Introduction to ICT

Six Elements of computer

1. People are the most important part of, and beneficiaries of a computer and
communication system.
People as complicated factor.
When experts speak of the unintended effects of technology what they are usually refer to are
the unexpected things people do with it. People can complicate the workings of a system in
three ways :
Faulty assessment of information needs
Human emotions affects performance.
Human perception maybe too slow.
2. Procedures are description of how things are done. These are steps for
accomplishing a result. Some procedures may be expressed in manuals or
documentations. Manuals are called documents which contain instructions, rules or
guidelines to follow when using hardware or software.
3. Data/information Data are considered the raw material (whether in paper, electronic or other
forms) processed by the computer. In other words, data consists of the raw facts
and figures that are processed into information.
Information is summarized data or otherwise manipulated data that is useful
for decision-making.
4. Hardware consists of all the machinery and equipment in a computer system.
A. Input Hardware consists of devices that allow people to put data into the
computer in a form that the computer can use L
1. Keyboard it includes the standard typewriter keys plus a number of specialized
keys. The standard keys are mostly to enter words and number. Specialized
keys are used to enter commands.
2. Mouse it is a device that can be rolled about on a desktop to direct the pointer
on the computer display screen. The pointer is a symbol, usually an arrow, on
the computer screen that shows where data maybe entered next, such as text
in word processing program.
3. Scanners translate images of text, drawings and photos into digital form. The
images can be processed by a computer, displayed on a monitor, stored on a
storage device or communicated to another computer.
B. Processing and Memory Hardware the brain of the computer are the
processing and the main memory devices, housed in the computers system unit.
The system unit or the system cabinet, houses the electronic circuitry called the
CPU, which does the actual processing and the main memory which supports the
processing.
1. CPU (The processor) CPU or Central Processing Unit, is the processor or the
computing part of the computer. It controls and manipulates data to produce
information. The CPU is usually a single fingernail size chip called
microprocessor with electric circuits printed on it. This microprocessor and
other components necessary to make it work and mounted on a main board
called a mother board or system board.

Two components of CPU :

a. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) responsible for performing arithmetic or
mathematical operations. It performs addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division and complicated calculations. It makes logical decision by
comparing information from one another.
b. Control Unit (CU) is the CPUs traffic cop. It directs the way and sends
data into the computer memory going to the ALU then sending to the output
device.
2. Memory is the storage of the computer where all the information being
entered or worked on are kept.
2 types of memory.
1. Primary Memory (RAM) Random Access Memory.
2. Secondary Memory (ROM) Read-only Memory.

RAM
The instructions and data that you
enter
And currently working is stored in
RAM.
RAM data is temporary.
RAM information is volatile or unstable
And its contents are lost as soon as
the
Computer is switched off.

ROM
The instructions needed to start up
the
Computer are stored in ROM.
ROM data is permanent.
ROM is non-volatile or stable because
the
Contents stored in it are not lost even
if the
Computer is switched off.


C. Output Hardware consists of devices that translate information
processed by the computer into a form that humans can understand.

1. Monitor most common output device. It displays the text, numbers

and graphics done in the computer. There are 3 classes of
monitory : CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Cristal Display),
LED (Light Emitting Diode).
2. Printer it is a device that converts computer output into printed
images. 3 kinds of printer : Dot matrix printer (uses ribbon), Inkjet
printer (uses cartridge or liquid ink), Laser Jet (uses toner cartridge
or powdered ink).

3. Sound many computers emit chirps and beeps. Sound go beyond

those noises and contain sound processes and speakers that can
play digital music or human-like speech.

D. Secondary Storage Hardware (External Storage) consists of

devices that store data and programs semi-permanently on disk or
tape.

1. Diskette of floppy disk is a removable round, flexible disk that

stores data as magnetized spot. The disk is contained in a plastic
case or a square paper enveloped to prevent the disk surface form
being touched by human hands.
2. Hard disk is a disk made out of metal and covered with a
magnetic recording surface. It also holds data represented by the
presence (1) and absence (0) of magnetized spots.
3. Optical Disk CD-ROM is disk written and read by lasers. CD-ROM,
which stands for Compact Disk Read Only Memory, is one kind of
optical-disk format that is used to hold text, graphics and sound.
5 . Software programs consists of step-by-step instructions that tell the
computer how to perform task.
Two major types of software.
1. Application software the kind of software that people use to perform a
general purpose task, such as word processing software used to prepare
the text for document, desktop publishing or payroll processing.

Type of application software.

a. Customized software software designed for a particular customer.
In this case, we need to hire a computer programmer or software
creator to develop a software for the customer.
b. Packaged software is the kind of off-the-shelf program developed
for sale to the general public. Examples are word processing and
spreadsheet programs.
2. System software consists of several programs, the most important of
which is the operating system. The Operating System acts as the master
control program that runs the computer. The purpose of the operating
system is to allow applications to operate by standardizing access to
shared resources such as disks and memory.

6 . Communication is electronic transfer of data from one place to another

if all six elements in a computer-and communications system.
Communication is probably the most active frontier at this point.

Classification of Computers

Computers are primarily classified accordingly to the following criteria :

1 Classification by purpose - whether the system is general or special

purpose;

General-purpose computer - are designed to handle a variety of

applications such as payroll, accounts receivables, inventory control,
marketing and financial problems. Although their versatility means a
sacrifice in speed and efficiency of performance, they have the
advantage of low-cost operation and long, extensive testing during
production to eliminate "bugs".
Special-purpose computer - are designed to solve specific types of
problems. Usually tailored to the needs of a single customer, they
lack the flexibility of the general-purpose computer.

1 Classification by the type of data - the type of data, it is capable of

manipulating (specifically whether the system is Analog, Digital, or Hybrid)

Analog Computers - the name analog came from the word

"analogous" , meaning similar. They convert data into voltage and
compute by measuring the changes in voltage. Their primary
advantage is their prompt response in the handling of data generated
by an ongoing physical process. The obvious drawback is the
accuracy factor. An analog computer produces systematic errors
which occasionally cause slight deviation from the true value.
Digital Computers - all the arithmetic computations depend
ultimately on counting. Digital computes handle numbers in discrete
form. It is capable of reading numbers in degrees of accuracy far
greater than those reached by the analog computer. The digital
computers is also capable of storing data as long as needed,
performing logical operations, editing input data, and printing out the
results of its processing at high speed.

Hybrid Computers - combines the measuring capabilities of the

analog computer and the logical and control capabilities of digital
computer.

1 Classification by speed and size

a Supercomputers primarily used for scientific research that involves

with the manipulation of highly complex mathematical data and
equations.
Used by Physicists to study and analyze the results of
explosions of nuclear weapons, Meteorologist to analyze and
study the information. Scientist and Engineers use this to
sort through, analyze and interpret mountains of seismic
data gathered during oil-seeking explorations.

a Mainframe Computers are large computers that could occupy on

entire room.
Mainframe computers are expensive and very powerful and it has many
processors working at the same time, performing several tasks.
It easily and quickly does big volume of data processing for big business,
enterprise, government offices, and scientific research.

a Minicomputers are computers a bit smaller and less expensive

compared mainframe computers. These are used in small and medium
businesses.

a Microcomputers - are small in size and affordable in price compared to

mainframe and minicomputer.
A microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor as its central
processing unit. It includes a microprocessor, memory, and input/output
(I/O) facilities. Such computers are physically small compared
to mainframes andminicomputers. Many microcomputers (when equipped
with a keyboard and screen for input and output) are also personal
computers (in the generic sense).

Types of Microcomputer

1 Desktop /Personal Computers is for a single or personal use by a certain

individual. Most of the computers that we see and read about today are under
this category.
Workstation - when a personal computer is connected to a main computer
called sever (to form a network), it is called a workstation.
1 Laptop Computers is the most popular microcomputer because of its small
size but also as powerful as desktop. It is generally for a personal use because
it can be carried around anywhere and anytime.

as laptop has improved, it is later on called a notebook.

While, Palmtop computers are the fast emerging type of portable

computers now. They are small enough to be put into a pocket. Ex. Smart
phones

1 Palmtop - is the smallest among the portable microcomputers. It is as small as

calculators or as big as your palm. It is operated by rechargeable batteries but
it is less powerful than a desktop and laptop.