Introduction To Computers
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emmanuelmutemba919Introduction To Computers
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emmanuelmutemba919Introduction to computers – Lesson 1
Definition of a computer:
A computer is
• An electronic device
• Consists of various “parts” (devices) needed to input data, process it into
meaningful information and display and/or store it for later use or
communicate it to someone else..
• Can be programmed to perform different tasks – multipurpose device.
(A computer program consists of a set of instructions to perform a specific
task.)
Main components of a computer system
(Note: This concepts will be discussed in more detail in another lesson.)
• Hardware – physical parts, e.g. monitor, keyboard, etc.
• Software – programs stored on storage media such as hard disk drives, DVDs,
etc.
Data and information
Data is raw unprocessed facts – it doesn’t mean anything on its own. It includes
numbers, words, sound, images, etc.
Information originates when data is processed into something meaningful and
becomes useful in making decisions, etc.
E.g. When you receive your report card at the end of a term, the first thing you
notice is numbers and words, and maybe a red circle or two (data). It is only when
you start to read the numbers and words (processing it) it starts to make cense
and you can decide whether you are happy and exited about the information or
sad and worried (useful information).
Input, processing, output model:
Types of computers
Computers are classified according to its size, processing power and purpose:
• Desktop computers
• Laptops, Netbooks and notebooks
• PDAs, e.g. smart phone and tablet.
Role, advantages and disadvantages of computers
Computers are used for so many different purposes it is impossible to name them
all in one document.
Examples:
• Word processing
• Database management
• Spreadsheets
• Graphical manipulation
• Video editing, etc.
Advantages of computers:
• Computers never get tired: it is able to do lots of boring, repeating tasks for
hours on end.
• Computers are very fast.
• Computers don’t make mistakes, provided that the programmer of the
program did not make any mistakes.
• Computers are mostly reliable – they don’t fail without reason.
• One can use one computer for a lot of different tasks.
• Dangerous operations, e.g. training of pilots or risky experiments, can be
simulated by computers.
• Data can be transferred networks from one computer to another in ‘n very
short period of time even at the other end of the world, e.g. SMS, e-mail, etc.
Disadvantages of computers:
• Working for long periods of time in front of a computer can result in health
risks.
• Personal information can leak over social networks – invasion of privacy.
• Computers are able to do lots of things people used to do, resulting in a large
number of unemployment.
• Computers have a significant impact on the environment, both in the
manufacturing of hardware and pollution as result of computer waste.
1. Conclusion
Computers are very useful devices that can perform about any task and produce
useful information by means of the input-processing-output-store-communication
model. Users must, however be aware of the disadvantages
Introduction to computers – Lesson 2
Define the term ICT:
Information and communications technology (ICT) is often used as an extended
synonym for information technology (IT), but is a more specific term that stresses
the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications
(telephone lines and wireless signals), computers as well as necessary enterprise
software,storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access, store,
transmit, and manipulate information.
Because of the fact that telecommunication and information systems (computers)
are mostly integrated it has become impossible to think of the one without the other.
It refers to the technological tools needed to gather, manage, store and
communicate information.
This includes:
• Computers
• Networks
• Internet
• Telephones and lines
• Radio
• Television
• Cellular technology
“Information” transfer includes text, graphics, sound and numbers.
ICT in everyday life
At home
Mostly every household owns at least one computing device, connected to the
internet. Every family member owns a smart phone. Each family member uses it for
their own purpose, e.g.
The children
• uses it to do research for and type school projects
• play games
• communicate with their friends
The adults
• type documents
• do internet banking
• book flight tickets
• do online shopping, etc.
Business
Every business makes use of computer and communications technology to
increase efficiency and productivity.
Computers and communication devices are used to:
• capture and process transactions
• do bookkeeping
• set up budgets
• gather information to assist management in decision making
• communicate with business partners and clients
• do research and banking on the internet
• enable EFT transactions
• do video conferencing, etc.
The influence of ICT on businesses includes:
• decentralisation – employees can work from home or anywhere in the world
• e-commerce – products and services is made worldwide available; sales via
internet
Communication
ICT is responsible for the global village:
• Communication via telephone, smart phone, Skype, e-mail, messaging services,
social websites, etc. Makes it it feel as if nothing and no one is far away.
• News of overseas happenings is within minutes available to the whole world, via
radio, TV and news feeds on devices such as cell phones and tablets.
• Online communities are created as result of social websites such as Facebook.
Members of the specific community can be anywhere in the world.
Education
• Home schooling is the buzzword of the day. Students don’t have to attend
classes at school or university: they follow courses available on the internet.
• The need for printed text books is deteriorating; subject content is electronically
available as e-books
• Equipment in classrooms become more technological advanced, e.g. the use
interactive white boards.
Banking
• Bank transactions are immediately captured and records updated as soon
as they take place.
• Less cash is handled as payments can be made by means of debit and credit
cards.
• Individuals, as well as businesses, can do their banking online.
• ATM services are everywhere available. There is very little need for someone
to go to a bank to draw or deposit money.
Devices and ICT
Multipurpose devices
Designed to be programmed to do different things, e.g.
• Server
• Desktop
• Laptop, Notebook, Netbook
• PDA e.g. Tablet, Smart phone, Media player, iPod, etc.
Dedicated devices
Designed to fulfil a specific purpose, e.g.
• ATM
• Electronic appliances, e.g. DSTV decoders, video recorders, washing machines,
etc.
• Till points in a supermarket, etc.
Since dedicated devices mostly have built in processors and memory, they are also
referred to as embedded devices. The programmes needed to control these devices
(operating system) are built into their micro processors.
