UNICOHS UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION
& COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Compiled by Mr.
Tembo C
 INTRODUCTION TO ICT
• What ICT stands for. • COMPUTER-OPERATIONS
• Computer Application • Computer memory
• ADVANTAGES OF ICT • Input Devices
• DISADVANTAGES OF ICT • Output Devices
• WHAT IS A COMPUTER? • Word Processor
• Computer generations • Work Sheet
• Classifications of computers • Power Point
• MAIN HARDWARE PARTS OF A COMPUTER
ICT stands for:
• Information & Communication Technology
a. Information
• This is the data or knowledge that is sent or received, which deals with a
particular fact or circumstance.
b. Communication
• This is the sending and receiving of information which can be in the form of
words, symbols or signals through speaking, writing or any other method.
c. Technology
• This is the use or manipulation of tools, including machines, modifications,
arrangement or procedures that make work easy.
Therefore, ICT is a combination of systems for capturing, storing, retrieving,
processing, transmitting & receiving information.
ICT DEVICES.
There are many types of ICT devices
in use today. Their use depends on:
• Light probes and • Speech
colour sensors synthesizers
Purpose Functionality
• Medical devices • Speakers and
The following are some ICT devices • Money handling Microphone
• Cash register
devices
• Thermometers
• Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) • Orientation and way and barometers
finding systems
• Decoders and Set-top boxes
(GPS) • Television set
• Digital camera
• Phones • Remote control
• Digitalizer
• Electronic boards • Printers and
Scanners
• Electronic calculators
• Electronic reading devices
 ADVANTAGES OF ICT
• EASY COMMUNICATION – people can share & receive
information at a higher speed within seconds. Money can be
saved because its much quicker to move information around.
With the help of ICT it has become quicker & more efficient.
• Globalization – ICT has not only brought the countries & people
closer together, but it has allowed the world’s economy to
become a single interdependent system to contact either a
business or family member. Video conferencing saves money on
flights & accommodation.
• Cost effectiveness – it feels free to send an email (although it
isn’t); it’s without doubt cheaper than phone calls. ICT has also
helped to automate businesses to make them exceptional cost
effective.
Greater availability – ICT has made it possible for businesses
to be automated giving clients access to a website or voicemail
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Bridging the cultural gap – greater access to technology has
helped to bridge the cultural gap by helping people from
different cultures to communicate with one another, & allow
the exchange of views and ideas, therefore, increasing
awareness and reducing prejudice.
Easy access to educational materials – ICT has created
educational opportunity not available to previous generations.
Visual teaching aids – images can easily be used in teaching
and improving the retentive memory of students.
 DISADVANTAGES OF ICT
• Easy access to educational materials – the quality of work has gone
down because of “too much information available”, especially on the web.
Some students cannot easily distinguish what is relevant from what is
irrelevant.
• Lack of job security – experts in wide variety of fields believe that ICT
has made job security a big issue, since technology keeps on changing
nearly every day. This means that individuals need to be constantly
studying or at least keeping up with changes in their profession, if they
want to feel secure in their jobs to be secure.
• Overriding cultures – while ICT may have made the world a global
village, it has also contributed to one culture consuming another weaker
one. For example, it is now argued that teenagers in the world influence
how most young teenagers all over the world now act, dress, & behave.
Lack of Privacy – though ICT may have made communication
quicker, easier, & more convenient, it has also brought along privacy
issues. From cell phone signal interceptions to e-mail hacking, people
are now worried about their once private information becoming public
knowledge.
Reliance on Technology – professor Ian Robertson, neuropsychology
expert said: “People have more to remember these days, & they are
relying on technology for their memory but the less you use of your
memory, the poorer it becomes… people don’t bother learning to spell
because they use spell-checker, or need a calculator to perform minor
addition or subtraction.
Reliability of Information – anyone with access to a computer & an
internet connection can start a blog or post something up on a website,
so just because something is on the website doesn’t mean its reliable.
Computer virus - can cause chaos and disrupt our daily lives.
 Worm
 Trojan
 Malware
 Spam
 Phishing
Expansive – too expansive to afford.
Lack of experience – it is hard for most of the people with lack of
experience using ICT tools.
 Questions on previous lesson
1. Mention and explain 6 advantages of ICT. (12 Mrks)
2. Mention and explain 6 disadvantages of ICT. (12 Mrks)
 WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
1. An electronic device that accepts data as input and processes the data using
a set of particular instructions called Programs to produce information or
data as output in a particular form and stores the data, information and
instructions for future use.
2. This is an electronic device that is able to input, process data, store data and
output information.
3. A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It
has the ability to store, retrieve and process data.
KEYWORDS IN THE DEFINITION:
a) Electronic device
A computer is a set of different devices that use electricity in order to do something.
By being electronic means the computer is a digital deice that understands instructions
and data in strings or combinations of 1s and 0s. (digital signals).
b) Data
Data is raw material that does not make any sense or meaning to the user. It is simply a
collection of facts.
c) Input
Input refers to the act of placing into the computer data or instructions. This is done
through the use of input devices
d) Processes
Processes means to work on, calculate, solve, analyze or put together data into a
particular form so that it becomes either information or data.
e) Set of particular instructions
A computer uses a set of instructions to perform a task. These are directives that
tell the computer what to do to the given data.
f) Information
Information is the data that has been processed or worked on. Information
refers to data that has been given some form of meaning from the act of
processing.
g) Output
Output refers to the producing/giving out of information or data. This is done
through the use of output devices.
h) Store
A computer has the ability to store or keep data, instructions and information
for later use as it can be retrieved. This is made possible by the use of storage
devices and storage media.
 MAIN HARDWARE PARTS OF A COMPUTER

SYSTEM
MONITOR UNIT

KEYBOARD MOUSE

SPEAKER
PARTS OF A COMPUTER

A computer is divided into two main parts which are:

• Hardware
• Software
A. HARDWARE
This refers to those physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched.
Hardware can be further divided into two groups; these being
• External hardware
• Internal hardware

I. External hardware:
The word external means:
• Outside
The external hardware is those parts of a computer that are found outside.
The external hardware of a computer may differ from one computer to the
next depending on:
• The purpose and use of the computer.
• Preferences of the user.
• Needs of the individual or organization.

External hardware includes some of the following:

• Systems unit
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse or any other pointing devices
External hardware
• Printer
• Scanner
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
• Speakers
• Digital camera
• Digital video camera (camcorder/ webcam)
• Microphone
• External Modem
External hardware
The external hardware that connect to the systems unit are known as
‘peripheral devices’ because they are added on.
The term ‘peripheral’ means:
• Add on
• Additional
• Extra

ii. Internal hardware:

The word Internal means:
• inside
Internal hardware
The internal hardware is those parts of a computer that are found
inside. The internal hardware of a computer may also differ from one
computer to the next depending on:
• The purpose and use of the computer.
• Preferences of the user.
• Needs of the individual or organization.
 SOFTWARE
This refers to those virtual parts of a computer that can be seen but not touched. There are
various types of software depending upon the purpose and use.
Software refers to
• A set of instructions
• A set of algorithms
• Programs
Software enables the computer or users perform certain tasks such as:
• Working on input data
• Maintaining computer functionality
• Managing hardware resources
Computer software can be divided into:
• Systems software
• Application software
 Computer Application
The application of computers in various fields.
1. Business
A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or
versatility which has made it an integrated part in all business organizations.
Computer is used in business organizations for-
• Payroll calculations
• Budgeting
• Sales analysis
• Financial forecasting
• Managing employee database
• Maintenance of stocks, etc
2. Banking
Today, banking is almost totally dependent on computers. Banks provide the
following facilities-
 • Online accounting facility, which includes checking current balance, making deposits
and overdrafts, checking interest charges, shares, and trustee records.
• ATM machines which are completely automated are making it even more easier for
customers to deal with banks.
3. Insurance
Insurance companies are keeping all records up-to-date with the help of computers.
Insurance companies and finance houses are widely using computers for their
concerns.
Insurance companies are maintaining a database of all clients with information
showing-
• Procedure to continue with policies
• Starting date of the policies
• Next due installment of a policy
• Maturity date
• Interests due
• Survival benefits
• bonus
4. Education
The computer helps in providing a lot of facilities in the education
system.
• The computer provides a tool in the education system known as
CBE (Computer Based Education).
• CBE involves control, delivery, and evaluation of learning.
• Computer education is rapidly increasing the graph of number
of computer students.
• There are a number of methods in which educational
institutions can use a computer to educate the students.
• It is used to prepare a database about performance of a student
and analysis is carried out on this basis.
5. Marketing
In marketing, uses of the computer are as following-
• Advertising – with computers, advertising professionals create art and
graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal
of selling more products.
• Home Shopping- Home shopping has been made possible through the use
of computerized catalogues that provide access to product information and
permit direct entry of orders to be filled by the customers.
6. Health Care
Computers have become an important part in hospitals, labs, and
dispensaries. They are being used in hospitals to keep the record of patients
and medicines. It is also used in scanning and diagnosing different diseases.
ECG (electrocardiogram- checks how the heart is functioning), EEG
(electroencephalogram – diagnose sleeping disorders, brain tumours),
Ultrasounds and CT Scans (computed Tomography – it uses a series of X-
rays), etc. are also done by computerized machines.
Health Care
The following are some major fields of health care in which
computers are used.
• Diagnostic System- Computers are used to collect data
and identify the cause of illness.
• Lab-diagnostic System- All tests can be done and the
reports are prepared by the computer.
 • Patient Monitoring System- These are used to check the patient’s signs for abnormality
such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG, etc.
• Pharma Information System- Computer is used to check the drug labels, expiry dates,
harmful side effects, etc.
• Surgery- Nowadays, computers are also used in performing surgery.
7. Engineering Design
Computers are widely used for engineering purpose. One of the major areas is CAD
(Computer Aided Design) that provides creation and modification of images. Some of the
fields are-
• Structural Engineering- Requires stress and strain analysis for design of ships,
buildings, budgets, airplanes, etc.
• Industrial Engineering- Computers deal with design, implementation, and
improvement of integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment.
• Architecture Engineering- Computers help in planning towns, designing buildings,
determining a range of buildings on a site using both 2D and 3D drawings.
8. Military
Computers are largely used in defence. Modern tanks, missiles, weapons, etc. Military also
employs computerized control systems. Some military areas where a computer has been used
are-
• Missile Control
• Military communication
• Military Operation and Planning
• Smart Weapons
9. Communication
Communication is a way to convey a message, an idea, a picture, or speech that is received and
understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant. Some main areas in this
category are-
• E-mail
• WhatsApp
• Facebook
• Telegram
• Google Meet
• Video Conferencing
10. Government
Computers play an important role in government services. Some major fields in this
category are-
• Budgets
• Sales tax department
• Computerization of voters lists
• Computerization of PAN card
• Computation of male/female ratio
• Weather forecasting
 Questions from the previous lesson
1. What do the abbreviation ICT stand for? (1)
2. What is information? (1)
3. What is data? (1)
4. What is Communication? (1)
5. What is Technology? (1)
6. Mention 10 areas where ICT is normally used. (10)
7. Discuss how information technology/computers are used in- (9)
• Education
• Health care facilities
• Marketing
 Characteristics of a computer
The term ‘characteristics’ here indicates the qualities or features of the
computer system.
There are various characteristics of a computer system and below are the
following;
 Characteristics of a computer
• Speed - A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy
compared to humans while performing mathematical calculations.
Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of instructions per
second. The time taken by computers for their operations is
microseconds and nanoseconds.
• Accuracy - Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy.
Errors may occur due to data inconsistency or inaccuracy.
• Diligence- A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations
with the same consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or
lack of concentration. Its memory also makes it superior to that of
human beings.
• Versatility - Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to
perform different kinds of works with same accuracy and efficiency.
• Reliability - A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for
similar set of data i.e., if we give same set of input any number of
times, we will get the same result.
• Automation - Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it
performs tasks without manual intervention.
• Memory - A computer has built-in memory called primary memory
where it stores data.
• Large Secondary storage capacity - are removable devices such as
CDs, hard disk, external hard disk etc., which are also used to store
data.
 COMPUTER GENERATIONS
First Generation (1942 – 1955)
The beginning of the commercial computer age started with
UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer). These were used
during the period 1942 to around 1955. They were based on
vacuum tubes.
Characteristics
o
o Large
Relied in
onphysical
thermionic sizevalves (vacuum tubes) to process
o and store data
o Consumed
o Produced
The a alot
computers
excessive heat
lotofofheat
power
constantly hence
generated; broke were
downshort-
due tolived,
the and
o
o were
Their not very
internal reliable
memory capacity/ size was low
Processing
o Very costly speed was very slow
• Vacuum tubes were the only electronic components available during those days.
• Vacuum tube technology made it possible to make electronic digital computer.
• Could calculate data in milliseconds.

Examples of such computers were:

• ENIVAC
• UNIVAC – 1

Presper Eckert Willian Mauchly

Advantages
• Vacuum tubes were the only electronic components available during those days
• Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital computer
• Could calculate data in milliseconds
Disadvantages
• Were very large in size • Limited commercial use
• Consumed a lot energy • Limited programming capabilities
• Heated up quickly because of • Used only machine language
• the thousand vacuum tubes • Used magnetic drums which provided very
• They were not very reliable little data storage
• Air conditioning was required • Used punch cards for input
• Constant maintenance and repair • They were not versatile and were very faulty
• Not profitable
• Costly commercial production
Second Generation (1955 – 1964)
These came into use with the development of the transistor. The transistor was
developed by scientists, john Barden, William Brattain and William Shockley in
1947 of Bell laboratories.
The transistor replaced the vacuum tubes and thereby reducing the size of the
computer, which ushered in the concept of nanotechnology.
Examples of computers that used the transistor are:
• IBM 7094 series,
• IBM 1400 series
• CDC 164
Advantages Disadvantages
• Smaller in size • Still required a cooling system
• Were more reliable • Constant maintenance was required
• Used less energy and were not over heated • Commercial production was difficult
• Had wider commercial use • Only used for specific purposes
• Better portability • Expensive and not versatile
• Better speed, could calculate data in • Punch cards were used for input
microseconds
• Used faster peripherals like tape drives,
magnetic disks, printers ...
• Used assembly language instead of machine
language.
• Accuracy improved
 Third Generation (1964– 1975)
The transition to third generation computers was spurred by the development of the integrated
circuit (IC) whose idea developed by Jack Kilby in 1958. It was a very important invention in
the field of computers and ICT. The first IC was invented and used in 1961. The size of the IC
is about ¼ square inch. A single IC chip may contain thousands of transistors.
Examples of such computers are:
• IBM 370,
• IBM system/360,
• UNIVAC 1108
• UNIVAC AC 9000
Advantages
• Smaller in size Disadvantages
• More reliable • Air conditioning was required
• Used less energy • Highly sophisticated technology required
• Produced less heat for the manufacture of the IC chips
• Better speed could calculate data in nanoseconds
(1billion of a second)
• Used fan for heat discharge to prevent damage
• Maintenance costs was low
• Totally general purpose
• Could use high-level languages
• Good storage capacity
• Versatile to an extent (adaptable or flexible)
• Less expensive
• Better accuracy
• Commercial production increased
• Used mouse and keyboard for input
 Fourth Generation (1975 – to present)
The fourth generation computers started with the invention on the microprocessor. The
microprocessor contains thousands of ICs. The first microprocessor was produced by Ted Hoff
for Intel in 1971. It was known as the Intel 4004.

Steve Jobs Bill Gates Micheal Dell

• Later Large Scale Integration (LSI) and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuits
were designed.

Apple Macintosh Personal Computer

IBM (now Lenovo) Personal Computer
DELL
ACER
Advantages
• More powerful and reliable than the previous generations
• Small in size
• Fast processing power
• Fan for heat discharge thus kept cold
• No air conditioning required
• Totally general purpose
• Commercial production
• All types of high level languages can be used
Disadvantages
• The latest technology is needed in manufacturing of microprocessors
 Fifth Generation (present and beyond)
Scientists have been working on the fifth generation computers with quite a few
breakthroughs. It is based on the technique of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Computers can
understand spoken words and imitate human reasoning. It can also respond to its surroundings
using different sensors. Scientists are trying to create a computer with real intelligence (IQ).
Examples of such computers are:

IBM Watson (which outsmarts Harvard university

students.)
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Computers can be categorized according to ……

1. Physical size and processing power

2. Functionality
3. Purpose
Classification of computers according
to physical size & processing power
Computers can be classified into four main groups namely supercomputers,
mainframe, micro-computers and mini-computers.

Supercomputers
They are the fastest, largest, most expensive and powerful computers available.
They are able to perform many complex calculations in a fraction of a second. A
supercomputer is kept in a special room.
Supercomputers are mainly used for scientific research, which requires enormous
calculations . Applications that justify use of supercomputers include aerodynamic
design & simulation, petroleum research, defense & weapon analysis among
others. They are mainly found in developed countries like USA, Russia, Japan,
China, North Korea etc, where they are used for advanced scientific research.
 Mainframe computer
They are less powerful and less expensive than the supercomputers.
While supercomputers maybe described as giant computers, the
mainframe computers are said to be big in size. They are used for
processing data and performing complex mathematical calculations.
They have a large storage capacity and can support a variety of
peripherals.
Mainframe computers handle all kinds of problems whether scientific
or commercial. They are mostly found in government agencies, big
organizations and companies such as banks, hospitals, airports etc.
which have large information processing needs.
 Mini computer
A mini computer resembles the mainframe computer but is
slightly smaller. Therefore it is referred to as a small scale
mainframe computer. Although it supports fewer peripheral
devices and is not as powerful and fast as the mainframe
computer, it was developed as a cheaper alternative to the
mainframes for smaller organizations. They are mainly used in
scientific laboratories, research institutions, engineering plants
and places where processing automation is required. They are
well adapted for functions such as accounting, word
processing, database management and specific industry
applications.
 Micro computer
A micro computer is the smallest, cheapest and relatively least powerful
type of computer. It is called a micro computer because; its CPU is called a
microprocessor, which is very small compared to that of a ,mini computer,
mainframe or super computer. Micro computers are also called personal
computers (PC) because they are designed to be used by one person at a
time.
They are commonly used in training and learning institutions, small business
enterprises, and communication centers. Today, the power of
microcomputers has grown tremendously closing the gap that formerly
existed and reserved for the minicomputers and the mainframes.
Technological advancement has seen the development of smaller and
smaller microcomputers. The following are the types of microcomputers in
operation today.
 Microcomputers
• Desktop computer – not portable. It is designed to be placed/put on
top of a table or office desk.
• The laptop computer – portable like a briefcase. It is designed to be
used by placing it on the laps hence its name.
• The palm top (e.g. PDA) – Personal Digital Assistant. Small enough
to fit in the pocket and can be held in the palm when being used.
Classification of computers according
to purpose
Computers can be classified according to the tasks they perform
either as general or special (specific) purpose computers.
General purpose computers
General purpose computers are designed to be able to perform a
variety of tasks when loaded with appropriate programs.
They are the most common types of computers in use today. Their
flexibility enables them to be applied in a wide range of
applications like document processing, performing calculations,
accounting, data & information management among others.
 Special purpose computers
Special purpose computers are designed to serve a specific
purpose or accomplish one particular task. Such computers can
perform no other task except the one they were meant to
perform. This means that the set of instructions, which drive a
special purpose computer, are limited in number at the time of
manufacture.
E.g. the robots used in a manufacturing industry production
line, mobile phones etc.
 Classification of computers according to
functionality
Computers can be classified according to the type of data they can process.
Data can either be in discrete or continuous form. Discrete data which is also
called digital data, is one that can be represented as distinct values that do not
have any transitional stages overtime e.g. either 1 or 0. continuous data which
is also called analog data can be represented as progressively changing values
overtime.
Computers can be classified as Digital, Analog or Hybrid.
Digital computers
They process digital data only. Any data to be manipulated by a Digital
computer must first be converted to digital form. Most home appliances today
are digital in nature. For example, to increase volume of a digital television you
simply press a button and it changes the volume from 1,2,3.
 Classification of computers
according to functionality
If the same television is analog, it would have a knob that you can
continuously turn around or slide in a slot to increase or decrease the
volume.
Analog computers
This refers to computers that process data that is analog in nature. Analog
computers solve problems by measuring the amount of change that occurs in
quantities like speed, temperature and pressure. An analog machine is
usually a special purpose device that is dedicated to a single task. Analog
computers are used in manufacturing process control like monitoring and
regulating furnace, temperatures, & pressures.
They are also used in weather stations, to record and process physical
quantities e.g. wind, cloud speed, temperature etc.
 Hybrid computers
Hybrid computers are computers that have features of analog computers and
digital computers. It can process both continuous and discrete data.
It usually has high cost compared to analog and digital computer.
PARTS OF A COMPUTER

A computer is divided into two main parts which are:

• Hardware
• Software

APPLICATION SYSTEM
SOFTWARE SOFTWARE HARDWARE
PARTS OF A COMPUTER

A. HARDWARE
This refers to those physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched.
Hardware can be further divided into two groups; these being
• External hardware
• Internal hardware

I. External hardware:
The word external means:
• Outside
The external hardware are those parts of a computer that are found outside.
The external hardware of a computer may differ from one computer to the
next depending on:
• The purpose and use of the computer.
• Preferences of the user.
• Needs of the individual or organization.

External hardware includes some of the following:

• Systems unit
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse or any other pointing devices
External hardware
• Printer
• Scanner
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
• Speakers
• Digital camera
• Digital video camera (camcorder/ webcam)
• Microphone
• External Modem
External hardware
The external hardwares that are connected to the system unit are
known as ‘peripheral devices’ because they are added on.
The term ‘peripheral’ means:
• Add on
• Additional
• Extra

ii. Internal hardware:

The word Internal means:
• inside
Internal hardware
The internal hardware are those parts of a computer that are found
inside. The internal hardware of a computer may also differ from one
computer to the next depending on:
• The purpose and use of the computer.
• Preferences of the user.
• Needs of the individual or organization.
 SOFTWARE
This refers to those virtual parts of a computer that can be seen but not touched. There are
various types of software depending upon the purpose and use.
Software refers to
• A set of instructions
• A set of algorithms
• Programs
Software enables the computer or users perform certain tasks such as:
• Working on input data
• Maintaining computer functionality
• Managing hardware resources
Computer software can be divided into:
• Systems software
• Application software
 System Software
System software is a set of computer programs, which are designed to
manage system resources and create a platform for running
application softwares.
It is a collection of such files and utility programs that are responsible
for running and smooth functioning of your computer system with
other hardware. It is solely responsible for managing the computer
device entirely, and without it, the system cannot run.
It is not used for a specific task and is hence known as General-
purpose software. It acts as a platform for other softwares to work,
such as antivirus software etc.
System software is usually written using Low-level language such as
Assembly language.
The following are some functions of system software-
• It offers a user interface.
• Loads program into computer’s memory.
• Coordinates how program works with hardware and other software.
• Manages how information is stored and retrieved from the disk.
• Saves contents of file on to disk.
• Reads contents of file from disk to memory.
• Sends document to the printer and activates the printer.
• Provides resources that copy or move data from one document to another, or
from one program to another.
• Allocates RAM among the running programs.
• Recognizes keystrokes or mouse clicks and displays characters or graphics on
the screen.
• Disk Management
• Memory Management
• Device Controlling
Features of System Software
• These are usually written in a low-level language.
• It is hard to manage and manipulate.
• The Operating speed of system software is very fast.
• Compatibility with other softwares.
Examples of operating system software
 Application Software
Application software is a type of software that is mainly developed to perform a
specific task as per the user’s request. It acts as an interface between the end
user and system software.
This software is usually developed with the help of high-level languages, such as
C,C++, Java, etc.
Examples of Application Software are-
• Data Manipulation
• Writing Reports
• Creating Spreadsheets
• Managing Records
 Features of Application Software
• Application software is usually written in high-level language
• They are larger, hence need more storage space.
• They are comparatively easy to build than system software and look more
interactive.
• Each application software is used to perform a specific task.
Examples of Application Software
 COMPUTER-OPERATIONS
All types of computers follow the same basic logical structure and perform the
following three basic operations for converting raw input data into information
useful to their users.
CONTROL THE WORKFLOW (Directs the manner and sequence in which all of
the operations are performed)
(performing
INPUT PROCESSING arithmetic, and OUTPUT
UNIT UNIT logical operations UNIT
on data in order to
(the process of entering convert them into (the process of producing
data and instructions into useful information) useful information or
the computer system) results for the user, such
as a printed report or
visual display)
STORAGE
UNIT

(the component which saves data and instructions so

that they are available for processing as and when
required)
Input Unit
This unit contains devices which help users enter data into the computer. This unit
creates a link between the user and the computer. The input devices translates the data
into a form understandable by the computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data processing
operations. It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program). It controls the
operation of all parts of the computer.
CPU itself has the following three components-
• ALU (Arithmetic & Logical Unit
• Memory Unit
• Control Unit
 CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

This unit consists of two subsections namely,
• Arithmetic section
• Logic section
a. Arithmetic Section
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division. All complex operations are done by making
repetitive use of the above operations.
b. Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selection,
matching, and merging of data.
• Memory Unit
This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit
supplies data to other units of the computer when needed. It is also
known as primary memory.
Its size affects speed, power, and capability. Primary memory and
secondary storage are two different types of memories in the computer.
Functions of the memory unit are-
• It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
• It stores intermediate results of processing.
• It stores the final results of processing before these results are
released to an output device.
• All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.
• Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but
does not carry out any actual data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are-
 It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions
among other units of a computer.
 It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
 It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and
directs the operation of the computer.
 It communicates with input/output devices for transfer of data or
results from storage.
 It does not process or store data.
Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices which help the user get or view the
information from the computer. This unit is a link between the
computer and users. Output devices translate the computer’s output
which is in computer language into a form understandable by the users.
 Computer memory
Memory is the most essential element of a computing
system because without it computer can’t perform simple
tasks. Both types of memory (RAM and ROM) are important
for the computer, but they serve different purposes. RAM is
used to store data that the computer is currently using, while
ROM is used to store data that the computer needs to boot
and operate. RAM is faster than ROM, as the data stored in it
can be accessed and modified in any order, while data stored
in ROM can only be read.
 Types of Computer memory/Primary
memory
1. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory
that is used to temporarily store data that the computer is currently
using or processing. RAM is volatile memory, which means that
the data stored in it is lost when the power is turned off. RAM is
typically used to store the operating system, application programs,
and data that the computer is currently using.
• It is also called read-write memory.
• The programs and data that the CPU requires during the
execution of a program are stored in this memory.
• It is a volatile memory as the data is lost when the power is
turned off.
2. Cache memory, also called cache, supplementary memory system
that temporarily stores frequently used instructions and data for
quicker processing by the central processing unit (CPU) of a
computer. The cache augments, and is an extension of, a computer’s
main memory.
3. Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of computer memory that is used to
permanently store data that does not need to be modified. ROM is non-volatile
memory, which means that the data stored in it is retained even when the power
is turned off. ROM is typically used to store the computer’s BIOS (basic
input/output system), which contains the instructions for booting the computer,
as well as firmware for other hardware devices.
• Stores crucial information essential to operate the system, like the program to
boot the computer.
• It is non-volatile.
• Always retains its data.
• Used in embedded systems or where the programming needs no change.
• Used in calculators and peripheral devices.
 Secondary Storage
A secondary storage device refers to any non-volatile
storage device that is internal or external to the
computer. It can be any storage device beyond the
primary storage that enables permanent data storage.
A secondary storage device is also known as an
auxiliary storage device, backup storage device, or
external storage.
Secondary storage devices

• Hard drive
• SD card
• CD (compact disc)
• DVD (digital versatile disc)
• Floppy diskette
• Tape drive
• USB Flash disk
Input Devices
• Any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to
provide data and control signals to a computer.
• Allows the user to put data into the computer.
• Without any input devices, a computer would only be a display
device and not allow users to interact with it.
Examples of Input Device
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Touch screen
• Graphic tablet
• Microphone
• Scanner
 Keyboard

• One of the primary input devices used with a computer.

• The keyboard looks very similar to the keyboards of electric
typewriters, with some additional keys.
• Keyboards allow a computer user to input letters, numbers, and other
symbols into a computer
• Uses an arrangement of buttons or keys.
• Requires pressing and holding several keys simultaneously or in
sequence.
Keyboard
Types of Keyboard
• Standard
• Laptop
• Gaming and Multimedia
• Thumb-sized
• Virtual
• Foldable
Types of Keyboard
Standard
• Desktop computer keyboards, such as the 101-key US
traditional keyboards or the 104-key Windows keyboards,
include alphabetic characters, punctuation symbols, numbers
and a variety of function keys.
Types of Keyboard
Laptop Keyboard
• The laptop computer keyboard is a small version of the typical
QWERTY keyboard.
• A typical laptop has the same keyboard type as a normal keyboard,
except for the fact that most laptop keyboards condense the symbols
into fewer buttons to accommodate less space.
Types of Keyboard
Gaming and Multimedia Keyboard
• The gaming keyboards are designed for the convenience of the
gamers and these types of keyboards provide the required
controls on the keyboards like back lighting.
Types of Keyboard

• Thumb-sized keyboard
• Smaller external keyboards have been introduced for devices
without a built-in keyboard, such as PDAs, and smartphones.
• Small keyboards are also useful where there is a limited
workspace.
Types of Keyboard
Virtual Keyboard
• The virtual keyboards are not actually physical
keyboards, but they are simulated using a software.
 Types of Keyboard
Foldable Keyboard
• Foldable keyboards are extremely good for travelling.
• Simply roll them up and then unroll them when you need
them again.
Keyboard Layouts
• QWERTY
• QWERTZ
• AZERTY
• DVORAK
Keyboard Layouts
QWERTY
• Common layout
Keyboard Layouts
QWERTZ
• Used in Germany, Hungary and Czech Republic
Keyboard Layouts
AZERTY
• It is used by most French speakers based in Europe
Keyboard Layouts
DVORAK
• Alternative for QWERTY
• Dvorak layout uses less finger motion, increases typing rate,
and reduces errors compared to the standard QWERTY
Pointing Devices
A pointing device is a hardware input device that allows the user
to move the mouse pointer to select items on a display screen.
• Types of pointing device:
–Based on rolling a ball
–Based on touching a surface
–Based on moving stick
Pointing Devices
Based on rolling a ball
Example:
–Mouse
–Trackball
Pointing Devices
Mouse
• A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display
screen.
• The mouse is important for graphical user interfaces because user can
simply point to options and objects and click a mouse button.
Pointing Devices
Type of Mouse
• Mechanical : Has a rubber or metal ball on its underside that can roll in all
directions.
• Optical : Uses a laser to detect the mouse's movement.
Pointing Devices
Trackball
• A trackball is a mouse lying on its back.
• To move the pointer, you rotate the ball with your thumb, your fingers, or
the palm of your hand
• It does not require much space to use it
Pointing Devices
Based on touching a surface
Example:
–Touchpad
–Graphic tablet
–Touch screen
–Light pen
–Stylus
Pointing Devices
Touchpad
• A small, touch-sensitive pad used as a pointing device on some portable
computers.
• By moving a finger or other object along the pad, you can move the pointer
on the display screen.
Pointing Devices
Graphic Tablet
• A graphics tablet (or digitizer, digitizing tablet, graphics pad, drawing tablet)
is a computer input device that allows one to hand-draw images and
graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and paper.
Pointing Devices
Touchscreen
• A touch screen is an electronic visual display that can detect the
presence and location of a touch within the display area.
• The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger
or hand.
Pointing Devices
Light Pen
• A light pen is a computer input device in the form of a light-sensitive wand
used in conjunction with a computer's CRT display.
• It allows the user to point to displayed objects or draw on the screen in a
similar way to a touchscreen but with greater positional accuracy.
Pointing Devices
Stylus
• A stylus is a small pen-shaped instrument that is used to input commands
to a computer screen, mobile device or graphics tablet.
Pointing Devices
Based on moving stick
Example:
–Joystick
–Gamepad
Pointing Devices
Joystick
• A joystick allows an individual to move an object in a game such as
navigating a plane in a flight simulator.
Pointing Devices
Gamepad
• A gamepad, game controller, joypad, or video game controller is a
peripheral device designed to be connected to a computer or console
gaming system.
• It has multiple buttons and may have one or two mini joysticks.
Imaging and Video Input Devices
• Used to digitize images or video from the outside world into the computer.
Example:
–Digital camera
–Webcam
–Optical scanner
–3D scanner
–Fingerprint scanner
–Barcode reader
Imaging and Video Input Devices

Digital Camera
• A camera that stores the pictures or
video it takes in electronic format
instead of to film.
• Digital cameras have become the
camera solution for most users today
as the quality of the picture they take
has greatly improved and as the
price has decreased.
Imaging and Video Input Devices
Webcam
• A webcam is a hardware camera connected to a computer that allows
anyone connected to the Internet to view either still pictures or motion
video of a user or other object.
Imaging and Video Input Devices
Optical Scanner
An optical scanner is a hardware input device that allows a user to take an image
or text and convert it into a digital file, allowing the computer to read or display the
scanned object.
Optical Mark Reader (OMR)
OMR is a special type of optical scanner used to recognize the type of mark
made by pen or pencil. It is used where one out of a few alternatives is to
be selected and marked.
It is specially used for checking the answer sheets of examinations having
multiple choice questions.
Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)
MICR input device is generally used in banks as there are large number of
cheques to be processed every day. The bank’s code number and cheques
with a special type of Ink that contains particles of magnetic material that
are machine readable.
This reading process is called Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR).
The main advantages of MICR is that it is fast and less error prone.
Imaging and Video Input Devices
3D Scanner
• A 3D scanner is a device that analyzes a real-world object or environment
to collect data on its shape and possibly its appearance (i.e. color).
• The collected data can then be used to construct digital, three dimensional
models.
Imaging and Video Input Devices
Fingerprint Scanner
• A fingerprint scanner or fingerprint reader is a hardware device that
verifies a user or enters password information by scanning their finger.
Imaging and Video Input Devices
Barcode Reader
• A barcode reader or scanner is a hardware device capable of reading a
barcode and printing out the details of the product or logging that product
into a database.
Audio Input Devices
• Audio input devices allow a user to send audio signals to a computer for
processing, recording, or carrying out commands.
Example:
–Microphone
–MIDI keyboard
Audio Input Devices
Microphone
• A microphone is a hardware peripheral that allows computer users to
input audio into their computers.
Audio Input Devices
MIDI Keyboard
• A MIDI (Musical Instruments Digital Interface) keyboard is typically a
piano-style user interface keyboard device used for sending MIDI signals
to a computer.
• MIDI information is sent to a computer that capable of reproducing an
array of digital sounds or samples that resemble traditional analog musical
instruments.
Audio Input Devices
MIDI Keyboard
 Computer- Output Devices

An output device is a type of peripheral device

that helps us to get data/ retrieve data from the
computer system.
 Computer- Output Devices
The following are examples of output devices.
• Monitors
• Graphic Plotter
• Speakers
• Camera
• projector
• Printer
1. Monitors
Monitors, commonly called as Visual Display Unit (VDU), are the main output
device of a computer. It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged
in a rectangular form. The sharpness of the image depends upon the number of
pixels.
There are two kinds of viewing screen used for monitors.
• Cathode-Ray Tube
• Flat-Panel Display
 Computer- Output Devices

a) Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

The CRT display is made up of small picture elements called pixels. The smaller the
pixels, the better the image clarity or resolution.
Disadvantages
• Large in size
• High power consumption
b) Flat-Panel Display Monitor
The flat-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced volume,
weight and power requirement in comparison to the CRT. You can hang them on
walls or wear them on your wrists. Current uses of flat-panel displays include
calculators, video games, monitors, laptop computer, and graphics display.
Example of CRT Monitor
 2. Printers
Printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and
transfers the information to paper.
A printer is an external hardware output device that takes the electronic data
stored on a computer or other devices and generates a hard copy.
 3. Projector
A projector is an output device that is capable of connecting to a computer in
order to produce a visual output on a large surface, such as a white screen or
wall.
 COMPUTER NETWORKS
Information is being produced, exchanged, and traced across the
globe in real time. It's possible as almost everyone and everything in
the digital world is interconnected through one way or the other.

What is a Network?
A group of two or more similar things or people interconnected with
each other.
What is a Computer Network?
• A computer network is an interconnection among two or more computers or
computing devices.
Such interconnection allows computers to share data and resources among each
other. A basic network may connect a few computers placed in a room.
The network size may vary from small to large depending on the number of
computers it connects. A computer network can include different types of hosts
(also called nodes) like server, desktop, laptop, cellular phones.
COMPUTER NETWORK DEVICES
• Computer network devices are physical devices that allow hardware on a
computer network to interact and communicate with one another.
 COMPUTER NETWORKS

• Apart from computers, networks include networking devices like switch, router,
modem, etc. Networking devices are used to connect multiple computers in
different settings. For communication, data in a network is divided into smaller
chunks called packets. These packets are then carried over a network. Devices
in a network can be connected either through wired media like cables or wireless
media like air.
• In a communication network, each device that is a part of a network and that
can receive, create, store or send data to different network routes is called a
node. In the context of data communication, a node can be a device such as a
modem, hub, bridge, switch, router, digital telephone handset, a printer, a
computer or a server.
 Computer network cables
There are four types of computer network cables
• Coaxial Cables
• Shielded Twisted Pair cables
• Unshielded Twisted Pair cables
• Fibre Optic Cables
Computer network cables
 COMPUTER NETWORK DEVICES

• Hub
• Switch
• Bridge
• Routers
• Repeater
• Modem

1. HUB
A Hub is a computer network device that links/connects multiple computers and devices
together. Hubs can also be referred to as repeaters. The hub normally forwards the data
packets received to all devices connected to it.
Computer network Hub
 Switch
A switch is a computer network device that connects devices on a
computer network by using packet switching to receive and intelligently
forward data to the destination device.
A network switch receives, processes, and directs data to the correct
destination. When a data packet arrives at a switch, the switch determines
which device/node on the network should receive it and sends it to that
device only. This targeted approach prevents unnecessary data traffic on
other parts of the network, ensuring efficiency and speed.
Computer network Switch
 Bridge
A bridge is a computer network device that connects multiple sub-networks
to create a single network. It provides interconnection with other computer
networks that use the same protocol. Through a bridge, multiple LANs can be
connected to form a larger and extended LAN.
A Bridge is a repeater, with add on the functionality of filtering content by
reading the MAC addresses of source and destination.
Recognizes areas where data is to be sent and on which device it will be sent.
Bridge
 Routers
This is a computer network device that connects two or more sub-networks. It
serves two primary functions: Managing traffic between these networks by
forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses , and allowing multiple
devices to use the same internet connection.
• Packet forwarding: the primary function of a router is to forward data packets
between networks. When a router receives a packet, it examines the
destination IP address and consults its routing table to determine the best
path for the packet to reach its destination.
• Routing: Routers use routing protocols and algorithms to build and maintain a
routing table. This table contains information about the available paths to
different networks and their associated metrics (e.g bandwidth, hop count).
The router uses this information to make decisions about the best route for
each data packet.
 Repeater
Repeater is a type of network node that amplifies incoming signals and
rebroadcasts them over a wider area or higher network layer than the original
signal. A repeater is used to increase the network’s reach, restore a damaged or
weak signal, or provide access to inaccessible nodes.
 TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
• PAN – Personal Area Network
• LAN – Local Area Network
• MAN – Metropolitan Area Network
• WAN – Wide Area Network