BASIC CONCEPTS OF I.

T
CONTENTS
•What is IT?
•Background of computers
•Hardware and Software
•Types of Computers
•Main Parts of a Personal computer
• Storage
•Memory
•Measuring Memory
•Types of Software
•Information Networks
•Computer Specifications
•Computers in Society
•Security, Copyright and Instruction
the Law Notes. DK
 Some Definitions
IT stands for Information Technology and the
term Information Technology is used to describe the
use of computers in business, education and
everyday life.
A Computer:
In very simple terms, computers are general-purpose
machines that process, store data (or information)
and supply results.
Each computer system consists of both hardware and
software.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Keyboard and mouse operations

• Students must try out on their own to grasp the

different keyboard buttons and keyboard shortcuts
as well.

• How to work with the mouse.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Hardware and Software
• Hardware is the generic name for all the pieces of
physical equipment used in computing and includes
the items illustrated here, (some examples: all tangible
pc parts attached to the system Unit are the
peripherals e.g. the system unit, keyboard, mouse etc)

• Software is the generic name for the different

programs that enable you to use a computer to carry
out a variety of tasks and include applications and
operating system software. One example of an
operating system, Such as Windows XP,2000,98 etc
Instruction Notes. DK
 Hardware Types

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Input Dev ices such as the Keyboard and
Mouse
• Output Devices such as Monitors and
printers

Instruction Notes. DK
 Central processing Unit (CPU)
• A CPU is the silicon chip which is the
electronic brain of any computer found inside
the System Unit.
• The CPU is responsible for the control and
execution of all the computers operations. In
addition to processing data, it controls the
function of all the other components of a
computer. 

Instruction Notes. DK
 Central processing unit…
• It organizes and carries out instructions that come
from either the user or from the software. 
• The processor is made up of many components, but
two of them are worth mentioning: 
1. Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU); which is
responsible for all the mathematical calculations and
logical comparisons in a computer. 
2. The control unit.  The control unit controls the
electronic flow of information around the computer. 

Instruction Notes. DK
 Central processing unit …
• The processor is plugged into the computer’s
motherboard. 
• The motherboard is a rigid rectangular card
containing the circuitry that connects the processor
and all other components that make up a computer. 
• In most pcs, some of the components are attached
directly to the motherboard and some are housed on
their own small circuit boards that plug into the
expansion slots built into the motherboard. 
• The most popular microprocessors esp. in IBM
computers are made by Intel co. (Intel processors)

Instruction Notes. DK
 Measuring the Speed of the CPU
The speed at which the CPU operates is referred to
as the clock speed and is expressed in Megahertz
(MHz).

For example: 60 MHz = 60 million cycles per

second,400 MHz = 400 million cycles per
second.
In simple terms we could just say, a single MHz =
One million cycles per second.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Input and Output Devices
Input Devices: This refers to all tools or mechanisms
used to enter data into a computer, such as:
Keyboard,
Mouse, Scanner, Joystick etc

Output Devices: This refers to all tools used to

produce computer data such as: computer monitor
or Screen also known as Visual Display Unit
(VDU),Printers, speakers etc

Instruction Notes. DK
 Measuring a Computer Monitor
• Like conventional TV screens, computer monitors
are measured diagonally from corner to corner.

Screen Resolution: This is a measure of the clarity of

the computer display and is usually expressed in
pixels. A pixel (picture element) is the smallest dot
that can be displayed on a monitor.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Measuring a Computer Monitor…
• Low Resolution
Low resolution gives a jagged look to text and
graphics as a result of the smaller number of large
pixels used to form the picture.

High Resolution
High resolution gives greater clarity and sharpness by
displaying text and graphics using many smaller
pixels. This is particularly important for design and
graphic work.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Classification of Computers
• Computers are classified according to their data
processing speed, amount of data that they can hold
and price.
• Generally, a computer with high processing speed
and large internal storage is called a big computer.

• Due to rapidly improving technology, we are always

confused among the categories of computers.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Classification of Computers…
• Depending upon their speed and memory size,
computers are classified into following four
main groups:
1. Supercomputer.
2. Mainframe computer.
3. Mini computer.
4. Microcomputer.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Supercomputer
• This is the most powerful and fastest, and also very
expensive type of computer.
• It was developed in 1980s.
• It is used to process large amount of data and to solve the
complicated scientific problems.
• It can perform more than one trillions of calculations per
second.
• In a single supercomputer thousands of users can be
connected at the same time and the supercomputer handles
the work of each user separately ( it has multiple
processors).
Instruction Notes. DK
 Supercomputer…
Supercomputers are mainly used for:
 Weather forecasting.
 Nuclear energy research.
 Aircraft design.
 Automotive design.
 Online banking.
 To control industrial units.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Supercomputer…
• The supercomputers are used in large
organizations, research laboratories, aerospace
centers, large industrial units etc.
• Nuclear scientists use supercomputers to
create and analyze models of nuclear fusions,
predicting the actions and reactions of millions
of atoms as they interact.
• One example of supercomputers is the
Control Data CYBER 205

Instruction Notes. DK
 Mainframe computers
• Mainframe computers are also large-scale computers but
supercomputers are larger than mainframe.
• These are also very expensive.
• It can support a large number of various equipments. It
also has multiple processors like the supercomputers.
• Large mainframe systems can handle the input and output
requirements of several thousand of users. For example,
IBM, S/390 mainframe can support 50,000 users
simultaneously. The users often access then mainframe
with terminals or personal computers.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Mainframe computers…
There are basically two types of terminals used with mainframe
systems.

i. Dumb Terminal
This is not an example of a mainframe computer but just a terminal that
can be linked to a mainframe computer.
A dumb terminal does not have its own CPU and storage devices.
This type of terminal uses the CPU and storage devices of mainframe
system. Typically, a dumb terminal consists of monitor and a keyboard (or
mouse).

Instruction Notes. DK
 Mainframe computers…
Intelligent Terminal

• This one has its own processor and can perform some
processing operations, but does not store info, the info
is rather stored on the mainframe computer.

• Typically, personal computers are used as intelligent

terminals. A personal computer as an intelligent
terminal gives facility to access data and other services
from mainframe system.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Intelligent Terminal

• An intelligent terminal can also store and process

data locally.
• The mainframe computers are specially used as
servers on the World Wide Web.
• The mainframe computers are used in large
organizations such as Banks; Airlines and big
Universities etc. where many people (users) need
frequent access to the same data, which is usually
organized into one or more huge databases.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Minicomputers
• These are smaller in size as compared to
mainframe, have lower processing speed and also
have lower cost than mainframe.
• These computers are known as minicomputers
because of their small size as compared to other
computers at that time.
• The capabilities of a minicomputer are between
mainframe and personal computer. These
computers are also known as midrange
computers.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Minicomputers…
• The minicomputers are used in business, education
and many other government departments.
• Although some minicomputers are designed for a
single user but most are designed to handle
multiple terminals.
• Minicomputers are commonly used as servers in
network environment and hundreds of personal
computers can be connected to the network with a
minicomputer acting as server.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Minicomputers…
• The first minicomputer was introduced in the
mid-1960s by Digital Equipment Corporation
(DEC).
• After this IBM Corporation also designed the
mini computers.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Microcomputer
• The microcomputers are also known as personal
computers or simply PCs. Microprocessor is
used in this type of computer. These are very
small in size and cost.
• Personal computers are available in two models.
These are:
• Desktop PCs
• Tower PCs

Instruction Notes. DK
 Microcomputer…
Desktop PCs
• A desktop personal computer is most popular model of personal
computer.
• The system unit of the desktop personal computer can lie flat on the
desk or table.
• In desktop personal computer, the monitor is usually placed on the
system unit.
• Another model of the personal computer is known as tower personal
computer.
• The system unit of the tower PC is vertically placed on the desk of
table. Usually the system unit of the tower model is placed on the
floor to make desk space free and user can place other devices such as
printer, scanner etc. on the desktop.
• Today computer tables are available which are specially designed for
this purpose. The tower models are mostly used at homes and offices.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Categories of Microcomputer…
Microcomputers are further divided into following
Categories:
• Laptop computer
• Workstation
• Network computer
• Handheld computer

Instruction Notes. DK
 Categories of microcomputers
• Laptop computer
Laptop computer is also known as notebook
computer. The laptop computer is operated on a
special battery and it does not have to be plugged in
like desktop computer.
• The laptop computer is portable and fully functional
microcomputer.
• It is mostly used during journeys . It can be used on
your lap in an airplane and that is why it is referred to
as laptop computer.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Laptop computer
• The memory and storage capacity of laptop computer is almost
equivalent to the PC or desktop computer some times even bigger.
• It also has the hard dist, floppy disk drive, Zip disk drive,
CD/DVD-ROM drive, CD/DVD-writer etc.
• It has built-in keyboard and built-in trackball/mouse as pointing
device, but an external one can also be used.
• Laptop computer is also available with the same processing speed
as the most powerful personal computer.
• It means that laptop computer has same features as personal
computer. Laptop computers are more expensive than desktop
computers. Normally these computers are frequently used in
business travelers.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Workstations
• Workstations are special single user computers having the
same features as personal computer but have the
processing speed equivalent to minicomputer or
mainframe computer.
• Workstation computers are expensive and powerful
computers. These have advanced processors, more RAM
and storage capacity than personal computers. These are
usually used as single-user applications but these are used
as servers on computer network and web servers as well.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Network computers
• Network computers are also a version of personal computers
having less processing power, memory and storage.
• These are specially designed as terminals for a network
environment. Some types of network computers have no
storage.

• The network computers are designed for network, Internet or

Intranet for data entry or to access data on the network.
• The network computers depend upon the network’s server for
data storage and to use software.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Handheld computer
• In the mid 1990s, many new types of small
personal computing devices have been introduced
and these are referred to as handheld computers.
• These computers are also referred to as Palmtop
Computers. The handheld computers sometimes
called Mini-Notebook Computers.
• The type of computer is named as handheld
computer because it can fit in one hand while you
can operate it with the other hand.
• Because of its reduced size, the screen of handheld
computer is quite small.
Instruction Notes. DK
Main Parts of a Personal computer
A typical PC or Personal Computer system that is possibly
similar to the one you are using to study this course.
• We do have four major categories of main personal
Computer parts:
1. Input Devices
2. Output Devices
3. The Central Processing Unit
4. Auxiliary Storage Devices
N.B
Since we have already know the first three above, we’ll get
explanation of the fourth category under storage devices.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Storage
Memory Storage Devices
Auxiliary Storage:
Auxiliary storage devices provide permanent storage for
your data, enabling you to name and save files and access
them again later.
Stored data can usually be erased if it is no longer required
and the storage space used again.
Examples;

CD-R
A CD-R (Recordable CD) provides read and write
mass storage. Data on CD-Rs
Instruction Notes. DK cannot be deleted.
 Storage…
Hard Disk Drive (HDD):
This could be either internal or external hard disk which
provides relatively cheap mass re-writeable storage that is
quick to access. If you run out of space another hard disk
can be purchased.

However each disk has a fixed size limit depending on its

specified capacity and cannot be expanded. The only
option, if you need more storage, is to buy another disk.
Tape:
Tape provides a cheap means of backing up and archiving
large amounts of information.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Storage…
Floppy Disks
A floppy disk is an extremely cheap option for saving
small to medium amounts of data.
Original floppy disks were 5 ½” in diameter enclosed
in a case but these have now been replaced by 3 ½”
diskettes where the actual floppy media is enclosed
in a rigid plastic case.
Most floppies can store up to 1.44Mb of
uncompressed data (nearly 1.5 million characters).
As we’ll see the measurements.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Storage…
DVD -Digital Versatile Disk, though it is sometimes
also said to be short for Digital Video Disk..
DVD technology offers a vastly superior data
capacity to that of standard CD-ROMs, enabling the
playback of full feature-length movies.
Zip disks which have a capacity of at least 100-250
Mb of uncompressed data.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Main Types of Computer Memory
There are three major types of Computer memory:
1. Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM reads and writes computer memory used to store temporary data. This means that
data can be written to or placed, in RAM.

RAM contains all the work in progress, since the user last saved to disk, so it changes
constantly as the computer is used for different tasks. (Main/Working memory),
So before any data is saved permanently, it is stored in the RAM

The typical size of RAM for a PC today is 128 to 512 MB or more and the amount of
RAM can affect the speed of some operations.

• While part of available RAM is used by the operating system, RAM is also
needed to temporarily hold any data that you enter until that data is permanently
saved to disk.

NB
RAM is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is switched off.
Instruction Notes. DK
Main Types of Computer Memory…
2. Read Only Memory (ROM)
ROM can be read repeatedly but not changed. The
contents are fixed during the manufacturing of the
computer and this non-volatile memory stays the
same when the computer is switched off.

ROM is used to store permanent data such as the

instructions needed to get the computer working
properly as soon as its switched on.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Main Types of Computer Memory…
3.Auxiliary Storage Memory
In addition to your hard drive(s), you will undoubtedly want to
install other drives on your homebuilt computer. We're calling
these "auxiliary drives" to distinguish them from the hard
drive. Auxiliary drives include:
-Optical Drives like the CD-ROM drives, DVD-
ROM drives.
-Floppy Drives, ZIP Drives

Therefore, the Auxiliary Storage Memory provides

permanent storage of data which you may need to
access again at a later date.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Measuring Memory
The storage capacity of computers (RAM and ROM)
and that of auxiliary storage units like disks are
generally given in bytes.
One BYTE stores approximately one character.
i.e. 1 Byte = 1 Character

Instruction Notes. DK
 Measuring Memory…
We must note that all this is done in a binary form (zeros and
ones)
For example,
The word HELLO is measured as bellow, it is made up of
FIVE BYTES, which is equal to 40 Bits.

H E L L O
01000001 00100110 01100101 01100101 00111111
0

Instruction Notes. DK
 Measuring Memory…
Let us briefly see the different capacities, and we observe that
1MB=500pages, so try out to find pages in a GB
i.e. 1Mb=500pages
1000Mb=?
1000*500/1
=500,000 pages full of information/data.

1Byt 1Kilobyt 1Megabyte 1Gigabyte

e e
8Bits 1000Bytes 1,000,000 Bytes 1,000,000,000 Bytes/1000MB
Instruction Notes. DK
 Types of Software
• There are three main categories of software:
• - Operating System software
• - Applications software.
• - Programming languages
1.Operating System Software
Operating System (OS) software is the most important software because
it
manages and controls the CPU and allows all the other programs to run.
It handles the input and output of data and controls peripheral devices
like
printers and disk drives.
2.Applications
• Application software is any software used for specified task such
as: Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, Presentation Graphics,
Communication , Entertainment, Games etc.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Types of Software
You may want to use your computer to write
letters, carry out complex
calculations, draw graphics or play games etc, there
are different pieces of
software written for the specific tasks. These are
known as applications.
3.Programming languages
Programming languages are a means of communicating with the
processor. This communication is accomplished by defining a list
of words and symbols according to a particular syntax,
(predetermined rule of grammar) into a logical manner to form a
computer program; C, C+/C++; HTML, etc.

Instruction Notes. DK
 The most common types of applications
(a) Word Processing Applications
Word Processing can be used to create documents ranging
from simple letters to lengthy reports that may go through
several drafts, it can also be used to create multi-column
documents, such as product catalogues or newsletters,
containing both text and graphics.

(b) Spreadsheet Applications

A Spreadsheet application can be used to:
• Plan your school finances.
• Perform calculations of student results
• Represent students’ results on graphs
Instruction Notes. DK
 Other types of Application
Presentation Applications
• A Presentation application can be used to:
• Create overhead transparencies
• Create slide presentations to show on screen
• Create graphic elements including graphs or organisational
charts

Database Applications
• A Database application can be used to:
• Hold contact names and addresses on file.
• Sort large amounts of information.
• Catalogue items.
Instruction Notes. DK
 Information Networks

Networks
Computers that need to communicate with each other
can be linked together to form a network.

In order to work on a network, each computer needs a

piece of hardware called a network card, software
to enable the computer to use the card and cables
to join the computers together.

Instruction Notes. DK
 Types of Networks
• A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network of
computers connected across a short distance, such as
within a building.
• A WAN (Wide Area Network) connects computers
over a much wider area, such as over cities or
countries.
• Look at advantages and disadvantages of a network
• Look at also Server concept and Server Types

Instruction Notes. DK
 Linking Computers Using the Internet
Many systems are used to convert information into a format that can be
transmitted.
For example;
Modems:
This is the most common way to connect your computer to the telephone
network- by using modems.

A modem is a device that converts the digital signals used by computers

into analog signals used by the telephone network and vice versa.

This is known as modulation and demodulation, hence the name

MODEM.

(Digital signals =Computer, Analog signals = Telephone)

Instruction Notes. DK
 Computer Specifications
What would you consider first of all when you want to purchase a
computer for your school?
• Software : Ms-word, excel, power point etc
• Processor type and speed : at least 500 MHz processor speed
• Memory (RAM) Possibly from 128Mb, 256 or 512Mb
• Hard Drive size: better if 80 Gb and more
• Other storage options (CD-ROM, floppy, ZIP, etc)
• Display options (monitor types and options plus size 15 or 17)
• Keyboard, mice and other pointing devices
• Ports : Where you can say insert a Flush Disk
• Network Cards and Modems
• Operating Systems (OS)
• Peripheral Devices (printers, scanners,etc)
• Hardware support devices (warranties)
• Price
Instruction Notes. DK
 Computers in Classroom/Education
Strategies and application

1.Use the Computer as Teacher Tool

• Keep records, manipulate information

 -Create systematic follow-up work for lessons
 -Design personalized certificates of achievement
 -Create charts, student lists and name tags
 -Communicate with other professionals and subject experts
via email.

•
Instruction Notes. DK
 Strategies and application…
2.Use the Computer as Multi-Media Chalk Board
 Demonstrate writing or editing skills.
• Demonstrate Math concepts such as graphs.
• Color text for exploring, or critically evaluating
written material.
 -creating background colors to create a better
learning tool for the student.
 -Spreadsheet for graphing simple survey information
 -Live access to a selected Internet site to enhance
discussion.
 -access to a selected Internet site to retrieve authentic
data. Instruction Notes. DK
 Strategies and application…
3.Have Students use the Computer
 -Lists: each student adds one item related to a topic
that will be used for discussion –let them type their
views assess them.
 -Have each student write or type sentence, for
example, a topic sentence, and use this information
for a class discussion on that type of sentence.
 -Enter personal information or opinions in a
spreadsheet and then graph the whole class
responses

Instruction Notes. DK
 Strategies and application…
4.Design learning tutorials for your students
This is intended to encourage the individual and personal pace
reading or studying.
This could be in English, science, social studies, vocational
education, health and physical education, mathematics or
business. It is ok if you also make them audio tutorials.

5. Assign roles related to computer use:

type, mouse operator, editing, spell checker, etc.
Have students do assignments and submit them to via
internet (e-mailing).

Instruction Notes. DK
 Challenges in Using Computers to study
A case of Ugandan Schools:
• Skilled man power- many teachers don’t want to change
from their traditional methods of teaching
• Maintenance- this is mainly because of the limited
resources.
• Learning How to Use a Variety of Technology Options.
• Providing Adequate Technology Access – need to get up
to date technology
• Equal Technological Access; in some schools there gender
imbalance in access to computers.
• Infrastructure- poor structures for computer labs
• large numbers of students.
• Power problem (electricity)- esp.Notes.
Instruction in rural
DK areas, but even in towns,
 Security, Copyright and the Law
• Use of Individual Passwords- Most computers
have got log on passwords
• Software Copyright- read the hand out
• Computer Viruses- read the hand out
• How do Viruses Spread?
• Virus Protection Software.

END OF MODULE ONE

Instruction Notes. DK