Chuka University

CHUKA UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN COLLABORATION WITH FACULTY OF

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

COSC 103: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Course Author: Robert Mwenda Njeru,

Department of Computer Science, Chuka University

© Chuka University 2016

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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INTRODUCTION

A computer is an electronic device that can perform computations and make logic decisions
faster than human beings. Today’s personal computers can perform billions of calculations in a
second. There exist different types of computers with different capabilities. Supercomputers are
the fastest, powerful and most expensive of all types of computers. They are capable of
performing thousands of trillions instructions per second!

Since their inception, computers have continued to shape people’s lives and dictate the way we
carry out our daily activities. Today, most aspects of our lives are in way dependent on
computers, ranging from communication, business, hospitals and even the mundane office
works, we have computers working with humans. It’s a new dawn, where man and machine are
working together to realize a new dream in a digital modern world. Welcome to COMP 101:
Introduction to Computer Applications.

This course is intended for students taking undergraduate programs. Students will be introduced
to general computing skills and use of computing technology in various social and economic
sectors.

There is no prerequisite for this course. Students are expected to complete the course in 45hours
within a period of one semester.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 Students, who successfully complete the course, should be able to:

 Explain the history of computers, and what they are.
 Discuss how the various hardware and software components of a personal computer
system work.
 Demonstrate the ability to use basic windows operating system features.
 Carry out problem solving and data analysis using a word processor, spreadsheet, and
database management application
 Create a presentation using a Presentation Graphics Software
 Demonstrate understanding on computer networks
 Identify the impact of the Internet in economic activities
 Carry out simple binary arithmetic operations and number system conversions

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COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topic Learning Outcome
1 Introduction to Computers Define Computer terms, identify components,
understand input/output devices
2 Computer Hardware & Software Differentiate between hardware and Software
types
3 Operating Systems & File Management Navigate OS, create/manage files & folders, use
storage devices
4 Word Processing Basics (Ms Word Office Create, Edit format text documents
Writer
5 Spreadsheet Basics(MS Excel) Enter data, use formulas, format cells
6 Advanced Spreadsheet Charts, conditional formatting, functions
7 Presentation Software Basics(MS Create and format slides, apply transitions
PowerPoint)
8 Advanced Presentations Multimedia integration, Animations
9 Internet & Email Browse effectively, search techniques, email
etiquette
10 Computer Security & Ethics Safe browsing, Password security, data privacy
11 Numbering System
12 Emerging Technologies Overview of AI, cloud computing, IoT
12 Revision & Practical Exam Prep Review all topics
13 Final Examination Demonstrate all Learned Skills

Assessment Methods
 Assignments & Projects: 5%
 Continuous Assessment Tests: 25%
 Final Exam (Theory) 70%

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1.0 Introduction to Computers

After successful completion of this chapter, the student should be able to describe the
following concepts:
 computer system
 hardware devices
 Software
 Data
 Measurement of computer memory
 Users

1.1 Definition of Computers

A computer is an electronic programmable machine that accepts inputs in form of data process it
under a set of instructions called programs (computer software’s) and produces processed
information via output devices. Information may also be stored in the computer.

A computer performs a variety of tasks according to specified instructions. It is a data processing

machine which accepts data via an input device and its processor manipulates the data according
to a set of instructions that guide the computer in carrying out a specific task (program).

Therefore, a computer performs the following functions:

(i). Gathering of data/ or information ( captures data from an input devices)

(ii). Processing of data into information
(iii). outputs the processed data (information) through output devices
(iv). It stores data, information and programs in its storage devices

Described in its simplest form, a computer takes data (or inputs), processes it according to a set
of instructions (a program), and gives back a result or output which is information.

Data Computer Information

(Processed data)

Input devices
Output devices
(Keyboard, Mouse,
(Monitor, Printer, Speakers)
Microphones, Scanners etc)

Fig 1: General representation of data processing by computer

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The other key characteristic of a computer is that it is a multi-function platform. The same
machine can perform many different tasks by using different programs. So, one program (e.g., a
word processing application) allows letters or documents to be created, while another program
(e.g., a graphics or drawing application) allows images to be created. Generally, a computer can
be defined as an electronic device that manipulates information or data.

The computer has two major components. The first one is the Hardware which is the tangible
part of the computer. It is composed of electronic and mechanical parts that are Cleary visible.
These parts can be seen and touched. Examples are Keyboard, mouse, monitor and the system
Unit.

The second major component is the software which is the intangible part of a computer that
guides the computer on how to achieve a specific task. There are two main categories of
computer software’s: the System software (operating system) and Application software’s.

Computers are referred to as programmable devices because data and programs are stored in the
same memory locations.

1.2 Components of a Computer System

A computer system consists of hardware, programs and information stored on hardware.

Software and data are normally stored in the same place on the computer hardware.

The hardware components of a computer system are the electronic and mechanical parts.

The software components of a computer system are the data and the computer programs
(software’s).

According to John Von-Newman architecture, computer systems consist of the following major
parts:

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Main memory

Secondary memory

Input devices

Output devices

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Fig 2: General structure of Von Neumann Architecture

For typical desktop computers, the processor, main memory, secondary memory, power supply,
and supporting hardware are housed in a metal case. Many of the components are connected to
the main circuit board of the computer, called the motherboard.

The power supply supplies power for most of the components. Various input devices (such as the
keyboard) and output devices (such as the monitor) are attached through connectors at the rear of
the casing.

1.2.1 Computer Organization

Although computers come in many different shapes and sizes, they are all made up of the same
basic components. In fact, all envisioned into various logical units or sections. Their design is
based on Von Neumann Architecture.

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MAIN

Fig 3: Main components in a computer system

The terms input and output say if data flow into or out of the computer. The picture shows the
major hardware components of a computer system. The arrows show the direction of data flow.

(i) The processor (Central Processing Unit)

The processor is the “brain” of the computer. It contains millions of extremely tiny electrical
parts. It does the fundamental computing within the system. Examples of processors are Pentium,
Athlon and SPARC. The processor, either directly or indirectly, controls all the work carried out
in the computer. It is commonly known as the ‘chip’ or, more correctly, the central processing
unit (CPU). The processor follows the instructions provided by both the user (via input devices)
and the program that is running in order to perform a task.

The processor is an electronic device about a one inch square, covered in plastic. Inside the
square is an even smaller square of silicon containing millions of tiny electrical parts. A
processor may contain 100 million transistors. It does the fundamental computing within the
system, and directly or indirectly controls all the other components.

The processor is sometimes called the Central Processing Unit or CPU. A particular computer
will have a particular type of processor, such as a Pentium chip or a SPARC chip.

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(ii) Memory

The processor performs all the fundamental computation of the computer system. Other
components contribute to the computation by doing such things as storing data or moving data
into and out of the processor. But the processor is where the fundamental action takes place.

A processor chip has relatively little memory. It has only enough memory to hold a few
instructions of a program and the data they process. Complete programs and data sets are held in
memory external to the processor. This memory is of two fundamental types: main memory, and
secondary memory.

Main memory is sometimes called volatile because it loses its information when power is
removed. Secondary memory is usually nonvolatile because it retains its information when
power is removed. (However, it needs power when information is stored into memory or
retrieved from it.)

(iii) Main memory:

 Closely connected to the processor.
 Stored data are quickly and easily changed.
 Holds the programs and data that the processor is actively working with.
 Interacts with the processor millions of times per second.
 Needs constant electric power to keep its information.
 Main Memory

Main memory is where programs and data are kept when the processor is actively using
them. When programs and data become active, they are copied from secondary memory
into main memory where the processor can interact with them. A copy remains in
secondary memory.

Main memory is intimately connected to the processor, so moving instructions and data
into and out of the processor is very fast. Main memory is sometimes called RAM. RAM
stands for Random Access Memory. "Random" means that the memory cells can be
accessed in any order.

When people say that a computer has "512 megabytes of RAM" they are talking about
how big its main memory is. One megabyte of memory is enough to hold approximately
one million (106) characters of a word processing document. (There will be more about
bytes and megabytes later on in these notes.)

Nothing permanent is kept in main memory. Sometimes data are placed in main memory
for just a few seconds, only as long as they are needed.

The computer's main memory is considered as volatile storage. This means that once the
computer is turned off, all information residing in the main memory is erased.

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(iv) Secondary memory:

 Is connected to main memory through the bus and a controller.
 They store data that can easily be changed, but changes are slow compared to
main memory.
 Used for long-term storage of programs and data.
 Before data and programs can be used, they must be copied from secondary
memory into main memory.
 Does not need electric power to keep its information.

Secondary memory is where programs and data are kept on a long-term basis. Common
secondary storage devices are the hard disk and optical disks.

 The hard disk has enormous storage capacity compared to main memory.
 The hard disk is usually contained inside the case of a computer.
 The hard disk is used for long-term storage of programs and data.
 Data and programs on the hard disk are organized into files.
 A file is a section of the disk that has a name.

A hard disk might have a storage capacity of 500 gigabytes (room for about 500 x 109
characters). This is about 100 times the capacity of main memory. A hard disk is slow compared
to main memory. If the disk were the only type of memory the computer system would slow
down to a crawl. The reason for having two types of storage is this difference in speed and
capacity.

Large blocks of data are copied from disk into main memory. The operation is slow, but lots of
data is copied. Then the processor can quickly read and write small sections of that data in main
memory. When it is done, a large block of data is written to disk.

Often, while the processor is computing with one block of data in main memory, the next block
of data from disk is read into another section of main memory and made ready for the processor.
One of the jobs of an operating system is to manage main storage and disks this way.

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Secondary memory
Primary memory

 Fast  Slow
 Expensive  Cheap

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 Low capacity  Large capacity

 Works directly with the processor  Not connected directly to the processor

Table 1: Differences between Primary Memory and Secondary Memory

The secondary memory is connected to main memory. It is used to hold programs and data for
long term use. Examples of secondary memory are Hard disks and CD-ROM.

Secondary memory is considered as non-volatile storage. This means that information residing in
secondary memory is not erased after the computer is turned off.

(v) Input and Output Devices

Input and output devices allow the computer system to interact with the outside world by moving
data into and out of the system.

Input Unit is the receiving section that obtains information (data and computer programs) from
input devices and places it at the disposal of the other units for processing. An input device is
used to bring data into the system - for capturing information

Computers have input devices to allow the user to control the machine. Essentially, an input
device acts as a conduit/channel for information from the user to the computer. They translate
input information into a form that can be processed and used by other parts of a computer. Some
input devices are:

 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Microphone
 Bar code reader
 Graphics tablet

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Outputs device is the shipping section that takes information that the computer has processed and
places it on various output devices to make it available for use outside the computer.

An output device is used to send data out of the system – for presenting information

Computers also have output devices which return the results of computer actions back to the user.
They are the complement to input devices.

Examples of output devices are:

 Monitor
 Printer
 Speaker
 projector

Note: A network interface acts as both input and output. Data flows from the network into the
computer, and out of the computer into the network.

1.3 Application of Computers in the Society

Computers play a great role in the society. Whether at home, in school, at the mall or in the office,
computers have a significant role to play in enabling users to accomplish various different tasks.
Be it at work or at play, computers have undeniably been utilized to perform general or specific
activities that enable life to be more convenient.

Some of the usages of a computer in the society today includes but not limited to the following:

(i) In business: computers are used in keeping daily records of business activities carried
out. These include sales and profits and other transactions dealt with. Also, we use
computers to produce documents/materials to promote the products of the business.
(ii) In Engineering: engineers use computers to create the design of a complex object using a
computer program such as Computer-Aided Design.
(iii) At home: computers are used at home for recreational purposes. You can listen to music,
watch movies, or even play games. Children use their computers to do their schoolwork.
Parents use computers to assist in carrying out their daily tasks. At home, you can also
access the Internet and do online shopping right at the comfort of your bed among many
other uses.
(iv) In the Government: computers are used to keep records of people that the government
serves. Several government agencies use computers to facilitate the task they are required
to give to people.
(v) In Manufacturing: computers are used in the manufacturing/industrial sector to
manipulate machines that perform dangerous tasks (that could endanger human life) or
tasks that are repeatedly done.

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(vi) At School and other learning centres: computer education is a subject taught in schools
today. Teachers use computers in their classroom instruction, in computing grades and in
preparing visual aids to aid in teaching. Also, students use computers to study various
computer applications, carry out research work/assignments through the Internet, and
sharing of information among others. Computers are used in training sessions such as in
aircraft training for pilots; students use simulation software on training. Also, students
use computers to analyze data collected for research purposes.
(vii) In Science and Research: computers are used in science to stimulate experiments, which
are dangerous to perform in real life. Computers are also used to record data and
information derived from experiments.
(viii) In Automobiles and other machinery: computers were introduced into cars in the late
nineteenth century, for such effects as controlling engine functions, fuel injection, and
signal light timing. It is not until recently, that computers have started to play a role in
helping to save people’s lives by enabling car manufacturers to create new automobile
safety features. Air bags are an extremely important safety feature in an automobile. A
computer is located in the steering wheel of an automobile, which is equipped with
airbags and is the only device capable of signaling the airbags to deploy in the case of an
accident.
(ix) In Hospitals and Health facilities: computer programs are used in running sophisticated
machines such as kidney dialysis machines, as well as in diagnosing patients.
(x) Weather forecasting stations: computers are used in running weather simulations to
predict future weather patterns, and calculating large, complex data sets.

1.4 What a Computer cannot do

Human beings may be slow and inaccurate especially where arithmetic is concerned, but they still have
advantage over computer system:

I. Human being think but the computer does not think.

II. The computer process data by reshuffling, performing arithmetic on it or comparing it with
other data. It is the instructions that give the computer its apparent intelligence.

III. The ability to make a decision and act on them. The computer has to be given roles
and instruction that are stored in memory as bytes. The roles are called programs.

IV. Humans can innovate (discover) and adopt but a computer is not capable.

V. Humans learn by trial and errors and can use incomplete information and past experience
in various scenarios which a computer cannot do.

VI. The human brain is capable of performing many operations at once, but the majority of present
computers perform only one operation at a time.

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1.5 Why Computerize

Speed-A large modern computer can perform in one minute what could take a man 10 years in case he is
to do it manually with a pen and pencil. Large computers can perform millions of transactions within
seconds and this could be the simplest instructions in the computer can execute in a very short time
even if the execution is complex e.g. usually printers are very slow in the computer system but line
printer prints up to 1200 lines per minute. This is a performance that is far beyond any typist
achievement.

1. Storage Space/memory-A computer use the binary system in which the digits are either 0/1, 1
digit is known as a bit and a group of bits are called bytes. A byte is the amount of space it takes
to store a character. A computer usually handle data in a fixed size group of bits called words.
The storage capacity of a computer is measured in terms of bytes. A computer uses two types of
memory i.e. its main memory and external memory. The main memory is used to hold
instructions and data when the computer is working. The external memory in form of disk tape
paper etc. provides permanent copies of information which it can access very quickly. The
capacity and speed depends on the media used e.g. a diskette can store 360 kb (150 pages), and
another floppy can store 1.2 mb. Therefore, it is possible to store large amount of information on
limited space and also be able to retrieve whenever necessary.

2. Cost-Computers vary in cost from a few hundreds of dollars to many hundreds of dollars;
however, the cost of the computer is cheaper than human labor. Take an example of a computer
costing 100 dollars and what the computer can do in 1 minute is what can take man the rest of his
life, hence the cost of running a computer equals to hundred man years.

3. Efficiency –The above mentioned feature combine to make the computer a very efficient piece
of equipment and can do any kind of work within a short time with 100% accuracy, for example
if we take a bank with several branches and a bank clerk makes different payments for different
cheques, receive payments into account and perform various jobs with a computer on hand the
clerk’s current account will automatically update regardless of whether a withdraw or deposit
has been made and the electrical signatory red fire will ensure that only authorized persons
access their money. Computers have also proved efficient in the field of medicine, traffic
control, manufacturing, assembling, research, army/military, police reports, travel industry (air,
rail and water) etc.

4. Versatility- A computer can solve any problem that can be broken down into a sequence of
simple logical steps. Once the instructions to solve the problem are prepared the computer can
carry on without interference from the operator.

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1.6 CHAPTER SUMMARY

(i) COMPUTERS are electronic devices that Processes data to produce information. It
consists of physical visible elements called hardware and another part not seen but
it
controls the operations of the computer, referred to as software’s. Software’s provides the invisible
instructions that control the hardware and make it to perform specifics task.
(ii) Any computer system consist of the following major hardware components
 Central processing unit
 Memory(main memory)
 Storage devices(such as DDs and flash disks)
 Input devices (such as Keyboard, mouse and microphone)
 Output devices such as printers, monitors
 Communication devices such a modems and network interface cards
(iii) Central processing unit is the brain of the computer. It receives information from the
memory and executes them.
(iv) Computer Memory is the computer work area for executing programs. Random
Access Memory (RAM) is the main memory of the computer and is volatile.
(v) Storage devices stores computer information and programs and does not lose it when
power goes off. Three main types of storage devices are:
 Magnetic disk drives
 Optical disk drives(CD and DVD)
 USB flash drives
(vi) Input and output devices let the users communicate with the computer.

1.7 FURTHER READING

(i) Norton, Peter. Peter Norton's Introduction to Computers: Includes Optional Computer
Activities for DOS, Windows, and Norton Desktop for Windows. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1994.

1.8 SELF ASSESSMENT

(i). Discuss the application of computers in a learning institution such as a university.

(ii). List four parts of a computer system
(iii). Identify four types of computer hardware
(iv). Explain how computer memory is measure
(v). Give examples of output and input devices
(vi). Name and describe three types of storage devices
(vii). Differentiate the two main categories of computer software
(viii). List four specific types of application software.

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