MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

In this module we shall discuss the following topics:

 Basic concepts
 Historical overview of the development of computers
 Generations of computers
 Classification of computers

STUDY UNIT 1: BASIC CONCEPTS

Table of Contents

 Definition of the computer

 Basic understanding of data processing
 The concept of data and information
 Methods of data processing
 Characteristics of a computer

1.0 Introduction

Computer is fast becoming the universal machine of the 21st century. Early computers were large in size
and too expensive to be owned by individuals. Thus they were confined to the laboratories and few
research institutes. They could only be programmed by computer engineers. The basic applications were
confined to undertaking complex calculations in science and engineering. Today, computer is no longer
confined the laboratory. Computers and indeed, computing have become embedded in almost every
item we use. Computing is fast becoming ubiquitous. Its application transcends science, engineering,
communication, space science, aviation, financial institutions, social sciences, humanities, the military,
transportation, manufacturing, extractive industries to mention but a few. This unit presents the
background information about computers.

2.0 Objectives

The objective of this unit is to enable students understand the following basic concepts:

(a) Definition of the computer

(b) Basic understanding of data processing

(c) The concept of data and information

(d) Methods of data processing

(e) Characteristics of a computer

3.0 Definitions

Input Output
Process
(DATA) (INFORMATION)

Fig. 1.0: Schematic diagram to define a computer

Computer: A computer is basically defined as a tool or machine used for processing data to give
required information. It is capable of: a. taking input data through the keyboard (input unit)

b. storing the input data in a diskette, hard disk or other medium c.

processing it at the central processing unit (CPU) and

d. giving out the result (output) on the screen or the Visual Display Unit (VDU).

INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT

(DATA) (INFORMATION)

Fig. 1.0: Schematic diagram to define a computer

Data: The term data is referred to facts about a person, object or place

e.g. name, age, complexion, school, class, height etc.

Information: Is referred to as processed data or a meaningful statement

e.g. Net pay of workers, examination results of students, list of successful candidates in an examination
or interview etc.

3.1 Methods of Data Processing

The following are the three major methods that have been widely used for data

processing over the years:

a. Manual method

b. Mechanical method and

c. Computer method.

Manual Method

The manual method of data processing involves the use of chalk, wall, pen pencil and the like. These
devices, machine or tools facilitate human efforts in recording, classifying, manipulating, sorting and
presenting data or information. The manual data processing operations entail considerable manual
efforts. Thus, manual method is cumbersome, tiresome, boring, frustrating and time consuming.
Furthermore, the processing of data by the manual method is likely to be affected by human errors.
When there are errors, then the reliability, accuracy, neatness, tidiness, and validity of the data would
be in doubt. The manual method does not allow for the processing of large volume of data on a regular
and timely basis.

Mechanical Method

The mechanical method of data processing involves the use of machines such as typewriter,

roneo machines, adding machines and the like. These machines facilitate human efforts in recording,
classifying, manipulating, sorting and presenting data or information. The mechanical operations are
basically routine in nature. There is virtually no creative thinking. The mechanical operations are noisy,
hazardous, error prone and untidy. The mechanical method does not allow for the processing of large
volume of data continuously and timely.

Computer Method

The computer method of carrying out data processing has the following major features:

a. Data can be steadily and continuously processed

b. The operations are practically not noisy

c. There is a store where data and instructions can be stored temporarily and permanently.

d. Errors can be easily and neatly corrected.

 e. Output reports are usually very neat, decent and can be produced in various forms such as
adding graphs, diagrams, pictures etc.

f. Accuracy and reliability are highly enhanced.

Below are further attributes of a computer which makes it to be an indispensable tool for human being:

3.2 Characteristics of a Computer

Characteristics of Computer

1. Speed: The computer can manipulate large data at incredible speed and response time can be
very fast.

2. Accuracy: Its accuracy is very high and its consistency can be relied upon. Errors committed in
computing are mostly due to human rather than technological weakness. There are in-built
error detecting schemes in the computer.

3. Storage: It has both internal and external storage facilities for holding data and instructions.
This capacity varies from one machine to the other. Memories are built up in K(Kilo) modules
where K = 1024 memory locations.

4. Automatic: Once a program is in the computer’s memory, it can run automatically each time it
is opened. The individual has little or no instruction to give again.

5. Reliability: Being a machine, a computer does not suffer human traits of tiredness and lack of
concentration. It will perform the last job with the same speed and accuracy as the first job
every time even if ten million jobs are involved.

6. Flexibility: It can perform any type of task once it can be reduced to logical steps. Modern
computers can be used to perform a variety of functions like on-line processing, multi
programming, real time processing etc.

3.3 The Computing System

The computing system is made up of the computer system, the user and the environment in which the
computer is operated.

The Computer System

The computer system is made up of the hardware and the software.

The Hardware

The computer hardware comprises the input unit, the processing unit and the output unit. The input
unit comprises those media through which data is fed into the computer. Examples include the
keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball, scanner etc. The processing unit is made up of the Arithmetic and
Logic Unit (ALU), the control unit and the main memory. The main memory also known as the primary
memory is made up of the Read Only Memory (ROM) and the Random Access Memory (RAM). The
output unit is made up of those media through which data, instructions for processing the data
(program), and the result of the processing operation are displayed for the user to see. Examples of
output unit are the monitor (Visual Display Unit) and the printer.

Software

Computer software are the series of instructions that enable the computer to perform a task or group of
tasks. A program is made up of group of instructions to perform a task. Series of programs linked
together make up software. Computer programs could be categorized into system software, utility
software, and application programs.

Computer Users
Computer users are the different categories of personnel that operates the computer. We have expert
users and casual users. The expert users could be further categorized into computer engineers,
computer programmers and computer operators.

The Computing Environment

The computing environment ranges from the building housing the other elements of the

computing system namely the computer and the users, the furniture, auxiliary devices such

as the voltage stabilizer, the Uninterruptible Power Supply System (UPS), the fans, the air

conditioners etc. The schematic diagram of the computing system is presented in Fig. 1.2a.

to Fig. 1.2e

Computing System

Computing
Hardware Software User Environment

Fig. 1.2a: Schematic diagram of the computing system

HARDWARE

INPUT PROCESS UNIT OUTPUT

KEYBOARD ALU PRINTER

MOUSE CONTROL UNIT MONITOR

MAIN MEMORY SPEAKER
SCANNER

Fig. 1.2b: C omputer hardware

 SOFTWARE

APPLICATION
SYSTEM SOFTWARE UTILITY SOFTWARE
SOFTWARE

ANTI VIRUS WORD

OPERATING
SYSTEM POWERPOINT
SCAN DISK
EXCEL

Fig. 1.2c: Computer software

COMPUTER USER

EXPERT USER END USER CASUAL USER

SYSTEM ENGINEER

PROGRAMMERS

COMPUTER OPERATOR

DATA ENTRY CLERK

Fig. 1.2d: Computer users

COMPUTER USER

BUILDING FURNITURE AND AUXILLIARY

FITTINGS DEVICES

AIR CONDITION

VOLTAGE STABILIZER

Fig. 1.2e: Computing environment

UPS

5.0 Summary

In this unit we have learnt the following:

i. Computer is any electronic device that can accept data, process it and produce an output.

ii. The computer method of data processing is superior to the manual and mechanical methods of data processing.

iii. The computing system is made up of the computer system, the users and the computing environment.

6.0 Tutor Marked Assignment

1a. What is a computer?

1b. What are the advantages of computer method of data processing over manual and mechanical methods of
data processing.

2. Draw the schematic diagram of a computing system and describe each of the components.