Tanzania Institute of Accountancy

(TIA)

GSU 07102 Business Information

Technology

Computer Systems in an Organization

Introduction
• Computer was primarily invented as a calculating
device
- mainly for doing high speed and accurate calculations
• As for now, it is not just a calculating device
• The computer can perform any kind of work involving
arithmetic and logical operations on data

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Introduction
• A computer is an electronic device that can be
programmed to carry out sequences of
arithmetic or logical operations automatically
• It can accept data (input), process the data
according to specified rules, produce
information (output), and store the information
for future use

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Computer System
• A “computer system” is a combination of hardware
and software
• Hardware: the physical components which houses
many of the circuitry and peripheral devices.
• Software: A set of instructions that directs the activity
of the hardware
- also know as programs

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Functions of a Computer
• Any modern computer carries out five functions:
1. Takes data as input
2. Stores data/instructions in its memory and use them when
required
3. Process the data and converts it into useful information
4. Generates the output
5. Controls all the above steps

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Evolution of Computers
▪ First Generation – Vacuum Tubes (1940 – 1956)
• Ancient computers utilized vacuum tubes as circuitry and
magnetic drums for recollection
• They were huge, costing resources to run, ineffective materials
• Input was predicated on punched cards and paper tape,
Output emerged on print-outs

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Evolution of Computers

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Evolution of Computers
▪ Second Generation – Transistors (1956 – 1963)
• They were a huge development over the vacuum tube
• They were extremely superior to the vacuum tubes, making
computers smaller, more expeditious, inexpensive and less
burdensome on electricity use
• They still count on punched card for input/printouts

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Evolution of Computers

Thursday, November 9, 2023 Image source: tutotialspoint.com 9

Evolution of Computers
▪ Third Generation – Integrated Circuits (1964 – 1971)
• Transistors were now being miniaturized and put on silicon
chips
• Huge improvement in speed and effectiveness of these
machines
• First computers utilizing keyboards and monitors, interfaced
with an operating system, a consequential leap up from the
punch cards and printouts.

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Evolution of Computers

Image source: itsavy.in

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Evolution of Computers
▪ Fourth Generation – Microprocessors (1972 – 2010)
• This innovation can be defined in one word: Intel
• All components of computer such as CPU, recollection,
input/output controls integrated onto a single chip
• The incremented power of these small computers denoted
they could be linked, establishing networks
• eventually led to the expansion, birth and rapid evolution of the
Internet

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Evolution of Computers

Image source: csci120maramcguinness.files.wordpress.com

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Evolution of Computers
▪ Fifth Generation – Artificial Intelligence (2010 Onwards)
• Computer devices with artificial potentiality are still in
development
• some of these technologies are commencing to emerge and be used
such as voice recognition
• Computers will be thoroughly revolutionized again by
quantum computation, molecular and nano technology

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Factors contributed to the evolution

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 Classification of Computers

Based on Purpose Based on Technology Based on Size and Capacity

Supercomputers
Special Purpose Analog Computers

Mainframe Computers
Digital Computers
General Purpose

Minicomputers
Hybrid Computers

Microcomputers

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Classification of Computers
• The classification of computers is based on the following three
criteria:
1) According to Purpose
2) According to the Technology Used
3) According to Size and Capacity

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Classification of Computers
▪ According to Purpose
1. General Purpose Computers: Computers that follow
instructions for general requirements such as sales analysis,
financial accounting, invoicing, inventory, management
information etc.
2. Special Purpose Computers: Computers designed from
scratch to perform special tasks like scientific applications
and research, weather forecasting, space applications,
medical diagnostics etc.

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Classification of Computers
▪ According to the Technology Used
1. Analog Computers: Analog computers are special purpose
computers that represent and store data in continuously
varying physical quantities such as current, voltage or
frequency.
- Analog computers are mainly used for scientific and engineering
applications
- Examples are thermometer and speedometer

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Classification of Computers
▪ According to the Technology Used
2. Digital Computers: Digital computers are mainly
general purpose computers that represent and store
data in discrete quantities or numbers.
- all processing is done in terms of numeric representation
(Binary Digits) of data and information
- Almost all the computers used nowadays are digital
computers

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Classification of Computers
▪ According to the Technology Used
3. Hybrid Computers: Hybrid computers incorporate
the technology of both analog and digital
computers.
- are mainly used in artificial intelligence (robotics) and
computer aided manufacturing (e.g. process control).

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Classification of Computers
▪ According to Size and Capacity
1. Supercomputer: is the largest and fastest computer,
which is mainly designed for complex scientific
applications.
• It is typically used for the following applications:
- Weather Forecasting, Defense, Medicine, Electronic Design,
Nuclear Energy Research, Structural Analysis

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Classification of Computers

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Classification of Computers
▪ According to Size and Capacity
2. Mainframe Computers: are very large and fast computers but
smaller and slower than supercomputers.
• Are used in a centralized location where many terminals
(input/output devices) are connected with one CPU and thus, allow
different users to share the single CPU
• Used in:
- Banking Applications, Railway and Airline Reservations, Commercial
Applications of Large Industries/Companies

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Classification of Computers

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Classification of Computers
▪ According to Size and Capacity
3. Minicomputers: are medium-scale, smaller and
generally slower than mainframe computers.
• Like mainframes, they have many terminals which are connected
with one CPU and can support many users
• The cost of minicomputer is very less as compared to
mainframe.

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Classification of Computers

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Classification of Computers
▪ According to Size and Capacity
4. Microcomputers: is the smallest digital computer,
which uses a microprocessor as its CPU
• Microcomputer is popularly called as Personal Computer
(PC)
• Today, a powerful microcomputer may be used as a
substitute for mini or mainframe computer

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Classification of Computers

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Essential Components of a Computer

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Essential Components of a Computer
1. Processing Unit
• Responsible for modifying data to produce
information
- performed by electronic components on the motherboard
• The Central Processing Unit(CPU) is the main
component responsible for executing instructions
from software.
• CPU acts as the “brain” of a computer
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Essential Components of a Computer
2. Input/ Output Unit
• The unit used for getting the data and instructions into the
computer and displaying or printing output
• Input Devices: allow the user to insert data or issue commands
- examples: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner
• Output Devices: present the information resulting after
processing
- examples: monitor, printer, speakers, projector, CD/DVDs

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Essential Components of a Computer
3. Memory Unit
• Component of a computer system used to store the data,
instructions and information before, during and after the
processing
• A work area within the computer, where the CPU stores the
data and instructions
• It is also known as a Main/Primary/Internal Memory

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Essential Components of a Computer
3. Memory Unit
• Read Only Memory (ROM): The memory which has
essential instructions required by the computer
- permanent and is not erased when system is switched off
• Random Access Memory (RAM): It is used to store the
data and instructions during the execution of programs
- temporary and is erased when computer is switched off

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Essential Components of a Computer

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Applications of Computerized System(s)
▪ In Banking and Finance Industry
• Used for electronic money transfer, voucher, ledgers, bank sheets etc
• In ATMs, EFTs
▪ In Education
• Assist in teaching and learning, processing student’s data
• Online Learning and Library systems
▪ In industries
• Industrial research, budgeting, process control
• Computer Aided Manufacturing

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Applications of Computerized System(s)
▪ In Entertainment
• Multimedia, film making, video and audio productions
• Online music and movies, gaming industry
▪ In Hospitals
• Assist in medicine, surgery and research
• Expert systems are applied
▪ In Sports
• In determining running time and winners
• Assist in decision making i.e. VAR technology

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Applications of Computerized System(s)
▪ In Transportation and Distribution
• Used in self-driving cars and part of plane’s equipment
• Road traffic control
▪ In Marketing and Advertisements
• For business, film, education advertisements etc
• Online ads using pay-per-view or pay-per-click
▪ In Managing and Running Business
• Collecting and analyzing information for decision making
• Information systems for different business needs

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Limitations of Computer System
• Lack of common sense: cannot apply simple
perception of the situation or facts
• No IQ: cannot act on situations that are not fed or
programmed into them
• No feelings/EQ: as a machine, computer do not feel
anything regarding the task at hand

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Limitations of Computer System
• Decision making: can only make programmed
decisions which are purely process oriented
• No learning power: cannot learn things on their own
• User dependent: depends on the user to take input

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Limitations of Computer System
• No implementation power: only humans can set rules
and policies for computers and implement them
• Cannot express ideas: have no idea of their own
• Made for knowledgeable audience: basic learning is
necessary

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Positive Impacts of Computer
• The work can be done in very less time.
• More information can be stored in small space.
• Multitasking and multiprocessing capabilities of data.
• Easy to access data.
• Impartiality – we can all use it equally and fairly regardless of our
status
• Documents can be kept and secured secretly.
• Error free result.
• It can be used for various purposes. i.e. It can be used in any type
of work.

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Negative Impacts of Computers
• Highly expensive.
• Accidents that my result into huge errors i.e. GIGO
• Data piracy.
• Increased Unemployment.
• Huge data and information can be lost sometimes.
• Fast changing computer technology.
• Service distribution is not equal globally
• Illiteracy of computing and computers among users.

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Review
1. Name at least five computer hardware components
2. Differentiate between a hardware and a software
3. Why is it necessary for a computer to have at least one
system software?
4. A software is more important than a hardware. Why or why
not?
5. Discuss factors for the evolution of computers.

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 Thank You
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