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INTRODUCTION
Learning outcomes:
Computer is an electronic machine that follows a set of instructions in order that it may
be able to accept and gather data and transform these into information.
• Data - Data is a raw material of information.
• Information - Proper collection of the data is called information.
Characteristics of Computer
The characteristics of computers that have made them so powerful and universally
useful are speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage capacity. Let us discuss
them briefly.
• Speed
Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of performing
about 3-4 million simple instructions per second.
• Accuracy
In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur can
almost always be attributed to human error (inaccurate data, poorly designed system
or faulty instructions/programs written by the programmer)
• Diligence
Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer from human
traits of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration. Computers, therefore,
are better than human beings in performing voluminous and repetitive jobs.
• Versatility
Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any task as long as it
can be broken down into a series of logical steps. The presence of computers can be
seen in almost every sphere – Railway/Air reservation, Banks, Hotels, Weather
forecasting and many more.
• Storage Capacity
Today’s computers can store large volumes of data. A piece of information once
recorded (or stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can be retrieved
almost instantaneously.
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Speaker are speakers sold for use with computers, although usually
capable of other audio uses, e.g. for an MP3 player.
Creator Machines
JAQUARD/WEAVING LOOM
• It is an automatic,
mechanical calculator
designed to tabulate MECHANICAL
polynomial functions. CALCULATOR
• Invented by Charles MACHINE
Babbage in 1822 and
1834
• It is the first mechanical
computer.
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
HARVARD
Generations of Computers
A generation of computers refers to the specific improvements in
computer technology with time. In 1946, electronic pathways called circuits
were developed to perform the counting. It replaced the gears and other
mechanical parts used for counting in previous computing machines.
In each new generation, the circuits became smaller and more
advanced than the previous generation circuits. The miniaturization helped
increase the speed, memory and power of computers. There are five
generations of computers which are described below;
In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and
magnetic disc and tapes were used as the secondary storage. Assembly
language and programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, and Batch
processing and multiprogramming operating systems were used in these
computers.
Some of the popular second generation computers are;
• IBM 1620
• IBM 7094
• CDC 1604
• CDC 3600
• UNIVAC 1108
Classification of Computers
minicomputer.
The computer is the nerve center of the banking system around the world. It
functions to control the entire banking system that also includes “Electronic Banking
Services”.
Services Include:
In the banking sector, customers, businessman and bank administrator benefits from the
usage of ICT.
Customers – can make any transaction at the 24-hour services center or via online.
These services allow them to do transaction at any time they want.
Businessman – can save their time by using the online services offered by banks. They
can access company accounts for loan applications, business transactions and update
on their cash flow at any time.
Bank administrators - can oversee the entire banking activities such as reconciliations,
inter-branch transactions, telegraphic transfer and others by referring to the banking
system.
INDUSTRY
Researchers - use computers to analyze and collect research data for future reference.
Administrators - use computers to oversee the entire operations in the plant or factory
to detect specific errors or defects that occurred in the process.
E-COMMERCE
E-commerce helps in boosting the economy, it makes buying and selling activities
easier, more efficient and faster. For this application, customers, internet and shared
software are needed.
Suppliers use computers to keep track of their transactions. All products are bar coded
and can be read by the computer scanner to help in determining prices and
managing inventory.
Employees – use computers and telephone to communicate with their customers for
any enquiries. The computer system helps employees to get the latest updates on
inventory to be informed to the customers.
COMPUTER SYSTEM
In the past it took a long time for any news or messages to be send.
Now with the internet, news or messages are sent via e-mail to friends,
business partners or to anyone efficiently. With the capability of
bandwidth, broadband and connection speed on the internet, any
information can travel fast and at an instant. It saves time and is
inexpensive.
6. PAPERLESS ENVIRONMENT
7. SOCIAL PROBLEMS
There are some negative effects of ICT. It has created social
problems in the society. People tend to choose online communication
rather than having the real time conversations.
Other negative effect of ICT:
➢ Fraud
➢ Identity theft
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
➢ Pornography
➢ hacking
This will result a moral decedent and generate threads to the society.
8. HEALTH PROBLEMS
A computer may harm users I they use it for long hours frequently,
due to bad exposure, eyestrain, physical and mental stress. In order to
solve this simply an ergonomic environment can be introduced. Like, an
ergonomic chair can reduce back strain and a screen filter is used to
minimized eye strain. Also, blink your eyes 5 times every after 30 mins.
References: