CHAPTER 1: BASIC CONCEPTS OF COMPUTING

What is a Computer?
Computers are electronic devices that receive data, manipulate the data and then turn it
into useful information, before storing it and/or sending it to someone, or somewhere, to
be read or acted upon.
A computer is an electronic device that takes input (called data) from the user, process
these data under the control of set of instructions (program) already stored in its memory
and produce results (output) and store the results in a desired format for future use.
Data and Computer input is called data and the output obtained after processing data, is called
Information information.
Data is raw,
unprocessed The following figure tries to explain how a computer works:
items, which
can include
text,
numbers,
images, We refer to the above model as the Input-Processing-Output (IPO).
audio and
videos.
Examples of IPO processes:
Information
is data that
is processed
and
organized in
such a way
that we can
actually use
it.

A learner’s learner number and test and exam marks is an example of data input. After the
data has been processed, the result or output is a printed report (information) which
indicate whether the learner fails or passes, and what the leaner’s average is. This
information is more meaningful than the raw marks would be.

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 Input Process Output

Use computer programs

to process data.

Scan prices Print the slip

The GIGO Principle

GIGO is an acronym for Garbage In, Garbage Out. The GIGO principle simply means that
bad input will result in bad output. It is very important to remember the GIGO principle,
because bad data will give you bad information.

Using the example of the learners’ test results, if the teacher entered the incorrect marks
into the computer (i.e. bad data), the information that she would get as a result, will also
be incorrect.

Functionalities of a Computer
The IPO model of a computer is actually a bit-over simplified. Nowadays Computers can:

 Takes input (data)

 Processes the data and converts it into useful information
 Generates the output
 Stores the information/data in its memory
 Communicate the information/data to other computers
Hence the general model of a computer

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THE INFORMATION-PROCESSING CYCLE
The information-processing cycle is a series of stages carried out to get information from
raw data:
Stage 1: Input
 In the input stage, the data is entered into the computer. The user inputs the data (for
example, by typing on a keyboard or speaking into a microphone) into the computer.
 The device takes this data and convert it into a series of 1s and 0s (this is called binary
code)

Stage 2: Processing
 The central processing unit (CPU) inside the computer then takes that binary code
and does the calculations needed to get that data to display in a way that makes sense
to the user.
 The CPU works with the computer’s memory to get instructions on how to display the
information from the input device and stores it as pixels in the computer’s memory.
 This information is sent to the output device to be translated and displayed in a way that
is useful. All of this takes a fraction of a second to do.

Stage 3: Storage
 Storage is where the computer takes the input and stores it
 There are many ways to store the data, but the basic process is as follows:
1. The CPU writes the data to the computer’s temporary storage, or random access
memory (RAM).
2. The computer then waits for the user’s command to move the data from the RAM to
more permanent storage. If that command is given, the computer writes the data to
the disk drive.
3. Lastly, the computer saves the data in a location on the drive, either the default
storage location or a location set by the user. The user can then recall this stored
information at any time.

You can also store information using external storage devices (for example USB
drives or external hard drives).

Stage 4: Output
 Output is where the computer takes the pixels from the processing stage and displays
them in a way that the user can see them.
 There are many kinds of output devices, such as printers, screens, speaker etc.

Stage 5: Communication
 output created is sent across a network to other computers. While this step used to be
rare in the past, most computer programs perform some type of communication today.

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The General Model of a Computer
The following illustration demonstrates a general model of a computer and shows that the
functions of a computer are similar to the steps of the information processing cycle. All
basic computers consist of five functions: input, processing, storage, output and
communication.

Figure1.1: The general model of a computer

Figure 1.2: The general model of a computer

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Components of a Computer System
For a computer to function properly, it must consist of both hardware and software.
Hardware and software of a computer are interdependent. This means that one will not
function without the other.

1. Hardware
the physical components of a computer system.
also referred to as the equipment of a computer.
hardware devices can be categorized according to their functionality on the computing device:

1.1 Input Devices

 are any hardware devices that allows you to input data into a computer or
interact with a computer.
 Examples: Keyboard
Mouse
Microphone
Scanner
Digital camera
PC video camera
Touchscreen keyboard

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1.2 Output Devices
 are hardware devices that conveys information to one or more people.
 Examples:
Monitor/screen
Printer
Speakers
Portable media player

1.3 Storage Devices

 are devices that stores data permanently.
 Examples:
Hard disk drives (HDDs)
USB flash drives
CDs
DVDs
Memory cards

1.4 Memory / Random-Access Memory (RAM)

 the storage space in a computer where data is temporarily kept while it is being
processed.
 all data and instructions that is currently being executed is kept temporarily in
RAM.
 RAM is volatile, that is, all data is erased from your RAM when your computer is
turned off.
 RAM is also referred to as memory/ primary memory.

1.5 Processing Devices

 receive the data from RAM, perform set of instructions, and returns the processed
data back to the RAM.
 The two most important processing devices in modern computers are:
1.5.1 The Central Processing Unit (CPU)/ Processor
- is responsible for processing general instructions.
- Processor processes the data and manages and controls all
the other parts of the computer.
- Every application makes use of the CPU to collect, decode and execute
instructions as required by application.
- Intel is a large manufacturer of the CPUs for computers.
1.5.2 The Graphic Processing Unit (GPU)
-is responsible for processing the instructions that create the pictures on
your screen, for example, three-dimensional games rely heavily on the
GPU to create their images.

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 1.6 Communication Devices
 are hardware device capable of transmitting an analog or digital signal over a
wired or wireless connection.
 Communication devices allow computers to communicate with each other.
 Example:
Modem
Router
Switch
Network interface card
1.7 System Unit
 a case that contains electronic components of a computer.

All these devices are connected inside a computer by the motherboard, a printed
circuit board (or PCB).

Note the following:

 Programs have to be ‘loaded’ – transferred from storage to memory – before they can be used.
 Data must be in memory if the computer is to work with it – the data can come from user input
or from storage.
 The contents of the memory become ‘permanent’ when you ‘Save’ them – i.e. transfer them to
storage (memory is erased when you close the program/ switch off the computer – if you did not
‘save’ the contents of memory are lost forever).

2. Software
non-physical components of a computer system.
also called program.
refers to a series/set of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.
These instructions take the input and put it into memory, process the data in memory,
display output on the screen, etc.
you interact with a program through its user interface.
Two Categories or Types of Software Are:
a. System Software
b. Application Software

a. System Software
 Two Types of System Software are:
i. Operating System (OS)
 Consists of the programs that control and maintain the operations of the
computer and its devices.
 it provides a means for the users to communicate with the computer and
other software.

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  when a user starts a computer, portion of the operating system load into
memory from computer’s hard disk. It remains in the memory while the
computer is on.
 Examples of operating systems:
Microsoft Windows
Linux
MacOS
iOs Android
Apple

ii. Utility Program

 allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to
managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.
 most operating systems include several utility programs for managing
printers, media and other devices.
 you also can buy utility programs that allow you to perform additional
computer management functions.

b. Application Software
 More commonly known as apps (applications).
 is a program that is built for a specific purpose like browsing the internet, typing a
document or sending a message.
 Examples: Spreadsheet
Media player
Notepad++
Mobile Applications
 When multiple applications are packed together it is called an application suite
or an application software package. Examples of application suite include:
Microsoft Office
Google Chrome
Mozila Firefox
Skype
Games
 Note that the application software requires system software in order to function.

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Software Categories According to Distribution Models

When a program (software) is developed, the developer decides whether the code is proprietary or
open source software (OSS).

1. Proprietary software
 Proprietary software is where the source code is not given to the public or user.
 Source code is owned by the distributor or developer or company – you never get the
source code even if you have bought the program.
 Examples of Proprietary software: Microsoft Office, Windows, antivirus software and
most computer games.

 Advantages of Proprietary software:

1. Proprietary software is more stable and technical support is easier to access.

 Disadvantages of Proprietary software:

1. It can be expensive
2. You cannot add features that you need
3. If there are any technical issues or a simple bug you will have to wait for the
developer to address it.

Proprietary software uses three main distribution models:

Shareware Freeware Shrinkwrap

Distributed (downloaded) Distributed (downloaded) boxed and shrink-wrapped

free of charge, but after a free of charge, but however, and sold in stores
trial period it notifies the user the developers or company
that they might need to pay that distributes the software
for the program if they want keeps the rights to the
to keep it. software.

May be shared. May be shared. May not be copied.

May be used on more than May be used on more than May generally only be used
one computer. one computer. on one computer.

It can be limited in terms of It can contains viruses and Can be expensive

functionality it offers. Trojan horses

Examples of Shareware Examples of Freeware

software: Adobe Acrobat software: Mozilla Firefox,
Reader, EasyMovie Splitter, Google Chrome, voice-over-
DVD-Cloner IP service Skype

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 2. Open Source Software (OSS)
 Open source software (also known as Free Open Source Software) is software that is
free and has a source code that is also freely available to the public or anyone that
wants to use it.
 Open source software allows the user to change or modify the code itself if need be.
You can distribute this type of software to anyone – but not sell the software. Any
changes to the software that you want to see happen, you can make them yourself. In
other words, you do not have to wait for the company to add a feature of fix a bug –
you can do it yourself.

Advantages of Open Source Software:

1. It is free
2. Access to source code
3. Since the source code is available to anyone, the public can collaborate and fix
bugs.
4. Collaborators can improve the performance or even add features of good quality
and well-designed software

Disadvantages of Open Source Software:

1. OSS can expose your computer to viruses and other cyber-attacks.

2. OSS might not be user-friendly especially to unskilled users.
3. It is often difficult to find proper technical support or find drivers for some devices.
4. No one to hold responsible for glitches and shortcoming in the software.

Examples of Open Source Software

1. Linux kernel
2. Gimp
3. Chromium
4. LibreOffice

Classification of Computers
Computers can be classified as:
1. General-purpose (multi-purpose) computers
2. Specific purpose (special-purpose) computers
3. Super computers

1. General-purpose computers
 General-purpose computers compute a range of tasks but lack super speed and
efficiency.
 have an operating system that can run many applications at the same time.
 Examples of general-purpose computer are:

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2. Specific-purpose computers
 Specific purpose computers handle a specific problem or task.
 Examples of specific-purpose computers are:
a. Servers

o Servers are computers that provide (or serve) information to other

computers (for example, web pages).

b. Embedded (dedicated) devices.

Smart-fridge smart-watch Automated Teller Machine

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 Air-bag control system

o An embedded device is a highly specialized device meant for a specific

purposes and is usually embedded or included within another object or as part of
a larger system.
o Examples of embedded (dedicated) computers:
a. ATM
b. MP3 players
c. DVD players
d. Drones
e. Anti-lock braking system
f. Airbag control system
g. Digital watches

3. Supercomputers
 Super computers are extremely expensive, and the applications are for specialised
activities or tasks such as weather forecasting.

Classification of computers in terms of data processing power and capacity could be

done in the following grouping:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fscCXPXd7YA

Processing
Classification/Category Computing Device Uses Physical Size
Power

used for almost anything from

document processing in an office
environment, to graphic design
General purpose and video editing, to browsing the Fits on desk Medium to
Desktop computers
computers internet and playing games (minimal mobile) high

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 uses are same as those of Fits on your lap Medium to
laptops desktop (fully mobile) high

allows you to write and draw on

tablets the screen. Fully mobile Medium

take photos, set alarms, navigate

roads, make calls and send and
Medium to
smartphones receive messages Fully mobile
low

servers controls access to the

hardware, software and other
servers resources on a network. small cabinet high

Specific purpose functions as a component in a

computers larger product e.g. controls the
temperature of the air
conditioning or refrigerator, varies depending
embedded devices low
monitors the amount of papers in on the device
a printer, etc.

are for specialize activities or

tasks such as weather
forecasting, automotive design,
Super computers supercomputers
online banking, nuclear energy
research full room of
equipment high

Advantages of using a Computer

1. Speed
Many computers process billions of operations in a single second.

2. Reliability
Computer rarely breaks or fails.

3. Consistency
Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results.

4. Storage
Computer stores enormous amounts of data.

5. Communication
Computer offers better communication and connections.

6. Entertainment
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 Computer games

7. Productivity
Computer maximums the level of productivity at workplaces.

8. Multitasking
Computer allows a person to do multiple tasks at the same time.

Disadvantages of using a Computer

1. Virus and hacking attack
2. Online cyber crimes
3. Reduced employment opportunities
o skills of people have been replaced by computers.
4. High cost
o computers are expensive.
5. Health risks
o prolonged or improper use of computers can lead to health injuries.
6. Social risks
o online communications reduced physical interaction among people.
7. Impact on environment
o computer waste depletes natural resources and pollute the
environment.
8. Distractions/disruptions
o high entertainment value can easily distract people and stop them from
being productive.

Economic benefits of computers

Computers have several economic benefits, such as:

1. Saving paper:
 Companies and individuals can save paper by working electronically on
computers instead of having to print out hard copies. This also saves money and
time in the long run.
2. Saving labour:
 Businesses can save money and labour (people) by using computer controlled
devices to increase the production of goods with few workers managing
operations.
3. Reduce Communication costs:

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  With tools like email and smartphones, businesses can communicate instantly
and efficiently. This reduces the need for traditional methods like telephone calls
and postage, leading to cost savings.
4. Faster Information Exchange
 Computers enable faster sharing of information compared to traditional methods.
For example, emails allow quick communication with staff and clients, regardless
of their location or the time of day.
5. Efficiency:
 computers can do the work of more than one person in less time than normal
employees. Retrieval of old documents is much easier when it is stored
electronically than manually on papers.
6. Accuracy:
 Computers produce more accurate data or results than human beings. For
example, computer-guided equipment can make cuts that are accurate to the
nearest nanometre.
7. Reliability:
 Computers that are maintained properly will be reliable in the long run. Unlike
human being computers don’t take a sick leave and maternity leave.

ICT System and IT

An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to the overall set-up
consisting of :
 Hardware
 Software
 Data
 Users
 Procedures
Information Technology (IT) is the subset of ICT.
 it is the development; maintenance and use of computer systems, software and
networks for processing and communicating data.

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