INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Definition of a computer
A computer is an electronic device that accepts user input (data) and transforms it under
influence of sets of special instructions (Program) to produce desired output (information).

Data
They are raw facts that are meaningless to the user and cannot be used to make
decision e.g. Numbers, letters etc.
Processing
Refers to the way data is manipulated to turn into information e. g. Arithmetic
operation e.g. Addition, subtraction etc.
Information
Refers to data, which has been processed.

PARTS OF A COMPUTER
i. System Unit
This part houses the brain of the computer called Central processing unit (CPU) and
other devices called drives that store, record and read data.
ii. Peripheral devices
They are connected to system unit using cables called data interface cables that carry
data and information to and from the devices.

Examples of peripheral devices are:

 Keyboard - Enables the user to enter data and instructions in the computer by
pressing keys.
 Mouse - Enables user to issue instructions to computer by controlling the mouse
pointer displayed on screen.
 Monitor - Enables the user to see information (output).
 Printers
 Scanners etc.

DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS

i. First generation computers (1940 - 1958)

These computers were huge, expensive and often broke down. They were slow compared to
today's computers; their internal storage capacity was limited. Cards were used to enter data
into the computer. They used vacuum tubes to control internal operations. They were used
for payroll processing and billing e.g. IBM 650 and UNIAC.

Advantages of first generation computers

a) Vacuum tube technology made possible the advent of electronic digital
computer.
b) These computers were the fastest calculating devices at their time.
Disadvantages of first Generation computers
a) They were too bulky
b) They were unreliable
c) Had limited memory
d) They generated a lot of heat
e) Consumed a lot of power

ii. Second generation computer (1958 1964)

They used transistors for internal operations and magnetic card as a primary storage
medium. They had increased storage capacity compared to first generation. They had great
reduction in size and heat generation, increased speed and reliability compared to first
generation. Examples IBM 1401, Honey Wall 200, CDC 1604 Etc

Advantages of 2nd Generation computers

a) Were smaller in size compared to first generation
b) They were more reliable
c) They generated less heat
d) They were less prone to hardware failure

Disadvantages of 2nd Generation computers

a) Require air conditioning to cool them down
b) Required frequent maintenance
c) Commercial production was difficult and costly

iii. Third generation computers (1964 1970)

These computers used Integrated Circuits, increased storage capacity, more flexibility with
input/ output smaller size and better performance and reliability. This time saw emergence
of microcomputers. It also introduced software industry, operating systems. Examples IBM,
System 360, Burroughs B5500 etc.

Advantages of 3rd generation

a) They were smaller in size
b) Were more reliable
c) They emitted less heat
d) Maintenance cost was low because hardware failure were rare
e) They required less power
Disadvantages of 3'd Generation
a) Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacture of integrated circuit
b) They were costly
iv. Fourth generation computers (1970 1989)
These computers use Large Scale Integrated Circuit (LSIC). They have large storage
capacity and work at a high speed. Introduction of microprocessor, microcomputers and
supercomputers were realized Examples' are IBM 3033, Burroughs B7700

Advantages of 4th generation computers

a) They are smaller in size because of high component density
b) Very reliable
c) Generate neglible heat
d) Much faster in computational
e) They are not prone to hardware failure
f) They are portable because of their small size

Disadvantages of fourth generation computers

a) Highly sophisticated technology required for manufacturer of LSI chips. .

(v) Fifth generation computers (1990 Present)

This generation is characterized by the emerging of telecommunication with computer
technology. Scientists are working on this generation to bring machines with genuine IQ the
ability to reason logically and with real knowledge of the world. The anticipated computer
will have the following characteristics
 It is expected to do parallel processing
 It will be based on logical inference operations
 It's expected to make use of artificial intelligence

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Computers are classified into three main categories

Classification of
Computers

Physical Size Functionality Purpose

Super computers Analog Computers General Purpose

Mainframe Digital computers Special Purpose
Mini computers Hybrid Computers
Microcomputer

1. Physical Size

a. Super computers
They are the fastest, largest, most expensive and powerful computers. Mainly used in
scientific research, simulation, weapon analysis etc

b. Mainframe
They are less powerful and less expensive than the super computers. It finds its application
in government agencies, big companies e.g. banks, hospitals e.t.c

c. Mini computers
They are physically smaller and cheaper than mainframes. They are used in research
institutions, scientific laboratories etc

d. Microcomputer
The smallest, cheapest, and least powerful type of computers. They are mainly used in
learning institutions.

Types of microcomputers
i. Desktop computer
Not portable.
It's designed to be placed on top of an office desk.
ii. Laptop computer
Portable like briefcase.
Designed to be used by placing it on the lap.
iii. Palm top computer
Small enough to fit in the pocket and can be held in the palm when being
used.
Advantages of laptops computers
i. They are portable
ii. Ruggedness-laptop computers are designed to
withstand most of the rigors of travel
iii. Display-Active color screen show sharper, clearer images which prevent eye
strain
iv. Power-Laptop batteries serve as built in un-interruptible power supply

Disadvantages of laptop computers

i. Performance- Many laptops have slower clocks speed to conserve power and also
have similar memory capacity
ii. Expandility- Laptops PCs limit your expansion options
iii. Connecting Laptops have few ports and no growth potential
iv. Security- Laptops Pcs are easier to steal
v. Display- Laptops screens are limited to VGA resolution
2. Functionality
a. Analog Computers
They perform arithmetic operations and logical comparisons by measuring changes
in physical magnitude e.g. speed, temperature etc.
b. Digital computers
Their operations are based on two states namely "on" and "off" or "I" and" 0".
c. Hybrid Computers
They are computers which are built' with the characteristics of both analog and
digital computers.

3. Purpose
a. General Purpose
They are designed to be able to perform a variety of tasks when loaded with
appropriate programs.
b. Special Purpose
They are designed to serve a specific purpose. E.g. robots used in industries, mobile
phone for communication only etc

Areas Where Computers Are Used

Supermarkets
To help in management of daily stock control, for product of receipts and can be used with
the bar code reader

Banks
Manage financial transactions through the use of special cash dispensing machines
Called ATMs used for cash deposit and withdrawal services. They are also used for
i. Processing of cheque
ii. For preparation of payrolls
iii. Better record keeping and processing of documents
iv. Provide electronic money transfer facilities

Homes
i. Entertainment e.g. watching movies, playing music, playing computer games
ii. For storing personal information / documents
iii. For calculating and keeping home budgets

Industries
i. To monitor and control industrial processes through the use of robots
ii. For management control i.e. to keep track of orders, bills and transactions
iii. For advertisement purposes, which enable an industry to attract more customers
iv. Used with biometric readers to record time in and out for workers
Law enforcement agencies
i. For matching, analyzing and keeping database of fingerprints
ii. For taking photographs and other identification details
iii. For records keeping_
iv. For face recognition, scene monitoring and analysis, which help the police carry out
criminal investigations speedily:

Transport industry
i. Airports: to control the movement of aircrafts, their take off and landing using radar
equipment
ii. For making reservations (Booking purposes)
iii. Storing flight information
iv. Automobile traffic control i.e. monitoring vehicle traffic in busy towns
v. In Railway corporations to coordinate the movement of goods and wagons
vi. In shipping control for efficient management of fleets, cargo handling and
communication

Offices
i. For receiving and sending of information through e-mails, fax, etc
ii. Production of documents
iii. Keeping records
iv. Doing research
v. Used with CCTVs to monitor security situations in the offices
vi. Used with biometric readers to time in and out workers

Hospitals
i. For keeping patient records
ii. Control of life support machines in intensive care unit

Computer laboratory

Is a room that has been specially prepared to facilitate installation of computers and to
provide a safe conducive environment for teaching and learning of computer studies.

Factors to consider when preparing a computer laboratory

i. Security of computer programs and other resources
ii. Reliability of the source of power
iii. The number of computers to be installed and the available floor space
iv. The maximum number of users that the laboratory can accommodate

Safety Precautions in Computer Laboratory

Behavior in the computer laboratory

i. Avoid smoking or exposing computers to dust. Smoke and dust particles can damage
computer components
 ii. Avoid carrying food and beverage to computer room. Food particles may damage
computer components while liquids may cause rusting and electrical shocks
iii. Avoid unnecessary movements because you may accidentally knock down
peripherals devices
iv. Follow the correct procedure for starting and shutting down the computer
v. Accidents, which may occur, should be reported immediately
vi. If you are not sure of how to handle or operate any piece of equipment in the
laboratory please ask for assistance

Ventilation
There must be good air circulation in the computer room to avoid suffocation and
overheating. Proper ventilation enables the computer to cool hence avoid damage to
electronic part.

Lab layout
Should be such that an instructor (tutor) can teach from the front. There should be enough
room between rows so that a person can easily move about the room.This can be attained by
using the two popular patterns for laying desks in a computer laboratory namely:

Classroom pattern
White board
Tutor

Student

Walking space

Conference pattern
White board
Tutor

Student

Walking space
Which ever lab layout is to be adopted, the lab should also have the following
i. Installing lighting arrestors on the computer lab.
ii. The room should be well laid out with enough space for movement.
iii. Providing antiglare screens (light filters and adjustable screens to avoid eye strain
and fatigue caused by over bright CRT monitors.)
iv. The walls of the computer room should not be painted with over bright reflective oil
paints and the screens should face away from the window to avoid glare caused by
bright backgrounds.

Protection against fire

The computer room should have gaseous fire extinguishers like those filled with carbon
dioxide. Water based and powder based extinguishers should be avoided because they can
cause damage to the computer components

Cable insulation
All power cables in the computer room must be properly insulated and laid away from busy
pathways in the room. This will avoid the danger of exposing the user to electric shock and
power interruptions caused by stumbling on cables

Lighting
Computer room should be well lit to avoid eyestrain that leads to headaches, stress and
fatigue. The user may adjust the brightness of the computer monitor until the eyes feel
comfortable. Also radiation filter screens may be fitted.

Protection against fire

Computer room should have gaseous fire extinguisher like those filled with CO2. Water
based or powder extinguishers should be avoided because they can damage computer
components

Dust and dump control

Dust
The room should be fitted with special curtains to reduce entry of dust particles.
Computers also should remain covered with dust covers when not in use.
Humidity
Humidity should be regulated in the computer room to remain an optimum of 50%.
Humidity lower than this allows static electricity to build up and cause damage to
computer components. High humidity of over 70% may cause rusting of metallic parts

Standard furniture
The table on which a computer is placed must be strong and wide enough to hold the weight
and accommodate all peripheral devices. The user's seat must be comfortable and have a
straight backrest that allows someone to sit upright to avoid muscle pains and aches.
Burglar proofing
To prevent unauthorized access to the computer room:
i. Fit strong metallic grills and locks on doors, windows
ii. Do not welcome strangers to computer room
iii. Install security alarms at strategic access points to alert security personal incase of
break in. e.g. motion censors etc

Stable power supply

Computers require a stable source of power. Momentary power interruptions or fluctuations
often cause computers to crash, damage data storage devices or loss of information that had
not been saved prior to the power disruptions. Power from main supply is not always stable

Types of power protection devices

i. A surge protector
A surge protector is a power protection device that protects the computer against
electrical surges. Surges are large amounts of electricity which exceed the maximum
level a device is capable of holding. Surges can damage or destroy computer
components.
ii. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
Protects a computer from loss of power. It charges when mains power is on and has
power surge and brownout protection capabilities. When the main power goes off, it
beeps to alert the user.

Function of UPS
i. It regulates power form unstable power source to the required clean stable
voltage
ii. It temporarily provides power to the computer incase of a sudden power failure.
iii. It beeps to alert the user when the main Power goes off.
PRACTICAL HANDS ON SKILLS
Starting up (Booting)
It's the process by which a computer loads system files into the main memory. i.e. the
operating system is read from the hard disk and loaded to the main memory

Types of Booting
i. Cold booting
The process of switching on a computer that has been off completely by pressing the
power button

When cold booting

i. Make sure that all the components are properly connected.
ii. Connected the computer to an active power source.
iii. Switch on the monitor first, then the system unit using their respective power
buttons.

Process of booting
During booting, the computer starts by checking all its components to determine
whether they are functioning correctly and whether they are available for use. This
process is called the power-on-self-test (POST). During this process, the monitor
displays information showing the status of each device being tested. In case one of
the devices is faulty or missing, this process will halt and a message alerting the user
is displayed on the screen. The special program that directs the POST process is
called the basic input output system (BIOS). When the POST process is over, the
computer may display a prompt message requesting for user name and password or it
may directly go to the desktop.

The process of providing user name and password or such information is called
logging on and it is a security measure meant to deter unauthorized users from using
the computer.

ii. Warm booting

This happens when the computer, originally on, is forced to restart by pressing the
restart button on the system unit.

Shutting down a computer

NB: Always follow the correct procedure at all the times. If the procedure is not followed
then loss of data, damage of programs and computer components may occur.

Procedure for shutting down a computer

i. Ensure that all the work has been properly stored. This process is called saving.
ii. Close all programs that may be currently running.
iii. If your computer is running on Microsoft Windows 2000 or later versions then:
a. Click the start button on the screen.
b. Select the Shut Down command from the menu list.
c. In the prompt that appears, click on Shut down.
 d. After a few seconds a prompt message appears “computer shutting down
e. Finally turn off the monitor since the system unit turns off automatically

Parts of Keyboard
Keys on the keyboard can be categorized into five groups as follows:
i. Alphanumeric keys
ii. Function keys
iii. Cursor movement and editing keys
iv. Special PC operation keys
v. Numeric keypad keys

A. Alphanumeric keys
These keys are labeled with alphabetic letters A to Z, numbers arranged in a line, 1, 2 0
respectively and symbols like: ?, ], % etc. This group also includes the following keys: caps
lock, enter, tab, space bar and backspace.

Caps lock key:

Pressing this key let’s the user to type in upper case letters (capitals). To switch back to
lower case letters simply press the same key again.
Enter key (return key):
Pressing this key forces the text cursor to move to the beginning of the next line. A cursor is
a blinking underscore ( - ) or a vertical beam ( I ) that shows where the next character to be
typed will appear. The enter key is also used to instruct the computer to execute a command
that has been selected on the screen.
Tab key:
This key is used to move the text cursor at set intervals on the same line e.g. 10 mm, 20 mm
etc.
The space bar:
This bar creates a space between words during typing.
The backspace key:
This key deletes characters from right to left on the same line

Function keys - F1 to F12

They are labeled F 1, F2 up to F 12. They are used for tasks that occur frequently in various
programs. For example pressing Fl key in most programs starts the help menu.

Cursor movement and editing keys

Cursor movement keys are used to move the cursor on the screen.
These keys are:
Arrow keys:
Pressing the right or left arrow key moves the cursor one character to right or left
respectively. Pressing the upward or downward arrow key moves the text cursor one line up
or down respectively.
Page up and page down keys:
Pressing page up key moves the cursor up one page in case the document has many pages.
Pressing page down key moves the cursor down one page in case the document has many
pages.

Home and end keys:

Pressing home key moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line. Pressing end key
moves the cursor, to the end of the current line.

Editing keys
These are:
Insert key: This key helps the user to insert or replace a character at the cursor position.
Delete (Del) key: This key deletes characters at the cursor position from left to right

Special PC operation keys.

These keys are rarely used singly but in combination with other keys to give special
instructions to the computer. They include Shift, Ctrl, Alt and Esc keys.

Numeric keypad keys

The numeric keypad consists of a set of numbers 0 to 9 and the arithmetic signs like +
(addition), - (minus), * (multiplication) and / (division). They are located on the right hand
side of the keyboard. The keypad is meant to help the user to rapidly enter numeric data. It
can only be used when the num lock key, situated on the numeric key pad, is turned on.
Otherwise, they can be used as cursor movement and editing keys when num lock key is
turned off.
NB: Not all keyboards have the numeric keypad e.g. portable computers lack a separate
numeric keypad due to size limitations.

Mouse Techniques

Terminology Meaning
Point Move the mouse until the mouse pointer on the screen points on the
item
Click Position the tip of the mouse pointer over specified element, then
press and release the left mouse button once. Selects an object/icons,
files in a list and dialog box options.
Double clicking Pressing the left mouse button twice in quick/rapid succession.
Expands icons, starts applications, opens a file and chooses items
from a list.
Right clicking Pressing the right hand side mouse button once. It displays a shortcut
menu or context sensitive menu, which apply to the right clicked text
 item.
Drag and Drop Press and hold down the mouse button as the mouse is moved.
Release once the destination is reached. Through drag and drop, user
drags an item from one location on the screen to another, move
windows, icons and resizes windows.

Drag and drop:

Procedure
i. Point to the item you want to drag.
ii. Press the left hand side mouse button and hold it down
iii. Slide the mouse until the pointer reaches the desired position on the screen.
iv. Finally release the mouse button and the item will be dropped in the new location