COMPUTER SYSTEMS

CHAPTER ONLINE
1. Introduction
2. Input devices
3. CPU
4. Output devices
5. Secondary storage devices
6. Power and interface cables
7. Computer software
8. Criteria for selecting a computer system
Introduction
•Definition of system:
•Refers to a collection of entities
that collectively work together to
achieve a stated goal. An entity can
be a person, a place or an object.
Description of a computer system
•A computer system is a collection of
three entities namely hardware,
software and liveware that work
together to receive, process, manage
and present information in a
meaningful format.
Computer Hardware:
• These are physical or tangible
components that make up a
computer system.
•They are classified into four
categories namely;
Categories of Computer Hardware

•Input devices,
•CPU,
•Output devices and
•Storage devices.
Software: Refers to a set of
instructions that direct a computer
on what to do. They are classified
into two categories namely; system
software and application.
•Liveware: Refers to
users/persons/human
beings/operators operating
computers. Other terms used are
wetware and grayware.
1. Input devices
2. CPU
3. Output devices
4. Storage devices
INPUT DEVICES
•Input devices convert user input
which is in human readable form to
machine language that a computer
can process. These devices can be
classified according to the method
that they use to enter data namely;
keying devices, pointing devices,
scanning devices and other
technologies used to capture data.
•Keying devices
• Typing is the most common way to
input data. A keying device converts
typed data numbers, letters and
special characters into machine
readable language before processing
takes place. The following are types of
keying devices;
• Traditional keyboard- This is the most common type of
keying device. It is a full sized rigid.
• Flexible keyboard: It is a flexible keyboard and is more
portable keyboard that can be folded and packed into a
bag.
• Ergonomic keyboard: It is especially designed to provide
comfort and alleviate wrist strain.
• Keypad: It is a miniature keyboard used on portable
devices such as PDAs, laptops and mobile phones.
• Braille keyboard: It is a keyboard designed for use by the
blind. It consists of keys identified by raised dots.
• POINTING DEVICES
• Pointing devices are used for controlling a pointer cursor on the
screen. It includes;
• Mouse: It is the most common pointing devices. There are three
types namely’
• Standard mouse: This traditional mouse which has a ball
underneath, two buttons and an optional scroll button located
between the left and right buttons.
• Optical mouse: It doesn’t have any moving parts. It works by
using a tiny digital camera to take 1,500 pictures every second of
the surface on which it is resting. Interpreting the pictures
indicates the direction of the mouse movement hence the
pointer’s position on the screen.
• (b) Trackball – works just like mouse, only that its ball
is located at top. Instead of moving the device on a
flat surface, the user rotates ball using a finger.
• (c) Joystick – It is an input device that looks like lever
used to control a pointer on the screen. It is
purposely used for playing computer games. The user
controls game actions by varying the pressure, speed
and directions of the joystick. Command buttons and
triggers are used to issue commands or actions in the
software being controlled by the joystick user.
• (d) Light pen and stylus- operates by detecting the
commands or item being illuminated by it. A stylus is
used on devices such on devices such, PDAs that
recognize commands or hand written data.
• SCANNING DEVICES
• Scanning means capturing data from an object and
converting it into digital format. Scanning devices can
be classified according to technology used to capture.
These are optical scanners and magnetic scanners:
• (a) Optical scanners: Capture data using optical
technology or light technology. A light beam passes
over an object and the image is analyzed by
specialized software. Examples of optical scanners
include:
(i) Optical mark recognition scanners (OMR): OMR is used
to detect marks made on apiece of paper using ink or a soft
pencil by passing an infrared beam over them. OMR are
used to mark multiple choice questions, analyzing
responses to structured questionnaires and selecting
correct number combinations from lottery tickets.
(ii) Optical bar recognition scanners (OBR): Are used to
capture data coded as lines of varying thickness known as
barcodes or Universal Product Code (UPC). Bar codes hold
manufacturer’s details and the product but not price
details because prices vary from one place to another.
(iii) Optical character recognition scanners (OCR): Is
used to read typewritten, computer-printed, or
handwritten characters and transforms the images
into a soft copy that can be manipulated using a word
processor. Today a more advanced OCR scanner called
fltbed scanner is used to capture pictures and real
objects.
(iii) Optical character recognition scanners (OCR): Is
used to read typewritten, computer-printed, or
handwritten characters and transforms the images
into a soft copy that can be manipulated using a word
processor. Today a more advanced OCR scanner called
flatbed scanner is used to capture pictures and real
objects.
(b)Magnetic scanners
• Magnetic scanners are used to capture data written
using magnetic ink or coded onto a magnetic strip.
Common examples of magnetic scanners are
magnetic ink character recognition and card readers.
• (a) Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR): MICR
scanners are used to read characters written using
magnetic ink. It is commonly used in banks to read
cheques.
• DIGITIZERS
• -It is also known as graphic tablet. It allows a user to draw
an image using stylus. The image drawn does not appear
on the tablet but on the computer screen.
• -The digitizer is used for tracing highly detailed
engineering and architectural drawings and designs.
• DIGITAL CAMERA:
• -Capture images the same way other cameras do, only
that the image is stored in digital form. Pictures are
mostly stored on a memory card instead of film. The
stored images can then be edited, printed or uploaded or
uploaded to the internet.
OTHER INPUT TECHNOLOGIES
TOUCH SCREEN
• - It lets the user to touch the screen using a finger or a
stylus in order to write or select an item. The screen
consists of infrared light crisscrossing behind it. When
the user touches a location on the screen, the finger
interrupts the infrared light and the output is
displayed on the screen. A touch screen is mostly is
mostly used in retail stores, airports on smartphones
and PDA.
• VOICE INPUT
• It is an input technology where a microphone is used to enter
data in form of speech into the computer. This method is
mostly suitable for the physically challenged users. Voice input
has the following limitations:
• Homophones – some words sound the same e.g. fare and fair
• Word separation- connected speech has to be segmented.
• Recognition is slow- the vocabulary and the speech rate
response rate are still very slow.
• Speaker variability – the speech, pitch, range, rhythm,
intonation, loudness and pronunciation of the individual
speaker can vary.
• Limited vocabularies.
• INTERATIVE WHITEBOARD
• -Also known as smart board. It is large interactive
display that connects to a computer. The computer
display is projected onto the board’s surface, where
users control the computer and write a pen or a
finger the board is typically mounted to a wall or on a
floor stand.
• Smart boards are used in places such as classrooms,
corporate board rooms, seminars and broadcast
studios.
•CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
•It is also known as the processor and is the
most important component of the computer.
This is the unit where are processing
activities are carried out inside the
processor. In microcomputers it is housed
inside the system unit. It is mounted on a
circuit called motherboard.
•The CPU consists of the following
functional elements:
•Control unit (CU)
•Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
•Main memory
(1) CONTROL UNIT
• The CU controls the entire operation of the
microprocessor system during the execution of a
program. It fetches, decodes and executes instructions.
• It determines which operations or instruction to be
executed next, where the results are to be stored and
where the next instruction is located.
• To coordinate these activities, the CU uses a system
clock. The system clock sends electric signals as its
means of communication. The number of pulses per
second determines the speed of a microprocessor. The
faster the clock pulses, the faster the CPU, hence the
faster the computer can process data.
(2) ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC UNIT
•- The ALU is a unit that carries all arithmetic and
logical operations. The basic arithmetic operations
includes; addition, division, subtraction and
multiplication. Logic operations are based on the
computers’ capacity to compare two or more
values, e.g. it may compare whether a piece of
data is greater than, less than, equal to, or not
equal to.
•- In order for the ALU to be able to process data, it
has special temporary storage locations called
registers, which hold the data just before and after
processing.
•MAIN MEMORY
•It also known as primary storage and is a
memory directly accessed by CPU. Computer
memory can be classified into two:
•Read Only Memory (ROM)
•Random Access Memory (RAM)
•(I) READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)
•- ROM is used to store programmed instructions
and data permanently or semi- permanently. Data
and instructions stored in ROM are those which
remain unchanged for long periods of time e.g.
POST instructions, special purpose computers,
computerized fuel pumps instructions.
•- Depending on permanence of the instructions or
data written on it, there are four types of Read
Only Memory namely:
• (a) Mask Read Only Memory (MROM) – Once the
content is written on it by the manufacturer, it cannot be
changed.
• (b) Programmable ROM (PROM) – This allows the user to
alter it only once after the content is written on it.
• (c) Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM) – This has a
transparent quartz window through which its contents
can be erased by exposing it to Ultra violet light, and
then reprogrammed for another use.
• (d) Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM) –
This memory can be erased and reprogrammed using
electricity. An example of EEPROM is the memory that
stores the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS).
•Characteristics of Read Only Memory
•1. One can read its contents but you cannot
write on it unless it is a special type of ROM.
•2. It is non-volatile i.e. its content is not lost
when the computer is switched off.
•3. Stores permanent or semi-permanent
instructions from the manufacturer called
firmware. It can store semi-permanent
instructions because some variations of ROM
chips can be programmed according to the
user’s specification.
(B) RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)
•RAM can be read to and retrieved from. The name
Random Access Memory means that data in any
area of the memory can be accessed or reached in
the same amount of time. RAM is the memory
used in large quantities in Main Memory, and
every computer must specify its size. e.g. 512 MB.
•As opposed to ROM, the content of RAM is held
temporarily and its content is lost once the
computer is switched off. Therefore, before
switching off the computer, it is important that one
stores (saves) his/her work in a device that offers
relatively permanent storage facility.
Characteristics of Random Access Memory
•1. Data can be read (retrieved) and written
(stored) in it.
•2. RAM is a temporary (volatile) storage
because its contents disappear when the
computer is switched off.
•3. Its content is user defined i.e. the user
dictates what is to be contained in the RAM.
There are two types of RAM:
•1. Dynamic RAM –Dynamic Ram (DRAM) is a
relatively slower type of RAM as compared
to Static RAM (SRAM). The term dynamic
refers to the tendency for the stored charge
to leak away, even with constant power
supply. Dynamic RAM stores a bit of
information as a charge. For this reason,
DRAM requires periodic recharging (refresh)
to maintain its data storage.
2. Static RAM – It is a fast type of memory
mostly located inside a micro processor. For
this reason, SRAM is used on special purpose
memories such as cache memory. Cache
memory is used to enhance processing speed
by holding data and instructions that are
instantly required by the processor.
•The contents of SRAM remain stable as long
as power flows.
•A comparison between primary and secondary
memory
•Primary storage Secondary storage
•1. Data can be processed directly from storage
Data cannot be processed directly
•2. Located within the CPU Located outside the CPU
•3. More expensive Less expensive
•4. Lower capacity Higher capacity
•5. Faster access time Slow access time
SPECIAL PURPOSE MEMORIES
•Some minute types of memories
are included inside a
microprocessor or input/output
devices. Examples of special
memories include; buffers, registers
and cache memory.
•(a) Cache memory – It is a fast type of
memory. There are three types of cache
memory namely:
•(i) Level 1 : Also known as primary cache
located inside the microprocessor.
•(ii) Level 2 : Also known as external cache
that may be inside microprocessor or
mounted on the motherboard.
•(iii) Level3: Is the last types of cache that
works with L2 cache to optimize system
performance.
(b)Buffers – There are special memories
that are found in input/output devices.
Input data is held in the buffer while
processed output is held in output buffer.
e.g. computer printers have buffers where
they can store massive documents sent by
CPU for printing hence freeing the CPU to
perform other tasks as the printer
continues to print in the background.
• REGISTERS
• Registers hold one piece of data at a time and are inside
the CPU. Examples of registers are:
• ACCUMULATORREGISTER– This holds the results of the
last processing step of the ALU.
• INSTRUCTION REGISTER –This temporarily holds an
instruction just before it is interpreted into a form that
CPU can understand.
• ADDRESS REGISTER - This temporarily holds the next
piece of data waiting to be processed.
• STORAGE REGISTER -This temporarily holds a piece of
data that is on its way to and from the CPU and the main
memory.
•MEMORY CAPACITIES
•The smallest unit of computer memory
is called a bit. Bit comes from the word
Binary Digit which is the binary digits 1
or 0 (one or zero). A group of 4 bits is
called nibble, while a group of 8 bits is
called a byte.
•Memory quantities can be expressed in:
•(a) Kilobyte (KB) – Approximately one thousand
bytes, but the actual size 1024 bytes.
•(b) Megabytes (MB) -Approximately one million
bytes, but the actual size is 1,048,576.
•(c)Giga bytes (GB) -Approximately one billion
bytes, but the actual size is 1,073,741,824.
•(d) Terabytes - Approximately one trillion bytes,
but the actual size is 1,099,511,627,776.
 Overall functional organization of the CPU

• The ALU, the CU and the main memory use electrical

pathways or links referred to as buses. There are three
types of buses namely:
a) Control bus: This is the pathway for all timing and
controlling functions sent by the Control Unit to other
parts of the system. (it is unidirectional bus)
b)Address bus: It is a unidirectional bus. This is a pathway
used to locate the storage position in memory where the
next instruction data to be processed is held.
c) Data Bus – It is bi-directional pathway where actual
data transfer take place.
•Overall functional organization of the
CPU
•Diagram- pg 46
•TYPES OF PROCESSORS
•Basically a processor consists of an in-
built set of instructions known as
instruction set. Processors therefore can
be classified into two categories
depending on the number of instruction
set namely:
•TYPES OF PROCESSORS
•Basically a processor consists of an in-
built set of instructions known as
instruction set. Processors therefore can
be classified into two categories
depending on the number of instruction
set namely:
(a) Complex instruction set computers –
Processor that uses this complex set of
instruction includes;
(i) Intel
(ii) Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
(iii) Cyrix
(iv) Intel –Celeron
(b) Reduced instruction set computers –
Processors that uses this type of
instruction includes;
(i) Motorola
(ii) Sun Microsystems
•HERTZ –It is a parameter used to
measure performance of a processor or
clock speed and is measured in Hertz
(Hz). A hertz is a unit of frequency which
measures the number of cycles per
second in a signal. A processor clock
speed can be in kilohertz (KHz),
megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz)
•(C) OUTPUT DEVICES
•Output devices are peripherals or devices
that a computer uses to give out
information after the processing
operations.
•Output devices are categorized into two
namely:
•Soft copy output devices
•Hard copy output devices
•(A) SOFT COPY OUTPUT DEVICES
•-Soft copy refers to intangible output that
can be seen or heard such as screen display
and sound.
•-Examples of such devices include;
•monitors
•speakers
•Light Emitting Diodes
•projectors
•(1)Monitors – Also known as Visual
Display Unit (VDU) or screen, is used to
display information in form of text,
pictures and video, enabling the user to
monitor operations carried out by the
computer. There are three common
types of monitors namely:
•- Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
•- Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
•- Gas Plasma Display (GPD)
•Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) - It consists of a
long glass tube with an electronic gun on
one end and a screen on the other. The
electron gun shoots electrons to illuminate
and is coated with tiny phosphorus dots.
The dots consists of three primary display
colours i.e. red, green and blue to make a
pixel (colour resolution – clarity of the
screen)
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) – It is made
of special liquid crystals. Unlike CRTs,
LCDs are less bulky, consume less power
and have little strain effect on eyes. Due
to this reason, LCDs are gradually
replacing CRT monitors on desktop
computers.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) – It is made
of special liquid crystals. Unlike CRTs,
LCDs are less bulky, consume less power
and have little strain effect on eyes. Due
to this reason, LCDs are gradually
replacing CRT monitors on desktop
computers.
•There are two technologies used to make
LCDs, Passive and Active matrix. In Passive
matrix, LCDs create images by scanning
entire clarity screen. This type of LCDs
requires little power but have poor clarity.
On the other hand, Active matrix displays
are made using thin film transistor
technology, hence the name TFTs. These
displays consume more energy than
passive matrix but offer better clarity.
•There are two technologies used to make
LCDs, Passive Active matrix. In Passive
matrix, LCDs create images by scanning
entire clarity screen. This type of LCDs
requires little power but have poor clarity.
On the other hand, Active matrix displays
are made using thin film transistor
technology, hence the name TFTs. These
displays consume more energy than
passive matrix but offer better clarity.
Gas plasma displays
•Gas plasma resembles LCDs only that they
make use of gas instead of charged
crystals. They contain millions of pixels
that are illuminated by charged neon gas.
Unlike LCDs, images displayed is on gas
plasma do not suffer from angle distortion.
•Currently the technology is mainly used to
produce high definition TVs (HDTV) and
wall display screens.
MONITOR DISPLAY TERMINOLOGIES
(A)PIXEL: Stands for elements,
are tiny dots which are used to
form the images displayed on
the screen. In a coloured
monitor, a pixel has three
primary colours namely red,
green and blue.
(B)COLOUR DEPTH: Refers to
number of colours which can be
displayed pixel called colour
depth. It is measured in bits.
(C) RESOLUTION: This is the
number of pixel per inch on
screen usually given in dots per
inch (dpi) or bits. The higher the
resolution, the more the number
of pixels per square inch, hence
clearer the images.
(D) DISPLAY SIZE: It is measured
in inches as the diagonal length
of the screen measured from top
right to bottom.
VIDEO GRAPHIC ADAPTERS
•For a monitor to display information, it
must be connected through a video
port to a video adapter plugged or
integrated on the motherboard. A
video adapter determines the
resolution and clarity of the monitor.
•Examples of video adapters include:
(i) Colour graphics adapter (CGA) – It is
the oldest type of adapter that displays
text and images up to 16 colours.
(ii) Enhanced Graphics adapter (EGA) –
Was an improvement of CGA but also
displays 16 colours.
(iii) Video graphic Array: Displays text,
graphics and video using 256 colours.
•(iv) Super Video Graphic Array (SVGA)-
Displays text, graphics and video using
more than 16 million colours, has a
minimum resolution of 800 x 600
pixels.
•(v) Extended Graphics array (XGA) – has
a resolution of upto 1024 x 768 pixels.
It is popular with 17 and 19 inch
monitors.
•(vi) Super Extended Graphics Array
(SXGA): Has a resolution of 1280 x 1024
pixels and is popular with 19 and 21
inch monitors.
(v) Ultra Extended Graphics Array
(UXGA) – It is the latest and highest
standard.
•2. SOUND OUTPUT DEVICES
•Sound output devices produce sounds
such as beep, audio or digital. Some
computers come with in-built speakers
while others require external speakers
which require sound card and
multimedia speakers.
•3. Data projectors
•Data projectors are used to display
output form from a computer onto a
plain white screen or a wall or a
whiteboard. It is a creative way of
presenting computer output to
audience.
4. Light emitting diodes (LED)
•LEDs are indicators that display light when
an electric current is passed through them,
e.g. red or green light displayed by the
system unit to help the user know whether it
is on or off. Most LEDs are used to give
warnings the same way a motorist would
use signals to indicate when he/she is
overtaking or taking them.
•(B) HARD COPY OUTPUT DEVICES
•Hard copy refers to tangible output that
can be felt such as a paper.
•Examples of hard copy output devices
include:
•Printers
•Plotters
•facsimile (fax)
•PRINTERS
•Printers are primarily used to produce
information on a piece of paper. The
quality of a hard copy depends on the
printer’s printing mechanism. Printers
are classified according to different
printing mechanism. The two
categories are impact and non-impact
•Impact printers
•Impact printers print using striking
mechanism. This means that they strike
in order to form an imprint on it. Two
examples of impact technologies are
dot matrix and daisywheel printers.
•Dot matrix printers: Has a set
of pins on the printers’ head
which strikes on the ink
ribbons placed over the
paper.
•Daisy wheel printers : A daisy wheel has a
removable flower –like wheel consisting of
spokes with embossed characters. When
printing, the wheel is rotated to align the
required characters and then the character are
hit with a hammer.
•Although impact printers are cheaper to run and
print for long periods without breaking
(durable), they produce low quality printouts.
•Non- impact printers
•They are faster and more quiet
than the impact printers. They print
using ink, thermal or laser
mechanisms. The four types of non-
impact printers are inkjet, thermal,
laser and photo printers.
Inkjet printers
• Inkjet printers print spraying tiny droplets
onto a paper to create an image. A colour
inkjet may have black and tricolor
cartridges that contains cyan, magenta and
yellow (CMY) compartments. The
cartridges has nozzles that do the actual
spraying of ink on the paper.
Although the inkjet printers are
cheaper to purchase and produce
better quality printouts, they are
more expensive to run due to the
high cost of replacing the cartridges.
•Thermal printers
•They use thermal technology to
heat ink which is normally in wax or
resin form to melting point before
fusing it onto the paper. Thermal
printers are mostly used in point of
sale terminals to print receipts and
Although thermal printers produce
high quality printouts, they are
more expensive to purchase and
run.
• Laser printers
• Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation) printers operate by shining a laser beam to
create an image on a rotating drum. As the beam hits
the drum, it ionizes some regions which attract ink
toner particles. The toner is then fused onto a piece
of paper through heating.
• Laser printers print very fast compared to the other
two. They are cheaper to run and produce high
quality printouts. However, they are expensive to
purchase.
• Photo printer
• Photo printers are special purpose printers designed
to print photos.
• Factors to consider when purchasing a printer
1. PRINT QUALITY –Dot matrix are good for bulk printing, drafting
documents, laser is good for printing official documents while
thermal printers are good for checkout counter receipts.
2. Initial cost – Though the prices have come down, laser and
thermal printers are still expensive compared to inkjet printers.
3. Running cost – the cost of maintaining an inkjet printer is higher
than that of laser printers.
4. Speed –The speed of a printer is measured in pages per minute.
5. Colour printing: Most printers support black and colour printing.
However, colour printers especially lasers are relatively very
expensive.
• Plotter
• A plotter is a large type of hard copy output device.
Plotters are mostly used for printing geographical,
architectural and engineering drawings e.g. maps,
advertisement posters to be placed on billboards,
machines. e.t.c.
 Secondary storage devices and media

• Are also called auxiliary storage which provide

alternative long term storage for programs, data and
information. They are regarded as secondary unlike
primary storage they are not directly accessible by
the CPU. Secondary storage devices can be classified
according to:
•Portability as removable and fixed
•Technology used to store and
retrieve data as magnetic, optical,
magneto-optical and solid state.
(a) Removable storage
•Removable storage media are those
that are not housed inside the
computer. Data is read and written
into the media using a device
known as drive. Examples of
removable storage include
•Magnetic tapes
•Floppy disks
•Optical disks
•Solid state devices.
Magnetic tapes– Magnetic tape is a
ribbon of mylar (plastic like) material
coated with a thin layer of Iron oxide. The
tape resembles the music cassette used in
home tape recorders. Data is read from
and written using a tape drive. Examples
of magnetic tapes include: reel to reel
tapes, cassette tapes and cartridge tapes.
Advantages of magnetic tapes
1. They can hold a lot of data.
2. They are easily portable.
3. Cheaper storage device.
4. Can be erased and re-used.
•Disadvantages of magnetic tapes
•They are very slow because of linear
storage of data records on the tape.
•There is space between successive data
records called Inter – Record Gap (IRG)
which results in wastage of storage space.
•Can be easily damaged by dust, heat,
touching and tearing.
Magnetic disks
•They have a magnetic disk platter that
stores data.
•Examples of magnetic disks
•Floppy disks
•zip disks
•Jaz disks
• Floppy disk
• It is made up of a small flexible round disk coated with
Iron Oxide.
• The disk is covered with a plastic protective case.
• Floppy disks are portable thus making them the most
widely used type of secondary storage device.
• They are inserted into a floppy drive which has a read –
write head that runs over the magnetized spots that
contain data.
• Sizes of floppy disk are 3 ½ inch and 5 ¼ inch. The most
common is 3 ½ inch and its size is 1.44MB.
Diagram of floppy disk
•Structure of floppy disk platter
•If the protective plastic casing of a floppy disk is
removed, a circular flexible disk, coated with
magnetic material will be revealed. The surface
of the disk is divided into tiny invisible
concentric circles called tracks that store data.
The tracks are further divided into units called
sectors.
•Diagram pg 60 figure 2.37.
•Zip disks
•A zip disk is a high capacity magnetic
diskette that resembles a floppy disk.
However compared to a 3.5 floppy disk, a zip
disk has a higher storage capacity and is
physically thicker. A zip disk can hold as
much as 250MB.
•Zip disk mostly come with separate portable
external zip drives.
•Jaz disks
•Jaz disks resemble zip disks in every sense
only that they can hold as 2GB. Data is read
or written using internal or external jaz
drive.
•High capacity floppy
•High capacity floppy disks simply known as
HiFD disks are high capacity diskettes that
can store upto 200MB of data. HiFD drive
can also read the magnetic 1.44MB diskette.
•Laser Servo 120 SuperDisks
•Laser Servo 120 Super Disk technology (LS-
120) is a diskette that resembles the 3.5 inch
floppy diskette but uses optical technology.
It has a greater capacity and speed of data
retrieval (it can store up to 240MB). The LS -
120 drive can read and write both the 3.5
inch floppy disk and the 120MB superdisk.
• Care of magnetic storage media
1. Do not expose a magnetic media to strong magnetic fields. This would
dis-orient the magnetic dipoles causing erasure of recorded data.
2. Do not expose a magnetic media to excessive heat. Heat energy leads
to loss of magnetic strength in materials, hence magnetically recorded
data can easily get lost.
3. Do not drop magnetic media on the ground because the impact
weakens magnetism.
4. Do not bend or fold a magnetic media or put heavy weights on them
to avoid breaking or damaging it.
5. Do not touch the magnetic surfaces.
6. Do not remove a media from the drive when it is still being accessed
by the computer because this may result to data loss.
OPTICAL STORAGE MEDIA
•Optical storage media are also called because
data is written and read from them using a
laser beam. A laser beam is a very strong
concentrated light.
Two reasons why optical media are used:
•They store very large volumes of data.
•Data stored in them is more stable and more
permanent than the magnetic media.
Examples of optical disks are:
•Compact disks (CD)
•Digital Versatile Disks (DVD)
•Optical card
•Optical tape
•Compact disks (CD)
- CD holds large quantities of data and
information.
- One disk can hold as much as 700MB.
- They are mostly used to store data and
information that requires a lot of space
such as video clips, software, soundse.t.c.
- Currently CDs are available in three forms
namely:
(i) Compact Disk Read Only Memory
(CD-ROM)
•CD –ROM as the name suggests
contain data that can only be read but
cannot be written on. To record data
the recording surface is made up of
pits and lands. When a laser beam
falls on the land this is interpreted as
1, otherwise a zero is recorded.
(ii) Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R)
•CD-R are coated with special dye
which changes colour to represent
data when burned using a laser
beam. Once data is burned on a
CD-R, it becomes read only.
N/B:CD-ROM and CD-R are referred
to as Write Once Read Many
(WORM). Data is only recorded once
but can be read as many times as
possible.
(iii) Compact Disk Rewritable (CD-
RW) Unlike the CD-Rs, these types
of compact disks allows the user to
record, erase and rewrite new
information just like one would do
with floppy disks.
(b) Digital Versatile Disks (DVD)
•DVD is also known as Digital Video
Disk resembles compact disks in every
aspect. The only difference is that
they have a higher storage capacity of
up to 17GB. They are suitable for
recording motion pictures such as
videos because they offer better
sound and picture quality than the
CDs.
Types of DVDs
1. DVD ROM
2. DVD R
3. DVD R/W
3. OPTICAL CARD
• An optical card resembles an MICR
card but data is read and written
optically on a stripe. These types of
cards are mostly used in banks and
other business organizations to
record customer details.
4. Optical tape
• This is similar to magnetic tape
only that data is stored on it by
using optical technology.
SOLID STATE STORAGE MEDIA
•Solid state storage media in non-movable
storage that employs integrated circuits
rather than mechanical, magnetic or optical
technology.
•They are referred to as solid state because
they don’t have movable parts. Some
examples of solid state devices are: memory
sticks and flash pen drives
 Fixed storage media
• Hard disk is mounted inside the computer hence it is
referred to a fixed disk. The hard disk is also known as
a hard drive and is made up of metallic disk platters
together with a read/write head, housed in a
protective metal case.
• The read/write head floats just above the surface of
the rotating disk to read or write data.
• Most computer hard disks are connected to the
motherboard
 Structure of the disk platter
• A hard disk drive consist of one or more metallic
platters, stacked on top of each other but not
touching one another. The stack of platters is
attached to a rotating pole called a spindle. It has
more than one platter, they are stacked on top of
each other to form a cylinder.
• As the disk rotates, the read/write head moves in
and out over the surface to record or read data. Hard
disk have gained widespread popularity because they
provide data transfer and large storage capacity.
 Ports and cables
• Objective:
To learn about different types of ports and cables used
in computers and other electronic devices, their
purposes, and how to correctly identify and use them.
Introduction
ports and cables is essential for connecting and using these devices
effectively.
What is a port?
A port is a socket/interface used to terminate a
cable onto.
Types of Ports:
• USB ports (Type-A, Type-B, Type-C): They are universal, &
used for charging, and data transfer.
• HDMI ports: used in connecting devices like TVs and
monitors, emphasizing audio and video transmission.
• Ethernet ports: used in wired internet connections.

• Audio ports: used to connect headphone/microphone

jacks and they transmit audio/sound.
 POWER AND INTERFACE CABLES
1. POWER SUPPLY UNIT : It is located inside the system
unit. It has a transformer (power supply unit) which
supplies power to the motherboard and other
internal devices.
2. INTERFACE CABLES: All peripheral devices (drives i.e.
CDROM, hard disk, floppy drive)are connected to
the motherboard to the CPU by special cables called
interface cables. An interface cable is connected to
the device on one end and to the motherboard via
ports on the other end.
• Interface cables has one function, to transmit signals
between devices and the CPU.
• There are different types of cables
1. Parallel cables and ports:
• Parallel cables transmit information simultaneously
using a set of many wires.
• Advantage of using parallel cables is that they
transmit data faster over a short distance.
• Are mostly used to connect printers, optical scanners
and removal storage drives like zip disks.
2. Serial cables and ports
• Support transmission of one bit at a time hence it is
slower than the parallel port.
• Are much more reliable than the parallel ports and
therefore, their connector cables can be as long as
15m away.
• Serial cables are generally used to connect devices
such as the mouse and some printers.
• NB – A port is a socket that allows data transfer
between a computer’s internal communication and
another external device.
3. Universal serial bus (USB) cable and ports.
• USB is anew standard serial interface that set to replace
the conventional parallel and serial cables and ports.
• Currently, most peripheral devices from printers to
mobile phones are coming with USB as the default
interface.
• It transmit only 1-bit at a time, it provides very high
speed and quality data transmission over distances of
over 5m.
• Supports a wide range of peripheral devices from
external storage drives to digital cameras.
4. Small computer system interface
(SCSI)
•Small computer system interface port
and interface cables transmit data in
parallel but are faster than the parallel
cables. Another advantage of the SCSI is
that one SCSI port allows us to connect
multiple devices.
5. Personal system 2 (PS/2) interface
•Originally, most computers used the 5 pin
DIN to connect a keyboard to the system
unit but the smaller 6 pin mini-DIN also
known as PS/2 interface has replaced this
technology. Currently most desktop
computers come with PS/2 ports, one for
mouse and the other for keyboard.
6. Video graphic array (VGA) interface
• VGA is used to connect a monitor or a data projector.
It is shaped like a letter D with 15 pins.
7. Audio interface
• Audio interface is used to connect speakers and
microphone
8. Firewire interface
• Firewire or IEEE 1394 has the same features as the
USB but transmits data faster than USB. It is mostly
used for streaming video from a digital video camera.
9. Infrared and Bluetooth
•Infrared also referred to as Infrared Data
Association (IrDA) is a wireless interface that
uses infrared to connect to infrared-enabled
devices. On the other hand, Bluetooth is also
a wireless interface that uses short range
radio broadcast to connect to any Bluetooth –
enabled devices.
•Table…………
•Computer software
Objectives
List 3 ways of classifying softwares
Discuss the different classification of
softwares.
•Software refers to a set of computer
programs. Its function is to guide the
computer in its operations.
•Software can be classified in three
categories:
[Link] to purpose
[Link] to acquisition
[Link] to End –User – License
(EUL)
[Link] according to purpose
•Computer software may primarily be
designed to manage the hardware
resources or to help the user
accomplish specific tasks. The software
may be classified as
a)System software
b)Application software.
(A) System software - Are programs
that avails computer resources to the
user. These functions includes:
1) Booting the computer and making
sure that all the hardware elements
are working properly.
2) Performing operations such as
retrieving, loading executing and
storing application programs.
3) Storing and
retrieving programs.
4) Performing a variety
of system utility
functions.
System software can be further
subdivided into four sub categories
namely:
[Link] systems
[Link]
[Link] software
[Link] software
•Operating system – An OS consists of complex
programs that work together to control
execution of user programs called application
programs and as a go between (interface)
between application and the computer
hardware. It manages input, output and
storage operations in a computer. Examples of
common OS are Microsoft Windows (Me,
2000, XP, Vista and 7), Unix, Linux and
Macintosh (MacOS)
• Firmware – Also referred to as stored logic is a combination of both the
software and hardware recorded permanently on electronic chips. Usually a
firmware is a read only memory chip that is mounted or plugged into the
motherboard. Firmware may hold an OS, utility programs, language
processors etc.
• Networking software –This type is mostly used to establish communication
between two or more computers by linking them using communication
channel like a cables to create a computer network. Networking software
enables the exchange of data in a network as well as providing data security.
Network software may come as independent software or integrated in an
OS. Example of networking software is novel netware.
• Utility software – Utility software is a special program
that performs commonly used services that make
certain aspects of computing go on smoothly. Such
services include; sorting, copying, file handling, disk
management etc. The are two types of utility
software namely:
1. System level utility – these helps the user to work
with the OS and its functions.
2. Application level utility- These make application
programs run more smoothly and efficiently or may
be part of an OS.
b. Application software
• Application software also known as application
packages are programs that are designed to help
the user accomplish specific tasks. Table below
gives examples and uses of common application
packages.
Software Uses Examples

Word processors Typing documents Word, Lotus WordPro,

OpenOffice Writer etc.
Spreadsheets Calculating budgets Ms Excel, Lotus 1-2-3

Desktop publishing Designing publications like Adobe PageMaker, Ms

newspapers and books Publisher, Adobe InDesign
Computer aided design Technical drawing AutoCAD

Databases Keeping records and file Ms Access, MySQL, Foxbase,

Paradox
Graphic software Designing and manipulating Corel Draw, Photoshop
graphics
 2. Classification according to acquisition
•Software can be classified according to
acquisition as :
1. In –house developed
2. Vendor off-the self software
1. In –house developed – These are programs
that are uniquely designed and tailored to meet
a particulars user’s needs. E.g a bank, airline,
education etc.
2. Vendor off-the- self software (Standard) – These are
ready made programs purchased by a user. They are
developed by software engineers packaged and then
made available for purchasing through a vendor, a
distributor or directly from the developer. A developer
may bundle more than one but closely related software
into one package to form a suite or integrated software
as opposed to single-purpose software. Examples of
suites are Lotus suite, Microsoft Office and Corel
WordPerfect while those of single purpose are
QuickBooks and Sage Pastel
• The word package is sometimes used to refer to these
types of software that are packages and sold by
vendors.
• Advantages of standard over in-house developed
programs are:
1. They can be easily be installed and run.
2. They are cheaper than in-house developed software
3. Minor or no errors since the are thoroughly tested.
4. They can easily be modified to meet user’s needs.
5. They are readily available for almost any task.
• Disadvantages of off-the self software
1. They may have some features not needed by the user
which may take extra storage.
2. They may require the user to change processes and
hardware for compatibility which may in turn be
expensive.
3. They may lack some features required by the user.
 3. Classification according to End –User - License

• Software may be classified according to End –User –

License as open source, shareware, proprietary or
freeware.
• Open source- Refers to software whose source code
(programmed set of instructions) is freely made
available to users. The users are encouraged to use,
modify and distribute the modified product. Most
distribution of Linux OS and OpenOffice are open
source software which are made available to users
under General public license.
•Proprietary software- refers to software whose
source code is hidden from users. Modifications
are only made by the software company.
Proprietary software may be licensed to users at a
fee or applied freely. Windows OS and Office are
examples of Proprietary software.
•Freeware are software products that are freely
made available to the user. Examples are some
antivirus programs, Mozilla, VLC media player etc.
•Shareware- are softwares that are used for a trial
period of time before they require activation.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A COMPUTER SYSTEM
(SPECIFICATION)
• A good computer system must meet all the
requirements of the user. Analysis of all requirements
must be undertaken to avoid acquiring a system.
• Requiring analysis for selecting a computer involves:
1. Identifying users needs.
2. Evaluating Hardware
3. Evaluating Software
 Hardware consideration
• Factors to be considered includes:
1. Processor speed –The processing power and speed of a
computer mainly depends on the processor speed. A faster
processor will enable the computer operate on data faster
than a slower processor.
2. Computer memory – Information is stored in computers in
the form of bits. The two types of memory are primary and
secondary memory. The size of the memory determines
how much data and programs it can hold successively and
hence a factor in determining its price.
3. Warranty – A warranty is an agreement between a
buyer and a seller that spells out terms and conditions
of, after selling a product in case of failure or
malfunction. It should have a warranty period.
4. Cost –The cost of a computer depends on; its
processing capabilities, whether its branded or clone, its
size (physical size of system unit). The buyer should
always get value for their money. Inquiries has to be
made by the buyer to get information on the cost of the
computer before buying it (window shopping).
5. Upgradability and compatibility –The hardware bought
must be compatible across platforms and easily upgradable.
6. Portability –The computer system should be easier to move
from one place to another. The size of the computer hardware
is an important factor to consider at the same time not
compromising on quality. E.g. laptops, PDAs etc.
7. Special needs – When selecting hardware, consider user
needs e.g. physically challenged.
8. Monitor – Depending on preference, choice of a monitor
may depend on size, resolution and the technology used on it.
9. Multimedia capability - Multimedia capability
refers to the ability for a computer to process and
output text, sound, video and pictures. A
multimedia system consists of speakers, CD/DVD
drive, soundcard and SVGA monitor.
10. Other considerations – Other consideration
includes available ports, wireless connectivity and
the system unit form factor whether tower type or
desktop.
 Software considerations
The following factors should be considered when
selecting software:
a) Authenticity – The term authenticity refers to
genuineness, validity and or legitimacy of an item.
Authenticity is a way in which the buyer proves that
the seller is the actual or authorized seller of any
given software product. The buyer should have a
license to prove that the software bought is original
and not pirated copy.
b) Documentation- refers to the manuals prepared by the
developer having details on how to install, use and maintain
the software. These installation guide, maintenance guide
and user guide enables the user to work with the software
with minimum guidance.
c) User needs –The needs of the user determines the type of
OS and application programs that should be considered for
acquisition.
d) Reliability and security –Data security is paramount. A
good software especially OS should have security
mechanisms that protect data/information from illegal
access.
e) User friendliness- This is a measure on how easily the users
can be able to operate the computer. It involves the program
having user friendly menus, error messages, dialog screens and
documentations.
f) Cost –Software tends to be more expensive than hardware.
The cost of acquiring software product must be carefully
considered before buying them against the benefits that is
likely to bring.
g) Compatibility and system configuration – A software
product should be compatible with the existing hardware, OS
or application programs and should be readily upgradable.
h) Portability – Refers to whether a program
can be copied or installed in more than one
computer. Although most software in the
market today are portable, some developers
produce software which can be installed on
one machine. This means that if one has
twenty computers, one should buy a license
for each.