INTRODUCTION TO I.C.

T
ICT –Information and communication technology
It refers to the intergration of computers and telecommunication facilities for the purpose of
communication.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS.
Definition of a Computer:
A Computer is an electronic device that operates (works) under the control of programs stored
in its own memory unit.

A computer is an electronic machine that processes raw data to give information as output.

An electronic device that accepts data as input, and transforms it under the influence of a set of
special instructions called Programs, to produce the desired output (referred to as Information).

A computer automatically accepts data & 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 (such as electricity) to operate.

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

It works on the data using the instructions issued, 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.

Program:
A computer Program is a set of related instructions written in the language of the computer & 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.

Data:

Data is a collection of raw facts, figures or instructions that do not have much meaning to the
user.

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

TYPES OF DATA.

There are two types/forms of data:

Digital (discrete) data:

Digital data 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 …

Analogue (continuous) data:
 Analogue data 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, Humidity, Lengths or

currents, etc
The output is in form of smooth graphs from which the data can be read.
Data Processing:
It is the process of collecting all items of data together & converting them into information.

Processing 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 data which has been refined, summarized & manipulated in the way you want
it, or into a more meaningful form for decision-making.

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

Comparison between Data and Information.

Data Information

Unprocessed (raw) facts or figures. It is the end-product of data processing

(processed data)
Arranged into a meaningful format.
Not arranged.
More meaningful to the user.
Does not have much meaning to the user.
Data Information

Cannot be used for decision-making. Can be used to make decisions.

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 & used in the day-
to-day activities in our society:

Speed.

Computers operate at very high speeds, and can perform very many functions within a very
short time.

Accuracy:

Unlike human beings, computers are very accurate, i.e., they never make mistakes.

A computer can work for very long periods without going wrong. However, when an error
occurs the computer has a number of in-built, self-checking features in their electronic
components that can detect & 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.
Reliability.

The computer can be relied upon to produce the correct answer if it is given the correct
instructions & 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.

Consistency:

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

Storage:

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

A computer can store data & 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.

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.

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.

Versatile:

A computer can be used in different places to perform a large number of different jobs
depending on the instructions fed to it.

Imposition of a formal approach to working methods:

Because a computer can only work with a strict set of instructions, it identifies and imposes
rigid rules for dealing with the data it is given to process.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Computers can be classified according to the following factors:

Physical size & processing power.

Purpose for which they are designed.
Functionality (Method/ mode of operation).
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO PHYSICAL SIZE.

Computers can be classified into 5 main groups according to their size as:

Supercomputers.
Mainframe computers.
Minicomputers.
Microcomputers.
Portable computers (Laptops, Notebooks & Palmtops).

Supercomputers.

Supercomputers are the fastest, largest, most expensive & also the most powerful computers
available.

They are very fast in processing. They can perform many complex calculations in a fraction
of a second.

Most Supercomputers use multiple processors. In this case, a single task is split among the
processors for faster execution. However, all the processors are controlled by a single central
processor.

Supercomputers generate a lot of heat, & therefore require special cooling systems.
Sometimes, the whole CPU is deeped in a tank containing liquid Fluorocarbon to provide
cooling.

Supercomputers are very large & 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 many
calculations & require a lot of computational power. Some of the applications that use
supercomputers include;

Weather forecasting.
Petroleum research.
Defence and weapon analysis.
Aerodynamic design and simulation.

Note. These tasks use large amounts of data, which need to be manipulated within a very
short time.

Examples of Supercomputers:

CRAY T3D, NEC-500.

Mainframe computers.

Mainframes are less powerful & less expensive than supercomputers.

They are big 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 can support a large number of peripherals of different types (can support between 5–
300 terminals).

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 government departments, big organizations and
companies which have large information processing needs, e.g., they are used;

In Banks & Hospitals for preparing bills, Payrolls, etc.

In communication networks such as the Internet where they act as Servers.

By Airline reservation systems where information of all the flights is stored.

Examples of Mainframes:

IBM 4381.
ICL 39 Series.
CDC Cyber series.

Minicomputers.
 A Minicomputer is physically smaller than a mainframe. However, it can support the same
peripheral devices supported by a mainframe.

A Minicomputer can support several users at a time, e.g., can be operated by 6 users at a
time. Several workstations/ terminals are connected to one central minicomputer so that the
users connected can share its resources (C.P.U time, storage, etc).

Minicomputers are easier to manufacture & maintain compared to mainframes.

Minicomputers are cheaper than the mainframes, but more costly than the microcomputers.

They handle small amounts of data, are less powerful, & have less memory than the
mainframes.

Minicomputers are slow compared to mainframe computers.

Areas where minicomputers are used:

Minicomputers are used mainly in:

Scientific laboratories & research institutions.

Engineering plants/factories to control of chemical or mechanical processes.
Space industry.
Insurance companies & Banks for accounting purposes.
Smaller organizations as Network Servers.

Example of Minicomputer:

PDP-8 built in 1965 by Digital Equipment Corporation in U.S.

 Microcomputers.

Microcomputers are the PCs mostly found today in homes, schools & many small offices.
They are called Personal Computers (PCs) because they are designed to be used by one
person at a time.

They consist of very few connected units, i.e. can support very few peripheral devices
(usually 1 or 2).

The data processing in microcomputers is done by a Microprocessor (a single chip

containing the Arithmetic Logic unit & Control unit).

Microcomputers are smaller in size & also cheaper than minicomputers. Their design is
based on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) that confines several physical components
into an IC.

They are less powerful than minicomputers & their internal memory is smaller than that of
minicomputers.

Areas where microcomputers are used:

Microcomputers are commonly used in:

Training and learning institutions such as schools.

Small business enterprises, and
Communication centres as terminals.

Microcomputers have become very popular because of the following reasons:

Are cheaper than both mini & mainframe computers.

Are very fast (i.e. have high processing speeds).
Small in size, hence they occupy less space in an office.
Are more energy efficient (i.e., consume less power).
Are more reliable than the early Mainframe computers.

Examples:

IBM PCs such as Apple Macintosh, Dells, Compaq, etc.

Laptops & Notebooks.

A Laptop is a PC sufficiently small & light such that a user can use it comfortably on his/her
lap. It is designed to be used by placing it on the lap.

Laptops are very small in size & are portable. They are small enough to fit inside a briefcase;
still leaving room for other items.

A Laptop computer operates mainly on electricity or by rechargeable batteries.

Laptops normally have in-built disk drives & Flat screens (Liquid Crystal Displays).

Can only support a limited number of peripheral devices.

Have limited storage capacities.

Note. The smaller computers like Laptops tend to be more expensive than Desktop
computers because of the following reasons:

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 since a laptop
can operate on rechargeable batteries).

Palmtops.

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, & E-mail.

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

Desktop computer.

This is the name given to any computer designed to be used when placed on a desk in an
office environment.

They are not portable.

Examples of desktop computers:

Home computer.

This is a low-cost microcomputer of limited capability designed for domestic use. It has
programs that are used typically for computer games or controlling family finances.
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, Telecommunications, etc.

A PC can be connected to a mini & mainframe computer so as to enable the user

access the facilities offered by the larger machines.

Workstation.

A workstation is usually a desktop computer with all the facilities but interlinked to a
network.

A typical workstation works in a similar way to a Personal computer. However, it is

more advanced than a typical PC in the following ways:

It is larger & more powerful than a PC. E.g., workstations use 32-bit
microprocessors, while PCs use 16-bit microprocessors.
It has in-built capabilities for its interconnection & operation with other computers,
i.e., it is fully connected to a computer network as any other computer on the
network in its own right.
It has high resolution graphics.
It has a Multi-tasking operating system, i.e. it is able to run multiple applications at
the same time.
 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, Watches, Cameras & Video
recorders.

CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO PURPOSE.

Digital computers can be classified further according to the tasks they perform either as:

General-purpose.
Special purpose
Dedicated computers.

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.

Example;

A single computer can be used to process documents, perform calculations, process the
Payroll, simulate the loading on a bridge, process Insurance policies, and play games, among
others.

Examples of general-purpose computers: Mainframes, Minicomputers, Microcomputers &

Laptops used in most offices & schools.
 Special-purpose computer.

A special-purpose computer is designed to handle/accomplish a particular specific task only.

Such computers cannot perform any other task except the one they were meant to do.
Therefore, the programs which are used in a special-purpose computer are fixed (hard-wired)
at the time of manufacture.

For example;

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.

A Special-purpose computer is dedicated to a single task; hence it can perform it quickly &
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 pilot – a computer dedicated to the task of operating an aircraft.
A Word processor – a special-purpose computer used in the production of office
docuAutomaticments, letters, etc.
 Reasons why a Mobile phone is regarded to be a computer.
It is electronic.
Has a screen.
It has a Keypad.
Has a Memory.
It is programmable.

Dedicated computer.

A Dedicated computer 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.