INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE Sept 2022

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS

Introduction to computers

1.1 Definition of terms

Computer

Is an information processing machine. Or device that works under the control of stored
programs automatically accepting, storing and processing information.

A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions (software)

stored in its own memory unit, that can accept data (input), manipulate data (process), and
produce information (output) from the processing.

Data

Is a collection of raw facts, figures and symbols, such as numbers, words, images, video and
sound, given to the computer during the input phase.

Information

Refers to processed data or data that is organized, meaningful, and useful.

Forms of information – text, graphics, images, voice

Communication

Refers to the electronic transfer of data, from one place to another.

Technology

Refers to basically the know-how, the best way to do things, perfected over time. It is
best understood and appreciated when it is done through machines.

System

Group of related components and operations that interact to perform a task.

System unit

is the main container for system devices. It protects the delicate electronic and
mechanical devices from damage. Contains memory, CPU, motherboard

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Peripherals

Are devices that connect to the system unit using cables or wireless technologies. Eg
mouse, key board, speakers

Computer system

is a collection of electronic and mechanical devices operating as a unit. These devices

can be sorted according to the role they play in the computer system. Examples are Printer,
keyboard, monitor, mouse, speaker, system unit, storage devices, scanner,

Input devices - These devices are used to get data into the computer system

Processing devices - These manipulate the data using to a set of instructions called a
program

Output devices - These are used to get data out of a computer system

Storage devices - The can store the data for use at a later stage

Communications devices - These can send the data to another computer system

What does a computer do?

Computers can perform four general operations, which comprise the information processing
cycle or operations

1. Input - it accepts data or instructions

2. Process - it processes data as per the instructions, creating,
manipulating, storing, accessing and transmitting
3. Output - it gives results in the form of output.
4. Storage - it stores data and instruction

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS
Speed
Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of performing about
3-4 million simple instructions per second.
Accuracy

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In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur can almost
always be attributed to human error (inaccurate data, poorly designed system or faulty
instructions/programs written by the programmer)
Diligence
Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer from human traits
of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration. Computers, therefore, are better
than human beings in performing voluminous and repetitive jobs.
Versatility
Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any task as long as it can be
broken down into a series of logical steps. The presence of computers can be seen in almost
every sphere – Railway/Air reservation, Banks, Hotels, Weather forecasting and many more.
Storage Capacity
Today’s computers can store large volumes of data. A piece of information once recorded (or
stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can be retrieved almost instantaneously.

Advantages of computers:
1. High speed: Computers have the ability to perform routine tasks at a greater speed than
human beings. They can perform millions of calculations in seconds.
2. Accuracy: Computers are used to perform tasks in a way that ensures accuracy.
3. Storage: Computers can store large amount of information. Any item of data or any
instruction stored in the memory can be retrieved by the computer at lightning speeds.
4. Automation: Computers can be instructed to perform complex tasks automatically ( which
increases the productivity).
5. Diligence: Computers can perform the same task repeatedly & with the same accuracy
without getting tired.
6. Versatility: Computers are flexible to perform both simple and complex tasks.
7. Cost effectiveness: Computers reduce the amount of paper work and human effort,
thereby reducing costs.
Components on ICT/IS/IT

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1. Hardware – Tangible and physical components

2. Software – instructions inform of programs telling the computer what to do
3. Database – collection of data and information arranged in a logical manner
4. Procedures – Description of how things are done-steps for accomplishing a result or
rules and guidelines for what is acceptable
5. Orgware – people and their skills that operate the systems
6. Telecoms – interconnectivity between computers and other telecommunication
devices.
7. Computer Networks – an interconnection between two or more computers for
information sharing.

1.2 The Five generations of computers

The history of computer development is often in reference to the different generations of

computing devices. Each of the five generations of computers is characterized by a major
technological development that fundamentally changed the way computers operate. Most
developments resulted in increasingly smaller, cheaper and more powerful and efficient
computing devices.

1. First Generation (1940-1956) - Vacuum Tubes

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory,
and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to
operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, the first computers
generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.

First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest-level programming

language understood by computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve
one problem at a time, and it could take days or weeks to set-up a new problem. Input
was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.

The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing

devices. The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to a business
client, the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.
The main features/characteristics of First Generation are:
 Vacuum tube technology
 Unreliable
 Supported Machine language only
 Very costly
 Generate lot of heat

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 Slow Input/Output device

 Huge size
 Need of A.C.
 Non portable
 Consumed lot of electricity

2. Second Generation (1956-1963) - Transistors

Transistors replace vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers.
The transistor was invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until
the late 1950s. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers
to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their
first-generation predecessors.

Though the transistor still generated a great deal of heat that subjected the computer to
damage, it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube. Second-generation
computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.

Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to

symbolic, or assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions
in words. High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time,
such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the first
computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a
magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
The main features/characteristics of Second Generation are:
 Use of transistors
 Reliable as compared to First generation computers
 Smaller size as compared to First generation computers
 Generate less heat as compared to First generation computers
 Consumed less electricity as compared to First generation computers
 Faster than first generation computers
 Still very costly
 A.C. needed
3. Third Generation (1964-1971) - Integrated Circuits
The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of
computers. Transistors were miniaturized (Reduced) and placed on silicon chips,
called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of
computers.

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Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation
computers through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system,
which allowed the device to run many different applications at one time with a central
program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first time became accessible
to a mass audience because they were smaller.
The main features/characteristics of Third Generation are:
 IC used
 More reliable
 Smaller size
 Generate less heat
 Faster
 Lesser maintenance
 Still costly
 A.C needed
 Consumed lesser electricity
 Support high level language

4. Fourth Generation (1974 – Present) – very large scale integrated circuits

The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of
integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. What in the first generation
filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand. The Intel 4004 chip,
developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer—from the central
processing unit and memory to input/output controls—on a single chip.

In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple
introduced the Macintosh. Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop
computers and into many areas of life as more and more everyday products began to
use microprocessors.

As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to
form networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet. Fourth
generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handheld
devices.
The main features/characteristics of Fourth Generation are:
 VLSI technology used
 Very cheap
 Portable and reliable
 Use of PC's

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 Very small size

 Pipeline processing
 No A.C. needed
 Concept of internet was introduced
 Great developments in the fields of networks
 Computers became easily available

5. Firth Generation (Present and Beyond) – ultra scale integrated circuits

The period of Fifth Generation is 1990-till date.
In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale
Integration) technology, resulting in the production of microprocessor chips having
ten million electronic components.
This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial
Intelligence) software.
AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets means and method of
making computers think like human beings.
All the Higher level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc. are used in this
generation.
AI includes:
 Robotics
 Neural networks
 Game Playing
 Development of expert systems to make decisions in real life situations.
 Natural language understanding and generation.

The main features of Fifth Generation are:

 ULSI technology
 Development of true artificial intelligence
 Development of Natural language processing
 Advancement in Parallel Processing
 Advancement in Superconductor technology
 More user friendly interfaces with multimedia features
 Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
Some computer types of this generation are:
 Desktop
 Laptop
 NoteBook

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1.3 Classification of Computers

Based on;

a) Physical size and capability

I. Super computers - These are very large computers that are roomed to all sizes.
This type of computer is usually used by big companies
II. Mainframes - These are also large in size. Both the super and mainframe
computer are high speed computers performing billions of calculations per
second and they have storage capacity.
III. Mini computers - These are small version of mainframe computers (medium
sized) designed to support more than one user at a time but many take up to
(200) users at a time. It is not portable and it is expensive and it generates a lot
of heat.
IV. Microcomputers (smallest computers) - These are latest technology in
computer to reduce the size of computer hence, the development of personal
computer (PC3) indicating that an individual can now have computer at home
and small offices. They are durable, cheap, fast and generate less heat. Eg
desktop, laptops, notebooks
b) Way of processing data
I. Analogue - This is a type of computer that reads data using measurement and
some program scale. They operate by measuring instead of counting. It is
calculated by measuring continues changes in physical quantities. Examples:
car speedometer, wrist watch, thermometer etc.
II. Digital - This measures physical quantities by counting, which are addition,
subtraction, division and multiplication. Examples: electric wrist watch, fuel
disposal in petrol fuelling station (nozzle).
III. Hybrid - These are special computer which combine the features of analog and
digital computers. It works by measuring and counting respectively. Example:
higher computer.
c) Purpose (area of application)
I. Special - These are computer that are specially designed for a particular job or
task. Example: computer designed for air traffic control etc.
II. General - These are computers that can be used to carryout different jobs and
serve variety of problems.
III. Dedicated – these are computers reserved to only serve the needs of other
computers, e.g computer server

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1.4 Areas of ICT application

1. Office Administration- Invoices, Communication, Emails

2. Business, Finance and Accounting- Business Plans, Financial forecasting, Auditing,
Market Analysis, Research, Recording Transactions
3. Communications- email, instant messages, mobile phones
4. Engineering and Creative Art- 2D and 3D Drawing, Modelling, Simulation
5. Wildlife and Tourism and Hospitality- Animal Tracking, Hotel booking, GIS

1.5 Role of Computers in Business/organization/department

 Communication – email, memos

 Helps in productivity and improved performances, faster transactions
 Internet – research
 E-commerce – online transactions
 Marketing and advertising
 Documents and reports
 Data management
 Data storage and analysis
 Inventory management

A good example of ICT use in Human Resource department is …

Payroll system, planning, recruitment, record keeping, e-training,

Assignment
Discuss the role of computers and ICT in the following fields; (10 MKS)

1. County Governments
2. Railways Training Institute
3. Health
4. E-Commerce
5. Area you are majoring in, eg Engineering, construction, Supply
chain,

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