computers not

mentioned/discussed in the lesson.

4. Make a research on the recent hardware and software developments in ICT. Discuss its
significant contributions to ICT. Support your discussion with pictures and include
references in the paper.

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UNIT II: DATA REPRESENTATION

OVERVIEW
This module describes the various ways in which computers can manipulate numbers
and characters. The module is subdivided in two parts, the first part discusses the numbers
system operations and conversions. The second part covers the different data representations
including the Numeric and Non-Numeric representation of data.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, the student is expected to:
1. Distinguishes the various number systems and data representation.
2. Computes number system operation and conversion.
3. Manipulates various operation and conversions in number system
4. Answers/practices various operation and conversions.

NUMBER SYSTEMS

There are several number systems which we normally use, such as decimal,
binary, octal, hexadecimal. Amongst them we are most familiar with the decimal number
system. These systems are classified according to the values of the base of the number
system.

Binary Number System

A binary number system having the value of the base two. A binary number has
only two (2) different digits—0 and 1. Hence, a binary number cannot have any digit
other than 0 or 1. So to deal with a binary number system is quite easier than a decimal
system.

Octal Number System

Octal number system is a base eight number system. In an octal number system
there are 8 digits—0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Hence, any octal number cannot have any
digit greater than 7.

Decimal Number System

The number system having the value of the base as 10 is called a decimal
number system, with a decimal system we have 10 different digits, which are 0, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7,
8, and 9.

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UNIT III: HARDWARE

OVERVIEW

The topic on hardware is divided into two. The first part discusses the electronic
components that make up the computer system. It includes topics on the main units of the
computer including the input and output devices and other related computer equipment.
The second part covers the introduction to digital logic system which discusses the logic circuits
and how they are used to implement circuit design.

PART 1: COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM UNIT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, the student is expected to:

1. Explain the functions of the main units of a physical computer system

2. Describe what input and output devices are
3. Differentiate the primary and secondary storage devices
4. Give examples of I-O devices

COURSE MATERIALS
Definition: Hardware is the tangible, physical parts of the computer and related devices.

Main Units of a Computer

o Processor – interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer
o Main Storage – also called the memory or the primary storage
o Input – device used to send data to a computer
o Output – device used to send data from a computer to other devices

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Figure 3.1. Main Units of a Computer

Processor - interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer; it may
also be called the central processing unit or the CPU
The processor contains:
1. Control Unit – directs the flow of instructions and data inside the CPU and acts as a traffic
controller; it interprets each instruction and initiates the appropriate action to carry out.
2. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) – performs the arithmetic and logical calculations inside
the CPU
3. Registers – temporarily holds data and instructions; they are small high-speed location
inside the processor
4. System clock – controls the timing of computer operations; it generates regular electronic
impulses (ticks) that sets the operating pace of the system unit components

Main Storage
The memory stores instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, the data needed by
those instructions and the results of processed data (information).
Memory stores three (3) basic types of items:
1. Operating system and other system software
2. Application programs
3. Data / Information

Types of Memory:
1. RAM (Random Access Memory) - stores data and instructions for processing; volatile
(Volatile means the data/program in memory are erased once power is cut off)

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Cache memory – high speed holding area ; for those information which are frequently used
by the CPU
2. ROM (Read Only Memory) - contains stored instructions that a computer requires to be able
to do its basic routine operations; non-volatile
3. CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) – provides information every time
computer is turned on, e.g. RAM capacity, date/time

Input Device

An input device is a hardware or peripheral device used to send data to a computer. An

input device allows users to communicate and feed instructions and data to computers for
processing, display, storage and/or transmission.
(https://www.techopedia.com/definition/2344/input-device)

Figure 3.2. Images of most common input devices

*Image from Pinterest

Other examples of Input Devices

 Optical Mark Recognition

 Sensors
 Touch Screen
 Light Pen
 Speech Synthesizers- converts human speech into digital form or written text into
computerized voice

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 Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)- used to read the numbers printed at the
bottom of checks

Output Device

An output device is any device used to send data from a computer to another device or
user (see Figure 3-2).

Other Hardware

Secondary or Auxiliary Storage Devices

Is where data are stored permanently. It is outside the primary storage and serves just
like a filing cabinet.

We store data in an auxiliary storage device for 2 reasons:

1. Primary storage can only store a limited amount of data

2. Data stored in primary storage are volatile and temporary

Figure 3.3. Images of Output Devices

*Image from Pinterest

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Secondary or Auxiliary Storage Devices (Cont.)

Examples of Secondary or Auxiliary Storage Devices

- Magnetic tape - Data are stored serially and can only be accessed in a serial manner;
high capacity; cheap
- Magnetic Disk - Direct access storage media; high capacity and fast retrieval speed;
Reads/ write data through the use of electromagnetism
- Optical Disc (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) – Read / write data through light/laser beams
- Solid State Drives - Use integrated circuit assemblies as memory
- External Drive
- Flash Drive
- Cloud

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UNIT IV: PEOPLEWARE

OVERVIEW
Peopleware is regarded as the most important element of the computer and
communication system. It is said that without this element, there would not be any hardware
computers to be used, no software systems that would run computers, and no outputs to be
interpreted as a valid source of information. But thanks to the founding men and women behind
the innovations in the field of computing, the likes of Charles Babbage, Lady Ada Lovelace, Alan
Turing, and others, the world we live in today has made it a necessity for computers and its
systems to be part of our daily lives.
Nowadays, as the information and communications technology continues to evolve, not
much of its credit is given to the people who continuously improve it. Various careers in ICT are
part and parcel of the vast users of computers and its enabling technologies to make all
industries’ operations simpler, if not, better. And in this module, we will discuss various ICT
professions and differentiate them from one another, and how they contribute to the increasing
demand in the utilization of computers.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, the student is expected to:
1. Contrast roles and jobs in the ICT profession.
2. Summarize and report insights gained from ICT professionals.
3. Discuss a typical day of an ICT professional.

COURSE MATERIALS
Most professional ICT work can be classified into three (3) broad areas:
1. Information systems / Information Technology
2. Computer systems engineering
3. Computer science

People in ICT
1. Business Analysis Career – evaluate customer business needs, and provides business
solutions.
 Business Analyst - guide businesses in improving processes, products, services and
software through data analysis. These agile workers straddle the line between IT and
the business to help bridge the gap and improve efficiency.

 Business Systems Analyst – solve organizational information problems and

requirements by analyzing requirements; designing computer programs; recommending
system controls and protocols.

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2. Computer Engineering Career – design, install, repair and service of computers.

 Computer Engineer - evaluate, design, and maintain computer hardware and software
systems. They develop, test, and design, computer processors, circuit boards, and
network systems.

 Hardware Design Engineer - develop, improve, and test components and systems
including circuit boards, processors, and memory cards for computers and other
devices.

 Tehnical Support Engineer - also known as an IT support engineer, they help in

resolving technical issues within different components of computer systems, such as
software, hardware, and other network-related IT related problems.

 Computer Systems Engineer - develop, test, and evaluate software and personal
computers by combining their knowledge of engineering, computer science, and math
analysis.

3. Database Administration Career – monitor system performance, managing data, sharing of

data.

 Database Administrator - specialized computer systems administrator who maintains a

successful database environment by directing or performing all related activities to keep
the data secure.

4. ICT Education Career – specializes in ICT teaching and trainings, and ICT education
management.

 IT Lecturer - educate students on how computers work, from the basic science and
mathematics behind their operation to the actual hardware and the software built on
those foundations.

 Training Officer - identify staff training and development needs, and for planning,
organizing and overseeing appropriate training.

 Education Manager - develop policy, inform course curricula and teaching methods,
manage educational systems, recruitment, financial and physical resources.

5. Internet and E-commerce Careers – special instances of other ICT careers.

 Web Architect – create and implement interactive programs.

 Web Designer -develop and create websites and associated applications.

 Web Programmer - use a variety of programming languages to create web applications.

They also create these applications based on requests from clients and feedback from
end users.

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 Web Administrator – maintain and update their company's website or websites. They
help ensure websites are user friendly and offer an optimal user experience.

6. Multimedia – create and manipulate graphic images, animation, sound, text and video.

 Multimedia Graphics Designer - are the creative minds behind advertisements,

informational videos, and many other types of content you come across online or while
watching television. They combine text, audio, animation, photography, and video to
create informational and impactful content.

 Multimedia Content Author - generate and manipulate graphic images, animations,

sound, text and video into consolidated and seamless multimedia programs.

 Animator – create extensive series of images that form the animation seen in movies,
commercials, television programs, and video games. They typically specialize in one of
these media and may further concentrate on a specific area, such as characters,
scenery, or background design.

7. Software Development Career – translation of requirements into set of instructions.

 Programmer - code and test programming for software and mobile apps.

 Software Engineer - develop information systems by designing, developing, and

installing software solutions. They determine operational feasibility by evaluating
analysis, problem definition, requirements, solution development, and proposed
solutions.

8. Project Management Career – problem solving process involving planning, implementation

of project.

 Project Manager – establish project scope by studying strategic business drivers;

discovering and validating business and technical requirements and parameters;
obtaining input from subject-matter experts; examining and recommending changes to
current business practices; developing and writing proposals. They also develop solution
by formulating objectives; planning project life-cycle deliverables and resource
availability and application; preparing installation and modification specifications; leading
the exploration, evaluation, and design of technical solutions.

9. Systems Analysis and Design Career – partner of project managers and system developers.

 Systems Analyst - implement computer system requirements by defining and analyzing

system problems; designing and testing standards and solutions. They also define
application problem by conferring with clients; evaluating procedures and processes.

 Systems Architect - develop computer hardware, software, and network systems. They
are responsible for implementing, maintaining, and operating these systems. Systems
architects customize systems to meet the needs of specific clients.

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10. Systems Management and Administration – connections, communication of IT

infrastructure.

 Systems Administrator - is a professional who is held accountable for network

setup, annual server maintenance such as mail servers and file servers, and much
more. Based upon an organization’s requirements and other IT-related infrastructure, a
system administrator is tasked with providing a reliable work environment, particularly
whereby multi-user computers are associated with the LAN network.

 Network Adminstrator – assist in network design and implementation; provide network

support with a variety of operating systems; install and configure computer network
equipment; and maintain network connectivity of all computer workstations.

Code of Ethics of the Filipino Computing and Information Technology Professional

(Source: http://www.philippinecomputersociety.org/code-of-ethics)

For purposes of this Code, the following terms are defined as follows:

Information Technology - the preparation, collection, creation, transport, retrieval, storage,

access, presentation and transformation of electronic information in all its forms including, but
not limited to, voice, graphics, text, video, data and image.

Information Technology Professional - one who develops or provides information technology

products and/or services to the public.

Preamble:

I will use my special knowledge and skills for the benefit of the public. I will serve employers and
clients with integrity, subject to an overriding responsibility to the public interest, and I will strive
to enhance the competence and prestige of the professional. By these, I mean:

 I will promote public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of information

technology;
 I will consider the general welfare and public good in the performance of my work;
 I will advertise goods or professional services in a clear and truthful manner;
 I will comply and strictly abide by the intellectual property laws, patent laws and other
related laws in respect of information technology;
 I will accept full responsibility for the work undertaken and will utilize my skills with
competence and professionalism;
 I will make truthful statements on my areas of competence as well as the capabilities
and qualities of my products and services;
 I will not disclose or use any confidential information obtained in the course of
professional duties without the consent of the parties concerned, except when required
by law;
 I will try to attain the highest quality in both the products and services I offer;
 I will not knowingly participate in the development of Information Technology Systems
that will promote the commission of fraud and other unlawful acts;
 I will uphold and improve the IT professional standards through continuing professional
development in order to enhance the IT profession.

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Introduction to Computing

UNIT V: SOFTWARE

OVERVIEW
The portion of the computer system which provides instructions to the hardware on
how to perform tasks is the software. This module covers topics about software, its major
classifications, and the functions of the different type of software. This topic explains how

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, the student is expected to:

1. Differentiate an application software from a system software

2. Explain the types of a system software
3. Explain the different functions of an operating system
4. Discuss the different means by which application software are made available

COURSE MATERIALS

Definition: Software are programs which consists of step-by-step instructions to tell the
computer how to perform a task.

Two Categories of Software:

1. System Software
2. Application Software

System Software

 Consists of programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its
devices
 Serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s
hardware

Two (2) types of System Software

 Operating System
 Utility Programs

Operating System is a collection of programs that :

 coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices

 manages a computer system's internal workings, its memory, processors, devices,
and file system*
 Provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software

*https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/zosbasics/com.ibm.zos.zmainframe/zconc_ops
ysintro.htm

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An operating system manages a computer’s resources and acts as intermediary

between a user and the computer resources

Functions of an Operating System

1. Helps in the boot
operation Steps in the boot
operation
 When a computer is first powered on, it must initially rely only on the code and data
stored in nonvolatile portions of the systems memory.
 This code is referred to as the BIOS (basic input/output system), a firmware which
resides in the ROM.
 BIOS performs a series of tests called the POST (power-on self test). POST checks
for various system components including system clock, adapter cards, RAM chips,
mouse, keyboards etc.
 POST results are compared with data in the CMOS. CMOS stores configuration
information such as the amount of memory, current date/time, types of drives, etc. If
any problems are identified, error messages may display.
 If POST completes successfully, the BIOS searches for system files and load them
into memory from storage (usually the hard disk).
 Next the kernel of the OS loads into memory. Then the OS in the memory takes
control of the computer

2. Provides user interface

Interaction with a software is through its user interface (UI). Three (3) types of UI:
 Command-line interface – displays a prompt, user types on the keyboard,
computer executes and provide the textual output
 Menu-Driven interface - user has a list of items to choose from and can make
selection by highlighting one
 Graphical User interface (GUI) - uses windows, icons, pointers, menus

3. Manages program

The following are the different ways by which an OS handles program

 Single user / single tasking operating system – allows one user to run one program
at a time
 Single user / multitasking operating system – allows a single user to work on two or
more programs at the same time
 Multiuser operating system – allows two or more users to run programs
simultaneously
 Multiprocessing operating system – supports two or more processors running
programs at the same time

4. Manages memory

This function optimizes the use of the RAM

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 OS allocates, or assigns, data and instructions to an area of memory while they are

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being processed
 Monitors contents of memory and releases items from memory when the processor
no longer requires them

5. Schedules jobs

The OS determines the order in which jobs are processed. Jobs may include the
following:

 Receiving data from an input device

 Processing instructions
 Sending information to an output device
 Transferring items from storage to memory and vice versa

6. Configures devices

 A Device driver is a small program that tells the OS how to communicate with a
specific device.
 Each I/O device has its own specialized set of commands and thus require its own
specific driver.
 When you boot the computer, the OS loads each device’s driver.

7. Provides file management and other utilities

OS provides users with the capability of managing files, viewing images, and other
functions such as uninstalling programs, scanning disks, setting screensavers, etc.

8. Controls network

A network OS organizes and coordinates how multiple users access and share
resources on a network. Resources include hardware, software, data, information

Category of OS

 Stand Alone OS – can operate with or without a network

 Network OS – designed a network; resides on a server

9. Administers security

The network administrator uses the network OS to establish permissions to resources.

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10. Monitors performance

OS assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices
such as the processor, disk, memory, and network usage

Two (2) types of System Software

 Operating System
 Utility Programs
Utility Program is a type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type
tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs. Although the OS
usually has built-in utility programs, users oftentimes prefer stand-alone utilities because they
offer improvements.
Some examples of stand-alone utility programs are anti-virus programs, spyware removers,
file compression programs, etc.

Two Categories of Software:

1. System Software
2. Application Software

Application Software

 can be called end-user programs since they allow users to perform tasks such as
creating documents, spreadsheets, publications, running business, playing games, etc.

 consists of programs designed to make users more productive and assist them with
personal tasks

Application Software Categories

1. Business
 Word Processing
 Spreadsheet
 Database
 Project Management
 Accounting

2. Graphics and Multimedia

 Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
 Desktop Publishing
 Paint-Image Editing
 Video-Audio Editing
 Web Page Authoring

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3. Home/Personal/Educational
 Software Suite
 Personal Finance
 Photo/Video Editing
 Educational
 Entertainment

4. Communications
 E-mail
 Chat Facility
 Videoconferencing
5. Business
 Word Processing
 Spreadsheet
 Database
 Project Management
 Accounting

6. Graphics and Multimedia

 Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
 Desktop Publishing
 Paint-Image Editing
 Video-Audio Editing
 Web Page Authoring

7. Home/Personal/Educational
 Software Suite
 Personal Finance
 Photo/Video Editing
 Educational
 Entertainment

8. Communications
 E-mail
 Chat Facility
 Videoconferencing

Application Software is available in a variety of forms

 Packaged - mass-produced, copyrighted retail software that meets needs of a wide

variety of users
 Custom - performs functions specific to a business or industry
 Open source software - software provided for use, modification, and redistribution; no
restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification of the software
 Shareware - copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period

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 Freeware - copyrighted software provided at no cost by an individual or a

companythat retains all rights to the software; distributed for free in the aim to expand
the market share of a "premium" product.
 Public-domain software - software that has been placed in the public domain: in other
words, there is absolutely no ownership such as copyright, trademark, or patent.
Software in the public domain can be modified, distributed, or sold even without any
attribution by anyone*
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public-domain_software
Programming Languages
Low Level Languages
 1st GL Machine Language – Instructions are in the form of machine code, 1’s and
0’s
 2nd GL Assembly Language – uses short, English-like, abbreviations to
represent common elements of machine code

Procedural Languages (3rd GL) - Uses English-like words to write instructions

 COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language)

 C Language

Object Oriented Programming (OOP) Languages - implements an object oriented

design. An advantage is the ability to reuse and modify existing objects; the objects
can be reused in many systems, are designed for repeated use, and become stable
over time.
 Java
 C++
 C#

Compiler and Interpreter

Compiler – converts the entire source program into machine language; Result is called the
object code. It produces a program listing containing the source code and a list of any
errors.

Interpreter - translates and executes one statement at a time; reads a code statement,
converts it to one or more machine language instructions, and then executes those machine
language. An interpreter does not produce and object code. One of the advantages is that
when it finds errors, it displays feedback immediately. An advantage is that it does not run
as fast as the compiled programs

Read:

Discovering Computers by Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat Introduction to Information Technology

by Albano, Atole & Ariola

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UNIT VI: NETWORK, INTERNET, AND INTERNET PROTOCOLS

OVERVIEW

From the early times, people had seen the need to communicate over a distance
(telecommunication). They used various means to communicate such as smoke signals,
sound(drums), and homing pigeons. During the later years, with the advent of electricity, other
devices were invented to facilitate telecommunication such as telegraph, telephone, and radio.

Today, we see a tremendous leap toward communications. Modern communication is

now about the movement of data in a vast network of computers. This network of computer
networks is called the Internet. This module covers the basics of networking and Internet
concepts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, the student is expected to:

1. Discuss network models

2. Explain network topologies
3. Explain internet concepts

COURSE MATERIALS

Concepts in Computer Networking

What is Data Communication

(https://www.tutorialspoint.com/data_communication_computer_network/index.htm)

Data communications refers to the transmission of digital data between two or more
computers. A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows
computers to exchange data.
History of Data Communication

 1753 - Proposal submitted to a Scottish magazine to run a communication line between

villages comprised of 26 parallel wires representing each letter of the alphabet
 1833 - Carl Friedrich Gauss developed a system based on a 5X5 matrix representing 25
letters so message could be sent in a single wire
 1832 - Samuel F.B.Morse invented the telegraph , the first successful data communication
system that used binary coded electrical signals to transmit information.
Samuel Morse also developed the Morse code which used dots and dashes to represent
information
 1840 - Morse secured an American patent for the telegraph
 1844 - The first telegraph line was established between Baltimore and Washington D.C.
with the first message conveyed “What hath God wrought!”

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 1875 - Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone

 1899 - Guglielmo Marconi succeeded in sending radio (wireless) telegraph messages
 1920 - First radio transmissions of the human voice. Birth of sound-broadcasting in the
improvised studios of the Marconi company
 1957 - Launch of Sputnik-1, the Earth’s first artificial satellite
 1963 - Launch of the world’s first telecommunication satellite, Syncom-1, in geostationary
orbit
Computer network - two or more computers interconnected with one another for the purpose of
sharing resources such as database, backup device, and others.
The elements of a computer network are (Source: Network Fundamentals – Cisco):
 Protocols – rules and agreements on how the different parts of the network will operate.
A protocol stack is a list or set of protocols used by a system.
 Data and Messages –information used or transmitted / received in the network.
 Communications medium – interconnects the different devices in the network. Ex.
copper and fiber optic cables
 Devices - includes computers, routers, switches, hubs, bridges and others.

Classification of Computer Networks According to Geographic Scope

• Local Area Network
- Computers confined to one building or cluster of buildings
- Relatively high speed of transmission
- Usually privately owned
• Metropolitan Area Network
- Computers located within a city or cluster of cities
- Usually use facilities of telecom or network service providers
• Wide Area Network
- Computers located outside a building or cluster of buildings
- Computers may be located between two or more cities, or between two or more
countries
• Global Area Network
- Computers located in different countries around the world. Ex. Internet
• Personal Area Network (PAN)
- interconnection of information technology devices within the range of an individual
person, typically within a range of 10 meters

Two Basic Network Models

 Peer to peer client server – all computers share their resources with all the other computers
in the network.
 Dedicated client / server – one or more computers are assigned as a server and the rest of
the computers are clients.
- A network architecture where one centralized, powerful computer (called the server) is a
hub to which many less powerful personal computers or workstations (called clients) are
connected.
- Server manages all network resources; dedicated; engineered to manage, store, send
and process data; provides the service

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