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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
DEFINITION OF A COMPUTER
Computer is an electronic device or a set of devices that work together under the control of
stored programmes accepting data from outside and processing it to give information.
Data: These are raw facts and figures fed to a computer
Information: This is processed data
Processing: Procedure of converting data to information. Manipulation of data into a more
useful and intelligible form
Output
Input
Data Processing Information
Qualities of a computer
1. It is a storage device i.e. it can be used to store data and information for later
reference. Data can be stored in storage devices such as diskettes, flash disks, hard
disks, compact disks e.t.c
2. It is a data processor. It processes raw facts and figures to produce information.
3. It is automatic. It works with minimum human intervention once supplied with data
and instructions
4. It is electrical: it needs some form of power to drive it
Advantages of a computer
1. saves space: Computers store large chunks of information in limited space
2. saves time: Computers perform tasks in very short times compared to working
manually thus saves time
3. Efficient and accurate: Computers have minimum chances of making mistakes if the
data and instructions are correct. (GIGO)
4. Secure: Computers are secure in storing information if well managed.
5. Versatility: Computers can do same thing repeatedly without getting worn out.
6. Consistency: A computer gives the same results once supplied with the same data and
instructions.
Disadvantages of a Computer
1. Computers cut down employment opportunities
2. Computers need skilled labour (they need expertise)
3. They can cause eye problems
4. Can lose information if not well managed
FIELDS WHERE COMPUTERS ARE APPLIED
Weather forecasting
Mathematical and statistical analysis
Design work
Medical diagnosis
Education
Business
Entertainment
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CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Computers are classified according to size and function
According to function, there are three types;
1. Analogue computers: they are used to manipulate continuous none countable data.
The display there output inform of graphs or analogue signals.
2. Digital computers: used widely in research business and education. Their output is
displayed in numbering system.
3. Hybrid computers: Have both digital and analogue characteristics
Types of digital computers
There are three types of digital computers
Mainframe computers
Mini computers
Microcomputers
Mainframe computers
They are large in size
They have large memory and high storage capacity.
High processing capacity
Can support many uses at the same time
Mostly used by large organization with high demand for information
They need air conditioned rooms with cooling systems
Mini computers
This is a scaled down version of the mainframe computer
Smaller than main frame
Lower storage space
Slower processing speed
Can support several users
Micro computers
They are smaller, cheaper, slower and with lower storage than mainframe and mini.
They have only one micro processor
They are mostly general purpose
Examples of micro-computers: personal computer (pc), laptop, notebook.
Starting the computer
Turn on the power button on the CPU, and then turn on the power on the screen/monitor.
Booting
This is the process by which the computer loads system files into the memory. This process
involves diagnosis tests
When a computer does not respond to input or output devices, it is advisable to reboot or
restart the computer.
There are two methods of rebooting the computer.
a) Warm booting. This is restarting the computer where it shuts down and restarts without
turning it on from the switch buttons. This is done by pressing CTR + ALT + DEL and
then follows the instructions.
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b) Cold booting. This restarting the computer by turning off the power buttons then turning
them on again.
Shutting down a computer
Click on the start button on the task bar
Point to shut down computer and click (a dialog box appears)
Click turn off
Computer system
A computer system is made up of
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Orgware (the user or operator)
Hardware
The computer hardware comprises of all physical component of a computer. The hardware
equipment fall under the following categories;
Input devices
Output devices
Central processing unit
Input devices
These are used to key- in data and instruction in the computer
Examples:
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner used to feed pictorial data into the computer. (they work like cameras)
Plotter: used for drawing complex maps.
Joystick: provide motion they are mostly used for playing games
Barcode reader: used in whole sale and retail e.g. supermarket to capture data about the
item being sold.
The mouse
The standard mouse has got two buttons
Left buttons used to:
Issue commands
Move items
Select
Highlight (by holding down and dragging)
Right mouse button:
Used to retrieve commands
Create short cuts.
Keyboard
The keyboard keys can be divided into five groups
1. Functional keys- no specific use (program dependent) no specific use apart from F1.
F1 is used to activate help notes
2. Additional keys:- they include
Print screen: Used to send a snapshot of the information to the clipboard for printing
Scroll lock: Used to start & stop the scrolling display of data on the screen.
Insert: Used to overwrite a text.
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Home: Takes the cursor back to the beginning
End: Takes the cursor to the end
Page up and page down: Navigates the page up and down
Delete: used for erasing
Arrow keys: Used for navigating the cursor
3. Numeric keypad: - contain numerals to use this you must switch on the num-lock
button.
4. Typing keypad used for typing. Contain numerals, alphabet and punctuation marks.
5. Special keys
Esc: used to escape the unwanted program from the screen
Tab: used for indentation
Caps-lock: used for switching from capital letters (upper case) to lower case
Shift: used for typing the upper keys in the shared keys.
Ctrl & Alt: Program dependent, used in cooperation with other keys to perform
some routine tasks.
Space bar: used for inserting spaces between characters
Enter: used to move to the next
Back space: used for erasing characters from the left
System unit (Central Processing Unit) CPU
All the processing is done in the CPU
Processing
Control unit
Arithmetic
& logic unit
Data Information
Main memory
Input Output
Read Only Memory
Input devices e.g. Output devices e.g.
Mouse
Random Access Memory Screen
Keyboard Printer
Scanner Speaker
Joystick
Plotter
It can be divided in to three major sections
i. Control unit: this part carries out instruction and tells the rest of the computer what to
do. It also carry out processing and control the use of the main storage to store data and
instruction
ii. Arithmetic and logic unit: it carries all arithmetic and logic operations.
iii. Main memory: it holds current data and instructions. It is the main storage in the
computer and thus termed as primary storage
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The main memory can be divided into:
READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM) the content of ROM is permanent. It mostly holds
permanent programs that the computer need each time it is started (boot system files)
RANDOM ACCESSMEMORY (RAM) This is the computer working area. It holds current
data and instructions.
It is a volatile memory i.e. it loses it content once the power is off.
This memory can be upgraded to enhance the performance of one computer. This can be done
by adding more memory banks in the memory expansion slots on the computer mother board.
NB/ The larger the memory of a computer the faster the computer
Because the RAM, which is the user memory, is volatile data generated during computing has
to be stored permanently for future use. Back up storage (secondary storage) is needed for
this. Secondary storage includes
Compact disc, dikettes, hard disks, flash disk, zips drive etc.
Peripherals
These are hardware component that are outside the system unit. They are used for input
output or storage.
Output devices:
These are hardware devices used for relaying what is inside the computer to the outside.
Examples
Screen (video display unit VDU) monitor
Printer
Speakers
SOFTWARE (PROGRAM)
A program is a set of instructions written in a language known to the computer telling
computer what to do
It is the intangible (electronic part of the computer)
Software is divided into
System software
Application software
A) System software
These are programs concerned with effective running of computer hardware (program meant
for system use).
i. Operating systems:
This include the following;-
Windows (95, windows 98, windows 2000 windows millennium, windows XP and
windows NT)
Linux
Unix
Dos
ii.Utility programs (e.g. anti virus)
iii.Language translator
B) Application Software
These are program written to solve the users need (custom programs)
These programs can be classified in to two:
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user application program
Application packages
a) User application programs:
These are programs that meet specification of the user. They are not ready made but are
made on the request by the programmers or software houses.
They take time to develop.
b) Application packages
These are ready programs that can be readily purchased by the user. They cover common
business function and have different applications. Examples
Word processors -used for preparation of documents e.g. Ms word
Spread sheet -used for manipulation of numerical data e.g. Ms excel
Data base management system-used for record management e.g. Ms access
Presentation programs-used for creating output for presentation e.g. Ms power point
Desktop publishing programs-used for creating publication e.g. fliers, certificates,
newsletter e.g. page maker and publisher
Drawing and designing programs e.g. Corel draw illustrator.
Accounting packages e.g. Sage, Pastel, Quick books
COMPUTER VIRUSES
They are programs designed to alter/affect normal functioning of the computer. They damage
the information stored in the computer. examples are:-
Worm virus
Trojan
Bomb
How virus spread
They mainly spread through contact
Network like internet
Infected hardware i.e. diskettes, flash disk and memories
Fake software e.g. games
Pirated software.
Symptoms of virus infections:-
The computer repeatedly tells you that you have performed an illegal operation and
the computer shuts down
A message that you don’t have enough memory to run, load a program that was
previously running.
File changing sizes unusually and filling your storage media.
The computer keeps on hanging
Program access taking longer than usual.
Prevention of virus
Virus can be prevented using the following measures
Avoid downloading information from internet on unprotected sites
Avoid pirated soft wares
Scan your diskettes before use, using anti – virus toolkit programs e. g. Dr Solomon
anti-virus toolkit, MacAfee anti-virus, Norton, pc-culling, bit-defender antivirus etc.
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Avoid using diskette in different computers.
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