Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers

1) Computer is an electronic device, operating under the controls of instructions stored

in its own memory, that can receive input, processing and produce output.
2) Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which may include text, numbers, video,
audio and images.
3) Information convey meaning and is useful to people.
4) Hardware refers to the physical elements that make up a computer.
5) Software is a set of instruction or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks.
6) Liveware-computer user&human-ware. The user commands the computer system to
execute on instructions.
7) 5 components of the computer
Input device-allow u to enter data and instruction into to computer.
-keyboard, mouse, scanner
Output device-hardware component that convey information to one and more
people.
-printer, screen, speaker
System unit-Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that
are used to process data.
Storage device-Holds information, instructions and data for future use.
-memory card, optical disc drive, hard disk drive
Communication device-enables a computer to receive and send data, instructions
information to and from one or more computers
-modem

8) Advantages of using computers Disadvantages of using computers

Speed
Health risks
Reliability
Violation of privacy
Consistency
Public safety
Storage
Impact on labor force
Information
Impact on environment
9) A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often
wirelessly, via communicate devices and transmission media.
10) Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connect million business,
government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
11) World Wide Web(WWW) is one of the most popular service on the Internet.
Web pages-the web contains billions of documents
-text, graphic, animation, audio and video
A web site is a collection of related web pages
12) Social Networking Web site is an online community that encourages members to
share their interests, ideas, stories, photo, music, and videos with other registered
users.
 13) System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operation of the
computer and its devices.
Operating system- a set of programs that coordinate all the activities among
computer hardware devices.
Utility system-allows a user to perform maintenance type task usually related to
managing computer, its devices.
14) Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive
and or assist them with personal tasks. Example: Microsoft Word ,Microsoft Excel
15) Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and
other hardware.
16) Categories of Computers
i. Personal computers
o Can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities
by itself
o Desktop Computers is designed so that the system unit, input, output
and other devices to fit entirely on a desk.
o Laptop is a portable, personal computer often designed to fit on your
lap
Desktop vs Laptop
Cost Starting point is relatively Powerful laptop(higher speed,
cheap better graphics, more storage
space),price can be considerably
higher
Portability large in size and not the Portable due to their compact size
choice for portability
Processor Little bit larger in size, more Limited when compared to desktop
powerful than laptop processor
processor
Ease of More cumbersome than a Built to be easy to use
assembly laptop
Upgrading Most components-easily Remaining components-built-in and
removable, making it easier not removable & not designed to
to upgrade work with an upgraded version
Repair Must easier-hardware can be Difficult-finding a replacement part
easily purchased off the shelf often requires calling the computer
or ordering from another online site

ii. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Mobile Computer Mobile device
Personal computer u can carry from place Computing device small enough to hold in
to place your hand
Notebook Computer ,Tablet PC Handheld computer, Handheld computer

iii. Game console

o Mobile computing device designed for single player or multiplayer video
games
 iv. Servers
o Controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a
network
o Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information
v. Mainframes
o Large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or
thousands of connected users simultaneously
o Store tremendous amounts of data, instructions, information
o Act as servers in a network environment
o Used for typical bulk data processing like survey industry
vi. Supercomputers
o Fastest, most powerful computer
vii. Embedded Computers
o Special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger
product
17) 5 elements of an Information System
People-Needed to supply the data to ICT system and make judgements and
decisions
Hardware-Physical components that make up the ICT system. Eg: input
devices, storage, processor, output devices and communication devices
Data-Raw material of any ICT system processed by the system to provide the
information which is the output
Procedures-Determine what is to be done and when passing of data or
information between people
Software-Computer programs which provide step-by-step instructions to get job
done
Information-The results of processing data. The output from an ICT system
18) Examples of computer usage
Home user-communication, entertainment
Small Office/Home Office User-look up information, send and receive
e-mail message
Mobile user-Listen to music, watch movie
Power user-Work with multimedia
Enterprise user-Communicate among employees