INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Definition of a computer:
 Computer-Is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it under the
influence of instructions to produce information.
 It is a data processor.

Data.
 This is unprocessed items like numbers, letters or symbols and has no any
meaning to the user.
 It is raw facts.

Information.
 It is the processed data that is meaningful to the user.
 Refer to data which has been processed.

Processing.
 Refer to the way data is manipulated or handled to turn it into information.

DATA PROCESS INFORMATION

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3+7 addition 3 + 7 = 10

Computing.
 This is the use of computer to manipulate data.

DATA DATA DATA

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

STORAGE
Parts of a computer system.
 A computer consists of different independent components that are assigned
different functions to process data at a high speed and efficiency.
 These components are divided into major categories i.e.

a) Hardware.
b) Software.
c) Orgware/live ware.

a) Hardware.
 It consists of physical(tangible) components or parts of a computer which
are electrical, mechanical or electronic parts.
 Components are used for input, processing, storage and communication
e.g. keyboard, central processing unit(CPU), mouse etc.
b) Software.
 This is made up of detailed instructions called programs and data that
enable the hardware to perform tasks at a very high speed.
 A program is a server of step-by-step instructions that tell the computer
what and how to do a task.
c) Orgware/live ware.
 Human beings have got the ability though limited to manipulate data.

Assignment:
Draw a well labelled diagram of a computer system and state different
parts that make up a computer.

The system unit.

 It is the casing that houses electronic components such as the brain of the
computer called the CPU, central processing unit and other storage
devices.
 Connects to all peripheral devices using ports.
 Has got computer’s power switch.

Types of system units.

 There are two types of system units:
 A. Tower style system unit.
B. Desktop system unit.

A. Tower system unit.

 The system is made up to stand alone.
 They are designed to be placed on the floor.
 Have more space for expansion than desktop.

B. Desktop system unit.

 Lie on the desk with monitor resting on top of the system unit.

The central processing unit(CPU).

 This is the brain of the computer and carries out all the processing within
the computer.

The keyboard.
 It looks like a typewriter and has letters, numbers and other keys through
which data is entered into the computer.

The mouse.
 It is a pointing device that enables the user to issue instructions to the
computer by controlling a special mouse pointer displayed on the screen.

The monitor.
 It is a television like screen used for displaying output.
 The monitor enables the user to monitor or track or see what is going on in
the computer.

Advantages of using computers.

1. Speed-A computer can work in a very high information processing speed

compared to manual work.
2. Volume-It can handle very large volumes of data simultaneously without
becoming tired.
3. Complexity-It can handle very complex arithmetic calculations within a very
short time.
4. Accuracy-Computers are very accurate as long as the person controlling it
gives proper instructions.
5. Versatility-It can do different things or same things over and over again
without being worn out.
 6. Secrecy-Information can be protected from unauthorized personnel.
7. Multitasking-A computer can handle various or a variety of tasks at the same
time.
Disadvantages of using computers.
1. Computers are costly in terms of purchase and maintenance.
2. Computers can only be used in areas where there is a source of power.
3. Requires skilled manpower to operate i.e. one has to have some knowledge
so as to operate a computer.
4. A computer like any other device can breakdown.
5. Information stored in computers can easily get lost whenever there is power
interruptions or machine breakdown.

Historical development of computers.

 Before 19th century, people used to do things manually.
 They used simple tools like stones and sticks to count and keep records.
 Around 2000 years ago, Asian merchants came up with a special calculating
tool called Abacus that could be used to calculate large figures.
 The first computer was invented in 1939 by professor Howard Aken of
Harvard University.
 It weighted 5tonnes and was 16metres long.
 Since then many computers have been realized and can be grouped or
categorized into five generations.
Computer generations.
 Computer Generation-Is a grouped summary of the gradual developments in
the computer technology.

1st Generation Computers.

 It was invented between 1946-1956.
 It was large in physical size.
 It had a volume capacity of 2KB.
 It used punched cards as an input device.
 It used vacuum tube(VT) as electronic technology.
 It generated and consumed a lot of power during processing due to
overheating.
 They were very slow in processing speed.
 They were very costly.

2nd Generation Computers.

 Invented between 1957-1963.
 They are more reliable than 1st generation computers.
  They used transistors as their main electronic components.
 The transistors consumed comparatively less power than vacuum tubes.
 Were smaller in size than the 1st generation computers.
 Their internal memory was higher than the 1st generation computers which
was about 32KB
 Had a programming language whose vocabulary was close to human natural
language.

3rd Generation Computers.

 Invented between 1964-1970s.
 They were more reliable and powerful computers than the 1st and 2nd
generations computers.
 They were operated on integrated circuits (IC) technology.
 The ICs were smaller hence smaller computers than 2nd generation
computers.
 Their processing speed was higher.
 Had a higher memory capacity than the 2nd generation computers of about
2MBs.

4th Generation Computers.

 These are the computers in use today which contain more complex micro-
electronic devices.
 They are the smallest.
 They have higher processing power and higher internal memory capacity.
 Their design is based on a large scale integrated circuit (LSIC) which are the
modifications of the 3rd generation technology.
 They use a complex circuitry.
 This generation marked the origin at the mini-computers used today.

5th Generation Computers.

 It is still a state of the art technology, state of the earth that relays on
predictions and further technological refinements.
 The design is based on very large scale integrated circuits (VLSIC) which is
the microchip technology that has given rise to the smaller computers i.e.
micro-computers in use today.
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

 Computers can be classified based on several attributes.

 They can be categorized according to:
a. Physical size and processing power.
b. Purpose of the computer.
c. Functionality.
d. Generation.

Classification according to physical size and processing power.

 The power of a computer depends on its processing speed.

 Computer systems are classified according to physical size as:

1. Super-computers.
2. Main-frame computers.
3. Micro-computers.
4. Mini-computers.

1) Super-computers.

 These are the fastest, largest, most expensive and more powerful computers.
 They are able to perform many complex calculations in a fraction of a
second.
 They are kept in a special room due to their huge and extreme weight.
 They generate a lot of heat due to their huge processing power, hence special
cooling systems are required.
 They are mainly used for scientific research.

2) Main-frame computers.

 They are less powerful, less expensive than super-computers.

 They are big in size but not like super-computers.
 They are used for processing data and performing complex mathematical
calculations.
 They have large storage capacity and can support a variety of peripherals.
 They can handle all kinds of problems whether scientific or commercial.
 Mostly used in organizations, government agencies and companies such as
Banks, hospitals, airports etc.
 3) Mini-computers.

 Resembles the main frame but slightly smaller.

 Supports fewer peripheral devices and are not as powerful and fast as the
main frame.
 Mainly used in scientific laboratories, research institutions, engineering
plants etc.
 They are used for functions such as Accounting, word processing etc.

4) Micro-computers.

 They are the smallest cheapest and relatively least powerful.

 They are called micro-computers because their CPU is called micro-
processor.
 Are also called Personal Computers (PC) because: They are designed to
be used by one person at a time.
 Are commonly used training and learning institutions, business enterprises,
communication centers etc.

Types of micro-computers.

1. Desk top computers.

 Not portable.
 Designed to be placed on top of office desk hence their name.

2. The laptop computers.

 Portable like a briefcase.

 Designed to be placed on the lap hence their name.

3. The palmtop.

 Small enough to fit in the pocket and can be held in the palm when being
used.
Classification according to purpose.

 Computers can be classified according to the task they perform either as:

1. General purpose.
2. Special purpose.
3. Dedicated.

1. General purpose computers.

 They have been designed to be able to perform a variety of task when loaded
with appropriate programs.
 They are mostly used today and their flexibility enables them to be applied
in a wide range of range of applications, like documents processing,
calculation processing, data and information management.

2. Special purpose computers.

 Designed to serve a specific purpose or task in different application

environment.
 They are used mostly on their purpose that were meant to do.
 Examples include; mobile phone for communication, robots used in
manufacturing industry and electronic calculators that carry out
calculations only.

3. Dedicated purpose computers.

 They are capable of performing one specific task in different application

environment.

Classification according to functionality.

 Computes can be classified according to the type of data they can process
and this data can either be;
In discrete or continuous form.
 Discrete data is also called digital data and can be represented as distinct
values e.g. 1 or zero (0)
 Continuous data is also called analogue data and can be represented as
progressively changing values overtime.
 a. Analog data.

50
50

0
0

b. Digital data.

50

0 0

 Computers can be classified as either digital, analog or hybrid.

a. Digital computers.

 They process digital data only.

 Data to be processed by a digital computer must first be converted to digital
form.
 Most home appliances are digital in nature.
 b. Analog computers.

 Refers to computers that process data that is analog in nature.

 They solve problems by measuring the amount of change that occurs in
quantities like speed, temperature and pressure.
 They are special purpose devices that is dedicated to a single task.
 They are used in manufacturing process control like monitoring and
regulating fanes temperature, pressure.

c. Hybrid computers.

 They are designed to process both digital and analog data.

Areas where computers are used.

 Computers are used in many areas for data processing functions.

 The following are some of the areas where computers are used:

1. Supermarkets.
 Most retail stores use computers to help in the management of daily
activities like stock control.
2. Offices.
 Most modern office functions have been automated for faster message
distribution and document processing.
3. Banks.
 Special cash dispensing machines called Automated Teller Machines
(ATMs) have enabled automation of cash deposit and withdrawal services.
4. Industries.
 They are being used to monitor and control industrial process.
 They have seen the wide use of remote control devices called robots.
5. Transport.
 Computers are used to monitor vehicle traffic in a busy town, aircraft
navigation and to take reservation.
6. Hospitals.
 Computers are used in hospital to keep patients records in order to provide
easy access of treatment and diagnosis history.
 They also control life supporting machines in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
7. Communication.
 Integration of computers and telecommunication facilities has made message
transmission and reception to be very fast and efficient.
 8. Law enforcement agencies.
 Information held in computers such as fingerprints, photographs and other
identification details helps law enforcers to carry out criminal investigation
speedily.
9. Education.
 Computers are used tin teaching and learning process.
 Learning and teaching using computers is referred to as Computer Aided
Learning (CAL) and Computer Aided Teaching (CAT).
10.Domestic and Entertainment.
 Computers can be used at home for recreational activities such as watching
movies, playing music and computer games.

THE COMPUTER LABORATORY.

 A computer laboratory is a room that has been prepared to facilitate

installation of computers and to provide a safe condusive environment for
teaching and learning of computer studies.

Factors to consider when preparing a computer laboratory.

1. Security of computer programs and other resources.

2. Reliability of the source of power.
3. The number of computers to be installed and available floor space.
4. The maximum number of users that the laboratory can accommodate.

Safety precautions and practices in the computer laboratory.

Behavior in the computer lab/practices.

 The following rules must be followed in and out of the computer laboratory:

1. Avoid smoking or exposing computers to dust.

 This is because smoke and dust smaller brassive particles that can damage
computer components and cause wearing of moving parts.
2. Avoid carrying food and beverages to the computer room.
 Food may fall into the moving parts of the computer and damage them.
 Liquids may spill into the computer parts causing rusting or electrical faults.
 3. Avoid unnecessary movements.
 Because you may accidentally knock down peripheral devices.
4. At all times follow the correct procedure for starting and shutting down
the computer to avoid loss of data and damage to the computer programs.
5. Do not open up the metallic covers of the computers/peripheral devices
without permission and particularly when the computer’s power is still on.

Precautions:

1. Protection against fire.

 A computer room should have a gaseous fire extinguisher like those filled
with carbon dioxide.
 Water based or powder extinguishers should be avoided because they can
cause damage to computer components.
2. Cables insulations.
 All power cables must be properly insulated and laid away from busy
pathways in the room.
 This avoids the danger of exposing the user to electric shock, and power
interruptions caused by stumbling on cables.
3. Stable power supply.
 Power from main supply is not always stable and may sometimes experience
power power surges or under voltage (brownout).
 To protect the computer from being damaged due to power instabilities,
avoid connecting it to direct to the main supply, instead connect it to a
special device called Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)

Main supply stable power supply

Unstable power supply screen mouse

UPS

System
unit

keyboard

 The UPS charges when mains power is on and when mains power goes off it
gives some sound alert (usually a beeping sound) to alert the users.
Functions of UPS
1. It regulates power from unstable power source to the required clean stable
voltage by eliminating surges and brownouts.
2. It temporarily provides power to the computer in case of sudden power
failure allowing the user to store his/her work and shut the computer using
the correct procedure.

4. Burglar proofing.
 To prevent unauthorized personnel to enter a computer, it is important to
employ the following controls:
 Fit strong metallic grills and docks on doors, windows and roof incase
the roofing is weak.
 Do not welcome strangers into the computer room.
 Consider installing the security alarms at strategic computer points
that would alert the security personnel in case of a break in.
5. Ventilation.
 There must be a good air circulation in a computer room to avoid
suffocation and overheating.
 Proper ventilation can be ensured by:
 Ensuring that the room has got enough ventilation points like
windows and vents.
 Installing an air conditioning system.
 Avoid overcrowding of either machine or people in the room.
6. Dust and damp control.
 The room should be fitted with special curtains that will reduce entry of dust
particles.
 Computers must remain covered using dust covers when not in use.
 Humidity must be regulated in the computer lab to remain at an optimum of
50%.
 Humidity lower than this allows static electricity to build up and causes
damages to sensitive electronic components.
 High humidity of over 70% causes rusting of the metallic parts of the
computer system.
 Lower humidity can be eliminated by placing humidifiers in the room while
installing dehumidifiers in the room can control high humidity.
7. Lighting.
 A computer room must be well lit to avoid eye strain that eventually leads to
headache, stress and fatigue.
 The user should adjust the light of the screen/monitor until the eyes feel
comfortable.
  The user should also fit radiation filter screen. This screens are especially
tinted to reduce light that reaches the eye.
 Avoid using flicker monitor, because this causes extreme eye strain that can
damage eyesight.
8. Standard furniture.
 The table on which a computer is placed must be strong and wide enough to
bear the weight and accommodate all peripheral devices.
 The seat for the user must be comfortable and have a straight back rest that
allows someone to sit upright.
 This avoids muscle pains and back ache caused by poor sitting posture.

Practical hands on skills.

Starting up (booting) a computer.