Module 2: Computers and Their Business Applications

Learning Objectives
After studying this module, you should be able to:
1. Define a computer system and its components.
2. Discuss the history of computer hardware and software.
3. Analyse the impact of the three factors distinguishing computing power.
4. Summarize the three basic computer operations.
5. Discuss the types of input, output, and memory devices.
6. Explain how computers are classified and their business applications.
7. Apply knowledge of two major types of software and their use in a business setting.
8. List the five generations of computer languages.
9. Define object-oriented programming.

Section 2-1: Defining a Computer

• Definition: A computer is a machine that accepts data as input, processes data without
human intervention by using stored instructions (programs), and outputs information.
• Components:
• Hardware: Physical devices such as keyboards, monitors, and processing units.
• Software: Programs written in computer languages.

Section 2-2: The History of Computer Hardware and Software

• Generations of Hardware:
1. First Generation (1940s–1950s): Vacuum tubes – bulky, unreliable, generated
excessive heat.
2. Second Generation (1957–1963): Transistors – faster, more reliable, easier to program.
3. Third Generation (1964–1970): Integrated circuits – smaller, faster, more reliable.
4. Fourth Generation (1971–1992): Miniaturization, VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration),
personal computers, optical discs.
5. Fifth Generation (Present): Parallel processing, gallium arsenide chips, optical
technologies.
• Generations of Software:
1. Machine Language: Binary code (0s and 1s).
2. Assembly Language: Uses mnemonics for instructions.
3. High-Level Languages: More like English (e.g., C++, Python).
4. Fourth-Generation Languages (4GLs): Easy-to-use macro codes.
5. Fifth-Generation Languages (5GLs): Use artificial intelligence technologies like natural
language processing (NLP).

Section 2-3: The Power of Computers

• Factors Distinguishing Computing Power:
1. Speed: Computers process data at incredible speeds (milliseconds, microseconds,
nanoseconds, picoseconds).
2. Accuracy: Unlike humans, computers do not make mistakes. For example, they
distinguish between 4. and 4.
3. Storage and Retrieval: Computers can store vast amounts of data and retrieve specific
items quickly.

Section 2-4: Computer Operations

• Three Basic Operations:
1. Arithmetic Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation.
2. Logical Operations: Comparison or relational operations (<, >, =).
3. Storage and Retrieval Operations: Storing and retrieving data from memory.
Section 2-5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices
• Input Devices:
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Touchscreen
• Stylus
• Trackball
• Data tablet
• Barcode reader
• Optical character reader (OCR)
• Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)
• Optical mark recognition (OMR)
• Camera and microphone
• Output Devices:
• Monitors (LCD, LED, OLED)
• Printers (inkjet, laser)
• Plotters
• Voice synthesizers
• Memory Devices:
• Main Memory (Volatile):
• Random Access Memory (RAM): Read-write memory.
• Cache RAM: Stores recently accessed data for faster access.
• Secondary Memory (Non-volatile):
• Hard disks
• USB flash drives
• SSDs (Solid-State Drives)
• NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)

Section 2-6: Classes of Computers

• Classification Based On:
• Cost
• Memory
• Speed
• Sophistication
• Types:
• Subnotebooks
• Notebooks
• Personal Computers
• Minicomputers
• Mainframes
• Supercomputers

Section 2-7: Software

• Types:
1. System Software:
• Operating Systems (OS): Controls and manages hardware and software
resources (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Examples: iOS, Android
2. Application Software:
• Used for specialized tasks (e.g., Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets, Photoshop for
graphics).
• Common Application Software Categories:
• Word-processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word)
• Spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
• Database software (e.g., Microsoft Access)
 • Presentation software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint)
• Graphics software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
• Desktop publishing software (e.g., Adobe InDesign)
• Financial planning and accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks)
• Project management software (e.g., ClickUp)
• Computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD)

Section 2-8: Computer Languages

• Five Generations:
1. Machine Language: Binary code.
2. Assembly Language: Mnemonics.
3. High-Level Languages: English-like syntax (e.g., Python, Java).
4. Fourth-Generation Languages (4GLs): Macro codes.
5. Fifth-Generation Languages (5GLs): AI-based (e.g., NLP).
• Popular Programming Languages:
• Python
• Java
• JavaScript
• C#
• PHP
• Swift
• Objective-C

Section 2-9: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

• Definition: An OOP language is organized around objects that represent real-world entities
rather than computational steps.
• Key Components:
• Objects: Contain both data and procedures.
• Classes: Define the format and actions of objects.
• Principles:
• Abstraction
• Inheritance
• Polymorphism
• Encapsulation
• Advantages:
• Modularity
• Reuse of code
• Effective problem-solving

Industry Connection: IBM

• IBM offers a wide range of products and services, including:
• Software suites (e.g., Lotus, Tivoli)
• Storage solutions (e.g., disk and tape systems, SANs, NAS)
• Servers (e.g., UNIX, Linux, Intel-based)
• Cognitive systems (e.g., IBM Watson)

Key Terms
• Application software
• Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
• Assembly language
• Bus
• Cache RAM
• Central processing unit (CPU)
• Class
• Cloud storage
 • Computer
• Control unit
• Disk drive
• Fifth-generation languages (5GLs)
• Fourth-generation languages (4GLs)
• High-level languages
• Input devices
• Machine language
• Magnetic disk
• Magnetic tape
• Main memory
• Motherboard
• Network-attached storage (NAS)
• Object
• Object-oriented programming (OOP)
• Operating system (OS)
• Output devices
• Random access memory (RAM)
• Read-only memory (ROM)
• Redundant array of independent disks (RAID)
• Secondary memory
• Server
• Storage area network (SAN)

Reviews and Discussions

1. Define a computer and its main components.
2. What are the five generations of computer hardware?
3. What are the three factors that distinguish computing power?
4. What are the three basic computer operations?
5. List two examples each of input, output, and memory devices.
6. What are four classes of computers?
7. What is the difference between application software and system software?
8. What are the four key principles of OOP?

Projects
1. Compare Google Apps for Work and Office 365 for a law firm.
2. Describe three advantages of OOP methodology.
3. Recommend a PC or tablet for schoolwork, Web access, and e-reading.
4. Discuss three commercial applications of IBM Watson.
5. Compare Android and iOS operating systems.
6. Describe five commercial applications of Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions.

Case Studies
1. Case Study 2-1: Become Your Own Banker and Financial Advisor
• Questions:
1. What analytics can financial apps perform?
2. How are these apps changing the banking industry?
3. What is a robo-advisor? What factors should investors consider?
2. Case Study 2-2: iPads: New Productivity Tools for Service Workers
• Questions:
1. What impact does iPad technology have on outage reporting and response time?
2. What are the two apps used by Cornell University’s utilities department?
3. How could this technology be applied in other settings?
Module 2: Computers and Their Business Applications

Branch 1: Defining a Computer

• Definition: A machine that accepts data as input, processes it using stored instructions, and
outputs information.
• Components:
• Hardware (e.g., keyboard, monitor, CPU)
• Software (e.g., programs written in computer languages)

Branch 2: History of Computer Hardware and Software

• Generations of Hardware:
1. First Generation (Vacuum Tubes)
2. Second Generation (Transistors)
3. Third Generation (Integrated Circuits)
4. Fourth Generation (Miniaturization, VLSI)
5. Fifth Generation (Parallel Processing, Gallium Arsenide Chips)
• Generations of Software:
1. Machine Language
2. Assembly Language
3. High-Level Languages
4. Fourth-Generation Languages (4GLs)
5. Fifth-Generation Languages (5GLs)

Branch 3: Factors Distinguishing Computing Power

• Speed: Measured in milliseconds, microseconds, nanoseconds, picoseconds.
• Accuracy: Computers do not make mistakes; they distinguish between very small differences.
• Storage and Retrieval: Ability to store vast amounts of data and retrieve specific items
quickly.

Branch 4: Basic Computer Operations

• Arithmetic Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation.
• Logical Operations: Comparison or relational operations (<, >, =).
• Storage and Retrieval Operations: Storing and retrieving data from memory.

Branch 5: Input, Output, and Memory Devices

• Input Devices:
• Keyboard, Mouse, Touchscreen, Stylus, Trackball, Data Tablet, Barcode Reader, OCR,
MICR, OMR, Camera, Microphone.
• Output Devices:
• Monitors (LCD, LED, OLED), Printers (Inkjet, Laser), Plotters, Voice Synthesizers.
• Memory Devices:
• Main Memory (Volatile): RAM, Cache RAM.
• Secondary Memory (Non-volatile): Hard Disks, SSDs, USB Drives, Optical Discs.

Branch 6: Classes of Computers

• Classification Based On:
• Cost, Memory, Speed, Sophistication.
• Types:
• Subnotebooks, Notebooks, Personal Computers, Minicomputers, Mainframes,
Supercomputers.

Branch 7: Types of Software

• System Software:
• Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Application Software:
 • Word-Processing (e.g., Microsoft Word), Spreadsheet (e.g., Excel), Database (e.g.,
Access), Presentation (e.g., PowerPoint), Graphics (e.g., Photoshop), Desktop
Publishing (e.g., InDesign).

Branch 8: Computer Languages

• Five Generations:
1. Machine Language
2. Assembly Language
3. High-Level Languages
4. Fourth-Generation Languages (4GLs)
5. Fifth-Generation Languages (5GLs) – Use AI technologies like NLP.

Branch 9: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

• Definition: Organized around objects that represent real-world entities.
• Key Components:
• Objects: Contain both data and procedures.
• Classes: Define the format and actions of objects.
• Principles:
• Abstraction
• Inheritance
• Polymorphism
• Encapsulation

Branch 10: Industry Connection: IBM

• Products and Services:
• Software Suites (e.g., Lotus, Tivoli)
• Storage Solutions (e.g., Disk and Tape Systems, SANs, NAS)
• Servers (e.g., UNIX, Linux, Intel-Based)
• Cognitive Systems (e.g., IBM Watson)

Branch 11: Key Terms

• Application Software, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Assembly Language, Bus, Cache RAM,
Central Processing Unit (CPU), Class, Cloud Storage, Computer, Control Unit, Disk Drive,
Fifth-Generation Languages (5GLs), Fourth-Generation Languages (4GLs), High-Level
Languages, Input Devices, Machine Language, Magnetic Disk, Magnetic Tape, Main Memory,
Motherboard, Network-Attached Storage (NAS), Object, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Redundant
Array of Independent Disks (RAID), Secondary Memory, Operating System (OS), Output
Devices, Server, Storage Area Network (SAN).
Module 2 – INF1505

A computer is a machine that accepts data as

input, processes data without human
What is a computer?
intervention by using stored instructions, and
outputs information.

Hardware (physical devices like keyboards,

What are the two main components of a
monitors, and processing units) and software
computer system?
(programs written in computer languages).

First generation: Vacuum tubes

Second generation: Transistors
Third generation: Integrated circuits
What are the five generations of computer
Fourth generation: Miniaturization, VLSI,
hardware?
personal computers, optical discs
Fifth generation: Parallel processing, gallium
arsenide chips, optical technologies

What are the three factors that distinguish Speed, accuracy, and storage/retrieval
computing power? capabilities.

Arithmetic operations, logical operations, and

What are the three basic computer operations?
storage/retrieval operations.

Name two examples of input devices. Keyboard, mouse.

Name two examples of output devices. Monitor, printer.

Main memory is volatile memory where

computers store data and instructions
What is main memory?
temporarily. It includes RAM and cache
memory.

Secondary memory is non-volatile memory used

What is secondary memory? for long-term storage of data, such as hard
disks, SSDs, and USB drives.
 Based on cost, memory, speed, and
sophistication into subnotebooks, notebooks,
How are computers classified?
personal computers, minicomputers,
mainframes, and supercomputers.

System software (e.g., operating systems) and

What are the two major types of software? application software (e.g., Microsoft Excel,
Photoshop).

Machine language
Assembly language
List the five generations of computer languages. High-level languages
Fourth-generation languages (4GLs)
Fifth-generation languages (5GLs)

OOP is a programming methodology organized

What is object-oriented programming (OOP)? around objects that represent real-world entities
rather than computational steps.

Abstraction, inheritance, polymorphism, and

What are the four key principles of OOP?
encapsulation.

An OS is a set of programs for controlling and

managing computer hardware and software,
What is an operating system (OS)?
providing an interface between the user and the
computer.

Name two examples of application software. Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is

What is RAID? a system of disk drives used for fault tolerance
and improved performance.

Cloud storage involves storing data on remote

What is cloud storage? servers accessed via the Internet, allowing users
to access files from anywhere.
 The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of
What is a CPU? the computer, divided into the arithmetic logic
unit (ALU) and the control unit.

IBM Watson is a supercomputer with artificial

intelligence capabilities, capable of
What is IBM Watson? understanding natural language and solving
complex problems in fields like medicine,
finance, and customer service.
Test: Module 2: Computers and Their Business Applications

Multiple-Choice Questions (20)

1. What is a computer defined as in this module?
• A) A machine that accepts data as input, processes it with human intervention, and
outputs information.
• B) A machine that accepts data as input, processes data without human intervention by
using stored instructions, and outputs information.
• C) A machine that only accepts data as input and outputs information.
• D) A machine that requires constant human intervention to process data.
2. Which of the following is not a component of hardware?
• A) Keyboard
• B) Monitor
• C) Software
• D) CPU
3. The ALU performs which operations?
• A) Only arithmetic operations
• B) Arithmetic and comparison operations
• C) Logical operations only
• D) Storage operations
4. What does GIGO stand for?
• A) Good Input, Good Output
• B) Garbage In, Garbage Out
• C) Get In, Get Out
• D) Generate Information, Generate Output
5. Which generation of computers used vacuum tubes?
• A) First Generation
• B) Second Generation
• C) Third Generation
• D) Fourth Generation
6. Which of the following is not a factor affecting computer performance?
• A) Processor size
• B) Operating system
• C) Colour of the case
• D) Bus type
7. What is a 64-bit processor capable of using in theory?
• A) 2^32 bytes (4 GB) of RAM
• B) 2^64 bytes (16 EB, or exabytes) of RAM
• C) 2^16 bytes of RAM
• D) 2^8 bytes of RAM
8. Which of the following is an example of a third-generation language?
• A) Machine Language
• B) Assembly Language
• C) Python
• D) SQL
9. What is IBM Watson primarily known for?
• A) Supercomputer with AI capabilities
• B) Word processing software
• C) Spreadsheet software
• D) Database management system
10. What are the three main types of secondary memory devices?
• A) Magnetic disks, magnetic tape, optical discs
• B) USB drives, SSDs, HDDs
• C) RAM, ROM, Cache
• D) Cloud storage, RAID systems, NAS
11. Which is not a type of server?
• A) Application server
• B) Disk server
• C) Print server
• D) Television server
12. What is the function of the control unit in the CPU?
• A) Performs arithmetic operations
• B) Tells the computer what to do
• C) Stores data temporarily
• D) Processes images
13. What is the advantage of NVMe over SSD?
• A) Faster speed
• B) More storage capacity
• C) Cheaper cost
• D) Easier installation
14. Which application software is used for creating slide shows?
• A) Microsoft Excel
• B) Microsoft PowerPoint
• C) Microsoft Word
• D) Adobe Photoshop
15. Which operating system runs on Apple's iPhone?
• A) Android
• B) iOS
• C) Windows
• D) Linux
16. Which of the following is not a key principle of OOP?
• A) Abstraction
• B) Encapsulation
• C) Polymorphism
• D) Iteration
17. Which programming language is mostly used for macOS and iOS app development?
• A) Swift
• B) Java
• C) Python
• D) C#
18. What is the primary purpose of cloud storage?
• A) To provide online gaming services
• B) To store data remotely and access it from anywhere
• C) To enhance local storage capacity
• D) To increase processor speed
19. Which of the following is a characteristic of fifth-generation languages?
• A) They use artificial intelligence technologies.
• B) They are machine-dependent.
• C) They require complex syntax.
• D) They are less powerful than fourth-generation languages.
20. What is RAID?
• A) A redundant array of independent disks
• B) A type of bus
• C) A type of processor
• D) A type of memory
True or False Questions (20)
1. Computers can perform logical operations by comparing two numbers.
2. A computer cannot make mistakes unlike humans.
3. ASCII uses an 8-bit binary number to represent each character.
4. Main memory is usually volatile.
5. A motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, and storage.
6. The first generation of computers used transistors.
7. System software includes Microsoft Excel.
8. The control unit instructs the computer which device to read or send output to.
9. Cloud storage involves multiple virtual servers hosted by third parties.
10. An SSD has moving parts.
11. The more memory a computer has, the faster its I/O operations are.
12. A supercomputer is the most powerful type of computer.
13. Application software is used to perform specialized tasks.
14. High-level languages are easier to learn, and code compared to assembly language.
15. RAID improves fault tolerance and performance.
16. A class defines the format of the object and the action that it performs.
17. Natural language processing is part of the fourth generation of computer languages.
18. Object-oriented programming allows reuse of code for other purposes.
19. IBM Watson can be used as a trip-planning service.
20. Fifth-generation languages use some artificial intelligence technologies.
Fill in the Missing Word Questions (20)
1. A computer consists of ________ and software.
2. The ________ performs arithmetic and comparison operations.
3. GIGO stands for ________.
4. The first generation of computers used ________.
5. The ALU is part of the ________.
6. A 64-bit processor can theoretically use ________ bytes of RAM.
7. ________ is a higher-level language than machine language but is also machine dependent.
8. ________ is a collection of disk drives used for fault tolerance and improved performance.
9. ________ provides an interface between a computer and the user.
10. The supervisor program is also known as the ________.
11. ________ software is used to create professional-quality documents.
12. ________ software is used for drafting and design.
13. ________ is a set of programs for controlling and managing computer hardware and software.
14. ________ are non-volatile; data cannot be written to them.
15. ________ is the ability to process objects differently depending on their data type or class.
16. ________ is a methodology increasingly being used for software and application development.
17. ________ storage involves multiple virtual servers usually hosted by third parties.
18. ________ is a Web-based software application.
19. ________ is one of the key features of OOP.
20. ________ is the enclosure containing the computer’s main components.
Answers
Multiple-Choice:
1. B
2. C
3. B
4. B
5. A
6. C
7. B
8. C
9. A
10. A
11. D
12. B
13. A
14. B
15. B
16. D
17. A
18. B
19. A
20. A
True or False:
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. False
7. False
8. True
9. True
10. False
11. True
12. True
13. True
14. True
15. True
16. True
17. False
18. True
19. True
20. True
Fill in the Missing Word:
1. hardware
2. ALU
3. Garbage In, Garbage Out
4. vacuum tubes
5. CPU
6. 2^64
7. Assembly language
8. RAID
9. Operating system
10. kernel
11. Desktop publishing
12. CAD
13. Operating system
14. ROM
15. Polymorphism
16. Object-oriented programming
17. Cloud
18. Office 365
19. Simplicity
20. CPU case