INTRODUCTION TO ICT

ICT
• Acronym for Information Communication Technology
• Defined as any product that can store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information
electronically.
• A varied set of products, applications and services that are used to store, process, distribute
and exchange information.

Potential Uses of ICT

• Communication- internet , mobile technologies
• E-government- public administration thru. govt. websites
• E-learning – Accessing learning material through websites &learning online ,on line
libraries etc. ..
• E-Commerce : Business activities online include advertising, On line shopping, e-banking
on line stock trading etc..
• CAD – Computer Aided Design-Design structures using specialized applications.
• CAM- Computer Aided Manufacturing-use of computers to control machines in production
lines
• Service Automation: use of expert systems in service companies & Point of Sale services.
• Sharing of info.-websites, Blogs, web TV, broadcast radio and TV..
• Entertainment : web TV, YouTube ,Games ,social networking & virtual communities etc…

A Computer

● A computer is an electronic device that operates (works) under the control of programs stored
in its own memory unit.
● An electronic device that accepts user input (referred to as data) and transforms it under the
influence of a set of special instructions called programs, to produce the desired output
(referred to as information).

Data

● A collection of raw facts, figures or instructions that do not have much meaning to the user,
and cannot be used to make decisions.

Program.

● A program is a set of related instructions written in the language of the computer and is used
to make the computer perform a particular task.
● 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.
Information.
● Data which has been refined summarized and manipulated into a more meaningful form for
decision-making.
● The meaningful output obtained after processing data values.
● Processed data which is directly useful in decision-making.

Impacts of Computers in today’s Society

Elements of a computer System

Consists of two main elements:
• Hardware
– Physical pieces of equipment that make up a computer system
– They can be seen and touched either inside or outside the computer case
• Software
– Instructions /programs that a computer follows

Classification of Computers
Classified based on :
1. Age
2. Size
3. Purpose
4. Data Processed

1. Based on Age
First generation computers.
● They used vacuum tubes (thermionic valves) to process and store data.
● They were large in physical size.
● Consumed a lot of power.
● Produced a lot of heat.
● The computers constantly broke down due to the excessive heat generated, hence, were
short-lived, and were not very reliable.
● Their internal memory capacity/size was low.
● Slow in processing data.
● Very costly.
● Used magnetic drum memories.
● Cards were used to enter data into the computers.
 Second generation computers.
● Used transistors in their memory.
● They consumed less power and produced less heat than the first generation computers.
● They were relatively faster than the 1st generation computers.
● Used magnetic core memories.
● Were slightly smaller in size than 1st generation.
● Were less costly than first generation computers.
● RAM memory capacity was 32 KB.
Third generation computers.
● Used integrated circuits in their memory.
● They were faster than second generation computers.
● Had high memory capacity than 2nd generation computers (the RAM memory capacity
was 2 MB).
● Slightly smaller in size than 1st and 2nd generation computers.
● Required less power.
● They emitted less heat.
● They used a wide range of peripheral devices.
● Could support remote communication facilities / more than one user at the same time.
● Used magnetic disks for storage purposes.
Fourth generation computers.
● Used large scale integrated (LSI) and very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits in their
memory.
● They were small.
● They were very fast.
● Had large storage (memory) capacity.
● Magnetic disks, bubble memories and optical disks were used for storage.
● The first operating system was introduced.
Fifth generation computers.
● Are the modern computers.
● Are designed/constructed using parallel architectures, 3-D circuit design and
superconducting materials.
● Are very powerful, with very high processing speeds.
● The computers can perform multiprocessing.
● Have very high memory sizes.
● Can support complex programs.
● Use advanced hard disks and optical disks for storage, e.g. DVDs.
● Use of Zip disks.
● Use of multi user operating systems and advanced application programs.

2. Based on Purpose
● Special purpose computers are designed to perform a specific purpose (i.e. they are
dedicated to only one particular task), while general purpose computers are designed to
perform a variety of tasks when loaded with appropriate programs.
 ● Programs used in special purpose computers are fixed at the time of manufacture; while
those used in general purpose computers are exchangeable.

3. Based on Data Processed

A digital computer processes discrete/digital data only, while analogue computer
processes continuous/analogue data.
The operation of digital computers is based on “0s” and “1s”, while analogue computers
perform operation by measuring changes in physical magnitude.

4. Based on Physical Size and Complexity

The main types of computers include:
i. supercomputers
ii. Mainframes
iii. Mini Computers
iv. Microcomputers
Supercomputers
• Are more powerful and very expensive.
• Have very high processing speed.
• They have very large storage capabilities.
• Have the ability to process multiple instructions at once.
• They are extremely large in size.
• They can support very many peripheral devices.

Mainframes
• High processing power
• Handles hundreds of users
• Has large backing storage capacity
• Large in size
• Very expensive
• Permits several peripherals to be attached
• Used in large utility companies eg electricity billing co.

Microcomputers
• Can support only one user
• Has limited storage capacity
• Small in size
• Less expensive
• Permits few peripherals to be attached
• Used in homes, offices and small organizations

Microcomputers can be further classified:

a. Desktop PCs
b. Laptops
c. Tablets
d. PDAs
e. Smartphone
f. Music players (mp3,mp4,iPods)

Desktop PCs
• They are small in size and usually place on top of desk.
• Consist of system case, monitor, mouse and keyboard
• They are slower and have much less capacity than mainframe computers
• In terms of cost- they are cheap
• They can used by every person who wants to use a computer for example teachers, kids etc.

Laptops
• Is a PC which can place on laps while working on it.
• Lightweight and includes a screen, keyboard and a touchpad or a mouse.
• It can operate from a built-in battery or electricity. It is designed to be carried around and
used in anywhere.
• They are more expensive than PCs.

Tablets
• PC that can either look like a notebook or more like a slate-shaped device.
• It has a touch sensitive screen.
• Information is entered mainly by writing on the screen with a stylus or electronic pen.
• Stylus is a pen-like device but without ink.

PDAs
• A device that essentially helps the user organize various activities, contacts and other life
tasks.
• Usually consists of a small computer-like gadget with a screen that has an address book,
contacts, tasks and calendar inside of it.
• Most PDAs can also have additional programs installed into them as well.

Smartphone
• Is a mobile phone offering the advanced capabilities of a PDA.
• It runs a complete operating system software, providing a standardized interface and
platform for application developers.
• Most support full featured email capabilities with the complete functionality of a personal
organizer.
• They have additional features such as miniature keyboard(QWERTY keyboard)

Multimedia Player
• Is a portable electronic device that store, organizes and play audio and video files.
• Most of them can communicate with other devices through Bluetooth or connecting to it
via a cable.
• Example mp3, mp4, iPod.
Computer Laboratory

It is a room that has been specially prepared to facilitate installation of computers, and provide a
safe conducive environment for teaching and learning of computer studies.

Factors to be considered when preparing a computer laboratory.

● Security of computers.
● Reliability of the source of power.
● Number of computers to be installed,
● The amount of floor space available.
● The maximum number of users that the laboratory can accommodate.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PRACTICES IN A COMPUTER LABORATORY

Safety Precautions

● Proper ventilation
● Avoid smoking or exposing computers to dust and moisture.
● Proper cabling of electric wires.
● Strong doors, windows and roofs.
● Stable and reliable source of power supply.
● Avoid running or unnecessary movements in the room to prevent accidents.
● Follow right procedure in switching On and OFF the computer.
● Avoid exposing the computer devices to direct sunlight, warm objects or magnets.
● Avoid carrying food and beverages to the computer room.
● Strong and large tables/benches for placing the computers.
● Do not experiment your ideas without consulting the person in charge.
● Avoid switching off any devices, plug or unplug cables without consulting the lab technician
or instructor.

Computer Room Rules and Regulations

● Do not smoke around your computer.
● Cover computers with their protective covers always.
● Keep beverages and drinks away from the keyboard.
● Lighting should be adequate.
● Do not share software with anyone.
● Do not expose disks to magnetic fields.
● Install UPS devices in the computer system.
● Do not lit a candle in the computer room.