MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

Key Terms • Desktop computer - a relatively small, inexpensive,

• Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) - the part of the CPU that single-user computer that is highly versatile.
performs mathematical calculations and makes logical • Digital camera - an input device used with a PC to
comparisons. record and store images and video in digital form.
• Compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) - a • Digital video disc (DVD) - a storage medium used to
common form of optical disc on which data, once it has store digital video or computer data.
been recorded, cannot be modified. • Execution time (E-time) - the time it takes to execute
• Control unit - the part of the CPU that sequentially an instruction and store the results.
accesses program instructions, decodes them, and • Flash memory - a silicon computer chip that, unlike
coordinates the flow of data in and out of the ALU, RAM, is non-volatile and keeps its memory when the
registers, primary storage, and even secondary storage power is shut off.
and various output devices. • Gigahertz (GHz) - billions of cycles per second.
• Coprocessor - the part of the computer that speeds
• Grid computing - the use of a collection of computers,
processing by executing specific types of instructions
often owned by multiple individuals or organizations, to
while the CPU works on another processing activity.
work in a coordinated manner to solve a common
• Data entry - process by which human-readable data is
problem.
converted into a machine-readable form.
• Handheld computer - a single-user computer that
• Data input - process that involves transferring machine-
provides ease of portability because of its small size.
readable data into the system.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

• Hardware - any machinery (most of which uses digital own bus, memory, disks, copy of the operating system,
circuits) that assists in the input, processing, storage, and applications.
and output activities of an information system. • Megahertz (MHz) - millions of cycles per second.
• Instruction time (I-time) - the time it takes to perform
• Microcode - predefined, elementary circuits and logical
the fetch-instruction and decode-instruction steps of the
operations that the processor performs when it executes
instruction phase.
an instruction.
• Machine cycle - the instruction phase followed by the
• MIPS - millions of instructions per second.
execution phase.
• MP3 - a standard format for compressing a sound
• Magnetic disk - a common secondary storage medium,
sequence into a small file.
with bits represented by magnetized areas.
• Multicore microprocessor - a microprocessor that
• Magnetic stripe card - a type of card that stores limited
combines two or more independent processors into a
amounts of data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-
single computer so they can share the workload and
based particles contained in a band on the card.
deliver a big boost in processing capacity.
• Mainframe computer - a large, powerful computer often
• Multiple instruction/multiple data (MIMD) - a form of
shared by hundreds of concurrent users connected to
parallel computing in which the processors all execute
the machine via terminals.
different instructions.
• Massively parallel processing systems - a form of
• Multiprocessing - the simultaneous execution of two or
multiprocessing that speeds processing by linking
more instructions at the same time.
hundreds or thousands of processors to operate at the
same time, or in parallel, with each processor having its • Network-attached storage (NAS) - storage devices
that attach to a network instead of to a single computer.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

• Optical disc - a rigid disc of plastic onto which data is  Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) - a technology
recorded by special lasers that physically burn pits in the that employs a microchip with an antenna that
disc. broadcasts its unique identifier and location to receivers.
• Parallel computing - the simultaneous execution of the • Random access memory (RAM) - a form of memory in
same task on multiple processors to obtain results faster. which instructions or data can be temporarily stored.
• Pipelining - a form of CPU operation in which multiple • Read-only memory (ROM) - a nonvolatile form of
execution phases are performed in a single machine memory.
cycle. • Redundant array of independent/inexpensive disks
• Pixel - a dot of color on a photo image or a point of light (RAID) - method of storing data that generates extra bits
on a display screen. of data from existing data, allowing the system to create
• Point-of-sale (POS) device - a terminal used in retail a “reconstruction map” so that if a hard drive fails, the
operations to enter sales information into the computer system can rebuild lost data.
system. • Register - a high-speed storage area in the CPU used
• Policy-based storage management - automation of to temporarily hold small units of program instructions
storage using previously defined policies. and data immediately before, during, and after execution

• Portable computer - a computer small enough to be by the CPU.

carried easily. • Scalability - the ability to increase the capability of a

• Primary storage (main memory; memory) - the part of computer system to process more transactions in a

the computer that holds program instructions and data. given period by adding more, or more powerful,
processors.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

• Secondary storage (permanent storage) - devices • Supercomputers - the most powerful computer systems
that store larger amounts of data, instructions, and with the fastest processing speeds.
information more permanently than allowed with main • Thin client - a low-cost, centrally managed computer
memory. with essential but limited capabilities and no extra drives,
• Sequential access - a retrieval method in which data such as a CD or DVD drive, or expansion slots.
must be accessed in the order in which it is stored. • Workstation - a more powerful personal computer that
• Sequential access storage device (SASD) - a device is used for technical computing, such as engineering, but
used to sequentially access secondary storage data. still fits on a desktop.
• Server - a computer designed for a specific task, such
as network or Internet applications.
• Smartphone - a phone that combines the functionality
of a mobile phone, personal digital assistant, camera,
Web browser, e-mail tool, and other devices into a single
handheld device.
• Speech-recognition technology - input devices that
recognize human speech.
• Storage area network (SAN) - the technology that
provides high-speed connections between data-storage
devices and computers over a network.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

1.2 ntroduction and background of computer systems

Chapter one Introduction to Computers Computers are everywhere: at work, at school, and at home.
People use all types and sizes of computers for a variety of
1.1 Chapter objectives
reasons and in a range of places. Some computers system will
After completing this chapter, learners should be able to::
sit on top of a desk or on the floor while others especially,
 Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship mobile computers and mobile devices are used on while on the
between data and information move. Mobile devices, such as many cell phones, often are
 Shall be able to know the impacts of atomization classified as mobile computers.
 Identify the different types of computer systems

 Should be able to understand the impacts of Computers are a primary means of local and global
computerization in different sectors communication for billions of people. Consumers will use
computers to correspond with businesses, employees with

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

other employees and customers, students with classmates and At a grocery store, a computer tracks purchases, calculates the
teachers, and family members and military personnel and amount of money due, and often generates coupons
other family members. In addition to sending simple notes, customized to buying patterns. Vehicles include onboard
people use computers to share photos, drawings, documents, navigation systems that provide directions, call for emergency
calendars, journals, music, and videos. services, and track the vehicle if it is stolen.

Through computers, society has instant access to information In the workplace, employees use computers to create
from around the globe. Local and national news, weather correspondence such as e-mail messages, memos, and letters;
reports, sports cores, airline schedules, telephone directories, manage calendars; calculate payroll; track inventory; and
maps and directions, job listings, credit reports, and countless generate invoices.
forms of educational material always are accessible. From the At school, teachers use computers to assist with classroom
computer, you can make a telephone call, meet new friends, instruction. Students complete assignments and conduct
share opinions or life stories, book flights, shop, fill research on computers in lab rooms, at home, or elsewhere.
prescriptions, file taxes, take a course, receive alerts, and Instead of attending class on campus, some students take
automate your home. At home or while on the road, people use entire classes directly from their computer.
computers to manage schedules and contacts, listen to voice People also spend hours of leisure time using a computer. They
mail messages, balance checkbooks, pay bills, transfer funds, play games, listen to music or radio broadcasts, watch or
and buy or sell stocks. Banks place ATMs (automated teller compose videos and movies, read books and magazines, share
machines) all over the world, so that customers can withdraw stories, research genealogy, retouch photos, and plan
funds anywhere at any time. vacations.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

As technology continues to advance, computers have become 1.2.4 Program/software

a part of everyday life. Therefore, we cannot underestimate the This refers to a set of instructions written in computer language.
role this machines play in our day to day life people believe that A program enables computers to perform a specific task
digital literacy is vital to success in today’s world. 1.2.5 Hardware
1.3 Definition of key terms This refers to tangible/physical parts of a computer based
1.2.1 What is a computer? system which help in input, output, and processing and storage
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the activities.
control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can 1.4 Information Processing Cycle
accept data, process the data according to specified rules, Computers process data (input) into information (finished
produce meaningful results, and stores the results for future output). Computers carry out processing using instructions (set
use. of steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task).
1.2.2 Data A collection of related instructions organized for a common
Data refers to is a collection of unprocessed items (text, purpose is referred to as software. A computer system will often
numbers, images, audio, and video) representing activities of a hold data, information, and instructions in storage for future use.
business organization. We refer series of input, process, output, and storage activities
1.2.3 Information as the information processing cycle. Most computers today
Information can be defined as data that has been processed in communicate with other computers. As a result,
into a form that is meaningful to the recipient and it’s of real or communications also has become an essential element of the
perceived value, incurrent or prospective decisions or actions. information processing cycle.
Computer based systems process several data items to print
information in the form of a cash register receipt for example

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

Diagrammatically we can represent this scenario using the Benefits accrued as a results of using computers include
following diagram speed, reliability, consistency, storage, and communications.
 Speed:

Processing When data, instructions, and information flow along

Input/data Output
electronic circuits in a computer, they travel at incredibly
fast speeds. Many computers process billions/trillions of
operations in a single second. Processing involves
computing (e.g., adding, subtracting), sorting (e.g., alpha
betizing), organizing, displaying images, recording audio,
Storage
playing music, and showing a movie or video
 Reliability
The electronic components in modern computers are
Fig 1.0: information processing by computer system
dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail.
1.5 Impacts of automation
 Consistency
Society has reaped many benefits from using computers. Both
Given the same input and processes, a computer will
business and home users can make well-informed decisions
produce the same results consistently. The accuracy of
because they have instant access to information from anywhere
a computer’s output depends on the accuracy of the
in the world. Because of the several computer advantages, it
input. For example, if you do not use the flash on a digital
has become an important household item. Be it office, home, or
camera when indoors, the resulting pictures that are
school, it has become an indispensable device for us.
displayed on the computer screen maybe unusable
1.4.1 Positive impacts on automation
because they are too dark.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

 Storage from fatigue of the mind as a result of performing repetitive

Modern computers are equipped with large memory and enormous jobs on daily basis. However, computer
capacity and enormous disk space which facilitates storing may help you solve problems faster than an ordinary
enormous amounts of data/information. A computer can human being can do.
transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process it,  Timely decisions
and then store it again for future use. As a result of the high computational power of computers,
 Communications computer system can manipulate large volume of data in
Most computers today can communicate with other a short time. As a result, they enable managers reach
computers either physically or wirelessly. Computers with timely decisions.
this capability can share any of the four information 1.4.2 Negative impacts of automation
processing cycle operations i.e. input, process, and Despite the numerous advantage associated with computers,
output, and storage with another computer or a user. there exists a number of disadvantages that can be attributed
 Reaching in accessible environments: to computer usage. Some relate to health risks, the violation of
Computers have the capability to reach environments that privacy, public safety, the impact on the labor force, and the
are harmful or in accessible to human beings. For impact on the environment.
example, during the US led war in Iraq, US used flying  Health Risks
robots to identify bombs that could have been mounted on Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to injuries
the ground by their opponents. or disorders of the hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, neck,
 Removal of cognitive limitations: - and back. The radiations emitted by computers are
Computers can handle repetitive task with maturity as harmful to the body especially the eyes. In addition,
opposed to human beings. Human beings usually suffer many computer users usually suffer from serious

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

headache. Two behavioral health risks are computer Although computers have improved productivity in many
addiction and technology overload. Computer addiction ways and created an entire industry with hundreds of
occurs when someone becomes obsessed with using a thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees
computer Individuals suffering from technology overload have been replaced by computers. Thus, it is crucial that
feel distressed when deprived of computers and mobile workers keep their education up-todate. A separate
devices. impact on the labour force is that some companies are
 Violation of Privacy outsourcing jobs to foreign countries instead of keeping
Nearly every life event is stored in a computer their homeland labour force employed.
somewhere in medical records, credit reports, tax  Impact on Environment
records, etc. In many instances, where personal and Computer manufacturing processes and computer
confidential records were not protected properly, waste are depleting natural resources and polluting the
individuals have found their privacy violated and environment. When computers are discarded in landfills,
identities stolen. they can release toxic materials and potentially
 Public Safety dangerous levels of lead, mercury, and flame retardants.
Adults, teens, and children around the world are using  Limiting Human judgement
computers to share publicly their photos, videos, Computers can be blamed for fading human beings
journals, music, and other personal information. Some of creativity. For example, the easy access to information
these unsuspecting, innocent computer users have via Internet has made students lazy in terms of their
fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous education since they are able to download information
strangers. without exploring their topic of research. They also use
 Impact on Labour Force

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

computers for mathematical tables and calculations 1.5 Computer generations

without actually solving the problems. Computers have evolved over a number of generations. These
 Security computer generations comes later in the history of computing
As a result of viruses, worms, Trojan which transferred after invention of vacuum tube with each generation
from one computer system to another. Theft of characterized by major technological development that
information by unauthorized users can be a serious essentially changed the way computers operate, resulting in
setback for a given organization. increasingly smaller, cheaper, and more powerful and more
 Rapid technological changes: efficient and reliable devices.
Rapid changes in computer technology make equipment First Generation Computer (1940’s-1950)
obsolete before even been used causing the Computers in this generation used electronic valves/ tubes for
organization to incur extra costs. Software change can the purpose of storing and processing information.
incur cost to a given organization as they train users on Characteristics included
how to use the software and updating the existing  They were very huge due to their circuitry.
software.  They consumed a lot of power and emitted a lot of heat

 Computers lack intelligence and were expensive to maintain.

Computer lack natural intelligent like human therefore  They also had low processing speed. In addition, they

they are not capable of making own judgements. had limited memory and program ability.

Feeding the wrong input to a computer system will  They used magnetic drums for secondary storage.

render the wrong output. Therefore, it’s strongly Second Generation Computer (late 1950’s-Early 1960’s)
advisable to feed the computer with instructions that are Vacuum tubes were replaced with transistors for processing.
accurate to the latter. They were characterized by being smaller in size, consumed

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low power, faster processors, and had larger internal memory Fourth Generation Computer (late 1970’s-present:
as well as cheaper in cost as compared to first generation Microprocessor)
computers hence providing more program ability.
These are computers which use more sophisticated
Third Generation Computer (late 1960’s-Early 1970’s)
microelectronic devices made of complex integrated circuits
During this phase, transistors were replaced with Integrated
know as Large Scale Integration (LSI) and Very Large Scale
Circuits (ICs’). Transistors were miniaturized and placed on
Integration (VLSI). Thousands of integrated circuits we rebuilt
silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically
onto a single silicon chip that contains a CPU.
increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
That means that smaller computer can be designed and yet
Characteristics in this generation included
retain processing power or even increase it. Computer in this
 More powerful and higher processing speeds
computers. generation are smaller, cheaper, more powerful and with more
 High memory capacity and extended programming programming ability. Some of these computers use optical
ability. disks for secondary storage.
 Magnetic disks were for backing storage purpose Fifth Generation Computer (predicted)
This generation provided for the first microcomputer. Instead of
punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third These are computers that mimic human beings brain i.e.

generation computers through keyboards and monitors and computers able to reason and converse with people in a human

interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device like manner. Computer in this category are likely to use Artificial

to run many different applications at one time with a central Intelligence (AI) and expert system in their day to day

program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first operations. A number of them are beginning to emerge in the

time became accessible to a mass audience because they were market though noneis able to simulate human behaviour.

smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

The greatest advances have occurred in the field of games 1.6.1 Purpose of the computers
playing. The best computer chess programs are now capable Based on this, computers can be classified as either special
of beating humans. In May, 1997, an IBM super-computer purpose or general purpose.
called Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Gary  Special-purpose computers which are used to solve a
Kasparov in a chess match. Another area is the area of robotics specific task. They represent those used by military and
whereby computers are now widely used in assembly plants scientific research groups, such as the CIA and NASA,
among many other tasks. for limited applications.
 General-purpose computers which are used to

Natural-language processing allows users to talk to users using perform a variety of tasks. They are the most common
types of computers.
their natural language. Voice recognition systems have
1.6.2 Data processing
capabilities of converting spoken sounds into written words, but
they do not understand what they are writing; they simply take Under this category, we classify computers into three basic

dictation. ways through which the computers produce data

1.6 Classification of computers  Analogue computers

They are computers which are systems which measure
Computers systems can be classified in a number of ways
physical magnitudes such as temperatures. They are
 By size (micro, mini, mainframe and super computers)
used for scientific purpose only and not for commercial
 By purpose (special purpose and general purpose
data processing. Example can be the car speedometer.
computers)
They are commonly used in ICUs in hospitals
 By the kind of data they process ( analogue, digital and
hybrid)
 Function

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 Digital computers A Desktop computers is a computer system designed so that

They are computers used for commercial data the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other
processing. They take discrete data and perform devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table .In many design
mathematical calculation on them models, the system unit is a tall and narrow tower, which can sit
 Hybrid on the floor vertically if desktop space is limited. Some desktop
They are computer which combine characteristics of computers function as a server on a network.
both analogue and digital computers. E.g. computers
used in petrol stations On the other hand, Mobile computers and devices are personal
1.6.3 Classification of computers by size computer you can carry from place to place e.g. a laptop or
Under this, we can classify computers as microcomputers, notebook while a mobile device is a computing device small
minicomputers, Main frame and super computer enough to hold in your hand e.g. smart phones. Example of
1.6.3.1 Micro computer mobile computers includes laptops, notebooks and palmtops.
We can also call them personal computers. This type of Examples of mobile devices include smart phones, Personal
systems are only be operated by one user at a time therefore Digital Analyser, Electronic readers
providing a single user operating system environment. They use
(see section below)
magnetic disk or optical disk for backing up their data. A classic
Laptops, notebook computers and Palmtop computers
example of microcomputers is MS-DOS.
These are portable PCs often designed to fit on your lap. They
There are two types of personal computers; desktop computers
are thin and lightweight, yet powerful as the average desktop
and mobile computers.
computer. Some use touch screens technology allowing you to
interact with the device by touching the screen, usually with the
tip of a finger. However, most use the keyboard which is on top

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

of the system unit. Notebook computers can operate on Tablet PCs are useful especially for taking notes in lectures, at
batteries or a power supply or both. meetings, conferences, and other forums where the standard
Fig 1.1: On a typical notebook notebook computer is not practical.
computer, the keyboard is on
top of the system unit, and the
display attaches to the system
unit with hinges.

Tablets
It’s a special type of notebook computer that you can interact
with by touching the screen with your finger or a digital pen.
Users write or draw on a Tablet PC by pressing a finger or digital
pen on the screen, and issue instructions by tapping on the
screen. One design of Tablet PC, called a convertible tablet,
has an attached keyboard. Another design, which does not
include a keyboard, is called a slate tablet and provides other
means for typing. Some Tablet PCs also support voice input so
that users can speak into the computer.

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Fig1.2: images of two different tables Smart phones iii). Touch screens, where you press objects on the screen
Smart phone to make selections and enter text through an on-screen
A smart phone is a cellular telephone that is more advanced keyboard.
than a feature/basic phone and contain an operating system iv). Stylus (which is similar to a digital pen but smaller and
that allows a user to do many of the things that were once has less functionality).
reserved for a PC such as accessing the Web at higher speeds,
viewing/editing documents, downloading files, creating music
playlists, or managing multiple email/messaging accounts.

Many do function as a portable media player and are equipped

with built-in digital cameras so that you can share photos or
videos with others as soon as you capture the image. Smart
phones can use the following or combination of them for data
input
i). Keypads that contain both numbers and letters so that
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
you can use the same keypad to dial phone numbers
It is a device similar to a smart phone which provides personal
and enter messages.
information management functions such as a calendar, an
ii). Built-in mini keyboard on the front of the phone or a
appointment book, an address book,a calculator, and a
keyboard that slides in and out from behind the phone.
notepad. Earlier models of PDA had no cameras, provided no
phone capabilities, provided no support for voice input and
could not function as a portable media player. Additionally, they

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

were not internet enable. However, all new models have these devices usually are smaller than tablet computers but larger
capabilities With the emergence of smart phones, PDAs are than smart phones.
becoming an obsolete technology.

Fig 1.4: An E-Reader

Fig 1.3: window based PDA
Handheld computers

Also referred as an Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC), is a computer

small enough to fit in one hand. They use a digital pen or stylus
Electronic Readers (E-Readers)
for input; however, some have miniature/specialized
It is a handheld device that is used primarily for reading digital
keyboards. Handheld computers are mostly industry-specific
content (book, newspapers and magazines). Most e-book
and serve the needs of mobile employees, such as meter
readers have a touch screen and are Internet-enabled. These
readers and parcel delivery people whose jobs require them to
move from place to place.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

either touch screen or a touch-sensitive pad to navigate through

digital media, adjust volume, and customize settings.

Fig 1.5: This handheld computer is a lightweight computer that

enables delivery people to obtain and record information about their
deliveries.

Portable media players

Some are Internet enabled so that you can access Web sites
and send e-mail messages directly from the device.
They also do offer a couple of personal information
management functions such as a calendar and address book,
and include a variety of games and other application software.

Fig 1.6: The iPod, shown here, is a popular portable media

They are usually equipped with set of ear buds (small speakers) player.
that rest inside each ear canal. Users have the option of using

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Digital Cameras 1.6.3.2 Minicomputers /midrange computers

It is a mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play They are more powerful, expensive, have large main memories
It’s a device that allows users to take pictures and store them compared to microcomputers and can be used for medium
digitally digital media such music, videos, movies, photos. sized or small sized business organizations. They are capable
Instead of using traditional film. They can be built into smart of supporting up to around 100 concurrent end users. To back
phones and other mobile devices. up their data, magnetic disks and magnetic tapes are used.
1.6.3.3 Mainframe computers
Digital cameras can use either their internal memory or memory They are large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle
cards to store images. A Digital camera typically allows users to hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously.
review, and sometimes modify, images while they are in the They are mostly used for transaction processing e.g. to bill
camera. Some are WIFI enabled allowing users to wirelessly millions of customers, prepare payroll for thousands of
connecting with other devices such as printers or a computer employees, and manage thousands of items in inventory.
system. Some memory cards can connect to a network
wirelessly, so that you can transfer photos directly from the They can also act as servers in a network environment.
memory card in the camera to the Internet without requiring a Servers and other mainframes can access data and
computer. Users can download the digital images from the information from a mainframe. Their processing speed is
camera to the computer directly or it’s possible to remove the measured in MIPS (million instructions per second) and
storage media such as a memory card from the digital camera responds to up to 100s of millions of users at a time.
and insert it in a card reader in or attached to the computer.
Mainframe computer must reside in an environment controlled
computer room or data centre with special heating, venting,

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment to control the research, and petroleum exploration where large amounts of
temperature, humidity, and dust levels around the computer. In data have to be manipulated in a short period of time.
addition, most mainframes are kept in a secured data centre
with limited access to the room through some kind of security
system.
1.6.3.4 Supercomputers

They are the most fastest, powerful and expensive computers

systems in use today. Their processing speed is more than one
quadrillion instructions per second single second hence there
processing speed can be expressed in terms of QIPS.
Fig1.7:-IBM supercomputer, Roadrunner
Given their high processing requirement, supercomputers
1.6.4 Classification of computers by function
usually employ multiple processors and have a superior
1.6.4.1 Servers
technology compared to the rest of the machines. They are
A server controls access to the hardware, software and other
capable of storing more than 20,000 times the data and
resources on a network and provides a centralized storage area
information of an average desktop computer.
for programs, data, and information. It is usually designed for a
specific/dedicated task, such as network or Internet
They are mostly used to carry out tasks that require high
applications. Servers typically have large memory and storage
computational power such as weather forecasting medicine,
capacities, along with fast and efficient communications abilities
aerospace, automotive design, online banking, nuclear energy
as opposed to normal systems

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1.6.4.3 Embedded Computers

It’s a computer that is dedicated to provide a particular service These are computers that are a part of a machine or device.
to a client. E.g. a computer dedicated to a database may be They generally execute a program that is stored in non volatile
called a database server; File servers manage a large collection memory and is only intended to operate a specific
of computer files, Web servers process web pages and web machine/device.
applications for the client and so on. A server can be personal
Example of embedded computers include
computers that have been dedicated to provide services for
other computers. We always refer to the as small servers.  Home Automation Devices: thermostats,
sprinkling systems, security monitoring systems,
Servers are capable of supporting from two to several appliances, lights
thousand connected computers at the same time. In many  Automobiles: antilock brakes, engine control modules,
cases, one server accesses data, information, and programs airbag controller, cruise control Process Controllers and
on another server. For people to access the server, they will Robotics: remote monitoring systems, power monitors,
require a PC or terminal which is usually collectively termed as machine controllers, medical devices
client machine  Computer Devices and Office Machines: keyboards,
1.6.4.2 Workstations printers, fax and copy machines
They are computers which are more powerful than personal Since embedded computers are components in larger products,
computers but still small enough to fit on a desktop. They are they usually are small and have limited hardware. These
used to support engineering and technical users who run computers perform various functions, depending on the
applications requiring a high-end processor. requirements of the product in which they reside.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

For example computers in printers, monitor the amount of paper

in the tray; check the ink or toner level, signal if a paper jam has.
Each of that device can be termed as an embedded computer.

Fig 1.8: Some of the embedded computers designed to improve your safety, security, and performance in today’s automobiles.

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1.7 Some of computer Applications in today’s Society iv). Many learning institution use computer software to

The computer has changed society today as much as the examine content for plagiarism. A good example of

industrial revolution changed society in the eighteenth and such kind of software is turtin assignment checker.

nineteenth centuries. People interact directly with computers in 1.7.2 Finance

fields such as education, finance, government, health care, Some applications of computers in this sector include:
science, agriculture, publishing, travel, and manufacturing. i). Finance software exists to balance check books, pay
1.7.1 Education and training purposes bills, track personal income and expenses, manage

Some applications of computers in this sector include: investments, and evaluate financial plans.

i). Learners use PC to store their reading materials. ii). With online banking where users access account

ii). Universities/colleges provide online programs which are balances, pay bills, and copy monthly transactions from

very advantageous for those people staying in the the bank’s computer right into their personal computers.

remote areas and for the disabled. Though computer iii). Mobile banking e.g. Mpesa, Tkash,Equitel e.t.c which

based systems one can take the benefit of such online allow users to access, send, withdrawal, pay bills while

degree programs staying at home without the need of on their move using their mobile devices

relocation. 1.7.3 Government

iii). Computers are also used for training purposes. Many Some applications of computers in this sector include:
companies use them to train their staffs. Government agencies using technology to provide citizens with
up to date information using websites or mobile applications.
E.g. in Kenya, using the KRA website, citizens can register and

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

get their PIN numbers electronically; they can also file tax return vii). Pharmacists use computers to file insurance
e.t.c. In United States access government Web sites to file taxes, claims.
apply for permits and licenses, pay parking tickets, buy stamps, viii). Surgeons implant computerized devices, such as
report crimes, apply for financial aid, and renew vehicle registrations pacemakers, that allow patients to live longer.
and driver’s licenses. ix). Surgeons use computer-controlled devices to provide
1.7.4 Health Care them with greater precision during operations, such as
Computers shall be used for several of reasons which include for laser eye surgery and robot-assisted heart surgery.

i). Hospitals and doctors use computers and mobile devices to x). Web sites provide up-to-date medical, fitness, nutrition,

maintain and access patient records. or exercise information as well as maintaining lists of

ii). Computers monitor patients’ vital signs in hospital rooms and doctors. Some of these have chat rooms which allow you

at home. to talk to others diagnosed with similar conditions. Some

Web sites even allow you to order prescriptions online.
iii). Robots deliver medication to nurse stations in hospitals.

iv). Computers and computerized devices assist doctors, nurses, As a result of innovations in technology, two forms of long

and technicians with medical tests. distance health care have emerged; telemedicine and tele
surgery.
v). Doctors use the Web and medical software to assist with
researching and diagnosing health conditions.  Telemedicine allows healthcare professionals in

vi). Doctors use e-mail to correspond with patients. separate locations conduct live conferences over the
computer. For example, a doctor at one location can

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

have a conference with a doctor at another location to ii). Cameras small enough to swallow sometimes called a
discuss a bone X-ray. Live images of each doctor, along camera pill take pictures inside your body to detect
with the X-ray, are displayed on each doctor’s computer. polyps, cancer, and other abnormalities.
 Tele surgery/remote surgery allows a surgeon performs 1.7.6 Publishing
an operation on a patient who is not located in the same Publishing is the process of making works available to the
physical room as the surgeon. A surgeon directs robots to public. These works include books, magazines, newspapers,
perform an operation via computers connected to a high- music, film, and video. Special software assists graphic
speed network. designers in developing pages that include text, graphics, and
1.7.5 Science photos; artists in com posing and enhancing songs;
All branches of science, from biology to astronomy to filmmakers in creating and editing film; and journalists and
meteorology, use computers to assist them with collecting, mobile users in capturing and modifying video clips.
analysing, and modelling data. Breakthroughs in surgery, 1.7.7 Travel
medicine, and treatments often result from scientists’ use of Whether travelling by car or airplane, your goal is to arrive
computers. Some examples include safely at your destination. As you make the journey, you may
i). Tiny computers now imitate functions of the central nervous interact with some of the latest technology. Some include
system, retina of the eye, and cochlea of the ear. A Vehicles manufactured today often include, some type of on
cochlear implant allows a deaf person to listen. board navigation system, such as OnStar.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

Smart phones have built-in navigation systems. Some mobile Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) refers to the use of
users prefer to carry specialized handheld navigation devices. In computers to assist with manufacturing processes such as
preparing for a trip, you may need to reserve a car, hotel, or flight. fabrication and assembly. Industries use CAM to reduce
Many Web sites offer these services to the public. For example, product development costs, shorten a product’s time to market,
you can order airline tickets on the Web. If you plan to drive and stay ahead of the competition. Often, robots carry out
somewhere and are unsure of the road to take to your destination, processes in a CAM environment. CAM is used by a variety of
you can print directions and a map from the Web. industries, including oil drilling, power generation, food
production, and automobile manufacturing. Automobile plants,
for example, have an entire line of industrial robots that
assemble car .Special computers on the shop floor record
actual labour, material, machine, and computer

Handheld navigation device gives users turn-by-

turn voice-prompted directions to a destination.
1.7.8 Manufacturing
Fig Automotive factories use industrial robots to weld car
bodies.

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 MAT 224- Introduction to Data processing & computers

1.7.9 Communication are bound to increase significantly in the future. However, the
Communication programs such as internet enable people to physical sizes of these devices in on the decline and so is the
link their PC to databanks that may be located anywhere across case in future
the globe 1.9 Chapter Summary
Chapter 1 introduced you to basic computer concepts such as
 Through E-Mail you can communicate with a person what a computer is, how it works, and its advantages and
sitting thousands of miles away in seconds. disadvantages. We have also discussed the many different
categories of computers, as well as of computer applications in
 Chat software and other social sites like face book and society. This chapter is an overview. Many of the terms and
twitter enables one to chat with another person on a
concepts introduced will be discussed further in later chapters.
real-time basis.

Video conferencing tools are becoming readily available to the

common man e.g. video conferencing facility provided by
Skype, face book and google hangouts can enable an
organization to conduct meeting with a distance organization
via a virtual space.

1.7 Future for computer systems

The processing speed, memory capacity and application scope of
computer based systems have been increasing in the past and they

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