ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT

TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE

TVTC STUDY MATERIALS
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Programme: COMMERCIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ DIPLOMA

Subject: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

Module Title: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Module No. 1

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT

Date of publication: <date>

This material is the property of the Technical and Vocational Teacher’s College.

Address: Private Bag 7, Luanshya, Zambia

Website: www.tvtc.edu.zm

e-mail: <mail address>

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT

Foreword

Dear student,

Welcome to ICT and to this ICT introductory module in particular. This

module will take you on a brief tour of ICT.

Here we go!

Not long ago we used to buy envelopes and stamps if we wanted to

communicate with our relatives, friends and other people. The telephone
system was there but was very unreliable and expensive. Perhaps your
grandfather didn’t own one. Again not long ago, studying was mainly paper-
based. Telephone, radio and TV were there but, alas, they were for the
privileged few. We particularly remember how difficult it was to learn our
geography when we were required to describe physical features or economic
activities of places far away.

All this has now changed because we live in the world of ICT. ICT is a
subject or a technology which has, more than anything else, changed
completely the way we live. ICT will continue to influence our lives in more
ways than we can imagine now. ICT has revolutionized the way we generate,
store and process information, and the way we communicate that
information. No one is left behind. An individual on the street or at home, a
worker in a factory or office, a teacher, an accountant, an engineer, and
even a pastor, all find this one thing – ICT- irresistible.

So, what is it really? What are the benefits or potential benefits, how is it
changing? Where is it taking us? As you study ICT, reflect on these issues.

TVTC

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT

Table of contents
Foreword....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Objectives ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 1: THE ROLE OF ICT ....................................................................................................... 8
1.1 The role of ICT to an individual ........................................................................................ 8
1.2 The role of ICT in education ............................................................................................... 8
1.3 The role of ICT to students................................................................................................. 8
1.4 The role of ICT to a teacher ............................................................................................... 9
1.5 The role of ICT to a school manager ............................................................................ 10
1.6 The role of ICT in business ............................................................................................... 10
1.7 E-learning and M-learning ................................................................................................ 11
1.8 Some of the disadvantages of ICTs in education .................................................... 12
1.9 Examples of ICTs that can be used in education ..................................................... 13
Chapter 2: COMPUTERS ............................................................................................................... 17
2.1 Advantages of computers ................................................................................................. 17
2.2 Disadvantages of a computerised systems ................................................................ 18
2.2.1 What are the limitations of computers, and how do they come about? ..... 18
EXERCISE 2.1 ................................................................................................................................ 19
2.4 What is a computer? ........................................................................................................... 19
EXERCISE 2.2 ................................................................................................................................ 19
EXERCISE 2.3 ................................................................................................................................ 21
Chapter 3: CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS..................................................................... 22
3.1 Microcomputers ..................................................................................................................... 23
Exercise 3.1 .................................................................................................................................... 23
3.2 Servers ............................................................................................................................... 24
3.3 Minicomputers.................................................................................................................. 26
3.4 Mainframe computers ................................................................................................... 26
3.5 Supercomputers .............................................................................................................. 27
EXERCISE 3.2 ................................................................................................................................ 27
Chapter 4: PARTS OF A COMPUTER ....................................................................................... 28

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT

EXERCISE 4.1 ................................................................................................................................ 29

Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 30
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS ................................................................................................ 31
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 35
Further reading ..................................................................................................................................... 36
ANSWERS TO SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS ............................................................................................ 37

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT

Introduction

To begin with, let us ask these questions:

1. What is ICT?
2. In what way is ICT important to you as an individual?
3. In what way is ICT important in your profession?
4. In what way is ICT changing or dictating the way we live?
5. What makes up ICT?

This module will focus on these questions. Although questions 2, 3 and 4 are
obviously subjective, as ICT is not affecting all people in the same way due
to their different circumstances, ICT has a more profound influence on
individuals and organizations in the modern age. This module highlights
some of the ways in which ICT is impacting on our activities and civilization.
In discuses the many uses of ICT for example in education and in business.
It shows, for example, that with appropriate use of ICT there is greater
potential to provide education to as many people as possible and to also
greatly improve the quality of learning at the same time.

Now let’s turn to the first question so that we begin to clear the way for
more understanding of what this module is all about.

We will begin by defining what ICT is. The letters ICT stand for Information
and Communications Technology. ICT is made up two technologies that
have somehow merged. These technologies are Computer Technology and
Telecommunications Technology. Therefore, ICT is a combination of
systems for capturing, storing, retrieving, processing, transmitting and
receiving information. Throughout your ICT course you will be learning
details about these various ways in which ICT is used. This module sets the
stage for the subsequent modules in which you will learn details about the
two technologies which make up ICT.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT

Objectives

So, do you really want to study ICT seriously? If you do, then after studying
this module you should be able to:

1. State what is meant by information and communications technology

(ICT).
2. State and explain the role of ICT to an individual.
3. State and explain the role of ICT to a student.
4. State and explain the role of ICT to a teacher.
5. State and explain the role of ICT to a school manager.
6. State and explain the role of ICT in a business.
7. State examples of ICTs that can be of use in education.
8. State what is meant by Elearning and Mlearning.
9. State and explain advantages and disadvantages of ICTs in
education.
10. State and explain the purpose of information systems and the roles
of computers in business.
11. State the various categories of computers.
12. State the differences among the various categories of computers.
13. Describe a computer as a system.
14. Explain why a computer has hardware and software.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

Chapter 1: THE ROLE OF ICT

1.1 The role of ICT to an individual

First and foremost you are an individual. ICT can be used in many ways to
improve your life, for example in the following daily activities:

 Collecting data
 Storing data
 Retrieving data
 Processing data
 Sending information
 Receiving information

1.2 The role of ICT in education

As you can guess correctly, ICT is useful in education in so many ways. Go

through the list below to see some of these.

 ICT is important for enhancing education management, teaching and

learning.
 It is important to education authorities, e.g. educational planners and
education administrators.
 It is important to teachers and students.

There are five different hierarchical levels of education where ICTs can be
used:

 presentation
 demonstration
 drill and practice
 interaction
 collaboration
If you cannot figure out what these things mean, don’t worry because the
meaning of each one of them will be explained in due course.

1.3 The role of ICT to students

If you are studying this module you probably must be a student. Students
can use ICT in many ways, .e.g.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

 Researching for study materials, e.g. use of electronic encyclopedias and

the Internet.
 Communication with teachers, sponsors, parents and friends.
 Production of learning resources, e.g. notes and assignments.
 Collaboration on tasks with colleagues is easier. In fact, learners can
participate on internationally presented instruction. This makes it possible
for learners to understand that learning support is not always from
teachers but also from peers and other people with similar interests.
 As a tool for self-paced learning, e.g. use of audio, video and virtual
classrooms. Learners can also be made to interact with their learning
materials for more effective learning. This is the concept of learning by
doing.
 The saying “practice makes perfect” becomes a reality with use of ICT
because learners are able to practice a skill, or listen or watch a
presentation many times at their own pace, place and time.

1.4 The role of ICT to a teacher

Do you think ICT has benefits for teachers? Of course you do. As we said
earlier, it has enough stocks for everyone. Teachers can use ICT in many
ways, e.g.

 Processing and storage of assignments, tests and examinations.

 Processing and storage of students’ records.
 Research and development of teaching resources.
 Presentation of learning materials to learners. Instead of meeting
learners in a face to face environment, teachers can prepare all the
learning materials on multimedia resources to be issued to all the
learners in a particular study programme.
 Demonstration and simulation of principles/skills/operations to
learners. One other problem of face to face learning is that
demonstrations are often time consuming especially where there are
many learners. This problem can easily be solved by videotaping all
the demonstrations so that learners would be playing them on their
own multimedia resources.
 Communication and interaction with students, colleagues and school
managers.
 Collaboration with colleagues on tasks. Teachers are able to consult
their colleagues on many issues ranging from knowledge based to
technical skills in order to improve and increase their productivity. For
example, a teacher would be able to collaborate with colleagues when
producing an instruction manual or a report.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

1.5 The role of ICT to a school manager

Is ICT suitable to students and teachers only in a school? No! ICT is

extremely useful in management or administration. School managers can
use ICTs for various purposes, e.g.

 Processing of information
 Efficient communication with schools, partners, sponsors and parents.
 Assisting in learner administration, e.g.
o Admission procedures
o Induction
o Storage of learners’ progress records and personal data
 Assisting in staff administration, e.g.
o Storage of personal data and professional development planning
records
 Assisting in library administration
 Assisting in resource management
 Assisting in establishing and maintaining contacts with labour market /
future employers
 Assisting in programme planning and development

1.6 The role of ICT in business

ICT plays a vital role in modern business. Some of the benefits of ICT in
business are as follows:

 Large storage for data and information.

 Fast retrieval of data or information.
 Fast and accurate processing of data.
 Fast communication of information.
 Reduction in the cost of storage facilities.
 Reduction in the number of staff employed to do routine tasks.
 Complex calculations can greatly be simplified.
 Routine and repetitive tasks can easily be performed.
 Work in places inaccessible to humans can easily be done and
monitored

ICTs have revolutionized business processes and organizations and have

created a worldwide network of e-commerce.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

1.7 E-learning and M-learning

If you want to understand and appreciate what Elearning and Mlearning are,
first reflect on traditional learning. Traditional learning involves face to face
contact. This is a type of learning in which the learner and the teacher are
physically in the same place at the same time. Some of the disadvantages of
face to face learning are as follows:

1. Most learners do not take control of their own learning.

2. Learning is more teacher-centred instead of being learner-centred. As a
result, learners tend to concentrate on rote learning which involves
merely memorizing facts from teachers.
3. Most learners tend to think that learning only takes place in a classroom.
As a result, learning appears to come to an end when both the learner
and the teacher leave the classroom.
4. Many potential learners cannot have access to education due to limited
learning opportunities offered by schools.
5. Schools tend to mix learners of different abilities in classrooms. As a
result, the learners cannot learn at their own pace.

Solutions to these problems lie in e-learning and m-learning. E-learning

stands for electronic learning, and m-learning stands for mobile-
learning. E-learning and m-learning are part of what is called flexible and
blended learning, abbreviated FaB. According to Wikipedia, “Flexible
Learning is a set of educational practices, concerned with providing learners
with increased choice, convenience, and personalisation to suit the learner.
In particular, flexible learning provides learners with choices about where,
when, and how learning occurs”. Wikipedia also defines blended learning as
a mixing of different learning environments that combines traditional face to
face classroom methods with more modern computer-mediated activities
aimed at creating a more integrated approach for both instructors and
learners.

E-learning is the type of learning that employs electronic equipment to

support learning. ICT is part of e-learning. “E-learning includes Web-based
learning, computer-based learning, virtual education opportunities and
digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet,
audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or
instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation,
streaming video and audio”. (Wikipedia)

M-learning, is the type of learning in which the learner is not at a fixed or

predetermined location. It is also defined as the type of learning offered in

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

such a way that the learner uses mobile technologies to support his/her
learning.

The advantage of e-learning and m-learning is that many Zambians already

possess some of the basic technologies that can be used for their learning.
For example, many Zambians already have VCRs, DVD players, cassette
players, TV sets, radio sets and cell phones. Most of these devices are
mostly used for entertainment instead of for learning. With e-learning and
m-learning, learning can be done at any time, place and by everyone
without restrictions.

1.8 Some of the disadvantages of ICTs in education

Although ICTs have many potential benefits in education, they also have
some disadvantages such as the following:

1. Some people place so much dependency on ICTs at the expense of their

human skills.
2. ICTs have been known to disrupt social fabrics in society or communities.
For example, some learners and teachers rarely interact with their
colleagues, preferring to interact with cell phones, TVs, computers and
the Internet.
3. The quality of work goes down because of “too much information
available”, especially on the web.
4. Cases of plagiarism (i.e. intellectual theft) and piracy (i.e. illegal copying
of media) become on the increase.
5. Some social vices like pornography become more popular at the expense
of study materials.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

1.9 Examples of ICTs that can be used in education

Many ICTs can be used in education. Some of them are as follows:

Telephone

Cell phone

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

Television

Radio

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

Cameras

Computer

Audio tape

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT THE ROLE OF ICT

Video tape

CDs/DVDs

Internet resources

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT COMPUTERS

Chapter 2: COMPUTERS

Computers play a very important role in our modern lives. There is no day
that passes without computers affecting our lives directly or indirectly.
Without doubt, you must be agreeable that computers are extremely useful.
These machines have brought about a number of advantages, perhaps more
than any other machine has in the past.

2.1 Advantages of computers

In what way are computers useful in our modern lives?

Individuals and organisations need information systems. An information

system must provide management with information so that they are able to:
a) Solve organisational problems, and
b) Respond to changes in the environment

For these activities to be performed, information is required. A computer can

be employed where the system has been computerised so that the
management of information can be as efficient as possible. As an
information management tool, a computer can be used in various ways such
as:

1) As storage for data

2) For processing data
3) For communication of data
4) For retrieving data from storage
5) For controlling the quality of information to be produced

Because computers can work mostly without human intervention, they can
be used to automate many operations and many systems. For example,
computers can lead to office automation. Office automation means that a
computer is used to do most of the operations. (What are some of the office
operations or activities which you would perform with the help or
computers?)

Computers are the best machines to use for the activities listed above
because of their characteristics which include the following:
i.) They work very fast
ii.) They work very accurately
iii.) They are very consistent

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT COMPUTERS

iv.) They can store and access large volumes of data

Hence the use of computers has many economic benefits. By economic

benefits we mean the financial savings which we can attribute directly to the
use of computers. Some of these benefits are:
i.) The number of staff employed on routine tasks is greatly reduced
ii.) There is improved control of operations and use of resources
iii.) There is improvement in speed with which management reacts to
situations
iv.) There is improved customer service

Therefore, the use of computers greatly improves efficiency.

2.2 Disadvantages of a computerised systems

Even though computers have numerous advantages, they also have

limitations or disadvantages if you like.

2.2.1 What are the limitations of computers, and how do they

come about?

By limitations of computers, we mean that they cannot be expected to do

everything. This is an important point. While computers can be used to do
many things, they cannot be used to do everything! Our current computers
cannot substitute human beings entirely. This is their limitation. This
limitation arises due to the fact that computers are programmed
machines. As programmed machines, they can only manage to do work
which is specified in their programs. Computers cannot be used to perform
new tasks whose programs have not been made and installed.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT COMPUTERS

EXERCISE 2.1

a) List down at least ten routine tasks that you perform in your school or at
home. Which of these tasks would require the use of computers? Why do
you think so?
b) State the main disadvantages of a computer.
c) Explain why the use of computers greatly improves on efficiency.
d) What is meant by saying that the use of computers has economic
benefits?
e) Why are computers capable of being used to automate many human
operations?
f) List four beneficial characteristics of computers.
g) Suggest one way in which a computer can be used to reduce the risks of
danger.
h) Someone suggests that a modern teacher must be computer literate. To
what extent do you agree with this suggestion?
i) What is meant when we say that computers are programmed machines?

2.4 What is a computer?

I know you are saying that a computer is a machine. But what type of
machine is it? Are you saying that it is an electronic machine? If you are,
then you are correct. However, is a computer the only machine which is
electronic? Or is every electronic machine a computer?

EXERCISE 2.2

Name at least five electronic machines.

Did you include radio, TV, calculator and VCR? You probably did. Are these
machines computers? Of course they are not. Perhaps you are thinking that
your scientific calculator is a computer. Is it a computer? It is not. Is it
surprising because all these are electronic machines? Please note. Not every
electronic machine is a computer!

So, what is a computer?

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT COMPUTERS

A computer is an electronic machine that receives data and instructions

from a user, stores the data and instructions, processes the data using the
instructions and gives feedback to the user in any desired format with very
little human intervention. A computer is said to be electronic because, like all
other electronic systems, it consists of digital circuits or components such as
transistors and integrated circuits (ICs). Digital circuits give signals that do
not vary continuously with time. Signals that vary continuously with time are
called analog signals. If you cannot comprehend the difference easily, look
at the drawings below.

Digital signal Analog signal

For example, the current which flows in your TV to give the pictures is digital
in nature, and the current which flows in your electric bulb to produce light is
analog in nature.

Let’s continue. Looking at the definition of computer given above, you might
be wondering why a scientific calculator is not a computer since it can also
do most of the tasks stated for a computer. Note that the difference is that a
scientific calculator can perform only some of the tasks and not all of them.
For example, a scientific calculator cannot present results to you in any
desired format, and requires that for it to operate you must constantly
interact with it by pressing the buttons. If you stop pressing the buttons, it
also stops doing the operations. On the other hand, a computer does not
stop operating when the user stops his/her actions.

What makes the computer to work with less human intervention?

In every modern computer there is a special component called a

microprocessor which makes a computer to be an automatic machine. A
microprocessor is a special electronic circuit or chip with instructions for
directing the operations of the computer. Because the microprocessor
already has instructions imbedded in it, it is called a programmed circuit.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT COMPUTERS

EXERCISE 2.3

1. Why is a microprocessor called a programmed chip?

2. Why is a scientific calculator not a computer?
3. A computer is defined in terms of what it does. State the different
functions a computer performs.
4. What is an electronic machine?
5. Suggest ways in which electronic machines are better than manual or
mechanical machines.
6. What is an integrated circuit (IC)?

Computers play a key role in how individuals work and how they live. Even
the smallest organizations have computers to help them operate more
efficiently, and many individuals use computers at home for educational,
entertainment, and business purposes. In this module, you will learn the
basics about computers; the different categories of computers, and what
makes up a computer.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Chapter 3: CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

In computerising operations, we need to be able to understand the types of

computers that can be used because computers come in a variety of forms.
Generally, there are five classes of computers whose differences can be
attributed to a number of factors such as:

1. Their physical size

2. Their speed of processing data
3. Their memory capacity
4. Their storage capacity
5. Their cost of acquisition
6. Their hardware and software requirements
7. Their environmental requirements
8. Their ease of use

The five categories of computers are:

 Microcomputers
 Servers
 Minicomputers
 Mainframe computers
 Supercomputers

The supercomputers are the largest in physical size, have the fastest
processing speed, have the largest memory and storage, are the most
costly, have the most sophisticated or complex hardware and software,
require the most controlled environment, and are the most complicated to
use.

The mainframe computers rank second, the minicomputers third and the
microcomputers last in these qualities or specifications. Each category of
computers will be described in various sections below, starting with
microcomputers.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

3.1 Microcomputers

What are microcomputer, and what are they used for?

Do you have your own computer? If you have, then it is a microcomputer.

All single user computers are classified as microcomputers. Microcomputers
are also often called personal computers (PCs) because of being single
user. They run programs designed to help individuals accomplish their work
more productively.

Microcomputers are the most widespread and popular because of a variety

of reasons. They have several advantages over the other classes. The
following are some of the advantages of microcomputers:

a) They are small in size, and therefore do not occupy large space. Some
of them, e.g. laptops, are portable.
b) They are not as costly as the other computers.
c) They do not require sophisticated hardware and software.
d) They are easier to operate and maintain.
e) They can operate in ordinary environments, i.e. they do not
necessarily require highly controlled environments.
f) They can be connected in a network in order to increase their
efficiency and effectiveness.
g) Their capability can be increased to equal the capability of higher
computers.

What are the examples of microcomputers?

Examples of microcomputers are:

 Desktop computers
 Laptop computers
 Notebook computers
 Netbook computers
 Palmtop computers
 Wearable computers

Exercise 3.1
1. Computers can also be classified as special purpose, general purpose, analog or
digital. What differences are there among these types?
2. What factors would you consider before buying your own computer or one for
your organisation?

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Look at the pictures of these various microcomputers shown below.

Laptop Notebook Netbook Palmtop

Desktop

Wearable computer

3.2 Servers

What are servers, and what are they used for?

Servers are not designed to be used directly. They make programs and data
available for people hooked up to a computer network, a collection of
computers connected together so that they can exchange data. See
illustration below.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Server computer connected to many client computers

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

3.3 Minicomputers

What are minicomputers, and what are they used for?

Minicomputers are multi-user systems that can handle the computing needs
of a smaller corporation or organization. Many people use them
simultaneously by means of remote terminals or personal computers.
Minicomputers were the second type of computers to be introduced.

3.4 Mainframe computers

What are mainframe computers, and what are they used for?

Mainframes are huge, multi-user systems designed to handle gigantic

processing jobs in large corporations or government ministries or
departments. These were the earliest computers to be introduced. The first
mainframe computers were very large; about the size of a classroom.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

3.5 Supercomputers

What are supercomputers, and what are they used for?

Supercomputers are ultra fast computers designed to process huge amounts

of scientific data then display the underlying patterns that have been
discovered. They are mainly used in research centres to help with the most
advanced processing operations.

EXERCISE 3.2
1. What is the difference between a server and a minicomputer?
2. Why would you not recommend the purchase of a supercomputer for
your school?
3. What is meant by ‘Computer Network’?
4. What is a ‘remote terminal’?
5. What are the advantages of using a server?
6. What would you use a minicomputer, a mainframe computer and a
supercomputer for?
7. Which type of computer was made first?

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT PARTS OF A COMPUTER

Chapter 4: PARTS OF A COMPUTER

What does a computer consist of? Is it important to know what a

computer is made up of?

Yes, you need to know what makes up a computer. First of all you have to
know what your computer must have and how you can tell that it has a
problem. If you do not know what makes up a computer, or what your
computer has, it is difficult to know what you can include or exclude from
your computer. It is also possible for someone, for example, to try to sell to
you a computer that cannot work, or one that has very limited use. It also
becomes difficult to fix even some minor problems. In addition, you cannot
understand easily some of the messages that a computer gives during use.

It is not easy to state exactly what a computer is made up of because it

consists of so many things. In fact, a computer is not one thing. A computer
is a collection of many different things. These things work together to
perform the general function of the computer. (Do you know one word that
refers to a collection of things that work together in order to achieve a
common goal? It is the word system.) A computer is a system because it
consists of many parts that work together.

In general, a computer is made up of two main parts: the hardware and

the software. (Notice the correct spellings for the two words. Don’t write
them as hard ware and soft ware.) The hardware is everything that you can
see, feel or touch on or in a computer. The software is what tells the
hardware what to do and how to do it, i.e. the set of instructions in the
computer. It is the software which causes a computer to work mostly with
less constant human intervention. Note that the last part of the previous
sentence (i.e. the part in bold) is very important. As human beings, we often
want to do less work. This is why we always either employ other people or
use machines to do things for us. Whereas hardware is tangible, software is
intangible, i.e. it cannot be touched, but it is capable of working. Software is
a set of instructions. If someone asks you to sit down, you may sit down.
This instruction, ‘sit down’, although you cannot see or touch it, causes
you to do something. That’s exactly the relationship that exists between
software and hardware.

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT PARTS OF A COMPUTER

Therefore,

COMPUTER HARDWARE SOFTWARE

= +

So for you to understand a computer very well, you have to understand

these two parts, i.e. hardware and software that make up the computer.

EXERCISE 4.1
1. What does a computer consist of?
2. What is hardware?
3. What is software?
4. Why does a computer have hardware?
5. Why does a computer have software?

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ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT Summary

Summary

In this introductory module you have learnt about what ICT is. It has been
shown that ICT is very useful to a wide range of operations by different
categories of people: individuals, students, teachers, school managers, office
and other workers. Generally ICTs are used to capture, store, retrieve,
process, send and receive information.

The module also indicated that there are various types of ICTs such as
telephones, cell phones, radios, TVs, VCRs, computers, etc. and that all
these can be used to increase or improve one’s productivity.

The module further introduced you to the various categories of computers:

microcomputers, servers, minicomputers, mainframe computers and
supercomputers. Microcomputers have been described as the most popular
due to a number of advantages which they have over other types of
computers. It was pointed out that a computer consists mainly of two parts
namely, hardware and software. The hardware is the physical part, and the
software is a set of instructions for directing the performance of the
computer.

30
ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

From Question 1 to Question 17, indicate your answer by selecting the letter
for the best alternative. For Questions 18 to 20, write your answer. Answers
to the questions are given after the References. You should avoid the
temptation of trying to look at the answers before attempting ALL the
questions first.

1. The letters ICT stand for

A Information and Computer Technology.

B Information and Communication Technology.
C International Communications Technology.
D Information and Communications Technology.

2. Which of the following statements is correct about ICT?

A It provides the safest means to store data.
B Data can be stored in a very large space.
C ICT resources are cheaper than manual.
D Processing costs are greatly reduced.

3. Which of the following statements is incorrect about ICT?

A ICT means the same thing as computers
B Learning is greatly improved with use of ICT
C ICT often provides employment opportunities
D ICT cannot completely substitute teachers

4. Jane, Benson and Dorothy live in different towns. The three agree to
work as a team on a report about the extent of ICT use in the Zambian
education system. Using remote means, they are able to discuss and
show one another their research results. This teamwork can best be
described as:

A Demonstration
B Interaction
C Discussion
D Collaboration

31
ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

5. Which of the following would not be the role of ICT to a school

manager?
A Assisting in learner administration
B Assisting in library administration
C Presentation of learning materials
D Assisting in resource management
6. The most important reason why we need information is that
A We must be able to use resources
B We must make good decisions
C Information is processed data
D We must eradicate poverty

7. Which of the following statements in not correct about ICT?

A There is reduction in the time of processing data.
B There is reduction in the cost of storage facilities.
C There is reduction in number of all employees.
D There is improvement in quality of services.

8. Suppose that you work at a school which is intending to establish a

computer laboratory to be used for computer literacy lessons. The best
computers for this school are ones with the
A Lowest cost
B Largest storage
C Fastest processors
D Best software

9. All of the following are ICTs except

A Projector
B Photocopier
C Electric fan
D Book binder

10. Which of the following would not be the best use of ICT by a student?
A Communicating with friends
B Collaborating with colleagues
C Communicating with lecturers
D Researching for study materials

32
ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

11. Computers have limitations because

A They cause unemployment
B They are expensive machines
C They are programmed machines
D They can break down at any time

12. Suppose that you own a stand-alone computer which assists you to
perform a number of activities. Which of the following computer-
related crimes would impact on you the most?
A Virus attacks
B Pornography
C Software piracy
D Harassment

13. A computer system which you would recommend for storing all the
school records and assisting in the sharing of computer resources
among the various employees is
A Mainframe
B Server
C Minicomputer
D Microcomputer

14. Which of the following characteristics would you use to distinguish a

server computer from a microcomputer easily?
A Servers are faster than microcomputers
B Servers have larger storage capacity
C Servers have very large memory
D Servers are larger than microcomputers

15. It is important to understand the various classes of computers for a

number of reasons except
A Different computers are used for different purposes
B Different computers have different processing power
C Different computers have different shapes and colour
D Different computers may require different conditions

33
ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

16. A computer is an automatic machine because

A It has hardware
B It has software
C It uses electricity
D It is extremely fast

17.

The picture above shows one variety of microcomputers. From this we can
conclude that microcomputers are popular because
A They are portable
B They use less sophisticated software and hardware
C They can be upgraded easily
D They do not require air-conditioned rooms

18. Many people agree that computers are very useful tools. State five
advantages which they have.
19. List five ways in which ICTs can be useful to a school manager.

20. Suppose that you wanted to buy your own computer. Outline the
procedure you would follow.

34
ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT References

REFERENCES

1. French, C. S (2002) COMPUTER SCIENCE, 5th Edition, Book Power,

London

2. Williams, B. K. , Sawyer, S. (2007) USING INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY, 11th Edition, McGraw-Hill, Boston

3. Lauden, T., INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, Concepts and Issues

Beekman

4. Laudon, K. C., Laudon, J. P. (2010) MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

SYSTEMS, 11th Edition, Pearson, London

35
ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT Further Reading

Further reading

http://www.google.co.za/search?q=Images+of+cds&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tb
m=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=mLFxT-
SZOKn04QSqranqDg&ved=0CDEQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=880

http://www.google.co.za/#hl=en&sclient=psy-
ab&q=Images+of+radios&oq=Images+of+radios&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=se
rp.3...5551l10384l0l10655l9l9l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0.frgbld.&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_
gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=636f784017134044&biw=1680&bih=880

http://www.google.co.za/#hl=en&sclient=psy-
ab&q=Images+of+television&oq=Images+of+television&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&g
s_l=serp.3...34791l40777l1l41383l10l10l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0.frgbld.&pbx=1&bav
=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=636f784017134044&biw=1680&bih=88
0

http://www.google.co.za/search?q=Images+of+microcomputers&hl=en&pr
md=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=orRxT7WIC8LGmQWG
-8TGDw&ved=0CCYQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=880

http://www.google.co.za/search?q=Images+of+minicomputers&hl=en&prm
d=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=jrVxT4D4OMfDmQWciLS
0Dw&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=880

http://www.google.co.za/search?q=Images+of+mainframe+computers&hl=
en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=37VxT6qAOafJm
AX50qnTDw&ved=0CCIQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=880

http://www.google.co.za/search?q=Images+of+server+computers&hl=en&p
rmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=SrZxT82qMc3LmAX1v
YzQDw&ved=0CCIQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=880

http://www.google.co.za/search?q=Images+of+supercomputers&hl=en&pr
md=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ubdxT9LIGeHmmAXkq
bXRDw&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=880

36
ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT Answers to Self-Assessment Questions

ANSWERS TO SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

1. D
2. D
3. A
4. D
5. C
6. B
7. C
8. A
9. C
10. A
11. C
12. A
13. B
14. D
15. C
16. B
17. A
18. Advantages of computers: Check from this list
 Work is done very fat.
 Work is done very accurately.
 Routine work can easily be done.
 There is very large storage for data.
 There is reduction in processing costs.
 There is great improvement in customer service.
 Work in inaccessible places can easily be done
19. Ways in which ICTs can be useful to a school manager: check from
this list
 Storing records
 Fast retrieval of records
 Fast and accurate processing of data
 Improved communication with parents, sponsors, suppliers,
colleagues, authorities
 Improved management of staff
 Improved management of resources

37
ICT INTRODUCTION TO ICT Answers to Self-Assessment Questions

20. Procedure for buying a computer:

i.) Determine the purpose of the computer
ii.) Identify appropriate software programs
iii.) Identify appropriate hardware for the software
iv.) Familiarize with the software
v.) Identify the source of software and hardware
vi.) Buy software and hardware
vii.) Install software and hardware

38