Computer Studies

Form 1
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

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Compiled By: Eliot Kalenga

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Definition of key terms

1. A computer is an electronic device that process data to information. It is said an electronic

because it utilizes electrical signals to process data and uses instructions called programs
to complete data.

Input Process Output

(Data) (Data) (Infomation)

Computers are designed in different sizes and designs but the most common is a computer referred
to as Personal Computers (PC) which are mostly used in offices, schools, business premises and
homes.

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❖ A typical computer shown above is basically made up of a system unit and peripheral
devices such as monitor, keyboard and a mouse.
❖ The system unit is the part that houses Unit namely Tower and Desktop.

2. Data and Information:

❖ Data is fact figures that do not have much meaning to the user and may include numbers,
letter and symbols. Information is the product of data that is meaningful to the user.
3. Information Technology (IT):
❖ It refers to the use of hardware, software and their technologies to collect, organize,
process, secure, store exchange information. Such hardware includes Computer, PDAs,
Smart Phones and Printers... information may be informs of text and graphics, sound or
video.
4. Communication Technology:
❖ It refers to the use of devices and communication channels to transmit information
correctly, effectively and cost effectively.
❖ Such devices include radio, transmitters and receivers, telephones, satellites, fax machines
and communication channels include telephone lines and radio waves.
5. Information and Communication Technology (ICT):
❖ It refers to the integration of communication technologies and information for the purpose
of acquiring, processing, storing, standardizing and disseminating information for public
consumption.
6. Information System:
❖ Refers to the set of components namely persons, procedures or hardware and software
resources that collect, process and deliver information in a given organization.
7. Garbage in Garbage out (GIGO):
❖ This is a phrase which implies that if erroneous data is entered in a computer and command
to process it is given, the computer will output erroneous results.
❖ It means a computer does not do things on its own users must enter data correctly.

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 8. Program
❖ Computer program is defined as set of instructions that tell computer to perform a certain
task.
❖ It is also referred to computer software

History of computer development

Computers have undergone some evolution processes from non- electronic computing
devices to electronic computing devices

Non-electronic computing devices.

Non- Electrical computing devices are tools that were used to perform arithmetic computations
manually or Non-Electronic. These include sticks, stones, abacus, bones etc.

a) Abacus:
❖ It was invented by the Chines and it was meant for counting instrument dates back to 300
BC.
❖ The Abacus has bead – like parts that move along rods. Each bead above the middle bar
stands foe five units while a bead below stands for one unit.

b) Napier’s bones: Napier `Bones was developed by John Napier, a Scottish mathematics in
the 17th Century. It was used for performing multiplication and division.

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c) La Pascale Machine: is a counting machine that was made by Blaise Pascal in the 17th
Century. It was used for addition and Subtraction.

d) The Analytic Engine: The Analytic engine was designed by Charles Babbage in 1932
used for English and Mathematics. Die technological limitation, Babbage never
implemented it. The engine is recognized as the first real computer and Babbage as the
father of computing.

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Generations of electronic computers
The age of modern Electronic Computers can be tracked back to 1940s. And they are classified
into five generations.

a) First Generation Computers (1940`s to 1958):

❖ Characterised by the use of vacuum tubes
❖ it was very large physically, and
❖ generated a lot of heat hence constantly broke down.

b) Second Generation Computers (1958 – 1964)

❖ Characterised by the use of tiny solid state electronic devices called transistors
❖ Transistors were much smaller than the vacuum tubes.
❖ These computers produced less heat, were much faster, smaller in sizes and more reliable
than made of vacuum tubes.
❖ Examples of second generation computers include IBM 1402 and 7070, UNIVAC 1107,
ATLAS LEO Mark iii and Honeywell 200.

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c) Third generation computers (1964 – 1970):
❖ It used devices called integrated circuits (IC`s)
❖ IC`s has thousands of small transistors circuits packed on semiconductor called a silicon
chip.
❖ It emit less heat, were small in sizes, easier to program, use and program, and maintain
compared to their predecessors.
❖ Examples of third generation include smaller and less expensive minicomputers such as
IBM 360 and ICL 19000 series.

d) Fourth Generation Computers (1970 to Present)

❖ Characterised by the use of Microprocessors (Silicon chip)
❖ The silicon chip designed into very smaller size.

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❖ are characterized by very low emission of heat, are small in size and easier to use and
maintain.
❖ Example of fourth generation include IBM 370 and 4300, Honeywell DPS-88 and
Burroughs 7700.

e) Fifth Generation Computers:

❖ 5th Generation computers are characterized by Artificial Intelligence, connectivity to
internet, superior hardware and software.
❖ It will be able to work without human intervention and help managers to make decisions.
❖ Are computers coming up today, with very high processing power and speed than their
predecessor.
❖ Very small in size but powerful.
❖ They work with special programs Artificial Intelligence.

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Uses of first computers

Generation Characterised by Purpose

1ST Generation Computers Built 1st World War (WW1) The initial purpose of 1st
using vacuum tubes generation computers was
computation of very large
mathematical and scientific
figures. ENIAC was
developed during the 1st ww1
to make certain calculation of
a hydrogen bomb.
2nd Generation Built using transistors. Had The 2nd Generation
Computation tape storage, printer and computers such as PDP 1 and
operating system and storage IBM 1400 series were
programs programmable computers that
were mainly used for
scientific, business
application and compute
games.
3rd Generation Computers Built in integrated circuits They used to process more
and semiconductors. than one task. They have more
application programs such as
word processors, calculators
and business applications.
4th Generation Computers Built in very large integrated They were affordable and
circuits characterized by used most application.
microcomputers Financial applications such as
VisiCalc and networks

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 particularly the internet
became common
5th Generation Computers Today`s Computers Most modern computers are
characterized by massive used for large numbers of
processing power and use of applications in particular
Artificial Intelligence expect system used in decision
making.

Uses of computers
Computers are used in each and every day just because they are more efficient and accurate.
Computers are used in some of these areas:

❖ Supermarket – are used for stock control.

❖ Offices – promote efficiency in offices by reducing the time and effort needed to access
and receive information.
❖ Hospitals – are used in life support machines and keeping patient`s records.
❖ Transport – computers are used to monitor vehicle traffic in busy town and aircraft
navigation and making reservation.
❖ Communication – computers has made easy sending of information very fast and efficient.
❖ Law Enforcement – Law enforces are able to carry out their criminal investigations through
the use of machine which can trace finger prints, images and other identifications features.
❖ Bank – for processing cheques and withdrawing money through ATM`s
❖ Home – for internment and family budget
❖ School – analyzing academic data
❖ Industry – for manufacturing process control
❖ Police station - matching fingerprints
❖ Communication – instant messaging, e-mail services, video conferences.
❖ Education – e-learning, research, communication and records management.
❖ Domestic and entertainment – computers are used for recreational such as watching
movies, playing music and computer games and storing personal information.

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 ❖ Library Services – it enable library personnel to easily access and keep updated records of
books and catalog processing.

Types of computers
Computers are categorized based on the following criteria

❖ Based on data processed or functionality

❖ Based on size
❖ Based on purpose

Classification based on data processed or Functionality

Computers can be categorized as Digital, analog or hybrid
a) Digital Computers: are computers that process data which discrete in nature also known
as binary digits. Mots home appliances such as TV`s, Microwaves, Wall Clocks are digital
in nature.
b) Analog Computers: are computers that process data which is continuous in nature also
known as waves.
Analog computers are used to manufacture process control like monitoring and regulating
furnace temperature and pressure.

c) Hybrid Computers: are designed to process both analog and digital data.

Comparison of digital and analog computers.

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 ❖ Digital computers works on discrete signal which is in form of on and off while analog
computers works on continuous signal
❖ Digital computers are simpler to develop than analog computers.
❖ Digital computers are more reliable since they are fast than analog computers
❖ Digital computers consume less power compared to analog computers.
❖ Digital computers are easy to use than anlog computers
❖ Digital computers are easy to store data since uses 0s and 1s which data storing in an analog
computer is quit difficult

Classification based on size

❖ Computers are classified into four main elements according to its sizes and capacity and
data storage
❖ These are Micro-computers, mini computers, main frame computers and super computers

a. Micro – computers
❖ It is a type of computer which uses microchips as its CPU
❖ Micro - computers are generally known as Persona Computers (PC)
❖ Micro – Computers are known as PC because they are designed to be used by one
person at time.
❖ Micro – Computers are generally used for general purpose in places like:
o Schools
o Home
o Business

Examples of micro – computers

❖ Desktop Computers: are computers designed for use on a desktop in an office

environment and home Personal Computers (PC) are desktop computer.

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 ❖ Laptop Computers: Are PCs sufficiently small and light for user comfort use his or
her lap. Laptop operates on mains electricity or by rechargeable batteries and are also
known as pocket PCs.

❖ Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): are PCs which uses touch sensitive screens of
which image choices re made by pressing the image button using a special pen known
as STYLUS.

b. Mini computers
❖ Mini – computers are large multi – user computers
❖ They are smaller and less powerful than mainframes.
❖ Mini Computers are used to link other computers on a local area networks.

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c. Main frame computers
❖ These are large and powerful computers that has the capacity of handling data
processing many users at the same time.
❖ Users submit their tasks for processing to the mainframe by using dumb terminals.
❖ It is also used as central information storage.
❖ Most mainframe computers act as server in computers connected on the internet, of
which it controls hundreds of computers on the network.

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 d. Super computers
❖ These are most powerful computers on the classes of computers.
❖ It is basically a mainframe computer that has its power increased.
❖ Super computers work on respective tasks such as weather of the global and nuclear
bomb detonations.

Classification based on according to purpose.

a) General purpose:
❖ are designed to perform a variety of task when loaded with appropriate programs.
b) Special Purpose:
❖ designed to perform or serve a specific purpose or to accomplish one particular task. They
perform the task quickly and very efficiently because they are dedicate to a single task.

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Units of data representation
Computer hardware perceives data items using binary system. The following terminologies
are used to quantify the data in a computer

Bit: smallest unit of data which can either be 0 or 1

Byte: A group of bits (often 8) used to represent a single character in the computer memory.
A Byte is the basic unit for measuring memory.

Nibble: A Nibble is half a byte, which is usually a grouping of 4 bits.

Word: Two or more bytes make a word. The term word length is used as a measure of the
number of bits in each word. Data is usually read or written to memory in words. A word
can have 16 bits, 32 bits, 64 bits etc.

Kilobyte: A Kilobyte is exactly 210 bytes = 1024 bytes. Roughly speaking a kilobyte is
approximately equal to 1000 bytes (one thousand bytes).

Megabyte: A megabyte is exactly 220 bytes = 1024 x 1024 bytes = 1,048,576 Bytes

❖ Roughly speaking, a megabyte is approximately 1,000, 000 bytes (one million bytes) or
(one thousand kilobytes).

Gigabyte: A gigabyte is exactly 230 bytes = 1024 x 1024 x1024 x 1024 bytes =
1,099,511,627,776 bytes.

❖ Roughly speaking, a gigabyte is approximately 1,000,000,000,000 byte (one trillion bytes)

or (one thousand gigabytes).

Converting between data units

When making conversion between various data units, we use the following
approximations.

1. 1 byte = 8 bits = 1 byte

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 2. 1 kilobyte = 1000 bytes = 1 thousand bytes.
3. 1 megabyte = 1000 megabytes = 1 billion bytes
4. 1 Gigabyte = 1000 megabytes = 1 billion bytes
5. 1 Terabyte = 1000 Gigabytes = 1 Trillion bytes

Character sets
Data is entered in the computer in form of characters. Each character, be a number, alphabet
or symbol is recognized by the computer because of its unique sequence of O1s and 1`s. a
word can be made of one or more characters. Therefore, when you Press character A on a
keyboard, the character set converts a binary number / code to its equivalent human
readable form and vise – versa. It is the character set for example that marks a binary code
to the letter A on the keyboard.

The two widely used character sets are:

1. American standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII).

❖ It uses seven bits to encode characters in computes, communication equipment and other
devises. It is used to mainly encode text characters.

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 Table of an extract for ASCII character set encoding

2. Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC).

❖ It uses eight bits to encode characters
❖ mainly in IBM computers.

NB: ASCII and EBCDIC tables are widely available on the internet.

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