DICT001

FUNDAMENTALS IN ICT

Erangi Piumika
BSc MIS(Sp)
MODULE AIM
 This module aims to explore the basic concepts of ICT together with its role, applicability in
today’s knowledge-based society, and the evolution of computing devices, so as to be able to
describe and compare the performance of modern computers.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Investigates the basic building blocks of information and their characteristics.
 Basic architecture and numbering systems for computing.
 Explore the use of Boolean algebra for logic gates.
 Investigates the need for technology to create, disseminate and manage data and information.
 Selects and classifies the basic components of a computer system.
 Analyses the activities of data processing.
 Investigates the application of ICT in different domains.
 Elicit the significant changes occurred in the computers from generation to generation with
more emphasis on the evolution of process.

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REFERENCE MATERIALS
 Introduction to computers by Peter Norton (Book No: 1388)

New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill (2007)

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ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
 Group presentation (100% weight) – End of the module

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DATA AND INFORMATION
 Data – Raw facts that have no specific meaning
 Information – Processed data that has a particular meaning

Ex: Subject marks of students

Amal – 75,80,90
Kamal – 32,45,67
Nimal – 60,77,80 Processed Data

Name IT English Sinhala Total Median Rank

Amal 75 80 90 245 81.67 1
Kamal 32 45 67 144 48 3
Nimal 60 77 80 217 72.33 2
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WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
 Computer is an electronic device, that accepts data, processes them according to given
instructions, and produces the desired output.

Computers

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EARLY CALCULATING AIDS
OF COMPUTING
 The computer was invented in an attempt to make an adding machine.
In order to add numbers, a device called Abacus was invented around
5000 years ago.
 In 1642, Blaise Pascal invented a machine called the Adding Machine.
This was the world’s first-ever mathematical machine. Abacus

 In 1674, Gottfried Wilhelm Von Leibnitz improved the Adding Machine invented by Pascal. With those
improvements, the machine was able to perform multiplication and division too.
 Joseph Jacquard invented a mechanical loom using Punch Card System.

 Charles Babbage invented an Analytical Engine using the Punch Card System concept. This machine was
based on the concepts of input, process, output, and store. Since the concept helped to develop the
computer, He is called as the father of the computer.
 Madam Ada Augusta Lovelace is considered as the first programmer since she tried to write programs for
the Analytical Engines.
 In 1944, Howard Aiken invented the machine called Automatic Sequence Control Calculator. This was
named MARK 1. 8
COMPUTER GENERATIONS
Generation Hardware Software/Languages Characteristics Systems invented
Components Used
First Vacuum Tubes • Machine language • Big in size. • ENIAC
Generation • Consumed more power. • UNIVAC
(1940-1956) • Malfunction due to • EDVAC
overheating. • EDSAC
• Slow in processing. • IBM 701
• Not portable.
• Expensive.

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COMPUTER GENERATIONS
CONTD….
Generation Hardware Software / Characteristics Systems Invented
Component Languages
Used
Second Transistors • Machine • Smaller in size compared to • IBM 7030
Generation language the first generation. • CDC 1604
(1956-1963) • Assembly • Generated less heat. • Honeywell 400
language • Consumed less power • UNIVAC
compared to the first LARC
generation.
• Comparatively faster than the
first generations.
• Expensive.

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COMPUTER GENERATION
CONTD….
Generation Hardware Software/ Characteristics Systems
Component Languages Used Developed
Third Generation • Integrated • Birth of • Computers were • IBM 360/370
(1964-1975) Circuits (IC) Operating smaller, faster, • PDP - 8
Systems. (OS) and more • PDP – 11
• Well-developed reliable. • CDC 6600
programming • Consumed less
language. power.
• High-level • Expensive.
computer
languages for
coding.

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COMPUTER GENERATION
CONTD….
Generations Hardware Software/ Characteristics Systems Invented
Component Languages used
Fourth Generation • Large Scale • OS with GUI • Smaller and • Apple II
(1975-1989) Integrated • (Graphical faster. • IBM PC
Circuits User Interface) • Portable.
(LSIC)and Very • UNIX OS • Upgradable.
Large Scale
Integrated
Circuits (VLSIC)
• Microprocessor

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COMPUTER GENERATION
CONTD….
Generations Hardware
Component
Software/
Languages used
Characteristics Systems Invented

Fifth Generation • Ultra Large Scale • OS with GUI • Computers • IBM notebooks
(1989 – Present) Integration • Internet behave like • Pentium PCs
(ULSI) • Multimedia humans. • SUN
• Very high- applications • Portable. workstations
capacity hard • Voice • Easy operation.
disks and optical recognition • High reliability.
disks based on AI • High efficiency.
• Internet • Character
recognition
Systems
• Hand-writing
recognition
systems

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CAPABILITIES OF
COMPUTERS
 Speed – take only a few seconds to perform calculations. Execute more than one million
instructions per second.
 Accuracy – provide a correct output when correct instructions and data are given.
 Reliability – very low failure rate.
 Efficiency – work round the clock with the same level of accuracy.
 Versatility – perform many tasks simultaneously.
 Storage capacity – store a large number of data and information in a relatively small unit and
retrieve them easily and quickly.

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LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTERS
 Depend on users’ input.
 Has no imagination.
 Cannot detect errors in logic.
 Only an expert user can work on it.
 Cannot take its own decisions.

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CLASSIFICATIONS OF
COMPUTERS
 Computers

Size
Super Computers
Mainframe Computers
Mini Computers
Micro Computers
Technology/Capability
Analog Computers
Digital Computers
Hybrid Computers
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CLASSIFICATIONS
ACCORDING TO THE SIZE
 Super computers – large in size, expensive, and rare. Have higher computing
power. (Power: tasks can be performed within a specific time period)Use for
scientific and engineering functions and to solve complex mathematical
problems.

Super computer

 Mainframe computers – relatively small in size, computing power, and less

expensive than super computers. A number of users get connected to one
computer using a number of terminals sharing, saving, and retrieving data.
Used in large-scale businesses. Mainframe computer

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CLASSIFICATIONS ACCORDING
TO THE SIZE
 Mini computers – smaller in size, less power, and less
expensive than mainframe computers. AKA common
purpose computers. Easy to use. A few users get connected
to the central computer through a few terminals to share
data and information. Used in medium-scale institutions.
 Micro computers – small computers meant for personal
use. Consist of a small memory capacity. Less speedy and Mini computer

cheap in cost. Consume little electricity.

Mini computer - Structure

Micro computer
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Micro computer - Structure
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING
TO TECHNOLOGY
 Analog computers – use analog signals such as environmental parameters. (speed, pressure,
and temperature)
Ex: Speedometers, and road lamps with sensors
 Digital computers - use digital signals.

Ex: Computers used by us in day-to-day life

 Hybrid computers – Use both analog and digital signals.

Ex: ECG machine

Digital signals
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Analog signals
COMPONENTS OF A
COMPUTER SYSTEM
 Computer has four components.
 Input – Accept data
 Process – Manipulate accepted inputs into useful information
(output)
 Storage – Stores information for safekeeping or later reuse
 Output – Show the user the processed data (information)

Components of a Computer System

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 INPUT DEVICES
 Fed the data and instructions into the computer.

Ex: Keyboard, Mouse, Touch Screen, Joy Stick, Light Pen, Digital Camera, Webcam,
CCTV, Scanner, Bar Code Reader, Microphone Webcam

Keyboard
Touch Pad

CCTV
Touch Screen
Mouse
Microphone

Scanner Bar Code Reader

Digital Camera
Light Pen
Joy Stick 21
OUTPUT DEVICES
 Produce the processed information.

Ex: Monitor, Projector, Printer, Speaker

Projector Printer
Speaker

Monitor

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CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
(CPU)
 Brain of the computer.
 Process instructions that allow a computer to perform its tasks.
 Consists of three main components.
 Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU) – Perform all mathematical and logical operations
 Control Unit (CU) – Coordinate all input and output devices
 Memory Registers – Temporarily stores data needed for the functions of ALU and the information
produced by ALU

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COMPUTER MEMORY
Computer Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Primary Memory Read Only Memory (ROM)

Cache memory
Magnetic Media Devices

Secondary Memory Optical Media Devices

Solid State Devices

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PRIMARY MEMORY
 Can be directly accessed by the Central Processing Unit. AKA main memory.
 Mainly three types.
 Random Access Memory (RAM) – temporarily stores data. The data in RAM will be deleted when the
computer is switched off. Therefore, this is also called volatile memory. Data coming from input
devices as well as data sent to output devices are held in RAM.
 Read Only Memory (ROM) – The data in ROM is not erased when the computer is switched off.
Therefore it is a non-volatile memory. The commands required for booting up a computer are stored
in ROM. These commands are called BIOS (Basic Input Output Systems). Computer manufacturing
companies store these commands in a ROM with a smaller capacity that is connected to the
motherboards.
 Cache Memory – Smaller in capacity and faster than the other memories. Acts as the mediator
between CPU and Primary Memory. Frequently used data are stored in here.

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SECONDARY MEMORY
 AKA external memory, backup memory, or non-volatile.
 Slower than the main memory.
 Holds data and information permanently.
 Computer may run without secondary memory.
 Data is stored even if power is switched off.
 Mainly three types.
 Magnetic media devices – Hard disk, Floppy disk, Magnetic disk
 Optical media devices – CD, DVD
 Solid state devices – USB flash drive, Memory card

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COMPUTER HARDWARE
 The tangible (physical) parts of the computer.

Ex: Motherboard
Power supply
CPU
RAM
Hard disk drive
Computer Hardware

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SOFTWARE
 A set of instructions, used to operate hardware or computers to execute specific tasks.
 Divide into two.
 Application software – performs specific functions for the user

Ex: Word processing SW, Spreadsheet, Web Browser, Graphics SW,

Computer games, etc.
 System software – facilitate running hardware and application software

Ex: Operating Systems

Computer Software 28
OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)
 Most important software that runs on a computer.
 Provides several essential services.
 Reading and running application programs.
 Allocating memory and processor time.
 Providing input and output facilities.
 Managing files of information.

Ex: Microsoft windows, Mac OS, Android OS, Linux, Ubuntu

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MOTHERBOARD
 Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in a computer.
Motherboard
 Has electronic chips that work with the CPU.
 Connects all the hardware to the processor.
 Distribute electronics from the power supply.
 Define the types of storage devices, memory

modules, and graphics cards

that can connect to the PC.
 Connects all the video cards and sound cards.

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BACKING STORE DEVICES
 Devices which used to make copies of data that is actively in use.

Ex: Cd
DVD
USB Flash Drive

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PERIPHERAL DEVICES
 An input/output device that feds data into and/or receives data from the CPU of the computer.

Ex: Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
Headphone
Speaker
External floppy disk drives

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BOOTING A COMPUTER
 The process of starting a computer as initiated via hardware such as a button or by a software
command. Then it loads the operating system into the computer’s main memory or random
access memory. (RAM)

Steps of the booting process 33

DOS OPERATIONS
 Disk Operation System (DOS) is an OS that operates on a hard drive.
 Major functions – File management, allocation of system resources, and providing essential
features to control hardware devices.
 Has internal and external commands.

Ex:
• cd – switch directories • ren(rename) – change the name of files
• dir – display information about files (name, size, and directories
last modification time • deltree – delete files and directories
• copy – copy files to an alternate location permanently
• del – delete files • cls – clear all the contents on the
• edit – view, create or modify any text file screen and leave only a prompt
• move – transfer files or directories • format – erase information from a disk
or fixed drive
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DATA TRANSMISSION MODES
 The modes of data transmission between sender and receiver.
 Simplex Mode – Data is transmitted from the sender to the receiver only.
Ex: Watching TV, Listening to radio
 Half-duplex Mode – Data is transmitted to one direction at a time. After data is transmitted from
sender to receiver, the receiver can transmit data back to the sender.
Ex: Walkie-talkie
 Full-duplex Mode – Data is transmitted to both sides at the same time.
Ex: Telephone

Full-duplex Mode
Simplex Mode

Half-duplex Mode 35
NUMBER SYSTEMS
 Number systems is the technique to represent numbers in the computer system architecture.
Digital computers represent all kinds of data and information in binary numbers.
 Decimal (Base 10)
 Binary (Base 2)
 Octal (Base 8)
 Hexa-decimal (Base 16)

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DECIMAL NUMBER SYSTEM
 Has only ten (10) digits from 0 to 9.
 Every number (value) is represented with 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9.
 Base is 10 as it has only 10 digits.

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BINARY NUMBER SYSTEM
 Has only two (2) digits, which are 0 and 1.
 Every number (value) is represented with 0 and 1.
 Base is 2, as it has only two digits.
 Though decimal is more frequently used in number representation, Binary is the number
system form that the system/ machine accepts.

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OCTAL NUMBER SYSTEM
 Has eight (8) digits from 0 to 7.
 Every number (value) is represented with 0,1,2,3,4,5,6, and 7.
 Base is 8 as it has only 8 digits.

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HEXADECIMAL NUMBER
SYSTEM
 Has sixteen (16) alphanumeric values from 1 to 9 and A to F.
 Every number (value) represents 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
 Base is 16 as it has 16 alphanumeric values.
 Represent 0 to 9 values as 0 – 9 but from 10, A for 10, B for 11, C for 12, D for 14, and F for
15.

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SUMMARY
Number System Base Used Digits Example
Decimal 10 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 1010 , 2010, 4510, 7710
Binary 2 0,1 112, 10112, 11002
Octal 8 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 4578, 17158
Hexadecimal 16 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C 3FA716, EA16
,D,E,F

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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSIONS
Decimal to Binary
 Divide the number by the base of 2.
 Write the remainder from step 1 as the least significant bit (LSB) to step last as the most
significant bit (MSB).
Ex: 1410

2 14
2 7 0
2 3 1
1 1
= 11102

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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD
Decimal to Octal
 Divide the number by the base of 8.
 Write the remainder from step 1 as the least significant bit (LSB) to step last as the most
significant bit (MSB).
Ex: 15810

8 158
8 19 6
8 2 3
0 2 = 2368

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 NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Decimal to Hexadecimal
 Divide the number by the base of 16.
 Write the remainder from step 1 as the least significant bit (LSB) to step last as the most
significant bit (MSB).
Ex: 3810, 4710
16 47
16 38
16 2 6 16 2 15 F
0 2 0 2 2

3810 = 2616 4710 = 2F16

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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Binary to Decimal
 Multiply the digit by 2 with the place value exponent.
 Add all the multiplications.

Ex: 11102

1 1 1 0
23 22 21 20
8 4 2 1
1x8 1x4 1x2 0x1
8 + 4 + 2 + 0 = 1410

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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Binary to Octal
 Divide the number into three bits (8 = 23) from the right corner to the left corner.
 If the last cluster in the left corner does not consist of 3 bits, add 0s to complete.
 Write each octal number separately for each cluster.
 Then write these clusters in octal digits.
 Write these digits in order from the left corner to the right corner.

Ex: 0010111012

0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 1

0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 1

1 3 5 = 1358 46
NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Binary to Hexadecimal
 Divide the number into four-bit (16 = 24) clusters from the right corner to the left corner.
 Write hexadecimal numbers separately for each cluster.
 Write these numbers in order from the left corner to the right corner.

Ex: 000101102, 0101110111002

0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0

1 6 =1616 5 D C = 5DC16
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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Octal to Decimal
 Multiply the digit by 8 with the place value exponent.
 Add all the multiplications.

Ex: 2368
2 3 6
82 81 80
64 8 1
2x64 3x8 6x1
128 + 24 + 6 = 15810

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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Octal to Binary
 Write each digit in octal number in three bits.
 Write down all the bits together.

Ex: 45710

4 5 7

100 101 111 = 1001011112

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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Octal to Hexadecimal
 Write each digit in octal number in three bits.
 Divide the binary number you get into four-bit clusters from the right corner to the left corner.
 Write the related hexadecimal number for each cluster.

Ex: 10578

1 0 5 7

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1

2 2 15  F =22F16 50
NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Hexadecimal to Decimal
 Multiply the digit by 16 with the place value exponent.
 Add all the multiplications.

Ex: 2616 , 2F16

2 6 2 F
161 160 161 160
16 1 16 1
2x16 6x1 2x16 15x1
32 6 = 3810 32 15 = 4710

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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Hexadecimal to Binary
 Write each digit in hexadecimal number in four bits.
 Write down all the bits together.

Ex: 7416 , 2AE16

7 4 2 A E

0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0

= 11101002 = 10101011102

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NUMBER SYSTEM
CONVERSION CONTD….
Hexadecimal to Octal
 Convert to a binary number, and then, convert to an octal number.

Ex: 23A16

2 3 A

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0

1 0 7 2 = 10728
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BOOLEAN ALGEBRA FOR
LOGIC GATES
 Logic Gates
 AND Gate
 OR Gate
 NOT Gate
 NOR Gate
 NAND Gate

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AND GATE

A B Output = A.B
0 0 0
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1

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OR GATE

A B Output = A + B
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1

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NOT GATE

A Output = A
0 1
1 0

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NOR GATE

A B A+B A+B
0 0 0 1
0 1 1 0
1 0 1 0
1 1 1 0

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NAND GATE

A B A.B A.B
0 0 0 1
0 1 0 1
1 0 0 1
1 1 1 0

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THANK
YOU!

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