INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL / WORKBOOK

Student’s Guide

PART I – Introduction to Information Technology

Lesson 1 – Types and Characteristics of a Computer

Specific Learning Outcomes

The students must have the ability to:

1. Differentiate data and information

2. Identify the different characteristics and types of a computer system
3. Understand the data processing concept
4. Describe the characteristics, capabilities, benefits and limitations of a computer

Learning Content

1. Data and Information

2. Characteristics and types of a computer system
3. Data Processing Cycle
4. Trends in Information and Communication Technology

DISCUSSION

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL, MOBILE, AND LOCAL MARKETING

1. What is the difference between data and information? How does a computer
process data?
2. What is the definition of a computer? What are its different types and how do
they differ from one another?
3. What are the capabilities of a computer system and what makes computer
system reliable?
4. What are the trends In the world of information and communications
technology?
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DEFINITION OF COMPUTER

 A computer is an electronic, programmable device that can store, retrieve, and

process data.
 It is a term used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a
system.
 A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions
(software) stored in its own memory unit, that can accept data (input),
manipulate data (process), and produce information (output) from the
processing.

FOUR GENERAL OPERATIONS OF A COMPUTER

 Computers can perform the four general operations which comprise the Data
Processing Cycle.
- Input
- Output
- Process
- Storage

DATA PROCESSING CYCLE

SOURCE INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT USER

DATA INFO

FEEDBACK/CONTROL

Figure 1.1. Data Processing Cycle

 All computer processing requires data, which is a collection of raw facts, figures
and symbols, such as numbers, words, images, video and sound, given to the
computer during the input phase.
 During the process phase, computers manipulate data to create information.
Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful.
 During the output phase, the information that has been created is put into some
form, such as a printed report.
 The information can also be put in computer storage for future use. This is the
storage phase.
 For example, the teacher records the scores of his students in the three quizzes.
The teacher inputs the scores in the excel to compute the average. The average
shown in excel is the output.
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STAGES OF DATA PROCESSING CYCLE

Figure 1.2. Stages of Data Processing Cycle

DATA AND INFORMATION

 Data is a collection of independent raw facts. (name, age, birthday, scores, date)
 Information is processed data made meaningful based on the needs of the user.
 The qualities of information are:
- Relevant
- Complete
- Timely
- Accurate
- Presentable
- Cost-effective

COMPUTER CAPABILITIES

 Speed means the duration computer system requires in fulfilling a task or

completing an activity. It is well-known that computers need very little time than
humans in completing a task. Generally, humans take into account a second or
minute as a unit of time. Nevertheless, computer systems have such fast operation
capacity that the unit of time is in fractions of a second. Today, computers are
capable of doing 100 million calculations per second.
 Accuracy means the level of precision with which calculations are made and
tasks are performed. One may invest years of his life in detecting errors in computer
calculations or updating a wrong record. A large part of mistakes in Computer
Based Information System(CBIS) occurs due to bad programming, erroneous data,
and deviation from rules. Humans cause these mistakes. Errors attributable to
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hardware are generally distinguished and corrected by the computer system

itself. The computers rarely commit errors and do all types of tasks precisely.
 Reliability is the quality due to which the user can stay dependable on the
computer. Computers systems are well-adjusted to do repetitive tasks. They never
get tired, bored or fatigued. Hence, they are a lot reliable than humans. Still, there
can be failures of a computer system due to internal and external reasons.
 Adaptability of computer system means the quality of it to complete a different
type of tasks: simple as well as complex. Computers are normally versatile unless
designed for a specific operation. Overall, a daily purpose computer is used in any
area of application: business, industry, scientific, statistical, technological and so
on.
 Storage is the ability of the computer to store data in itself for accessing it again in
future. Nowadays, apart from having instantaneous access to data, computers
have a huge ability to store data in a little physical space.

COMPUTER BENEFITS

 Increased Productivity (Manufacturing, offices, factories, establishments, BPO)

 Information Management (Database, Cloud Computing)
 Improved Communication (E-mail, skype, chat, facebook, tweeter etc.)
 Android Technology (viber)

COMPUTER LIMITATIONS

 Lack of common sense - No matter how efficient, fast and reliable computer
systems might be but yet do not have any common sense because no full-proof
algorithm has been designed to programme logic into them. As computers
function based on the stored programme(s), they simply lack common sense.
 Zero IQ - They are unable to see and think the actions to perform in a particular
situation unless that situation is already programmed into them. Computers are
programmable to complete each and every task, however small it may be.
 Lack of Decision-making - Decision-making is a complicated process involving
information, knowledge, intelligence, wisdom, and ability to judge. The computer
system does not have the ability to make decisions on their own because they do
not possess all the essentials of decision-making. They can be programmed to take
such decisions, which are purely procedure-oriented. If a computer has not been
programmed for a particular decision situation, it will not take a decision due to
lack of wisdom and evaluation faculties. Human beings, on the other hand,
possess this great power of decision-making.
 Dependence on prepared instructions – Computers depend on human’s
instructions. It cannot operate unless a user tells the computer to do something.
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 Additionally, computers cannot derive meaning from objects and correct wrong
instructions.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

 Speed - no human being can compete to solving the complex computation,

faster than computer.
 Accuracy - since computer is programmed, so what ever input we give it gives
result with accurately.
 Storage - computer can store mass storage of data with appropriate format.
 Diligence - computer can work for hours without any break and creating error.
 Versatility - computer can perform completely different type of work at the same
time.
 Power of remembering - It can remember data for us.
 No IQ - computer does not work without instruction.
 No feelings - computer does not have emotions, knowledge, experience, feeling.

TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe Super

Computer
Definition - sits on desks, - medium- - known as - designed to
rarely moved sized enterprise be extremely
- other kinds computer servers fast
can also be - more - occupies
moved easily expensive entire room or
from place to -multi user floor
place - more - serve
-used in home computing distributed
and business power users and
-difficult to small servers in
user a computing
network
- bigger and
more
expensive
than
minicomputer
-used for
centralized
computing
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Advantages Small size Cater to Large memory Very fast

Low cost multiple users Supports many
Portable users
Low
computing
power
Disadvantages Low processing Large and Huges size Generates
speed bulky Very large
expensive amount of
heat during
operation
Uses Home Atms Airline Space
entertainment Payroll reservation launching,
Word Hospital Big banks and marketing
processing patient universities and
Printing registration Weather controlling
Internet surfing Inventory forecasting
Home banking control
Examples Desktop pc
Laptop
Notebook
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Lesson 2 – Brief History of Computers

Specific Learning Outcomes

The students must have the ability to:

1. Understand the history of computer system

2. Differentiate the four generation of computers

Learning Content

1. History of Computers
2. Four Generations of Computer

DISCUSSION
HISTORY OF COMPUTERS

 Computer came from the Latin word ‘computare’ which means to reckon or
sum up. Webster dictionary defines computer as any programmable device that
can store retrieve and process data. The Old Oxford English dictionary describes
a computer as a person employed to make calculations.
 3000 BC – the abacus is a simple counting aid invented in Babylonia
 1622 - the Slide Rule is a mechanical precursor of the pocket calculator
invented by William Oughtred commonly used until the 1970 until made obsolete
by electronic calculators.
 1623 – Wilheim Schichard builds the first mechanical calculator which can work
with six digits and carries digits across columns.
 1640 – Blaise Pascal invents the first commercial calculator, a hand power
adding machine.
 1673 – Gottfried Leibniz builds a mechanical calculating machine that multiplies,
divides, adds and subtracts.
 1780 – Benjamin Franklin discovers electricity.
 1801 – Joseph Marie Jacquard builds a loom that weaves by reading punched
holes stored on small sheets of hardwood.
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 1833 – Charles Babbage builds the analytical machine, the first general purpose
computer that follows instructions from punched-cards. I

GENERATION OF COMPUTERS

 1st Generation
Vacuum Tubes (1949-1956) – The first computers used vacuum tubes for
circuitry and magnetic drums for memory and were often enormous as they
take up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate, uses a great deal
of electricity and generates a lot of heat. They relied on machine language to
perform operations and can only solve one problem at a time.
Ex: ENIAC
 2nd Generation
Transistors (1956-1963) – These were far superior than vacuum tubes as it
allowed computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy efficient
and more reliable than the 1st generation computers. Transistors still relied on
punched cards for input and printouts for output.
Ex: IBM 1401
 3rd Generation
Integrated Circuits (1964-1971) – Robert Noyce developed the integrated
circuit. ICs were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips called
semiconductors which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of
computers. Users interacted in the the 3rd generation of computers through
keyboards and monitors interfaces with an operating system allowing the
device to run many applications at one time.
 4th Generation
Microprocessors (1971 - Present) – The microprocessors brought the 4th
generation of computers, as thousands of ICs were built into a single silicon
chip. What in the 1st generation filed an entire room can now fit into the palm
of the hand.
Ex: Osborne I (the 1st laptop)
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Lesson 3 – Components of a Computer System

Specific Learning Outcomes

The students must have the ability to:

1. Identify the components of computer system

2. Understand the concept of IT and ICT
3. Understand the basic principle of computers

Learning Content

1. Definition of IT and ICT

2. Basic Principle of Computers
3. Components of Computer System
4. Main Parts of Computer

DISCUSSION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

 A term that encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange
and utilize information in its various forms including business data, conversations,
still images, motion pictures and multimedia presentations.
 It refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking,
hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

 ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through

telecommunications. It is similar to Information Technology (IT), but focuses
primarily on communication technologies. This includes the Internet, wireless
networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums.
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BASIC PRINCIPLE OF COMPUTERS

 Data enters the computer through one or more input devices. The computer then
processes the data, stores it in the system unit and transmits the resulting data to
output devices.

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

 INTERNAL HARDWARE COMPONENTS

1. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
o Motherboard - The motherboard is central to any computer system. All
components plug into the motherboard either directly (straight into the
circuit board) or indirectly (via USB ports). Once connected to the
motherboard, the components can work together to form the computer
system.
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o Processor/CPU - The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the

computer. It controls what the computer does and is responsible for
performing calculations and data processing. It also handles the
movement of data to and from system memory. CPU's come in a variety of
speeds which are known as 'clock rates'. Clock rates are measured in
'Hertz'. The faster the clock rate, the faster the performance of the
computer. (Example: Intel, AMD)
 EXTERNAL HARDWARE COMPONENTS
2. INPUT UNIT
3. OUTPUT UNIT
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1.What is IT, and how does it affect education, health, money, leisure, government and
careers?

2.Do you wish there was an invention to make your life easier or better? Describe it. What
would it do for you? Come up with ideas on how that device may be constructed.

3. Determine what types of computers are being used where you work or go to school.
In which departments are the different types of computer used? Make a list of the input
devices, output devices, and storage devices. What are they used for? How are they
connected to other computers?

4. Computers are almost everywhere, and they affect most walks of life—business,
education, government, the military, hobbies, shopping, research, and so on. What
aspects of your life can you think of that still seem relatively unaffected by computers
and technology? Is this a good thing or a bad thing, and is it likely to last? What aspects
of your life have been the most conspicuously affected by technology? Has anything
been made worse or harder in your life by the advance of computers? What about things
that have been made better or easier?

5. Are computers, cellphones, and other electronic devices bad for our health?