Basic Computer Applications

Concepts of Information Technology

(IT)
Module 1

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Welcome to the wonderful
world of computing!

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•
Course Objectives
Get Introduced to IT issues
• Be Aware about Types of Computers
• Understand Computer Hardware
• Understand how to Measure Computer
Capacity: Memory and Storage Capacities
• Understand Software Issues
• Understand the System Development Methods
• Be Aware of Information Networks
• Know Effects of Computers in Everyday Life
• Understand Effects of IT to Society
• Understand How to Make A Good Workspace
• Be Aware of Health & Safety Issues
• Understand the Security Copyright & The Law3
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Matters
Get Introduced
to IT Issues
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 Understand a Computer
• A computer is a machine
• A computer has electronic property
• A computer accepts, processes and stores
data
• A computer performs tasks automatically.
• A computer is intended to give out useful
outcomes (information)

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Understand a Computer …

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 Now, What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine which

accepts, processes and stores data
automatically following some instructions
to give useful output.
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Diagram for the Computer System

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 Important Concepts
The following five concepts are important for the
beginner to understand at the beginning of the
course
1. software
2. Hardware
3. Information Technology (IT)
4. The server computer
5. The client/terminal computer

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 Concepts: Hardware
Is a physical part of the computer system.
It is any computer accessory you can see,
touch and feel.

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 Concepts: Software
Is a set of instructions which tells the computer
how to do things. Software are also called
programs.

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 Concepts: Information Technology (IT)

The Information Technology (IT)

manages the technology and computer
infrastructure that drives an
organization's computer-based
business systems.

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 Concepts: The Server Computer
A computer or device on a network that manages
network resources is a SERVER.
For example, a file server is a computer and
storage device dedicated to storing files. Any user
on the network can store files on the server.

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 Concepts: The Client/Terminal Computer
Intelligent Terminal is a computer in the network with
built-in processing capability but no local disk or tape
storage.
A dumb terminal is a computer in the network, which

is only a communication device with another computer.

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 Get Introduced to IT Issues: Exercise One

1. What is meant by the term ‘software’?

2. What does it mean by ‘hardware’? Give
some examples of hardware.
3. What is IT short for?
4. What does the term IT mean?
5. Differentiate Server and Client computers
6. Define computer

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 Types of
Computers

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 The Six Main Types of Computers
The main types of computers are classified in the
following categories:
1. Mainframe computer

2. Minicomputer
3. Super computer
4. Personal computer
5. Laptop computer
6. Palmtop computer
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 The Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computer offers the ultimate processing
power and storage capability.
1. Is the most bulky one (very
big in size)
2. Is the most expensive
computer
3. Has the largest memory
capacity and the highest
processing speed of
information
4. Is used in large scale
organization to process a
bulk of information
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 The Minicomputer
Smaller than Mainframe Computers.

Functionally, it is almost as the same as the

Mainframe computer
Minicomputers have the
following properties:
 Very powerful and
expensive
 Used in medium scale
organizations where it is too
expensive to use
mainframe computer
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 The Super Computer

A Supercomputer is a computer that leads

the world in terms of accuracy, particularly
speed and precision
Super computers are used
in Military and Research
institutions with the
following characteristics:

 Very Accurate
 High processing speed
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 The Personal Computer (PC)
This is a computer that is small enough to fit on
a desktop and the least expensive enough to be
bought by an individual for personal use.

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 The Laptop Computer
The laptop computer is a small-size PC that can use
battery power and be carried around. Is a portable
computer, briefcase size.

Is used by people in the move,

such as sales representatives
and business travelers. As the
‘desktop’ PC, It can suit your
personal requirements.
- Are more expensive
than desktop PCs
- Are able to operate in
low power consumption.
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 The Palmtop Computer (PC)
Are even smaller than Laptops

Are used in mobile business and social

activities

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 Networked & Stand-Alone Computers
• A Network computer is the one connected to
other computers so that they can share
resources. Thus instead of each PC requiring
its own Printer, you can have single printer
shared amongst.
• A Stand-Alone Computer does not have an
access to network resources.

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 Computer Manufacturers
The PC, which implies
 Dell Personal Computer, can either
 Siemens be Brand (e.g Dell) or
Clone.
 HP (Hewlett Packard)

 Apple
The other common computer
 LG of this size is the Apple.
 IBM (International
This computer is installed
programs from Macintosh
Business Machine) Software Vendor (also
 Compaq known as the Mac)
 Laser
It is predominant in creative
fields such as publishing and
 Samsung design.

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Types of Computers: Exercise Two

1. What is a mainframe computer?

2. What is a PC?
3. What is a Mac?
4. What is a networked computer?
5. List the following in order of cost (most
expensive first), mainframe, PC, Laptop.

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Computer
Hardware
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 Introduction to Computer Hardware
Is a physical part of the computer system.
Its Hardware are grouped into four (4)
categories, Namely:
 Input Devices
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Storage Devices
 Output Devices

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Computer System Components
Storage

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 Computer Hardware: Input Devices
Any machine that feeds data into a
computer. For example, a keyboard is the
most popular input device.
Input devices other than the keyboard are
sometimes called alternate input devices.
Mice, trackballs, and light pens are all
alternate input devices.

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 Computer Hardware: Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) referred to as the
brains of a computer. It contains 2 basic components:
Control Unit (CU)- instructs the rest of the computer
system on how to follow a program instructions
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) –performs both
Arithmetic and Logical operations.
The speed of the CPU (processor) is measured in Hertz
(Hz) unit.

This processor is fixed here

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 Computer Hardware: Output Devices

Displays the processed information to the user

(shows what is going inside the computer to the outside)
Examples are:
-Monitor
-Printer
-Speakers

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 Output Devices: The Monitor
Most desktop computers use a monitor
with a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and
most notebooks use a Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) monitor.
To get the full benefit of today's software
with full colour graphics and animation,
computers need a color monitor with a
display or graphics card.

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Flat screen

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 Output Devices: The Printers
Printers: The printer takes the information
from your computer and transfers it to paper or a
hard copy.
There are many different types of printers with
various levels of quality . The three basic types of
printer are; dot matrix, inkjet, and laser.

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 Output Devices: The Printers
Dot matrix printers work like a typewriter
transferring ink from a ribbon to paper with a
series or 'matrix' of tiny pins.
Ink jet printers work like dot matrix printers
but fires a stream of ink from a cartridge directly
onto the paper.
Laser printers use the same technology as a
photocopier using heat to transfer toner onto
paper

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 Both Input & Output Device: Modem
A modem is used to translate information transferred
through telephone lines or cable

The term stands for Modulate and Demodulate which

changes the signal from Digital, which computers use,
to Analog , which telephones use and then back again.

Modulation will refer to changing Digital Signal to Analog

one

Demodulation will refer to changing Analog Signal to

Digital one

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Both Input & Output Device: Modem ...
How a MODEM Functions

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 Both Input & Output Device: Modem ...
Modems are measured by the speed that the
information is transferred. The measuring unit is
called the baud rate. Modern modems have
rates of 300,000 baud and up
A Modem is both an output device and input
device. When receiving signal is input, when
returns it is output.

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 Analogue and Digital Transmission
A digital system uses 1 or 0 to transmit data or to
represent data. Thus, a digital clock will display whole
seconds, whole minutes and whole hours.

An analogue system, such as a traditional clock, uses

the full range of numbers, including fractions.

Digital Analogue
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 Computer Hardware: Storage Devices
Storage devices are grouped into two types:

(a) Temporary (Primary) Memory

For, example, RAM (Random Access Memory)

i. where information to be processed is held
ii. Instructions on how to process that information is also held

NOTE: anything store in RAM will be lost when the power is

turned off.

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RAM
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 Computer Hardware: Storage Devices
(b) Permanent (Secondary) Storage Devices

Store information permanently for future use. The most popular

Permanent Storage Devices are the Hard Disks (internal and
external), compact disks (CDs), floppy diskettes, removable disks
(flash disks, tape drives etc.

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 Types of Computer Memory
 RAM
 Random Access Memory
 The main working memory of the computer
 Measured in Megabytes

 ROM
 Read Only Memory
 Contents are ‘hard wired’ and cannot be altered
 Often contains software used to get the hardware to talk to
the operating system

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 Computer Hardware: Peripheral Devices
Computer peripherals are any electronic devices that can be
hooked up to a computer other than the standard input-output
devices.
Peripheral devices include speakers, microphones, printers,
scanners, digital cameras, plotters, and modems. Peripherals
often require special software packages called "drivers".
These drivers are usually included with the peripheral at purchase
time.

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 Computer Performance
Factors Which Impact on a Computer’s
Performance
 The higher the processor speed, the faster the
computer
 As a rule the more memory you have (RAM),

the faster the PC will appear to operate

 The more programs which are running at the
same time, the slower each one will run
 The lower the hard disk size, the slower the
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 Measuring Computer Storage
Capacity
 Bit:
 All computers work on a binary numbering system, i.e. they process data
in one's or zero's. This 1 or 0 level of storage is called a bit

 Byte:
 A byte consists of eight bits

 Kilobyte:
 A kilobyte (KB) consists of 1024 bytes, approx 1,000 bytes

 Megabyte:
 A megabyte (MB) consists of 1024 kilobytes approx 1,000,000 bytes

 Gigabyte:
 A gigabyte (GB) consists of 1024 megabytes approx 1,000,000,000 bytes

 Terabyte:
 A terabyte (TB) consists of approx 1,000,000,000,000 bytes
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 Storage Capacity Measurement

 1 Byte = 8Bits
 1 Character = 1Byte
 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes
 1Kilobyte = 1024 Character
 1Megabytes (MB) = 1024KB
 1Gigabytes (GB) = 1024MB
 1Terabytes (TB) = 1024GB
 1Petabytes (PB) = 1024 Terabytes

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 Computer Hardware: Exercise Three
1. What is a ‘System Unit’?
2. What is a System (Mother) Board?
3. What is a CPU?
4. What types of memory do you know about?
5. What are input devices?
6. What are output devices?
7. What is a peripheral device?
8. Describe some of the factors affecting
performance of a PC.
9. Will more RAM increase or decrease the
computers performance?
10.Why may a computer appear to slow down if you
start running a lot of different programs at the
same time?
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 Computer Hardware: Exercise Three (Others)

1. What units are used to measure the speed of a CPU?

2. What is a typical speed for a recently produced CPU?
3. What is RAM short for?
4. What is ROM short for?
5. If a computer advert described a computer has having
512 Mbytes of memory, would this refer to RAM or ROM
memory?
6. What is the ROM-BIOS?
7. How many bytes are contained in 1 KB?
8. How many bytes are contained in 1 MB?
9. How many bytes are contained in 1 GB?
10. How many bytes are contained in 1 TB?
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Computer
Software
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 Introducing Computer Software
Is a set of instructions which tells computer how
to do things.
Operating System
 Required to make the computer work
 Translates between humans and the computer hardware

 Applications Software
 Applications such as a word-processor, spreadsheet or
database

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 Operating System Software
An operating system is the link between you and the
hardware/software
 DOS

 Windows 3

 Windows 95

 Windows 98

 Windows Millennium

 Windows NT

 Windows 2000

 Windows XP

 Others Operating systems(non-microsoft) are Macintosh

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 Applications Software
Programs designed to do a specific task designed
mainly for users
 Word processing
 Microsoft Word
 Spreadsheet
 Microsoft Excel
 Database
 Microsoft Access
 Web browsing
 Microsoft Internet Explorer
 Accounting
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 Graphical User Interface (GUI)
A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is simply an
additional part of the operating system that
displays windows and drop down menus, and also
enables you to drive your computer using a
mouse.

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 The Main Advantages of Using a GUI.
 All programs look similar.
 When you switch from a program supplied by one manufacturer
to one from a different manufacturer, you will find the transition
very easy.
 Application programs work in the same way as the underlying
operating system.
 The GUI also allows programmers to easily write consistent
looking programs.

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 Systems Development
Computer-Based Systems are developed in the following
stages:

Analysis

Testing Design

Programming

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 Computer Software: Exercise Four
1. What is an Operating System?
2. What is an Application Program?
3. Give examples of some common operating systems.
4. What is the latest version of Microsoft Windows
called?
5. What is an application program?
6. Give examples of word-processing applications.
7. Give examples of spreadsheet applications.
8. Give examples of database applications.
9. Give examples of Web authoring applications.
10.What is GUI short for?
11.What is the function of a GUI?
12.List a few advantages of using a GUI.
13.What is systems development?
14.What is a systems development
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Information
Networks

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 LAN and WAN
A network allows your computer to
communicate with other
computers and share resources.
 Less need for hardware
duplication, not every one
needs their own printer
 Data can be held in one place

Local Area Network

(LAN):Interconnected
computers in a room or building
Wide Area Network
(WAN):Interconnected
computers in the wide
geographical coverage
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 The www
 Internet: is the Public network
 Intranet: is the Private network

 An Extranet is an Intranet which is partially

accessible to authorized outsiders

 The WWW is the graphical component of
the Internet which includes web sites.

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 The Telephone Network in Computing
• Public Switch Data Network (
PSDN): The technical name
for old telephone systems
• Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN): Allows
faster transfer rate of data in
telephone companies than
using modem
• Asymmetric Digital Subscriber
Line (ADSL): data
communications technology
that enables faster data
transmission over copper
telephone lines.
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 Information Networks: Exercise Five
1. What is a LAN?
2. What is a WAN?
3. What does client/server mean?
4. List a few advantages and disadvantages of
workgroup computing.
5. What is the difference between the Internet and an
Intranet?
6. What is the difference between an Intranet and an
Extranet?
7. What is the difference between the World Wide Web
(WWW) and the Internet?
8. Define the terms PSDN, ISDN and ADSL.
9. Explain the terms digital and analogue.
10.What is a modem?
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The Use of IT
in Everyday
Life
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 Computer and Man at Work
Identifying Situations Where a Computer
Might be More Appropriate than a Person
for Carrying out a Task
Where computers Where people are
are better better
 Repetitive tasks  Any activity requiring
 Easily automated tasks thought which goes
 Mathematical calculations beyond simply
 Dangerous situations processing data
 Interacting with humans

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 Computer Applications in Business
• Most large
business have
automated large
sections of their
administration
• Computers have
been used by
private sector and
governments to
collect and
process data for a
long time now
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 Computer Applications:Hospitals & Healthcare

Computers, if used properly,

can make health care more
efficient, the key is integration,
with everyone using
compatible computer systems
which talk to each other!

Doctors’ surgeries & other health care services,

where patient records are computerized

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
Computer Applications in Education
Used properly the Internet is a fantastic resource for education
 Computer Based Training (CBT) allows training at an individual’s
pace, where and when they want it
 Libraries where books are kept track of using database
facilities and books are scanned when taken out and returned

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 Computer Applications in Super Markets
Supermarkets, where bar codes are scanned
and product and ( sometimes) customer
information is stored.

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 Computer Applications in Banks
Bank/building society cash machines (known as
Automated Teller machines or ATMs where
cards are used to identify the customer by
reading the magnetic strip and checking the
user’s PIN (Personal Identification Number)

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 Tele-Working in computing
• Tele-working occurs when information and Disadvantages 
communications technologies (ICTs) are  Lack of human contact
applied to enable work to be done at a  Negative impact on
distance teamwork
• This is done from the place where the work  Poor Self discipline
results are needed or where the work
would conventionally have been done. • Advantages
– Reduced or zero
commuting time
– Greater ability to
focus on one task
– Flexible schedules

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network Offices/home 69
trainer
 The Electronic Mail/Commerce
 Electronic Mail (e-mail) allows
you to send a message to
another person almost
instantly, anywhere in the
world.
 It requires both computers to
be connected to the Internet.
As well as sending a text
message, files can be sent as
email attachments.
 Electronic Commerce (e-
Commerce) means using the
Internet to buy and sell
products or services.
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 Purchasing Goods and Services Online

Advantages Disadvantages

 Large stock range  What about returning

 Detailed product faulty goods?
information  How are you covered
 Ability to compare when you purchase
prices goods from another
country?
 Equal delivery to town
and country  Possible credit card fraud
 Services available 24 / 7

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 The Use of IT in Everyday Life: Exercise Six
• Where might computers be more appropriate than people?
• Where might people be more appropriate than computers?
• Give examples of large-scale computer applications in business.
• Give examples of uses of large-scale computers applications
within government.
• Give examples of uses of computer applications within hospitals
and the health care system.
• Give examples of uses of computer applications in education.
• What is teleworking?
• List some of the advantages of teleworking.
• What is email?
• What is E-commerce?
• List some advantages and some disadvantages of e-commerce.
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 Health and
Safety
Environment
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 Ergonomics
Ergonomics refer to elements and Practices which
Create a Good Working Environment
• Appropriate positioning of monitors
• Keyboards
• Adjustable chairs
• Mouse mats
• Monitor filters
• Adequate lighting and ventilation
• Frequent breaks
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 Health Issues
There are Some Common Health Problems Which
Can be Associated With Using a Computer
• Injuries to wrists caused by
prolonged typing
• Eye strain caused by screen glare
• Back problems associated with
poor seating or bad posture

Precaution: Ensuring power cables

are safely secured.
Power points are not
overloaded.

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 The Environment
Understanding That Recycling Printed Outputs
Can Help The Environment

• Recycle where possible

• Many monitors and other
peripherals will automatically
switch into 'sleep' mode after a
period of not being used. This
means that even though the
computer is still switched on, it
will consume less power.
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 Information
Computers are password
Security
protected and there should be
access control of information
stored in computers
There should be data back-up (store data into
more than one storage device) so that can be
accessed in case of system failure.

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 Computer Viruses
• A computer viruses is a destructive program that is
buried within an existing program. They are written by
people with programming skills who want to cause
widespread problems for computer users.
• To protect data against viruses, always know the
source of your software. When downloading software
from the Internet always save it and viruses check it
before running it. Antivirus utilities are available and
are a good ‘insurance’ investment.
• Anti-virus software provides some protection against
virus infection
• It is not fool-proof and must be updated!
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 Downloading Files and File Attachments

• Never download a file

unless you have good
anti-virus software
installed
• Beware of opening files
attached to emails!
Some antivirus software are:
McAfee http://www.mcafee.com
Norton http://www.symantec.com/avcenter
Dr Solomon http://www.drsolomon.com
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 Health & Safety Environment:Exercise
Seven
1. Describe good working practices when using a
computer.
2. Describe health problems which can be caused by
incorrect use of the computer.
3. What is RSI short for?
4. Describe safety precautions which should be taken
when using a computer.
5. How can you help the environment when using
your computer?
6. What is information security?
7. Why use passwords on a computer?
8. What does UPS stand for?
9. Why do you need to back up your computer data?
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 Copyright
and the Law
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 Copyright
• Most programs which you purchase are
copyrighted and you must not copy them

Are you allowed

to copy disks?

• Web site content is also normally protected.

– For instance if you go to the STAR TREK web site, you will
see a notice warning you not to place images from their site
on your own personal web site
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 Shareware and Freeware
• Shareware refer to software that is shared
amongst programmers BUT licence code is
owned by developers

• Freeware refer to software that is free to use and

its source code is freely accessed

– Check your licence agreements

– Check if your software is legal!

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•
Data Protection Act
All organizations that hold computerized data. Individuals
must register with the Data Protection Registrar as a data
user.
• All organizations that hold computerized
data. Individuals must register with the
Data Protection Registrar as a data
user.
• Personal data is kept for many reasons
– e.g. by tax offices, personnel
departments, banks, hospitals.
• The information to be contained in
personal data shall be obtained, and
personal data shall be processed, fairly
and lawfully. msomibora.com 84
 Copyright and the Law: Exercise Eight

1. What are site licences?

2. Describe copyright issues in relation to the use of
a PC.
3. How can you check a software products ID
number?
4. What is freeware?
5. What is shareware?
6. What is an end-user licence agreement?
7. Describe some of the uses of personal data.
8. Discuss Data Protection and Privacy Issues.
9. Describe the basic Data Protection Legislation in your
country.

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Thank you for listening

instructor
instructor@udom.ac.tz

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