INTRODUCTION TO

ICT
Lecture Overview

◦ Understand the difference between data and information

◦ Explore the concept of ICT and its components
◦ Learn about analog and digital computers
◦ Discuss different types of computers
◦ Examine the applications of ICT in various fields
Data and Information
Definition of Data:

•Data is raw facts and figures without context.

•Examples: Numbers, dates, and strings of text.

Definition of Information:

•Information is processed data that has meaning.

•Examples: A report showing sales figures over time.

Difference Between Data and Information:

•Data is unprocessed; information is processed.

Information and its Value

Importance of Information:

•Supports decision-making.
•Enhances knowledge.
•Drives business strategies.

•Information Quality:

•Accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness

Computer and Communication
Technology
•Definition of ICT:
Information and Communication Technology encompasses all technologies for the
manipulation and communication of information.

•Components of ICT:
Hardware: Computers, servers, and networking devices.
Software: Applications, operating systems, and databases.
Communication: Internet, telecommunications, and satellite systems.

•Role of ICT:
Enhances communication, access to information, and efficiency in various sectors.
Analog and Digital Computers

•Analog Computers:
Definition: "Computers that process continuous data."
Examples: Thermometers, speedometers.
Applications: Engineering simulations and scientific calculations.

•Digital Computers:
Definition: "Computers that process discrete data."
Examples: Personal computers, smartphones.
Advantages: Higher accuracy, versatility, and ability to store large amounts of data.
Types of Computers
◦ Microcomputers
◦ Minicomputers
◦ Mainframes
◦ Supercomputers
◦ Visual Aids
Microcomputers
A microcomputer is a small, relatively low-cost computer with a microprocessor as its
central processing unit (CPU). It is designed for individual use and is the most common
type of computer found in homes, offices, and schools today.

Characteristics of Microcomputers:
◦ Size: Small and compact.
◦ Cost: Affordable compared to larger systems like mainframes or minicomputers.
◦ Processor: Powered by a single microprocessor that integrates the functions of a CPU.
◦ Users: Typically used by one person at a time (single-user system).
◦ Components: Microcomputers have all the basic components of a computer,
including input (keyboard/mouse), output (monitor), storage (hard drive/SSD), and
memory (RAM).
Minicomputers
◦ Minicomputers are mid-sized computers that fall between microcomputers (like personal
computers) and mainframe computers in terms of processing power, size, and cost. They
were typically used for tasks requiring more computing power than microcomputers but less
than mainframes. Minicomputers were popular from the 1960s to the 1980s but have mostly
been replaced by modern servers and high-end personal computers.
◦ Characteristics of Minicomputers:
◦ Size: Larger than microcomputers but smaller than mainframes.
◦ Users: Multi-user systems, capable of handling 4 to 200 users simultaneously.
◦ Cost: More affordable than mainframes but more expensive than personal computers.
◦ Processing Power: Higher than microcomputers, suitable for complex tasks such as
scientific computations, database management, and industrial control systems.
◦ Components: Includes central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), input/output devices,
and storage, often in a more compact form compared to mainframes.
Mainframe
◦ Mainframe computers are powerful, large-scale computing systems designed for
processing and managing vast amounts of data and transactions. They are used
primarily by large organizations such as governments, banks, airlines, and
corporations for critical applications where reliability, scalability, and security are
essential.
Characteristics
◦ Size:
◦ Mainframes are physically large, often occupying entire rooms, though modern ones are more compact than earlier
versions.
◦ Processing Power:
◦ Mainframes are capable of processing millions of instructions per second (MIPS), handling enormous amounts of data, and
running multiple applications simultaneously.
◦ Multi-user Capability:
◦ Mainframes support thousands of users and devices connected to them at the same time, providing simultaneous
processing for all.
◦ High Availability and Reliability:
◦ These systems are designed to run continuously with minimal downtime. They often operate for years without interruption.
◦ Scalability:
◦ Mainframes can scale to handle growing workloads by adding more processing power, memory, and storage without
requiring significant hardware changes.
◦ Security:
◦ Given their use in critical industries (like banking and healthcare), mainframes are designed with robust security features
to protect sensitive data.
Supercomputers

◦ Supercomputers are the most powerful and fastest computers in the world,
designed to perform extremely complex calculations and handle immense
amounts of data. They are used for tasks that require massive computational
power, far beyond the capabilities of regular computers, including scientific
research, climate modeling, cryptography, and simulations of nuclear reactions.
Characteristics
1.Processing Power:
•Supercomputers are measured in FLOPS (floating-point operations per second) rather than
MIPS (millions of instructions per second). The fastest supercomputers can perform
quadrillions of calculations per second.
2.Parallel Processing:
•They use parallel processing, meaning they have thousands or even millions of processors
working simultaneously on different parts of a problem.
3.Size:
•Supercomputers are large, often occupying entire rooms or even multiple rooms, and
require extensive cooling systems due to the heat generated by their processors.
4.Specialized Tasks:
•Supercomputers are designed for very specific tasks like weather forecasting, molecular
modeling, and scientific simulations, rather than general-purpose computing.
Applications of ICT
•Business:
E-commerce, customer relationship management, and data analysis.

•Education:
E-learning platforms, online resources, and digital classrooms.

•Healthcare:
Electronic health records, telemedicine, and health informatics.

•Government:
Digital services, e-governance, and data management.

•Everyday Life:
Social media, online banking, and entertainment.
Future Trends in ICT

•Emerging Technologies:
Cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT).

•Impact on Society:
Discuss how these trends can shape the future of communication, business, and daily life.