UNIT ONE: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Today’s world is an information-rich world and it has become a necessity for everyone to know
about computers. Information technology- refers to hardware, software, databases,
telecommunication technologies and other information processing technologies that manipulate
data resources into useful information products like reports, financial statements. Consider the
example of a person who goes into a banking hall to inquire his balance. That technology they
would use to create, store, manipulate and communicate information is what is referred to as
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. Closely related to information technology is an Information
system, which refers to the set totality of requirements for handling information within an
organization. It can also be considered as an organized combination of people, hardware,
software, communication networks and data resource that collects, transforms and disseminates
information in an organization. An information system can be manual (i.e. paper work) or
informal (word of mouth); however, the aspect of the module is specifically computer-based
information systems that use information technology.

1.2 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you would be able to:
a) Define a computer
b) State the three operations of a computer in their sequence
c) familiarise yourself with advantages and disadvantages of computers
d) identify the uses of computers in your field of study
e) identify different types of computers
f) recognise the four types of microcomputers
g) state the five generations of computers

1.3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

a) Data can be defined as a representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized
manner, which should be suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing, by
 human or electronic machine. Data is represented with the help of characters such as
alphabets (A-Z, a-z), digits (0-9) or special characters (+,-,/,*,<,>,= etc.)

b) Information is organized or classified data, which has some meaningful values for the
receiver. Information is the processed data on which decisions and actions are based.

c) A computer program is a sequence of instructions written using a Computer

Programming Language to perform a specified task by the computer.

Computer: is an electronic device that can perform activities that involve Mathematical, Logical
and graphical manipulations. In particular, a computer is an electronic device which works under
the instructions of stored programmes, automatically accepting result or output of that
processing. Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of devices that function together
as a system. It performs the following three operations in sequence.
 It receives data & instructions from the input device
 Processes the data as per instructions.
 Provides the result (output) in a desired form.

1.4 ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

The characteristics of computers have made them so powerful and universally useful. Following
are certain advantages of computers:
a) High Speed
 Computer is a very fast device.
 It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
 The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picoseconds.
 It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will
spend many months to perform the same task.
NB: The speed rate of the computer depends on its processor.
b) Accuracy
 In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate; the errors come in the
computer due to inaccurate human input
 Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.
 Thus, the computer is never creating a mistake; it shows the error if the user gave the
wrong data to the computer.

c) Storage Capability
 Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
 A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
 It can store large amount of data.
 It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.
d) Diligence
 Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of
concentration.
 It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
 It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.
e) Versatility
 A computer is a very versatile machine.
 A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
 This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
 At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next
moment it may be playing a card game.
f) Reliability
 A computer is a reliable machine.
 Modern electronic components have long lives.
 Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
g) Automation
 Computer is an automatic machine.
 Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically.
 Once the computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer
memory, then the program and instruction can control the program execution without
human interaction.
 h) Reduction in Paper Work and Cost
 The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper
work and results in speeding up the process.
 As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of
maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced.
 Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially reduces the
cost of each of its transaction.

1.5 DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

Following are certain disadvantages of computers.
a) No I.Q.
 A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
 Each instruction has to be given to the computer.
 A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
b) Dependency
It functions as per the user’s instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans.

c) Environment
The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.

d) No Feeling
 Computers have no feelings or emotions.
 It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike
humans.

1.6. COMPUTER USES

The section presents the application of computers in various fields.
a) Business
A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or versatility which
has made it an integrated part in all business organizations. Computer is used in business
organizations for:
  Payroll calculations
 Budgeting
 Sales analysis
 Financial forecasting
 Managing employee database
 Maintenance of stocks, etc.

b) Banking
Today, banking is almost totally dependent on computers. Using computers, Banks can provide
the following facilities:
 Online accounting facility, which includes checking current balance, making deposits
and overdrafts, checking interest charges, shares, and trustee records.
 ATM machines which are completely automated are making it even easier for customers
to deal with banks.

c) Insurance
Insurance companies are keeping all records up-to-date with the help of computers. Insurance
companies, finance houses, and stock broking firms are widely using computers for their
concerns. Insurance companies are maintaining a database of all clients with information
showing:
 Procedure to continue with policies
 Starting date of the policies
 Next due installment of a policy
 Maturity date
 Interests due
 Survival benefits
 Bonus

d) Education
The computer helps in providing a lot of facilities in the education system. These include, but
not limited to the following:
 The computer provides a tool in the education system known as CBE (Computer Based
Education).
  CBE involves control, delivery, and evaluation of learning.
 Computer education is rapidly increasing the graph of number of computer students.
 There are a number of methods in which educational institutions can use a computer to
educate the students.
 It is used to prepare a database about performance of a student and analysis is carried out
on this basis.

e) Marketing
In marketing, some of the uses of the computer are as follows:
 Advertising − With computers, advertising professionals create art and graphics, write
and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal of selling more products.
 Home Shopping − Home shopping has been made possible through the use of
computerized catalogues that provide access to product information and permit direct
entry of orders to be filled by the customers.

f) Healthcare
Computers have become an important part in hospitals, labs, and dispensaries. They are being
used in hospitals to keep the record of patients and medicines. It is also used in scanning and
diagnosing different diseases. ECG, EEG, ultrasounds and CT scans, etc. are also done by
computerized machines. The following are some major fields of health care in which computers
are used.
 Diagnostic System − Computers are used to collect data and identify the cause of
illness.
 Lab-diagnostic System − All tests can be done and the reports are prepared by
computer.
 Patient Monitoring System − these are used to check the patient's signs for abnormality
such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG, etc.
 Pharma Information System − Computer is used to check drug labels, expiry dates,
harmful side effects, etc.
 Surgery − Nowadays, computers are also used in performing surgery.

g) Engineering Design
Computers are widely used for engineering purpose. One of the major areas is CAD (Computer
Aided Design) that provides creation and modification of images. Some of the fields are:
 Structural Engineering − requires stress and strain analysis for design of ships,
buildings, budgets, airplanes, etc.
 Industrial Engineering − Computers deal with design, implementation, and
improvement of integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment.
 Architectural Engineering − Computers help in planning towns, designing buildings,
determining a range of buildings on a site using both 2D and 3D drawings.

h) Military
Some military areas where a computer has been used are −
 Missile Control
 Military Communication
 Military Operation and Planning
 Smart Weapons

i) Communication
Communication is a way to convey a message, an idea, a picture, or speech that is received and
understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant. Some main areas in this
category are:
 E-mail
 Chatting
 Usenet
 FTP
 Telnet
 Video-conferencing

j) Government
Computers play an important role in government services. Some major fields in this category
are:
 Budgets
 Sales tax department
 Income tax department
  Computation of male/female ratio
 Computerization of voters lists
 Computerization of PAN card
 Weather forecasting

Uses of computers in music

Technological advancements are having a profound effect on how modern music is being created
and performed. In recent years, the so-called “computer revolution” has spurred new, powerful
capabilities for musicians. Computer-based musicians are in many cases using their personal
computer as the central component for the composition, performance, recording, mixing,
mastering and performance of their music. Computer musicians often talk about what real
instruments are in their music, and how they incorporated them. The table below shows common
software used to create music.

Table 1: Common software used create music

Software Description
Cubase Cubase is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Steinberg for music and MIDI
recording, arranging and editing.
Cakewalk Cakewalk develops the world's best software for recording and music creation for the PC

1.7 DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

There are four basic types of computers: supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, and
microcomputers:
a) Supercomputers
These are large, powerful computers typically devoted to specialized tasks. Supercomputers
are the fastest and most expensive of all computers. They perform sophisticated
mathematical calculations, track weather patterns, monitor satellites, and perform other
complex, dedicated tasks.

b) Mainframe computers
These are large computers often found in businesses and colleges, where thousands of people
use the computer to process data. Mainframe computers multitask; that is, they can perform
more than one task at the same time. This capability is one of the primary ways mainframes
differ from supercomputers. Mainframes can store vast amounts of data using a variety of
storage devices. Early mainframe computers were very large and required separate rooms to
house them. Today's mainframe computers are significantly smaller.

c) Minicomputers
These may be used in medium-sized businesses that have smaller data storage requirements
than businesses using mainframe computers. Because of the increased capabilities of
microcomputers, minicomputers are less common now.

d) Microcomputers
These are the smallest of the four categories of computers and the one that most people
typically use. Within the microcomputer category, computers range in size from servers that
have the storage capability of minicomputers (and small mainframes) to handheld devices
that fit in your pocket. Some of the most common types of microcomputers include the
following:
i) Desktop computers sit on your desktop, floor, table, or other flat surface and have a
detachable keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other pieces of equipment. Desktop computers
generally fall into two main categories: PCs or Macs. The PC, or personal computer,
originally referred to the IBM personal computer, but is now manufactured by a variety
of companies including Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Samsung and Gateway, just to name a
few. The Apple Macintosh computer, or Mac, can perform the same functions as the PC.
There has been a long-running argument among computer users about which is better PC
or Mac? In reality, there are pros and cons to both types of computers, although both are
good systems and the choice usually comes down to personal preference. The primary
differences between the PC and the Mac relate to the different microprocessors and
operating systems each one uses. The PC is typically used in a Microsoft Windows
operating environment, and the Macintosh uses the Mac operating system. Although the
PC and the Mac each process information differently, both can perform the same types of
tasks. The PC has a larger market share among general computer users and in business
settings, while the Mac is extremely popular with graphic design professionals.

ii) Notebook computers give users the ability to take their computers with them, making
their information portable or mobile. Originally referred to as laptops, this term is slowly
 being phased-out in favor of the more appropriate notebook designation. Although
smaller than a desktop, notebook computers are not meant to be used on your lap. If you
hold one on your lap for a few minutes, you can feel the heat they generate. Notebooks
are designed to be portable and can be used in a variety of places. Notebooks typically
have a built-in monitor screen, a keyboard, and a pointing device, although it is possible
to connect them to detachable devices for more comfortable desktop use.

iii) Tablet computers might seem similar to notebooks at first glance; however, they have
some special features that set them apart. Tablet computers weigh less than notebooks.
They also have a convertible screen that swivels, allowing the tablet to be used like a
standard notebook computer in one position or like a clipboard in the second position. In
fact, this "clipboard" aspect is where the tablet got its name. When used in the tablet
configuration, the user can actually write directly on the screen using a special pen
known as a stylus. Tablets use a special technology known as advanced handwriting
recognition. Many also use speech recognition technology as well, which allows the user
to record discussions, lectures, and so on, or to control the computer using voice
commands.

iv) Personal digital assistants (PDAs) or handheld computers vary in size and purpose.
Originally designed to provide a convenient resource for maintaining an organized
calendar and list of business and personal associates, today's PDAs are capable of much
more. Many PDAs now include personal productivity software and allow the user to play
music, take photos, make phone calls, and access the Internet. Most PDAs use a stylus, a
small sticklike device, to input information and access various features. However, it is not
uncommon to find PDAs with small detachable keyboards for text and data entry. The
line between PDAs and other mobile devices such as cell phones is becoming blurred, as
each becomes more capable of doing the same types of tasks. Figure 1.1 identifies four
different types of microcomputers.
 Figure 1.1: Four different types of microcomputers

1.8 COMPUTER GENERATIONS

Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer is/was being used.
Initially, the generation term was used to distinguish between varying hardware technologies.
Nowadays, generation includes both hardware and software, which together make up an entire
computer system. There are five computer generations known till date. Each generation has been
discussed in detail along with their time period and characteristics. In the following table,
approximate dates against each generation have been mentioned. The following presents the
main five generations of computers:

First Generation
 The period 1940 to 1956, roughly considered as the First Generation of Computer.
 The first generation computers were developed by using vacuum tube or thermionic
valve machine.
 The input of this system was based on punched cards and paper tape; however, the
output was displayed on printouts.
  The first generation computers worked on binary-coded concept (i.e., language of 0-
1). Examples: ENIAC, EDVAC, etc.

Second Generation
 The period 1956 to 1963 is roughly considered as the period of Second Generation of
Computers.
 The second generation computers were developed by using transistor technology.
 In comparison to the first generation, the size of second generation was smaller.
 In comparison to computers of the first generation, the computing time taken by the
computers of the second generation was lesser.
Third Generation
 The period 1963 to 1971 is roughly considered as the period of Third Generation of
computers.
 The third generation computers were developed by using the Integrated Circuit (IC)
technology.
  In comparison to the computers of the second generation, the size of the computers of the
third generation was smaller.
 In comparison to the computers of the second generation, the computing time taken by
the computers of the third generation was lesser.
 The third generation computer consumed less power and also generated less heat.
 The maintenance cost of the computers in the third generation was also low.
 The computer system of the computers of the third generation was easier for commercial
use.

Fourth Generation
 The period 1972 to 2010 is roughly considered as the fourth generation of computers.
 The fourth generation computers were developed by using microprocessor technology.

 By coming to fourth generation, computer became very small in size, it became portable.
 The machine of fourth generation started generating very low amount of heat.
 It is much faster and accuracy became more reliable.
 The production cost reduced to very low in comparison to the previous generation.
 It became available for the common people as well.

Fifth Generation
 The period 2010 to till date and beyond, roughly considered as the period of fifth
generation of computers.
 By the time, the computer generation was being categorized on the basis of hardware
only, but the fifth generation technology also included software.
 The computers of the fifth generation had high capability and large memory capacity.
 Working with computers of this generation was fast and multiple tasks could be
performed simultaneously.
  Some of the popular advanced technologies of the fifth generation include Artificial
intelligence, Quantum computation, Nanotechnology, Parallel processing, etc.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
a) Define the following terms
i) Computer hardware
ii) Central processing unit
iii) Computer software
iv) Computer memory
v) Computer port
b) Why computer is known as data processing system?
c) What are the four basic units of a computer system?
d) Explain the functions of each unit of a computer system
e) Devices which are used to receive data from central processing unit are classified as
f) Compare Computer with calculator
g) Identify the three main types of computer memory and explain the characteristics of each
h) Differentiate between a volatile and non-volatile memory.
i) List the five units of computer memory and their size of measurement.
j) All code or data is stored and processed in computers using two symbols; 0 and 1.(True or
false)
k) What is difference between information and data?
l) In a computer keyboard the Alt, Ctrl, Shift, Del &amp; Insert keys are known as.......
m) State the uses of the following computer ports:
i) Parallel port
ii) ii) Universal Serial Bus (or USB) Port
iii) Ethernet port
n) Differentiate between system software and application software giving examples
o) Explain the importance of operating system
p) Identify different application software and their uses
q) What are the factors that should be in your mind when you are buying computer software?
r) State the advantages of a database management system
s) Midlands State university computers are loaded with Windows Operating Systems. These
Operating Systems are not cheap and there are others, which are even for free. What do you
think are the reasons for that choice of Operating system?
t) List 6 factors you would consider before buying any software
u) List any six (6) factors that determine the speed of a computer