MODULE 4
It is a study of computers as data
INTRODUCTION TO ICT
Technology is inevitable in our
everyday lives. This is because life
without technology is pointless in today's
dynamic world. Technology, which
brings together tools to promote
development, use and information
exchange, has as its main objective of
making tasks easier and the solving of
many problems of mankind.
Technology infuses classrooms
with digital learning tools, such as
computers and handheld devices;
expands course offerings, experiences,
and learning materials; supports
learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
builds 21st century skills; increases
student engagement and motivation;
and accelerates learning. Technology
also has the power to transform
teaching by ushering in a new model of
connected teaching. This model links
teachers to their students and to
professional content, resources, and
systems to help them improve their own
instruction and personalize learning.
What is ICT?
Information Communication
Technology (ICT) is a broader term for
Information Technology (IT). It deals
with the use of different communication
technologies such as mobile phones,
internet to locate, save, sends and edit
Information.
processing tools. It introduces students
to the fundamentals of using computer
systems in an internet environment.
HISTORY OF ICT
It could be said that ICT has been
originated by the emergence of very
early tools, e.g. paintings on cave walls
but usually, the development of ICT
starts with the introduction of
educational films. The phrase ICT has
been used by academic researchers
since the 1980’s but it came popular
after it was used in a report in the United
Kingdom by Dennis Stevenson in 1997
and in the National Curriculum for
England, Wales and in the Northern
Island in 2000.
INFORMATION - Refers to the
knowledge obtained from reading,
investigation, study or research.
Information is knowledge that helps us
fulfill our daily tasks.
COMMUNICATION - Act of transmitting
messages. It is a process whereby
information is exchanged between
individuals using symbols, signs or
verbal interaction. Communication is
important in order to gain knowledge.
TECHNOLOGY - It is the use of
scientific knowledge, experience and
resources to create processes and
products that fulfill human needs.
Technology is vital in communication.
COMPUTER - An electronic device for
storing and processing data, typically in
binary form, according to the
instructions given to it in a variable
program.
INTERNET - Is the global system of
interconnected computer networks that
use the internet protocol suite (TCIP/IP)
to link billions of devices worldwide.
WORLD WIDE WEB - An information
system that allows documents to be
connected to other documents by
hypertext links, enable user to search
for information by moving from one
document to another.
TRENDS IN ICT
CONVERGENCE - Is the synergy of
technological advancements to work on
a similar goal or task. For example,
besides using your personal computer
to create word documents, you can now
use your smart phones.
SOCIAL MEDIA - Is a website,
application, or online channel that
enables web users to create, co-create,
discuss modify, and exchange user
generated content.
Six Types of Social Media
1. SOCIAL NETWORKS - These
are sites that allow you to
connect with other people with
the same interests or
background. Once the user
creates his/her account, he/she
can set up a profile, add people,
share content, etc.
Example: Facebook and Google.
2. BOOKMARKING SITES - Sites
that allow you to manage links to
various websites and resources.
Most of the site allows you to
create a tag for others.
Example: Stumble upon,
Pinterest
3. SOCIAL NEWS - Sites that allow
users to post their own news,
items, or links to other news
sources. The user can also
comment on the post and
comments may also be ranked.
Example: Reddit and Dig
4. MEDIA SHARING - Sites that
allow you upload and share
media content like images,
music, and video.
Example: Flickr, Youtube and
Instagram
5. MICROBLOGGING - Focus on
short updates from users. Those
that subscribed to that user will
be able to receive these updates.
Example: Twitter and Plurk
6. BLOGS AND FORUM - Allow
users to post their content. Other
users are able to comment on the
said topic.
Example: Blogger, WordPress,
and Tumblr
MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES - The
popularity of smartphones and tablets
has taken a major rise over the years.
This is largely because of the device's
ability to do the tasks that were originally
found in PC’s. several of these devices
are capable of using a high-speed
internet. Today, the latest model devices
use 4G(LTE) which is currently the
fastest.
HISTORY OF COMPUTER
ABACUS
● 4th Century B.C.
● The abacus, a simple counting
aid, may have been invented in
Babylonia (now Iraq) in the fourth
century B.C.
● This device allows users to make
computations using a system of
sliding beads arranged on a rack.
● Considered the first computer
BLAISE PASCAL (1623 - 1662)
● In 1642, the French
mathematician and philosopher
Blaise Pascal invented a ● Born in 1791, Charles Babbage
calculating device that would
come to be called the "Adding
Machine".
● One of the first and earliest
mechanical devices used for
calculating was the Pascaline
● Originally called a "numerical
wheel calculator" or the
"Pascaline", Pascal's invention
utilized a train of 8 moveable
dials or cogs to add sums of up to
8 figures long. As one dial turned
10 notches - or a complete
revolution - it mechanically turned
the next dial.
● Pascal's mechanical Adding
Machine automated the process
of calculation. Although slow by
modern standards, this machine
did provide a fair degree of
accuracy and speed.
Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz
● The step reckoner, a calculating
machine designed (1671) and
built (1673). Supposed to be able
to add, subtract, multiply, divide
and calculate square roots
● **Device never worked properly
● The Step Reckoner expanded on
the French
mathematician-philosopher
Blaise Pascal's ideas and did
multiplication by repeated
addition and shifting.
CHARLES BABBAGE (1791 - 1871)
● Considered as the “Father of
Computers”
was an English mathematician
and professor.
● In 1822, he persuaded the British
government to finance his design
to build a machine that would
calculate tables for logarithms.
Called the “Difference Engine.”
● Device was to calculate numbers
to 20th place and print them at 4
digits per minute.
● Analytical Engine (1833)
 ● Used to perform a variety of programs for) wasn't ever
calculations by following a set of manufactured.
instructions or programs stored ● She lived more than 100 years
on punch cards before computers became
● Machine only designed but never common
built
U.S. Census
JOSEPH JACQUARD ● Done every 10 years
● Jacquard Loom is an attachment ● Process done by hand in 19th
for powered fabric looms. It uses century
a chain of punch cards to instruct ● Took 10 years to complete UNTIL
the loom on how to make intricate
textiles. For example, a loom Population Count
could have hundreds of cards ● Now took only 6 weeks to count
with holes corresponding to 63 million
hooks that can be raised or
lowered to make a textile HERMAN HOLLERITH (1860-1929)
brocade. ● was a German-American
● The Jacquard Loom is important statistician, inventor, and
to computer history because it is businessman who developed an
the first machine to use electromechanical tabulating
interchangeable punch cards to machine for punched cards to
instruct a machine to perform assist in summarizing information
automated tasks. Having a and, later, in accounting.
machine that could perform ● Hollerith’s Punch Card and
various tasks is similar to today's tabulating machines were a step
computer programs that can be toward automated computation.
programmed to perform different His device could automatically
tasks. read information which had been
● The Jacquard Loom was also an punched onto a card. He got the
inspiration to Charles Babbage idea and then saw Jacquard's
planning to use perforated cards punch card. Punch card
in his analytical engine technology was used in
computers up until the late
ADA BYRON, Countess of Lovelace 1970s.
● In the 1840s, Ada Lovelace
became the first computer Tabulating Machine (Invented by
programmer, in spite of the fact Herman Hollerith)
that the Analytical Engine (the ● Used electricity rather than
computer that she designed the mechanical gears
 ● Holes representing information to
be tabulated were punched in
cards
● The location of each hole
represented a specific piece of
information (male vs. female)
● Cards inserted into the machine
and metal pins used to open and
close electrical circuits
● If the circuit was closed, a
computation was increased by
one
Tabulating Machine Company was
formed by Hollerith in 1896 and merged
to form the Computing - Tabulating -
Recording Company in 1911. This firm
became International Business
Machines Corporation. The key punch
was introduced in the United States in
1901 and remained in essentially the
same form for over half a century.
IBM - International Business Machines
HOWARD AIKEN (1900 - 1973)
● Aiken thought he could create a
modern and functioning model of
Babbage's Analytical Engine.
● He succeeded in securing a grant
of 1 million dollars for his
proposed Automatic Sequence
Calculator; the Mark I for short.
From IBM.
● In 1944, the Mark I was
"switched" on. Aiken's colossal
machine spanned 51 feet in
length and 8 feet in height. 500
meters of wiring were required to.
● The Mark I did transform
Babbage's dream into reality and
did succeed in putting IBM's
name on the forefront of the
computer industry. From 1944 on,
modern computers would forever
be associated with digital
intelligence.
The ABC
● ABC (Atanasoff-Berry Computer)
was the first electronic digital
computer built by John Atanasoff
and his student, Clifford Berry
1939-1942
● Computer used binary number
system of 1 and 0
● Binary system is still used today
ENIAC (1943-1946)
● Electronic Numerical Integrator
And Computer
● A machine that computed at
speeds 1,000 times faster than
the Mark I was capable of only 2
years earlier.
● Using 18,00-19,000 vacuum
tubes, 70,000 resistors and 5
million soldered joints this
massive instrument required the
output of a small power station to
operate it.
● It could do nuclear physics
calculations (in two hours) which
it would have taken 100
engineers a year to do by hand.
● The system's program could be
changed by rewiring a panel.
● Weighed 30 tons and was 1500
square feet (average area of a 3
bedroom house
Computer - An electronic machine
accepts data, processes it according to
instructions and provides the results as
new data. Can make simple decisions
and comparisons
Program - List of instructions written in
a special language that the computer
understands
Vacuum tube - a device that controls
electric current flow in a high vacuum
between electrodes to which an electric
potential difference has been applied.
Invented by John Ambrose Fleming
1930’s – 1940’s
● Alan Turning developed
“Universal Machine”
● He envisioned a computer that
could perform any different tasks
by simply changing a program
rather than by changing
electronic components
1945 – John Von Neumann
● Developed stored programme
concept
● Program would be stored in CPU
or Central Processing Unit
TRANSISTOR (1947)
● In the laboratories of Bell
Telephone, John Bardeen, Walter
Brattain and William Shockley
discovered the "transfer resistor";
later labeled the transistor.
● This tiny device had a huge
impact on and extensive
implications for modern
computers. In 1956, the transistor
won its creators the Nobel Peace
Prize for their invention.
Advantages:
● increased reliability
● consumed 1/20 of the electricity
of vacuum tubes
● were a fraction of the cost
First Computer Bug
● On September 9, 1947, a team of
computer scientists reported the
world's first computer bug—a
moth trapped in their computer at
Harvard University. This “first
actual case of a bug being found"
was recorded by computer
scientist Grace Hopper.
ALTAIR (1975)
● The invention of the transistor
made computers smaller,
cheaper and more reliable.
Therefore, the stage was set for
the entrance of the computer into
the domestic realm. In 1975, the
age of personal computers
commenced.
● Under the leadership of Ed
Roberts the Micro
Instrumentation and Telemetry
Company (MITS) wanted to
design a computer 'kit' for the
home hobbyist.
● ALTAIR FACTS: No Keyboard,
Video Display, & Storage Device
1970 John Huff
● Transistors were replaced by
integrated circuits or chips, giving
computers tremendous speed to
 process information at a rate of
millions of calculations per
second.
● In 1970 John Huff invented the
microprocessor, an entire CPU
on a single chip. This allowed for
the building of a microcomputer
or personal computer.
IBM (PC) 1981
● On August 12, 1981 IBM
announced its own personal
computer.
● Using the 16 bit Intel 8088
microprocessor, allowed for
increased speed and huge
amounts of memory.
● Unlike the Altair that was sold as
unassembled computer kits, IBM
sold its "ready-made" machine
through retailers and by qualified
salespeople.
● To satisfy consumer appetites
and to increase usability, IBM
gave prototype IBM PCs to a
number of major software
companies.
● For the first time, small
companies and individuals who
never would have imagined
owning a "personal" computer
were now opened to the
computer world.
MACINTOSH (1984)
● IBM's major competitor was a
company led by Steve Wozniak
and Steve Jobs; the Apple
Computer Inc.
● The "Lisa" was the result of their
competitive thrust.
● This system differed from its
predecessors in its use of a
"mouse" - then a quite foreign
computer instrument - in lieu of
manually typing commands.
● However, the outrageous price of
the Lisa kept it out of reach for
many computer buyers.
● Apple's brainchild was the
Macintosh. Like the Lisa, the
Macintosh too would make use of
a graphical user interface.
● Introduced in January 1984 it was
an immediate success.
● The GUI (Graphical User
Interface) made the system easy
to use.
● The Apple Macintosh debuted in
1984. It features a simple,
graphical interface, uses the
8-MHz, 32-bit Motorola 68000
CPU, and has a built-in 9-inch
B/W screen. Cost $2,495
ADVANTAGES OF ICT / COMPUTER
1. Communication - Speed / time
– money can be saved because
it’s much quicker to move
information around. With the help
of ICT it has become quicker and
more efficient.
2. Globalization - Video
conferencing saves money on
flights and accommodation. ICT
has not only brought the
countries and people closer
together, but it has allowed the
world's economy to become a
single interdependent system to
contact either a business or
family member.
3. Cost effectiveness - It feels free
to send an email (although it
isn’t); it’s without doubt cheaper
than phone calls. ICT has also
helped to automate business
practices, thus restructuring
businesses to make them
exceptionally cost effective.
4. Greater Availability - ICT has
made it possible for businesses
to be automated giving clients
access to a website or voicemail
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
5. Bridging the cultural gap –
Greater access to technology has
helped to bridge the cultural gap
by helping people from different
cultures to communicate with one
another, and allow for the
exchange of views and ideas,
thus increasing awareness and
reducing prejudice.
6. Creation of new jobs - Probably,
the best advantage of ICT has
been the creation of new and
interesting jobs.
7. Education – Computer’s along
with their programs and the
Internet have created educational
opportunities not available to
previous generations.
8. Through ICT , images can easily
be used in teaching and
improving the retentive memory
of students.
9. Complex structure - through
ICT, teachers can easily explain
complex structure ,instruction and
ensure students comprehension.
10. Through ICT , teachers are able
to create interactive classrooms
and make the lesson more
enjoyable.
DISADVANTAGES OF ICT /
COMPUTER
1. Education – Computer’s along
with their programs and the
Internet have created educational
opportunities not available to
previous generations.
2. Lack of job security – Experts in
a wide variety of fields believe
that ICT has made job security a
big issue, since technology keeps
on changing nearly every day.
This means that individuals need
to be constantly studying or at
least keeping up with changes in
their profession, if they want to
feel secure in their jobs.
3. Overriding Cultures - While ICT
may have made the world a
global village, it has also
contributed to one culture
consuming another weaker one.
For example, it is now argued
that teenagers in the US
influence how most young
teenagers all over the world now
act, dress, and behave
4. Privacy - Though information
technology may have made
communication quicker, easier,
and more convenient, it has also
brought along privacy issues.
From cell phone signal
interceptions to email hacking,
people are now worried about
their once private information
becoming public knowledge.
5. Reliance on Technology –
Professor Ian Robertson, a
neuropsychology expert based at
Trinity College Dublin who carried
out the study, said: “People have
more to remember these days,
and they are relying on
technology for their memory but
the less you use your memory,
the poorer it becomes. . people
don’t bother learning to spell
because they use spell-checkers,
or need a calculator to perform
minor addition or subtraction.
6. Reliability of Information –
Anyone with access to a
computer and an internet
connection can start a blog or
post something up on a website,
so just because something’s on
the web doesn't mean it’s
reliable. A prime example of this
is the open source
encyclopedia, Wikipedia,
although considered a good
source of information it is not
recognized by academic
institutions as a trustworthy
reference.
7. Computer viruses, worms,
Trojans, malware, spam,
phishing- any or all can cause
chaos and disrupt our daily lives
8. Setting - setting up the device
can be very troublesome.
9. Expensive - too expensive to
afford.
10. Lack of experience - hard for
teachers to use with a lack of
experience using ICT tools.
TYPES AND PARTS OF COMPUTERS
Types of Computers
Supercomputer is a broad term for one
of the fastest computers currently
available. Supercomputers are very
expensive and are employed for
specialized applications that require
immense amounts of mathematical
calculations.
Mainframe was a term originally
referring to the cabinet containing the
central processor unit or "main frame" of
a room-filling Stone Age batch machine.
Minicomputer - a midsize computer. A
minicomputer is a multiprocessing
system capable of supporting from up to
200 users simultaneously.
Workstation - It is a type of computer
used for engineering applications
(CAD/CAM), desktop publishing,
software development, and other types
of applications that require a moderate
amount of computing power and
relatively high quality graphics
capabilities.
Personal Computer - It can be defined
as a small, relatively inexpensive
computer designed for an individual
user.
Parts of Computer
Computer Case - This is the part that
holds all of the internal components
to make up the computer itself.
Motherboard - the main board that is
screwed directly inside the computer
case. The CPU, RAM, drives, power
supply and more all get connected to it.
Its function is to integrate all the
components with each other so they can
communicate and operate together.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is
basically like the brain of a computer. It
processes all the information on a
computational level. It takes information
from the RAM and processes it to
perform the tasks required from the
computer
RAM: Random Access Memory is a
data storage device that can provide
fast read and write access. RAM is also
volatile which means that it loses all the
stored data the moment power is lost.
Graphics Card processes the data from
the motherboard and sends the
appropriate information to the monitor in
order for it to be displayed.
Sound Card is an internal expansion
card that provides input and output of
audio signals to and from a computer
under control of computer programs.
SSD: Solid State Drive is also a type of
hard drive, but it doesn’t have any
moving parts. It consists of a bank of
flash memory that can hold a
reasonable amount of data.
PSU: Power Supply Unit mounts inside
the computer case. This converts the
AC mains supply from the wall socket
and supplies the correct DC voltages to
all the components inside the computer.
Monitor is what you use to see a visual
representation of the graphics data sent
from the graphics card of the Computer.
A keyboard is one of the ways to
communicate with a computer. By typing
a key from the keyboard, it sends a
small portion of data to tell the computer
which key was pressed.
A mouse allows the user to move a
pointer displayed on the monitor and
experience a more intuitive interaction
with the computer.
COMPUTER SYSTEM
is a collection of entities
(hardware, software and peopleware)
that are designed to receive, process,
and manage and present information in
a meaningful format.
HOW DOES A COMPUTER SYSTEM
WORK?
A computer is a machine
composed of hardware and software
components. A computer receives data
through an input unit based on the
instructions it is given and after it
processes the data, it sends it back
through an output device. To better
imagine how a computer works,
knowing what’s inside will make it
easier.
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
SYSTEM
Every computer system has the
following three basic components:
1. INPUT UNIT
- These components help users
enter data and commands into a
computer system.
- Data can be in the form of
numbers, words, actions,
commands, etc. The main
function of input devices is to
direct commands and data into
computers.
- Computers then use their CPU
to process this data and produce
output.
- For example, the Laptop's
keyboard is an input unit that
enters numbers and characters.
Similarly even a mouse can be
an input unit for entering
directions and commands.
Other examples: Barcode
readers, Magnetic Ink Character
Readers,
Optical Character Reader, etc.
2. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
- After receiving data and
commands from users, a
computer system now has to
process it according to
instructions provided.
 - The CPU further uses these
three elements:
a. Memory Unit
b. Arithmetic and Logic Unit
c. Control Unit
3. OUTPUT UNIT
- The third and final component of
a computer system is the output
unit. After processing the data, it
is converted into a format which
humans can understand. After
conversion, the output units
display this data to users.
- For example, Monitor, Screens,
Speakers, Printers
- Thus, output units basically
reproduce the data formatted by
the computer for the user's
benefit.
ELEMENTS OF COMPUTER
There are six main elements that make
up a computer system. They all interact
with each other and perform the task at
hand.
1. HARDWARE
- These are all the physical
aspects of a computer system.
They are tangible, hardware
components are the electronic or
mechanical instruments, like
keyboard, monitor, printer etc.
- Types: Input Hardware, Output
Hardware, & Processing and
Memory Hardware
2. SOFTWARE
- Software is nothing but a set of
programmes (computer
instructions), which helps the
user to do a set of specific tasks.
It helps the user interact with the
computer system with the help of
hardware. Software, as you can
imagine, is the intangible aspect
of the system.
- Types: Operating System
Application Software
Utility Software
Language Processor
System Software
Connectivity Software
3. PEOPLE WARE
- The people interacting with the
computer system are also an
element of it. We call this element
the liveware. They are ultimate
“users” of the computer systems.
- E.g. Programmers, System
Analyst, End-Users
4. PROCEDURES
- These are a set of instructions,
written in code, to construct a
computer on how to perform a
task, run a software, do
calculations etc.
- E.g: Hardware-Oriented
Procedure, Software-Oriented
Procedure, Internal Procedures
5. DATA
- Data essentially the raw facts
and figures that we input in the
computer. The data gets
 processed via the computer
system and becomes information,
which is processed and
organized data. Information can
then be used for decision-making
purposes.
- The measurement of data is
done in terms of “bytes”. One
kilobyte (KB) is 1 million bytes
and finally, 1 gigabyte (GB) is
approximately 1 billion bytes.

6. CONNECTIVITY
- This is when the computers are
linked to a network. It facilitates
sharing of information, files, and
other facilities. Computers can
connect to a network via LAN
cables, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
Satellites etc. The internet is the
most obvious example of
connectivity in a computer
system.