Information Technology (CSEC)

Section 1: Computer Fundamentals

and Information Processing
Week 6
Breaking Down Obstacles
In times of crisis and adversity we often find ourselves complaining
about our situation, our life, or about other people. Stop talking
about the problem and start talking about the solution. Quit
complaining and start declaring success. Stop cursing the darkness
and start commanding the light to come out. Start calling yourself
healed, happy, whole, blessed and prosperous!

“Stop talking to God about how big your problems are, and
starting talking to your problems about how big your God is!”
 GENERAL OBJECTIVES
On completion of this Section, students
Section 1: should:
Computer 1. Develop an understanding of the
Fundamentals fundamental hardware and software
components and the interrelationship
and among them;
Information 2. Develop expertise in evaluating
Processing computer systems; and;
3. Develop an understanding of basic
information processing principles.
TODAY’S OBJECTIVES
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES CONTENT
Students should be able to
1: explain the concept of Information Technology Definition and scope of Information
Technology.
2: distinguish among the major types of computer Major types:
systems in terms of processing speed, storage and (a) Super Computers (for example, Cray).
portability; (b) Mainframes (for example, IBM zEnterprise System).
(c) Desktop systems.
(d) Mobile devices (for example, laptops, notebooks,
netbooks, smartphones, tablets and game consoles).
(e) Embedded devices (for example, special-purpose
systems such as controllers in microwaves, car ignition
systems, answering machines).
3: explain the functions of the major hardware Major components: input, central processing unit,
components of a computer system; primary memory (RAM and ROM), secondary storage,
output.
(a) Secondary storage devices: hard disk, magnetic
tape, flash drive, memory card, and optical disks (CD,
DVD and Blu-Ray).
(b) Units of storage: bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes,
gigabytes, terabytes.
PART 1:
Objective: Explain the Concept of Information Technology

Contents:
• Definition and scope of Information
• Technology.
Definition of
Information Technology
• Information Technology (IT) is the
term used to describe the
equipment (hardware and
software) that allows us to access,
retrieve, convert, store, organise,
manipulate and present data and
information. IT may also refer to
the use of such equipment and
programs to produce the
information.
The Scope of Information Technology
Information Technology will include:
• Telephone and radio equipment and switches used for voice communications.
• Traditional computer applications that include data storage and programs to input. Process, and
output the data.
• Software and support for office automation systems such as word processing and spreadsheets,
as well as the computer to run them.
• Users’ PCs and software.
• Data networks and all associated communication equipment such as servers, bridges, routers,
hubs and wiring.
• Peripherals directly connected to computer information systems used to collect or transmit
audio, video or graphic information, such as scanner and digitization.
• Voice response systems that interact with a computer database or application.
• Computers and network systems used by users.
PART 2:
Objective: Distinguish among the major types of computer systems in terms of processing speed,
storage and portability;

Contents:
Major types:
• (a) Super Computers (for example, Cray).
• (b) Mainframes (for example, IBM zEnterprise System).
• (c) Desktop systems.
• (d) Mobile devices (for example, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, smartphones, tablets and game
consoles).
• (e) Embedded devices (for example, special-purpose systems such as controllers in microwaves, car
ignition systems, answering machines).
 Each type of computer is made for a unique use, and they
have varying capabilities. The are also classified by their
processing speed (how fast they process stuff), storage
(how much data they can store) and portability (size and
ability to move).

Types of The Major Types of Computer Systems are:

Computer (a) Super Computers (for example, Cray).

(b) Mainframes (for example, IBM zEnterprise System).
Systems (c) Desktop systems.
(d) Mobile devices (for example, laptops, notebooks,
netbooks, smartphones, tablets and game consoles).
(e) Embedded devices (for example, special-purpose
systems such as controllers in microwaves, car ignition
systems, answering machines).
 • These are the world’s fastest
computers and were built for
handling large and complex
computations.
Supercomputers are large
storage units with tremendous
memory and processing
capabilities. Supercomputers
are primarily used by large
organisations that need
extensive memory systems.
They are expensive, fragile
and require special care.
Usually housed in a special
room with a clean, dust free
and temperature-regulated
environment.
1: Super Computers • Example – Cray.
 Mainframe computers have
2: Mainframe less capacity and power
than supercomputer, but
they are notably more
powerful and efficient than
personal computers.
Mainframe computers can
process billions of
instructions in a matter of
seconds, and they can
process large amounts of
varying data at once.

Example- IBM zEnterprise

System.
 Organizations such as banks, airlines,
universities and government departments
typically use mainframes – they are very
Mainframe expensive to buy and need full-time staff
for their operations, maintenance and
upgrades.
3: Desktop Systems

Any PC (Personal Computer) that is designed

to be placed on a desk and not for portability
is called a desktop. Originally made for
executing a single task by a single user at a
time. Today, a single person can execute
many tasks simultaneously (multitasking).
It is easy to buy, upgrade and maintain.
Usually operated by a single user at a point in
time.
Mainly used for office and school-work,
games and entertainment, Internet access
and data communication.
 A mobile device is a general term
for any type of handheld
computer. These devices are
designed to be extremely
portable, and they can fit in your
hand. Some mobile devices-like
tablets, e-readers, and
smartphones – are powerful
enough to do many of the same
things you can do with a desktop
computer. They are smaller and
lighter than a desktop.

Examples – laptops,
notebooks, netbooks,
4: Mobile Devices smartphones, tablets and game
consoles.
5: Embedded
Devices
An embedded system is a dedicated
computer system that is designed for one or
two specific functions. These systems are
therefore embedded as a part of a computer
hardware devices called an embedded
device. They consume very little processing
power and may or may not be able to
connect to the Internet. Embedded devices
may either have no user interface or a simple
menu system or touchscreen.
Embedded devices can be found in digital
watches, printers, washing machines,
banking ATM machines, televisions etc.
Past Paper:
Specimen
Paper

Answer: B Super Computer

Past Paper
Specimen
Paper

Answer: Smart Television

PART 3:
Objective: 3: explain the functions of the major hardware components of a
computer system;

Contents:
Major components: input, central processing unit, primary memory (RAM and
ROM), secondary storage, output.
(a) Secondary storage devices: hard disk, magnetic tape, flash drive, memory
card, and optical disks (CD, DVD and Blu-Ray).
(b) Units of storage: bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes.
The Computer System
A computer system is a combination of computer hardware and
software.
The HARDWARE consists of the physical components of the computer,
such as the monitor or the keyboard. In other words, the parts of the
computer you can touch are all hardware.
SOFTWARE is the term that is used to refer to the programs that run
on the hardware. Neither one is much use without the other; since
without hardware, you would not be able to run software nor without
software, you would just have an expensive piece of equipment that
does nothing.
 The Computer

A computer is an electronic device, operating

under the control of instructions stored in its
memory. It can:
• Accept data (input)
• Manipulate data (processing)
• Produce results (output) from the processing
• Store the data and results for future use
(storage)
Functions of a INPUT Means turning data and instructions into electronic form so the

Computer computer can process them.

PROCESSING The computer processes input data according to input instructions.

Computers may be used for This happens electronically in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of
many different purposes. the computer.
However, all computers carry
out four basic functions: input, OUTPUT Means turning the results of processing into a form, which people
processing, output and storage. can understand, or use. Either as HARDCOPY OR SOFTCOPY.

HARDCOPY – printed output from a computer (e.g. via a printer)

SOFTCOPY – seen on the monitor.

STORAGE Means storing information ready for the CPU to use. Information is

stored either electronically, or in some other form, which the CPU

can read (such as magnetic form).

Computer
Systems
• These four basic tasks of
any computer represents
the IPOS (Input -
Processing - Output -
Storage) cycle.
 Past Paper

Ans: A: Information Answer: A: Input

Past Paper Jan
2017

Answer: D: Processing Answer: B: Output

Answer: C: Processing

Past Paper
 • Hardware is the name given to the physical
parts of a computer. There are 5 general
categories of computer hardware:

CATEGORIES 1: Input Devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard etc)

OF 2: Output Devices (e.g. printer, monitor,
COMPUTER screen etc)
HARDWARE 3: Central Processing Unit (CPU)
4: Memory (RAM and ROM)
5: Storage Devices (e.g. hard disk drive, CD
Rom Drive etc)
CATEGORIES and
FUNCTIONS OF CATEGORY FUNCTION EXAMPLES
COMPUTER HARDWARE INPUT DEVICES They allow data to be entered Mouse, keyboard,
into the computer. scanner
• Hardware is the name given OUTPUT DEVICES Used for outputting data from Monitor, Printer
to the physical parts of a the computer
computer. There are 5 CENTRAL This is the brain of the
general categories of PROCESSING computer. It controls how the
computer hardware: UNIT (CPU) rest of the computer works. It
consists of Control Unit and the
Arithmetic Logic Unit.

MEMORY This temporarily stores data and It is commonly known

instructions and results. as RAM and ROM.
STORAGE These are more permanent Hard Disk Drive, CD
DEVICES storage for the data. ROM Drive etc
Computer
Hardware
• Note the flow of data
between the various
components
January 2013

• Solution:
• (a)
• A: Main Memory,
• B: Control Unit,
• C: ALU,
• D: Storage Device,
• E: Input Device,
• F: Output Device
• (b)
• B or C: CPU
• D: Hard Disk Drive
• E: Keyboard
• F: Screen/Monitor/Printer
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the part of the computer
that does the processing and is often referred to as the brain of
the computer. It also controls the transfer of data between
memory and the other devices that make up the computer
system.

• The CPU consists of:

1. The Control Unit (CU)
2. The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
3. Main Memory
The Control Unit (CU)
The Control Unit (CU) is the main part of the CPU
• It coordinates the activities of the CPU.
• It communicates between both the ALU and memory.
• It fetches the instruction and data from memory
• It decodes the instructions from memory
• It instructs the ALU of any arithmetic or logic operations need to
be performed.
• It controls the flow of information to and from all the components
of the computer, e.g. input and output devices (I/O devices), disk
drives and printers
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):
• Performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction etc.
• Performs logical or comparison operations (AND, OR etc)

• The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations

(calculations).
Main Memory
Main memory is the space within a computer where data and
information is stored while being actively worked on. Its main
functions are:
• Store data
• Store program instructions

• The Main Memory stores programs, data and instructions

that are currently being used.
Past Paper • Answer: B – Control Unit
Questions
Past Paper • Answer: C – CPU
Questions
Past Paper • Answer: A – To perform
Questions arithmetic functions
Peripheral Device
A peripheral device is any hardware component that is connected
to and controlled by a computer, but is external to its CPU.
Example: Printers, Scanners, Mouse, external Keyboard,
Speakers, USB Drive etc
Home Work
Past Paper
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June 2011 - Paper 2
• (i) ALU
• (ii)RAM
• (iii)ROM
January 2012
Label Device
A Input Device
B Output Device
C CPU
D ALU
E RAM
F ROM
January 2013
Label Components

A Control Unit
B ALU
C Memory
D Storage
E Input
F Output

Label Example
B or C Rom
D Hard Disk
E Mouse
F Printer
May 2014
May 2009
May 2005