Today’s Topic – INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTERS.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
a) state the different parts of a computer;
b) explain how computers have developed;
c) classify the various types of computers;
d) state the safety precautions and practices in a
computer laboratory;
e) demonstrate basic hands-on-skills on the use of a
computer
.
Definition of terms:
 Computer - is an electronic device that processes raw
data to give information as output.
 Data - is a collection of raw facts, figures that do not

have much meaning to the user.

Types of data
 There are two types/forms of data:

a. Digital (discrete) data:

 Digital data is discrete in nature. It must be represented

in form of numbers, alphabets or symbols for it to be

processed by a computer.
 Digital data is obtained by counting. E.g. 1, 2, 3 …

b) Analogue (continuous) data:

 Analogue data is continuous in nature. It must be

represented in physical nature in order to be processed

by the computer.
 Analogue data is obtained by measurement. E.g.
Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, Lengths or currents,
etc.
 Information - is the data which has been processed into
a more meaningful form for decision-making.
Comparison between Data and Information

Data Information
1. Unprocessed (raw) facts 1. It is processed data
2. Not arranged 2. Arranged into a meaningful format
3. Does not have much meaning to the 3. More meaningful to the user.
user.
4. Cannot be used for decision-making 4. Can be used to make decisions
 Data processing – is the process of converting data into
information.
 ICT – is the integration of computers and
telecommunication facilities for the purpose of
communication.
Advantages of using computers
1. Computers process data faster
2. Computers are more accurate & reliable
3. Computers can quickly and effectively store & retrieve
large amounts of data
4. Computers occupy very little office space
5. Computers enhance security & confidentiality
6. Computers can operate in risky environments
 Disadvantages of using computers
1. Computers are very costly in terms of purchase &
maintenance.
2. Computers can only be used areas where there is
source of power.
3. Requires skilled manpower to operate

4. Computers have led to increase in computer crimes.

5. Leads to loss of jobs.

6. Leads to some health problems i.e eye strains

backaches, headaches.
Assignment : State 3 reasons its important to study
computer studies.
Physical parts of a computer
1. System unit – is the casing that houses the internal
components of a computer like the cpu, drives, power
supply unit, motherboard, memory storage devices.
There are 2 types of system units: tower type and desktop
type.
Tower type - This is made to stand alone. It is designed to
be placed vertically on the floor.
Desktop type –it lies horizontally on the desk with the
monitor resting on top of the system unit.
2. Monitor - It is a television like screen used for displaying
output.
3. Keyboard – it enables the user to enter data in a
computer.
4. Mouse – is a pointing device that enable the user to
execute commands.
N/B: peripheral devices are connected to the system unit
using special cables called interface cables that transmit
data to each other.
Classification of computers
Computer are classified according to 3 factors: physical
size, functionality, and purpose.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
 Computers are classified according to 3 factors: physical
size, purpose and functionality.
Classification according to physical size/ processing power
Computers can be classified into 4 main groups according
to their size:
1. Supercomputers.

2. Mainframe computers.

3. Minicomputers.

4. Microcomputers

1. Supercomputers.
Characteristics
 Supercomputers are the fastest, largest & most

expensive computers available.

 They accommodate multiple processors
 They are huge in size and generate a lot of heat
 They are used for weather forecasting & nuclear energy
research.
2. Mainframe computers
Characteristics
 Are the 2nd largest after supercomputers
 Are used to run commercial applications in banks and
hospitals.
 Are cheaper and less powerful than supercomputers
3. Minicomputers
 Are smaller in size and have a slower processing speed
compared to super and mainframe computers.
4. Micro-computers
 Are used for individual or personal tasks
 They are smaller in size, cheaper, faster, consume less
electricity are compared to the others
Types of microcomputers

I. Desktop – are designed to be used while on a desk

II. Laptop – they are portable and can be placed on the
lap while being used.
III. Palmtop(PDA) – are designed to be used on the palm
of the hand and are small enough to fit in ones pocket
Classification according to
functionality
 Refers to classification of computers according to the
type of data they process. Under here we have 3 types
of computers.
I. Digital computers
II. Analog computer
III. Hybrid computers

a) Digital computers – are computers that process data that

is discrete in nature(binary).
b) Analog computers – are computers that process data
that is continuous in nature.
c). Hybrid computers – are computers that process both
analog and digital data.
Classification according to purpose
Refers to classification of computers according to the tasks
they perform. Under here we have 3 types:
I. General purpose – are designed to perform many
tasks.
II. Special purpose – are designed to perform one
particular task only
III. Dedicated computers – are designed to perform one
task but one can switch to perform another task
DEVELOPMENT OF
COMPUTERS
HISTORY
 OFevolved
How computers have COMPUTING.
from early times to
modern comps
Pre-electronic computers
A. Abacus – was a Chinese counting tool which dates back
to 3000 B.C. The Abacus has bead-like parts that move
along rods.
B. Napiers bones – developed by John Napier(a scottish
mathematician). Helped in multipliation & division.
C. Pascaline(numerical wheel calculator) – developed by
blaise pascal. It was an adding machine (modern desk
calculator.)
D. The analytical engine – designed by an english
mathematician (charles babbage). Was recognise as
the first real computer. Babbage is the father for
computing
E. Deference engine (charles babbage)
F. ABC (atanasoff berry computer) – developed by Dr. john
v. Atanasoff. It was the first all electronic computer.
Performed mathematical equations.
Electronic computers
 They are classified into 5 generations:
1. First generation computers (1945 1956)
characteristics
i. They were large in physical size
ii. Used vacuum tubes/thermionic valves technology
iii. Slower processing speed
iv. Constantly broke down
v. Generated a lot of heat
vi. Consumed a lot of electricity
vii. Used punched cards for input
viii. Used machine language for data processing
ix. Used magnetic drums for storage
x. Output was based on printouts
2. Second generation computers (1956 - 1963)
Characteristics
i. Used transistors as technology
ii. Used assembly language
iii. Used punched cards for input
iv. Used printouts for output
v. Used magnetic tape for storage
3. Third generation computers (1964 - 1971)
Characteristics
i. Used integrated circuits(IC) as technology
ii. Used keyboard for input
iii. Monitors were used for information output
iv. Used high level programming languages
v. Enabled multiprogramming/multiprocessing
vi. Used magnetic disks for storage
4. Fourth generation computers (1971 - 1989)
Characteristics
i. Used large scale integration as technology
ii. Graphical user interface operating system was used
iii. Optical disks(Compact disks) were used for storage
iv. Computers could be networked
v. They were faster, smaller in size and consumed less
electricity than the earlier versions.
5. Fifth generation computers(1990 to present)
Characteristics
i. They used super conductor and parallel processing
technology
ii. Microphones were introduced
iii. Artificial intelligence was introduced. A.I refers to the
ability of a computer to work and reason as a human
being does.
iv. Internet was developed
v. Flash disks used for data storage
vi. Expert systems and natural language were introduced.
vii. They computers are small, faster, consume less
electricity and emit less heat as compared to other
versions.
Areas where computers are
used
1. Communication industry
 The emergence of telecommunication and computing
technologies has led to the development of cell phones
that enable people even in remote areas to communicate
easily.
2. Education
 Computers are used in learning and teaching in schools,

through computer aided learning (CAL) & computer

aided instructions (CAI).
3. Supermarkets
 Supermarkets and other retail stores use computers for

stock control. The stock control system keeps record of

what is in store, what has been sold, and what is out of
stock.
4. Banks
Computers are used by Banks:
 To manage financial transactions. They use special cash

dispensing machines called Automated Teller

Machines (ATMs) to enable them provide cash deposit
& withdrawal services.
 For processing of Cheques.

 For preparation of Payrolls.

 For better record keeping and processing of documents.

 To provide electronic money transfer facilities.

5 Industries
Industries use computers to monitor and control
industrial processes. The industries use remote
controlled devices called Robots. A Robot is a
machine that works like a human being, but performs
tasks that are unpleasant, dangerous, and tedious to
be done by human beings.
6. Hospitals
Computers are used in hospitals:
 To keep & retrieve patient’s medical records.

 To control life-supporting machines in the Intensive

Care Units (ICU).

7. Offices
 For receiving & sending of messages through e-mails,
fax, etc.
 Production of documents.
 Keeping of records.
7. Police (Law enforcement agencies).
 Computers are widely used in fighting crime. The
Police use computers to keep databases on fingerprints
and also analysed them.
 The Police also use computers for face recognition,
scene monitoring & analysis, which help them to arrest
The computer laboratory
 A computer lab is a special room set aside and prepared
specifically for the safe installation and use of
computers.
Factors to be considered when setting up a computer lab
1. Security of computer hardware and software

2. Reliability of the source of power

3. Number of computers to be setup

4. Maximum number of users that the laboratory can

accommodate.
Safety precautions and practices in the computer lab
 Safety precautions, rules and practices are observed in
order to avoid accidental injury to the users or damage
to the computers
Safety measures that protect
computers
Burglar proofing the room – this involves fitting grills on
doors, windows & the roof to prevent forceful entry into a
computer room.
 Installing gaseous fire extinguishers.
 Well layout of the room with enough movement space to
avoid accidental knocking of computers
 Proper insulation of power cables to prevent electric
shocks
 Covering computers with dust covers
 Providing stable power supply by connecting the
Uninterruptible power supply unit (UPS).
Functions of the UPS
i. It regulates power from an unstable power source to
the required clean stable voltage.
ii. It prevents power surges and brownouts that might
destroy the computer.
iii. It temporarily provides power to the computer in case of
the main power failure.
iv. Alerts the user of any power loss (by beeping).
BEHAVIOUR IN THE COMPUTER
LABORATORY
 Only authorized people should enter the computer room.
 Remove your shoes before entering the computer room
to prevent dust.
 Avoid smoking or exposing computers to dust. This is
because; smoke & dust contain small abrasive particles
that can damage computer components and cause
wearing of the moving parts.
 Do not carry foods & drinks/beverages to the computer
room.
 Computer illiterates should not be allowed to operate the
computers.
 Always shut down the computers using the correct
procedure
Safety measures that protect
users
All cables should be insulated – to avoid the danger of
electric shock to users.
 Cables should be properly laid away from user paths – to
avoid tripping on them.
 Providing ergonomic furniture – to avoid poor posture
which may lead to strain injury
 Providing antiglare screens – to avoid eye strain and
fatigue caused by over-brightness.
 The room should be properly ventilated – to avoid
dizziness.
 Overcrowding in the room should not be allowed – may
cause suffocation.
Computer basic hands-on-
skills
Booting a computer- refers to the process of starting a
computer to make it ready for use.
The booting process of what happens when a computer is
switched on:
i. The power-on-self-test (POST) is loaded which ensures
that all the programs are correctly installed.
ii. The basic input/output system (BIOS) takes over to
ensure that the input and output devices are working
properly.
iii. The complimentary metal-oxide semi-conductor
(CMOS) is loaded which checks the date and time.
iv. The operating system is loaded and takes charge of all
programs.
v. Finally the desktop is now loaded for the user to start
using.
Types of booting
a) Cold booting – is the process of switching on a
computer that was originally off
b) Warm booting - is the process of restarting a computer
that was originally on by clicking the restart button.
Correct procedure of shutting down a computer
i. Save all your work
ii. Close all the open programs
iii. Click the start button then select shut down
command/turn off
iv. Click shut down then click ok where it applies.
Computer keyboard
A keyboard is an input device made up of keys used to
enter data into a computer through typing.
Classification of keyboard keys
Computer keyboard is made up of 5 groups of keys:
1. Alphanumeric keys

2. Function keys

3. Special purpose keys

4. Numeric keypad keys

5. Cursor movement and editing keys.

 Classification of keyboard keys.
 Most Keyboards have a total of 101 keys, which are

divided into 5 different groups:

1. Function/ Command keys.
 These are the keys located along the top of the

Keyboard marked F1 up to F12. They are used to issue

commands into the computer.
2. Alphanumeric keys.
 This section consists of alphabetic & numeric keys.

Alphanumeric keys are mostly used for typing of text.

3. Numeric Keypad keys.
 It is on the rightmost part of the Keyboard. It has keys

with digits (numbers) 0 - 9 marked on them in rows from

the bottom upwards.
 They are used for fast entry of numeric data into the
computer.
4. Cursor movement and editing keys
a) Cursor movement
 They are used to move the Cursor (insertion point) within
the window of an application.
 They include; Page Up, Page Down, Home, End, & the
four Arrow Keys.
b) Editing keys.
 They are used to delete or insert characters in a
document. These are: Backspace key, Delete (Del)
key, Insert (Ins) key
5. Special purpose keys
 They are used in combination with the other keys or on
their own to perform special functions/tasks.
 Examples; Esc, Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, Ctrl, Alt.
 MOUSE.
 A Mouse is a pointing device that enables the user to
issue instructions to the computer by controlling a
special mouse pointer displayed on the screen.
A Mouse consists of 4 parts: -
1. A Casing - to assist in holding the mouse in the hand.
2. A Roller ball – used to slide/move the mouse on a flat
surface. It also enables the cursor to move on the
screen as required.
3. The Sensor Buttons (Right & Left) – used for making
selections.
4. A Cable - connects the mouse to the System unit
Mouse operational
techniques
i.Clicking – refers to pressing and releasing the left
mouse button once. A click is used to select an object.
ii. Double clicking – means pressing the left button twice
in quick succession. Used to open a file or start a
program.
iii. Right clicking – pressing the right hand mouse button
once to display a list of commands.
iv. Drag and drop – is where the user drags an item from
one location on the screen to another.
Steps of drag and drop:
1. Point to the item you want to drag.
2. Press the left hand mouse button and hold it down.
3. Slide the mouse until the pointer reaches the desired
position on the screen.
4. Finally release the mouse button and the item will be
dropped in the new location