MACHAKOS UNIVERSITY

CENTER OF OPEN, DISTANCE AND e-LEARNING

IN COLLABORATION WITH

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

BSC. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

SIT 180: COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY.

WRITTEN BY:

Mr. Martin Kimeu

Copyright © Machakos University, 2020

All Rights Reserved

OCTOBER, 2020
 LECTURE ONE

1.0 Introduction to computers and society

 In this lesson, we shall look at the back ground of computer systems, basic components of a
computer system, and salient features of computers.
 The lecture covers:

1. Lecture objectives
2. Introduction to computers
3. Salient/ distinguishing characteristics of computers.
4. Basic components/Parts of a computer system
5. Learning Activities
6. Summary
7. Suggestions for further reading

1.1 Lecture Objectives

By the end of this lecture you should be able to:

1. Define basic terminologies on introduction to computers.
2. Describe the basic components of a computer system and the different types of
computers.
3. Describe salient features of computers.

1.2 Definition of a computer:

 An electronic device that operates (works) under the control of programs stored in its own
memory unit.

 A computer is an electronic device that accepts user input (referred to as data), and
transforms it under the influence of a set of special instructions called programs, to produce
the desired output (referred to as information).
.
 An electronic machine that processes raw data to give information as output.

A computer automatically accepts data and instructions as input from an input device, stores
them temporarily in its memory, then processes that data according to the instructions given, and
finally transfers the processed data (information) to an output device.

Explanations.

 A computer is described as an electronic device because; it is made up of electronic

components and uses electric energy to operate, e.g. electricity.

 A computer has an internal memory, which stores data and instructions temporarily waiting
processing, and even holds the intermediate result (information) before it is communicated to
the recipients through the output devices.

 A computer works on the data using the instructions issued. This means that, the computer
cannot do any useful job on its own. It can only work as per the set of instructions issued.

A computer will accept data in one form and produce it in another form. The data is normally
held within the computer as it is being processed.

Data:

Data is a collection of raw facts, figures or instructions that do not have much meaning to the
user, and cannot be used to make decision.

- Data may be in form of numbers, letters or symbols, and can be processed to produce
information.

Types of data.

There are two types/forms of data:

a) Digital (discrete) data

This is data that is discrete in nature. It must be represented in form of numbers, alphabets or
symbols for it to be processed by a computer.

- Digital data is obtained by counting, e.g. 1, 2, 3 …

b) Analogue (continuous) data

This is data that is continuous in nature. It must be represented in physical nature in order to
be processed by the computer.
 - Analogue data is obtained by measurement, e.g. pressure, temperature, lengths or currents,
etc

Program:

 A program is a set of related instructions written in the language of the computer and is used
to make the computer perform a specific task (or, to direct the computer on what to do).
 A set of related instructions which specify how the data is to be processed.
 A set of instructions used to guide a computer through a process.
 A set of instructions which a computer uses to carry out/perform a particular task.

Data processing:

 The process of collecting all items of data together and performing operations on them so as to
generate a set of output which is able to convey some meaning.
 The process of transforming raw data into meaningful output (described as information)

 It refers to the way the data is manipulated (or handled) to turn it into information.
The processing may involve calculation, comparison or any other logic to produce the required
result. The processing of the data usually results in some meaningful information being
produced.

Information:

 Information is the meaningful output obtained after processing data values.

 This is data which has been refined, summarized and manipulated into a more meaningful
form for decision-making.

 It is data which is summarized and processed in the way you want it, so that it is useful in your
work.

- The information must be accurate, timely, complete and relevant.

Comparison between data and information.

Data Information
1. Unprocessed (raw) facts or figures. 1. It is the end-product of data processing (data
which has been processed)
2. Not arranged. 2. Arranged into a meaningful format.
3. Does not have much meaning to the user. 3. More meaningful to the user.
4. Cannot be used for decision-making. 4. Can be used to make decisions.
Information processing cycle

Information processing is a cycle of input, processing and output.

Input Output

Processing

The collected data is input into the computer. The data is processed, and the information is
output. This cycle continues until there is no more data to input.

1.3 Characteristics/features of a computer.

Before 20th century, most information was processed manually or by use of simple machines.
Today, millions of people are using computers in offices and at home to produce and store all
types of information

The following are some of the attributes that make computers widely accepted and used in the
day-to-day activities in our society:

1. Speed.

Computers operate at very high speeds, and can perform very many functions within a very
short time. They can perform a much complicated task much faster than a human being.

The speed of a computer is measured in fractions of seconds.

Millisecond - a thousandth of a second (1/1000 sec)

Microsecond - a millionth of a second (1/1000, 000 sec)
Nanosecond - a thousand millionth of a second (1/1000, 000, 000 sec)
Picosecond - a million millionth of a second (1/1000, 000, 000, 000 sec)

2. Accuracy:

Unlike human beings, computers never make mistakes.

A computer can work for very long periods without going wrong. However, when an error
occurs the computer has in-built, self-checking features in their electronic components that
can detect and correct such errors.
 Usually errors are committed by the users entering the data to the computer, thus the saying
garbage in garbage out (GIGO). This means that, if you enter incorrect data into the
computer and have it processed, the computer will give you misleading information.

3. Reliability.

The computer can be relied upon to produce the correct answer if it is given the correct
instructions and supplied with the correct data.

Therefore, if you want to add two numbers, but by mistake, give the computer a “multiply”
instruction, the computer will not know that you intended to “ADD”; it will multiply the
numbers supplied. Similarly, if you give it the ADD instruction, but make a mistake and
enter an incorrect data (e.g. 14 and 83 instead of 14 and 38), then the computer will produce
the “wrong” answer 97 instead of 52. However, note that, 97 is ‘correct’ based on the data
supplied.

Therefore, the output produced by a computer is only as reliable as the instructions used and
the data supplied.

4. Consistency:

Computers are usually consistent. This means that, given the same data and the same
instructions, they will produce the same answer every time that particular process is repeated.

5. Diligence:

Unlike human beings, a computer can work continuously without getting tired or bored.
Even if it has to do a million calculations, it will do the last one with the same speed and
accuracy as the first one.

6. Storage:

- A computer is capable of storing large amounts of data or instructions in a very small

space.

- A computer can store data and instructions for later use, and it can produce/ retrieve this
data when required so that the user can make use of it.

- Data stored in a computer can be protected from unauthorized individuals through the use
of passwords.

7. Automation:

A computer is an automatic device. This is because, once given the instructions, it is guided
by these instructions and can carry on its job automatically until it is complete.
 It can also perform a variety of jobs as long as there is a well-defined procedure.

8. Versatile:

A computer can be used in different places to perform a large number of different jobs
depending on the instructions fed to it, e.g. a computer can be used in handling complex
arithmetic problems, in railway and airline reservations, for process control in nuclear
reactors, for diagnosis and control in intensive care units in hospitals, etc.

Learning Activities

1. What is a computer?
2. Why is a computer referred to as an electronic device?
3. Define the following terms as used in computer science.
(a) Data. (c) Programs.
(b) Data processing. (d) Information.
4. (a) Briefly explain the two forms of data.
(b) Give three differences between data and information.
5. What is meant by the term ‘information processing cycle’?
6. The speed of a computer is measured in ___________.
7. What does the term GIGO stands for?
8. List and explain 4 salient features/ properties of a computer.
9. List five advantages of a computerized system over a manual system.

1.4 PARTS OF A COMPUTER.

A computer is made up of a collection of different components that are interconnected together

in order to work as a single entity.

A typical computer consists of the following parts/devices:

1. The system unit. 4. Keyboard.

2. Mouse. 5. Monitor.
3. Printer.

1. System unit.

This is the casing (unit) that houses the internal components of the computer, e.g. central
processing unit (CPU) and storage devices.

The system unit contains the following components: -

 Central processing unit (CPU), which is also referred to as processor.
 Disk drives, which are used to store, record and read data.
 Motherboard. ● Power supply unit.
● Main memory.
 Hard disk. ● Battery.
● Input/output ports.
 Video card. ● Expansion slots.
● Buses

(a) Central processing unit (CPU)

The CPU is the most important item inside the system unit. It is the brain of the
computer.

 It carries out all the processing operations, i.e. calculations, and processing of data and
instructions.
 It also handles input/output signals from the peripheral devices

The CPU consists of two main parts:

(i) Control unit (CU) - The CU fetches data from the main memory and puts it in the
proper order for the processor. It also sends the processed results back to the main
memory.

(ii) Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) - The ALU carries out all the logical and arithmetic
processing. It decodes the instructions and then processes the data.

(b) Main memory

Every computer comes with a certain amount of physical memory, usually referred to as
main memory or random access memory (RAM).
 The main memory stores information and also the instructions that tell the CPU how to
process the data.
 The data in the main memory is temporary, and is lost when the computer is switched
off.

(c) Battery

The battery provides constant power for the system clock and Date/Time stamp that are
inside the system unit. The power keeps the clock running even when the main power to
the computer is turned off.

(d) Video card (display adapter card)

 All the information is stored in the computer memory, and in order to modify the data, it
has to be displayed on the monitor. The video card links the computer memory and the
monitor.

(e) Hard disk

The hard disk is the computer’s main storage unit where all data is stored. It can hold
large amounts of data, and the data is not affected when the computer is turned off.

(f) Disk drives

Disk drives are used to read from or write to floppy disks and compact disks, e.g.
Compact disk drives (popularly known as CD-ROM drives) can be used for reading and
writing CDs.

(g) Expansion slots

An expansion slot is where an expansion card can be fitted. Each expansion slot leads to
the bus on the motherboard.

Expansion board is a circuit board that installs into an expansion slot in the computer. It
allows additional hardware to be attached to the system.

Types of system units

There are two makes of system units:

1. Tower style system unit

This system unit is designed to stand alone or to be placed on the floor.

- The system unit is placed lying on its side.

- They have more space for expansion than the desktop units.
- They occupy less space.

2. Desktop system units

Desktop units lie on the desk with the monitor placed on top.
 The system unit is placed lying on its base.
 They have less space for expansion.
 They occupy a larger space.
 Features of the system unit.

- It houses the CPU.

- It connects to all peripheral devices using ports.
- It has the computer’s power switch.

2. Keyboard

The keyboard looks like a typewriter, and has letters, numbers and other keys through which
data is entered into the computer. It enables the user to enter data and instructions into the
computer by pressing its keys.

3. Mouse

It is a pointing device that enables the user to issue instructions to the computer by controlling
a special mouse pointer displayed on the screen.

4. Monitor

It is a television-like screen used for displaying output. When you type a letter or number on
the keyboard, it shows up on the monitor.

Note. The monitor enables the user to monitor/track or see what is going on in the computer.

5. Printer - it is used to create permanent copies of output on paper.

Computer peripherals.

Peripheral devices are the hardware elements (devices/components) connected to the CPU by
use of special cables called data interface cables.
The cables are connected to the system unit using connectors called ports, and are used to carry
data, information and programs from the devices to the processor and from the processor to the
devices.

Examples of peripheral devices include;

- Monitor. - Keyboard - Printer.

- Modem.
- Plotter. - Speakers - Mouse
- Scanner.
- Joystick. - Digital camera - Light pen

Numbering, Pacing or 1.4.1

Sequencing
Title Component/parts of a computer
Purpose To enable you understand the components that constitutes a computer
Brief Summary of overall Watch the youtube video: Parts of A computer
task
Spark or stimulator Can you identify various parts of a computer?
Individual task a. From the video list several devices under each functional unit
b. State function of the of each of the devices you have identified above

Interaction begins a) Does a computer need to have all these components?

b) Make a short summary on why the computer needs all those many
parts.
E-moderator interventions 1. Learners must be focused on the contents and context of
discussion
2. Stimulate further learning and generation of new ideas
3. Provide feedback on the learning progress
4. End of e-tivity

Schedule and time This task should take 30 minutes

Next History of Computer
 1.5 Further Activities

1. List down the components that make up a computer.

2. Clearly draw and label the main physical parts of a simple computer system.
3. (a) What are computer peripherals?
(b) Give four examples of peripheral devices.
4. (a) Explain the term system unit.
(b) Name four components found in the system unit.
(c) Give three features of a computer’s system Unit.
5. Give two differences between tower and desktop system units.
6. Why the screen is also called a monitor?
7. What is a mouse in relation to computing?

1.6 Summary

Computer is an electronic device that accepts user input (referred to as data), and transforms
it under the influence of a set of special instructions called programs, to produce the desired
output (referred to as information).
Data is a collection of raw facts, figures or instructions that do not have much meaning to the
user, and cannot be used to make decision.

Information is the meaningful output obtained after processing data values.

This is data which has been refined, summarized and manipulated into a more meaningful
form for decision-making
Characteristics of Computers.
- High speed - Accurate
- Reliable - Automated
- Diligent -Versatile
- High capacity of storage.
Components of a computer.
1. Input devices- mouse, keyboard, scanner, document readers, light pen etc
2. CPU- Control unit (CU), Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), main memory (MMU),
3. Output devices- Monitor/Visual display unit, projector, printer etc.
4. Storage devices – Hard Disks, memory cards, flash disks etc
1.6 Suggestions for further reading

i. Rajaraman, V. (2018). Introduction to Information Technology (3 rd

Edition). PHI Learning. ISBN 978– 93– 87472– 29– 7
ii. Essays, UK. (2013). Importance of Computers in Society Information
Technology Essay. ISSN1 1862– 5347