BUSINESS COMPUTER

APPLICATIONS
Course code:
ITU 07205/ACU07211

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 COURSE DESCRIPTION
 This course introduces computer concepts, including
fundamental functions and operations of the computer.
 Topics include; basic computer fundamentals,
identification of hardware components, basic computer
operations, security issues, Internet & networking, and
use of software applications (word, PowerPoint, Spread
sheet),
 Upon completion, You should be able to demonstrate an
understanding of the role and function of computers
and apply the computer skills to solve business
problems using different computer application software
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 Course assessment
 One written test (20%)

 Class assignments/ Lap projects (20%)

 Final examination (60%)
 Make-up and special tests are
permanently not available in this
course “NO SPECIAL TEST “
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 Class etiquette
 Regular class attendance and participation is an
essential component of this course and expected
of all students. Class attendance and
participation will be recorded,
 Absence in class (many) will cause the student’s
final course work to be reduced by 10%, and of
course you will be blacklisted.
 No cell-phones. Please turn your cell-phones
off (or put them in silent mode) during class
session.
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What You Will Learn

 Define the word computer and name

the four basic operations that a
computer performs
 Describe the two main components of
a computer system: Hardware and
Software

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What You Will Learn

 Provide examples of hardware devices

that handle input, processing, output,
and storage tasks
 Give an example of the information–
processing cycle in action
 Explain the two major categories and
the various types of computers

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What You Will Learn

 Explain the advantages and

disadvantages of computer use
 Understand the risks involved in using
hardware and software
 Recognize the ethical and societal
impacts of computer use

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What You Will Learn

 Explain how computers affect

employment
 List ways to be a responsible computer
user

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 Computers: Yesterday, Today,
and Tomorrow
 Computers
 Integral to our daily lives
 Millions use computers daily.
 Applications
 Word processors
 Internet
 Online banking
 Online classes
 GPS systems
 ATM machines
 Mobile phones
 Weather prediction
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Computers: Yesterday, Today,
and Tomorrow
 Computers (con’t.)
 Used at:
 Home

 Work

 School or anywhere

 Embedded into:
 Cars

 Phones

 Cameras

 Etc
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 Computers: Yesterday, Today,
and Tomorrow
 Before computers
 There were;
 No telephone answering machines
 No handheld calculators
 No fax machines
 No personal computers
 People
 Wrote letters by hand or with a typewriter
 Kept track of data and numbers in ledgers
 Communicated in person or over the telephone

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 Computer Fundamentals

 A computer
 An electronic device, operating under the
control of instructions stored in its own
memory that can accept data (input), process
the data according to specified rules, produce
information (output), and store the
information for future use (vermaat, M; 2014)
 Computer—device that performs the
information-processing cycle
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Information Processing
Cycle(1)
 It’s a sequence of events consisting of
the four basic operations (IPOS)
 Input
 Processing
 Storage and
 Output

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Information Processing
Cycle(2)
 Input –enables the computer to
accept data.
 Data refers to the facts that are raw and
unorganized.
 Data is entered into the computer for
processing by utilizing various devices such
as keyboards, mice, flatbed scanners,
barcode readers, joysticks, digital data
tablets , electronic cash registers, mouse ,
etc .
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 Information Processing
Cycle(3)
 Processing – performs operations on
the date by converting data into
information.
 Information refers to simplified,
organized and processed data.
 Processing is usually done by central
processing unit (CPU).
 Random access memory (RAM) –
temporarily stores programs and data needed
by the CPU.

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Information –characteristics
 Information is considered useful and
meaningful only if has these
characteristics
 Timely – available when required
 Accuracy –has significant impact on
decision making
 Completeness –it should be complete/
correctness
 Comprehensive – useful for the receiver
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Information Processing
Cycle(4)
 Output –displays “processed” data
(Information) that users can
comprehend and can be used for data
visualization
 Output devices include monitors and
printers.

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 Information Processing
Cycle(5)
 Storage –stores the processed
results so that they can be used in the
future or Saving data in a soft/physical
form
 Storage devices save both the
programs and the data used by the
computer system, such devices - hard
drives, CDs, USB drives, etc

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 Block Diagram of Computer
system (Information Processing cycle)

STORAGE

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

CONTROL

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Information Processing
Cycle(6) –example

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 Computer Fundamentals

 Communications –moving of data within

or between computers.
 Communication devices connect
computers to a network of two or more
computers.
 A network shares input/output devices
and other resources.

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 Computer Fundamentals

 A computer system, also called a

system, is a group of associated
components that work together.
 Computer system components are
categorized into two main groups:
 Hardware
 Software

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 Computer Fundamentals

 Hardware is made up of the physical

parts of the computer, including such
components as the system unit,
monitor, keyboard, and printer.

 Software is made up of all the

programs that instruct the computer.

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 Types of Computers(1)

 Types of computers can be separated into

two main categories:
 Computers for individuals are normally designed
for one user at a time.
 Computers for organizations are designed to be
used by many people at the same time.
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Computers

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 Types of Computers(2)
 Computers for individuals
 Personal computers (PCs) are generally
either MAC (Apple’s Macintosh) systems or
IBM-compatible systems.
 Notebook computers are small enough for
easy computer mobility.
 Subnotebooks or ultraportable have
fewer components than traditional
notebooks, weigh less, and are smaller.

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 Types of Computers(3)
 Computers for individuals (continued)
 Tablet PCs can be used to input data with a
keyboard or mouse, and the user can write on
the monitor with a special pen or stylus.
 Personal digital assistants (PDAs), also
called handheld computers, have many of
the capabilities of a notebook but are much
smaller and lighter.
 Smartphone are similar to PDAs and have
additional mobile phone and Web capabilities.
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 Types of Computers(4)

 Computers for individuals (continued)

 All-in-one computers provide the space-
saving features of a notebook and the
performance of a desktop computer.
 Network computers (NCs) and Internet
appliances are mostly used for network and
Internet connection.
 Professional workstations are intended for
technical applications for which very powerful
processing and output are necessary.
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 Types of Computers(5)

 Computers for organizations

 Servers enable users connected to a
computer network to have access to the
network’s programs, hardware, and data.
 Clients include the user computers
connected to the network.
 A client/server network includes the use
of client computers with centralized servers.

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 Types of Computers(6)

 Computers for organizations (continued)

 Minicomputers or mid-range servers are
designed to meet the needs of smaller
companies or businesses.
 Mainframes carry out very large processing
jobs to meet the needs of large companies or
agencies of the government.
 Supercomputers are able to perform
extremely high-speed processing and show
underlying patterns.
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Computers, Society, & You

There are a number of advantages and

disadvantages to using computers.

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 Computers, Society, & You

 When using computer hardware:

 Do not plug too many devices into electrical
outlets.
 Use surge protectors.
 Place hardware where it can’t fall or be
damaged.
 Provide adequate space for air circulation
around hardware.
 Securely fasten computer cables, cords,
and wires.
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 Computers, Society, & You
 Software
programs contain
flaws.
 These flaws cause
slower processing,
performing added
tasks, and
miscalculations.
 The greater the
number of lines of
code, the harder it is
to eliminate errors.
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 Computers, Society, and You
 Automation
 Replacement of people by machines and
computers
 Outsourcing
 Subcontracting of portions of a job to a third party to
reduce cost, time, and energy.
 Computer technology
 Aided globalization and the resulting outsourcing of
jobs, as well as structural unemployment—the
obsolescence of certain jobs.

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 Computers, Society, & You

 Being a responsible computer user

starts with understanding how one’s
manner of computer use affects others.
 Be aware of e-waste and the proper
disposal of outdated computer
hardware.

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 Computers, Society, & You

 Advances in computer
technology
 Upgrade software to obtain the latest software
features.
 Stay informed to help avoid computer viruses.

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 What You’ve Learned

 A computer is a device that can

perform the information-processing
cycle: input, processing, output, and
storage.
 A computer system is made up of
hardware and software.

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 What You’ve Learned

 Computers can be categorized as

computers for individuals and
computers for organizations.
 Responsible computer users should
understand the advantages and the
disadvantages of computer use.

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 What You’ve Learned

 Some form of risk exists when using

computer hardware and software.
 Computers can be misused or used as
a benefit. Computer ethics guide how
a computer should be used.
 Computers are causing a shift in
employment, creating new job
opportunities at the same time.
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