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Subject: Information & Communication

Technology (ICT)

CH #1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

Q1. DEFINE COMPUTER? EXPLAIN BLOCK DIAGRAM OF

A COMPUTER SYSTEM
Q2. DEFINE DATA & INFORMATION? EXPLAIN
DIFFERENT
TYPES OF DATA
Q3. DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN DATA & INFORMATION?
Q4. DEFINE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY? EXPLAIN
ELEMENTS
OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Q5. EXPLAIN
Mohsin Ali
HISTORY OF COMPUTER IN DETAIL? 06/14/2025 2

Q6. DISCUSS GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER?

Q1. DEFINE COMPUTER? EXPLAIN BLOCK
DIAGRAM OF A
COMPUTER SYSTEM?
Ans:Computer: The word computer is
derived from ‘compute’ which means
calculation. Computer is an electronic
device, which can accept the input data,
process the data, and gives the result of
the process data according to instruction.
A computer is a system, of an
interrelated, interacting components that
performs the basic function of input,
processing, output, storage, and control.
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There are three basic component of

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Input:
The first step of the data processing cycle is
input. The computer accepts data in this step.
Data consists of raw facts and figures. Data is
entered into the computer for processing. It is
entered using different input devices such as
keyboard or mouse.
2. Processing:
The second step of the data processing
cycle is processing. It converts data into
information. The central processing unit processes
data into information.
Random Access Memory (RAM) temporarily
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stores programs and data required by the CPU.

Output:
The third step of the data processing cycle
is output. The results are provided to the user in
this step. Computer produce two types of outputs;
1. Softcopy output
2. Hardcopy output.
Different output devices are used for this purpose.
4. Storage:
The fourth step of the data processing cycle
is storage. It stores data, information and
programs used by the computer system. It is
performed by different storage device such as
hard disks, CD, DVD, USB flash memory.
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Q2. DEFINE DATA & INFORMATION?
EXPLAIN DIFFERENT TYPES OF DATA
Ans: DATA: Data is a plural form of the Latin
word Datum. The collection of fact and figure is
called Data OR any thing in raw form. Data cannot
be used for decision making or action taking. e.g.
Name, Address, Number, Phone Number, Roll No
etc.
Types of data:
There are different types of data
i. Alphabetic data type:-It consist letter from A-Z
capital or from a-z small letter. e.g
Abid ,Peshawar, Pakistan, Khan, pakistan,
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COMPUTER
ii. Numeric data type;- It consist of digit from 0-9
iii. Alphanumeric data type:-It consist alphabetic letter as
well as numeric digit. Street no A/10 etc
iv. Graphic data: It consists tables, charts, graphics and
statements
v. Audio data: It consists only sounds. For example radio
news.
vi. Video data: It consists photos, image and moving picture.
Such as TV news.
vii. Mixed data: It consists more than one type of data. Such
as the combination of audio and video.
INFORMATION: To organize the Data in meaningful form
upon which people can take necessary
decision is called Information. e.g. 2,1,5,4 when sorted it
become 1,2,4,5 which is information.
Information is the meaningful, processed data, which is
relevant
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in decision-making. Examples are voucher, bills, fee

registration cards or library cards
 DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN DATA AND INFORMATION

DATA INFORMATION

Data is a set of raw fact. Information is processed form of

data.

Data is used as input in the Information is the output of

computer computer

Data is not meaningful Information is meaningful

Data is asset of organization and is Information is normally available

not available to people for sale. for sale.

Data is an independent entity Information depend on data

Data is not used in decision-making Information is very important for

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decision-making

Data is use rarely Information is use frequently.

Q3. DEFINE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY? EXPLAIN
ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Ans: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: An IT is a technology
which merge computer with communication, through high
speed data transfer devices carrying text, audio, video etc.
ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Following are the six elements of information
technology;
People
Procedure
Hardware
Software
Data & Information
Communication
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1. People: The users who directly or indirectly use computer and
information technology. The people are of two types;
I. End-User: A person who have enough knowledge to
operate the computer is called an end-user. For example a
person who knows how to open Ms-Word, Save a file, Print
a file. This person is known as end-user.
II. IT-Professional: A person who have detailed knowledge
of computer hardware, software and also knows the
computer languages. These personnel includes
Programmer
System Analyst
Database Developer
Database administrator
Network administrator

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2. Procedure: A step by step instructions for using a new
hardware or software is called a procedure. A procedure
tells the computer how to use different devices. Now-a-
days these procedures comes in soft form on a disk or CD,
called driver disk or CD, which contains files which are
necessary to install a new equipment.
3. Hardware: All the physical parts of a computer system
are called hardware. Hardware are of different types;
Input hardware: use to input data into computer for
example keyboard, mouse.
Output hardware: use to produce information from the
computer for example monitor, printer.
Processing hardware: use to process the raw data into
processed information. For example processor.
Storage hardware: use to store data temporarily or
permanently for further work. For example RAM. hard
disk,Ali CD, USB etc.
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Communication hardware: use to communicate data or

information between two or more computers such as
4. Software: All the computer programs made by companies or
user itself are called software. Software are of two types;
System Software
Application Software
5. Data & Information:
Data:
A collection of facts and figures in raw form is called data. In
computer system we first enter data by using different input
devices. The data can’t be used for decision making.
Information:
A processed form of data is called information. After processing
we get results in the form of information.
6. Communication: Interconnection of two or more than two
computers is called a network. Communication is used to share
these information’s between computers.
Telecommunication network consist of computers,
communications processor and other device interconnected by
communication media and control by communication software.
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Q5. EXPLAIN HISTORY OF COMPUTER IN
DETAIL?
Ans: HISTORY OF COMPUTER:
A computer history is divided into three
ages;

Dark Ages (3000 B.C – 1890 A.D) Manual

Devices

Middle Age (1890 – 1944)

Electromechanical Devices

Modern
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Electronic Devices
DARK AGES (3000 B.C – 1890 A.D)
MANUAL DEVICES
1. Abacus (3000 B.C)
Chinese people introduced abacus in about 3000 B.C. It
was the first device which used to perform arithmetic
calculations by manipulating the beads. In fact abacus is a
very fast calculating device, by which an operator can
calculate faster then a person using a digital calculator.
2. Napier’s Bones (1617)
In 1617, John Napier a Scotsman designed a device
called “Napier bones”. This device is consist of eleven
bones or rods with numbers marked on them. By placing
these rods side by side products and quotients of large
numbers can be obtained very easily.
Pascal’s Calculator (1642)
In 1642, the great French mathematician Blaise Pascal
invented a calculator called “Pascal’s Calculator”. This
calculator manipulates numbers by rotating a cogwheel
gear byMohsin
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operate next higher digit. We can find this technique, even

now in automobiles odometer which uses a series of
Leibniz Calculator (1694)
In 1694, a German mathematician Wilhem Von Leibniz created a
computing machine that could add, subtract and multiply.
Jacquard’s Loom (1801)
In 1801 the Frenchman, Joseph Marie invented a power loom that
could base its weave and hence the design of fabrics upon a
pattern automatically read from punched wooden cards, held
together in a row by long rope. This was the first punched card
mechanism.
Difference Engine (1822-23)
In 1822-23, an English mathematician Charles Babbage was
presenting a steam driven calculating machine of the size of
room, which he called the difference engine. This machine would
able to compute tables of numbers, such as logarithms tables. It
was used for navigation purpose. By promoting their commercial
and military navies, British Govt. manage to become the earth’s
greatest empire.
Analytical Engine (1833):
After working on difference engine for 10 years, Charles Babbage
worked on another device called Analytical Engine, which
contains all those features which a modern computer today have.
That is why Charles Babbage is known as father of computer.
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MIDDLE AGE (1890 – 1944) ELECTRO-
MECHANICAL DEVICES

• Tabulator (1890)
An American statistician Herman Hollerith developed first
electro-mechanical punched card tabulator in 1890. The
tabulator could read information punched into cards. The
solutions of different problems could be stored on different
stacks of cards. It was used in American census in 1890.
• Mark I (1937-44)
Howard G. Aiken of Harvard University developed a
computer known as Mark I. it was made in 1944 with the
help of IBM. It was the first automatic electro mechanical
computer. It could multiply ten digits in five seconds. Mark
I was very reliable but huge in size.

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 MODERN AGE (Since 1944)
ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The ENIAC (1943-46)

ENIAC stands for Electrical Numerical Integrator
and Calculator. It was the first general-purpose
electronic computer. It was designed by John
William Mauchly and John Eckert in 1946. It was
very heavy and large in size. It consumed 140
kilowatts of power. It could perform 5000
additions per second.it used decimal number
system.
The EDVAC (1946-52)
EDVAC stands for Electronic Discrete Variable
Automatic Computer. It was an electronic
computer designed by John Von Neuman in
1946 with a memory to hold both a stored
program as well as data.
UNIVAC-I (1951)
UNIVAC Mohsin
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Computer built by Remington Rand, become

one of the first commercially available
 IBM 650 (1955)
IBM stands for International Business Machines
was an early computer developed by IBM in 1955.
It was designed to use magnetic drums. It could
read data from punched cards and magnetic tape.
It could perform the calculations in milliseconds. It
could automatically restart the program at a
specific point if an error occurred.
Apple Computer (1977)
Apple-I was developed by Steve Wozniak and
Steve Jobs in 1977. It was the first computer by
the apple company. The common people could use
it easily. Apple-II was the first computer that used
a color display. It was very popular computer of its
time
IBM PC (1981)
IBM Personal Computer was introduced by IBM in
1981. It was a small and fast computer. It could be
attached to an audio cassette player and TV set at
home. ItMohsin
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microprocessor and used Ms-DOS operating

system. It quickly becomes the standard for
Q6. DISCUSS GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER?
Ans:
The development of electronic computers can be divided
into generations depending upon the technologies used.
Different generations of computers are as follows;
Generation Time Period Major Innovations

First generation 1942-1955 Vacuum Tubes

Second generation 1955-1964 Transistors

Third generation 1964-1975 Integrated Circuits

Fourth generation 1975-Present Microprocessor

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Fifth generation Present-Beyond Artificial Intelligence
 First generation 1942-1955 Vacuum Tubes

First Generation Computers (1942-1955)

All the Computers developed in this generation were based on
Vacuum-Tubes technology. For example, ENIAC (Electronic
Numerical Integrator And Computer), Mark-I, Mark-II etc. The
Computers of this generation were very slow, large, and
expansive.
Advantages:
• Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available
during those days.
• Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic
digital computers
• These computers could calculate data in milliseconds
Disadvantages:
• These computers were very large in size
• They Consumed a large amount of energy
• They heated very soon due to thousands of vacuum tubes
• Mohsin
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• Used punch-cards for input

 Second 1955-1964 Transistors

Secondgeneration
Generation Computers (1955-1964)
The second generation computers used transistors. The scientists
of Bell Laboratories developed transistor. These scientists include
John Bardeen, William Brattain and William Shockley. The size of
the computer was decreased by replacing vacuum tubes with
transistors. The examples of second-generation computers are IBM
7094 series, IBM 1400 series and CDC 164 etc.
Advantages:
• Smaller in size as compared to first generation computers
• More reliable
• Used less energy and were not heated
• Better portability
• Used Assembly language instead of machine language
Disadvantages:
• Air Conditioning was required
• Constant maintenance required
• Only used
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• Costly
 Third generation 1964-1975 Integrated

Third Generation Computers (1964-1975) Circuits

The third generation computers used the integrated circuits (IC). Jack
Kilby developed the concept of integrated circuit in 1958. It was an
important invention in the computer field. The first IC was invented and
used in 1961. The size of an IC is about ¼ square inch. A single IC chip
may have contain thousands of transistors. The computer became smaller
in size, faster, more reliable and less expensive. The examples of third-
generation computers are IBM 370, IBM System/360, UNIVAC 1108 and
UNIVAC 9000 etc.
Advantages:
• Smaller in size
• More reliable
• Used less energy
• Produce less heat
• Better speed
• Totally general purpose
• Less expensive
• Better accuracy
• Used mouse and keyboard for input
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Disadvantages:
• Air Conditioning was required
 Fourth 1975-Present Microprocessor
Fourth Generation Computers (1975-Present)
generation
The fourth generation computers stared with the invention of
microprocessor. The microprocessor contains thousands of IC’s Ted Hoff
produced the first microprocessor in 1971 for Intel. It was known as Intel
4004. The LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuit and VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integration) circuit were designed. It greatly reduced the size of computer.
The size of modern microprocessor is usually one square inch. In can
contain millions of electronic circuits. The examples of fourth generation
computers are Apple Macintosh and IBM PC.
Advantages:
• Very Smaller in size
• More reliable
• Used less energy
• Produce less heat
• Better speed
• Totally general purpose
• Commercial production
• Cheapest among all generations
• UseMohsin
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Disadvantages:
• Latest technology is required for the manufacturing of microprocessors.
 Fifth generation Present-Beyond Artificial

Intelligence
Fifth Generation Computers (Present and
Beyond)
Scientists are now working on the 5th generation
of computers using recent engineering advances. It is
the based on the technique of artificial intelligence (AI).
Computers can understand spoken words and imitate
human reasoning. The main fields of AI are Robotics,
Computer Vision etc. Software development was given
more important than hardware.

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Q6. What is Hardware? Explain hardware troubleshooting
Concept

Ans: Hardware: All the physical parts of a computer system are

called hardware. For example Keyboard, CPU, Printer, Monitor,
Hard Disk etc.
Hardware troubleshooting Concept:
Hardware troubleshooting is the process of reviewing, diagnosing
and identifying
operational or technical problems within a hardware device or
equipment. It aims to resolve physical and/or logical problems and
issues within a computing hardware. Hardware troubleshooting is
done by hardware or technical support technician.

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 Hardware troubleshooting processes primarily aim to resolve
computer hardware problems using a systematic approach. The
process starts by first identifying the problem and finding different
issues that can cause such a problem and eventually leading to
implementing a solution or alternative.
Hardware troubleshooting is generally done on hardware
equipment installed within a computer, server, laptop or related
device.
Some processes within hardware troubleshooting include:
• Removing, repairing and replacing faulty RAM, hard disk or
video/graphic card.
• Cleaning dusts from RAM and Video carts slot/ports and from cooling
fan.
• Tightening cable and jumpers on motherboard and/or components.
• Software related hardware problems such as device driver update or
installation.

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