Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

Chapter 1

Computer Introduction: Overview, its types and Applications

1.1 What is Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to a set of
instructions called a program. It is a versatile machine with the ability to store, retrieve, and process
data, making it a fundamental tool in various fields. Its works on three principles:
• INPUT
• PROCESSING
• OUTPUT
Software and hardware are two fundamental components of a computer system, each playing
a crucial role in its functionality. Let's explore the differences between software and hardware:
Hardware:
1. Definition:
• Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system.
• Examples include the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage
devices (hard drives, SSDs), input devices (keyboard, mouse), output devices
(monitor, printer), and other physical components.
2. Tangibility:
• Hardware is tangible and physically exists.
• It consists of the physical parts you can touch and see, such as the computer's
chassis, monitor, and other peripherals.
3. Functionality:
• Hardware provides the platform for software to run.
• It executes instructions and processes data based on the software installed.
4. Upgrades:
• Hardware upgrades involve physical changes to the computer.
• Examples include adding more RAM, upgrading the CPU, or replacing a hard drive
with an SSD.
5. Examples:

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

• CPU, GPU, RAM, Motherboard, Hard Drive, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse.

Software:
1. Definition:
• Software refers to the set of instructions that tell the computer how to perform
specific tasks.
• It includes programs, applications, and the operating system.
2. Intangibility:
• Software is intangible; it is a set of instructions and code.
• You cannot touch or see software physically.
3. Functionality:
• Software provides the logic and functionality for the computer to perform
tasks.
• It includes operating systems, word processors, web browsers, games, and other
applications.
4. Upgrades:
• Software upgrades involve changes to the program or operating system.
• Users can update or upgrade software without making physical changes to the
computer.
5. Examples:
• Microsoft Windows (Operating System), Microsoft Word (Application), Google
Chrome (Web Browser), Photoshop (Software Application).
Interaction:
• Interaction Between Hardware and Software:
• Hardware and software work together. Software instructs the hardware on what
tasks to perform, and hardware executes those instructions.
• For example, when you type on a keyboard (hardware), the input is processed by
the operating system (software), and the result is displayed on the monitor
(hardware).
In summary, hardware is the physical, tangible component of a computer system, while
software is the intangible set of instructions that govern the computer's operations. Both are
essential for a computer to function, with hardware providing the foundation and software
providing the intelligence and functionality. The interaction between hardware and software is
crucial for the seamless operation of a computer system.

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

Data vs Information
Data:
1. Definition:
• Data refers to raw, unorganized facts or symbols that represent properties,
measurements, or codes.
• It is the raw material from which information is created.
2. Form:
• Data can be in the form of numbers, text, symbols, or multimedia.
• Examples include individual characters, numbers, or unprocessed signals.
3. Processing:
• Data requires processing to become meaningful.
• Raw data lacks context and meaning until it is processed and organized.
4. Representation:
• Data is a representation of facts, events, or transactions.
• For example, the numbers 27, 35, and 42 are data points that represent ages.
5. Example:
• Raw Data: 01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111 (Binary
representation)
• Processed Data: "Hello" (Text representation)
Information:
1. Definition:
• Information is processed and organized data that conveys meaning.
• It is the result of interpreting and analyzing data in a specific context.
2. Context:
• Information provides context, relevance, and purpose to data.
• It answers questions, solves problems, or adds value to the recipient.
3. Meaningful:
• Information is meaningful and useful.
• It has the potential to influence decisions, actions, or understanding.

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

4. Communication:
• Information can be communicated and shared.
• It is the outcome of data processing that can be conveyed to others.
5. Example:
• Data: 27, 35, 42 (Numbers)
• Information: "The average age is 34 years."
Relationship:
• Data is the raw material, and information is the processed, meaningful output.
• Data becomes information when it is interpreted, organized, and given context.
• Information is the result of data being processed to reveal patterns, relationships, or
insights.
In Summary: Data is the building block, the raw input, and information is the meaningful
output derived from processing and interpreting that data. The transformation of data into
information adds value, context, and relevance, making it useful for decision-making and
understanding.
1.2 History of Computer
The history of computers is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and involves the
contributions of numerous inventors, engineers, and visionaries. Here is a brief overview of key
milestones in the history of computers:
1. Early Calculating Devices (1600s - 1800s):
• Abacus: Often considered the earliest form of a counting tool, the abacus has roots dating
back thousands of years, but it was widely used in the ancient world and medieval Europe.
• Slide Rule: Developed in the 17th century, slide rules were mechanical devices used for
multiplication, division, and other mathematical calculations.
2. Mechanical Calculators (1600s - 1900s):
• Blaise Pascal's Pascaline (1642): An early mechanical calculator that could add and
subtract, invented by French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal.
• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's Step Reckoner (1673): A device that could perform all four
arithmetic operations, developed by German mathematician and philosopher Leibniz.
• Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine (1837): Often regarded as the first design for a
general-purpose mechanical computer, although it was never fully built during Babbage's
lifetime.
Charles Babbage (1791–1871):
1. Difference Engine (1822): Charles Babbage designed the "Difference Engine," an early
automatic mechanical calculator that aimed to compute polynomial functions. It was

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

intended to eliminate errors that occurred when mathematical tables were computed by
hand.
2. Analytical Engine (1837): Babbage's most influential design was the "Analytical Engine."
It was a more ambitious project and is considered a theoretical precursor to modern
computers. The Analytical Engine had several features that anticipated modern computers,
including an arithmetic logic unit, control flow through conditional branching and loops,
and memory.
3. Electromechanical Computers (1930s - 1940s):
• Konrad Zuse's Z3 (1941): The Z3, created by German engineer Konrad Zuse, is
considered the world's first electromechanical, programmable computer.
• Colossus (1943): Developed by British engineer Tommy Flowers during World War II,
Colossus was used for codebreaking and is considered the first electronic digital computer.
4. Electronic Computers (1940s - 1950s):
• ENIAC (1946): The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was the first
general-purpose electronic digital computer, built in the United States. It was huge,
comprising thousands of vacuum tubes.
• UNIVAC I (1951): The UNIVersal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC I) was the first
commercially produced computer in the United States.
• EDVAC and EDSAC (1949): The Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
(EDVAC) and the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC) were early
stored-program computers.
5. Transistors and Integrated Circuits (1950s - 1960s):
• Transistors: Invention of the transistor in 1947 marked a crucial shift from vacuum tubes,
making computers smaller, more reliable, and energy-efficient.
• Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce (1958 - 1959): Independently, Kilby and Noyce developed
the integrated circuit, leading to the miniaturization of electronic components and paving
the way for modern computers.
6. Microprocessors and Personal Computers (1970s - 1980s):
• Intel 4004 (1971): The first commercially available microprocessor, the Intel 4004, played
a pivotal role in the development of personal computers.
• Altair 8800 (1975): The Altair 8800, the first successful personal computer kit, inspired
the formation of Microsoft and helped popularize home computing.
• IBM Personal Computer (1981): IBM's entry into the personal computer market set
standards and contributed to the widespread adoption of PCs.
7. Graphical User Interfaces and the Internet (1980s - 1990s):
• Macintosh (1984): Apple's Macintosh introduced the concept of a graphical user interface
(GUI) to a broader audience.

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

• World Wide Web (1990): The creation of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee
transformed the internet into a globally accessible information space.
8. Modern Era (2000s - Present):
• Smartphones and Tablets: The advent of smartphones and tablets brought computing to
the fingertips of billions of people, changing how we interact with technology.
• Cloud Computing: The rise of cloud computing allowed for scalable and accessible
computing resources over the internet.
• Artificial Intelligence: Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep
learning have pushed the boundaries of what computers can achieve.
The history of computers is marked by continuous innovation and evolution, and the pace of
change continues to accelerate in the 21st century, with developments in quantum computing,
artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies.
1.3 Types and Classifications of Computers
Computers can be classified based on various criteria, including size, functionality, and processing
power. Here are some common classifications of computers:
1. Based on Size and Portability:
• Supercomputers: Extremely powerful computers designed for complex scientific
calculations and simulations. They are typically used in research institutions and
government labs.
• Mainframe Computers: Large and powerful computers used for critical
applications in large organizations, such as banking and government agencies.
• Minicomputers: Smaller than mainframes but more powerful than personal
computers, minicomputers were historically used for scientific and engineering
applications.
• Personal Computers (PCs): Designed for individual use, these include desktops,
laptops, and workstations.
• Embedded Computers: Integrated into other systems and devices, such as
smartphones, smart appliances, and automotive control systems.
2. Based on Functionality:
• General-Purpose Computers: Designed for a wide range of tasks and
applications.
• Special-Purpose Computers: Engineered for specific tasks or applications, such
as controlling industrial processes or running dedicated software.
3. Based on Processing Power:

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

• Quantum Computers: Use quantum bits (qubits) and quantum mechanics

principles to perform computations at speeds that traditional computers cannot
achieve.
• Classical Computers: Traditional computers that process information using bits in
binary code (0s and 1s).
4. Based on Usage:
• Server: Computers designed to provide services, resources, or data to other
computers in a network.
• Client: Computers that request and use services, resources, or data from servers.
5. Based on Operation:
• Analog Computers: Represent and process data in continuous form, suitable for
mathematical and scientific simulations.
• Digital Computers: Represent and process data in discrete form, using binary
code.
6. Based on Usage Environment:
• Desktop Computers: Designed for use on a desk or table, typically consisting of
a monitor, keyboard, and central processing unit (CPU).
• Laptop Computers: Portable computers that can be easily carried and used on the
go.
• Tablet Computers: Lightweight, portable devices with touchscreens, suitable for
various applications.
• Wearable Computers: Integrated into clothing or accessories, such as
smartwatches and augmented reality glasses.
Understanding these classifications helps in choosing the right type of computer for specific
applications and tasks. Advances in technology continue to shape and redefine these classifications
as computing capabilities evolve.
Long Question 1.
Discuss different Classifications of Computer, write note on Super Computer, Mainframe,
Mini and Micro Computer.
1. Supercomputers:
• Description: Supercomputers are the most powerful and fastest computers
available. They are designed to handle highly complex calculations and
simulations. These machines are used for scientific research, weather forecasting,
nuclear simulations, and other applications that demand immense computational
power.
• Applications: In Research Centers, Universities, Large Corporate Institutions.

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

• Examples: IBM Summit, Fujitsu Fugaku, Cray XT5.

2. Mainframe Computers:
• Description: Mainframes are large and powerful computers that support multiple
users and handle extensive data processing. They are commonly used in large
organizations for critical applications such as financial transactions, database
management, and enterprise-level tasks.
• Applications: In Banks, and Multi-user Environment.
• Examples: IBM zSeries, Unisys ClearPath.
3. Minicomputers:
• Description: Minicomputers, as the name suggests, are smaller than mainframes
but more powerful than personal computers. They were popular in the mid-20th
century and were used for scientific and engineering applications, as well as for
business purposes.
• Applications: In Engineering and in Work Labs.
• Examples: DEC PDP-11, VAX series.

4. Personal Computers (PCs):

• Description: Personal Computers, or PCs, are designed for individual use. They
come in various forms, including desktops, laptops, and workstations. PCs are
versatile and widely used for tasks such as word processing, web browsing, gaming,
and software development.
• Applications: In Day to day use at Home and offices.
• Examples: Desktop PCs (Various brands), Laptops (Dell XPS, MacBook Pro),
Workstations (HP Z Series).
5. Embedded Computers:
• Description: Embedded computers are integrated into other systems and devices
to perform specific functions. They are often designed for a single purpose and can
be found in everyday items like household appliances, automobiles, medical
devices, and industrial machinery.
• Applications: In Vehicles and other devices.
• Examples: Microcontrollers in washing machines, Automotive Engine Control
Units (ECUs), Raspberry Pi for DIY projects.
Each category in this classification serves distinct purposes, and their size and level of portability
reflect the specific needs of their intended applications. The evolution of technology continues to
impact the size and capabilities of computers, with a trend toward miniaturization and increased
mobility.

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

Long Question 2.
Write the types of Computers in Details and also discuss its application.
1. Analog Computers:
• Description: Analog computers represent and process data in continuous form.
They are suitable for mathematical and scientific simulations involving real-world
phenomena.
• Operation: Analog computers use continuous signals to represent data, allowing
for accurate modeling of physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, or
voltage.
• Applications:
• Weather Prediction: Analog computers were historically used for weather
simulations due to their ability to model continuous atmospheric conditions.
• Control Systems: Analog computers are employed in control systems for
processes like temperature control in industrial settings.
2. Digital Computers:
• Description: Digital computers represent and process data in discrete form, using
binary code (0s and 1s). They are versatile and widely used for various computing
tasks.
• Operation: Digital computers use binary digits (bits) for data representation and
logical operations for computation. They are suitable for a broad range of
applications.
• Applications:
• Personal Computing: From word processing to gaming, digital computers
are used for various personal and business tasks.
• Scientific Research: Digital computers are crucial for simulations, data
analysis, and complex mathematical calculations in scientific research.
3. Hybrid Computers:
• Description: Hybrid computers combine the features of both analog and digital
computers. They leverage the precision of digital computing and the ability of
analog computing to handle continuous data.
• Operation: Hybrid computers use both analog and digital components. Analog
components are employed for specific tasks requiring continuous data processing,
while digital components handle discrete operations.
• Applications:

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

• Medical Imaging: Hybrid computers are used in medical imaging devices,

where analog processing is useful for tasks like image reconstruction, while
digital processing manages data analysis.
• Aerospace Simulations: Hybrid computers find applications in aerospace
engineering for simulations involving both continuous aerodynamic data
and discrete control systems.
1.4 Applications of Computer
Long Question 3.
List and describe in details the applications of computer in daily life.
Computers have become integral to various aspects of modern life, impacting a wide range of
fields and industries. Here are some applications of computers across different domains:
1. Business and Finance:
• Accounting Software: Computers automate financial calculations and record-
keeping, making accounting more efficient.
• Electronic Transactions: Online banking and e-commerce rely on secure
computer systems for transactions.
2. Education:
• E-learning Platforms: Computers facilitate online education through platforms
that provide courses, lectures, and interactive materials.
• Educational Software: Interactive software aids in teaching subjects ranging from
mathematics to language learning.
3. Healthcare:
• Medical Imaging: Computers process and analyze medical images from X-rays,
MRIs, and CT scans for diagnostics.
• Electronic Health Records (EHR): Patient information is stored and managed
electronically for easy access by healthcare professionals.
4. Communication:
• Email and Messaging: Computers enable instant communication through email
and messaging applications.
• Video Conferencing: Meetings and collaborations occur seamlessly through video
conferencing tools.
5. Entertainment:
• Gaming: High-performance computers power video games and simulations.
• Streaming Services: Computers enable the delivery of music, movies, and TV
shows through streaming platforms.

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

6. Research and Science:

• Simulation and Modeling: Computers are used for simulating complex
phenomena in fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.
• Data Analysis: Computers analyze large datasets in scientific research,
contributing to discoveries and advancements.
7. Aerospace and Engineering:
• CAD Software: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software aids in designing
complex structures in aerospace and engineering.
• Flight Simulators: Computers simulate flight conditions for pilot training and
aircraft development.
8. Government and Administration:
• Data Management: Governments use computers for data storage, management,
and analysis.
• E-Governance: Online services and platforms streamline government processes
and citizen interactions.
9. Weather Forecasting:
• Meteorological Modeling: Supercomputers process vast amounts of data to
predict weather patterns and provide accurate forecasts.
10. Transportation:
• Traffic Control Systems: Computers manage traffic signals and optimize traffic
flow in smart cities.
• Navigation Systems: GPS and navigation systems rely on computers to provide
real-time directions.
11. Security and Surveillance:
• CCTV and Monitoring Systems: Computers process and analyze video data for
security surveillance.
• Cybersecurity: Computers protect networks and data from cyber threats through
security software.
12. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning:
• Recommendation Systems: AI algorithms provide personalized recommendations
in online platforms.
• Speech Recognition and Natural Language Processing: Computers understand
and respond to human language.
These applications highlight the versatility and impact of computers across diverse fields,
contributing to increased efficiency, innovation, and improved quality of life.

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Applications of Information and Communications Technologies

Evaluation Questions Chapter 1:

• Computer Basics:
• What are the three principles that a computer operates on?
• Define the role of software in a computer system.
• Provide examples of hardware components in a computer.
• How do hardware upgrades differ from software upgrades?
• Hardware vs Software:
• What is the primary function of hardware in a computer system?
• Give an example of tangible hardware components.
• Explain how hardware and software interact in a computer.
• Provide examples of software applications.
• Data vs Information:
• Define data and provide examples.
• How does data differ from information?
• What is the significance of processing in converting data into information?
• Give an example of information derived from data.
• History of Computer:
• Who is the father of computer?
• Who is Charles Babbage?
• What is Analytical Engine?
• What is meant by Difference Engine?
• Supercomputers:
• What is the primary purpose of supercomputers?
• Where are supercomputers commonly used?
• Can you name an example of a supercomputer?
• Mainframe Computers:
• What distinguishes mainframe computers from personal computers?
• In which environments are mainframe computers commonly employed?
• Provide an example of a mainframe computer.
• Minicomputers:
• How do minicomputers differ from mainframes and personal computers?
• What applications were minicomputers popular for in the mid-20th century?
• Can you name an example of a minicomputer?
• Personal Computers (PCs):
• What defines personal computers (PCs)?
• Where are personal computers commonly used?
• Provide an example of a personal computer.
• Embedded Computers:
• What is the primary characteristic of embedded computers?
• Where can embedded computers be found in everyday life?
• Give an example of a device containing embedded computers.
• Application of Computer:
Write use of computer in Business, Education, and ……….

CS School Muhammad Usman Azhar (Lecturer, HED)