UNIT 2 INFORMATION PROCESSING

What is a Computer?

Computers are electronic devices that can follows instructions to accept

input, process data Input, and produce information. Computer can also be
defined as an electronic device that processes raw data to produce refined
data or information.

WHAT DOES COMPUTER DO?

FUNCTIONS: Computer accepts Input. Processes It and Stores It /

Output It.

INFORMATION PROCESSING is the use of computers to process raw data

into useful and meaningful information.

Data is made up of letters, numbers and symbols, which can be organized

to become a piece of information. Data consist of letters, numbers, symbols,
shapes, colours, sound, or whatever raw material that needs processing.

Data is raw material that needs processing, such as letters, numbers,

symbols, shapes, colors, and sounds. Examples include individual votes in an
election

Information is processed data, summarized for decision-making. For

instance, total votes for each candidate help decide the election winner.

The Information Processing Cycle (IPOS)

1. *Input*: . refers to the process of entering data into a computer system,

such as typing on a keyboard.

2. *Processing*: The computer transforms data into information using its

CPU Or is the transformation of data into information by a computer’s
central processing unit (CPU).

3. *Output*: Results obtained after processing, such as numbers on a screen

or words on paper. Or Output refers to the results obtained from a computer
system after processing, such as numbers on a screen or words on paper

4. *Storage*: Storing data electronically on external devices for future use.

Storage refers to the electronic holding of data on external devices for future
use, either temporarily or permanently.

Types of Storage
- *Primary Storage (Main Memory)*: Temporarily holds data during
processing. or Primary storage, also known as main memory, temporarily
holds data during processing.

- *Secondary Storage*: Holds data permanently, using storage media like

diskettes, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or CD-ROMs. Or Secondary storage
holds data permanently, using storage media like diskettes, hard disks,
magnetic tapes, or CD-ROMs.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER

Computers are not the only devices for data processing. It is therefore
important to bring out

The features that differentiate them from other data processing devices.

1. A Computer has storage facilities (memory and hard disk)

2. A Computer has a very high speed of operation

3. A Computer requires special environment.

4. A Computer is digital machine.

5. A Computer can serve many people at the same time.

6. A computer works accurately

7. A computer is reliable.

8. It is an automatic machine.

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

1. Computer breakdown: when a computer system breaks down or

when there is Power failure, the computer cannot be used and that
highly hinders the work of an
Organization.
2. Computer fraud: It refers to the illegal use of the computer system or
the Manipulation of computer programs for personal gains.
3. Invisible processing: Data being operated or processed by the
computer is invisible By the human who is using the system or
machine. Therefore, he or she cannot appreciate the work of the
computer.
4. Initial cost: The initial cost of a large installation is very high.
Therefore, it may scare many people and organizations from
computerizing their operations.
 5. Dislocation of employees: Since computers can combine the work of
several employees into software, such employees may be redundant.

CLASSIFICATION BY TYPE/NATURE

Basically there are three types of computers under this classification, and
these are, Analog, Digital and Hybrid. This classification is done using the
manner in which data are computed.

Analog computers calculate by measuring the continuous variation in

some physical quantity such as pressure, temperature and speed.
Speedometer, thermometer, and voltmeters are Example of analog
computers.

Digital computers: are basically counting devices. The digital computer

solves problems by counting precisely, adding, subtracting, multiplying,
dividing and comparing. It is the most Common computer used in data
processing environments.

Hybrid computers: combine analog and digital capabilities in the same

computer system. These types of computer are usually used in the
industries.

CLASSIFICATION BY CAPACITY

Capacity is expressed in terms of the volume of work that the computer can
handle, the speed of processing it and functional units of the CPU. Price and
size are also considered. However rapid changes in technology make firm
definitions of these categories very difficult.

Computers under capacity are classified in five ways as:

1. Microcomputers/Personal Computers (PCs)/ Micros

2. Servers

3. Minicomputers/ Mini-frames

4. Mainframe/Maxi computers and

5. Supercomputers

 Microcomputers/Personal Computer (PCs) also known as small

computers, are the smallest and most affordable computer systems
 available. At the heart of a microcomputer is a tiny silicon chip, which
is the symbol of high technology in the modern world. The compact
size and cost-effectiveness of microcomputers have revolutionized the
way individuals own and operate personal computers.

What are Microcomputers? Microcomputers, also known as small

computers, are the smallest and most affordable computer systems
available.

Types of Microcomputers

1. *Portable computers*: Handheld devices, palmtops, notebooks, sub-

notebooks, laptops, and PDAs.

2. *Stationary computers*: Desktops, towers, and workstations.

Features

1. *Compact size*: Microcomputers are small and affordable.

2. *Versatility*: Users can choose the type of computer that suits their
needs.

3. *Accessibility*: Microcomputers have democratized access to computing

technology.

Benefits

1. *Increased digital literacy*: More people can access information and

communicate online.

2. *Convenience*: Microcomputers offer a range of options for different

users.

3. *Affordability*: Microcomputers are affordable and accessible to

everyone.

Conclusion Microcomputers have revolutionized the way we interact with

technology, making computing more accessible and affordable for everyone.

 Minicomputers,/ Mini frames: also known as medium computers,

occupy a unique position in the world of computing. They are
considered the middle class of computer size and power, falling
between microcomputers and mainframes. These machines are
typically used for specialized purposes and are capable of supporting
 around 20 terminals, making them ideal for small to medium-sized
businesses or organizations.

Minicomputers are medium-sized computers that fall between

microcomputers and mainframes in terms of size and power.

Key Features

1. *Support multiple terminals*: Minicomputers can support around 20

terminals, making them suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

2. *High-speed line printers*: Minicomputers use high-speed line printers

to efficiently handle data output.

3. *Balanced size and power*: Minicomputers offer a balance between

size, power, and functionality.

Uses

1. *Specialized purposes*: Minicomputers are used for specific tasks like

data processing, scientific research, and more.

2. *Small to medium-sized businesses*: Minicomputers are ideal for

businesses that need more power than microcomputers but less than
mainframes.

Importance

Minicomputers play a crucial role in the world of computing, offering a

versatile option for businesses and organizations with specific needs.

Conclusion Minicomputers offer a unique combination of size, power, and

functionality, making them a valuable option for businesses and
organizations with specific needs. While they have limitations,
minicomputers continue to play an important role in the world of computing.

 Mainframe/Maxi computers

What are Mainframes? Mainframes, also known as large computers,

are powerful machines used by large organizations such as
universities, businesses, and government agencies.

Key Features

1. *Support multiple users*: Mainframes can support 100 or more

terminals, allowing multiple users to access the system simultaneously.
2. *Advanced capabilities*: Mainframes have advanced input/output,
processing, and storage capabilities.

3. *High-speed printers*: Mainframes require high-speed printers to

efficiently produce output.

Uses

1. *Data processing*: Mainframes are used for high-volume data

processing tasks.

2. *Financial transactions*: Mainframes are used for financial transactions

and large-scale data storage.

3. *Scientific research*: Mainframes are used for scientific research and

other complex tasks.

Importance

1. *Indispensable for large organizations*: Mainframes are essential for

organizations that require high levels of computing power and reliability.

2. *High-performance computing*: Mainframes provide the computing

power and capabilities needed to handle complex tasks efficiently.

Conclusion Mainframes play a vital role in the operations of large

organizations, providing the computing power and capabilities needed to
handle complex tasks efficiently.

 Supercomputer

What are Supercomputers? Supercomputers are the most powerful

computers in the world, offering unmatched processing power and speed.

Uses

1. *Weather forecasting*: Supercomputers analyze vast amounts of data

to provide accurate weather predictions.

2. *Airline reservations systems*: Supercomputers process millions of

transactions in real-time to ensure smooth operations.

3. *Scientific research*: Supercomputers help researchers and scientists

work on complex problems in fields like physics, chemistry, and biology.

Key Features
1. *Fast processing speed*: Supercomputers can handle enormous
amounts of data at lightning-fast speeds.

2. *High computational power*: Supercomputers can perform calculations

and simulations that are impossible with conventional computers.

Importance

1. *Enable groundbreaking discoveries*: Supercomputers help scientists

make new discoveries and advancements in various fields.

2. *Drive innovation*: Supercomputers push the boundaries of what is

possible in computing and pave the way for future technological
advancements.

Conclusion Supercomputers are essential tools for organizations that need

to tackle complex challenges and make significant progress in their
respective fields.

Uses of Computers

Computers are used in various sectors, including:

1. *Medicine and Healthcare*: Diagnosing diseases, keeping health

records, medical research, and more.

2. *Home*: Word processing, playing games, communication, entertainment,

and more.

3. *Office*: Keeping records, generating reports, processing information, and

more.

4. *Education*: Keeping records, preparing timetables, teaching aid, and

more.

5. *Industries*: Making designs, forecasting, communications, research, and

production of goods.

Benefits

1. *Increased productivity*: Computers help streamline processes and

increase efficiency.

2. *Improved accuracy*: Computers help reduce errors and improve

accuracy.
3. *Enhanced communication*: Computers enable fast and efficient
communication.

Impact

1. *Revolutionized work and life*: Computers have changed the way we

work and live.

2. *Growing and evolving*: The use of computers continues to grow and

evolve, shaping our interaction with technology and the world.

Conclusion Computers are an essential part of modern life, with diverse

uses across various sectors contributing to increased productivity and
efficiency.

PARTS OF PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC) PERSONAL COMPUTER

A personal computer is designed to meet an individual’s computing needs.

PARTS OF PERSONAL COMPUTER (MAIN COMPONENTS OF PC)

There are basically two components of a computer namely hardware and

software.

The diagram below gives a summary of hardware and software before the
detail explanation