KEY TERMS

AI - Artificial intelligence

ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange

ATM - Asynchronous transfer mode

CAN - Campus area network

CPU - Central processing unit GAN-Global area network

HDMI - High-definition Multimedia Interface

IoT- Internet of Things

LAN - Local area network

MAN - Metropolitan area network

OS - Operating system

PAN - Personal area network

RPA - Robotic process automation

WAN - Wide area network

Address bus - Is used by the CPU to specify a physical address for

instructions, files, and other devices within the computer system.

Application software - Consists of programs that are designed to perform specific tasks for users.

ASCII code - Is a standard that assigns letters, numbers, and other

characters within the 256 slots available in the 8-bit code.
Binary number system - Is a method of representing numbers with 2 as its base and uses only the
digits 0 and 1; each successive digit represents a power of 2.

Bluetooth - uses radio waves to connect to other devices, connection via Bluetooth is called
pairing.

Central processing unit (CPU) - is the brains of the compute which most calculations take
place.
Computer software - is a combination of instructions, data, a programs that a computer needs
in order to do a specific task.

Control bus - is used by CPUs to communicate with other devi within the computer system.

Data bus - can transfer data to and from the memory of

computer, or into or out of the central processing unit (CPU).

Decimal number system - consists of ten digits from 0 to 9. The digits can be used to represent
any numeric value. The base of th decimal number system is 10. It is the most widely used
numbe system.

E-learning - involves the use of a computer or electronic device in delivering instruction to

students. Students and teachers ca communicate with each other through online lessons, activitie
and exams.

E-commerce - helps in boosting the economy. It makes buying and selling activities easier,
faster, and more efficient.

Ethernet cable - transmits signals between a computer and a network device such as a router, a
switch, or other computers.

Fire Wire - is a type of connector that can transmit data to and from devices which have typical
high data rates, such as exter hard drives.

Hexadecimal number system - includes a subscript of 16 in most cases, appended with the
lowercase letter 'h' to deno hexadecimal notation.

High-definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) - is a connector for transmitting audio/video

data compatible with computers, projectors, and digital televisions.

Internet of Things (IoT) - is the network of physical objects or "things" embedded in

electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and
exchange data.

Local area network (LAN) - refers to a group of computers and associated devices that share a
common communications line or wireless link to a server.
Machine language - is the only language a computer is capable of understanding.

Number system - refers to the way of counting things.

Octal number system - consists of eight digits from 0 to 7 and each digit position in this system
represents a power of 8.

Personal area network (PAN) - is the interconnection of

information technology devices within the range of an individual person, normally within the
range of 10 meters.

Platform - hosts the application software installed in the system.

System bus - is a pathway composed of cables and connectors used to carry data between the
computer's peripheral devices.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) - is a connection or interface that allows the computer to
communicate with system peripherals.
Wide area network (WAN) - is a geographically distributed private telecommunications
network that interconnects multiple local area networks (LANs).

WiFi - uses radio waves to transmit wirelessly information across a network.

Wired communication - refers to the transmission of data over a wire-based communication

technology.

Wireless communication - is a type of data communication that is performed and delivered

wirelessly. This is a broad term that incorporates all procedures and forms of connecting and
communicating between two or more devices using a wireless signal through wireless
communication technologies and devices.
How Computers Work

The basic parts of a computer are the central processing (CPU), memory, a keyboard or other
input device, and a screen or other output device. How does a computer add or subtract and how
can its memory remember the answers it compute computer does not have a human brain inside
but acts in many ways as though it does have a real one.

However, while we understand human language, the computer can understand machine
language. When a person types on the computer's keyboard, the human brain identifies letters,
numbers, and characters combined to create words at sentences. But the computer does not
recognize letters as letters the alphabet; it sees the letters as a series of 0's and 1's called the
binary language.

Computer Number Systems

Humans use the decimal number system-to count, measure and compute. The decimal number
system has ten digits, such a 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. A computer, on the other hand, ca only
understand two digits a 0 and a 1. These two numbers play an important role in the way
computers communicate with on another. This type of number system is called the binary
number system, with the prefix bi, which means 2.

There are other types of number systems, such as the octal number system (from the prefix octa,
meaning it uses 8 digits) and the hexadecimal number system (hexa means 6; deci means 10
meaning it uses 16 digits to represent its values). However, thest special number systems are
merely a way to bridge the computers binary language to a somewhat understandable human
(decimal language since computer data can be complicated.)

How Computers Interpret Data

With the different types of number systems, it is important to understand how computers
interpret the letters on the keyboard through a series of 0's and 1's. This is normally done through
the number system conversion. Depending on the standard used, computer systems convert
characters from the keyboard and later display them on the monitor. Refer to the following steps:

1. From the keyboard, pressure pads are typically found underneath each key. Upon typing a
letter, the pressure pad sends information to the CPU for processing.

2. The information is then transmitted in the form of 0's and 1's using the ASCII code.

3. The CPU determines what character has been typed an sends the information to the computer
monitor, again O's and I's.

4. The monitor displays the information in its equivale character, this time readable and
understandable humans.

A Majority of computer systems use the American Standard Code for Information Interchange
(ASCII) for converting characters into 0's and 1's. The ASCII co is a 7-bit code used to represent
letter numbers, and basic special characters.

The uppercase character 'A' as se on the left is represented in ASCII a 0100 0001 in binary, 101
in octal, or 41 hexadecimal system.
Below is a table showing the ASCII printable characters (as seen in your keyboard) represented
in decimal (Dec), hexadecimal (Hx), and octal (Oct) formats.

Notice how the characters are

represented in decimal, octal, and
hexadecimal formats. Computer
programmers create programs so
that computers can do specific
tasks. People who write programs
are programmers. Depending on
the skills set of the programmer, a
program can be developed based on
the programming language the
programmer is familiar with.
Another term used for a program is
codes. Writing programs is called
programming or coding.
However, looking at a long string of 0's and 1's (binary form might be considered too confusing
for the programmer, causing errors during coding. Take a look at the word "computer" binary
code as seen by a computer:

01100011 01101111 01101101 0110000 0111010101

01110100 01100101 01110010

A bit hard to read, right? The programmer might miss on a few digits while creating a program.
Thus, to make it easier machine codes are made "more human" by making them readable and
similar to the human language. This is identified with the different levels of programming
languages which will be discussed later in this chapter.

So how does the computer know that 01100011 01101111 01101101 0110000 0111010101
01110100 01100101 01110010 is the same as the word "computer"? Each character is converted
from the ASCII table's hexadecimal, octal, or decimal presentation into binary language. For
example, the letter 'c' is equivalent to 63 in hexadecimal which when converted into binary is
equal to 0110 0011.
How Computers Communicate with One Another

Notice how the computer uses different ways to connect to certain devices. The computer
monitor uses a wire to connect to the computer unit while the mouse wirelessly connects to the
laptop, etc. Depending on the situation, computers use different connection methods to do their
tasks.

System bus

A computer system, on its own, communicates through what is called a system bus. A system bus
is a pathway composed of cables and connectors used to carry data from a computer's peripheral
devices-monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.-to the CPU and the main memory. There are three types
of buses: the data bus, address bus, and control bus.
Figure 2.2 Simplified diagram of a computer system implemented with a single system bus. This
modular organization was popular in the 1970s and 1980s.

For example, how does the computer know that the printer needs more ink? How does the mouse
cursor move along with the actual mouse? And how does the speaker produce sound in time with
the video displayed on the monitor?

Data bus - A data bus can transfer data to and from the memory of a computer, or into or out of
the CPU. Examples of pieces of information that traverse the data bus include files transferred
from a flash drive to the computer's hard drive and a document sent to the printer for printing.

Address bus - The address bus is used by the CPU to specify a p address for instructions, files,
and other devices with computer system. For example, in a given computer unit, are typically 6
to 8 USB ports. The address bus is respons checking which of the USB ports has a printer
connected along with the mouse, keyboard, speakers, and, sometimes external drives.

Control bus - A control bus is used by CPUs to communicate with of devices within the
computer system. As the address bus carrie location of the data being sent and the data bus
carries the data being processed, the control bus carries the command instructions from the CPU.
It also sends status signals from devices, identifying if it is ready or not. The typical read/
commands are identified through the control bus. For example if one tries to save a file to a flash
drive that is already removed from the computer, the computer will notify the user with an error
message saying that the folder or drive where the file is intended be saved is no longer existing.

This is because the original destination or location no longer be sent through the address bus
because of the disconnection. Therefore, the CPU sends a halt instruction the control bus,
stopping the data to be sent through the datab often seen as an error message prompt.
The amount of data sent throughout the system bus depends on the size of the bus. Latest
computer systems use a 64-bit bus however, the majority still use a 32-bit computing size for the
computer systems. Take note, however, that the mention computing size is on a hardware level.
Having an operating syste or software application that is 32-bit or 64-bit is different. Again the
hardware is different from the software. It is advised that your computer hardware uses a 32-bit
bus (hardware), use only software programs running 32-bits. This is to avoid the hardware from
overheating. Imagine a 32-bit bus computer working double time to make up for the excess 32-
bits from a 64-bit application software. A 64-bit bus, on the other hand, can process either a 32-
bit or a 64-bit software application.

How Computers Connect to Other Computers

The next step in knowing how a computer is able to connect to other devices is to understand
how a computer connects to another computer. Earlier, computer peripherals using wired or
wireless connections are mentioned. It is also similar when a computer wants to connect to
another computer with or without wires.

Computer Network Systems

Computers are able to communicate with one another over networks. A computer network is an
interconnection of two or more computers. This interconnection gives these computers the
capability to share information and resources. There are several types of networks, mostly
depending on the number of computers in it, how they are used, and what type of technology is
used in its connectivity. Below are some of the computer network systems:

Personal area network (PAN) - is a type of connection which is often limited to an individual
person and his or her personal devices. Normally, these devices must be within the range of 10
meters with each other. For example, a person traveling with a laptop, a smartphone, and a
portable printer could interconnect the devices without having to plug anything in, using some
form of wireless technology.

Local area network (LAN) - is a connection in which group of computers and other devices,
such a printers, share a common communications line within a certain area such as a building or
a small LANS are often found in schools and offices to securethe organization's information.
This is done through the computer server in which user's access may be restricted to avoid
unwanted users. For example, some schools LANS within their campuses so that students can
connectto the internet to do online research. Students are required to login their information
(such as their student ID connect to the internet. However, through the sch6o campus server,
restrictions to sites such as online pornographic materials, and the like are implemented. This
means that students will not be able to access the websites inside the campus.
Wide area network (WAN) - may be less restrictive the LAN as rules and policies may differ
within its coverage. A WAN may be made of several LANS and PAN. A WAN can also be made
up of several more WANs. This why WAN is considered synonymous to the internet.

Methods of Communication

There are many different types of connection media that are used in contemporary society to
connect computer networks one another. Connections are often categorized generally in two-
wired communication and wireless communication.

→ Wired communication

Different types of cables are used to connect to a give network. There are coaxial cables, fiber-
optic cables, Ether cables, and traditional telephone lines. These will be discu at length in later
chapters. This chapter focuses on a stand alone computer system and the types of wired
connection that are available.
Computer systems have different connections which usually depend on the motherboard's form
factor. Popular wired connections nowadays include the following:
Older computer units have connections that include the following:
→ Wireless communication

Wireless communications include microwave transmission, satellite communication, cellular

transmission and radio transmission such as WiFi connectivity. Wireles technologies differ
hugely from one another, but the most popular types are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Institute
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a technical association with members all across the
globe identified standard 802.11 for Wi-Fi and 802.15 for Bluetooth in the wireless standards.

→Wi-Fi uses radio waves transmit wirelessly to information across a network. Wi-Fi's signals
are transmitted in frequencies of between 2.5 and 5 gigahertz (GHz), which are higher than radio
and TV signals to avoid interference. Wi-Fi is often used in schools, companies, and business
establishments, among others. This is to provide network connections to multiple users without
the need for cables. Majority of Wi-Fi users use mobile devices. such as tablets, laptops, and
smartphones to connect via an access point or Wi-Fi hotspot.

→ Bluetooth

Bluetooth uses radio waves to connect to other devices. The connection via Bluetooth is called
pairing. Once paired, devices are able to send and receive information provided they are within a
given range which is typically 10 meters.
How Humans Communicate with Computers

Reading a long string of 0's and 1's can be very confusing and taxing. As such, people who
invented the computer identified two areas in computer systems-computer hardware and
computer software. Through computer software, humans are able to "communicate" with the
computer.

Computer Software

The computer software is a combination of instructions, data, and programs that the computer
needs in order to do a specific task. Another term used for computer software is computer
programs. Everything the computer does can basically. be controlled through these programs.
Programs are a set of or instructions which are usually designed or written by computer
programmers using a specific programming language. The most common type of programming
language used by programmers is called object-oriented programming. This programming
language includes Microsoft's C# (pronounced as 'see-sharp), Sun Microsystem's Java, and an
open-source programming language PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor).

Programmers have developed two types of software-the system software and application
software.
People might be more familiar with the application softwar as most of the day-to-day tasks done
in front of a compute involve the use of application programs (e.g., typing a schol assignment
using Microsoft Word, editing a photo using Adobe Photoshop, browsing through Facebook
using Google Chrome, or listening to music using Apple's iTunes). The system software als
called an operating system (OS) is the most important softwar running on a computer since it
manages the computer's memory and instructions and has the ability to control all the connected
hardware and installed software applications.

The OS allows a person to interact with the computer-from the hardware components and
peripherals to all the installed software applications and files one has stored on the computer The
interaction can occur in two ways:

1. By using a command-line operating system (e.g., DOS) in which the computer responds
according to the te command that is typed

2. With a graphical user interface (GUI) operating system (e.g., Windows) such as pictures and
buttons through mouse clicks and keyboard entries.

System Platforms

Desktop systems differ from mobile systems in terms of how each platform treats the application
software installed in the system. A desktop or a laptop computer usually needs an application
program to run a certain application on it, or possibly, multiple ones at the same time. A typical
example is that of a web browser capable of running multiple web sites with different
"applications" all at the same time. In this scenario, Google Chrome is open as the user waits for
an email from a friend via Gmail, while another browser tab has YouTube open as he or she
watches video tutorials. Another browser tab with Wikipedia open is possible as the user is also
researching on different computer peripherals. All of these websites are accessed using a single
web browser. A web browser is considered to be an application software. However, this scenario
is typically played within a desktop platform.

With today's trend leaning towards mobility, more and more mobile devices are now capable of
doing things which typical desktop computers can do. This is why companies that develop
smartphones, for example, have identified specific system software and application software for
these mobile devices (Hope, 2017).

Using a smartphone in accessing the same websites is a different experience. Instead of using a
web browser to access all three web sites, mobile applications are used. Mobile applications have
the capacity to run directly on top of the operating system without using web browsers.
Facebook, YouTube, and Gmail are typical examples of desktop applications that have mobile
counterparts.
System Software

Two of the most popular desktop system software or OS nowadays are Microsoft's Windows and
Apple's macOS. In mobile devices, Apple uses iOS for their devices' system software. But while
Microsoft is also using Windows for their mobile devices' operating system, it is not the leading
mobile OS in the world, compared to its desktop counterpart. According to the International Data
Corporation (IDC), the most popular mobile operating system as of 2016 is Android OS,
acquiring 85% of the global market (IDC, 2017). Table 2.3 Smartphone OS Market Share Chart

Table 2.3 Smartphone OS Market Share Chart

Applications Software

The table below identifies the different types of application programs and their corresponding
software that are available in the market.

Table 2.4 Different Types of Application Programs

Online Applications Software

As previously discussed, application software consists of programs that are designed to perform
specific tasks for users. Specific application software products, called software packages, are
available from different vendors. Usually, these software packages cost money although a lot of
application software is now being made available for free. Often called shareware, freeware, or
public-domain software, this software can be downloaded for free but usually with fewer
capabilities compared to the ones sold.

As such, online application software is now introduced with the improved internet speed being
made available to consumers. There are various products available including software tools that
were previously identified only as computer applications.

Office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office Suite were only available offline, but now,
Microsoft has developed Microsoft Office 365 which has been made available to students and
teachers for free via their Office 365 Education. Numerous web and mobile applications are also
made available to users which oftentimes feature the same functionalities as the offline version.
Google introduced its online applications capable of doing the same thing as Microsoft's Office
Suite. Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides are the online counterparts of MS Word,
Excel, and PowerPoint, respectively.

Other online productivity tools are also available for organizations, such as data collection and
analysis, especially for those in the marketing industry. PCMag.com has listed down available
online survey engines for 2017 and analyzed the top contenders. Included in the list are Zoho
Survey, Survey Gizmo, Campaign Monitor GetFeedback, Checkbox Survey, Fluid Surveys,
Survey Monkey, WorldApp KeySurvey, Outside Software eSurveys Pro, SoGoSurvey, and
SurveyPlanet. Survey Gizmo is the Editors' Choice getting a 4.5 rating and is said to be best for
small to midsize businesses (Schindler, 2017). Not only can a
organization easily disseminate its survey questions to its clien but data trends and analysis are
also automatically done by the tool, providing faster results. Tomsguide.com has also listed down
several applications available in the App Store and Google Play that can increase productivity,
improve efficiency, and provide convenience.

Below are just some of the apps on their list:

1. Any.do - a scheduler and reminder notification app

2. Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint - available for free download in both
Android and iOS
3. WPS Office - another office productivity suite that does the same as Microsoft's Word, Excel,
and PowerPoint
4. Adobe Acrobat Reader - a PDF reader and annotation app which lets you view and sign PDF
forms
5. Microsoft Outlook - for reading emails, managing contacts, and calendar
6. Newton Mail - for accessing all email accounts in one "unified inbox"
7. Forge - a mobile drawing app that allows the user to create sketches and edit photos

Lastly, people who have no IT background can now create their own blogs and websites through
online tools which provide web hosting and web content management. They do not need to learn
programming languages, although some knowledge in programming will be an advantage to
further customize the web layout.

Wix.com and WordPress.com are two of the most popular website creation tools available online.
Both tools offer blogging and website content management system (CMS). Users do not need to
be programmers due to the simple and easy-to-use design of the CMS.
Workforce Industry

Workers, researchers, and administrators benefit from ICT. Computers are used to expedite
production planning and control systems, to support chain management, and to facilitate product
design in the industrial sector. Machines that are fully computer- operated are now used.
Researchers use computers to gather and analyze data for hypothetical reference while
administrators use computers to manage the entire operations of the plant or factory to detect or
anticipate explicit errors or deficiencies that transpire in the process. Some of the large industrial
companies that implement ICT include Toyota Philippines, Honda Philippines, and San Miguel
Corporation.

However, the use of ICT can be perceived as a threat to assembly-line and factory workers as
robots or machines take over their jobs.

Figure 2.4 Computer-operated machines

Electronic Commerce

Electronic commerce or simply e-commerce helps boog the economy. With computers, internet,
and shared software as the main tools needed, buying and selling activities are made easier, more
efficient, and faster. Customers, sellers, and supplien all benefit from the capabilities of ICT.
Some of the known e-commerce markets are Zalora, Lazada, Shopee, Metrodeal, Takatack,
Amazon, OLX.ph, AirBnB, Booking.com, Agoda.com and many others.

Customers or clients use computers to communicate with sellers. This method can save time and
cost as consumers do not have to go physically to any outlets or department stores. Suppliers, on
the other hand, use computers in keeping track of their transactions which include the monitoring
of inventory.

Hospitals
The use of computers in hospitals offers many benefits to both doctors and patients. Hospitals are
creating patients' databases of health records, treatment records, and medical records. Also, with
the help of ICT, doctors use computers and various medical applications not only for research
advancement but also for faster diagnosis of patients' illnesses. Through computing and
monitoring technologies, tests administered in hospitals such as blood test, urine test, brain
testing, ultrasound, echocardiography, complete blood count (CBC), mammography, bone
density study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and body scanning, among others are
made possible. With the development of databases and other applications, ICTs prevent medical
errors in particular and improve the efficiency of the health system in general.
How Computers Impact Everyday Life

The advent of technologies specifically the development of information and communications

technology has changed the lives of people. Computers, for example, permeate everyday life as
they are used in various fields-in schools, malls, and hospitals, among others. The following
areas show how computers have made such an impact.

Education

Today, most elementary and secondary schools (public and private) and higher education
institutions (HEIs) have computers in their classrooms. ICT in general has made things
convenient and efficient for teachers, students, researchers, and school administrators.

With the use of computers, teachers can do research and enhance their teaching materials. They
can join online forums and conferences and gain new ideas and learn from the latest research
findings and trends.

Students use computers with internet access as one of their reference tools. They can
communicate and collaborate with their peers while working in their own homes.

School administrators use computers for administrative work to ensure that the entire operation
of the school runs proficiently. An access to all school documents is made easy and always
available with the use of a so-called server.

Electronic learning (e-learning) is the newest teaching methodology in which students and
teachers can communicate and collaborate with each other through online discussion of their
lessons, activities, and examinations. Such examples are Blackboard, Edmodo, Moodle, etc.

Banking

The computer has made all banking transactions around the world easier and more secure. It
manipulates the entire banking system as it includes 24-hour electronic banking services. The
services include:

• Automated teller machine (ATM)

• Cheque deposit.
• Electronic fund transfer

• Direct deposit

• Pay by phone system

• Personal computer banking/internet banking

Figure 2.3 Different electronic banking services