INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Specific Objectives

By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:

a) define a computer

b) state the different parts of a computer

c) explain how Computers have developed

d) classify the various types of computers

e) identify areas where computers are used

f) define a computer laboratory

g) state the safety precautions and practices in a computer laboratory

h) demonstrate basic hands-on skills on the use of a computer.

Definition of a computer.

A Computer can be defined as “an electronic machine that takes in data (facts) in the raw form,
processes the data to give out in another form called information”.

Data is the name given to facts. For example, in our organization Revision ke, the number of
students using the computer studies app, the number of tuition teachers, names of students,
the name of staff in a business.

Information is result from processed data. For example adding some numerical values like the
numbers 11 and 13 into the computer will give you the result of 24. The later is information you
required. Information can be defined as data computed into a more useful form than raw form.

Program is a series of instructions written in the language of the computer for them to obey and
perform specific tasks as outlined by the instructions.

Parts of a computer.

The system unit - This is the part that houses the brain of the computer called the central
processing unit (CPU). The system unit also houses other devices called drives. Drives are used
to store, record and read data.

The keyboard - It is the most common device that enables the user to enter data and
instructions in the computer by pressing its keys.

The mouse - It is a device that enables the user to issue instructions to the computer

By controlling a special mouse pointer displayed on the screen.

The monitor - The computer monitor or simply the screen is a television like device used for
displaying output.

Development of Computers

Before 20th century, most information processing was done manually or by use of simple
machines. Today, millions of people are using computers

Before 1900, most data processing was done manually using simple tools like stones and sticks
to count and keep records. Around 2000 years ago, Asian merchants came up with a special
calculating tool called abacus that could be used to calculate large figures. Abacii, are still in
use even today.

Read on How to represent a number using an abacus

Rapid advancements in computing have been realized and can be categorised into five
generations.

First generation computers (1940s to 1958)

These computers were very large in physical size

Used electronic gadgets called vacuum tubes or thermionic valves.

These types of computers consumed a lot of power hence they constantly broke down due to
the excessive heat generated.

Examples of such computers are the electronic numeric integrator and calculator (ENIAC) and
the electronic discrete variable automatic computer (ED VA C).

Second generation computers (1958 -1964)

used tiny, solid-state electronic devices called transistors that were much smaller than the
vacuum tubes.

These computers produced less heat, were much faster, smaller in size and more reliable than
those made with vacuum tubes.

Examples of second-generation computers include IBM 1401 and 7070, UNIVAC 1107, ATLAS
LEO Mark III and Honeywell 200.
Third generation computers (1964 -1970)

The third generation computers used electronic devices called integrated circuits (ICs) instead
of transistors.

An integrated circuit consists of thousands of small transistor circuits etched on a

semiconductor called a silicon chip.

The use of integrated circuit improved the processing speed and storage capacity of
computers.

Examples of third generation computers included smaller and less expensive minicomputers
such as IBM 360 and ILL 19000 series.

Fourth generation computers (1970 to present)

more tiny circuits and transistors into even smaller space.

This design produced what is called large scale integrated (LS1) and very large scale integrated
(VLS1) circuits which were used in the innovation and technological development of the brain of
the computer called the microprocessor

Fifth generation computers

In this generation falls today's computers that have very high processing power and speeds
than their predecessors, and whose size is increasingly becoming smaller. These computers
have special instruction sets that allow them to support complex programs that mimic human
intelligence often referred to as artificial intelligence.

Development of Computers (Recap)

Vacuum Tubes (Thermionic Valves) - Transistors - Intergrated circuits - Large Scale intergrated
(LSI) & Very Large Scale Intergrated (VLSI) circuits
Processing speed increasing

Physical side decreasing

Heat factor decreasing

Classification of computers

1. Physical Size

a) Super Computers

These are computer of enormous power and are very large in size.

b) Mainframe Computers

second in size to Super computers. These computers perform more data processing work than
any other type of computers.

c) Minicomputer

These computers compared to mainframe are smaller, slower and less expensive.

d) Microcomputers

Are the slowest. However, they counteract this disadvantage because they are easy to use and
the cost of purchase is also low.

2. Functionality
Computers can be classified according to the type of data they can process. Data can either be
in discrete or continuous form. Discrete data which is also called digital data is one that can be
represented as distinct values that do not have any transitional stages over time e.g. either 1 or
O. Continuous data which is also called analog data can be represented as progressively
changing values overtime. Computers can be classified as :

Digital computers

Digital computers process digital data only. Any data to be manipulated by a digital computer
must first be converted to digital form.

Analog computers

This refers to computers that process data that is analog in nature. Analog computers solve
problems by measuring the amount of change that occurs in quantities like speed, temperature
and pressure.

Hybrid computers

Hybrid computers are designed to process both analog and digital data.

3. Purpose

a) Special Purpose Computers.

These are computers that are single task oriented.

b) General Purpose Computers.

These are computers that can perform a vast number of operations or solve problems of
different varieties.

Embedded Computers.

These are computers attached to other computers that help in operating them. E.g. computers
embedded in lifts, petrol pumps,

Areas where computers are used

Literally Everywhere!

Supermarkets

Hospitals

Transport

Communication

Law enforcement agencies

Industries

Education

Domestic and entertainment

Library services

How to explain in an exam situation:

Education

Computers are widely used in the teaching and learning process. Learning and teaching using
computers is referred to as computer-aided learning (CAL) and computer aided teaching (CAT).
For example experiments in subjects like Chemistry or Physics may be demonstrated using a
special computer programs that can depict them on the screen through a process called
simulation.

Definition of a Computer laboratory

A computer laboratory is a room that has been specially prepared to facilitate installation of
computers and to provide a safe conducive environment for teaching and learning of computer
studies.

The following factors must be considered when preparing a computer laboratory.

1. Security of computers, programs and other resources.

2. Reliability of the source of power.

3. The number of computers to be installed and the available floor space.

4. The maximum number of users that the laboratory can accommodate.

Safety precautions and practices in a computer laboratory

1. Avoid exposing computers to dust. This is because dust contain small abrasive particles that
can damage computer components and cause wearing of moving parts.
2. Avoid carrying food and beverages to the computer room. Food may fall into the moving
parts of the computer and damage them. Liquids may spill into computer parts causing rusting
or electrical defaults.

3. Avoid unnecessary movements because you may accidentally knock down peripheral
devices.

4. At all times follow the correct procedure for starting and shutting down the computer to avoid
loss of data and damage to computer Programs.

5. Do not open up the metallic covers of computers or peripheral devices without permission
and particularly when the computers power is still on.

Cables insulation - All power cables in the computer room must be properly insulated and laid
away from busy pathways in the room.

Stable power supply - Computers are delicate devices that require a stable source of power.

Burglar proofing - To deter unauthorized access to the computer room.

Ventilation - There must be good air circulation in the computer room to avoid suffocation and
overheating.

Lighting - a well lit computer room prevents eyestrain that eventually leads to headaches, stress
and fatigue.

Cables insulation - All power cables in the computer room must be properly insulated and laid
away from busy pathways in the room.

Stable power supply - Computers are delicate devices that require a stable source of power.
Burglar proofing - To deter unauthorized access to the computer room.

Ventilation - There must be good air circulation in the computer room to avoid suffocation and
overheating.

Lighting - a well lit computer room prevents eyestrain that eventually leads to headaches, stress
and fatigue.

Standard furniture -

-Behaviour

-Handing of materials and equipment

-Fire

-Cabling

-Stable power supply

-Burglar proofing

-Ventilation

-Lab layout
-Dust/damp control

-Lighting\’

-Standard furniture

Hands-on skills

Start-up, restarting and shut-down (Booting)

Starting-up (Booting) a computer

1. make sure that all the components are properly connected. The computer must be connected
to an active power source.

2. Switch on the monitor first,

3. Switch on the system unit

Shutting down a computer

1. Ensure that all the work has been properly stored..

2. Close all programs that may be currently running.

3. If your computer is running on

Keyboard layout
Practical Keyboard and mouse skills.