Introduction: Basic Computer

Concepts
 Objectives
• Define basic computer concepts and
features of a computer.
• Identify different types of computers
• Define information Technology,
Information Systems, and components of
an information system in an enterprise.
• Appreciate value of information as a
corporate resource

4/19/2023 2
 Key concepts
System:
• A collection of components that work together
towards a common goal. The objective of a system
is to receive input and transform these into
outputs.
Information Systems:
• are interrelated components working together to
collect, process, store, and disseminate
information to support decision making,
coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in
an organization
 Key Concepts

• Data processing – is collection and

manipulation of data to produce useful
information.
• Information Technology(IT) – is the
technology which supports activities
involving the creation, storage,
manipulation and communication of
information, together with their related
methods, management and application.
4/19/2023 5
 Information Technology VS
Information System

What is the Difference?

Components of Information
Systems
• People: end users who use computers to make
themselves productive.
• Procedures: specify rules or guidelines for computer
operations
• Software: A program consists of the step-by-step
instructions that tell the computer how to do its work.
• Hardware: The equipment that processes the data to
create information.
• Data: The raw, unprocessed facts, including text,
numbers, images, and sounds.
• Network(Internet): Almost all information systems
provide a way to connect to other people and
computers, typically using the Internet.
1. Hardware
• These are the
physical components
of technology.
• The comprise of
anything tangible.
E.g. computers, hard
disks, network
cables, etc.
2. Software
• Software is a set of
instructions that tells
the hardware what
to do. Software is not
tangible – it cannot
be touched.
• There are two types
of software:
– System software
and Application
software
 3. Network
• They are used to connect
computer systems and
portable and wearable
devices and to transmit
information.
• made up of hardware
and software, but it is
such a core feature of
today’s information
systems
3. Network

• An information system can exist without

the ability to communicate. The first
personal computers were stand-alone
machines that did not access the Internet.
• However, in today’s hyper-connected
world, it is an extremely rare computer
that does not connect to another device or
to a network.
4. Data

• The raw, unprocessed facts, including text,

numbers, images, and sounds.
5. People
• it is easy to get focused on the technology
components and forget that we must look
beyond these tools to fully understand how
they integrate into an organization.
• A focus on the people involved in information
systems is the next step.
• From the front-line help-desk workers, to
systems analysts, to programmers, all the way
up to the chief information officer (CIO), the
people involved with information systems are
an essential element that must not be
overlooked.
6. Procedures(processes)
• A process is a series of steps undertaken to achieve
a desired outcome or goal.
• Information systems are becoming more and more
integrated with organizational processes, bringing
more productivity and better control to those
processes.
• But simply automating activities using technology
is not enough – businesses looking to effectively
utilize information systems do more.
• Using technology to manage and improve
processes, both within a company and externally
with suppliers and customers, is the ultimate goal.
Importance of IS to an
Organization
• Information Storage
Information System makes it simple to store
operational data, revision histories,
communication records and documents. The
storing of data manually involves a lot of time
and money.
• Better Decision Making
Business Information System, eases the process
of decision making and simplifies the process of
delivering the required information and hence
assists in taking better decisions instantly.
Importance of IS
• Competitive advantage
Information Systems help a business create a
competitive advantage over their rivals.
• Operational Excellence
Businesses can constantly improve their
efficiency of their operations in order to achieve
higher profitability. They can do this by
constantly having the correct amount of stock
in store so consumers can always get want they
want.
 What is a Computer?

An electronic device
that can perform
activities that involve
Mathematical, Logical
and graphical
manipulations.
 What is a Computer?

Input Processing Output

An electronic device that takes in input, process

it and produces an output based on the input
Computers

• At the most basic level, a computer is a

device consisting of three pieces:
1. A processor to interpret and execute
programs
2. A memory to store both data and
programs
3. A mechanism for transferring data to and
from the outside world
 What are the basic
operations that computers
follow?

Computers process data into Information

What is Data?
• Raw facts and figures that have no
meaning on their own
• Can be alphanumeric, characters i.e. text,
numbers, symbols
• Data therefore has to be processed, or
provided with a context, before it can have
meaning.
How do we get the data
into a computer?
• Input Devices
Examples
✓Keyboard
✓Mouse
✓Microphone
✓Digital Camera and many more examples
Input includes all kinds of data
• Letters, numbers, symbols, images, colour,
sound, light, temperature, game command
How Data Is Represented
on a Computer
• The smallest unit of data in a computer is a
bit.
• A bit is a single binary digit, with either a 1
(on) or 0 (off) value.
• Eight bits can combine to make a byte,
which is an 8-digit binary number.
• Modern systems work with thousands,
millions, and even billions of bytes at a
time.
How Data Is Represented on a
Computer
 What is Information?
• Data that has been processed within a context to give it
meaning
• Data that has been manipulated for the use of decision
making
For example, the data
• 2, 13, 7, 3
• Maureen, Ann, Susan
We can transform it into information
• 2, 13, 7,3 are prime numbers
• Maureen, Ann, Susan are the names of students in this
class
Processing of Data into
Information
• Manipulation of data input into
meaningful information
• Done by the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU is considered and electronic

circuitry that executes instructions to
process data
What is a computer? Cont..

It performs the following operations:

• Receives data & instructions from the
input device.
• Processes the data as per instructions.
• Provides the result (output) in a desired
form.
• Stores data. The information is stored in
the computer’s memory.
Receives data & instructions
from the input device.
• Input Devices: Keyboard, Screen, Scanner,
Mouse/Trackpad/trackball, Webcam,
• Microphone
Processes the data as per
instructions.
The processor carries out instructions from
all programs that run on one’s device.
Processor able to do millions of calculations
per second, control memory access
Provides the result (output)
in a desired form
• Output Devices: Screen/Monitor, Printer,
Speaker/Headphones
Stores data

• Storage Devices: For saving data and

instructions to make them readily available
for initial or additional processing as and
when required. E.g hard disk, CD, DVDs
Characteristics of a
Computer
• Automatic–perform tasks without human intervention.
• Speed –perform several or simple arithmetic
operations in seconds.
• Accuracy –perform every calculations with the same
accuracy.
• Diligence –free from monotony, tiredness and lack of
concentration.
• Versatility –it can perform a wide variety of tasks.
• Memory –store huge amount of information and can
recall any piece of this information whenever required.
• No I.Q. –it cannot take its own decision and has to be
instructed what to do and in what sequence.
• No feelings –it cannot make judgments based on
feelings and instincts.
Limitations of Computers

• Dependency on man
• Lack of intelligence
• Failure to detect logical error
• Decision making
• Empathy
• Creativity and Imagination
 Types of computers
Classified as per the data they process

1. Digital computers – Recognize and process data by

counting using digit called binary digit (bit). They
process discrete data. For example business
computers.
2. Analog computers – recognize and measure data as
continuous physical quantity like electrical voltage.
They are mainly measuring devices in scientific and
industrial system. Examples: speedometer, thermostat
etc.
3. Hybrid computers – It has a combination features of
digital computer and analog computers. Hybrid
computers are used in several applications eg ATM,
ultrasound etc
4/19/2023 Fundamentals of Computer systems– Steve Kayugira © BCOM 1 July 2018 39
Classified as per the data
they process
Classified as per their
size, power and capacity
• Supercomputer, mainframe, midrange
(server), and personal computers (PCs) are
four types of computers. Personal
computers can be desktop, laptop
(notebook computer), tablet, smartphone,
and wearable.
Multi-User computers
• Supercomputers are the
most powerful type of
computer. These
machines are special,
high-capacity computers
used by very large
organizations.
Supercomputers are
typically used to process
massive amounts of
data. E.g. to analyze and
predict worldwide
weather patterns
Multi-User computers

• Mainframe computers occupy specially

wired, air-conditioned rooms. Although
not nearly as powerful as supercomputers,
mainframe computers are capable of great
processing speeds and data storage.
 Multi-User computers
Midrange computers
• also referred to as servers, are computers with
processing capabilities less powerful than a
mainframe computer yet more powerful than a
personal computer.
• Originally used by medium-size companies or
departments of large companies to support
their processing needs.
Multi-User computers

Midrange computers
• Most widely used to
support or serve end
users for such
specific needs such
as retrieving data
from a database or
supplying access to
application software.
 Types of computers
• Personal computers, also known as PCs, are the least
powerful, yet the most widely used and fastest-growing type
of computer. There are five types of personal computers:
desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wearables.
– Desktop computers are small enough to fit on top of or alongside a
desk yet are too big to carry around.
– Laptop computers are portable and lightweight and fit into most
briefcases.
– Tablets are smaller, lighter, and generally less powerful than
laptops. Like a laptop, tablets have a flat screen but typically do not
have a standard keyboard.
– Smartphones are the most widely used handheld computers.
Smartphones are cell phones with wireless connections to the
Internet and processing capabilities.
– Other mobile computers include wearable devices like Apple’s
watch
 How Computers Are
Used Today
Computers are used every day for:
• News: Newspapers and television news
stations post breaking news, and weather
can be accessed on demand on the Internet.
• Shopping: Millions of people use the
Internet every day to purchase goods and
services.

4/19/2023 48
 How Computers Are Used Today
(cont.)
• Homework: Students have instant access to
research and information and use word-
processing and other software applications for
assignments.
• Managing businesses: Businesses use
computers to maintain inventory records, print
invoices, track financial information and
personnel records, advertise online, and many
other tasks.

4/19/2023 49
Role of computers in
Science
• Storing and analyzing scientific data collected
from experiments
• Doing complex scientific calculations
• Predicting earthquakes and forecasting
weather
• Providing help to physically disabled people
• Scanning body organs by CAT scans and MRI
machines
• Maintaining a database of patient's history
Role of computers in
Education
• Perform accounting functions like salary and
fees calculations
• Prepare time-tables, date-sheets for
examinations
• Prepare syllabus and course material
• Provide computer-based teaching(CBT)
• Provide email and internet facilities
• Computerized library informational services
• Generate documents like letters
Role of computers in
Entertainment
Many special application software are
available for entertainment. The popular
entertainment software available for PCs
are:
• Computer games programs
• Graphic software
• Multimedia and animation software
• Internet web pages and chatting
 Why Are Computers So
Popular?

• Computers perform functions very quickly.

• Computers produce accurate and reliable results.
• Computers store large amounts of data.
• Computers are versatile and cost-effective.
• Computers are becoming more powerful and
more useful every day.

4/19/2023 53
Five Generations of
Computers
 Computer generations
First generation – Vacuum Tubes
• 1942 – 1955
• Vacuum tubes as electronic switching
• Too bulky – more space for
installation
• High power consumption
• Prone to hardware failure
• Costly – produce and maintenance
• Limited commercial use
• Programming – machine language
• Data and instructions input –
punched cards
• Output – printouts
• Memory – magnetic drums
 Computer generations
Second generation - Transistors
• 1955 – 1964
• Transistors as electronic switching
• Easier to handle than tubes
• Highly reliable than first generation
• Much faster
• Less expensive to produce and
maintain
• Limited commercial use
• Storage technology – memory
composed of magnetic cores, first
computers that stored their
instructions in their memory
• Data & instruction input – punched
cards still in use.
 Computer generations
Second generation
• Wider commercial use – ease of use.
• Programming – assembly, languages, which
allowed programmers to specify instructions
in words.
• Smaller than first generation computers
• Faster
• Difficult and costly productions due to
manual transistor assembly on electronic
circuit.
4/19/2023 57
 Computer generations
Third generation – Integrated Circuits
• 1964 – 1975
• Manufactured using integrated Circuit (ICs).
• Transistors were miniaturized and placed
on silicon chips, called semiconductors,
which drastically increased the speed and
efficiency of computers.
• Storage technologies – magnetic core
based Random Access Memory. Larger
capacity magnetic disks and tapes.
• New high-level programming languages
introduced: PL/1, PASCAL, BASIC.
• Much smaller and cheaper compared to
second generation computers.
 Computer generations
Third generation
• Size – smaller, cheaper, and more efficient
than second generation computers (they
were called minicomputers).
• Speed – improvement of speed and reliability
(in comparison with the second generation
computers).
• Input / output devices – magnetic tape,
keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.More
powerful and reliable than second generation
computers
• Less power consumption, less heat emission.
4/19/2023 59
 Computer generations
Fourth generation
• 1975 - 1989
• Dramatic creation of microprocessor. Contain
all circuits needed to perform arithmetic logic
and control functions.
• Personal computer(PC) revolution started –
Apple II, IBM PC.
• Computer become inexpensive to make and
possible for many to own
• Semiconductor memories replaced magnetic
core memories resulting in ROM and large
Random Access Memories with very fast access
time
• Hard disk became cheaper, smaller and larger
in capacity
• Advent of super computers
Fundamentals of Computer systems– Steve Kayugira © BCOM 1 July 2018
4/19/2023 60
 Computer generations
Fourth generation - Microprocessors
• High-speed computer networking was developed
• New technologies emerged – MS-DOS, MS Windows
and Mac OS
• GUI was developed – user friendly – icons, menus
• Applications based for PCs were designed – word
processing packages, spreadsheets packages and
graphics packages.
• Multiprocessing operating systems
• UNIX operating system become popular on large-scale
systems
• Programming language – high level language (Python,
C#, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, etc.).
• A mix of both third- and fourth-generation languages
4/19/2023 61
 Computer generations
Fifth generation – Artificial Intelligence
• 1989 – Present
• Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Still in development.
• The goal is to develop devices that respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning and self-
organization.
• There are some applications, such as voice recognition,
that are being used today.
• Miniaturization of electronic components – 10 million
electronic components on microprocessor chips.
• The speed of microprocessors and size of main
memory and hard disk doubled almost every eighteen
months.
4/19/2023 62
 Computer generations
Fifth generation
• Storage technology – larger main memory and disk
storage.
• Emergence of internet technologies and
applications
• General-purpose machines
• More reliable than fourth generation
• User-friendly interfaces
• Input / output device – keyboard, monitor, mouse,
trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, pen, speech
input (recognise voice / speech), light scanner,
printer, etc.
4/19/2023 63
 Thank you!

Any Questions?