SUBSIDIARY

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

UGANDA ADVANCED CERTIFCATE

OF EDUCATION

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING

BY
MR.LUKYAMUZI RONALD

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
Sub Topic 1: Introduction to Computers
Sub Topic 2: World of ICTs
Sub Topic 3: Implications of Using ICTs

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
DEFINITION OF A COMPUTER.
• A Computer is electronic device that receives data,
processes data, stores data, and produces a result (output).
• A Computer is an electronic device which stores and
processes data in binary form according to the instructions
given to it in available program.

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 A Computer defined
• A Computer is an automatic machine made up of electronic
and electromechanical devices which manipulates and
processes data.

OR
A Computer is an electronic device that accepts data input,
processes it according to some specified instructions
(software), outputs the information and stores the results for
future use.
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 A computer system
• A computer system is a collection of entities that
collectively work together to process data into
information.
• A computer system is more than a box with
components; it comprises the elements or
components that make the machine fully useful.

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 Components of a computer system
• Hardware
• Software
• Data & Information
• Human ware, Users
• Communication

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 Computer Hardware
This is a term used to describe all the various physical devices of a
computer.
Computer hardware components are tangible (they can be touched).
Computer hardware includes.
 Input devices like the keyboard and mouse,
 Processing devices like the Microprocessor Chip,
 Storage devices like the Hard disks and the CDs,
 Output devices like the monitor and the printer

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 Computer Software
Software is a term for electronic instructions that tell
the computer how to perform a task.
These are a series of programs (instructions) that tell
the computer what and how to work. Computer
software can be grouped into System software and
Application software

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 Computer Software continued
System software like the Operating system (such as
Windows, Linux, UNIX, DOS, Mac Osetc.) are used to
manage and coordinate all the computer resources and
activities.
Application software (such as Games, Calculator and
Media Player, Word Processors, etc.) solve the specific
or exact needs of the user

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 Computer User/ Human ware
• Computer Users (Human ware) refers to the people
who operate and initialize instructions to the
computer system.
• They design and develop computer systems, operate
the computer hardware, create the software, and
establish procedures for carrying out tasks.

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 Types of computer users
Ordinary user -is someone without much technical knowledge of
computers but uses computers to produce information for
professional or personal tasks, enhance learning, or have fun.
Ordinary users include Computer students, Typists (Secretaries),
etc.
Professional user -is a person in a profession involving computers
who has had formal education in the technical aspects of
computers; Examples include Computer programmers,
webmasters, etc
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 Data & Information
Data refers to raw facts and figures used to create
information.
This is entered into the computer by the user via input
devices, in a form suitable for processing. Data may
consist of characters, symbols, sounds and graphics,
videos etc.

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 Information
• Processed data (Information) Like a words (e.g boy), a mathematical
formula, grades, a piece of music, a song etc.
• Data refers to the processed data that makes meaning and is useful.
• For example the figure 10082006 may be input as data, but once
this same figure is converted to the format 10/08/2006, you realize
that it’s a date.
• Computer Information is organized into files, which are collections
of data grouped together and given a name
• A file that a user can open and use is often called a document.
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 Computer Communication
Computer communication is the transmission of data
and information over a channel between two
computers.
Computer communication allows sharing of hardware,
software, data and human ware among computers in a
network like the Internet.
It also facilitate communications between people e.g.
through e-mail.
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 The Information Processing Cycle
• The information processing cycle is a series of steps
the computer follows to receive data and process it
into information.
• The 4 basic operations of the information processing
cycle are input, processing, output, storage and/or
distribution.
• A computer is the machine that performs the cycle.
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 Data processing
• Data processing is the activity of manipulation of raw
facts to get meaningful information.
• Data processing is the process that involves
transformation of data into information.
• These are the steps that are taken to convert raw
facts, which are data, into information. It starts with
data collection.
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 The stages of the processing cycle
1. Input stage
Data, instructions and commands are entered into the
computer with the help of input hardware devices for
processing.
2. Processing stage
Data is converted, changed, transformed, interpreted,
manipulated into information that can be understood by
the user.
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 The stages of the processing cycle
3. Output stage. At this stage, information is produced,
conveyed or displayed to the user. The user can be able
to see the results of processing with the help of output
devices.
4.Storage stage. Information is stored permanently for
future use in the computer.

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 Common parts of a computer.
• The basic parts of a computer include the following.
THE SYSTEM UNIT
It’s the core of a computer system, it is rectangular box
that houses the internal electronic delicate parts of a
computer. The most important part is the CPU or
processor which act as the brain of a computer.

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 Common parts of computer
MOUSE
A mouse is a small device used to point and select items
on the computer screen. It used in the movement of
the cursor
KEYBOARD
A keyboard is in input device mainly used for typing text
and issuing commands into the computer
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 Basic parts of a computer.
A monitor is an output device that displays information in
visual form like text and graphics to the user.
A printer transfers data from a computer onto a paper in
form of a hard copy. One does not need a printer to use a
computer, but it allows you to print the documents
A speaker is an out put device that is used to play sound.
They may be built into the system unit or connected with
cables
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 Sub Topic 2: World of ICTs
• The term Information and communication Technology
(ICT) combines three items i.e. [information,
communication, and technology]
• Communication in this regard refers to the electronic
transfer of data from one point to another.
• Technology refers to the technique and way of doing
something.
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 The meaning of ICTs
GENERAL DEFINITON: Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) refers to the broad range of hardware,
software, network infrastructure and media that enable
the processing, storage and sharing of information
among humans and computers, locally and globally

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 Describe the term ICTS?
• Information Communication Technology refers to a set of
technological tools, resources which are used to
communicate, create, disseminate, store information and
manage information
OR
• Information Communication Technology. This can be defined
as the convergence of information technology,
telecommunications and data networking technology into a
single technology.
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 The use of ICTs in society
• Today people use ICTs in almost every walk of life.
• However, along with these advancements of science
there arises the dilemma of development of
technology as it affects human individuals.
• They have come with both positive and negative
impacts to our society.

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Computers are applied in the areas of
1) Education,
2) Business
3) Health,
4) security,
5) Politics
6) Communication
7) Entertainment / leisure
8) Technical and scientific uses
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 Uses Of ICTs In the Area of Education
• In education, we use Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI),
Computer Aided Learning (CAL) and Computer Aided
Assessment (CAA)
• Schools use computers to create school websites for sharing
information with the public.
• Productivity tools like desktop publishing and presentation
software are used in projects and other school activities.
• Computers are used for calculating mathematical arithmetic by
students and teachers in class.
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 Uses Of ICTs In the Area of Education
• With Use of School Administration and Management Systems. (SAMS) Records
management is made easier because all details of learners can be held on
computer, and easily retrieved, reducing administrative costs.
• Students’ Progressive Report Cards can be produced electronically by use of
computers instead of hand written ones.
• Distance learning through computer based training. People get award such as
degrees without going to class.
• Teachers use simulation software to perform difficult or dangerous experiments
in class.
• Use of special facilities for students with disabilities like text to speech and
speech recognition to help blind students.
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 Uses Of ICTs In The Area Of Business
• Computers enable people to Work from home, using a computer connected to
the employer's network or via the Internet. This is known as Telecommuting.
• Computers have created more jobs such as Computer technicians, Computer
teachers, etc.
• Buying and selling Computers and its components is a source of income to
individuals, and companies.
• Through, Computer Aided Design (CAD), scale drawings, and excellent designs
can be created easily.
• Computers are used for sending and receiving Mobile Money and making world
wide money transfers.

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 Uses Of ICTs In The Area Of Business
• Banks use Computers to manage transactions and
Automated Teller Machines ATMs for 24 hours banking.
• Computers help in Business Advertisement through
creating websites, internet, flyers, brochures and billboards.
• Computers are used in typesetting business for production
of document printouts and publication of Books for sale.
• Computers are used for E-Commerce: the sale of goods and
services over the internet.
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 Uses of ICTs in the Area of Health
• Hospitals use computers for managing and storing
Records electronically, rather than paper files.
• Hospital Administration is also aided by printing
labels, allocating beds, make appointments, staff
rotas, etc.
• Internet helps us get Web sites for information on
health care, treatments, conditions, etc
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 Application of ICT in the area of Health
• Monitoring/Diagnosis such as Heart rate, blood
pressure, etc. is aided by Computer Expert systems.
• Medical Training is facilitated by Simulation software
and on-line data sources.
• Computers are used to carry out many surgical
procedures such as laparoscopic surgeries

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 Application of ICT in the area of Health
• They are used in diagnosis and cure of many disease for example
CT Scan, Ultra sound devices and Magnetic imaging.(IMR)
• They enable online consultations by medical professionals.
• Use of computer assisted tests can be carried out before
prescribing treatment.
• Use of computer assisted life saver machine.
• Enable faster communication between patients and doctors
• Can be used to monitor the patients in hospitals e.g CCTVs

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 Uses of ICTs in the Area of Security
• Computers aid monitoring security through cameras,
Automatic number plate recognition, etc.
• Communication systems are widely used in the
military to coordinate the personnel.
• Some computer systems can detect temperatures and
alarm in case of danger of fire outbreaks.

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 Uses of ICTs in the Area of Security
• Computers are used for capturing data for Police National
Computer Databases –, vehicle number plates, criminals
fingerprints, etc.
• Computers are used to detect presence of illegal devices such as
bombs.
• Computers are also used for controlling dangerous weapons such
as missiles.
• Computers are used for storing criminal databases and
information at Police stations.
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 Uses of ICTs in the Area of Politics and Governance

• Paying government tax online through a government

website.
• Online forms such as vehicle registration and passport
forms.
• Advertising government tenders and Applying for
government tenders

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 Uses of ICTs in the Area of Politics and Governance

• Public records -A maintained database of statistical

information such as electoral register and census data
can be availed online.
• Use of electronic voting during elections.
• Government departments can use a computer based
platform to get feedback from the citizens.

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 Uses of ICT in Art, Leisure and Entertainment
• Computers enables people to play computer games
like GTA Vice City, Need for Speed, Solitaire etc.
• Internet has promoted social networking that has
enabled interaction between people. Examples
include Twitter, Facebook, Linkedn etc.
• Computers can be used to play music during free time.
• Computers can be used to watch movies and videos.
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 Uses of ICT in Art, Leisure and Entertainment
• Digital cameras can be used to record and capture
videos on parties.
• Computers are used to compose and edit songs by
producers through using audio and video production
software.
• Internet enables people to read magazines online.

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 Uses of ICTs in the Area of Communication
• E-mail: Electronic Mail sent from one person to another
using connected computers helps a lot in the area of
communication.
• Video Conferencing enables people in different
locations to conduct meeting as if they are in the same
location.
• Computers are used for Faxing: Sending an image of a
document electronically.
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 Uses of ICTs in the Area of Communication
• Computers enable people to send voice, image, text
and data though telephones and mobile cell phones.
• Social Networks such as Facebook, and Twitter enable
people to stay in touch with their relatives, friends
and interests.

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 Technical and Scientific Uses of ICTs
• In Astronomy, Computers are essential tools to study
the behavior of the complex systems in space as
regards to their movements, interactions etc.
• Through Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM),
computers can be used to control the production of
goods in factories

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 Technical and Scientific Uses of ICTs
• Computers perform Telescope pointing and tracking (including error
correction), Camera operation, image download and storage, Image
reduction (the measurement of the image), and Data processing.
• Monitoring highway traffic
• Computers are used to tell schedules of water vessels, train, buses
to their respective stations. You only need to use your PDA device
or cello phone and check it out.
• Computers are used very extensively in design of roads. Roadways
and bridges are designed using software programs like CAD etc.
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 Positive Implications of Using ICTs
• Enhancement of efficiency- ICT has brought the bility among workers to produce good results by using the
available time, money, supplies etc in most effective manner.
• Communication. This has been enhanced by the development in the communication industry e.g E-
mail,skype,facebook etc.
• Networking. This is basically use of computer and other resources thus eliminating duplication of data and
other resources in the organisation
• Security. Computers have generally improved security through computer development of security concisious
gadgets like automated gates CCTV cameras.
• Service delivery. It has stimulated a sustainable flow of information and interlinking the various stakeholder
within the various business.
• Entertainment. Forexample playing computerised music, games, computer games etc.
• Enhancement of employment opportunities e.g computer teachers, software engineers etc whichh has created
employment opportunities.
• ICT explore and facilitates scientific research e.g solving the problem of physics and engineering design,explore
relations of biological and physiological processes.

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 Negative Implications of using ICTs
• Health problem. Computers have affected health standards of human life for stance light from the screen
affect eyes, sitting down causes back pain etc.
• Fraud. This is where one commits unacceptable activity as the way of getting organization's information
or data without permission from the owner. E.g stealing money from one account to another in the Bank.
• Moral degeneration. through the pornographic literature, message clips etc which have led to loss of
cultural values
• Cost of production. This is because compute3ers are expensive to buy and maintain hence increased
prices.
• Unemployment. It has negatively affected the society by replacing the workers with no computer skills.
• Computer viruses. These are considered the greatest nightmare because they attack once the computer
system and destroy it with in a minute leading to loss of information.
• Death and accidents. They cause death and accidents due to computer explosions
• Over reliance on computer. This has come up due to over dependence on computer making them do
everything hence causing mental decadence.
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THE CONCEPT OF GREEN COMPUTING
Green computing, green IT or ICT Sustainability, refers to environmentally sustainable
computing or IT. Green computing is environmentally responsible use of computers and
related resources.
• Green computing involves the implementation of energy-efficient central processing
units (CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and
proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste).
Goals of green computing
• Reduce the use of hazardous materials.
• Maximize energy efficiency during the product’s lifetime.
• Promote the recyclability or biodegradability of defunct products and factory waste.
• There is a need to make the use of computers as energy- efficient as possible.

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How green computing is being applied
• Power- down the CPU and all peripherals during extended periods of inactivity.
• Power- up and power –down energy intensive peripherals such as laser printers
according to need.
• Use Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors rather than Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors.
• Use notebook computers rather than desktop computers when it is possible.
• Use the power management features to turn off hard drives and display after several
minutes of not in use.
• Minimize the use of papers and properly recycle waste papers.
• Dispose e-waste according to federal, state and local regulations.
• Employ alternative energy sources for computing workstations, servers, networks and
data centers.

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 Advantages of green computing
• Reduced energy usage from green computing helps lower carbon dioxide
emission that comes from fuel used in power plants and transportation.
• Conserving resources means less energy is required to produce, use and
dispose of products
• Saving energy and resources saves money.
• Green computing even includes changing government policy to encourage
recycling and lowering energy use by individuals and business.
• Reduce the risk existing in the laptops such as chemical known to cause
cancer, nerve damage and immune reactions in humans.

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