INTRODUCTION TO ICT

ICT is defined as the use of computing devices and computer technology to process data and
communicate information.
Definition of terminologies

❖ Computer – it is an electronic device that receives input data through an input device, processes it
and gives out the output through an output device.
❖ Data – raw facts and figures fed into the computer system.

❖ Information – processed data.

Q. Discuss the role does ICT play in the society today?ICT role ICT helps to transmit & process
information between different parts of society.Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a
significant role in all aspects of modern society. ICT have changed the way in which we communicate
with each other, how we find needed information, work, conduct business, interact with government
agencies, and how we manage our social lives.

Evolution of Computers
The history/evolution of computer development is often explained in reference to the different computer
generations. There are five generations, and each generation is characterized by major technological
developments.
First Generation Computers – [1940-1955]
Vacuum Tubes
The computers used vacuum tubes as the basic component for circuitry and for processing data.
Memory was made of magnetic drums. The computers were huge in size, bulky and very slow in
processing data. They consumed a lot of power and generated a lot of heat, causing frequent breakdowns.
This made them be unreliable. They were also very expensive and thus could be afforded by only a few
people.
First generation computers used machine language. They could perform only one task at a time. The type
of data processing employed by these computers was batch processing. Input was through punched cards
and paper tape; output was displayed on printouts. The computers used command line interface.
Second Generation Computers – [1956-1963]
Transistors (SSI)
Vacuum tubes were replaced with transistors which made the computers become comparatively smaller,
faster, cheaper and more energy efficient (consumed less power and generated less heat).

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 Memory was made of magnetic core. They were the first computers to store instructions in memory.
Assembly language replaced machine language. High-level languages like FORTRAN, COBOL were
used.
Third Generation Computers – [1964-1971]
ICs (LSI)
These computers used ICs. The ICs were made up of several miniaturized transistors. This made the
computers become even smaller. Punched cards and printouts were replaced with keyboards and monitors
respectively. The computers supported multiprogramming i.e. they allowed multiple programs to run
simultaneously. The magnetic disk was developed during this period. The computers used High-level
programming languages instead of the Assembly language. Computers, for the first time, became
accessible to many people because they were affordable.
Fourth Generation Computers – [1972-2010]
Microprocessor (VLSI)
Computers used VLSI circuits which comprised thousands of transistors. This resulted in the invention of
the Microprocessor which in turn was the foundation for the development of Microcomputers (desktop
PCs, laptops, iPads, tablets). The mouse and GUI were invented during this period. Computers could be
linked together to form networks which led to the development of the Internet.
Fifth Generation Computers – [2010 – present]
Artificial Intelligence
Fifth Generation Computer technologies are still under development. The technologies already in place
include voice recognition (speech recognition), parallel architectures (parallel processing), robotics, etc.
The goal of fifth generation is to develop computing devices that respond to human natural language, and
have the ability to learn and work independently.

Classification of Computers
Classification of computers can be based on Functionality, Purpose or Size.
Based on Functionality (Type of processing)
i. Analog computers – they process data that is continuous in nature
ii. Digital computers – they process data that is in (discrete) binary form.
An Analog signal is a signal that is continuous in nature while a Digital signal is a signal that is discrete in
nature i.e., it is in binary form.
i. Hybrid computers
**Students to research on Hybrid computers.
Based on Purpose
General purpose computers – they can perform a wide range of tasks e.g. creating Word documents,
listening to music, browsing the internet etc.

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Special purpose computers – are specialized to perform a specific task e.g. aircraft flight control, patient
diagnosis, process control in factories etc.
Based on Size
Supercomputers – used in weather forecasting, scientific research etc. It is the largest in size, has the
fastest speed of processing, has the largest memory and secondary storage capacity, and has the most
computational power.
Mainframe computers – they are sometimes referred to simply as mainframes. They are used by big
companies to process huge financial transactions, store and manage huge consumer data and statistics etc.
They can support multiple terminals.
Minicomputers – used for stock control, payroll.
Microcomputers – they include desktops, laptops, tablets. They use a microprocessor.

Computer Economics
It is the practice of making sure the computer design and the workspace arrangement are set up in way
that reduces the risk of pain and fatigue on the part of the user.
Measures that can be put in place by an organization.

❖ Use of Computer ergonomic chairs to minimize back pains and fatigue

❖ Taking break between sessions

❖ Working in shifts

❖ Regulating screen brightness and contrast to minimize eye strain

❖ Use of Computer ergonomic keyboards to minimize wrist pain

❖ Ensure proper ventilation for a conducive environment

❖ Adjust the screen position so that the user does not have to lean forward or backward while using
the computer.
❖ Reposition the screen or adjust the room lighting to avoid screen glare.

Computer Care and Maintenance

❖ Lock the computer room while not in use to prevent theft of computers and other devices.

❖ Close the windows when it rains to prevent entry of draughts (rain droplets).

❖ Blow dust from the computer equipment regularly.

❖ Use a piece of cloth and a cleaning agent to wipe out dust from the external parts of computer.

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 ❖ Do not place drinks or food near the computer.

❖ Safely keep discs (CDs and DVDs) in their casings and store them in shelves.

❖ Use a surge protector to protect computers against power surge and Uninterruptible Power Supply
Unit (UPS) units to provide power in the event pf power loss or disconnections from the mains
supply.
❖ Switch off the computer when not in use.

Factors to consider before purchasing a computer

i. Processor type and speed – latest processor types are more efficient than the previous ones. For
example, a core i7 processor is more efficient than a core i5 processor, which in turn is more
efficient than a corei3 processor. Speed is measured in terms of Hertz. A 2 GHz is faster than a 1
GHz computer.
ii. Memory (RAM) capacity – the bigger the RAM capacity the better the computer performance.
Memory is measured in terms of Bytes. For example, a computer with 4 GB of memory capacity
is more powerful than that with 3 GB of memory capacity.
iii. Hard disk capacity – bigger storage means more data stored.
iv. Cost – the computer to be bought should be affordable.
v. User needs – the user needs to know what the main need for buying the computer. For instance, if
the computer is mainly for producing engineering drawings or playing video games then it should
have a highly effective graphics card, have large enough monitor size, large RAM and disk
capacities, and of very high speed.
vi. Compatibility –
vii. Portability – if your work involves a lot of movement then you should buy a portable computer.
viii. Warranty –
Q. Discuss the applications of computers in the fields of Entertainment, Science and Research, Aviation,
Education, Health and Medicine, Military, Banking and Finance, Agribusiness.
Q. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computers in the society.Increase your
productivity. ...
Connects you to the Internet. ...
Can store vast amounts of information and reduce waste. ...
Helps sort, organize, and search through information. ...
Get a better understanding of data. ...
Keeps you connected. ...
Help you learn and keep you informed. ...
Can make you money.

COMPUTER HARDWARE

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 Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system. The main hardware components
are: CPU, Memory Unit and Peripheral devices. The peripheral devices include I/O devices and
secondary storage.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
This is the brain of the computer. It is where data processing takes place. It is made up of Control Unit
and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
Control Unit
Functions
i. Controls and supervises all activities in the CPU.
ii. Synchronizes the actions of the other components of the computer system through control signals.
iii. Fetches, decodes and executes instructions from the main memory.
iv. Controls transfer of data to and from the memory.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

1. Performs arithmetic operations
2. Performs logic operations
Hardware configuration diagram

Central Processing Unit

Control Unit

Arithmetic Logic
Input Output
Unit (ALU)

Memory Unit

Backing Store

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 Key: Data Flow
Command Flow
Computer Memory
Computer Memory refers to the physical devices in a computer used to store data either temporarily or
permanently. It is classified into Primary memory and Secondary memory.

Primary Memory
It is a type of memory that temporarily stores data and instructions that are currently being processed.
It is also known as Main memory or Random-Access Memory (RAM).
Characteristics of RAM

❖ Its contents are readily available for direct retrieval.

❖ It is volatile i.e., its contents are lost in case of power disconnection or outage.

❖ It is read/write i.e., data can be added to it and retrieved from it.

❖ The two types of RAM are: Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM).

Comparison between SRAM and DRAM

SRAM DRAM

Uses transistors Uses capacitors

Does not require constant refreshing Requires constant refreshing because capacitors
often lose their charge

Faster than DRAM Slower than SRAM

Low packaging density thus occupies more space High packaging density thus occupies less space

Used to make the cache memory Used to make the main memory

More power consumption Less power consumption

Expensive Cheap

Smaller storage capacity compared to DRAM Larger storage capacity compared to DRAM

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 Read Only Memory (ROM)
It is a type of memory that permanently stores data and instructions, known as firmware, required for the
computer to boot. The instructions are installed during the time of manufacture of the computer.
Characteristics of ROM
1. Stores data and instructions permanently
2. It is non-volatile i.e. its contents cannot be lost in case of power disconnection or outage.
The types of ROM are: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM
Q. Explain the types of ROM: PROM, EPROM and EEPROM.
Other types of memory
1. Video memory – temporarily holds data relating to graphics.
2. Buffer memory – temporarily holds data and transmits it between two communicating devices
with varying speeds.
3. Cache memory – stores frequently and recently accessed data.
4. Virtual memory – it is created on the hard disk by the Operating system to temporarily store
programs when the RAM capacity is full.
Booting
Booting is the process of starting up a computer.
Types of Booting
Cold Booting (Hard Booting) – refers to the starting a computer from an off state.
Warm Booting (Soft Booting) – basically refers to restarting a computer through an Operating system
command.
Q. Explain the circumstances that may prompt a computer user to perform warm booting.
Secondary (Auxiliary) Storage
This is memory that stores data permanently for future use. It is non-volatile.
There are three types of secondary storage devices:
a) Magnetic storage media
b) Optical storage media
c) Solid State Drives (SSD)
Magnetic storage media
These include hard disk drive, magnetic tape, floppy disk (diskette). They store data by means of
electromagnetism.

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 Hard disk drive, or simply hard disk, is also known as magnetic disk and is normally used as the internal
secondary storage for computers. There are also external hard disk drives available in the market. Storage
capacities are now in Terabyte+.
Magnetic tape is cheaper than magnetic disk but is much slower because it uses the Sequential method of
data access. It is rarely used nowadays.
NB: Floppy disk (diskette) had a storage capacity of 1.44MB. It is now obsolete.
Precautions for handling magnetic storage media
1. Keep them away from extreme temperatures
2. Never place heavy objects on top of them
3. Keep them away from dust
4. Regularly scan them for viruses
5. Keep them away from electromagnetic fields like those from radios, TVs, etc.
Optical storage media
These include CDs, DVD and Blu-ray discs. They store data by means of light from a laser beam.
Q. Explain the differences between CD-R, CD-ROM and CD-RW.
Solid State Drives (SSD)
They are a new generation of storage devices. They are slowly replacing the traditional hard disks. They
use flash memory to store data.
They have no moving parts, unlike the magnetic disks, hence, they are significantly faster than the hard
drives. They are, however, more expensive per MB than hard disks.
Examples of SSDs are: flash disk, memory card, etc.
Q. Compare primary memory with Secondary memory in terms of: storage capacity, volatility, speed of
data access, accessibility by the CPU, cost per MB.

Computer Bus
A computer bus is an electronic path within the computer that allows components to communicate with
each other.
The main types of Computer Bus are: Data Bus, Address Bus and Control Bus.
1. Data Bus – transmits data and instructions to and from the processor (CPU).
2. Address Bus – transmits address of the memory location or peripheral devices where data is to
be fetched.
3. Control Bus – transmits command/control signals from the processor to the other
elements/components in the computer, i.e. main memory, I/O devices, secondary storage.
Input & Output Devices

Input Devices

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 An input device is a peripheral which receives data from the user and sends it to the computer for
processing. They are classified into: keyboard, pointing and touch devices, scanning devices, point-of-
sale devices, document readers, speech recognition.
Keyboard
It has keys which are categorized into: Alphanumeric keys, Special keys, Function keys, Navigation keys,
Arrow keys, Numeric keypad.
1. Alphanumeric keys include alphabetic keys, punctuation keys and symbol keys found on a
traditional typewriter.
2. Special keys include Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Esc, Enter, Delete, Backspace, Caps Lock, Space bar, Num
Lock and Windows key. Ctrl, Shift, Alt are normally used in combination with other keys.
3. Function keys include F1, F2…. F12 keys. The function of a particular Function key defers from
program to program., Navigation keys, Arrow keys, Numeric keypad.
4. Navigation and Editing keys – they are used to move around the document. They include Page
Up, Page Down, Home, End, Delete, Insert.
5. Direction/Arrow keys – are used to move the cursor either down, up, left or right.
6. Numeric keypad – consists of numeric keys. It is used to type numbers.

Q. State the functions of the various keyboard keys.

Q. What is the difference between Delete and Backspace keys?
Mouse
It is used for pointing at, selecting and clicking on text, objects, commands, icons etc.
Parts of a Mouse

❖ Left and right buttons

❖ Scroll

Mouse Techniques
1. Point
2. Left-click
3. Right-click
4. Double-click
5. Click-and-drag

Q. State the uses of the following input devices: MICR, OMR, OCR, stylus, joystick, barcode reader,
scanner, light pen, touchscreen, voice input (microphone), touchpad, webcam, smart card, graphic tablet.
Q. Differentiate the types of mice, keyboard and scanner.

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 Output Devices
These are peripheral devices that are used to produce computer output either in hardcopy or softcopy.
Hardcopy output is produced on a physical medium while softcopy output is displayed on screen or
listened to.

Visual Display Unit (VDU)

It is commonly referred to as Monitor. The three types of monitors are: Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diode (LED).
CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors
These monitors employ CRT technology, which was used most commonly in the manufacturing of
television screens.
While CRT monitors can still be found in some organizations, many offices have stopped using them
largely because they are heavy, bulky, and costly to replace should they break. While they are still in use,
it would be a good idea to phase these monitors out for cheaper, lighter, and more reliable monitors.
LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors
The advantages of LCD monitors include their compact size which makes them lightweight. They also
don’t consume much electricity as CRT monitors, and can be run off of batteries which makes them ideal
for laptops.
Images transmitted by these monitors have little flicker. However, this type of monitor does have
disadvantages, such as its relatively high price, an image quality which is not constant when viewed from
different angles, and a monitor resolution that is not always constant, meaning any alterations can result
in reduced performance.
LED (light-emitting diodes) monitors
LED monitors are the latest types of monitors on the market today. These are flat panel, or slightly curved
displays. LED monitors are said to use much lesser power than CRT and LCD and are considered far
more environmentally friendly.
The advantages of LED monitors are that they produce images with higher contrast, have less negative
environmental impact when disposed, are more durable than CRT or LCD monitors, and features a very
thin design. They also don’t produce much heat while running. The only downside is that they can be
more expensive, especially for the high-end monitors like the new curved displays that are being released.
Printer
It is a device used for printing documents containing text or graphical output coming from a computer
cone ted to the printer.
Printers vary in size, speed, sophistication and cost. More expensive printers are used for higher-
resolution color printing.
Classification of Printers

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 Character printers – these printers print one character at time.
Line printers – these printers print one line at time.
Page printers – these printers print one whole page at time.
Impact printer: are printers that form characters through direct physical contact between the ink ribbon
and the paper. Non-impact printers: are printers that form characters and images without direct physical
contact between the ink ribbon and the paper.

Impact printer Non-impact printer

Uses ink ribbon to produce print on paper Uses toner or cartridge for printing on paper

Prints characters only except for dot-matrix All non-impact printer can print both characters
printer and images

Difficult to produce multiple copies Can produce multiple copies

It is noisy when in operation Works silently

Slow in operation It works faster

Produces low quality prints Produces high quality prints

Less expensive than non-impact printer More expensive than impact printer

Plotter
They mainly produce large graphical output, e.g., diagrams, maps, engineering drawings, etc. Plotters can
print on A1 sized paper, unlike printers which can be used to print on A3 sized paper at most. The two
types of plotters are: flatbed plotter and drum plotter.
Other output devices include speaker, Computer Output on Microfilm (COM).

Q. State any five limitations of speech/voice input (microphone) as method of input.

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Q. Explain the reason why, as an engineer, it is appropriate to produce engineering drawings on a plotter
rather than on a printer.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software refers to all programs which enable the computer hardware to operate effectively, and also help
the user to perform various tasks on the computer. Without software a computer cannot operate.
A program is defined as a set of instructions which a computer executes to perform a specific task.
Computer software is classified into:
1. System software
2. Application software

System Software
This refers to software that manages the operations of a computer and makes sure that the computer that
the computer works efficiently. System Software is installed in the computer during manufacture.
System Software is divided into Operating system and Utility software.
Operating system ensures the computer operates as intended by the manufacturer. It also provides a
platform for application software to run.
NB: More on Operating system will be covered in the next chapter.
Utility Software – these are programs that help in analyzing, configuring, optimizing and maintaining a
computer system.
Examples of Utility Software
i. Antivirus utility (virus checker) – used to scan for viruses
ii. Backup utility – used to back up files and programs on an external drive e.g. flash drive, external
hard disk, and also to restore them from the drive when needed.
iii. Disk defragmentation utility – consolidates pieces of scattered, related files stored on the hard
disk so that they can be quickly accessed. This improves computer performance.
iv. Disk clean-up utility – helps in removing unnecessary files hence availing more storage space.
The files could be those in the recycle bin, those downloaded in the background while browsing
the internet, etc.
v. File compression utility – reduces files into smaller sizes. Can be useful during file transmission
where the transmitted file is not allowed to be above a certain size.
Q. Explain the terms Disk formatting and Disk partitioning

Application Software
These is a software that are developed to perform a specific task for the user e.g. creating a text
document, performing financial calculations, drawing architectural designs, etc.
Application software is classified into customized software and application software.

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 i. Custom/In-house/Special purpose/Tailor-made/Bespoke Software
These are programs developed to carry out specific tasks for a specific organization, company or user and
may not suit the needs of other organizations, companies or users.
ii. Application packages/General purpose/Generic/Off-the-shelf Software
These are software developed and supplied by software companies (like Microsoft, Adobe) at a price.
They are made for all types of users in the market. Examples include: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,
Adobe Photoshop, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, CorelDraw, Microsoft Publisher, etc.
Advantages of Generic/Off-the-shelf Software

✔ The software is available immediately, so the user does not have to wait for it to be developed.

✔ The software is used by many people hence it is cheaper.

✔ Because the software is in general use, there are likely to be well established training courses to
learn how to use it.
✔ One can learn about the software through Internet forums.

Factors to consider before buying a computer software

a) User-friendliness – the software should be easy and convenient to use.
b) Authenticity – authentic software is original software and is normally supported by the developer.
It is usually licensed and protected by a license key.
c) Cost – this will depend on the software’s functionality and complexity. For example, a customer
database application developed using Oracle will be more expensive than that developed using
Microsoft Access.
d) Hardware requirements – these include RAM and hard disk capacity as well as processor type
and speed. Ensure that those requirements can support the software.
e) Portability – it should be possible to transfer data created using the software into another software
without having to retype it, e.g. transferring a Word document into PageMaker, etc.
f) Compatibility – when upgrading the software, it is important that the upgrades are backward
compatible. For example, MS Word 2016 can convert MS Word 2007 files and use them. Also,
the software to be bought must be compatible with the machine at hand, i.e. it should work on the
machine.
g) Documentation – this assists the user in knowing how to use the software, and also provides
solutions to some technical problems. It could be a manual/guide. The documentation can also
help the user on information about how to fix errors that may arise while running the software.

OPERATING SYSTEM
An Operating System is a software which manages all activities in a computer system and provides an
environment for application programs to run. It can also be defined as a group of programs that together
control the operation of a computer system.
Examples of Operating System include Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, Unix, Linux, Ubuntu, Novell
Netware, Android, iOS, Symbian, etc.

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 Types of Operating system

❖ Batch-processing OS

Huge amounts of data that require similar processing are collected together over a specified period of
time to form a batch. The batching of data and sending it to the computer for processing is done by a
computer operator. During the period of processing there is no user interaction with the system. The
computer is left to continuously process the huge data over a given period of time.
Applications of Batch Processing systems: performing payroll tasks, processing of bank statements,
processing of tax, processing of utility bills like electricity, water etc.

❖ Interactive OS

This OS relies on a lot of input from the user. The user issues commands/instructions and immediately
receives the results through an output device.

❖ Network OS

It comprises a number of computers linked together for the purposes of communication and sharing
resources. Often, there is a computer known as server which controls and manages the network.
Real-time OS
These OS are used in applications in which the time interval required to respond to input, process data
and give out the output must be very small. Real Time systems are generally very fast and highly
responsive. They are used in applications such as space craft, industrial process control, automobile
engine controllers, digital thermostat, etc.

❖ Single-User/Single Tasking OS

This allows a single user to perform a single task at a time. For example, functions like printing a
document, downloading images, etc. can be performed only one at a time.
Advantage
i. The OS occupies less space in memory
Disadvantage
ii. It can perform only a single task at a time.

❖ Single-User/Multitasking OS

It is an Operating System that allows a single user to perform more than one task at a time. Examples
include Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OS.
Advantage

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 1. It is time saving as it performs multiple tasks at a time yielding high productivity.
Disadvantage
2. The OS is highly complex and occupies more space.

❖ Multi-User/Multitasking/Time-sharing OS

It permits several users to utilize the programs that are currently running on a single network server. The
server is connected to terminals which rely on the server to perform processing tasks. An example of a
Multi-User/Multitasking OS is UNIX.
Advantage
1. It is highly productive as it performs multiple tasks simultaneously.
Disadvantage
2. If the connection to the server is broken, the user cannot perform any task on the client terminal.
Time-sharing is a technique which enables several users performing different operations/tasks and located
at various terminals, to share a computer system’s resources simultaneously. The said resources could be
CPU, memory or secondary storage.

Functions of Operating System

a) Memory management – it keeps track of which parts of the computer memory are currently
being occupied and which ones are not. In addition, it allocates and deallocates memory space to
and from user programs.
b) File management – the OS helps the user to create, save, copy, move, rename and delete files.
c) User interface – this is the method of interaction between the user and the computer system. The
OS provides user interface, thereby enabling the computer user to interact and use the computer
system.
d) Secondary storage management – the OS it keeps track of the amount of disk space that is
currently being occupied and the disk space that is unused.
e) Protection and security – the OS enhances protection and security of user data and programs
from unauthorized access through usernames and password.
f) Error detection – the OS detects errors that might occur during program execution It then
notifies the user through an error message and prompts them for an appropriate corrective
response.
g) Device management – it controls and manages all devices connected to the computer system
through their respective device drivers. For example, the OS manages transfer of data between the
computer and an attached external device.

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 i. A device driver, or simply a driver, is a software that enables the OS and the user programs to
communicate with an attached/connected hardware device.
h) I/O management – the OS controls access to I/O devices connected to the computer by a
program. It also responds to keystrokes and mouse clicks. Additionally, the OS detects when an
I/O device is faulty or disconnected.

User Interface
It is the method by which a computer user and a computer system exchange information and instructions
in an interactive mode.
Types of User Interface
Command line Interface
It is the oldest type. The user interacts with the computer system by typing commands. It is used in MS-
DOS.
Pros
i. It is suitable for experienced users and experts.
ii. Can be used in a computer which has very little memory and is slow.
Cons

❖ It is difficult to remember all the commands

❖ Continuous typing can be tedious

❖ Errors are frequent

❖ It is a slow method for inexperienced users

Menu-driven Interface
This interface comprises a series of menus and sub-menus which the user access by pressing buttons. It is
usually used in ATMs, ticket machines, etc.
Pros
i. No need to remember commands as they are readily displayed on the screen
ii. Easy to use because the commands are self-explanatory
iii. It is a faster method than command line interface
Con

❖ One may have to switch several screens to access a particular menu.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

In this type of interface, the user interacts with the computer by using a pointing device such a s mouse,
trackball or touchpad. GUI uses a WIMP system.
NB: WIMP stands for Windows Icons Menus Pointer

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 Merits of GUI
i. Many programs use GUI hence use a similar interface. It is, therefore, easy to learn how to use a
new program
ii. Most operations are self-explanatory, so the user does not have to memorize commands like in
command line interface
iii. GUI supports multiprogramming where multiple programs can run concurrently, each having its
own window
iv. Most GUIs provide good help facilities
v. It is easier and faster to use than command line interface
vi. The interface has a more appealing look than command line interface
Demerits of GUI
i. It takes up a lot of memory space
ii. It requires a fast computer
Voice-User Interface (VUI)
This allows the user to interact with the computer through voice or speech commands.
Q. What are the merits and demerits of Voice-User Interface?

NETWORKING AND INTERNET

NETWORKING
Computer network: it is the interconnection of computers and other devices through transmission media
for the purposes of sharing resources and exchanging information.
Network devices
These include: Server, Switch, Router, Repeater, Multiplexor, Bridge, Hub, Gateway, Network Interface
Card network cable.
Classification of Computer Network
Computer networks can be classified based on any of three criteria, i.e., geographical coverage, server-
based or peer-to-peer network, wired or wireless network.
Geographical Area of Coverage
Different types of networks have different areas of coverage.

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 Local Area Network (LAN)
It is a network that covers a limited (small) geographical area.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
It is a network that covers a large geographical area., e.g., a country, a continent or the world.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network covers a city or a large town.
Campus Area Network (CAN)
It is a type of network that covers a university or college campus.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
This is a type of network that extends up to a radius of 10 meters. It is used in devices such as printers,
video game consoles, scanners, PCs using Bluetooth technology.

Client-Server Network vs Peer-to-Peer network

a) Client-server Network
Also known as server-based network, this is a computer network in which one centralized, powerful
computer (called the server) is connected to less powerful personal computers or workstations
(called clients). The server is a computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to
the other computers, known as clients, over a network.
b) Peer-to-Peer Network
Each device on the network acts as server and client, there is no central computer acting as the server.
Wired vs Wireless network
In wired networks, devices are connected by use of network cables. Wireless networks use radio signals
(Wi-Fi) to connect devices on the network.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network
Advantages
1. Resource sharing - a single resource e.g., printer, scanner etc., can be shared among many users
on the network.
2. File sharing – files stored on one device can be accessed among different users connected to the
network.
3. Increased file storage and backup – data can be stored or backed up on the server or the other
connected computers and can still be accessed by everyone on the network. One standalone
computer may not have enough storage capacity to store all the required data, hence the need to
utilize the storage on the other computers on the network.
4. Network users can communicate by email, instant messenger, video conferencing, etc.
Disadvantages

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 1. Cost: Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive.
2. Managing a large network is complicated, requires training and a network manager usually needs
to be employed.
3. Overdependency on the server: If the server breaks down then the network will be disabled, hence
unable to offer the needed services.
4. Rapid spread of computer virus: Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer
network.
5. Security issues: There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide area networks. Security
procedures are needed to prevent such abuse, e.g., a firewall.

Network Topology

Network Topology refers to the manner in which various network devices (nodes) are interconnected
or arranged.

The types of network topology include: star topology, mesh topology, tree topology, bus topology,
bus topology.
1. Star topology: all the devices are connected through a central hub.
2. Mesh topology: each device is connected to every other device, ie., there exists a link between
any two devices.
3. Bus topology: all the nodes are connected to a single cable known as bus which is responsible for
transmitting data between from one to another.
4. Ring topology: each node is connected to the two adjacent nides in a circular fashion.
5. Tree topology: all the nodes are linked together like tree branches. It is a combination of bus and
star topologies.

INTERNET
Internet refers to a global network that enables people to share information electronically.
Terminologies
Intranet – is a private network created to facilitate collaboration and information sharing among
employees of an organization. An intranet is only accessible by members of the organization.
Extranet – is an intranet that is accessible by authorized outsiders.
Website – refers to a set of web pages usually containing hyperlinks to each other and made available
online by the website owner.
Universal Resource Locator (URL) – refers to a web address of a website.
Web browser – is an application program used to download and display web pages and files (documents,
images, videos). Examples of web browser: Google chrome, opera Mini, Mozilla Firefox.
Search engine – is a software that helps people to carry out web searches. Examples of search engine:
Google, yahoo, Bing.
Q. Discuss the positive and negative effects of internet on the society.

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 EMAIL
This is a method of sending and receiving messages and file electronically from one device to another
through the internet.
Email users usually have email addresses. An email address is divided into 3 parts: username, at sign
and domain.
Example: [email protected]
An email compose window consists of six parts, namely subject, recipient, body, attachments, CC
or BCC and signature.
Q. Distinguish between CC and BCC.

Advantages of Email system over traditional Postal System

1. Message delivery is faster
2. It is cheaper since there are no stamps nor courier charges.
3. Messages not properly formatted can be accepted. In contrast, business letters and inter-office
memos are expected to be error free and formatted according to certain standards.
4. Messages can be received anywhere in the world at any time.

Prepared by Frank Okello [email protected]