Chapter 1

Introduction to Emerging
Technologies and ICT in Nursing

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What is ICT?

Everybody say ICT everywhere especially in education stream.

But what does it mean?.

ICT is an acronym that stands for ‘Information
Communication Technology’.

However, apart from explaining an acronym, there is not a
universally accepted definition of ICT. Because, the concepts,
methods and applications involved in ICT are repetitively
evolving on almost daily basis. It’s difficult to keep up with
the changes happen so fast.

To understand the term ICT briefly, let’s focus on the three
words behind it:
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Information:-refers to the collection of meaningful facts

and figures that can be used as a base for guidance and
Information, Communication and Technology

decision making. Information is data that has been

rearranged or processed .(data which has meaning. )
Communication: - refers to the communication of data by
electronic means, usually over some distance. This is often
achieved via networks of sending and receiving data.
Technology: the application of knowledge to meet the
goals, goods and services desired by people. ICT covers any
product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmits or
receives information electronically in a digital form. For
example, computers, digital television, email etc
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What is Computer ?


It is an electronic machine capable of manipulating numbers and symbols,
taking an input, storing it, processing it and giving an output all under the
control of a set of instructions (called program).

It is a programmable electronic device.
Its name comes from a Latin word computre, meaning “to reckon” or “to
compute”.

 Any calculating device or machine, which is electronic, mechanical or
electromechanical can be called a Computer. But that doesn’t mean that
computers perform only calculation.

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What is Computer Science?
Much like the microscope does not define biology
or the test tube does not define chemistry, the
computer doesn't define Computer Science.
The computer is a tool by which Computer
Scientists accomplish their goals – to solve
problems.
Computer Science is a science concerned with
information i.e. representation, storage, manipulation or
processing and presentation of information.

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 Characteristics of Computers
The characteristics of a computer shows the capabilities and
the potentials of the computer for processing data.
Computers have some basic characteristics:
Speed :
The most important characteristic of a computer is its speed.
Computers perform their operations step by step, their speed
is measured by the amount of time it took to perform or
carry out a basic operation.
Its speed measured in terms of microsecond (10-6 one
millionths), nanosecond (10-9 one billionths), and Pico
second (10-12 one trillionths).
 Cont…

Capacity
Imagine how much space data of a census on papers need.
Not only the space, but also the time it took to get or retrieve
specific information from such vast amount of data.

But a computer can store such amount of information in a
few numbers of disks. And the time it took to retrieve or
process single information is not more than a micro or
nanoseconds.

In general a computer has a capacity to store a very large
amount of information in organized manner so that
accessing information is very fast.
 Cont…

Accuracy –Nowadays, computers are being used for surgical

purposes, which need almost a hundred percent accuracy. From this
we can understand that computers are accurate and consistent.
Unless there is an error in the input data or unreliable program the
computer processes with a very high accuracy

Automatic
Once necessary information and program is feed to the computer, it
performs processing without human intervention
 cont…

Versatility
Computer have the potential to perform or solve varieties
of tasks and problems, as long as the problem or the task
can be put or reduced in the form of logical steps. They are
capable of performing almost any task
Diligence: They are free from lack of concentration,
tiredness and etc. They constantly perform similar tasks
over and over again.
 
 Classification of Computers

There are several methods of classifying computers.

A. Classification based on the type of data computers
process
1.Analog computers
Analog computers operate by measuring. They deal with
continues variables, they don’t compute directly with
numbers, rather they operate by measuring physical
magnitude such as pressure, temperature, voltage,
current etc.
Examples: Thermometer, Voltmeter, Speedometer
 cont…
However, analog computers have limited accuracy.
2.Digital Computers
Digital computers deal with discrete variables, they
operate by counting rather than measuring. They
operate directly up on numbers (digits) that
represent numbers, letters, or other special symbols.
Example : Abacus, Desktop & pocket computers….
 cont…

Digital computers have very high accuracy and speed than

the analog ones.
3.Hybrid computers
The best features of analog and digital computers can be
combined into a single device to form a hybrid computer.
A hybrid computer processes the information by
collecting input data with analog method, convert it into
digital quantities, processes the digital values and convert
the output from digital to analog form. Ex. Telephones

 
 Cont…

B. Classification by purpose of application

Computers can be applied or used for different purposes.
Based upon their application, they are classified as special
purpose or general purpose computers.
1. Special purpose computers
They are designed to solve a single type of problem, that is
their components and their functions are uniquely adopted
to a specific situation involving specific application.
Example: The public telephone box, Traffic control system,
Ticket machines (used in grocery, super market
etc.),Pocket-calculators ,Counters. Most analog computers
are special purpose computers.
 Cont…
2.General purpose computers
They are designed to solve variety of problems through
the use of “stored program concept”.
 A program or set of instructions is designed to solve a problem.
 General computers are more flexible and versatile.
Examples:
 Micro computers,
 Mini computers,
 Mainframe Computers
 Super computers etc.
 cont…

C. Classification by physical size, price, capacity and

performance
1. Micro computers: - are the most widely used type of
computers. They are single users, can fit on desktops, are of
varying capacity and easy to handle. Microcomputers are
sometimes referred as personal computers. Basically they
can be grouped into three:
 Laptop,
 Palmtop
 Desktop computers
 cont…

I. Palmtop computer is the smallest microcomputer that is about

the same size as a pocket calculator. It is the most portable
computer and is growing in popularity among the latest
countries microcomputer market.
Palmtops are typically used for a limited number of functions, such
as maintaining personal calendar, name and address files, or
electronic worksheets.
II. Laptop computers are smaller versions of microcomputers
about the size of a briefcase designed for portability. People can
easily carry these personal computers with them in their car, on
airplane, or when walking from one location to another.
Unlike desktop PCs that have mostly detachable components,
laptops include all their components (except their printer) in a
single unit.
 cont…

III. Desktop computer is the most widely used type of

personal computer (microcomputers).
Unlike laptop and personal computers, desktop computers
have detachable parts. However, since its size is larger than
the other types of personal computers, it is not easily
portable.
In general, microcomputers are used for:
o Word processing (automated, electronic typing and
editing) to prepare letters, reports, memos and other
documents.
 cont…

o Computerized worksheet analysis and modeling. This

computerizes business planning, budgeting, and analysis
of business performance and assists decision-making
activities.
o Graphics in the generation of charts and other graphic
images.
o Engineering activities. Computer-aided design and analysis
can be performed by the use of powerful microcomputers.
o Personal and home use, Entertainment, home
management, personal finances, education, and other
activities can easily supported by the use of personal
computers.
 cont…

Mini computers
 Minicomputers are midrange computers that are larger
and more powerful than most microcomputers but are
smaller and less powerful than mainframe computer
systems.
 Minicomputers' size prevents it from being easily portable
although it can be moved more easily than a mainframe
computer.
 Minicomputers cost less to buy and maintain than
mainframe computers.
 Most minicomputers can function in ordinary operating
environments, as they do not need special air conditioning
or electrical wiring.
 cont…

 Minicomputers are being used for a large number of

business and scientific applications.
 They are popularly used in scientific laboratories,
research centers, universities and colleges, engineering
firms , industrial process monitoring and control, etc
Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are large, powerful computers that
are physically larger than micros and minis and usually
have processors with faster instruction processing speeds.
 For example, they may be able to process from 10 to 200
million instructions per second (MIPS).
 cont…

A mainframe computer is generally found in a special

computer room where environmental factors such as
temperature, humidity, dust and air conditions are closely
monitored
To give some examples, mainframes can handle the
processing of thousands of customer inquiries, employee
paychecks, student registrations, sales transactions, and
inventory changes.
They are also used as the center of computer networking.
These computers are used by organizations that have
enormous and complex data processing assignments.
 cont…

Supercomputer
The term supercomputer has been coined to describe a
category of extremely powerful computer designed for
high-speed processing.
 It is generally characterized as being the fastest, most
powerful, and most expensive computer.
It demand special cooling requirements and the room
itself should be air-conditioned.
 cont…

In addition, highly trained data processing professionals

are required to operate supercomputers. These
computers can take inputs from over 10,000 individual
computers and users at the same time.
Super computers are largely used by research
organizations, military defense systems, national
weather forecasting agencies, large corporations,
aircraft manufacturers, etc
 Applications of computers
Computers apply in industry, government, education,
medicine, scientific research, law, social science and arts. It is
essential for every educated person today to know about a
computer. we can see the applications of computers by
different areas:
 Commercial Applications/Business
Scientific Applications
Industrial Applications
 Educational Applications
Higher Education
Healthcare Organization
 Libraries
 Limitations of computers

Computers haven’t yet met all our expectations as a

productivity improvement tool i.e. they facilitate our work by
reducing time and cost, but sometimes we take much more
time to learn how to use applications.
They don’t think.
 Computers are merely tools, useless without humans.
 It cannot identify its problem.
 Decide the output needed to solve the problem.
 Software that generate solutions automatically is also
designed by humans.
 THE BASIC UNITS OF A
COMPUTER SYSTEM
System is a group of components, consisting of
subsystems or procedures that work in a
coordination fashion to achieve some objective.
Computer system is combination of hardware and
software.
E.g. PC, ATM, etc.
Generally, a computer system is composed of two main
components:
Computer hardware and
Computer software
Computer hardware
Computer hardware is the physical part of the
computer that you see, you use to and the parts you
can touch.
The hardware part of a computer system is
composed of a number of interacted physical parts.
E.g. keyboard, mouse, CPU…etc.
Computer Hardware
Types of Computer Hardware
The hardware part of a computer system is
composed of a number of interacting physical parts
based on the need of the information flow. There are
several criteria by which computer hardware can be
categorized. Based on information processing, we
can divide computer hardware into four:
1) Input Devices
2) Storage Devices
3) Output Devices
4) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Input Devices
Input devices are used to enter information into
computer. Parts of computer device that are used as
an input Device are:
It converts information from a form suitable to
human beings to one understandable by the
computer.
Keyboard
Mouse
Optical Recognition Systems
Speech Recognition Systems
Light Pen
Touch Screen
Input Devices
Output Devices
Output devices are used to get data out of a
computer so that it can be examined, analyzed or
distributed to others.
It converts information from machine-
understandable form to a human understandable
form.
The outputs are of two types:
Softcopy: displayed on monitor, projector, or similar
devices
Hardcopy: printed on paper
Examples of Output Devices
The Visual Display Unit (VDU) or monitor or
screen
Printers (dot matrix, daisy wheel, laser printers)
Plotters
Fax
Voice (audio) response unit such as Speakers and
headphones
Monitors

There are three types of monitor:

•CRT (Cathode Ray Tube): Most televisions also use this
technology.
•LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): commonly used in laptops
and some projectors
• DLP (Digital light processing) : used in projectors
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Printers
Printer is a device that enables us to produce a
hardcopy of data/information. They have varying
speeds, capabilities, and printing methods.
Based on the way they print, printers are divided
into two:
Impact printers: transfer printable material onto
paper by striking paper, ribbon, and character together
Non-impact printer: without having a mechanism
that strikes a paper. They print by spraying ink or by
using heat and pressure to fuse black powder onto
paper.
Printers
The various types of non-impact printer include:
Inkjet Printers
Laser Printer
Thermal printers
Plotters
are used to produce high-quality drawings such
as bar charts, maps, architectural drawings, and
three-dimensional drawings.
Can produce high quality multi-color documents
Can print on large size papers, which most
printers can’t handle
Storage Devices
One of the unique features of computers is storage.
Data can be stored on different storage media
temporarily or permanently.
Storage devices can be categorized into to as:
 Primary storage device: also called Main memory.
integrated circuit that stores program instructions and
data.
 Secondary storage device: also called auxiliary
storage, supplements the primary memory.
Primary

storage device
Depending on the type of information they store and
the technology used, the primary memory can be
categorized into three:
RAM (Random Access Memory): is temporary storage
i.e. the data is lost when the computer is off unlike
secondary storage. It is called volatile memory.
ROM (Read Only Memory): stores data and programs
that are permanently required by the computer. It is non-
volatile, means data can't be altered or erased but read.
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor):
contains essential information that is required when the
computer is turned on. E.g. RAM size, type of mouse, etc
Secondary Storage
also called auxiliary storage, supplements the
primary memory. It takes many forms.
Based on information access, secondary storage devices
are divided into two:

Sequential Access: information is accessed

sequentially, from the beginning and read through to the
end. E.g. tape recorder cassette.

Random Access: Information can be accessed in

any order. E.g. floppy disk.
Type of Sequential Access Media:
1) Punched Cards
are one of the oldest and most familiar data storage
devices.
Data is stored on punched cards by cutting parts of
the paper out and leaving other parts intact
2) Magnetic Tapes
they are used primarily for back up purposes. It
consists of thin ribbon plastic called tape
are not used with desktop computers, unless for
backup purpose.
 Types of Random Access Storage Media
A. Magnetic Disks: It offer:
High storage capacity
Reliability
Fast date access during reading or writing to disk.
Examples: floppy disk, hard disk
B. Optical Disk: laser light to read or write data from optical
disk
There are two most common types of optical disks:
CD (Compact Disc)
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
C) Disk drive: is part of a computer system which reads
from and writes data on a disk.
D) Flash disk is a type of data storage media integrated
with a USB (universal serial bus) interface.
Magnetic Storage Devices and
Media

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Optical Storage Media

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CPU – Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 It is the most costly and main component of the
computer system.
 Consists of the Control Unit & the Arithmetic
Logic Unit and main memory (Registry);
 The three parts work together to electronically
control the function of the computer;
 The different parts are interconnected by a cable
like device called BUS, which is used to facilitate
communications between the parts.
Types of CPU
 RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)
 uses large number of basic instruction i.e. larger
number of instruction set could be executed in such
CPUS. This is the most commonly used type of CPU.
E.g. Intel Pentium
 CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer)
 Use fewer instruction sets.
 The design is simpler and less costly.
 Faster than CISC
 User
Software
Hardware Computer Software
The finite set of instructions (steps) that the computer
follow to perform a given job is called a program. Any
program to be executed first it should reside / loaded/ in
the memory.
Software:- is a collection of programs and routines that
support the operations of performing a task using a
computer.
Software also includes documentations, rules and
operational procedures.
Software makes the interface between the user and the
electronic components of the computer.
Conti…
Computer software is classified into two
1. System software
2. Application software

System software
 Constitutes those programs which facilitates the work of the computer hardware.
It organizes and manages the machine’s resources, handles the input/output devices.
It controls the hardware by performing functions that users shouldn’t have to or are
unable to handle.
 System programs make complex hardware more user friendly.

It acts as intermediate between the user and the hardware.

It enables the computer understand programming languages i.e. it serves as means of
communication between user and a computer.
The important categories of system
software are:
a). Operating system
b). Language software
a). Operating system
Operating system coordinates the activity between the user and
the computer. An operating system has three major functions.
i. Controlling operations (control program )
 Coordinates, or supervises the activity of the computer system.
Decides where programs and data should be stored in the
computer memory.
Handles communications among the computer components,
applications software and the user.
 Controls the saving and retrieving of files to and from disks in the
disk drive.
It performs all its controlling tasks with out the involvement or
awareness of the user.
ii. Input/output Management
The I/O manager coordinates the computers
communication with outside world, flow of data to the
display screen and other output devices (printers/
plotters) and from the key board or other input
devices.
 Handles the flow of data to and from the disk drives
(file management).
 Handles the process of preparing a disk for use, the
copying, renaming, erasing task of a file.
 iii. Command Processing ( command
Interpreter)
 It interprets the commands or what you enter using
the keyboard or other input devices.
 If you write an internal command it carries out the
function of that command if it is external command or
other executable file it searches for the corresponding
file in the default (current disk) or the user specified
disk, loads the file into memory and transfers control
to that program. Once this program is terminated,
control returns to command.com and the program for
that command or file is discarded from memory.
B). Language Software.
Are software which are used by programmers to develop application
softwares and translate programs to machine code.
- Language software is a generic name consisting of various programs
that serve as editors & translators to develop programs in a number of
programming languages.
- Includes:- Translators, general purpose routines and utilities & high
level languages
 Translator:- is a program that converts one or more languages to another
language. Three types of translators are assemblers, Compilers & interpreters.
 Assemblers:- is a program that translates assembly languages into machine code.

 Compiler:- is a program that translates a high level language into machine code.
(Pascal, Fortran Cobol)
Conti…
 Interpreter:- is a program that translates each
instruction of high level language & executes the
instruction before translating the next instruction.
The general-purpose routine and utilities include
programs which are used to handle file processing,
editing and debugging.
High level language software are software which have
their own compilers to detect syntax errors of the users
program code.
Example Cobol, Fortran, Pascal. Etc.
 Application Software
Is a software that is designed to perform tasks for the
specific area or areas. But for use in more than one
installation.
 Are usually called application packages as they may
include a number of programs along with operating
instruction, documentation and so forth.
 Depending on their function or task they are
categorized in to the following.
 1.Word Processors/ Word processing
 is a computerized typewriter which permits the
electronic creation, editing, formatting, filing and
printing text.
Is the most common application of microcomputers.
Until recently, word processing could be done only
dedicated word processors. A dedicated word
processor is a computer that denies its users the
opportunity to execute any other program.
Example: WordStar, WordPerfect, Microsoft word
 2.Spreadsheet
is an electronic worksheet display on the VDU.
- Until recently, financial analysis and other
mathematical calculation were done by entering
numbers on pages of an accountants ruled ledger pad.
- You can quickly create a model of a situation on a
spreadsheet by entering labels, numbers & formulas.
- Using the programs built-in function you can perform
complicated calculations such as net percent value,
internal rates of return, and monthly payments on a loan.
Example: Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel, Quatropro
 3.Database management system.
Allow you to store information on a computer, retrieve
it when you need it and update it when necessary.
You can do this with index cards, but database
management programs do them more quickly and
easily.
- Example: You can store large mailing list, inventory record
or billing and collect information in lists stored in files and
manipulate this information, one file at a time with database
management program.