Unit 1: Computer

Fundamentals and information

Processing
Topic: Computer Fundamentals
OBJECTIVES:

1. Explain the concept of Information Technology

2. Distinguish among the major types of computers systems in

terms of processing speed, storage and portability

3. Explain the functions of the major hardware components of a

computer system.
 What is Information
Technology?
Is the term used to describe :

-the equipment (hardware)

-computer programs (software)

That allows us to access, retrieve, convert, store, organize,

manipulate and present data and information.
Types of computer systems
1. Super computers – Is the general term given to the fastest

computers in the world. These computers are very large and

may take up several rooms. They are mainly used in fields that
require vast amount of complex mathematical calculations,
such as weather simulation and nuclear research.
Types of computer systems
2. Mainframe- like super computers are very fast large scale computer

systems. Mainframe has a large number of terminals and peripheral

devices because they are used simultaneously by hundreds of persons.

To meet the demands of the large number of users, they have a large

memory and large storage capacity.

Types of computer systems
2. Mainframe cont.
Three applications of the use of a mainframe computer
are:
• In banks for processing customers account
• By utility companies for processing telephone, water
and electricity bills
• By airlines for making flight arrangement
Types of computer systems
3.Desktop systems- A desktop computer is a personal

computer that fits on or under a desk. They usually

consist of a monitor, keyboard, mouse and either a

horizontal or vertical (tower) form factor.

Image of desktop computer
Types of computer systems
4. Mobile Devices- An electronic device that is made for
portability, and is therefore compact and lightweight. Example
of such devices are:
1. Laptops
2. Notebooks
3. Netbooks
4. Smartphone
5. Tablets or game consoles etc
Types of computer systems
• Embedded devices is a highly specialized device

meant for one or few specific purposes and is usually

embedded in another object or as part of a larger

system.
 Examples of Embedded Devices

 POS and ATM machines are examples of embedded

devices or systems, controllers in microwaves, car

ignition systems, answering machines etc.

Function of Major Hardware
Components of a Computer
systems.
 Major hardware Components:
• Input

• Central processing unit (CPU)

• Primary Memory (ROM and RAM)

• Secondary Storage

• Output (research functions)

 Unit of Storage
Unit Size

Bit (b) 0 or 1

Byte (B) 8 bits

Kilobyte (KB) 1000 bytes or in reality 1024 bytes

Megabyte (MB) 1000 kilobyte in reality 1024 KB

Gigabyte (GB) 1000 megabyte in reality 1024 MB

Terabyte (TB) 1000 gigabyte in reality 1024 TB

Petabyte (PB) 1000 terabyte in reality 1024 PB

 Activity
1. Define the term Information Technology? 2 marks
2. Name three types of computer systems? 3 marks
3. Explain the capabilities of supercomputer in terms of processing
speed and storage? 2 marks
4. How many bytes makes a gigabyte? 1 mrk
5. What are the major hardware components of the computer? 4
marks
 Unit 1: Computer
Fundamentals and
information Processing
TOPIC: COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
OBJECTIVES
1. Explain how the major hardware components of
a computer system interrelate
2. Evaluate the relative merits of cloud storage and
local storage
3. Select appropriate input/output devices to meet
the needs of specified applications; associate the
following devices with suitable application.
IPOS CYCLE
 LOCAL STORAGE VS CLOUD STORAGE

Local Storage includes physical hardware such as external hard drives,

flash drives, and CDs. As its name suggests, local storage is kept nearby.

• Magnetic Media , such as: Magnetic tape and hard disks

• Optical disks such as CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD and Blu-ray

• Flash memory
 PROS and CONs of LOCAL STORAGE
PROS CONS
• Inexpensive • Your data isn't accessible
• Easy to use unless you have the
hardware with you
• The data is under your
control • External hard drives or
CDs can fail or break
• Can be stolen
PROS and CONs of CLOUD –BASED STORAGE

Cloud Storage refers to any program owned by a third party that allows

you to upload your data using the Internet. Exact location of this data is
not known by the owners of the data.

Examples include Dropbox and Google drive. If you have used

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube, have an email address with
Gmail or Hotmail, or used a mobile apps.
 PROS and CONs of CLOUD-BASED STORAGE
PROS CONS

• All you need is an Internet • If you want to store a lot of information,

connection to access your data you’ll probably have to pay for storage

• You don’t have to store your data in • Third-party storage is vulnerable to

a physical form theft and hardware failure

• Cloud storage requires an Internet

• Free versions are available for
connection for access
storing small amounts of data
INPUT AND OUTPUT
DEVICES
 INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are pieces of equipment that are
used to put data into the computer. Types of
input devices include:
 OUTPUT DEVICES
Output devices are pieces of equipment that are used to get
information or any other response out of a computer.

There are two types of output:

Softcopy output/temporary output- refers to information displayed on

a screen or in audio or voice form through speakers.

Hard copy output/permanent-this refers to output printed onto paper.

 OUTPUT DEVICES
Output devices can be categorized under two board categories:

1. Visual Output: Printers (Laser, Inkjet, dot matrix, thermal, plotter,

3D Printers), Microfilm

2. Audible Output: Speakers, headphones, earphones

 Unit 1: Computer
Fundamentals and information
Processing
Grade: 10A10 and 10A20
Topic: COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Date: October 29-November 2 2018
Teacher: MS. Beckford
 LESSON’S OBJECTIVES

1. Explain the role of the different types of software in computer

operation

2. Discuss the relative merits of the various types of user interface

3. Evaluate the suitability of a given computer system for a specific

purpose.
 What is a software?
A software is the general name given to the programs (a set of
instructions) that computer use to perform different tasks.

Software can be classified into two major types:

1. System software

2. Application
 System Software
System software is software that manages and supports the resources
and operations of a computer system. It enables the running of
application software and the management of the system resources.

There major categories of system resources are: Operating system,

utility programs and language translators.
 Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that governs

the operation of a computer. Without operating system

software, the computer cannot function.

Functions of an Operating system (OS)

Memory management

Peripheral management

Multi-tasking

Providing basic security

 What is Utility Software?
Utilities are small programs that perform maintenance tasks

For example maintaining

security
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
New sub-heading
 What is Application Software?
Applications are programs designed to help the user carry out
specific tasks or something useful, for example writing a letter or
designing a website.
Recently started becoming known as ‘Apps’.
 Application Software
Application software can also be categorized as follows:
1. General-purpose software
2. Customized
3. Custom- written
4. Special Purpose
5. Integrated Software
 General Purpose Software

• General-purpose software includes programs that are not specific to

any organization or business and can be used by anyone.

• The user decides what to do with the software

• For example you might want to use a word processor (general

purpose software) to write a letter or create a poster.
 Customized Software
Sometimes a general-purpose program fulfils most but not all, of the tasks a
person or a company requires. It may be slightly modified so that it is better
suits the purpose of the client. Most general-purpose software provides
facilities for customization through writing code or recording macros.

Microsoft Access, Dbase and Microsoft Excel are examples of general-

purpose software that can be customized.
 Custom-Written Software
Custom-written software is software that is written entirely to

the specifications of the owner. As you might expect, it is more

expensive than general-purpose software. However, it is

usually more efficient than general-purpose software.

 Specialized Software
Specialized software is software that is designed to perform tasks specific to a
particular application. Therefore it does not have as wide a range of features
as general-purpose software and is not usually suitable for the average
person.

Specialized software is common in fields such as accounting and

manufacturing. Examples include ACCPAC, Airline reservations software,
payroll programs.
 Integrated Software

Sometimes multiple pieces of software are bundled as an

integrated package. For instance, the Microsoft Office Suite
consists of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and more.

Integrated packages make it easy to share data. Also, the

package costs less than if you were to buy its components
individually.
Types of User Interface
New Sub Heading
 What is user interface?
A user interface can be thought of as a link between user and computer. It allows
the user and the computer to communicate with each other.

The main types of user interfaces are:

Hardware Interface: Touch screens, nonvisual interface, sensors and Braille

keyboards.

Software Interface: Command-Line interface and the graphical user interface

(GUI) (Menu driven, pull-down and pop-up menus, icons)
 Command-driven interfaces
• The command-driven interface is used in PCs that either operate
exclusively with the MS. DOS operating system, or in PCs that are
currently in MS-DOS mode rather than windows mode. This interface
requires you to enter a command by typing in codes or words. You
have to type in the command at the prompt on the display screen.
• For example C:\>delete*.*. This command tells the operating system
to erase all the files on the Hard disk.
Command Driven Interface example
 MENU-DRIVEN INTERFACE

• This type of interface allows you to use either a mouse or cursor-

movement (arrow keys) to make a selection from a menu. Menus

contain commands to Print, Save, Format and so on.

Example of Menu-Driven
 Graphical User Interface

• The graphical user interface (GUI). It allows you to use graphics

(images), menus and keystrokes, to choose commands, start
programs, se lists of files and other options. Some of these images
take the form of icons.
Example of Graphical User Interface
 Unit 1: Computer
Fundamentals and information
Processing
Grade: 10A10 and 10A20
Topic: Computer specification and Troubleshooting
Date: November 05 to 09 2018
Teacher: MS. Beckford
 Objectives
At the end of the lesson students should be able to:
1.1 Evaluate the suitability of a given computer system for a specific
purpose
1.2 Troubleshoot basic computer hardware problems
 What is computer specification?
Computer hardware specifications are technical
descriptions of the computer's components and
capabilities.
 What is computer specification?
• Processor speed, model and manufacturer. Processor speed is typically
indicated in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the number, the faster the
computer.
• Random Access Memory (RAM), This is typically indicated in gigabytes
(GB). The more RAM in a computer the more it can do simultaneously.
• Hard disk (sometimes called ROM) space. This is typically indicated in
gigabytes (GB) and refers generally to the amount of information (like
documents, music and other data) your computer can hold.
• Other specifications might include network (ethernet or wi-fi) adapters
or audio and video capabilities.
 Compatibility?
Compatibility Is the capacity for two systems to work together without

having to be altered to do so. For example, if word processor

applications are compatible, the user should be able to open their

document files in either product.

 Information Processing
Grade: 10A10 and 10A20
Date: November 12 to 16 2018
Teacher: Ms. Beckford
 Lesson’s Objectives

1. Distinguish between data and information;

2. Evaluate the reliability of information obtained from online sources;

 Difference between Data and Information
Data Information

Since data has very little meaning, it must

• Data is raw facts and figures. For
be worked on to transform it into
example, suppose that in an
something meaningful. The act of working
exam the marks obtained by five
on data is known as processing. This may
students were 10, 85, 55, 45, 20 involve sorting, calculating or compiling.
etc. these figures have little The processed data is known as
meaning in this raw state. information.
Relationship between data and information

Processing
Data Information
• The data in the example above may be processed to give information
such as:
• The maximum mark is 85
• The minimum mark is 10
• The average is 45
• Three students passed but two failed
What is Information Processing?
• Information processing is the acquisition, recording, organization,

retrieval, display and dissemination of information.

 FORMS OF INFORMATION PROCESSING
Information processing occurs in a variety of forms as shown below:

1. Automation- is the act of using computers and machines

instead of human labour. Many businesses information such as

correspondence, inventory, tracking, invoicing and accounts
receivables, record keeping, data analysis and sharing of
information.
 1. Automation

• Automation has several benefits including enhanced speed

of processing and printing, higher accuracy and reliability,
and the professional presentation of information.

• Despite the benefits, automation has negative social

implications since it has tendency to create job redundancy.
 2. Process Control

A process is an operation or an action that is performed in

doing something. Special-purpose computers are used for
controlling processes to optimize their efficiency. Examples of
systems that are controlled are: temperature, pressure,
humidity, automated doors, flow of liquid and traffic lights.
 3. Commercial data processing
Many businesses depend on computers to run critical aspects of the
business. By doing so information is readily available to management,
thereby empowering them to make timely decisions. A variety of data
is processed including accounting data and data relating to the ordering
and settling of goods.
 4. Industrial data processing

• In industries such as the manufacturing industry,

a significant portion of the data has to do with
the physical properties of equipment and
materials.
 5. Scientific Data Processing
• With scientific data processing, the data comes from a
variety of instruments and sensors.

• A good example of scientific data processing is the

production of weather maps. Raw data about temperature,
wind speed and humidity is collected from a variety of
locations.
 Information Retrieval
Information retrieval is the process of finding
information within documents, databases and web
pages. The best known example of IR is the Google
search engine, buy universities and libraries have their
own IR systems as well.
 Data Collection
Data must be collected before it is entered into a computer
system. There are several sources that include:

• Source Documents
• Turnaround documents
• Machine readable documents
• Human readable documents
 Source Document
• Source documents are used to enter data directly into a computer
system. The source document is the original record of a transaction.
During an audit, source documents are used as evidence that a particular
business transaction occurred. Examples of source documents include:
• Cash receipts Purchase orders
• Deposit slips
• Credit card receipts
• Cash register tapes
• Cancelled cheques
 Turnaround
Turnaround documents are documents that have been created by a
computer to be used for data entry. It is completed by users and then used
for input back into the computer. An example of a turnaround document is
the mark sheet that is filled in by your teacher. The mark sheet is
generated by the computer, filled in by the subject teacher and then used
for input back into the computer so that reports can be printed.
 Human Readable Document
• A human readable document is one that is easily read by the
user but is not in a form that a computer can automatically
accept as input. It is also referred to as a data capture form.
A handwritten attendance register kept by a classroom
teacher to record the daily attendance of her students is a
human readable document.
 Machine Readable Document
• A machine readable document consists of data that can be
read directly and understood by computers. The entire
document doesn’t have to be machine-readable. Usually
such documents have a portion that is machine-readable in
addition to the human readable part. Examples include
modern passports, items with barcodes and cheques.