- Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating

computers. It encompasses the development of both hardware and software.

- Hardware refers to the physical components of an information system that can be
touched. Examples include computers, keyboards, disk drives, iPads, and flash drives.
- Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is intangible
and cannot be touched. Programmers write software programs by typing out lists of
instructions for the hardware.
- The history of computing can be traced back to pre-mechanical methods of
counting, such as using fingers, pebbles, hash marks on walls, bones, and sand.
- The Abacus, also known as the "Counting Frame," is considered the first machine
and the origin of the computer concept. It was used in ancient Near East, Europe,
China, and Russia. The exact origin of the abacus is unknown, but it may have
originated in China.
- John Napier, a Scottish mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, discovered
logarithms, which are used for calculations. He invented Napier's bones, a manually
operated calculating device based on lattice multiplication.
- William Oughtred, an English mathematician and Anglican clergyman, invented the
slide rule. The slide rule is a calculating device used for general calculations, closely
related to nomograms.
- Wilhelm Schickard, a German professor, invented the Schickard's Calculator, which
is the earliest known mechanical four-function calculator. It was used for
multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. Schickard’s Calculator is invented
for Johannes Kepler
- Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, physicist, and inventor, created the
Pascaline calculator, a mechanical calculator that supported addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. Pascal developed it to assist with the arithmetical
calculations required for his father's tax work.

- The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was the first electronic
general-purpose digital computer. It was Turing-complete, capable of solving a large
class of numerical problems through reprogramming. ENIAC was invented by John
Atanasoff and Clifford Berry.
- Charles Babbage, an English polymath, invented the Difference Engine and
Analytical Engine, considered the precursors to modern computers. Babbage is often
referred to as the "father of the computer."
- The EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) was an early
electronic computer system. Proposed by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, it
was designed to be a successor to the ENIAC. The EDVAC was delivered to the
Ballistic Research Laboratory in 1949.
- The ENIAC was primarily used for calculating artillery firing tables during World War
II. It had features such as arithmetic operations, memory elements, and control
elements.
- The development of computing technology has progressed significantly since these
early inventions, leading to the sophisticated computers and software systems we
have today.
- An information system (IS) enables businesses to save time and money while
making smarter decisions.
- IS facilitates better communication and information sharing among internal
departments like marketing and sales.
- Automation and complex algorithms in IS reduce human error and allow employees
to focus on core business aspects.
- The three components of IS technology are hardware, software, and peopleware.
- Hardware refers to the physical components of IS, such as computers, keyboards,
and disk drives.
- Software is the intangible part of IS that consists of instructions for the hardware to
perform tasks.
- Peopleware includes factors related to the role of people in the development and
use of computer software and hardware systems.
- Data is an essential component of IS, representing a collection of facts.
- Data becomes valuable when aggregated, indexed, and organized into a database
for decision-making.
- Processes are a series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
- Flowcharts are diagrams that depict processes, systems, or computer algorithms
using shapes and connecting arrows.
- Flowcharts are commonly used to document, study, plan, improve, and
communicate complex processes in a visual and understandable manner.
Additional Notes:
- Information systems play a crucial role in improving organizational efficiency and
decision-making.
- The use of technology in IS enhances productivity, accuracy, and the ability to
analyze data effectively.
- IS encompasses various types, including transaction processing systems,
management information systems, decision support systems, and executive
information systems.
- The integration of IS with other business functions and processes is crucial for
achieving synergy and maximizing benefits.
- IS security and data privacy are important considerations to protect sensitive
information from unauthorized access or breaches.
- Continuous evaluation, adaptation, and updates are necessary to ensure that IS
remains aligned with evolving business needs and technological advancements.
A computer is an electronic device that operates under the control of a set of
instructions stored in its memory unit. It consists of hardware and software
components that work together to complete various tasks. In this lesson, we will
discuss the characteristics of a computer, its classification based on purpose and size,
as well as its limitations. We will also explore the major hardware components of a
computer system and their functions.
I. Characteristics of a Computer:
1. Speed:
- Computers operate at high speeds and are much faster than humans.
- They can perform tasks equivalent to one million mathematicians working 24 hours
a day.
2. Reliability:
- Computers are highly reliable, with most errors being caused by humans, not the
computers themselves.
- They can store and retrieve vast amounts of data quickly.
3. Multitasking:
- Modern computers can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, allowing users to
run different programs concurrently.
4. Diligence:
- Computers do not get bored or tired, making them suitable for repetitive work.
5. Accuracy:
- Computers rarely make mistakes, and most errors occur due to human faults.
6. Storage Capacity:
- Computers have the capability to store enormous amounts of data and
information.
II. Classification of Computers:
1. General Computers:
- Designed to perform a range of tasks and store numerous programs.
- Comparatively, they may lack speed and efficiency.
2. Special/Specific Purpose Computers:
- Designed to handle a specific problem or perform a particular task.
- Built-in instructions tailored to the machine's purpose.
III. Classification of Computers based on Size:
1. Microcomputers:
- Small and general-purpose computers.
- Connected to networks and typically used by a single user at a time.
2. Mini Computers:
- More expensive than microcomputers.
- Greater storage capacity and speed.
- Designed to handle the needs of multiple users simultaneously.
3. Mainframe Computers:
- Large computers that process data at high speeds.
- Designed for multiple users and capable of handling vast amounts of data quickly.
- Commonly used by organizations such as banks, insurance companies, and airlines.
4. Supercomputers:
- The largest, most powerful, and fastest computers.
- Process trillions of instructions per second.
- Used for complex scientific calculations and simulations.
IV. Classification of Computers based on Functionality/Data Handling:
1. Analog Computers:
- Use continuous physical phenomena (electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical
quantities) to model and solve problems.
2. Digital Computers:
- Perform calculations and logical operations using quantities represented as digits
(0s and 1s) in the binary number system.
- Provide results with high accuracy and speed.
3. Hybrid Computers:
- Combination of digital and analog computers.
- Capable of inputting and outputting both digital and analog signals.
- Often used for complex simulations.
V. Limitations of Computers:
1. No Self-Intelligence:
- Computers rely on instructions given by humans and can give wrong outputs if
incorrect input is provided.
- They lack independent decision-making and thinking abilities.
2. No Feeling:
- Computers do not possess emotions, feelings, or knowledge.
- They can perform tasks without fatigue and handle risky operations.
3. No Learning Power:
- Computers require instructions to perform tasks and cannot learn from experience.
- They can solve problems but cannot learn new problems on their own.
VI. Major Hardware Components of a Computer System:
1. Input Unit:
- Devices that transfer raw data and control signals into the computer system (e.g.,
keyboard, mouse, scanner).
2. Memory or Storage Unit:
- Used for storing data before and after processing.
- Primary memory (RAM) holds temporary results, while secondary memory (e.g.,
hard drives) retains data permanently.

3. Output Unit:
- Devices that deliver processed information from the CPU to external storage or
devices (e.g., monitors, printers).
4. Central Processing Unit (CPU):
5. - The microprocessor chip that controls the computer system's activities.
- Contains the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) for mathematical and logical operations
and the Control Unit (CU) for coordinating instructions.
Conclusion:
Understanding the hardware components of a computer system is crucial in
comprehending how information is processed and tasks are accomplished.
Computers exhibit remarkable speed, reliability, and multitasking capabilities, but
they are limited by their dependence on human instructions and lack of self-
intelligence. By leveraging the power of hardware components effectively,
computers enable us to perform a wide range of tasks and process vast amounts of
data efficiently.