Communication Information Communication Technology.

13.1. Introduction to computers:`

Definition:
What is a computer?
A computer is a an electronic device that accepts user input (Data) and transforms it under influence of
sets of special instruction (Program) to produce desired output(information).
Data:
Data 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 operations like
addition, subtraction etc.
Information: Refers to data which has been processed.
Parts of a Computer:
i. System Unit:
This part uses the heat of the computer 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.
Example of peripheral devices:
Keyboard: Enables user to enter data and instruction 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)
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 and their internal storage capacity was limited. Cards were used to enter data into the
computer. They used vacuum tubes to control internal operations. They used vacuum tubes to control
internal operation. They are used for payroll processing and billing e.g. IBM 1650 and UNIVAC.
Advantages of First Generation computers:
- Vacuum tube technology made possible the advent of electronic digital computer.
- These computers were the fastest calculating devices at that time.
Disadvantages of First Generation computers:
- They were too bulky
- Were not perfect
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- They had small or limited memory

- They generated a lot of heat and ceded to time to cool down.
- Consumed a lot of power
ii. The Second Generation Computers (1958-1964)
They used transistors for internal operations and magnetic card as a primary storage medium. They had
increased storage capacity compared to the 1st Generation. Both their sizes and heat emission had been
greatly reduce, compared to 1st generation, increased speed and reliability compared to first generation.
Examples IBM 1401, Honeywell 200, CDC 1604 etc.
Advantages of 2nd Generation computers:
- Were smaller in sized compared to first generation
- There were more reliable
- They generated less heat
- They were less prone to hardware failure
Disadvantages of 2nd Generation Computers:
- Required air conditioning to cool them down
- Required frequent maintenance
- 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:
- Were more reliable
- Emitted less heat
- Maintenance cost was low because hardware failures were rare
- They required less power.
Disadvantages of 3rd Generation:
- Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacture of integrated circuit
- They were costly
iv. Fourth Generation Computers:
These computers use large scale integrated circuits (LSIC). They have large storage capacity and
work at a high speed. Introduction of microprocessor, microcomputers and supercomputers
realized at this generation.
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Advantages:
a. They are smaller in size because of high component density
b. Very reliable
c. Generated negligible heat
d. Much faster in computation
e. They are no prone to hardware failure
f. They are portable because of their small size
Disadvantages:
- Highly sophisticated technologies required for manufacture of LSI chips
Fifth Generation computers:
- This generation is characterized by the emerging of telecommunication with computer
technology. Scientist are still working on this generation to bring machines with genuine
I. Q.; the ability to reason logically and with real knowledge of the world. The anticipated
computers will have the following characteristics.
a. Is expected to perform parallel operations
b. Will be based on logical interface operations
c. Is expected to make use of artificial intelligences.
Classification of computers:
Computers can be classified according to physical size and functionality.
i. Physical size:
a. Super computers:
They are the fastest, largest, most expensive and powerful computers. They are 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, etc.
c. Mini computers:
They are physically smaller and cheaper than mainframes. They are used in research
institution, scientific laboratories etc
d. Microcomputers:
They are the smallest, cheapest and less powerful type of computers. They are mainly
used in learning institutions.
Types of Microcomputers:
1. Palm Top Computers: Small enough to fit into the pocket and can be held in the parm
when being used.
2. Notebook: they are ultra-portable and allow easy setup in a classroom. They can be
connected to the internet via cable or integrated WIFI terminal.
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3. Laptop: slightly bigger and heavier than notebook. Laptops have larger screens and more
convenient to larger work than notebooks.
4. Desktop: bigger and can perform more complex operations than notebooks and laptops.
They have separate components, system unit, monitor and keyboard. They are more
reliable and easier to repair than notebook.
5. Tower computer: Have power supply, motherboard and more mass storage devices
stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. It has system unit than stands besides the
monitor.
NB/Laptops are more expensive that desktop because:
- They are more portable
- Their parts are low powered as opposed to desktops.
- The technology to make the computer smaller, chips and RAM and anything else smaller
costs more. On the other hand desktops are cheap, their parts are replaceable and
upgradable compared to laptops.
Advantages of laptops computers:
i. They are portable
ii. Ruggedness laptop computers are designed to withstand more 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 uninterruptible power supply.
Disadvantages of Laptop Computers:
- Performance- many laptops have slower clock speed to conserve power and also have
smaller memory capacity.
- Expandability: laptops PCs have limited expansion options.
- Connection: have few ports and no growth potential
- Security: laptops PCs are easier to steal
- Display: Laptops screens are limited to VGA resolutions.
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: operations are based on two states namely “on” and “off” or “1” 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.
b. Special Purpose: they are designed to serve a specific purpose e.g. robots such as in
industries, mobile phone for communication only etc.
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c. Dedicated: they are general purpose computers that are dedicated to doing specific task.
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13.2. Computer Hardware:

The computer system is made up of various components that are linked together to process, store
and manage information. A computer is organized into three elements; Hardware, software and
live ware.
Input Devices:
1. Keying devices:
Typing is the most common way to input data. A keying device converts typed number, letter
and special characters into machine readable form before processing takes place.
- Traditional keyboards: the most common keying device. It is a full sized rigid keyboard.
- Flexible keyboard: Is a more portable keyboard that can be folded and packed into a bag.
- Ergonomic Keyboard: an ergonomic keyboard is specifically designed to provide comfort
and alleviate wrist strain.
- Keypad: A keypad is a miniature keyboard used on portable devices such as PDAs,
laptops and mobile phones.
- Braille Keyboard: Braille keyboard is a keyboard designed for use by the blind, it consist
of keys identified by raised dots.
2. Pointing Devices:
Pointing devices are used for controlling a pointer cursor on the screen. A part from the mouse,
other pointing devices include trackball, joystick and light pen.
i. Mouse:
A mouse is the most common type of pointing device. There are different types of mouse
available in the market.
- Standards mouse: the standard or traditional mouse has a ball underneath, two buttons
and an optional scroll button located between the left and right buttons.
- Optical mouse: an optical mouse does not include any moving parts. It works by using a
tiny digital camera that takes 1500 pictures per second of the surface on which it is
resting. Interpreting the pictures indicates the direction of the mouse movement hence the
pointer position on the screen.
- Cordless mouse: cordless or wireless mouse is a battery powered mouse that uses radio or
infrared waves instead of being physically connected to the system unit.
ii. Trackball:
A trackball works just like mouse. It only that its ball is located at the top. Instead of moving on
a flat surface, the user rotates the ball using a finger. Some computer keyboards come with an
integrated trackball, hence no need for a mouse.
iii. Joystick
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A joystick 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 direction of the joystick. Command buttons and triggers are used to issue
commands or action in the software being controlled by the joystick. Command buttons and
triggers are used to issue commands or action in the software being controlled by the joystick
user.
iv. Light pen and stylus:
A light pen operates by detecting the command or item being illuminated by it. A stylus on the
other hand, is used on devices such as, PDAs, that recognize commands or hand written data.
3. Scanning Devices:
Scanning mean capturing data from an object and converting it into digital format. Scanning
devices are classified according to technology used to capture data. These are optical scanners
and magnetic scanners.
a. Optical scanners: optical scanners capture data using optical or light technology. A light

beam pass over an object and the image is analyzed by s specialized software. Examples

of optical scanners include optical bar recognition scanners and optical character

recognition (OMR) scanners.

- Optical bar recognition: the optical barcode recognition OBR) scanners are used to

capture data coded as lines of varying thickness known as barcodes or Universal Product

Code. Barcodes holds manufacture’s details and the product code but not price details

because prices vary from one place to another.

- Optical character recognition (OCR): it is used to read typewritten, computer-printed, or

handwritten characters and transform the images into a soft copy that can be

manipulated using a word processor. Today, a more advanced OCR scanner called flat-

bed 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 trip. Common examples of magnetic scanners are
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magnetic Ink character Recognition MICR and card readers. Magnetic ink character

recognition scanners are used to read characters written using magnetic ink.

4. Digitizers:
A digitizer, also known as graphical tablet, allows 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.
5. Digital Cameras:
Digital cameras, capture images the same way other cameras do, only that the image is store in
digital form. Pictures are mostly store on a memory card instead of a film. The stored images can
then be edited, printed or uploaded to the internet.
Output Devices:
Output devices are peripheral devices that a computer user to give out information produced after
processing.
Type of output devices:
1. Soft copy: Refers to the intangible output mainly displayed on the screen of through devices
like speakers.
2. Hard copy: Refers to tangible output produced on papers e.g. printers, plotters etc.
Example of Soft copy:
i. Monitor /Visual Display unit(VDU)
It displays information on its screen thus helping the user to monitor operations carried out by
the computer.
Terms commonly used with monitors:
- Resolution: the number of pixels per square inch on the screen. The higher the resolution
the more the number of pixels per square inch hence the clearer the image.
- Pixel: they are tiny dots which are used to form the image displayed on the screen.
- Color depth: refers to number of colour which can be displayed by a pixel.
- Display size: refers to the size of screen usually measured in inches as the diagonal length
of the screen from top to bottom left.
Types of Monitors:
a. Monochrome monitor: it display text in only one colour mostly black and white.
b. Color monitor: display images and text in multiple colours.
Types of Display Screen:
a. Cathode Ray tubes (CRT)
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Characteristics:
- The screen of the CRT is curved slightly outward.
- They are not portable
- They consume a lot of power.
- They are cheap.
b. Flat Panel Display:
Examples of Flat Panel Display:
a. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): they have tiny liquid crystal that reflect light falling
on them from environment.
b. Thin Film Transistors(TFT): they provides high quality output (text and graphics)
c. Electronic luminescent (EL): they glow when exposed to an electric current, giving
rise to an electroluminescent display. Images are clearer than LCD.
d. Gas Plasma: they use gas that emits light when electric current is passed through
them.
Graphic Adapter/ Video Card:
Graphic adapter is a piece of circuit board that connects a monitor to a computer and allows the
computer to show images and text on its screen.
Examples of Video Cards:
- Monochrome displays adapter (MDA)- it displays text only in one colour.
- Hercules Graphic Card (HGC)- Displays text and images using up to 16 colours.
- Enhanced graphic adapter (EGA): displays text and images using 16 colours.
- Video Graphic Arrays (VGA): offers at most 256 colours.
- Super Video Graphic Array (SVGA): offers over 256 colours.
- Extended Graphic Array (XGA): has a resolution of up to 1024 x 768 pixels.
- Super extended graphics array (SXGA): has a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels.
- Ultra extended graphics array (UXGA): the largest and highest standard.
Advantages of VDU:
- The display of output is almost instantaneous.
- Minimizes paperwork
Disadvantages of VDU:
- Can lure computer operator into not keeping hardcopy records
- Screen might not allow the viewing of the full array of data.
Sound output:
Sound output is in form of spoken words. Speakers are used to output the sound from computers
e.g. music, warnings, videos etc.
Advantages of sound output:
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 no reading is required
 useful in situations where you can’t look or where you are busy
 Fast, natural output
Disadvantages of sound output:
 Not suitable for noisy situations
 Inappropriate for lengthy or permanent information.
Applications of sound output:
 Learning aids e.g. computer aided learning
 Lifts- messages are used in lifts to inform users on the floors they are in.
 Used in public address systems

3. Light emitting diodes(LED):

They are light emitting components that display light when an electric current is passed though
them. They are useful mainly for warning. i.e. red and green light displayed by the system unit to
help the user know whether it is ON or Off.

4. Data Projector:
A projector is used to display output from a computer on to a plain white screen like a l wall of a
whiteboard.
Hard Copy Devices:
Hard copy devices are devices that produce output in paper in form of text and graphics.

EXAMPLE OF HARD COPY:

1. Printer:
Printers produce a hard copy of information on papers.
Classifications of printers:
Printers are classified according to:
i. How they produce character on paper.
ii. The speed at which they print

How they produce character on paper:

a. Impact printers: they provide
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They provide prints by printing head elements coming into actual contact with the
stationery through inked ribbon.
b. Non-impact printers:
They provide prints but the print head do not come into actual contact with the stationery
but by other means. Example is the thermal printer.
Difference between impact and non impact printers:
Impact Non-impact
Slow Fast
Use inked ribbons Use thermal, lesser, electro stating principles
Cheaper Costly
Noisy Quite
Multiple copy production posible Multiple copy production almost impossible
types of impact printers:
a. Dot matrix printers:
It is an impact character printer that provides character prints in terms of dots. The
printing head elements is made up of a set of arranged needles, which are activated
depending on the character to be formed for printing.
b. Daisy wheel printer:
It has wheel with petal on which characters are mounted. When printing, the wheel
rotates allowing petals to hit a ribbon with different character.
c. Golf Ball Printer:
The character images are incorporated on the surface of a gold ball like print head. Which
is either rotating or pivoted.
d. Drum printer:
Provides one whole line print at a time. the character are incorporated on circular bands
that move round the surface of the drum.
e. Chain printer
It is an impact line printer that incorporates engraved character slugs at high constant
speed pact printing positions.
Types of non-impact printers:
a. Thermal printer:
It is non-impact character printer that provides character printing using heat principles.
b. Inkjet printer:
This printer forms character by spaying ink from tiny nozzles through an electrical fields
that arranges the charged ink particles into characters.
c. Electrostatic printer:
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It is a non-impact that uses electrostatic charges to form characters in a line on a special

paper.
Classifications of printers according to speed:
a. Character printers: they produce one character at a time. e.g. Daisy wheel, dot matrix ets.
b. Line printers: they produce one line at a time. e.g. drum, chain etc.
c. Page printers: they produce an entire page at once e.g. laser printer.
Factors to consider when selectring a printer:
- Initial cost and subsequent costs of maintenance
- Volume of printing expected reports
- Nature of reports to be generated
- Range of compatibility for selected printers e.g. multiple copiter, print styles etc.
- Interface with the computer system
- Speed.
Plotters:
It is a type of hard copy output. They are mainly used in the field of engineering architecture for
producing graphic on papers.
Types of plotters:
- Flat bed plotters.
- Drum plotter.

Computer Output on Microform:

The microform(COM) devices record computer output on to photographic film which can be
viewed later by special microfilm readers.
Types of microform:
a. Microfilm: the output is usually on a roll of film.
b. Microfiche: the output is on a page of film on data images are arranged in a grid of
patterns.
Advantages of Microform:
- Saves on stationery and space
- Faster than printing
- Non-bulky hence portable
- Contents on com are not easily read using naked eyes hence guaranteed security
- Have got longer life span compared to paper output.
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Disadvantages:
- Are expensive
- Cause eye-strain
- Additional equipment needed to read to contents.
Applications of Com:
- Libraries for book catalogues
- Local authorities to retain town plans, maps, statistics etc.
- Companies to store personal and customers’ records.
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The central processing unit CPU

The central processing unit/processor is that part of the computer that decodes and executes

instructions.

Functional parts of CPU:

i. Arithmetic Logic Unit ALU:

In this unit of CPU all the arithmetic and logical operational are carried out.

Function of ALU:

 Does all the mathematical computations in a computer

 Does all logical comparisons of values.

ii. Control Unit:

This unit coordinates all processing activities in the CPU as well as input, storage and output

operations.

Functions of control Unit:

 Direct the flow of information into the CPU, Memory and storage.

 Controls the instructions the CPU will perform next.

iii. The Main Memory/Primary Storage:

This unit provides storage location for data and instruction accessed by the control unit. If you

have limited memory or have many programs running at the same time, you computer may need

to use part of the hard drive to simulate more memory. This simulated memory is call virtual

memory. The amount of memory determines the number of programs a computer can run at once

and how fast programs will be operate.

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Functions of main memory

 Hold data that has been processed waiting to be output.

 Holds data that is currently being processed.

Types of memory:

a. Read only memory:

This memory is used to store programmed instructions and data permanently of semi

permanently. Data and instruction stored in ROM are those required to remain unchanged

for a long time.

Types of ROM:

i. MROM/ Mask Read Only Memory: Once content are written on it by the

manufacturer, it cannot be changed.

ii. Programmable Read Only Memory/ PROM; this allows the user to alter it only

once after the content is written on it.

iii. Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory/ EPROM: the contents stored in this

memory can be erased by exposing them to ultra violet light and then

reprogrammed for another use.

iv. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory/ EEPROM: this memory

can be erased and reprogrammed using electricity.

Characteristics of ROM:

 Can only be read but cannot written on it.

 It is non-volatile

 Stores permanent instruction from manufacturer.

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B. Random Access Memory/ RAM:

It is call random access memory because its content can be read directly regardless of the

sequence in which it was stored.

Types of RAM:

i. Static RAM/ SRAM: it is very fast memory and holds its content as long as there is

power.

ii. Dynamic RAM/ DRAM: it holds its contents for a short while even when the power

is on. To maintain its content it must be refreshed severally per second.

Characteristics of RAM:

- Data can be read and written on them

- It is temporary. i.e. its data disappears when the computer is switched off.

- Its contents are user defined.

Special Purpose Memories:

 Buffer: it is a special purpose memory used during input/output or processing to

temporarily holds data or instructions between communicating elements.

 Cache Memory: it is a very high speed type of SRAM whose purpose is to allow the

processor to access data and instruction faster.

 Register: they are temporarily storage locations within CPU that holds one piece of

data at a time.

Examples of Registers:

i. Accumulators: temporarily holds the results of the last processing steps of ALU.
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ii. Instruction Registers: temporarily holds instruction before its interpreted into a form

that CPU can understand.

iii. Address registers: Temporarily holds next piece of data waiting to be processed.
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Secondary storage devices:

Secondary storage devices are storage devices that compliment the primary memory. They

are used store information for longer periods.

Characteristics of secondary storage:

 Non-volatile storage: Data stored in this media is permanent unless erased by user.

 Mass storage: store large volume of data.

 Reusability: Storage data can be erased and the media reused to store fresh data and

programs.

Classifications of removable devices:

i. Removable devices :

They are not housed inside the system unit hence can be used in another computer e.g.

floppy, flash disk, CD.

ii. Fixed storage devices:

These devices are housed inside the computer system unit e.g. Hard disk

Removable Storage Devices:

a. Magnetic disks:

Magnetic disks are secondary storage device that magnetically record data. It allows

recording over and over again. Disks are rotating platters with a mechanical arm that

moves a read/write head between the outer and inner edges of the platter's surface. It can

take as long as one second to find a location on a floppy disk to as little as a couple of

milliseconds on a fast hard disk.

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i. Floppy disk:

They are made of small flexible round disk coated with iron oxide. They are used to store

information for later use in the same or different computer, and can be used to move

information from one computer to another.

Advantages of floppy disks:

- They are very cheap

- Small, lightweight and convenient

- Exchangeable

Disadvantages of floppy disks:

- Floppies are vulnerable to various damages hence have short life

- Time consuming if access is needed to many files over a short period

- Easily damaged

- Storage area is limited

ii. Zip Disk:

They resemble floppy disk but have high storage capacity. They are slightly larger and

thicker in size. Can hold at least 250mb. Mostly they come with a separate postable external

zip drive.

iii. Jaz Disk:

They are small portable disks with high storage capacity of about 1GB to 2GB. They are used for

storing data that require larger capacity. They have an external jaz drive.

b. Magnetic Tapes:
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This is ribbon of Mylar(plastic-like) material coated with a thin layer of iron oxide. Magnetic

tape resembles the music cassette. Tape is stored in blocks separated by inter-block gaps left

for stopping purposes. Tapes are sequentially accessed. This implies that if information is at

the end of the tape, the computer will have to read almost the entire tape, which is time

consuming.

Advantages of magnetic tapes:

- They are portable

- Cheap

- Can be erased and re-used

- Holds a lot of data in a compact space

Disadvantages of magnetic tapes:

- Very slow in accessing of data.

- Easily damaged by dust, heat and even touching

- The inter-block space is wastage of storage area.

Optical disks:

These disks use laser beam to record data on them. The laser ray burns tiny holes into a shiny

surface to record data. Examples of optical disks includes:

i. LS-120 Super disk: this is a diskette that resembles the floppy disk but uses optical

technology instead of magnetic technology to read data. It has greater storage

capacity and greater speed of data access than floppy disk.

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ii. Compact Disk (CD): They held larger quantities of data and information. it holds as

much as 700 mb. Mostly used to store data and information that require a lot of space. E.g.

video clips, software etc.

Forms of compact Disks:

1. CD-ROM( Compact Disk Read Only Memory): in this type of compact disk,

when data is recorded on them, one can neither change them, nor add anything on

them.

Advantages:

- It is smaller hence more portable and has larger storage compared to diskates

- More secure as it cannot be change or attacked by viruses.

- Cannot be erase the data stored.

Disadvantages:

 Not possible to change the data written on the CD-ROM

 Expensive than the diskettes

2. Compact disk- Recordable (CD-R):

There are initially black and the user can record data on it. However, once the

data has been written on it, one can only read but no changing it.

3. Compact Disk- Rewritable (CD-RW):

With CD-RW the user can record, erase and rewrite new information.

4. Worm (Write Once Read Many Times)

These are discs that allow the user to record data on them once and read many

times e.g. CD-ROMS and CD-RS.

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C. Digital Versatile Disks: (DVD’s)

They are also known as digital Video disks. They resemble compact disk but have higher storage

capacity of up to 17GB. They are suitable for recording motion pictures e.g. video because they

offer better sound and better picture quality than CD.

D. Optical Card:

It resembles the magnetic ink character reader card but uses an optical recordable stripe that store

information instead of the magnetic stripe. Mainly used in banks and compacies.

E: Optical Tape:

It is similar to a magnetic tape only that data is stored using optical technology.

F: Photo CD:

This CD is used to process photographic film or negatives to produce and store high quality

photographs on a CD-R.

Advantages of Optical Storage:

- They have massive capacity

- Stores data permanently

- Accessing of data is fast

- Secure i.e. it is hard to copy.

- High quality pictures and sounds.

- Portable

Disadvantages of optical storage:

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- Expensive

- Costly hardware and software for reading

- Break easily/ fragile

- Very sensitive to things like dusks, water, heat and scratches which easily

damage them

iii. Flash Disk:

This is the most current storage device in the market. It has a massive storage area,

more reliable and portable. It is small in size and can store over 1 GB of information.

- Solid state storage are electronic chips that store information and altered,

accessed and erased electronically.

Examples:

- Flash disk- memory disks

- Flash cards- mainly used on handheld devices such as cameras, cell phones

and POAs. They are less in in size.

FIXED STORAGE DEVICES:

They are storage devices that are housed inside a computer system unit.

EXAMPLES of FIXED STORAGE DEVICES:

a. Hard disk (Winchester): they are made from metal and are coated with a thin film of

magnetic oxide. The hard disk is made of shiny rigid magnetic disks or platters that are

arranged vertically on a common axis. They can hold thousand of programs and files.

Types of Hard Disks:

Internal Hard Disk:

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Data written to and read from the internal disk through magnetic needle like heads.

External hard drive:

They are removable storage media cable of storing over a terabyte of information. any

internal hard drive can be placed in a hard drive enclosure and used as external hard

drive.

Advantages of Hard Disk:

a. It is cheap

b. Very reliable

c. Does not deteriorate as quickly as floppy

d. More storage capacity

e. Accessing data is faster.

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Computer software:

Software is programs or set of instructions that enables a computer system to operate.

Classification of software:

 According to purpose

 According to method of acquisition.

According to purpose:

1. System software:

It enables the user to communicate with the computer and its various devices. E.g.

keyboard.

Programs under system software:

i. Firmware: it is a combination of both hardware and software. It is in form of a chip

which may be used to store programs.

ii. Network Software: it is used to establish communication between two or more

computers by linking them using a communication channel. E.g. cables to create

network e.g. Novel-Netware.

iii. Operating system: it is a set of programs that control and supervise the hardware

resources of a computer during processing. e.g. windows operating system, linux, ms

dos etc.

iv. Utility Software: they are programs that perform commonly used services that make

certain aspects of computing to go on more smoothly.

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Types of utility software:

- System level - Calculator

- Application utility - Time

- Program translator - Backup utility

- Setting editor - Anti Virus Utility

- Text editor - Diagnostic Utility

- Sort editor - Calendar Utility

2. Application Software:

Application software is designed to help the user accomplish specific tasks.

Examples of Application software:

i. Word Processor: for typing documents e.g. Ms-Word.

ii. Databases: for keeping records and files e.g. Ms. Access.

iii. Spreadsheet: for calculation e.g. ms-Excel

iv. Desk top publishing: Designing publications e.g. card. e.g. Adobe pagemaker.

v. Computer Aided Design: for technical drawing. E.g. AutoCAD.

According to Acquisition:

a. In-house Developed Programs (Bespoke)

These programs are designed to serve particular purpose for specific groups or people e..g in

Banks for managing their operations, Airlines for booking e.t.c.

b. Standard software (Off the Shelf) (Packages)

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These programs are developed by software engineers, packaged and made available for

purchase through a vendor or directly from developer e.g. Microsoft office.

Advanatages of standard software ove in house software:

a. They can easily be installed and run

b. Thoroughly tested hence few errors

c. Readily available

d. Easily modified to teem specific user needs

e. Less expensive.

Disadvantages of standard software over in-house software:

a. May not meet special needs

b. They are not as efficient as user made programs.

c. When changes occur, extra const are usually needed from user.

d. Not all packages are compatible with all computer system.

Criteria for selecting computer system:

a. Hardware considerations:

Factors to consider when selecting computer hardware:

i. Processor speed

ii. Computer memory capacity

iii. Upgrading and compatibility

iv. User needs

v. Cost

vi. Portability
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vii. Warranty.

b. Software considerations:

i. User needs

ii. Documentation

iii. Authenticity

iv. User friendliness

v. Cost

vi. Portability

Operating system (OS)

Operating system is a set of programs that control and supervises the hardware resources of a

computer and provide services to other system software. Examples of operating system

include Microsoft Windows, Unix, Linux, Ms-Dos, Novel, etc.

Function of operating system:

i. Job scheduling: The OS prepares, schedules, control and monitors tasks submitted for

execution to ensure the most efficient processing

ii. Resource control: the OS allocates computer resources such as storage and input/output

iii. Memory management: the OS allocates computer resources such as CPU time, Main

memory, Secondary storage and input/output for use by application program.

iv. Error handling: OS provides the error correction routines to ensure smooth operation

within the CPU.

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v. Interrupt handling: OS determines the cause of the interrupt and transfer the control to the

most appropriate programs.

vi. Input/output handling: the OS governs input/output of data and their location, storage and

retrieval.

Types of operating system:

Operating system can be classified according to:

a. Number of Users:

i. Single user-Operating system: This OS allows only once user at a time to access a

computer. E.g. MS-Dos, Ms-Windows 95/98/2000

ii. Multi-user operating system: This OS allows two or more users to access a

computer at the same time. e.g. Windows 2000 Server, Novel, UNIX, Windows

NT etc.

b. Number of Task:

i. Single Tasking Operating System: This OS allows only one program to be

executed at a time e.g. MS-Dos.

ii. Multi-tasking operating system (MULTITHREADING): This OS allows a single

CPU to execute more than one program at a time. e.g. Windows Vista, XP, etc.
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c. Interface:

i. Command Line: the user interacts with a computer by typing a command at the

prompt found on a command line. e.g. Ms-Dos.

ii. Menu driven interface: this interface allows the user to select commands/options

from a list or menu using keyboard or pointing device e,g. mouse.

iii. Graphical User interface (GUI): this interface represents commands as small

pictures on the screen called Icons. e.g. Microsoft windows/95/98/2000/XP/Vista,

Linux etc.

Factors to consider when choosing an operating system:

a. Hardware configuration

b. Basic design of the computer

c. Applications intended for the computer

d. User friendliness

e. Cost

f. Availability in market.

Organizing information using operating system:

The OS organizes information in terms of files, folders and drives:

1. File: it is a collection or related data or information stored in one location.

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Types of files:

i. System Files: these files contain information that is critical for the operation of the

computer.

ii. Application Files: these files hold programs or application files.

Function of files:

- Storage of data

- Organization of information.

2. Folder/Directory:

It is a named storage area where the user can store related files to enable easy access.

3. Storage media:

When creating a folder or saving a file, identify a storage location that is more reliable

e.g. floppy disk, compact disk, hard disk, etc.