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02 Introduction To The Computer System

The document defines a computer as a programmable electronic device that can receive input data, process the data using instructions, and output information or store data. It explains key terms in the definition like input, output, and storage. The document also discusses why the machine is called a computer due to its ability to compute and analyze data.

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Joanna Moonga
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7 views

02 Introduction To The Computer System

The document defines a computer as a programmable electronic device that can receive input data, process the data using instructions, and output information or store data. It explains key terms in the definition like input, output, and storage. The document also discusses why the machine is called a computer due to its ability to compute and analyze data.

Uploaded by

Joanna Moonga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LESSON TWO

DEFINITION OF A COMPUTER
TOPIC RATIONALE
This topic on a computer system is aimed at making the learner aware of the importance and role played
by the computer system and its impact on many facets of human life – education, commerce, security,
communication, entertainment to mention but a few. The learner throughout this course – Computer
Studies will look at various aspects concerning a computer system and other related devices.
Therefore, this topic introduces the learner to the concept of ICT and what constitutes them. The topic
covers – ‘Definition of Computer’, ‘Keywords in the Definition’ and ‘Why It Is Referred to as a Computer
System’.
Lesson two introduces the learner to the concept and definition of the computer system.
LESSON TWO OUTCOMES
Learning outcomes: During the course of this lesson you will …
1. Define computer.
2. Understand the keywords found in the definition of a computer.
3. Explain in your own words what a computer is.
4. Explain why it is called a computer.
COMPUTER – DEFINITION.
INTRODUCTION
From the beginning of time when man first appeared on the earth, the computer has been in existence.
Believe it or not! Every person on the face of this planet has a computer – yes even you own a personal
computer.
The computer that you have and own is called:
 The body.

The human body


With time the word ‘computer’ has been given to and associated with an ICT device, which we either see
or use daily.
The word computer’’ comes from the action word:
 ‘Compute’.
The word ‘compute’ means:
 To work out.
 To work on.
 To calculate.
 To solve.
 To put together.
 To analyse.
WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is:
 A programmable electronic device capable of receiving data as input in a particular form and
processes the data using a set of particular instructions to produce information or data as output
in a particular form as well as store the data, information and instructions for future use.
KEYWORDS IN THE DEFINITION:
a. Programmable electronic device.
A computer is a set of different devices that are instructed or directed by the user to do something.
In addition, by being electronic means the computer is mostly a digital machine that understands
instructions and data in strings or combinations of 1s and 0s.
b. Data.
Data is raw information that does not make any sense or meaning to the user. It is simply a collection
of facts.
c. Input.
Input refers to the act of placing into the computer data or instructions. This is done through the use
of input devices.
Kampamba Nsofu
+260 966 291 668, +260 955 088 551, +260 977 203 266
WhatsApp: +260 966 291 668
[email protected]
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d. Processes.
Processes means to work on, calculate, solve, analyse or put together data into a particular form so
that it becomes either information or data. This is done through the use of processing devices.
e. Set of particular instructions.
A computer uses a set of instructions to perform a task. These are directives that tell the computer
what to do to given data.
f. Information.
Information is data that has been processed or worked on. Information refers to data that has been
given some form of meaning from the act of processing.
g. Output.
Output refers to the giving out of information or data. This is done through the use of output devices.
h. Store.
A computer has the ability to store or keep data, instructions and information for later use as it can
be retrieved. This is made possible by the use of storage devices and storage media.
WHY IS IT CALLED A COMPUTER?
The modern machine that man invented was given the name ‘computer’ because it is able to:
 Solve.
 Compute.
 Put together.
 Analyse.
 Work out.
 Work on.
Huge or large amounts of data in a very short time. In fact, today’s machine can do more than just this.
Now the ‘computer’ can be looked at and discussed it in detail.
Class Exercise 1
1. Differentiate between information and knowledge.
2. Justify was the human body can be said to be a computer system.
3. Outline the similarities and differences between a computer system and the human body.

Kampamba Nsofu
+260 966 291 668, +260 955 088 551, +260 977 203 266
WhatsApp: +260 966 291 668
[email protected]
3

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