COMPUTER
COMPUTER
Week Topics
1 Revision
2. Importance of Computer as a
processing tool
3. Devices
4. Types of computer
6. Advantages and
disadvantages of computer
7and 8 Types of computer keyboard
9. Pointing devices
11. Revision
WEEK 1 REVISION
Computer Processing
Computer processing is an action or series of actions that a microprocessor,
also known as a central processing unit (CPU), in a computer performs when it
receives information. The CPU is a type of electronic “brain” for a computer
system, and it executes a series of instructions that are fed to it by software
programs installed onto a computer’s hard drive and loaded into random access
memory (RAM). Though modern computer systems have become much faster
and more complex than their earlier counterparts, they still perform the same
basic type of computer processing.
WEEK 2
Speed
The data processed using computer system is done at a very fast rate which other
machine cannot.Speed of computer maybe defined as the time taken by a computer
to perform a task. It takes only a few seconds for the calculations that we take hours
to solve. Its speed is measured in term of MHZ (Mega Hertz).
Accuracy
The computers are the accurate machine that can perform large number of tasks
without errors, but if we feed wrong data to the computer it returns the same wrong
information called GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out).
Reliability: Computers are the most reliable machine that has ever Exist in human history
therefore any information obtained from computer processed data is highly reliable.
Diligence
The capacity of computer of performing repetitive task without getting tired is called
diligence. A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue etc
therefore it can work for hours without creating any errors.
Versatility
The capacity of computer of performing more than one task at the same time is called
versatility of computer. Versatility means the capacity to perform different types of
work completely.
Storage
Computer has mass storage section where we can store large volume of date for
future use. Such data are easily accessible when needed. Magnetic disk, magnetic
tape and optical disk are used as mass storage devices
Automatic
Computer is an automatic machine which works without the intervention of the user.
The user is required to give the data and utilize the result but the process is
automatic.
WEEK 3
Device
Peripherals are sometimes used as synonyms for devices or any input/output unit.
Class of devices
1. Mechanical devices :
A machine is a tool containing one or more parts that uses energy to perform
an intended action. Machines are usually powered by mechanical means. An
example of mechanical device is a Generating set.
2. Electrical device :
A device that produces electricity or powered by electricity. Electrical circuit
devices have no decision making capability: Example is an electric Iron
3. Electronic Device :
This is a device that accomplishes its purpose electronically with the capability
of making decisions. These include lightweight consumer electronic device that
looks like a hand-held computer which has operational capabilities.
Early counting Device
Abacus
The earliest counting device. It was invented so many years ago.
Napier’s bones
Invented by John Napier In 1614
Slide Rule
Analytical Engine
Charles Babbage developed a machine called Analytical Engine in 1833. He is the
Father of Computer Science.
Punched Card
Dr. Herman Hollerith developed punched cards to solve the problem in American
census in the year 1886-1887
EXERCISE
1. Define Device
2. State the classes of devices
WEEK 4
TYPES OF COMPUTER
There are three basic kinds of computers. The following are the three types.
Digital Computer
a computer that processes information in digital form. They convert the data into
digits (binary digits 0 and 1) and all operations are carried out on these digits at
extremely fast rates. Digital Computers are much faster than analog computers and
far more accurate. Computers used for business and scientific applications are digital
computers.
Analog Computer
Hybrid Computer
Hybrid computers utilize the best qualities of both the digital and analog computers. In
these computers some calculations take place in analog manner and rest of them take
place in digital manner. Hybrid computers are best used in hospital where analog part
is responsible for measurement of patient’s heart beat, blood pressure, and then the
operation is carried out in digital fashion to monitor patient’s vital sign. Hybrid
computers are also used in weather forecasting.
EXERCISE
COMPUTER USES
The computer can be used in different fields such as
Internet
The computer helps people to connect with other computer users worldwide. One can
browse through much more information over the internet than you could do in a library.
Medicine
All financial transactions such as deposit, payments funds transfer e.t.c are
done by computer software. It provides security, speed, and convenience.
Travel
One can book air tickets or railway tickets using the Internet, and make hotel
reservations online
Telecommunications
Computer is widely used in telecommunication industries for overall
connectivity, maintenance, engineering and monitoring of the networks. Also, all
mobile phones have software in them, making it easier to handle certain tasks.
Defense
Computers are used in the military with Software embedded in almost every
weapon, such as in controlling flight and targeting, in ballistic missiles.
School E-Learning
Instead of studying from textbooks,
computers make it easier to learn from an e-learning software. These are
available electronically online, and are accessible either freely or through a
course that one pays for
Examinations
You can take online exams and get instant results. You can also check your
examination results online which saves one from a lot of hassles
Business
Shops and supermarkets use Computer software that calculates a customer's
bills, as well as keeps track of how much is made monthly.
ATMs
News
There are many websites through which you can read the latest news, as well as
access old articles and videos related to a past event.
Airplanes
Weather Analysis
Supercomputers are used to predict weather conditions
EXERCISE
State the uses of computer
WEEK SIX
Advantages of using computers for information processing
include
Tasks can be completed faster because computers work at
amazing speed.
Computers can process large amounts of data and generate
error-free results, provided that the data is entered correctly.
Computers can store enormous amounts of data for future
use.
The high reliability of components inside modern computers
enables computers to produce consistent results.
You can download any amount of material through computer.
All your arithmetical problems can be easily sorted out
through computer,
Through video conferencing you can see each other and talk
with any body living in any part of the world
Efficiency and productivity can be raised.
Running cost becomes lower in the long term.
Tasks can be completed with little human intervention (i.e.,
automatic).
Overall security can be raised due to less human intervention.
Customer services can be improved due to more efficient
management and operations.
Computers with communicating capability can share data and
information with other computers.
Disadvantages of using computers for information processing include
Initial investment cost can be high.
Extra cost is required to employ specialized staff to operate
and design the data processing system.
Some jobs may be lost due to computerization and thus lower
the morale of staff members.
Some staff has to be trained or retrained.
Face-to-face interactions among staff may be reduced.
Makes you vulnerable to cyber crimes
One can be laud into cybercrimes or even be a victim
Too much use of the computer a student can cause ill effect
on his / her education
Exercise
1. What is computer processing ?
2. State 4 advantages of using computer for information
processing
3. State 4 advantages of using computer for information
processing
Prolong Use of the computer can cause the following on our health
2. Causes poor blood circulation Due to Using computer for long hours This
causes fatigue in the limbs, painful cramps and blood clots.
6. Causes headache : Using computers for long hours can cause severe
headache
7. Poor eye sight : Constantly staring at the monitor screen stresses out our
eyes and makes them dry and sore.
8. Can lead to insomnia : staying awake and giving up sleep to use computer
and internet could cause adverse effects to the brain and health
9. Has an ill effect on education: Students can easily access social media
sites and explicit contents which are biggest distractions for the
youngsters.
10. Makes you vulnerable to cyber crimes: One can be laud into
cybercrimes or even be a victim.
EXERCISE
1. State 7 advantages of the computer
2. Mention 4 disadvantages
Steps
1
6
Position your monitor properly. Center the
monitor directly in front of you, above your keyboard.
Take short 1-2 minute stretchbreaks every 20-30 minutes. After each hour of
work, take a break or change tasks for at least 5-10 minutes. Always try to get
away from your computer during lunch breaks.
WEEK NINE
POINTING DEVICES
Mouse
Mouse is the most commonly used pointing input devise. It is used to control
the cursor or pointer on the screen and to give commands to the computer. It is
very easy to use. The mouse is attached with the computer by a cable or
wireless connection.The top of mouse contains one wheel and 2 buttons. These
buttons can be clicked or double
clicked to perform different tasks.
4- Pointing Stick
It looks like a pencil eraser. It exists between keys of keyboard. It is used to
control the movement of a pointer on the screen and is normally used with
laptop computers.
5- Joystick
Joystick consists of a vertical handle or hand-held stick mounted on a base. It
is used to control the movement of pointer on the screen. It is basically used to
play video games
6- Touch Screen
A touch screen is a special video display screen. Input is given to the
computer directly by touching the screen with user fingertip.
7- Light Pen
The light pen is a hand-held pointing input device.It looks like a pen
connected with the computer by a wire.Input is given to the computer directly
by touching the screen with pen.