COURSE CODE: GST 114

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
CREDIT UNIT: 2
PLACEMENT: YEAR ONE - FIRST SEMESTER
DURATION: 60 HOURS (LECTURE-15, PRACTICAL-45)

INTRODUCTION
The increasing need for application of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to all spheres
of human endeavour makes it important that the nurse keeps abreast of ICT and its application to
healthcare. The course is designed to introduce the student to ICT and its importance to
healthcare delivery.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. Identify different types of computers commonly used.
2. Explain the basis concept of data processing.
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of electronic data processing over manual
processing.
4. Demonstrate the use of computer.
5. Utilize the knowledge of ICT in handling digital/electronic devices in client care.
 COURSE CONTENTS
UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION
 Definition of course (ICT)
- Information technology
- Communication technology
- ICT
 Definition of computer
 Evolution of computers (Brief History)
 Classification of computer
- By function – Analog, Digital and Hybrid computers
- By Purpose – General purpose and special/single purpose computers
- By Size – super, mainframe, Mini, Micro computers
- By Age – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th generation of computers

UNIT II – COMPONENTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

 Introduction
- Definition of computer system
- Diagrammatic representation of a computer system
 Hardware
- Input devices (Definition and types),
- Output devices (Definition and types),
- Processing devices (Definition and types)
- Storage devices (Definition and types)
 Software
- System programmes
- Application programmes

UNIT III – INFORMATION PROCESSING

 Computer Files
- Parts: character, field, file, record etc.
- Types of file: Logical Files, physical files, Master files and reference files.
- File arrangement: Random access, sequential and index sequential
- File processing: Batch processing, online processing, real-time processing, multi-
processing and multi-user.
 Data collection and control
 Stages of Data collection and control
- Data creation, Data transmission Data processing
UNIT IV: COMPUTER NETWORKS
 Computer Networks
- Definition
- Types
- Components of a network
 Internet
o Definition
o Brief history/origin of the internet
o How the internet works
o Some products of the internet
o How to use the internet efficiently
 Google search tips
 Useful internet resources

UNIT V: PRIVACY AND SECURITY

 Computer Viruses and Worms
- Definition
- Types and examples
- Computer virus and worm detection
- Computer virus and worm prevention
 Theft
- Hardware and Software

UNIT VI: ICT IN HEALTH CARE

 Identification of ICT product and services
 Application of ICT product and services in Health care
 Effects of ICT on the Health Care System
- Advantages and disadvantages

UNIT VII – COMPUTER APPRECIATION

• Basic computer setup and boot up
• Basic Windows Operation
• Microsoft packages
- Word, Power point, Excel,
 Keyboard shortcuts

PRACTICAL
UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The usage of ICT has steadily increased in all life spheres, including economic, social,
political, cultural, as well as health care. The gradual introduction and further extensive
utilization of such technological inventions as personal computer, cell phone and Internet has
impacted every aspect of life, making it unimaginable to provide services or even function
without them.

In the digital era, when ICT rapidly starts to dominate every aspect of life, the question is not
whether to transfer nursing practice to the digital world to meet the patients’ needs as well as
economic constraints and demands. The question is how to do it. How do we provide high
quality nursing care in the digital world? How do we assure our patients that they interact with
another human being, not with a machine? How do we retain that human element?

DEFINITION OF COURSE (Introduction to ICT)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a combination of two technologies
namely information technology and communication technology. To fully understand ICT we
must first define its components

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information technology abbreviated IT is the application of computers to store, retrieve,
transmit and manipulate data or information, it is also defined as the use of any computers,
storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create,
process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. It must be observed that
information technology primarily encompasses the generation/collection of data, its storage,
retrieval and manipulation.

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information, therefore communication
technology refers to the activity of designing, constructing and maintaining communication
(Information exchanging) systems according to the needs of a specific business, industry or
market. Communication technology influences business and society by making the exchange
of ideas and information more efficient. Communication technologies include the Internet,
multimedia, e-mail, telephone and other sound-based and video-based communication
means.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Cambridge Dictionary of Business English (2013) defines ICT as “the use of computers and
other electronic equipment and systems to collect, store, use, and send data electronically”.
ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications.
According to The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) “ICT
products must primarily be intended to fulfill or enable the function of information processing
and communication by electronic means, including transmission and display”.

DEFINITION OF A COMPUTER
A computer can be defined as an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in
binary form (machine language), according to instructions given to it in a program. A computer
can also be defined by virtue of its core functions as an electronic device which can receive
data, store data, transform (process) data into meaningful information and make this
data/information available when needed and in a format desired.
Functions of the computer include:
1. Accepting data
2. Data processing
3. Storing and retrieving data
4. A designed output presentation
MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
1. High speed
2. Accuracy
3. Diligence
4. Versatility
5. Storage
6. Programmability
7. No feeling

1. High Speed: As you know computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for
calculations that we take hours to complete. You will be surprised to know that
computer can perform millions (1,000,000) of instructions and even more per second.
Therefore, we determine the speed of computer in terms of microsecond (10-6 part of a
second) or nanosecond (10 to the power -9 part of a second). From this you can imagine
how fast your computer performs work.
2. Accuracy: The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is
performed with the same accuracy. The errors in computer are due to human and
inaccurate data.
3. Diligence: A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can
work for hours without creating any error. If millions of calculations are to be
performed, a computer will perform every calculation with the same accuracy. Due to
this capability it overpowers human being in routine type of work.
 4. Versatility: It means the capacity to perform completely different type(s) of work. You
may use your computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment you may use it for
inventory management or to prepare electric bills.
5. Storage: Computer has the power of storing any amount of information or data. Any
information can be stored and recalled as long as you require it, for any numbers of
years. It depends entirely upon you how much data you want to store in a computer and
when to lose or retrieve these data.
6. Programmability: this refers to the ability of a computer to be programed to do
different things. The capability within hardware and software to change; to accept a
new set of instructions that alter its behavior.
7. No Feeling: It does not have feelings or emotion, taste, knowledge and experience. Thus
it does not get tired even after long hours of work. It does not distinguish between
users.

EVOLUTION OF COMPUTER (Brief History)

The computer was born not for entertainment or email but out of a need to solve a serious
number-crunching crisis. By 1880, the U.S. population had grown so large that it took more
than seven years to tabulate the U.S. Census results. The government sought a faster way to
get the job done, giving rise to punch-card based computers that took up entire rooms.
Today, we carry more computing power on our smartphones than was available in these early
models. The following brief history of computing is a timeline of how computers evolved from
their humble beginnings to the machines of today that surf the Internet, play games and
stream multimedia in addition to crunching numbers.

Read up…
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
Computers are basically classified in four (4) main categories namely
1. By function
2. By Purpose
3. By Size
4. By Age

1. BY FUNCTION (ANALOG, DIGITAL AND HYBRID)

Computer can be classified into 3 major classes based on the mode of data presentation
used:
a. ANALOG COMPUTER: a form of computer that uses continuous physical
phenomenon such as electrical, mechanical or hydraulic quantities to model the
problem being solved. It operated by measuring, rather than counting. It uses
continuous signal as input.
b. DIGITAL COMPUTER: Computers that perform calculation and logical operations with
quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system. E.g. desktop,
laptop Etc.
c. HYBRID COMPUTER: A combination of computer that is capable of inputting and
outputting in both analog and digital signal. The hybrid computer system set up
offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulation. It uses both types
of signal as input e.g. area of application are nuclear power plants, intensive care unit
of hospital

2. BY PURPOSE
a. General: there are theoretically used for any type of application. These computers
can be used in solving a business problem and also used to solve mathematical
operation with some accuracy and consistency. Most of these computers are now
general.
b. Special: These digital computers are designed and used for specific purposes
examples include computer graphics and animation, which are critical and need
great accuracy.

3. BY SIZE
a. SUPER COMPUTERS
These are arguably the most
powerful in terms of speed and
accuracy. They are types of
computers used in solving
complex mathematical
Tianhe-2 was the fastest supercomputer in 2013 - 2015
 computations. They are capable of executing trillions of instructions per second,
which is calculated in floating point operations per second (FLOPS). The typical
personal computer used at home and the office is only capable of calculating millions
of instructions per second (MIPS). Supercomputers can go even faster with the rate
of petaFLOPS (or PFLOPS). This could bring up their processing numbers up to the
quadrillion. These computers are the largest in terms of size. They can occupy
anything from a few feet to hundreds of feet. They also don’t come cheap as they
can be priced between $200,000 to over $100 million.

The Top Supercomputers Since 2008

Year Name of Supercomputer Manufacturer Speed in PFLOPS

2008 Roadrunner IBM – USA 1.105

2009 Jaguar Cray – USA 1.759

2010 Tianhe - 1A NUDT - China 2.566

2011 K Computer Fugitsu - Japan 10.51

2012 Titan Cray – USA 17.59

2013 Tianhe - 2 NUDT - China 33.86

2014 Tianhe - 2 NUDT - China 33.86

2015 Tianhe - 2 NUDT - China 33.86

2016 Sunway TaihuLight NSC –China 93.01

2017 Sunway TaihuLight NSC –China 93.01

Uses of Supercomputers
Because of their superiority, supercomputers are not intended for your everyday tasks. They
handle exhaustive scientific applications that require complex and real-time processing.
 In the field of science, researchers use these machines to compute and model properties
of biological compounds like protein and human blood. They are also used to interpret
new diseases and strains, and predict illness behavior and treatment.
 The military use supercomputers to test new aircraft, tanks, and a host of weaponry and
camouflage. They also use them to understand the effects they will have on soldiers and
wars. These machines are also used to help encrypt and decrypt sensitive data.
 In entertainment, supercomputers are used to help make a flawless online gaming
experience. Games like World of Warcraft demand intense processing. When thousands of
gamers around the world are playing, supercomputers help stabilize the game
performance.
  Meteorologists use them to simulate weather behavior. They can also be used to predict
earthquakes.
 Scientists use them to simulate and test the effects of nuclear weapon detonation.
 Scientists also use them to simulate the events of the Big Bang and other space related
projects.
 Hollywood uses supercomputers to create realistic animations.
 The famous supercomputers Deep Blue and Watson defeated chess Grandmaster Gary
Kasparov and quiz expert Ken Jennings respectively.

b. MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
Mainframe computers are large sized computer types. They
are equally powerful but fall short in terms of the computation
ability in supercomputers. They are like big file servers,
enabling multiple users from nearby and remote locations to
access resources at the same time. Also known as big iron,
these systems can handle massive amounts of data going in
and out simultaneously. This makes them popular with
businesses. They are also resilient as they are capable of
operating for over 10 years without failing. Users access the
mainframe using terminals or personal computers. This can
happen within the same building or via wide area network
(WAN). Most of these systems run the z/OS (operating
system) on 64bit architecture. The price of mainframe
computers especially from IBM, start at $75,000 and can go
up to $1 million.
Examples of Mainframes computers include System z9, IBM System z9 mainframe is a large
size computer type
Fujitsu-ICL VME and Hitachi’s Z800.

Uses of Mainframes
They are used in large organizations where thousands of clients have to access data
simultaneously.
For examples:
 Performing ATM cash withdrawals and deposits. During the process, communication
between the mainframe and remote computer will help accomplish the financial
transactions at hand.
 Business transactions that use credit cards or pre-paid cards.
 Online electronic transactions.
 Cloud storage.
  Handling of patient records in major hospitals.
 Making reservations and travel schedules for airline companies.
 Manipulation and tallying of data for census and electoral purposes.

c. MINI COMPUTERS
Minicomputers are general purpose devices without the
monumental expenses associated with a larger system. Their
processing power is below that of mainframe systems but
above the capabilities of personal computers.
Also known as mid-range computers, these became popular in
the late 1960s but have become almost extinct because of the
popularity of personal computers. The latter can now perform
most of the tasks reserved for minis.
The first minicomputer was unveiled in 1967 by Digital
Equipment Corporation and was followed later by designs from
IBM and other companies.
They became popular for control related functions as opposed
Prototype 1990, MicroVAX II Clone
Minicomputer is a mid sized computer
to computing prowess. Over the years, their usage was limited
to dedicated control assignments in mid-range organizations.
Examples include Texas Instrument TI-990, K-202 and MicroVAX II.
Minicomputers were intended for a number of activities listed below:
 Switchboard control.
 Dedicated applications for graphics and computer design.
 Time-sharing, to allow multiple users to interact concurrently on a single system.
 Control and monitoring of manufacturing activities.
 Monitoring and control of laboratory equipment.

d. MICRO-COMPUTER
Microcomputers are the smallest, least expensive and the most used types of computers. They
have a small memory, less processing power, are physically smaller, and permit fewer
peripherals compared to super and mainframe computers. They are more commonly known as
personal computers or simply PCs. The term was initially used to refer to IBM compatible
computers.
The advent of PCs meant cheaper alternatives to more expensive and centralized systems.
They were more affordable for office use and created cheaper networking environments. By
the mid-1990s, they became the de facto computer of choice for offices and homes. The last
20 years have seen the proliferation of even smaller systems.
This signaled the start of the mobile age, which continued to go with the trend of smaller
devices as the new century progressed. This ultimately gave birth to wearable computers and
gadgets.
Categories of personal computers include:
 Desktop computers
 Mobile computers
 Wearable computers

1. Desktop Computers
Desktop computers are made up of separate
components such as:
 The system unit; a rectangular case that
contains important parts like the motherboard,
microprocessor, memory modules, disk drive, and
optical drive.
 The monitor.
 A mouse.
A typical desktop computer fall under the small size  A keyboard.
computer that sit on desk

 Single Unit Systems

Single unit computers, also known as all-in-one PCs,
are a sub-type of desktop computers. They integrate
the monitor and system unit within a single unit. They
also have connectivity to a mouse, keyboard, and
other peripherals, usually through USB ports.

 Nettop Systems All in one single unit computer

Nettop, which are sometimes called

Figure 1 A nettop computer
mini PCs, are small and cheap system
units. They use less power and
perform less processing. Common
features of Nettops include the Intel
Atom microprocessor, 1-2 GB memory,
and Wi-Fi connectivity. Just like any
other desktop, they attach to
peripheral accessories via USB ports and the monitor via VGA or DVI ports.
 Single Board Computers
These are the smallest possible computers which mimic the shape and functionality of full-size
desktop motherboards. They fit on miniature circuit boards, the size of an ATM card and spot
numerous input/output ports for connectivity to external peripherals. Standout are USB ports
for a keyboard and mouse, HDMI output to monitors, Ethernet ports, and Bluetooth/wireless
capability.
A single board computer (SBC) is an
integrated piece of hardware which
is called so because it only spots one
board, unlike the desktop computer
which features additional circuitry
like memory chips and processor. It
is also a low power, fan-less
circuitry, low-cost system, and
popular with hobbyists and
developers.
An SBC can easily be confused with
Figure 2 Raspberry Pi2 Single Board Computer (SPB) | Source
an embedded system because of its
size but is not, because it permits
general purpose functionalities synonymous with microcomputers. Raspberry Pi3, Arduino and
BeagleBone Blue are popular examples of SBC.

 Thin Clients
These are low-cost computer types which
rely on server systems in order to provide
computing services to attached monitors.
They communicate to the server via the
remote desktop protocol and are part of the
networking implementation setup known as
client/server model. While a thin client
depends entirely on the availability of a
server, a desktop based client (the typical
desktop computer), sometimes called fat
Ncomputing thin client client, can operate independently of a server
in case of transmission downtime. A typical
thin client features most input/output ports for connectivity to peripherals. Standout are VGA
or DVI ports to the monitor, PS/2 or USB ports for keyboard and mouse, and audio
input/output ports.
2. Mobile Computers
Mobile devices have become the norm in recent years. Most users opt for laptops and tablets
due to ease of use on the go, and battery power.
Particular features that make mobile systems a favorite include:
 Extended battery use.
 Wi-Fi capabilities.
 Mobility.

The most common types of mobile computers include:

 Laptop computers.
 Tablets.
 Smartphones.
 Personal Digital Assistants (PDA).

 Laptops
Laptops are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen. They were initially called notebook
computers because of their small size. They operate on batteries.
Unlike desktops, these systems combine the microprocessor, screen, and keyboard in a single
case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.

 Ultrabooks
Ultrabooks are special laptops specifically designed to be thin and lightweight. They usually
have longer lasting batteries (5 hours minimum) and have strong hardware and processing
power to run any software around.
Ultrabooks also ship with the
faster SSD storage in place of
the slower hard disk drives
that are commonly used.

 Chromebooks
Chromebooks are low-end
laptops that only runs the
web-based Chrome operating
system. After the installation
of Chrome OS, additional
software can only be installed
via the Chrome Web Store.
laptop and netbook side by side
The OS allows you to achieve
traditional PC functionality online. You can type documents, edit them, implement group
discussions, have teleconferencing, and use basic online tools like search engines and e-mail.
These devices are increasingly targeted for users that spend most of their time online for
social activities. Their hardware includes the Intel Atom microprocessor, Wi-Fi and wired
network connectivity, solid state disks (SSD), and an average of five hours of battery life. They
usually do not have optical drives.

 Netbooks
Netbooks can be thought of as mini laptops. They are smaller in size, price, and processing
power. Just like Chromebooks, they are primarily designed for web browsing, electronic
communication, and cloud computing. They are catered to users who require less powerful
client computers.
Their specs are similar to Chromebooks. The biggest difference is that they can run the
lightweight Linux operating system.

 Tablets
A tablet is a mobile computer equipped with a
touch screen or hybrid screen, which allows
the user to operate it by use of a digital pen or
fingertip.
Most tablets today are both multi-touch and
multi-tasking, making it possible to manipulate
them using multiple fingers and accomplishing
multiple tasks simultaneously.
Tablets are handy, especially when normal notebooks and laptops are simply too bulky for the
mobile user.

 Smartphones
Most smartphones today use an operating system such as IOS and Android. They often have
the ability to add applications. This is in contrast to regular cellular phones which only support
sandboxed applications like Java games. In terms of features, smartphones support full email
capabilities as well as multiple functions to serve as a complete personal organizer.
Depending on the manufacturer, other functions might include additional interfaces such as
miniature QWERTY keyboards, touch screens, built-in cameras, contact management, built-in
navigation software, ability to read office documents in PDF and Word file formats, media
software for playing music, browsing photos, and viewing video clips.
  Personal Digital Assistants
Personal digital assistants (PDAs), also called handheld computers, pocket PCs, or palm top
computers, are battery-powered devices that are small enough to carry almost anywhere.
While weaker to larger systems, these are useful for scheduling appointments, storing
addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some have more advanced capabilities,
such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet.
PDAs seem to have been overtaken by tablets and smartphones, almost rendering them
obsolete.

3. Wearable Gadgets
Like the term suggests, wearable computers, or simply wearables, are miniature devices that
are designed to be worn or attached onto your body. Wearables are designed to function as
smart devices similar to smartphones. They typically provide specific functions like health
monitoring.
Whereas general purpose wearables offer a fuller computing experience that includes reading
emails, the lesser systems will ship as embedded devices capable of minimal functions.
Examples of these devices include smartwatches, smartglasses, smartclothes, smartshoes.

 Smartwatches
These became popular around 2013, when Samsung launched Gear, a wristwatch fitted with
sensors to communicate directly with a smartphone. Dubbed the smartphone and phablet
companion, a smartwatch gives features like internet connectivity and text messaging among
others. It also provides communication between the user and other devices.
The leading tech companies in the world are all scrambling for opportunities in manufacturing
smartwatches. Samsung launched Gear in 2013 and Apple has the Apple Watch. Other
competitors include Sony, LG, and Google.

 Head Mounted Displays

Another wearable being developed is the heads up display unit (HUD) or head mounted
display unit (HMD). This device is meant to be worn or attached to the head and uses a
transparent glass display that
interfaces with the human eye. It
does not interfere with the users
sight.
Earlier HUDs were used for military
purposes. They went from using a
cathode ray tube to a liquid crystal
display. The technology eventually
embraced laser-based projection for images and motion pictures. The current leader in this
tech is Google Glass, which permits a number of functions like voice communication and
reading tweets.

 Smartware
Smartshoes and smartclothes are intended
for health-related functions like measuring
heart rate and waveform measurement.
These devices are intended to encourage
the wearer to have an active lifestyle.
Smart shoes and smart clothes can also be
used for competitive purposes, such helping
athletes keep track of their running distance
and speed. Nike shoe showing the transmitter that communicates with
the iPod
One of the first initiatives into developing
these devices was the partnership between Apple and Nike. They created the Nike+iPod
Sports Kit, a device for measuring distance and pace by the user. It worked by having the iPod
communicate to the Nike show via voice prompts.
4. BY AGE
There are five generations of computers
1st generation computers (1942 -1955) e.g. ENIAC, EDSAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC
 Used vacuum tubes for circuitry
 They were heavy and large in size, slow, expensive, and many times undependable
 Electron emitting metal in vacuum tubes burned out easily
 Used magnetic drums for memory
 Were expensive to operate
 Were power hungry
 Generated a lot of heat which would make them malfunction
 Solved one problem at a time
 Used input based on punched cards
 Had their outputs displayed in print outs
 Used magnetic tapes
 Used and were programmed in machine language
 Had limited primary memory
2ND GENERATION COMPUTERS (1956 - 1964) eg. The UNIVAC LARC mainframe (1960), IBM-
7030 Stretch supercomputer (1961), CDC 6600 mainframe (1963) etc.
 Transistor were used in place of vacuum tubes
 Lesser power consumption
 Lower cost than first generation computers but were still costly
 Smaller in size than 1st generation computers
 Faster and more reliable than first generation computers
 Magnetic tapes and disk were used as secondary memory
 Introduced assembly language and High level language e.g. FORTRANN, COBOL,
SNOWBALL, and BASIC
 Generated heat though a little less and needed air conditioning
 Still relied on punch cards and printouts for input/output
 Introduced operating system software
 Batch processing was introduced
3RD GENERATION COMPUTER (1965 - 1971) eg. The Scientific Data Systems Sigma 7 (1966)
mainframe, IBM-360 &370 and CDC 8600 supercomputers (1969) etc.
 They used electronic devices called integrated circuits (I.Cs)
 They were smaller in size than 2nd generation
 They were faster and more accurate than 2nd generation
 They were cheaper than 2nd generation
 Cache and virtual memories were introduced
 Used motherboards
 Data was input using keyboards
 Output was visualized on the monitors
 Used operating systems, thus permitting multitasking
 High level language was standardized.
4TH GENERATION COMPUTER (1972 -1990)
 Micro-processors were introduced
 They are smaller in size than 3rd generation
 They were cheaper and faster
 They introduced GUI (Graphic user interface)
 They use computer mouse
 LAN and WAN were introduced
5TH GENERATION COMPUTER (future computers)
 They will artificial intelligence and be as intelligent as humans
 They will be able to think and take decision
 They introduced World Wide Web
 New Operating Systems (OS) developed
 They will be used in areas such as robotic design and defense
The larger goals in AI is to indulge devices to,
 Understand natural language
 Recognize human speech
 See the world in three-dimensional perspective
 Play interactive games
 Implement expert input in medical and other complex fields
 Implement neural networks
Ongoing AI projects:
 Virtual personal assistants e.g. Siri, Google Now and Braina.
 Smart cars e.g. Tesla's autopilot cars and Google's self-driving cars.
 Computer Aided Diagnosis for detection of cancer.

 EDSAC: Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator

 EDVAC: Electronic Discrete variable Automatic Computer
 ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrated Automatic Calculator
 FORTRAN: Formula Translation
 COBOL: Common Business Oriented Language
 STYLUS: plural; styli/styluses; a writing and navigation utensil used for notebook computers
 UNIVAC: Universal Automatic Computer
 IBM: International Business Machine
UNIT II: COMPONENT OF COMPUTER SYSTEM
COMPUTER SYSTEM
This is a combination of inter-related component or devices that function as a whole to
produce the desired result. They are interdependent such that when one part is
malfunctioning it affects the other
The Computer system can be divided into three main components namely Hardware, Software
and Human ware

HARDWARE
These can be defined as the physical devices that make up the computer system. They are the
part which can be seen and touch. Hardware is categorized into: input, Output, Processing and
storage devices.
INPUT DEVICES:
An input device is essentially a piece of hardware that sends data to a computer. Input devices
either interact with or control the computer in some way. The most common input devices are
the mouse and the keyboard, but there are many others including.
Input Type Examples

Mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, multi-touch screen, pen

Pointing Device (stylus) input, motion sensor, graphics tablet and
fingerprint scanner.

Game Controller Joystick, gamepad, and steering wheel.

Audio Input Device Microphone and midi keyboard.

Bluetooth Peripheral Keyboard, mouse, headset, gamepad, printer.

Webcam, digital camera, digital camcorder, TV capture

Visual and Imaging Device
card, biometric scanner, and barcode reader.

1. Keyboard
Keyboards are the most common type of input device. Before keyboards, interaction with
computers was generally carried out using punch cards and paper tape. Most English language
keyboards use the QWERTY layout for the alphabetic keys, surrounded by number, symbol,
function, and other key types. By pressing the relevant keys, the user feeds data and
instructions to the computer.

2. Mouse
The mouse interacts with a computer through process known as "point and click". Essentially,
when the user moves the mouse on the mouse pad, the pointer moves in a corresponding
direction on the monitor screen. The concept of a computer mouse has its roots in the
trackball, a related pointing device that was invented in 1946, which used a "roller ball" to
control the pointer. Most modern computer mice have two buttons for clicking, and a wheel in
the middle for scrolling up and down web pages.

3. Touchpad
Also known as a trackpad, a touchpad is a common substitute for a computer mouse.
Essentially a specialized surface that can detect the movement of the user's finger and use
that information to direct a pointer and control a computer. Touchpads were first introduced
for laptops in the 1990's, and it's now rare to find a laptop without one.

4. Scanner
The word "scanner" can be used in a number of different ways in the computer world, but
here I am using it to mean a desktop image scanner. Essentially, it's an input device that uses
optical technology to transfer images (or sometimes text) into a computer, where the signal is
converted into a digital image. The digital image can then be edited, emailed, or printed.

5. Digital Camera
Digital cameras can be used to capture photographs and videos independently. Later, the files
can be transferred to the computer, either by connecting the camera directly with a cable,
removing the memory card and slotting it into the computer, or through other transfer
methods such as Bluetooth. Once the photos are on the computer, they can be edited,
emailed, or printed.

6. Microphone
A microphone captures audio and send it to the computer, where the audio is converted to a
digital format. Once the audio has been digitized, it can be played back, copied, edited,
uploaded, or emailed. Microphones can be used to record audio, or to relay sounds live as part
of a video chat, or audio stream.

7. Joystick
Joysticks are commonly used as a way of controlling computer video games (as well as having
a host of other uses, such as controlling jet planes and construction machinery). Essentially,
the joystick is a stick that pivots on a base and sends its angle or direction to the computer.
There is also often a trigger, as well as one or more buttons that can be pressed too.
8. Graphic Tablet
Also known as digitizers, graphic tablets are input devices used for converting hand-drawn
artwork into digital images. The user draws with a stylus on a special flat surface, as if they
were drawing on a piece of paper. The drawing appears on the computer screen and can be
saved, edited, or printed. Instead of just scanning finished drawings into the computer using a
scanner, the graphic tablet offers greater control and versatility for artists.

9. Touch Screen
Many devices nowadays use a touch screen rather than a mouse as a way for users to point,
drag, or select options on a screen. As the name suggests, a touch screen is a touch sensitive
screen which reacts to fingers moving across it. Touch screens are particularly common with
portable devices, such as tablets, palmtops, laptops, and smartphones.

10. Webcam
Webcams are different from digital cameras in that firstly, they cannot operate independently
from a computer, and secondly, they have no inbuilt memory. Although webcams can capture
photographs and videos, more often they are used to live stream videos.

OUTPUT DEVICES:
An output device is a piece of computer hardware that receives data or instructions from a
computer. Essentially, the computer interacts with the output device in some way. There are
two classes of computer output: hardcopy output (outputs we can physically interact with eg.
Printed materials) and softcopy output(virtual output we see/hear but do not physical interact
with eg screen displays, sound from speaker). The most common output devices are the
monitor and printer, but there are many others including.

1. Monitor
The most common output device used with computers is the monitor, which displays video
images and text. A monitor essentially consists of a screen, circuitry, a power supply, buttons
to adjust screen settings, and a casing that contains all of these components. The first
monitors used the same technology as early televisions, relying on a cathode ray tube and
fluorescent screen, but nowadays they incorporate flat panel display technology. VDT(video
display terminal) and VDU(video display unit) are alternative names for monitors.
2. Printer
Printers are another common output device found in homes in offices. In computing terms,
they take electronic data stored on a computer and generates a hard copy of it. Usually that
means printing images and text onto paper. There are numerous different types of printer,
with Inkjet and laser printers being two of the most common. Modern printers usually connect
to a computer with a USB cable or via Wi-Fi.
3. Computer Speakers
Computer speakers are hardware devices that transform the signal from the computer's sound
card into audio. Speakers are essential if you want a louder sound, surround sound, fuller bass,
or just a better quality of audio. External computer speakers began to appear in stores in the
early 1990's when computer gaming, digital music, and other forms of media became popular.
Some computer speakers are wireless nowadays, connecting to the computer via Bluetooth.
4. Headphones
Also known as earphones, headphones allow you to listen to audio without disrupting other
people in the vicinity. They connect via the computer line out, or to the speakers. The first
headphones were invented in 1910 for U.S. Navy use. Nowadays, headphones come in all sorts
of shapes and sizes, from basic earbuds to the more traditional style with padding around the
earpieces and a connecting band that fits over the user's head.
5. Projector
As its name suggests, this output device "projects" computer images onto a wall or screen.
Projectors are typically used for presentations, watching movies, or as a teaching aid, as they
enable an entire roomful of people to see images generated by a single computer. Modern
projectors usually connect to the computer via an HDMI cable or VGA.
6. GPS
GPS (Global Positioning System) uses a network of satellites to provide information, which can
then be used to calculate the location of a specific device. It is often used with other digital
technology, such as mapping apps. GPS can produce very accurate results, it was originally
developed for the U.S. military, but following the downing of a civilian airlines flight by Soviet
jets in 1983, the system was made available for commercial use.
7. Sound Card
The sound card controls the output of sound signals, enabling devices like speakers and
headphones to work. The sound card is known as an expansion card, which means it can be
added to the motherboard. Although a sound card is not essential to a computer's basic
functionality, you need one if you wish to play games, watch movies, listen to music, and use
audio and video conferencing.
8. Video Card
As with the sound card, the video card is an expansion card that slots into the motherboard.
The video card processes images and video, enabling visuals to be seen on a display. Most
computers have basic video and graphics capabilities built into the computer's motherboard,
but for faster, more detailed graphics, a video card is required.
9. Braille Reader
A braille reader is a peripheral device that enables a blind person to read text displayed on a
computer monitor. The text is sent by the computer to the device, where it translated into a
braille format and made readable by pushing rounded pins up through a flat surface. Braille
readers are also called braille displays and come in various sizes.
10. Plotter
A plotter is a similar type of hardware device to a printer. Unlike a printer, however, plotters
use writing tools, such as pen, pencil, marker, to draw lines. Designed to use vector graphics,
plotters were once commonly employed for computer-aided design, but have now been
largely replaced by wide-format printers.
NOTE
The key distinction between an input device and an output device is that the former sends
data to the computer, whereas the latter receives data from the computer. Input and output
devices that provide computers with additional functionality are also called peripheral, or
auxiliary devices.

PROCESSING DEVICES:
Processing is the core function of a computer;
Components that manipulate data into
information are categorized under processing and
are termed the brain of the computer. The
microprocessor is the major device in this
category. It works closely with primary memory
during its operations. Data is stored temporarily in
processor cache and primary memory during the
processing period.
The microprocessor is subdivided into three important units, which work together in order to
accomplish its function. The units are:
 The control unit: It manages and supervises the operations of the processor and other
components that are crucial in data manipulation.
 Arithmetic and logic unit: The ALU is responsible for all arithmetic and logic operations like
addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, and comparison logic operations.
 Register and cache: These are storage locations inside the processor that respond to the
instructions of the control unit by moving relevant data around during processing.
FUNCTION OF THE PROCESSOR
 It controls the use of main memory
 It perform logical operations
 It coordinate and control all hardware operations
STORAGE DEVICES:
These are devices that hold data and instruction either for immediate processing or future use.
They are classified into;
 Primary storage: also called the “main memory”. It holds data and instruction for
immediate processing and it is volatile, e.g. RAM, ROM
 Secondary storage: They are used to store data and information for future use and do not
communicate directly with the microprocessor. Any data stored in such media is first
transferred to a RAM device for processing to take place. They are divided into internal
storage (placed inside the computer at all times) and external storage (plug and play
media used to transfer files between computers). e.g. hard disk drive (HDD), solid state
drive (SSD), compact disk, floppy disk, flash drive.

SOFTWARE
These are set of instructions or commands that guide the computer on what to do. It can also
be seen as the aspect of computer system which enable the user solve various computational
task using the hardware of the computer system. Software is classified into;
 System software and
 Application/User software

 SYSTEM SOFTWARE are designed to control and coordinate the procedures and functions
of computer hardware. They actually enable functional interaction between hardware,
software and the user. Systems software carries out middleman tasks to ensure
communication between other software and hardware to allow harmonious coexistence
with the user. Systems software can be categorized under the following:
 Operating system: Harnesses communication between hardware, system
programs, and other applications.
 Device driver: Enables device communication with the OS and other programs.
 Firmware: Enables device control and identification.
 Translator: Translates high-level languages to low-level machine codes.
 Utility: Ensures optimum functionality of devices and applications.
1. Operating System (OS)
The operating system is a type of system software kernel that sits between computer
hardware and end user. It is installed first on a computer to allow devices and applications to
be identified and therefore functional. System software is the first layer of software to be
loaded into memory every time a computer is powered up.
Functions of Operating Systems
 They provide the interface between the user and hardware through GUI.
 Manages and allocates memory space for applications.
 Processes the management of applications, input/output devices, and instructions.
 Configures and manages internal and peripheral devices.
 Manages single or multi-user storage in local and network computers.
 Security management of files and applications.
 Manages input and output devices.
 Detects, installs, and troubleshoots devices.
 Monitors system performance through Task Manager and other tools.
 Produce error messages and troubleshooting options.
 Implement interface for network communication.
 Manages printers in single or multi-user systems.
 Internal or network file management.

Examples of Operating Systems

Popular OSs for computers are: Popular internet/web OSs are:
 Windows 10  Chrome OS
 Mac OS X  Club Linux
 Ubuntu  Remix OS
Popular network/server OSs are: Popular mobile OSs are:
 Ubuntu Server  iPhone OS
 Windows Server  Android OS
 Red Hat Enterprise  Windows Phone OS

2. Device Drivers:
Driver software is a type of system software which brings computer devices and peripherals to
life. Drivers make it possible for all connected components and external add-ons to perform
their intended tasks and as directed by the OS. Without drivers, the OS would not assign any
duties. Usually, the operating system ships with drivers for most devices already in the market.
By default, input devices such as the mouse and keyboard will have their drivers installed.
They may never require third-party installations. If a device is newer than the operating
system, the user may have to download drivers from manufacturer websites or alternative
sources.
Examples of devices which require drivers:
 Mouse  Soundcard  Keyboard
 Display card  Network card  Printer
3. Utilities:
Utilities are types of system software which sits between system and application software.
These are programs intended for diagnostic and maintenance tasks for the computer. They
come in handy to ensure the computer functions optimally. Their tasks vary from crucial data
security to disk drive defragmentation.
Most are third-party tools but they may come bundled with the operating system. Third-party
tools are available individually or bundled together such as Ultimate Boot CD, and Kaspersky
Rescue Disk.
Examples and features of utility software include:
 Antivirus and security software for the security of files and applications, e.g.,
Malwarebytes, Microsoft Security Essentials, and AVG.
 Disk partition services such as Windows Disk Management, Easeus Partition Master, and
Partition Magic.
 Disk defragmentation to organize scattered files on the drive. Examples include Disk
Defragmenter, Perfect Disk, Disk Keeper, Comodo Free Firewall, and Little Snitch.
 File Compression to optimize disk space such as WinRAR, Winzip, and 7-Zip.
 Data backup for security reasons, e.g., Cobian, Clonezilla, and Comodo.
 Hardware diagnostic services like Hard Disk Sentinel, Memtest, and Performance Monitor.
 Data recovery to help get back lost data. Examples include iCare Data Recovery, Recuva,
and EaseUs Data Recovery Wizard.
 Firewall for protection against external threats, e.g., Windows Firewall.

 Application/User software
Application software or app for short is a program or group of programs (software package)
designed for end users in order to satisfy a particular need and particular environment.
Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting
application, a web browser, an email client, a media player, a file viewer, an aeronautical flight
simulator, a console game or a photo editor.
UNIT III – INFORMATION PROCESSING
COMPUTER FILES
A computer file is a resource for storing information which is available to a computer program
and is based on durable storage.
Terminologies Associated with computer file
1. Entity: it is something about which an information is stored
2. Attribute: a characteristic of an entity
3. Character: this is the smallest element in a file. It can be alphabetic, numeric or special
symbols.
4. Field: a collection of characters
5. Record: a collection of related field
6. Database: A database is an organized collection of data, generally stored and accessed
electronically from a computer system
7. File extension: it is an identifier specified as a suffix to the name of a computer file. It
indicates the file type. E.g. exe, .txt, .doc, .pdf, .ppt etc.
Ways of viewing computer files
There are two common ways of viewing computer files
 Physical files: Physical files contain the actual data that is stored on a system, and a
description of how data is to be presented to or received from a program. They contain
only one record format, and one or more members. This is viewed in terms of how the
data items found in a file are arranged on the storage media and how they can be
processed.
 Logical files: Logical files do not contain data. They contain a description of records that
are found in one or more physical files. A logical file is a view or representation of one or
more physical files, it allows a user to decide what data are to be retrieved from the
physical file(s) and the format in which they are to appear. Logical files that contain
more than one format are referred to as multi-format logical files.
Types of Files
There are three basic type of file used in storing data. They include
 Master file: A master file is the main that contains relatively permanent records about
particular items or entries. For example a customer file will contain details of a customer
such as customer ID, name and contact address.
 Transaction (movement) file: A transaction file is used to hold data during transaction
processing. The file is later used to update the master file and audit daily, weekly or
monthly transactions. For example in a busy supermarket, daily sales are recorded on a
 transaction file and later used to update the stock file. The file is also used by the
management to check on the daily or periodic transactions.
Differences between Master File and Transaction File
Master File Transaction File
The data stored in these files are The data stored in these files are
permanent by nature temporary by nature
The file is empty by nature until it has This file contains data only for period of
been updated by a transaction file time then sent to the master file
This file is updated only through recent Any data to be modified is done in this
transactions. file.
This file stores large amount of data In this file, only data to be modified is
stored.
Examples include customer ledgers, Examples include process of products,
student database etc. customers order for products, inserting
new data to the database etc.

 Reference file: A reference file is mainly used for reference or look-up purposes. Look-
up information is that information that is stored in a separate file but is required during
processing. For example, in a point of sale terminal, the item code entered either
manually or using a barcode reader looks up the item description and price from a
reference file stored on a storage device.
 Backup file: A backup files is used to hold copies (backups) of data or information from
the computers fixed storage (hard disk). Since a file held on the hard disk may be
corrupted, lost or changed accidentally, it is necessary to keep copies of the recently
updated files. In case of the hard disk failure, a backup file can be used to reconstruct
the original file.
 Report file: Used to store relatively permanent records extracted from the master file or
generated after processing. For example you may obtain a stock levels report generated
from an inventory system while a copy of the report will be stored in the report file.

Primary key: a unique identifier of a record, e.g. employee pin in a nominal roll, students exam
number
Secondary key: it is another field to identify a record, although it is not unique. It is basically
used to sort records.
File operations
1. Read Operation: Meant To Read the information which is Stored into the Files.
2. Write Operation: For inserting some new Contents into a File.
3. Rename or Change the Name of File.
4. Copy the File from one Location to another.
5. Sorting or Arrange the Contents of File.
6. Move or Cut the File from One Place to Another.
7. Delete a File
8. Execute Means to Run Means File Display Output.

What is file organization?

1. It is the way records are arranged (laid out) within a particular file or any secondary
storage device in a computer
2. Refers to the way data is stored in a file
3. File organization is important because it determines the method of access, efficiency,
flexibility and storage devices to be used.

Methods of file organization

1. Serial method: the records are stored in the order they come into the file, and are not
sorted in any way.
2. Sequential method: records are stored in a sorted order using a key field
3. Indexed- sequential: Similar to sequential method, only that an index is used to enable
the computer to locate individual records on the storage media
4. Random access: records are stored in zig zag (random) format and accessed directly

Data processing methods

1. Manual Data Processing: In manual data processing, data is processed manually without
using any machine or tool to get required results, that is all the calculations and logical
operations are performed manually on the data. Similarly, data is transferred manually from
one place to another. This method of data processing is very slow and errors may occur in the
output. With the advancement in technology the dependency on manual methods has
drastically decreased.

2. Mechanical Data Processing: In this method, data is processed by using different devices
like typewriters, mechanical printers or other mechanical devices. This method of data
processing is faster and more accurate than manual data processing. With invention and
evolution of more complex machines with better computing power this type of processing also
started fading away. Examination boards and printing press use mechanical data processing
devices frequently.
3. Electronic Data Processing or EDP: is the modern technique to process data. The data is
processed through computer; Data and set of instructions are given to the computer as input
and the computer automatically processes the data according to the given set of instructions.
This method of processing data is very fast and accurate. For example, in a computerized
education environment results of students are prepared through computer; in banks, accounts
of customers are maintained (or processed) through computers etc.

a. Batch Processing: Batch Processing is a method where the information to be organized is

sorted into groups to allow for efficient and sequential processing.

b. Online Processing: This is a method that utilizes Internet connections and equipment
directly attached to a computer. This allows for the data stored in one place and being used at
altogether different place. Cloud computing can be considered as a example which uses this
type of processing. It is used mainly for information recording and research.

c. Real-Time Processing: This technique has the ability to respond almost immediately to
various signals in order to acquire and process information. These involve high maintenance
and upfront cost attributed to very advanced technology and computing power. Time saved is
maximum in this case as the output is seen in real time. For example in banking transactions

Example of real time processing

 Airline reservation systems
 Theatre (cinema) booking
 Hotel reservations
 Banking systems
 Police enquiry systems
 Chemical processing plants
 Hospitals to monitor the progress of a patient
 Missile control systems

Advantages
 Provides up-to-date information
 The information is readily available for instant decision-making
 Provides better services to users/customers.
 Fast &reliable
 Reduces circulation of hardcopies.

Disadvantages
 Require complex OS & are very expensive
 Not easy to develop
 Real time systems usually use 2 or more processors to share the workloads, which is
expensive.
 Require large communication equipment.
d. Distributed Processing: This method is commonly utilized by remote workstations
connected to one big central workstation or server. ATMs are good examples of this data
processing method. All the end machines run on a fixed software located at a particular place
and makes use of exactly same information and sets of instruction.

DATA COLLECTION AND CONTROL

Data can be defined as a collection of raw facts (figures, letters, special symbols, etc.) that
conveys little or no meaning
Information: a by-product of data processing that must have the qualities of timelines,
correctness and relevancy to the end-user or organization. It is a product of data processing.
Data processing cycle is a stage or phase through which data moves before it becomes
information is known as data processing cycle.
Stages of data processing
1. Data collection: the act of collecting data from its point of origin to the computer in a
suitable processing form.
2. Data input: this is the process where the collection data is converted from human
readable form into machine readable form by an input device, and send into the
machine
3. Data processing: the manipulation of input data into a more meaningful output that can
be accepted by the user. It involves arithmetic, sorting and logical operations.
4. Output: the production of the required information, which may be input in future
information is then disseminated to places where it is needed to influence decision
making. Distribution could be through hard copies, soft copies or electronic media.
5. Storage: This is a feature of computer and the final stage of data processing cycle. Here
the processed data is stored for future use.

Data Processing Cycle