TOPIC ONE

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

1.1 Introduction
This topic introduces you to the computer, here you get to define what
a computer is. It also introduces you to the history of the evolution of
the computer as a machine. After which you will be walked through the
details of the classifications of computers their uses as well as
advantages and disadvantages. The topic has seven sections namely:

• Introduction to Computers
• Definition of terms
• Evolution of Computers
• Classification of Computers
• Characteristics of Computers
• Applications of Computers
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers

1.2 Objectives
By the end of this topic, the learner should be able to:

1) Define a computer
2) Explain the evolution of computing technology and the technological
advancement in computer architecture to current technologies
3) Explain the characteristics of computers and how they are different from
humans.
4) Explain the different types of computers categorized based on size, price and
capabilities

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 Activity 1

a). What comes to your mind as a learner when you hear the mention of the word
computer?
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b). How many types of computers do you know of?

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Topic overview
You will notice that there are varied definitions of what a computer is. However, this
topic is designed to help you understand what a computer is and its application in real
life. We will then move to discuss the sections in this topic, welcome.

1.3 Introduction to Computers

Everywhere you go today, you will realize that human beings are employing the
use of machines in their daily lives to an extent that today someone can wash, cook,
do research and be entertained using machines. This means the human race is
embracing the use of machines without being threatened at all, which implies that
the machine which was earlier considered a threat has now become a necessary
evil. This machine that is closely replacing the human is called a computer. In the
next section we get to define what a computer is so as to bring out its
understanding and why we need it.

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1.4 Defining a Computer?
Computer is an abbreviation that stands for Commonly Operated Machine Used in
Trade, Education and Research. This description actually tells us more about where
it was mainly first being used before it became a common place tool. A computer is
defined as an electronic device that receives data, stores it, processes it and
produces information with a high degree of accuracy and speed under a set of
instructions. It can perform activities that involve mathematical, logical and
graphical manipulations. Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of
devices that function together as a system.
A computer is thus a general-purpose machine that processes data according to a
set of instructions. The set of instructions is called a "program." When most people
talk about computers today, they are referring to electronic digital computers, such
as personal computers, laptops, handheld computers, or large business computers.
The term "digital" means that it uses computations based on binary digits. Binary is
a number notation system that uses the numbers "0" and "1" in various
combinations. Electronic circuits use "on" or "off” electrical conditions to represent
binary numbers “1” or “0” internally within a computer.

Electronic digital computers process digital information at fantastic speeds. Many

of today's computers, even desktop computers, have internal processing speeds of 2
GHz (Gigahertz) or more. Compared with the UNIVAC 1 (1951) speed of less than
3 MHz(Megahertz), this is a fantastic advancement in technology in less than 40
years. This drastic development in the computing industry has made it to be known
as the dynamic industry.

Almost all computers today are electronic digital computers. In fact, there are over
500 million electronic digital computers. However, not all computers are digital
and neither are all computers are electronic.

A Computer therefore is an electronic device that can perform activities that

involve Mathematical, Logical and graphical manipulations. Generally, the term is
used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system. It
performs the following three operations in sequence.

• It receives data & instructions from the

input device.
• Processes the data as per instructions.
• Provides the result (output) in a desired form.

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The devices that are used to provide the input to the computer are called input
devices. The part of the computer that performs the processing is called the central
processing unit or CPU. While the devices that display the results of the CPU are
called output devices.

Now, let us understand the definition of other terms used together with
the computer.

1.4.1 Definition Data, Information and Program

Data: It is the collection of raw facts, figures & symbols. Data can be defined as a
representation of facts, concepts or instructions in a formalized manner, which
should be suitable for communication, interpretation or processing by human or
electronic machine.

Data is represented with the help of characters like alphabets (A-Z, a-z), digits (0-9)
or special characters (+, -, /, *, <,>, =, etc.). Example: Names of students and their
marks in different subjects listed in random order.

Information: It is the data that is processed & presented in an organized manner.

Example: When the names of students are arranged in alphabetical order, total and
average marks are calculated & presented in a tabular form, it is information.
Information is organized or classified data so that it has some meaningful values to
the receiver. Information is therefore processed data on which decisions and
actions are based. For the decision to be meaningful, the processed data must
qualify the following characteristics:

1) Timely - Information should be available when required.

2) Accuracy - Information should be accurate.
3) Completeness - Information should be complete.
4) Program-Set of instructions that enable a computer to perform a given task.

Data processing is the re-structuring or re-ordering of data by people or machine

to increase their usefulness & add values for particular purpose. Since data
processing is a process it’s nice to understand what the process entails.

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Therefore, data processing consists of basic steps input, processing, output and
storage. These four steps that constitute the data processing cycle are as follows:

Input - In this step, the input data are prepared in some convenient form for
processing. The form will depend on the processing machine. For example, when
electronic computers are used, the input data could be recorded on any one of
several types of input mediums, such as magnetic disks, tapes and so on.

Processing - In this step, input data are changed to produce data in a more useful
form. For example, pay-checks may be calculated from the time cards or a
summary of sales for the month may be calculated from the sales orders.

Output -Here, the results of the proceeding processing step are collected. The
particular form of the output data depends on the use of the data. For example,
output data may be pay- checks for employees.

Storage –In this step the output is preserved for future reference and could be
retrieved for the same.

1.5 Evolution of Computers

The history of the computer has come a long way; the development of computer
from historical perspectives can be classified into the mechanical and electronic era.
The mechanical era being the time prior to the discovery of the electronic devices the
thermionic diode and valve. Following this argument, we discuss the origin of the
computer to date.

1.5.1 Abacus 500BC

The abacus is one of the earliest known computational devices and can be traced to
ancient Babylonia. Although abacus is over 2,000 years it remains useful today in
certain business and elementary schools where students are leaning arithmetic. The
abacus is the most ancient calculating device known. It has endured over time and is
still in use in some countries. An abacus consists of a wooden frame, rods, and beads.
Each rod represents a different place value—ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and so
on. Each bead represents a number, usually 1 or 5, and can be moved along the rods.
Addition and subtraction can easily be performed by moving beads along the wires
of the abacus.

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The Abacus

1.5.2 Mechanical Calculator 1642

It’s nice to note that each time technology becomes obsolete there is
advancement, so from the Abacus an improvement was discovered: the mechanical
calculator.

In 1642, the Frenchman Blasé Pascal invented a mechanical device that functioned
as an adding machine. Known as the machine Arithmetique, the device was
constructed of interlocking gears that represented the numbers 0 through 9. It
operates like an odometer, which records an automobiles mileage. About 30 years
later, Gottfriet Von Leibniz, a German mathematician, improved on Pascal’s
invention by producing a machine which could add, subtracts, multiply, divide and
extract roots. However, no one knew how to manufacture such precision machines.
A mechanical calculator, or calculating machine, was a mechanical device used to
perform automatically the basic operations of arithmetic. Most mechanical
calculators were comparable in size to small desktop computers and have been
rendered obsolete by the advent of the electronic calculator.

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A Mechanical Calculator

1.5.3 Jacquards Automated Loom 1801

Next in line was, Joseph Marie Jacquard who perfected the automated loom. The
loom was controlled by a "chain of cards", a number of punched cards, laced
together into a continuous sequence. Multiple rows of holes were punched on each
card, with one complete card corresponding to one row of the design. Using holes
punched into this series of connected cards he was able to control the weaving of
fabrics. The loom used in this process sensed the pattern coded into the cards and
wove the fabric accordingly.

Jacquards Automated Loom 1801

1.5.4 Differential Engine 1800s

Butit will shock you to discover that the English inventor Charles Babbage,
Lucasian professor of mathematics at Cambridge University in
England, proposed a machine which was later named The Analytic Engine. For this
discovery, Babbage is referred to as the father of computers. However, despite ten
years’ work, Babbage failed to build a fully operational model as it
was incredibly complex machine that was 100 years ahead of his time. Not until
1854 did George Pehr Schuetz build a working model.

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Analytical Engine

1.5.5 Electromechanical Punched Card Equipment 1880

Sometime after the above discovery, the US Census Bureau asked Herman
Hollerith to find a way to speed up the processing of census data. Hollerith
created punched cards that resemble today’s computer cards, their code, and
tabulating equipment. The 1890 census was completed in approximately 3 years
rather than 11 years the Census Bureau had originally estimated. A punched
card, or Hollerith card is a piece of stiff paper that contained either commands
for controlling automated machinery or data for data processing applications.
Both commands and data were represented by the presence or absence of holes
in predefined positions.

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 Activity 2

As we finish this section, try and think of local ways you used in your school for
computation and list them below

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Have there been any improvements through innovations, what are you using for
computation today?

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By now you should discover that there are various gadgets that are being used as
computers that do not compare with the early days. Due to this improvement we
now classify machines

1.6 Computer Generations

Having seen the early innovations of computers it is good to explore the computer
generations. The computer generations refer to electronic era duration where
computers started using electronic devices.

1.6.1 First generation (1946-1956)

Computers technology mushroomed in the early 1950`s, in 1951, the UNIVAC
(Universal Automatic Computer) was introduced. These computers were constructed
of vacuums tubes, were big and bulky, and generated a lot of heat. Magnetic drums
were used for internal storage. Memory was limited to as little as 2K systems, at times
unreliable because of problems created by heat; and there were

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many maintenance problems. Punched cards were used to input information; the
operating system had very limited capabilities. Machine language and low level
assemblers’ language were used in programming these computers. The major
users were Government, universities, and Major Corporation for financial and
statistical programs run in a batch processing.

The main features of First Generation are:

• Vacuum tube technology operating systems were very slow

• Unreliable

• Supported Machine language only

• Very costly

• Generate lot of heat

• Slow Input/output device

• Huge size

• Need of air conditioning

• Non-portable

• Consumed lot of electricity

Example;
• ENIAC
• EDVAC
• UNIVAC
• IBM-701
• IBM-650

First Generation Computer

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 The first generation computers had their own disadvantages and these

led to the advancement into second generation computers

1.6.2 Second Generation (1957-1963)

The computers were made smaller, faster, and easier to program, produced lesser
heat and had greater operating capacity. They were constructed using transistors
instead of vacuum tubes. Magnetic core instead of drum memory was used which
made the memory larger up to 8-20K or larger. The magnetic tape systems were
developed and marketed. Single job batch processing was used by most systems.
Some systems permitted multiple users to access the systems concurrently
(timesharing). COBOL and FORTRAN languages (high- level languages) and
report program generators was available in some systems. The main features of
Second Generation are:
• Use of transistors
• Reliable as compared to first generation computers
• Smaller size as compared to first generation computers
• Generate less heat as compared to first generation computers
• Consumed less electricity as compared to first generation computers
• Faster than first generation computers
• Still very costly
• A.C. needed

Support machine and assembly languages Some computers of this generation were:
• IBM 1620
• IBM 7094
• CDC 1604
• CDC 3600
• UNIVAC 1108

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 This technology in the second generation did not hold for long and it did
not take time before it was upgraded to what was referred to as third generation
computers

1.6.3 Third Generation (1965-1974)

These computers were constructed of microminiaturized integrated circuits instead
of transistors. Solid state as well as magnetic core memories were used this
increased the memory to in excess of a megabyte (1024 bytes). Magnetic disks were
more widely used than magnetic tapes for random access online processing of files.
Multiple programs were executed concurrently (multiprogramming). Batch and
online time-sharing application run concurrently. Some computers had more than
one CPU (multiprocessing).
The main features of Third Generation are:

• IC used
• More reliable
• Smaller size
• Generate less heat
• Faster
• Lesser maintenance
• Still costly

Air conditioning needed Consumed lesser electricity Support high-level language

Some computers of this generation were:

• IBM-360 series

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 • Honeywell-6000 series
• PDP (Personal Data Processor)
• IBM-370/168
• TDC-316

With time this machines were faced out and replaced with fourth
generation computers

1.6.4 Fourth Generation (1979-1989)

These computers are constructed of large scale integrated circuits. They have
similar abilities to third generation computers except they have more internal
memory of several megabytes. Microcomputers became to be known as personal
computers. Operating system is complex but user friendly. More time sharing than
single user systems, have excellent support for databases. In this generation, Time
sharing, Real time, Networks, Distributed Operating System were used. All the
higher level languages like C and C++, DBASE, etc., were used in this generation.
The main features of Fourth Generation are:

• VLSI technology used

• Very cheap
• Portable and reliable
• Use of PC's Very small size Pipeline processing
• No air conditioning needed
• Concept of internet was introduced

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 • Great developments in the fields of networks
• Computers became easily available

Some computers of this generation were:

• DEC 10
• STAR 1000
• PDP 11
• CRAY-1 (Super Computer)
• CRAY-X-MP (Super Computer)

The major thrust of the fifth generation computers is the dawn of

distributed computing system and the merging of telecommunications with
computing technology

Activity 3
What is distributed computing?

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1.6.5 Fifth Generation (1990- Present)

These are computers being developed; they are the true artificial intelligence (AI)
computers. The technology employed is ULTA high ICS, Voice recognition,
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expert systems and internet based systems. In the fifth generation, the VLSI
technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the
production of microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components. AI is
an emerging branch in computer science which interprets means and methods of
making computers think like human beings. All the higher level languages like C
and C++, Java, .Net, etc., are used in this generation.
AI includes:

• Robotics
• Neural networks
• Game playing
• Development of expert systems to make decisions in real life situations.
• Natural language understanding and generation.

The main features of Fifth Generation are:

• ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of natural language processing
• Advancement in parallel Processing
• Advancement in superconductor technology
• More user friendly interfaces with multimedia features
• Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rate

Some computers types of this generation are:

• Desktop
• Laptop
• Note book
• Ultra book
• Chrome book

Research shows that the trend in computer technology revolution is that there is;

• Continual decrease in computer size

• Improved speed and power processing
• Decrease in computers and the related facilities cost

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Attempt the questions below;

1. The second generation of computers used

(a) Vacuum tubes (b) Capacitors (c) Transistors (d) Integrated circuits

2. The third generation of computers used

(a) Vacuum tubes (b) Capacitors (c)Transistors (d) Integrated circuits

3. The analytical engine was the vase for the modern digital computer in which
year was is developed?

(a) 1833 (b) 1933 (c) 1923 (d) 1893

Having known the various computer generations let us now look at the
types of computers available today and how do we classify them?

1.7 T y p e s of Computers
Here it will be important to know that manufacturers’ offer many shapes and sizes
of computer systems, but the many models can be broadly classified using various
classification criteria. Computers are classified according to Functionality, Size and
power and Purpose.

1.7.1 Classification according to Functionality

For example, using type of data handled computers can be classified as:

• Analogue Computers
• Digital Computers

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 • Hybrid Computers

1.7.1.1 Analogue Computers

This is a computer in which numbers and values are represented by physical
measurable quantities such as voltages. They perform arithmetic and analogical
operations by measuring physical changes i.e. temperature or pressure. It measures
values of continuously variable quantities. It is common in scientific work.

1.7.1.2 Digital Computers

These are computers in which data is represented in digital or number form. Here
the computers operate on digital data by performing arithmetic and logical
operations on the data. They recognize data by counting discrete signals
representing either on or off (0 or 1). Digital computers can be divided into general
and dedicated computers. Computers which combine features of analog and digital
types are called hybrid computers.

1.7.1.3 Hybrid Computers

A hybrid is cross breed between two breeds. In computers this refers to computers
are designed to handle both discrete and analogue. They are meant to merge the
strong points of analogue such as simulation and digital computers ease of
changing from one program into another.

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Using a diagram differentiates between analog and digital signals?

The next subsection carries the major group of computers in use today

1.7.2 Classification of Computers according to Size

This was done based on storage capacity, speed, and cost and processing power.
Under these classification computer systems are classified as supercomputers,
mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers and portable computers. These are
discussed as below:

1.7.2.1 Super Computer

These have extremely large storage capacities and computing speeds which are at
least 10 times faster than other computers. These are used for large scale numerical
problems in scientific and engineering disciplines such as electronics, weather
forecasting etc. The first super computer was developed in U.S.A. by CRAY
computers. This computer is not used as a PC in a home neither by a student in a
college. Governments specially use this type of computer for their different
calculations and heavy jobs. Different industries also use this huge computer for
designing their products. In most of the Hollywood’s movies it is used for
animation purposes. This kind of computer is also helpful for forecasting weather
reports worldwide. They are known for von Newman’s design i.e. multiple
processor system with parallel processing. In such a system a task is broken down
and shared among processes for faster execution. They are used for complex tasks
requiring a lot of computational power.

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1.7.2.2 Mainframe Computers
A mainframe is another giant computer after the super computer and can also process
millions of instruction per second and capable of accessing billions of data. They are
physically very large in size with very high capacity of main memory. This computer is
commonly used in big hospitals, airline reservations companies, and many other huge
companies prefer mainframe because of its capability of retrieving data on a huge
basis. They can be linked to smaller computers and handle hundreds of users they are
also used in space exploitation. The term mainframe was mainly used for earliest
computers as they were big in size though today the term is used to refer to large
computers. A large number of peripherals can be attached to them. They are expensive
to install because they support a large number of terminals for use by a variety of users
simultaneously. They are known to have large storage and high computing speed (but
relatively lower than the super computers). What was prominent for these computers
was the ability to be linked into a network.

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1.7.2.3 Mini Computers
This one is a medium sized computer with moderate cost, and used for large
volume applications. It can serve multi-users simultaneously. They are smaller than
the mainframe but bigger than mini computers. They support concurrent users.
They can be used as servers in companies. They are slower and less costly
compared to main frame computers but more powerful, reliable and expensive
than microcomputers.

1.7.2.4 Micro Computers

A microcomputer is the smallest general purpose processing system. Micro
computers are also referred as ―personal computers (PC). They are o f a d v a n c ed
t e c h n o l o g y i . e . The micro era based on large scale integration that confines
several physical components per small elements thumb size IC, hence the size
reduced. It is the smallest of the three computers. They are usually called personal
computers since they are designed to be used by individuals. The m i c r o c h i p t e c
h n o l o g y has enabled re d u c t i o n of s i z e o f computers. Microcomputers can
be a desktop, laptop, notebooks, or even palmtop:

O Notebook Computer: An extremely light weight personal computer. Notebook

computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a
briefcase se. Aside f r o m size and portability, notebook computers use a variety of
techniques, known as flat- panel technologies, to produce a light weight and non-
bulky display screen.

O Desktop Computer is an independent personal computer that is made especially

for use on a desk in an office or home. The term is used mainly to distinguish this
type of personal computer from portable computers and laptops, but also to
distinguish other types of computers like the server or mainframe.

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O Laptop: A small portable computer light enough to carry comfortably, with a flat
screen and keyboard that fold together. Laptops are battery- operated, often have a
thin, backlit or side lit LCD display screen, and some models can even mate with a
docking station to perform as a full-sized desktop system back at the office.
Advances in battery technology allow laptop computers to run for many hours
between charges, and some models have a set of business applications built into
ROM. Today's high- end (Advanced) laptops provide all the capabilities of most
desktop computers.

O Palmtop: A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size
computers, palmtops are severely limited, but they are practical for certain
functions such as phonebooks and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than a
keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or PDAs. Because of their
small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk drives. However, many
contain PCMCIA slots i n which you can insert disk drives, modems, memory, and
other devices. Nowadays palmtops are being integrated into the mobile phones as
multipurpose devices.

These are self-contained units and usually developed for use by one person at a
time but can be linked to very large systems. They are cheap, easy to use even at
homes and can be read for variety of applications from small to medium range.
These are available in three models:

• PC: Personal Computer

• PC-XT: PC with Extended Technology
• PC-AT: PC with Advanced Technology

1.7.2.4.1 Personal Computers

Personal Computer: A personal computer has a Monitor (VDU), a keyboard, Disk
Drive (s), printer and CPU. The CPU of PC has a mother board with several chips
mounted on a circuit board. The major components of the circuit board are:
Microprocessor, RAM and ROM chips and other supporting circuits. Microprocessor:
The Microprocessor chip is like a brain of human being which contains circuits and
registers to perform arithmetic, logic and control functions. i.e. it contains ALU & CU.
These chips will be able to retrieve data from the input output devices, store,
manipulate and process a byte of data at a time. There is an address bus which is built
into these chips to determine the storage locations (of RAM) of the data and the
instructions of the program. Over the years, different microprocessors

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were developed and the first in the series is INTEL 8080. The other processors are
8088, 80286, 80386, 80486, Pentium I, II, III and Pentium 4. The Pentium 4 can
execute any piece of code that ran on the original 8088, but it does it about 5000
times faster. Clock Speed: This is speed with which an instruction is executed, or
the number of pulses per second. It is measured in terms of million pulses per
second (MHZs). The following table gives the differences among the different
processors that Intel has introduced over the years:

S/No. Microprocessor Date Transistors Clock speed Data width

1 8080 1974 6000 2MHZ 8 bits

2 8088 1979 29,000 5 MHZ 16bits8-bit bus

3 80286 1982 134,000 6 MHZ 16 bits

4 80386 1985 275,000 16 MHZ 32 bits

5 80486 1989 1,200,000 25 MHZ 32 bits

6 Pentium I 1993 3,100,000 60 MHZ 32 bits,64-bit bus

7 Pentium II 1997 7,500,000 233 MHZ 32 bits,64-bit bus

8 Pentium III 1999 9,500,000 450 MHZ 32 bits,64-bit bus

9 Pentium 4 2000 42,000,000 1.5 GHZ 32 bits,64-bit bus

10 Pentium 4-P2004 125,000,000 3.6 GHZ 32 bits 64-bit bus

Now days we have fully 64 bits with 64-bit bus. With the number of
computers doubling if 18 months based on Moore’s law, the multi-core computers
are now the in thing.

1.7.3 Classification of Computers based on Purpose

Computers can also be classified according to the type of work the meant to do.

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1.7.3.1 General Purpose
These are computers built for a variety of processing jobs i.e. they are capable of a
variety of tasks. The computer can be put to different uses by changing the software
(program). General purpose computers are both used for scientific and industrial
application. They are developed to meet the requirements of several areas such as
simulation, solving mathematical equations, payroll and personnel database.

1.7.3.2 Special Purpose

These are computers specifically to perform specialized tasks e.g. weather
forecasting and the generation of weather maps.

1.7.3.3 Dedicated
These are computers even though they can perform various tasks; they are
dedicated to specific application like word processing.

Activity 1: Jog your memory with the quiz below.

Which one of the following types of computers is commonly used in offices?

(a) Supercomputers (b) Mainframe (c) Minicomputer (d) Micro computer
(b) Computers have continued to decrease in size but the processing power has
increased, true or false?

1.8 Characteristics of Computers

Although they are machines, computers show a variety of characteristics that
give them a competitive edge compared to the human. These include:

1. Speed–a computer is a very fast machine. It can perform in a very few

seconds the amount of work that a human being can do in a year if he/she
worked day and night doing nothing else.

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 2. Accuracy – the computer accuracy is consistently high.

3. Diligence–computers are free from monotony, tiredness and lack of

Concentration etc. It can therefore work for hours without creating an error.
For example, if 10 million calculations are to be done, a computer will do the
tenth million calculations with exactly the same speed and accuracy as the
first one.

4. Versatility – a computer performs various tasks with ease. I.e. it can Search for
a letter, the next moment prepare an electricity bill, and write a report next
then do an arithmetic calculation all with ease.

5. Power of remembering–a computer can store and recall any information due
to its secondary storage capability.6. No intelligence Quotient (IQ) – a
computer cannot make its own decisions and has to be instructed on what to
do.

6. No feelings–computers are devoid of emotions. They have no feelings or

instincts and none possesses the equivalent of a human heart and soul.

In y o u r o w n u n d e r s t a n d i n g h o w a r e c o m p u t e r s d i f f e r e n t
f r o m human beings.

1.9 Application Areas of Computers

Areas where computers are used are:

Business

The computer's characteristic as high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy,

reliability, or versatility has made it an integrated part in all business organization.
Computer is used in business organization for:

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 • Payroll calculations
• Budgeting sales analysis
• Financial forecasting
• Managing employees’ database
• Maintenance of stocks, etc.

Banking

Today, Banking is almost totally dependent on computer. Banks provide

following facilities:

• Banks on-line accounting facility, which includes current balances, deposits,

overdrafts, interest charges, shares and trustee records.

• ATM machines are making it even easier for customers to deal with banks.

Insurance

Insurance companies are keeping all records up-to-date with the help of
computers. The Insurance companies, Finance houses and Stock broking firms are
widely using computers for their concerns.
Insurance Companies are maintaining a database of all clients with information
showing:

• How to continue with policies

• Starting date of the policies
• Next due installment of a policy
• Maturity date
• Interests due
• Survival benefits
• Bonus

Education

• The computer has provided a lot of facilities in the Education System.

• The uses of computer provide a tool in the Education system known as CBE
(Computer Based Education).

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 • CBE involves control, delivery and evaluation of learning.

• The computer education is very familiar and rapidly increasing the graph of
computer students.

• There are number of methods in which educational institutions can use

computer to educate the students.

• It is used for prepare a database about student performance and analyses are
carried out.

Marketing

a) Advertising: With computers, advertising professionals create art and

graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal
of selling more products.

b) Home shopping: Home shopping has been made possible through use of
computerized catalogues that provide access to product information and
permit direct entry of orders to be filled by the customers.

c) Health care: Computers have become important part in all Medical Systems.
The computers are being used in hospitals to keep the record of patients and
medicines. It is also used in scanning and diagnosing different diseases. ECG,
EEG, Ultrasounds and CT Scans, etc., are also done by computerized
machines. Some of major fields of health care in which computers are used:

• Diagnostic system: Computers are used to collect data and identify

cause of illness.

• Lab-diagnostic system: All tests can be done and reports are

prepared by computer.

• Patient monitoring system: These are used to check patient's signs for
abnormality such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG, etc.

• Pharma Information System: Computer checks drug-labels, expiry dates,

harmful drug side effects, etc.

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 • Computers are also used in performing surgery.

Engineering
Computers are widely used in engineering purposes. One of major areas is CAD
(Computer Aided Design). CAD provides creation, edition, and modification of
image. Some fields are:

a) Structural Engineering: Requires stress and strain analysis required for

design of Ships, Buildings, Budgets, Airplanes, etc.

b) Industrial Engineering: Computers deal with design, implementation and

improvement of integrated systems of people, materials and equipment’s.

c) Architectural E n g i n e e r i n g : Computers h e l p i n p l a n n i n g t o w n s
, d e s i g n i n g b u i l d i n g s , determining a range of buildings on a site
using both 2D and 3D drawings.

Military
Computers are largely used in defense. Modern tanks, missiles, weapons, etc.,
employ computerized control systems. Some military areas where a computer has
been used are:

• Missile control
• Military communication
• Military operation and planning
• Smart weapons Communication

Communication means to convey a message, an idea, a picture or speech that is

received and understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant.
Some main areas in this category are:

• E-mail Chatting Usenet FTP Telnet

• Video-conferencing

Government: Computers play an important role in government applications.

Some major fields in this category are:

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Budgets: Sales tax department Income tax department Male/Female ratio
Computerization of voters lists

Others are:
• Computerization of Driving Licensing system
• Computerization of PAN card
• Weather Forecasting.

1.10 Advantages of Computers

Advantages of using computers in business applications are:
• Process tasks at a high speed therefore quick responses stores a lot
of information yet can be accessed very fast.
• They work for long periods of time without getting tired hence same level of
efficiency in performing tasks.
• Some activities can be automated hence leaving personnel to attend to
critical matters
• They are high accurate in their working hence precise reports
• They can be used to perform a varied of tasks thus reducing the expense of
purchasing a machine for each and every tasks

Advantages of computerization in an organization are:

• Handling errors easily.

• Easy storage and retrieval of information.
• Increased efficiency.
• Higher quality work. Reducing cost.
• Fast processing of information
• Sharing information
• Increased accuracy Improved moral of workers Reliability
• Quick access and retrieval of data/ information

1.11 The Disadvantages of Computers

• No Intelligent Quotient: A computer is a machine and has no intelligence of

its own to perform any task. Therefore, each and every instruction has to be
given to the computer because a computer cannot take any decision on its
own.

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 • Dependency: It can perform function as instructed by user, so it is fully
dependent on human being.

• Environment: The operating environment of computer should be dust -

free and suitable to it.

• No Feeling: Computer has no feeling or emotions therefore it cannot make

judgment based on feeling, taste, experience and knowledge unlike a human
being.

Reasons why people may resist the introduction of computers at their place of work
are:
• Computers may lead to lack of jobs.
• Computers require skilled manpower.
• Computers have adverse effect on our health.
• Fear of change.
• Fear of failure.
• Lack of understanding.
• Loss of control fear

Summary

In this topic you have learnt that a computer is an electronic device that converts
data into information. In defining the computer, we related it to data, information,
and program. We went further and looked at the evolution of computers. We were
able to classify the computer before exploring the characteristics of the computer as
well as the applications in daily lives.

In topic 2, we will discuss the Basic Computer hardware, that is, the physical
tangible parts of the computer. We will also look at each group of computer
hardware available, for example, the input devices, output devices, processing
devices and storage devices. But before you go topic 2, let us see how well you have
understood topic 1.

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 Self-check
1) Define the computer (3marks)
2) Briefly explain the characteristics of the computer (7marks)
3) Explain the various major advances in computing technology since 1946 to
the present. (10 marks)
4) Using size as a characteristic explain the various characteristics of
machines under this classification (10 marks)

Scoreboard
Marks Remarks
25–30 Excellent
20–25 Very Good
15–20 Good
10–15 Fair
0- 10 Go through the topic again

Further Reading

Chemwa, G. and Mburu, S. (2012). Introduction to Computers. London:

Longhorn publishers.

Learning Outcomes

You have now completed topic one, the learning outcomes are
listed below;

Check (√) the column which reflects your understanding of the various concepts
about writing.

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 S/No Learning Outcome Sure Not Sure
1 I can now explain what a computer is

2. I can discuss the history of

computers to date
3 I can identify the different
characteristics of computers

4. I can now classify computers according

to the known classifications

5. I can discuss the application of

computers in daily lives.

If you have checked the “not sure” column, please go back and study that section
in the topic before proceeding.

If you are “sure” then you are ready for the next topic.

Congratulations you can proceed to the next topic.

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