MACHAKOS UNIVERSITY

CENTER OF OPEN, DISTANCE AND e-LEARNING

IN COLLABORATION WITH

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

SIT 180: COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY.

WRITTEN BY:

Mr. Martin Kimeu

Copyright © Machakos University, 2020

All Rights Reserved

OCTOBER, 2020
 LECTURE TWO

2.0 Introduction to computer and society

Introduction.

 In this lesson, we shall look at the history of computing, significance of computers in the
society, Impacts of computers in the society and the computer application areas.

The lecture covers:

1. Lecture objectives
2. Development history of computing
3. Advantages and disadvantages of computers in the society
4. Impacts of Computers in the contemporary society
5. Computer application Areas.
6. Learning Activities
7. Summary
8. Suggestions for further reading

2.1 Lecture Objectives

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

1. Describe development history of computing
2. Describe advantages and disadvantages of computers in the society
3. To describe impacts of computers in the contemporary society
4. To describe computer application areas in the society.

2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS.

History of computing.

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 abacus; a special calculating tool that
could be used to calculate large figures. Abacus is made up of a rectangular frame and a
crossbar at the middle. It is fitted with wires or strings running across from the frame to the
crossbar.

How to represent a number using an abacus.

Each bead in the lower row has a value of 1, while each bead in the upper row has a value of 5.
To represent a number, the bead is moved to the crossbar. Those beads away from the crossbar
represent zeros.

The figure below represents the number 6908 (six thousand nine hundred and eight).

After Abacus, the first machine that is usually regarded as the forerunner of modern computers
was named the Analytical engine, and was developed by an English mathematician called
Charles Babbage.

In 1939, Professor Howard Aken of Horrard University designed the first computer-like machine
named Mark 1. Since then, a series of advancements in electronics has occurred. With each
breakthrough, the computers based on the older form of electronics have been replaced by a new
“generation” of computers based on the newer form of electronics.

Computer Generations.

A computer generation is a grouped summary of the gradual developments in the computer

technology. The historical events are not considered in terms of individual years, but are
classified in durations (a period of more than a year).

Factors considered when classifying computers according to generations.

- Size of the computer. - Technology used.

- Processing speed. - Cost
- Memory capacity. - Type of memories used.
1ST Generation computers (1946 – 1956).

√ The 1st generation computers were built using electronic gadgets called vacuum tubes or
thermionic valves to control internal operations (to process information).

Vacuum tube
√ The tubes consumed a lot power, and produced a lot of heat during processing.
√ Due to the excessive heat generated, the computers constantly broke down; hence, they were
short-lived, and were not very reliable.
√ They used magnetic drum memories to store information.
√ Cards were used to enter data into the computers.
√ Their internal memory capacity was low - it was approx. 2 KB (2,000 bytes).
√ The computers used big physical devices in their circuitry; hence they were very large in size,
e.g. ENIAC (the earliest electronic computer) occupied an area of about 150m2 (the size of an
average 3-bedroom house).
√ They were very slow compared to today’s computers. Their speed was measured in
milliseconds, e.g. ENIAC could perform 5,000 additions and 300 multiplications per second.
√ The computers were very expensive - they costed millions of dollars.

Examples of 1ST generation computers:

 ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator) – was built in 1946 for use in
World war II. It contained 18,000 vacuum tubes.
 EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) – was developed in 1945 by Dr.
John Von Neumann. It was the first computer that used instructions stored in memory.
 UNIVAC (UNIVersal Automatic Computer).

 IBM 650.
 LEO (Lyon’s Electronic Office).

Advantages of first generation computers

- The vacuum tube technology made possible the advent of electronic digital computer.
- These computers were the fastest calculating devices at their time.

Disadvantages

- They were too bulky (large and heavy)

- They were unreliable.
- Had limited memory.
- They generated a lot of heat.
- Consumed a lot of power.
2ND generation computers (1957 – 1963).

√ The computers were built using tiny, individual electronic devices called transistors for
internal operations.

Transistor

√ They consumed less power, generated less heat, and were more stable and reliable than those
made with vacuum tubes.
√ They used magnetic core memories for storage purposes.
√ RAM memory size increased to 32 KB.
√ They were much faster compared to first generation computers, and their speeds were
measured in microseconds, e.g. a computer could perform 1 million additions per second.
√ They were smaller in size and occupied less space compared to 1st generation computers.
√ They were less costly than the 1st generation computers.
√ They were less prone to hardware failure.

Examples of 2nd generation computers:

 NCR 501, IBM 300, IBM 1401, IBM 7070, IBM 7094 series and CDC-6600 mainframe
computers.
 ATLAS LEO Mark III.
 UNIVAC 1107.
 HONEYWELL 200.

Disadvantages of 2nd generation computers

- Required air conditioning to cool them down.

- Required frequent maintenance.
- Commercial production was difficult and costly.

3RD generation computers (1964 – 1979).

√ They used electronic devices called integrated circuits (ICs), which were made by
combining thousands of transistors and diodes together on a semiconductor called a silicon
chip.

Integrated circuit

√ Were more reliable compared to 2nd generation computers.

√ They required less power.
√ They emitted less heat.
√ They were faster than second generation computers, e.g. they could process 5 million
instructions per second.
√ Had high storage capacity than 2nd generation computers (the RAM memory capacity was 2
MB).
√ Used magnetic disks for storage purposes.
√ They were smaller in size than the 1st and 2nd generation computers.
√ The computers used a wide range of peripheral devices.
√ Had better performance, and were more reliable that 2nd generation.
√ The computers could support more than one user at the same time. They could also support
remote communication facilities.
√ The 1st microcomputer was produced during this period (1974).
√ Software industry emerged during this period.

Examples of 3rd generation computers:

 IBM 360, 370;

 ICL 1900 Series;
 8-bit microcomputers and PDP-11 mainframe computers.

Advantage of 3rd generation computers

- Maintenance cost was low because hardware failures were rare.

Disadvantages

- Highly sophisticated technology is required for the manufacture of integrated circuit.

- They were costly.

4TH generation computers (1979 – 1989).

√ They used large scale integrated (LSI) and very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits,
which are made by compressing more tiny circuits and transistors into even smaller space of
the silicon chip.

Very large integrated circuit

√ They are small in size because of high component density.

√ They generate negligible heat.
√ Very reliable.
√ They are very fast (i.e. they work at very high speeds), e.g. they could process 50 million
instructions per second.
√ Have large storage capacity, i.e. their memory sizes increased to several hundred megabytes.
√ They use magnetic disks, bubble memories and optical disks for storage of information.
√ The first operating system was introduced during this period.

Examples of 4th generation computers:

 IBM 308 and 4300;

 Amdahl 580
 Honeywell DPS-88
 Burroughs 7700, and the 16-bit and 32-bit microcomputers. The first microcomputer was
called Apple II.

Advantage of 4th generation computers

- They are not prone to hardware failure.

- They are portable because of their small size.

Disadvantage

- Highly sophisticated technology is required for the manufacture of LSI chips.

5TH generation computers (1990 – present).

√ These are the modern computers.

√ They are designed/constructed using parallel architectures, 3-D circuit design and super
conducting materials. These technologies have led to the development of supercomputers.
√ The computers are very powerful.
√ They have very high processing speeds. Their speeds are measured in nanoseconds and
picoseconds.
√ They are able to perform parallel processing (or multi-processing) whereby a single task is
split among a number of processors.
√ Have very large memory sizes, which are measured in terms gigabytes.
√ The use of VLSI and microchip technology has given rise to computers that are very small in
size.
√ This generation has led to the merging of telecommunication systems with computer
technology for communication purposes.
√ The computers are able to support complex programs that can mimic human intelligence often
referred to as artificial intelligence. Such programs can help managers to make decisions
and also provide critical expert services to users instead of relying on human professionals.
√ Use advanced hard disks, zip disks, and optical disks (e.g. CDs, VCDs and DVDs) for
storage.
√ Use of multi user operating systems and advanced application programs.

Review Questions.

1. Briefly describe the history of computers.

2. Who developed analytical engine?
3. (a) What do you mean by computer generations?
 (b) Describe the five generations of computers in terms of technology used and give an
example of a computer developed in each generation.
(c) Compare computer memory sizes during the five computer generation periods.
4. (a) What was the most remarkable discovery during the second computer generation?
(b) What are the major developments in the fourth and fifth generation of computers?
5. Give four characteristics of first generation computer.
6. Write the following abbreviations in full:
(a) ENIAC (b) IC (c) VLSI
7. What is artificial intelligence?

2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Computers can be classified according to the following factors:

1. Physical size and processing power.

2. Purpose for which they are designed (i.e. according to the tasks they perform).
3. Functionality (type of data they process).
4. Type of processor (CPU).

1. Classification according to Physical size.

(a) Supercomputers.

Supercomputers are the most powerful computers available.

- They are very fast in processing (i.e. can perform many complex calculations in a
fraction of a second).
- They are very expensive.
- Supercomputers use multiple processors, where a single task is split among the
processors for faster execution. However, all the processors are controlled by a single
central processor.
- They generate a lot of heat, and therefore require special cooling systems. Sometimes,
the whole CPU is deeped in a tank containing liquid fluorocarbon to provide cooling.
- They are very large and heavy, and are usually kept under special environmental
conditions (i.e. in a special room).
- They are operated by computer specialists.
- A supercomputer can be operated by over 500 users at the same time.

Areas where supercomputers are used

Supercomputers are mainly used for complex scientific applications that involve large
amounts of data, and which need to be manipulated within a very short time, e.g.

 Weather forecasting.
 Petroleum research.
  Weapon analysis.
 Aerodynamic design and simulation.

Examples of supercomputers: CRAY T3D, Deep thunder, NEC-500.

(b) Mainframe computers.

- Mainframes are less powerful and less expensive than supercomputers.

- They are large in size but smaller compared to supercomputers.
- Are powerful computers with very high capacities of main storage. They also have a
large backing storage capacity.
- Have a very high processing speed, i.e. can process large amounts of data very quickly.
- They are usually kept in an air-conditioned environment in a special room.
- They can support a large number of peripherals of different types.
- They can handle hundreds of users at the same time, e.g. they can be operated by 200
users at a time.
- Mainframe computers are general-purpose, and can handle all kinds of problems
whether scientific or commercial.

Areas where mainframe computers are used

Mainframe computers are mostly found in big companies, banks, and government
agencies, which have large information processing needs, e.g. they are used in;

 Banks for preparing bills, payrolls, etc.

 Hospitals.
 Communication networks such as the internet where they act as servers.
 Airports for reservation purposes - the airlines have a mainframe computer at their
head office where the information of all flights is stored. Small computers at the
booking offices are attached to the central data bank so that up-to-date information of
flights is always available.

Examples of mainframes: IBM 4381, ICL 39 series, CDC cyber series.

(c) Minicomputers.

- A minicomputer is less powerful than a mainframe computer.

- It is physically smaller than a mainframe. However, it can support the same peripheral
devices supported by a mainframe.
- It can support several users at a time - Several workstations are connected to one
central minicomputer so that users connected can share its resources (CPU time,
storage, etc).
- A minicomputer is easier to manufacture and maintain compared to a mainframe.
- It is cheaper than a mainframe, but more expensive than a microcomputer.
- Has less memory and can handle small amounts of data than a mainframe.
 - It is slower than a mainframe computer.

Areas where minicomputers are used:

 Scientific laboratories.
 Research institutions.
 Engineering plants/factories to control chemical or mechanical processes.
 Space industry.
 Insurance companies and banks for accounting purposes.
 Business organizations as network servers.

Example of minicomputer: PDP-8, which was built in 1965 by Digital Equipment

Corporation (DEC) in the United States.

(d) Microcomputers.

A microcomputer is a computer whose CPU (processor) has been implemented with a

microprocessor (or, a computer whose data processing is done by a microprocessor).

- Microcomputers are the Personal computers (PCs) mostly found today in homes,
schools and many small offices. They are called personal computers because they are
designed to be used by one person at a time.
- They can support very few peripheral devices (usually 1 or 2).
- They are smaller in size than minicomputers. Their design is based on very large scale
integration (VLSI) that confines several physical components into an IC.
- They are cheaper than minicomputers.
- They are less powerful than minicomputers.
- Their internal memory is smaller than that of minicomputers.

Note. Usually, a microcomputer uses one or more boards to implement all the functions
of a complete system.

Areas where microcomputers are used:

 Training and learning institutions such as schools.

 Small business enterprises, e.g. shops, small offices and homes.
 Communication centres as terminals.

Types of microcomputers.

1. Laptop computer.

A laptop computer is designed to be used by placing it on the lap.

Laptops normally have in-built disk drives and flat screens (Liquid Crystal Displays).
 Ways that can be used to select items on the screen of a laptop computer.

- Mouse pointer - Pointing stick

- Touch pad - Trackball
- Light pen

Advantages of laptop computers

i) They are light such that the user can use it comfortably on his/her lap.
ii) They are portable; hence, making it possible to work anywhere.
iii) They are very small in size; hence, they occupy small office space. In addition, a
laptop can fit inside a briefcase; still leaving room for other items.
iv) They consume less power - laptops operate mainly on rechargeable batteries,
which serve as built in uninterruptible power supply.
v) Their screens display sharp and clear images, which prevents eye strain.
vi) Laptops are designed to withstand most of the rigors of travel.
vii) They enable the user to enhance productivity and make better use of time.

Disadvantages of laptop computers

i) Performance - many laptops have slower clock speeds to conserve power.

ii) Expansibility - laptop PCs have no potential for expansion, e.g. they have few
ports and their disk drives are in-built.
iii) Can only support a limited number of peripheral devices.
iv) Have limited storage (memory) capacities.
v) Security - laptop PCs are easier to steal.
vi) Display - laptop screens are limited to VGA resolution.

Reasons why laptops are more expensive than desktop computers

- The technology of producing smaller devices is expensive.

- They are convenient because they are portable.
- They have advanced power management capabilities (they consume less power).

2. Palmtop computer.
 Palmtops are small enough to fit in the pocket, and can be held in the palm when being
used.

- Have limited storage capacities.

- Palmtops are mainly used as personal organizers, with some minimal programs for
calculations, word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail.

Example of a palmtop; Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

3. Desktop computer.

A desktop computer is any computer designed to be used when placed on a desk in

an office environment.

- They are not portable.

Personal computer (PC).

This is a microcomputer designed for independent use by an individual at work or in the

home mainly for business purposes.

- A PC can support only 1 user at a time.

- PCs are mostly used in offices, schools, business premises, and at home for various
applications like computer literacy, games, database management, accounting, word
processing, telecommunication, etc.
- A PC can be connected to a mini and mainframe computer so as to enable the user
access the facilities offered by the larger machines.

Differences between a microcomputer and a PC

 - A microcomputer is larger in physical size than a PC.
- A microcomputer is more powerful than a PC.
- A PC was designed to be used by one person only.

An embedded computer.

 This is a computer that is within another device or system but is not accessed directly,
e.g. there are embedded computers operating within petrol pumps, lifts, watches,
cameras and video recorders.

 A computer attached to another machine.

Reasons why microcomputers are widely used in almost every area of business
activity.

1. They are cheaper than minicomputers and mainframe computers.

2. Have high processing speeds.
3. Are small in size, hence, occupy less office space.
4. Are more energy efficient (i.e. consume less power)
5. Are more reliable in doing various functions than the early mainframe computers.
6. Are versatile, i.e. can be used for many different tasks.

2. Classification according to Purpose.

(a) General-purpose computers.

General-purpose computers are designed to perform a wide variety of tasks. They use
specifically written instructions (programs) to carry out the desired processing tasks, e.g.
a single computer can be used to write letters, carry out calculations, play games, among
others.

Their programs can be changed, i.e. to perform a task, the appropriate set of instructions
required to perform that particular task are loaded into the computer memory, e.g. if you
want to play a game, the appropriate program is loaded into the computer’s memory and
the computer is instructed to execute the instructions which make up the game.

(b) Special-purpose computer.

Special-purpose computers are designed to handle particular specific tasks only, and
cannot perform any other task except the one they were meant to do, e.g. in a computer
network, the front end processor (FEP) is only used to control the communication of
information between the various workstations and the host computer.

Their programs are fixed (hard-wired) at the time of manufacture.

 A special-purpose computer is dedicated to a single task; hence it can perform it quickly
and very efficiently.

Examples of special-purpose computers:

 Robots used in a manufacturing industry for production only.

 Mobile phones used for communication only.
 Calculators that carry out calculations only.
 Computers used in digital watches.
 Computers used in petrol pumps.
 Computers used in washing machines.
 An automatic pilot – a computer dedicated to the task of operating an aircraft.
 A word processor – a special-purpose computer used for producing office documents,
letters, etc.

Reasons why a mobile phone is regarded to be a computer.

 It is electronic and uses electric energy to operate.

 It has a display unit (screen).
 It has a keypad.
 It has a memory for storage.
 It is programmable.

Advantages of special-purpose computers

- They are less expensive.

- They are faster and efficient.
- They re smaller and lighter than general-purpose computers.

(c) Dedicated computer.

This is a general-purpose computer that is committed to some processing task; though

capable of performing a variety of tasks in different application environments, e.g. the
computer can be dedicated to carrying out Word processing tasks only.

3. Classification according to Functionality.

(a) Digital computer

This is a computer that operates on discrete data only. It can process both numeric and
alphabetic data within the computer, e.g. 0, 1, 2, 3…, A, B, C….

Its operation is based on two states, namely “On” and “Off” or on digits “1” and “0”.
Therefore, any data to be manipulated by a digital computer must first be converted to
digital form.
 Its output is usually in form of numbers, alphabets, and symbols.

Digital computers are usually general-purpose computers; hence, they are widely used in
different areas for data processing.

Most of the devices found at homes today are digital in nature.

Digital computers are less accurate, i.e. may not solve all your problems since the
facilities provided are generalized.

Examples:

 A television with a button which is pressed to increase or decrease the volume.

 Digital watches.
 Calculators.
 Microcomputers. They are said to be digital because they posses the ALU.

(b) Analogue computers.

An analogue computer is a computer that operates on continuous data.

They process data by measuring the amount of change that occurs in physical quantities,
e.g. changes in electrical current, speed, pressure, length, temperature, humidity, etc.

An analogue computer is able to accept inputs which vary with time and intensity, and
directly apply them to various devices within the computer which perform the computing
operations.

The output from the system may be in form of a graph produced by a plotting pen or a
trace on a cathode ray tube (CRT) from which the information can be read.

Analogue computers are usually special-purpose device. They are used in specialized
areas such as in:

- Manufacturing processes to monitor and regulate temperatures and pressures in a

furnace.
- Weather stations to record and process physical quantities, e.g. wind, cloud speed,
temperature, etc.
- Scientific or engineering experiments.
- Military weapons.

 They are very accurate and efficient since they are dedicated to a single task.
 They are very fast since most of them use multiple processors.

Examples of analogue devices

 Note. Analogue computers usually use one characteristic (e.g. a length), to give
information about another physical characteristic, e.g. weight.

 Computer used to control a flight simulator for training pilots.

The computer responds to the cockpit simulator control movements made by the pilot
to physically change the environment so that the pilot feels as if he were controlling an
actual aeroplane.

 Bathroom scale - it uses the weight of a person to move a pointer

smoothly/continuously over calibrated scale, which shows the person’s weight.

 Thermometer - it uses a volume of mercury to show temperature.

 Speedometer – it converts the pressure created by the rotation of the wheel to a

voltage, which causes a pointer to rotate over a dial calibrated in km/h or miles/h.

 Petrol pump - measures the rate of flow of petrol and converts the volume delivered to
2 readings; one showing the volume and the other showing the cost.

 Post-office scale - converts the weight of a parcel delivered into a charge for posting.

 A monitor with knobs that are rotated to increase brightness.

 A television or radio with a knob that is rotated to increase or decrease the volume.

(c) Hybrid computer

It combines both the functional capabilities of a digital and analogue computer; hence,
can process both analogue and digital data.

Hybrid computers are more expensive.

Comparison between a computer and calculator.

Computer Calculators
1. Costly due to the technology used. 1. Cheaper.
2. Bigger in size. 2. Comparatively smaller.
3. Operate at very high speeds. 3. Slower than computers.
4. Are more accurate (they give up to over 4. Less accurate (they give up to 8 dp of
10 decimal places of accuracy). accuracy)
5. Flexible – can be used in solving any
problem. 5. Mostly used for numerical calculations
6. Work under the control of programs. involving arithmetic/ mathematical
7. Support various devices, e.g. keyboard, operations
mouse, light pen, printer, etc. 6. They are non-programmable.
8. Have a large internal memory 7. They only use display units and keyboards
 of limited capabilities.
9. Can serve several people at the same 8. Internal memory is small. They use
time. registers for temporary storage during
10. Have got telecommunication calculations.
capabilities. 9. Can serve only 1 user at a time.
11. Require well-monitored environmental 10. Have no telecommunication capabilities.
conditions. 11. Do not require well-monitored
environmental conditions.

Review Questions.

1. State 3methods of classifying computers, and list the different types of computers in each.
2. What is a personal computer?
3. Differentiate the following types of computers.
a). Supercomputer and mainframe computer.
b). Minicomputer and a personal computer.
c). Special-purpose and general-purpose computers.
d). Desktop computers and laptop computers
4. (a) Briefly describe terms “analogue” and “digital computers” as used in computer science.
(b) What is the main difference between analogue and digital computers?
5. Give three examples of special-purpose computers.
6. Name any four classes of computers based on size and complexity.
7. How does a computer differ from a simple calculator?

ADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS.

1) They process data faster than other devices such as typewriters and calculators.
2) A computer is accurate and reliable – given the correct instructions and data, they produce
accurate results. They also handle numbers with many decimal places.

3) They are more efficient (i.e. they require less effort to process data compared to other
machines).

4) They can effectively store and retrieve large amounts of data.

5) They can conserve a lot of space when saving information.
6) They occupy very little office space.
7) They help to reduce paper work significantly.
8) A computer can perform different kinds of jobs as long as there is a well-defined procedure.

9) Computers are cheap (i.e. they can be used to perform activities meant for individual
persons, hence reducing the number of employees and the cost in an organization.

10) They enhance the security of stored data through the use of passwords.

11) Have made communication easier.

12) Computers produce better information (i.e. computer output is tidy and error-free).
13) Computers reduce duplication of data or information.
14) They can operate in environments that are dangerous to human beings, e.g. chemical plants.

Disadvantages of using computers.

1) Computers are costly in terms of purchase and maintenance.

2) Computers can only be used areas where there is source of power.
3) Require skilled people to operate, i.e. one has to be knowledgeable so as to operate a
computer.
4) The records are usually stored in a form that is not human-readable.
5) A computer, like any other machine can break down.
6) The information stored can easily get lost due to power interruptions or machine breakdown.
7) A computer doesn’t have its own intelligence, i.e. it cannot do any useful job on its own, but
can only work as per the set of instructions issued.

8) The technology is changing very fast. This makes computers and related facilities to
become outdated very fast, hence posing a risk of capital loss.

9) Installation of computers has increased the rate of unemployment since they are now being
used to perform jobs, which were done by human beings.

10) They have led to increase in computer crimes, e.g. computer criminals steal large amounts of
funds in banks belonging to various companies by transferring them out of their company
accounts illegally.

2.4 AREAS WHERE COMPUTERS ARE USED.

The following are some of the areas where computers are used:

1. Supermarkets.

Supermarkets and other retail stores use computers:

- For stock control (i.e. to help keep records of the items in store, and those that are out of
stock).

- To input and output data at the point where sales are transacted, e.g. at the supermarket
checkout counter.
- It can be used for pricing the different types of commodities.
- For adding totals of purchase and calculating customers change.

- For production of receipts.

- It can be used as a barcode reader.

2. Hotels.

Computers can be used in hotels:

- For reservation/booking of rooms.

- Stock control (i.e. to keep record on sales and purchases).
- For accounting purposes (financial management)
- To produce bills and payrolls.
- For advertisement.
- For communication.
- To enhance security.

3. Industries.

Computers are used in industries:

- To monitor and control industrial processes through the use of robots. A robot is a remote
controlled machine that works like a human being, but performs tasks that are unpleasant,
dangerous, and tedious to be done by human beings.

- For management of transactions, e.g. to keep track of orders.

- To assist in developing new products and services.

- For advertisement purposes, which enable an industry to attract more customers.

4. Banks

Computers are used in banks:

- To manage their financial transactions through the use of automated teller machines
(ATMs), which enable customers to deposit and withdrawal cash.

- For processing of bank cheques (i.e. to read cheques)

- To compute salaries for employees, and also prepare payrolls.

- For better keeping of financial records.

- For processing of documents.
- To produce financial reports, e.g. bank statements, balance sheets, etc
- To provide electronic money transfer facilities, which enable transfer money between
different bank accounts.
- To process customer’s transactions.
- For security purposes.
5. Hospitals.

Computers are used in hospitals:

- To keep medical records of incoming and outgoing patients.

- To assist in analysing sicknesses and checking for damages, e.g. x-ray.

They are used to get a cross-sectional view of the patient’s body that enables physicians to
properly diagnose the affected part of the body with high levels of accuracy.

- To control life-supporting machines in the intensive care units (ICU).

- For communication - a doctor needing specialised opinions can now easily retrieve such
information from computer storage.
- To access foreign expertise or labour.
Computers enable medical experts in different countries to share their expertise or labour.
They also make it possible for hospitals in one country to use consultants or surgeons in
another country, hence, reducing travelling for patients and professionals.

- For inventory control (stock management).

- To control devices that help in caring for the handicapped, e.g. the deaf, blind or bed-
ridden.

6. Offices.

- For storage of information.

- Keeping of records.
- To process information.
- For distribution of information, i.e. receiving and sending of messages through e-mails,
fax, etc
- For security purposes.
- Production of documents.

7. Government institutions.

- Government ministries use computers to store/keep records and improve the efficiency of
work within the Civil service. If computers were not used, the large number of files in
government registries would make information retrieval extremely difficult.

- Government agencies use computers to keep their records, and produce bills and
statements.

8. Education.
 Computers are widely used in learning institutions (schools and colleges). Learning and
teaching using computers is referred to as computer aided learning (CAL) and computer
aided teaching (CAT).
- They are used as teaching aids (i.e. to help in teaching various subjects), e.g. they are used
to demonstrate experiments in subjects like Chemistry or Physics using a special program
that can illustrate them on the screen through a process called simulation.

- For preparing teaching/learning materials, e.g. notes, teaching aids

- For maintaining student records, e.g. personal data, examination results, etc
- For analyzing academic data, e.g. compiling examination reports.

- For document processing, e.g. writing memos.

- Communication between different departments or individuals within the institution.
- For accounting purposes (financial computations).

- To assist in e-learning and long distance learning. In e-learning, the learners do not need to
go physically to a college; instead, they use computers to access learning material on the
internet.

- For research purposes, e.g. to download materials from the internet by teachers and
students.
- Computers are used in aviation for training of pilots. Flight simulators are used to
monitor the control movements made by the pilot while the computer is used to physically
change the environment so that the pilot feels as if he were controlling an actual aircraft.

- For entertainment, e.g. playing games, watching video, etc

9. Research.

Computers can be used for research in various fields:

 Meteorologists use computers to:

 Analyse and predict weather patterns using the large volumes of data collected from air
pressure, humidity, temperature, and wind speed.
 Process satellite images and weather station reports.

 Engineers and architects use them to design and test their work.

 Space exploration and military research bodies use computer systems to:
 Design and control unmanned spaceships, airplanes and missiles.
 Study the movements of stars in hope of seeing signs of planetary bodies.
 Launch space vehicles and monitor the flights and activities both onboard and around
them.

10. Communication industry.

 The integration of computers and telecommunication facilities has made the distribution of
data or information from one person or location to another very fast and efficient.

Computers can be used:

- In telephone exchanges to switch incoming and outgoing calls.

- For sending and receiving electronic messages, e.g. e-mails, if connected to a computer
network.

- Facsimile, i.e. sending a fax documents over the internet using a computer.

- In radio broadcasting stations to record and manage radio programmes meant for
broadcasting.

- To enable people in different locations to have a meeting (commonly known as video

conferencing).
- Telecommuting, i.e. a situation where an employee works from home through a computer
connected to the network of the workplace.

11. Transport industry.

Computers are used in:

♦ Automobile traffic control, e.g. to monitor vehicle traffic in a busy town.

♦ Railway corporations to co-ordinate the movement of their goods and wagons.
♦ Shipping control for efficient management of fleets, cargo handling and for communication
purposes.
♦ Airports (airline industry);

- To control the movement of aircrafts, such as taking off and landing, through the use of
radar equipment.
- For making reservations (booking or enquiry purposes).
- For storing flight information.

12. Police (law enforcement agencies)

The police use computers:

- To keep criminal databases on fingerprints, match and also analyse them.

- To identify people by recognizing and analyzing features such as fingerprints, voice, lips,
iris colour, etc.
- For taking photographs and other identification details.
- To store information and for record keeping.
 - Provide assistance to officers through easy access to information.
- Communicate with other relevant departments and agencies.
- Examine forensic evidence (i.e. for scene monitoring and analysis, which help them to
arrest traffic offenders and criminals).

The information held in computers help the law enforcers to fight crime by carrying out
criminal investigations speedily.

13. Defense.

In defense, computers are used in:

- Electronic news gathering, efficient communication, detecting and tracking of targets; in
radar systems, warning systems and in guided missile systems.
- Military defense equipment’s, e.g. fighter jets, rockets, bombers, etc.

14. Home.

Computers are widely used at home:

- For preparing domestic budgets.

- For watching movies, playing music and computer games.
- For teaching children on educational concepts.
- For storing personal information.
- In household items, such as, microwave ovens, televisions, etc.

15. Library services.

Computers can be used in a library:

- To manage the issuing and return of borrowed reading materials.

- For inventory control, i.e. to enable the library personnel to easily access and keep updated
records of books and other library materials.
- To search for book titles instead of using the manual card catalogue.

16. Multimedia applications.

- Computers are used to prepare business presentations for advertisement purposes.

The presentations are done using overhead projectors attached to computers running slide
shows and digital video clips taken using a camcorder. An overlaid voice is used to
describe the product.

- Computers are used in music related equipment such as synthesizers.

 - In games and movies, computers are used to add stereo sound and digital video clips,
which make games more realistic.

- In education and training, multimedia discs are used as teaching aids for all types of
subjects.

17. Employment (Job opportunities).

Computer technology has raised the standards of living of people by providing employment
opportunities in different fields, e.g. computer engineering, system analyst, etc

Numbering, Pacing or 2.4.1

Sequencing
Title Computer Application Areas
Purpose To enable you understand the areas of computer application.
Brief Summary of overall Computing technology has been a key driver in nearly all sectors and
task has facilitated improved performance and efficiency in service delivery.
Spark or stimulator Can you compare computing and non-computing era in the present
world?
Individual task a. Assess the impact of computing technology in the following areas of
application
 Banking industry
 Education sector
 Communication industry.

Interaction begins a) How ATM in a bank in Kisumu branch update in real time will after
a withdrawal is done in another ATM in Nairobi?
b) In your own words, explain how computers will be applied in the
above areas.
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 20 minutes

Next Introduction to Ethics.

2.5 Further Activities

1. Explain exhaustively the importance of computers in the following areas:

i) Industries. (v) Hospitals.
ii) (vi) Education
iii) Research. (vi) Communication industry.
iv) Home and entertainment. (vii) Law enforcement agencies.

2. Explain various ways computers have been mostly used in our country.
3. List down and explain 6 uses of computers in our society.
4. Explain the similarities and differences between human beings and computer systems.
5. Describe positive and negative impacts of computers in the contemporary society (consider
social, Economic and political impacts).

2.6 Summary

Factors considered when classifying computers according to generations.

-Size of the computer. - Technology used.

-Processing speed. - Cost
-Memory capacity. - Type of memories used.

-Computers can be classified according to the following factors:

 -Physical size and processing power.
-Purpose for which they are designed (i.e. according to the tasks they perform).
-Functionality (type of data they process).
-Type of processor (CPU).

2.7 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