Information Systems 511

INFORMATION SYSTEMS
511
Year 1 Semester 1
K 1
FACULTY OF COMMERCE
STUDY GUIDE
MODULE: INFORMATION SYSTEMS 511
(1ST SEMESTER)
Copyright © 2020
Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd
Registration Number: 2000/000757/07
All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including photocopying machines,
without the written permission of the Institution.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topics PAGE NO.
Section A:Preface 4
1.Welcome 5
2.Title of Modules 6
3.Purpose of Module 6
4. Learning Outcomes 6
5.Method of Study 6
6.Lectures and tutorials 7
7.Notices 7
8.Prescribed & Recommended Material 7
9. Assessment & Key Concepts in Assignment and Examination 9
10. Assessment Cover Sheet 11
11.Work Readiness Programme 12
12.Work Integrated Learning 13
st
Section B: Information Systems 511 (1 Semester)
1. Introduction To Using The Computer 17
1.1 Computer Literacy And Information Literacy 17
1.2 What Is Information Literacy? 17
1.3 Why Is Information Literacy Important? 17
1.4 How Will I Use Information Literacy Skills? 18
1.5 What Is An Information System? 18
1.6 Components Of An Information System 18
1.7 Communication Networks 19
1.8 Categories Of Computers 21
1.9 Types of Pc’s 23
Assessment Questions 28
2. Software 29
2.1 Computer Software 29
2.2 Types Of Software 30
2.3 The Role Of The Operating System And User Interface 31
2.4 Allocating System Resources 33
2.5 Monitoring System Activities 34
2.6 What is a User Interface 34
2.7 What Happens When You Switch On A Computer? 35
2.8 The Boot Process 36
2.9 Important Operating System Files 36
2.10 File And Disk Management 37
2.11 Single Program And Multitasking Of Operating System 38
2.12 Common Operating Systems 39
2.13 The History Of Windows 39
2.14 The Windows Operating System 39
3
2.15 Language Types 41
2.16 Introduction To Software Applications 42
2.17 Graphics And Multimedia Equipment 43
2.18 Software For Communication 44
2.19 Learning Aids And Support Tools 44
Assessment Questions 46
3. The Systems Unit 47
3.1 Introduction To The System Unit 47
3.2 The Components Of A System Unit 48
3.3 Different Types Of Memory 50
3.4 How Data Is Represented In A Computer 50
3.5 Storage Devices 51
3.6 Assessment Questions 53
4. Input And Output 54
4.1defining Input 54
4.2 Output Devices 58
4.3 Definition Of Output 59
4.4 Display Devices 59
4.5 Video Adapter Cards 60
4.6 The Printer 62
4.7 Audio Output 64
4.8 Assessment Questions 65
5. Data Storage & Warehousing 66
5.1 Introduction To Data Storage 66
5.2 Defining Data Storage 66
Topic 6: Addendum 511 (A): Case study for Discussion 71
Topic 7: Addendum 511(B): Revision Questions 72
Topic 8: Addendum 511(C): Examination Question 74
4
SECTION A: PREFACE
1. WELCOME
Welcome to the Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd. We trust you will
find the contents and learning outcomes of this module both interesting and insightful
as you begin your academic journey and eventually your career in the business world.
This section of the study guide is intended to orientate you to the module before the
commencement of formal lectures.
The following lectures will focus on the study units described.
SECTION A: WELCOME & ORIENTATION

Study unit 1: Orientation Programme
Introducing academic staff to the students by academic head. Lecture 1
Introduction of Institution policies.
Study unit 2: Orientation of Students to Library and Students

Facilities
Introducing students to physical structures, computer laboratories, Lecture 2
and library & research infrastructure.
Issuing of foundation learner guides and necessary learning material
Study unit 3: Distribution and Orientation of Information

Systems 511 Learner Guides, Textbooks and Prescribed Lecture 3
Materials
Study unit 4: Discussion on the Objectives and Outcomes of

Lecture 4
Information Systems
Study unit 5: Orientation and guidelines to completing

Assignments Lecture 5
Review and Recap of Study units 1-4
Section B: Information systems 511 (1st Semester) Lecture 6-55
5
2. TITLE OF MODULES, COURSE, CODE, NQF LEVEL, CREDITS & MODE
OF DELIVERY
Semester
1
Title Of Module: Information Systems 511
Code: INS_511
NQF Level: 5
Credits: 10
Mode of Delivery: Contact and Distance
3. PURPOSE OF THE MODULE
3.1 Information Systems 511

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the computer and there various
components required to enter the business/employment world. Naturally the module is
only an introduction to what the information technology environment is all about, but
we trust that students will gain sufficient knowledge about the various aspects of
computers to enable them to choose possible areas of work preference and further study
and articulation.
3.2 Information Systems 511 (1st Semester)

To provide the students with a basic understanding of computers in the business
environment
4. LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module, students should have a basic / fundamental practical

and theoretical knowledge of:
Introduction to using the computers

Software Applications
Systems unit
Input & Output
Storage
5. METHOD OF STUDY
The sections that have to be studied are indicated under each topic. These form the basis
for tests, assignments and examination. To be able to do the activities and assignments
for this module, and to achieve the learning outcomes and ultimately to be successful in
the tests and examination, you will need an in-depth understanding of the content of
these sections in the learning guide and prescribed book. In order to
6
master the learning material, you must accept responsibility for your own studies.
Learning is not the same as memorizing. You are expected to show that you understand
and are able to apply the information. Use will also be made of lectures, tutorials, case
studies and group discussions to present this module.
6. LECTURES AND TUTORIALS
Students must refer to the notice boards on their respective campuses for details of the
lecture and tutorial time tables. The lecturer assigned to the module will also inform
you of the number of lecture periods and tutorials allocated to a particular module. Prior
preparation is required for each lecture and tutorial. Students are encouraged to actively
participate in lectures and tutorials in order to ensure success in tests, assignments and
examinations.
7. NOTICES
All information pertaining to this module such as tests dates, lecture and tutorial time
tables, assignments, examinations etc will be displayed on the notice board located on
your campus. Students must check the notice board on a daily basis. Should you require
any clarity, please consult your lecturer, or programme manager, or administrator on
your respective campus
8. PRESCRIBED & RECOMMENDED TEXT/S
8.1 Prescribed Material

Discovering Computers, Essentials ©2018: Digital Technology, Data, and Devices
1st Edition by Misty E. Vermaat, Cengage Learning,
ISBN: 9781337285100
The purchasing of prescribed books is for the students own account and are compulsory
for all students. This guide will have limited value if not accompanied by the prescribed
text books.
8.2 Recommended Material

Enhanced Discovering Computers Technology in a World of Computers, Mobile
Devices and the Internet 1st Edition (Shelly Cashman Series) 2014 by Vermaat. M,
Cengage Publishers
ISBN: 9781285845500
Comptia Network + Study Guide 3rd Edition 2015 by Lammle.T, Sybex Publishers,
ISBN: 9781119021247
7
8.3 Independent Research:
The student is encouraged to undertake independent research with emphasis on the
value of strategic thinking in companies and the formulation of a Strategic Business
plan where information technology and effective M-I-S provides strategy advantage.
8.4 Library Infrastructure
The following services are available to you:
8.4.1 Each campus keeps a limited quantity of the recommended reading titles and a
larger variety of similar titles which you may borrow. Please note that students
are required to purchase the prescribed materials.
8.4.2 Arrangements have been made with municipal, state and other libraries to stock
our recommended reading and similar titles. You may use these on their premises
or borrow them if available. It is your responsibility to safe keeps all library
books.
8.4.3 RGI has also allocated one library period per week as to assist you with your
formal research under professional supervision.
8.4.4 RGI has dedicated electronic libraries for use by its students. The computers
laboratories, when not in use for academic purposes, may also be used for
research purposes. Booking is essential for all electronic library usage
9. ASSESSMENT
Final Assessment for this module will comprise two CA tests, an assignment and an
examination. Your lecturer will inform you of the dates, times and the venues for each
of these. You may also refer to the notice board on your campus or the Academic
Calendar which is displayed in all lecture rooms.
9.1 Continuous Assessment Tests

There are two compulsory tests for each module (in each semester).
9.2 Assignment
There is one compulsory assignment for each module in each semester. Your lecturer
will inform you of the Assessment questions at the commencement of this module.
9.3 Examination
8
There is one two hour examination for each module. Make sure that you diarize the
correct date, time and venue. The examinations department will notify you of your
results once all administrative matters are cleared and fees are paid up.
The examination may consist of multiple choice questions, short questions and essay
type questions. This requires you to be thoroughly prepared as all the content matter of
lectures, tutorials, all references to the prescribed text and any other additional
documentation/reference materials is examinable in both your tests and the
examinations.
The examination department will make available to you the details of the examination
(date, time and venue) in due course. You must be seated in the examination room 15
minutes before the commencement of the examination. If you arrive late, you will not
be allowed any extra time. Your learner registration card must be in your possession at
all times.
9.4 Final Assessment

The final assessment for this module will be weighted as follows:
CA Test 1
CA Test 2 40%
Assignment 1
Examination 60%
Total 100%
9.5 Key Concepts in Assignments and Examinations
In assignment and examination questions you will notice certain key concepts (i.e.
words/verbs) which tell you what is expected of you. For example, you may be asked
in a question to list, describe, illustrate, demonstrate, compare, construct, relate,
criticize, recommend or design particular information / aspects / factors /situations. To
help you to know exactly what these key concepts or verbs mean so that you will know
exactly what is expected of you, we present the following taxonomy by Bloom,
explaining the concepts and stating the level of cognitive thinking that theses refer to.
9
Competence Skills Demonstrated
observation and recall of information
knowledge of dates, events, places
knowledge of major ideas
mastery of subject matter
Knowledge
Question
Cues
list, define, tell, describe, identify, show, label, collect, examine,
tabulate, quote, name, who, when, where, etc.
understanding information
grasp meaning
translate knowledge into new context
interpret facts, compare, contrast
order, group, infer causes
Comprehension predict consequences
Question
Cues
summarize, describe, interpret, contrast, predict, associate,
distinguish, estimate, differentiate, discuss, extend
use information
use methods, concepts, theories in new situations
solve problems using required skills or knowledge
Application Questions
Cues
apply, demonstrate, calculate, complete, illustrate, show, solve,
examine, modify, relate, change, classify, experiment, discover
seeing patterns
organization of parts
recognition of hidden meanings
identification of components
Analysis
Question
Cues
analyze, separate, order, explain, connect, classify, arrange,
divide, compare, select, explain, infer
use old ideas to create new ones
generalize from given facts
relate knowledge from several areas
predict, draw conclusions
Synthesis Question
Cues
combine, integrate, modify, rearrange, substitute, plan, create,
design, invent, what if?, compose, formulate, prepare,
generalize, rewrite
10
10.WORK READINESS PROGRAMME (WRP)
In order to prepare students for the world of work, a series of interventions over and
above the formal curriculum, are concurrently implemented to prepare students. These
include:
Soft skills
Employment skills
Life skills
End –User Computing (if not included in your curriculum)
The illustration below outlines some of the key concepts for Work Readiness that will
be included in your timetable.
SOFT SKILLS LIFE SKILLS

Time Management Manage Personal Finance
Working in Teams Driving Skills
Problem Solving Skills Basic Life Support &
Attitude & Goal Setting First Aid
Etiquettes & Ethics Entrepreneurial skills
Communication Skills Counselling skills
WORK
READINESS
PROGRAMM
EMPLOYMENT SKILLS
CV Writing
Interview Skills
Presentation Skills
Employer / Employee Relationship
End User Computing
Email & E-Commerce
Spread Sheets
Data base
Presentation
Office Word
It is in your interest to attend these workshops, complete the Work Readiness Log
Book and prepare for the Working World.
11
11. WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL)
Work Integrated Learning forms a core component of the curriculum for the completion
of this programme. All modules making of this qualification will be assessed in an
integrated manner towards the end of the programme or after completion of all other
modules.
Prerequisites for placement with employers will include:

Completion of all tests & assignment
Success in examination
Payment of all arrear fees
Return of library books, etc.
Completion of the Work Readiness Programme.
Students will be fully inducted on the Work Integrated Learning Module, the
Workbooks & assessment requirements before placement with employers.
The partners in Work Readiness Programme (WRP) include:
Good luck with your studies…
12
STUDY GUIDE
MODULE: INFORMATION SYSTEMS 511 (1ST SEMESTER)
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO USING THE COMPUTER

TOPIC 2: SOFTWARE
TOPIC 3: THE SYSTEMS UNIT
TOPIC 4: INPUT AND OUTPUT
TOPIC 5: STORAGE
TOPIC 6: ADDENDUM 511(A): CASE STUDY FOR DISCUSSION
TOPIC 7: ADDENDUM 511(B): REVISION QUESTIONS
TOPIC 8: ADDENDUM 511(C): EXAMINATION QUESTION
13
TABLE OF CONTENT
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO USING THE COMPUTER
1.1 Computer Literacy And Information Literacy Lecture 6
1.2 What Is Information Literacy?
1.3 Why Is Information Literacy Important?
1.4 How Will I Use Information Literacy Skills? Lecture 7
1.5 What Is An Information System?
1.6 Components Of An Information System
1.7 Communication Networks Lecture 8
1.8 Categories Of Computers
1.9 Types of Pc’s
Review Questions Lecture 9
TOPIC 2: SOFTWARE
2.1 Computer Software Lecture 10-11
2.2 Types Of Software
2.3 The Role Of The Operating System And User Interface Lecture 12
2.4 Allocating System Resources
2.5 Monitoring System Activities
2.6 What is a User Interface Lecture 13-14
2.7What Happens When You Switch On A Computer?
2.8 The Boot Process Lecture 15-17
2.9Important Operating System Files Lecture 18
2.10 File and Disk Management

2.11 Single Program And Multitasking Of Operating System Lecture 19
2.12 Common Operating Systems Lecture 19-23
2.13 The History Of Windows
2.14 The Windows Operating System
2.15 Language Types Lecture 24-25
2.16 Introduction To Software Applications
2.17 Graphics And Multimedia Equipment Lecture 26-27
2.18Software For Communication
2.19Earning Aids And Support Tools Lecture 28-30
TOPIC 3: THE SYSTEMS UNIT
3.1 Introduction To The System Unit Lecture 32-33
3.2 The Components Of A System Unit
3.3 Different Types of Memory Lecture 34-340
3.4 How Data Is Represented In a Computer
3.5 Storage Devices
TOPIC 4:INPUT AND OUTPUT
4.1Defining Input Lecture 42-45
4.2 Output Devices
4.3 Definition Of Output
4.4 Display Devices
4.5 Video Adapter Cards Lecture 46-47
4.6 The Printer Lecture 48-51
4.7 Audio Output
14
TOPIC 5:STORAGE
5.1Introduction To Data Storage Lecture 51
5.2 Defining Data Storage
TOPIC 6: ADDENDUM 511 (A): CASE STUDY FOR Lecture 52-53
DISCUSSION Lecture 54
TOPIC 7: ADDENDUM 511(B): REVISION QUESTIONS
TOPIC 8: ADDENDUM 511(C): EXAMINATION Lecture 55

QUESTION
TOPIC 9: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS FOR Lecture
TUTORIAL 56-60
15
TOPIC 1
____________________________________________________________________
1. INTRODUCTION TO USING THE COMPUTER
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After studying this topic you should be able to:

Define and explain the difference between computer literacy & information literacy
Know different components of an information system

Define what a computer is and list the various components of a computer & their
respective functions
Explain the operations of the information processing cycle, namely: input, process,
output & storage
List & discuss the factors that contribute to the processing power of computers
Understand the key concepts of speed, reliability, accuracy, storage &
communications
List the various categories of computers
Know the differences between the different categories of computers & their
respective purposes
1.1 COMPUTER LITERACY AND INFORMATION LITERACY
Computer literacy is being able to use a computer for the required purpose to produce
required results
1.2 WHAT IS INFORMATION LITERACY?
Information Literacy is the ability to identify what information is needed, understand

how the information is organized, identify the best sources of information for a given
need, locate those sources, evaluate the sources critically, and share that information.
It is the knowledge of commonly used research techniques.
1.3 WHY IS INFORMATION LITERACY IMPORTANT?
Information literacy is critically important because we are surrounded by a growing

ocean of information in all formats. Not all information is created equal: some is
authoritative, current, reliable, but some is biased, out of date, misleading, and false.
The amount of information available is going to keep increasing. The types of
technology used to access, manipulate, and create information will likewise expand.
16
1.4 HOW WILL I USE INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS?
Information literacy skills are used for academic purposes, such as research papers and
group presentations. They're used on the job—the ability to find, evaluate, use and
share information is an essential skill. Consumer decisions, such as which car or
vacuum cleaner to purchase, are critical. You'll also use these skills by participating
fully in a democratic society as an informed citizen by understanding issues and voting
1.5 WHAT IS AN INFORMATION SYSTEM?
An information system is not only the technology that an organization uses, but also
the way in which the organization interact with the technology and the way in which
the technology works with the organization’s process such as gathering raw data,
storing it, processing this data and making information available to the user or to an
organization.
1.6 COMPONENTS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM
1.6.1 People
The aim of an information system is to enable the end users to operate more
productively.
1.6.2 Hardware
This is the physical equipment devices used by people to communicate with each other
such as Keyboard mouse, printer and Central Processing Unit.
1.6.3 Software
This is a program or a set of instructions that control the functioning of the computer.
1.6.4 Data
Data is raw unprocessed facts and once the computer processes data it is then called
1.6.5 Information
Which is a collection of facts organized in such a way that they have additional value
beyond the value of the facts themselves.
1.6.6 Procedures
These are predetermined guidelines for users to follow when using the hardware and
software.
17
1.7 COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
The purpose of a communications network is to allow moving information from one

point to another inside the organization. The information could be stored on a device,
such as a personal computer in the network; it could be generated live outside the
network, such as speech, or could be generated by a process on another piece of
information, such as automatic sales transactions at the end of a business day. The
device does not necessarily have to be a computer; it could be a hard disk, a camera or
even a printer on the network. Due to a large variety of information to be moved, and
due to the fact that each type of information has its own conditions for intelligibility,
the computer network has evolved into a highly complex system.
1.7.1 What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulate data, process it to produce
information as output which is stored for later use.
17.2 The Four Functions of a Computer

Every computer, whether microcomputer, mini-computer or mainframe has four main
functions, namely input, processing, output and storage, as indicated in the figure on
the next page:
INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT
Keyboard CPU Monitor

Mouse Printer
Microphone, Modem, Primary Storage Modem
etc Speakers
STORAGE
HardD.STORAGEdiskdrive
Floppy Disk Drive
CD Rom Drive, DVD Rom
As the figure above indicates, data about business transactions and other events are
captured into the computer through input devices such as the keyboard, the mouse, the
microphone and the modem, whereupon it is processed by the CPU (Central Processing
Unit). Data entered into the system is subjected to processing activities such as
calculating, comparing, sorting, classifying and summarizing. The above activities
organize, analyze and manipulate data, thus converting it into information for end-
users. As the CPU is processing data it temporarily stores it in the Primary Storage
(also called the Main Memory). The data that has been processed is presented to users
in a way that they can understand through output devices such as the monitor, the
printer, speakers and the modem. Here information is transmitted to end-users and
18
made available to them by the output activity. The goal of information systems is the
production of appropriate information products for end-users, which can be Messages,
reports, forms, and graphic images. The phrase ‘in a way that they can understand’ is
deliberately inserted above, because computers talk only in terms of 1’s and 0’s, the
so-called machine language.
Finally a computer stores its results for later use in storage devices such as the hard
disk drive (HDD), the floppy disk drive (FDD), the CD Rom drive, the DVD Rom drive
etc. This ability to store results for future use and the ability to access these results
quickly gives the computer tremendous power in comparison to a human being.
1.7.3 The Information Processing Cycle

The four functions of a computer discussed above also form what is called an
information processing cycle i.e., Input – Processing – Output – Storage. As the
dotted arrow in Figure above indicates, it becomes a cycle when the Storage devices
are used as input devices to provide input to the computer. In other words, the work
that you did three days ago can become input today and the whole cycle of Input –
Processing – Output – Storage starts again.
The figure can be summarized as follows:
A. INPUT - This is the activity of gathering and capturing raw data. For example, in
producing a payroll, the number of hours every employee works must be collected
and captured before the payroll is run.
B. PROCESSING - Involves converting or transforming data into useful output, thus
making calculations, comparisons and taking alternative action and storing data for
future use.
C. OUTPUT - Involves producing useful information, usually in the form of
documents and reports. For example pay slips, manager’s reports, etc.
D. STORAGE - Involves the keeping of the output for backup purposes. For
example filing the printed reports, saving the on USB, CDs etc.
E. FEEDBACK - is also very important in the above cycle. This feedback is the output
that is used to make changes to input or processing activities. For example errors
or problems might make it necessary to correct input data or change a process.
1.7.4 Why a Computer is so Powerful?

A computer’s power is derived from its capability of performing the information
processing cycle (input, process, output and storage) with amazing speed reliability and
accuracy; its capacity to store huge amounts of data and information; and its ability to
communicate with other computers.
19
1.7.4.1 Speed
Inside the system unit, operations occur through electronic circuits. When data and
instructions, and information flow along these circuits, they travel at close to the speed
of light. This allows billions of operations to be carried out in a single second.
1.7.4.2 Reliability and Consistency

The electronic components in modern computers are dependable because they have a
low failure rate. The high reliability of the components enables the computer to produce
constant results.
1.7.4.3 Accuracy
Computers can process large amounts of data and generate error free results, provided
that the data is entered correctly. If inaccurate data is entered, the resulting output will
be incorrect. This computing principle is known as Garbage in – Garbage out (GIGO)
- points out that the accuracy of a computers output depends on the accuracy of the
input.
1.7.4.4 Storage Capacity

A computer can store huge amounts of data.
1.7.4.5 Communication
Most computers today have the ability of communicating with each other. Computers
with this capability can share any of the four information processing cycle operations-
input, process, output and storage.
1.7.4.6 Programmability
A computer has also got the capability to be programmed.
1.8 CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS
The six major categories of computers are personal computers, handheld computers,
Internet appliances, mid-range servers, mainframes and supercomputers.
20
1.8.1 Personal Computer
A personal computer (PC) is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities,

and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be
operated directly by an end user with no intervening computer operator. This is in
contrast to the batch processing or time-sharing models which allowed large expensive
mainframe systems to be used by many people, usually at the same time, or large data
processing systems which required a full-time staff to operate efficiently.
A personal computer may be a desk top computer, a laptop, a tablet PC, or a handheld
PC (also called a palmtop). The most common microprocessors in personal computers
are x86-compatible CPUs. Software applications for personal computers include word
processing, spreadsheet databases, Web browsers and e-mail clients, games, and
myriad personal productivity and special-purpose software applications. Modern
personal computers often have high-speed or dial-up connections to the Internet
allowing access to the World Wide Web and a wide range of other resources. A PC
may be used at home or in an office. Personal computers may be connected to a Local
Area Networks (LAN), either by a cable or a wireless connection.
While early PC owners usually had to write their own programs to do anything useful
with the machines, today's users have access to a wide range of commercial and non-
commercial software, which is provided in ready-to-run or ready-to-compile form.
Since the 1980s, Microsoft and Intel have dominated much of the personal computer
market with the Wintel platform
21
1.9 TYPES OF PCS
1.9.1 Workstation
Processor from early 1990s
A workstation is a high-end personal computer designed for technical or scientific

applications. Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are commonly
connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating systems. Workstations
are used for tasks such as computer-aided design, drafting and modelling, computation-
intensive scientific and engineering calculations, image processing, architectural
modelling, and computer graphics for animation and motion picture visual effects.
1.9.2 Desktop Computer
Prior to the wide spread of PCs a computer that could fit on a desk was considered
remarkably small. Today the phrase usually indicates a particular style of computer
case. Desktop computers come in a variety of styles ranging from large vertical tower
cases to small form factor models that can be tucked behind an LCD monitor. In this
22
sense, the term 'desktop' refers specifically to a horizontally-oriented case, usually
intended to have the display screen placed on top to save space on the desk top. Most
modern desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards.
Single unit PCs (also known as all-in-one PCs) is a subtype of desktop computers,
which combine the monitor and case of the computer within a single unit. The monitor
often utilizes a touch screen as an optional method of user input; however detached
keyboards and mice are normally still included. The inner components of the PC are
often located directly behind the monitor, and many are built similarly to laptops.
1.9.3 Laptop
A laptop computer or simply laptop, also called a notebook computer or sometimes a

notebook, is a small personal computer designed for portability. Usually all of the
interface hardware needed to operate the laptop, such as USB ports (previously parallel
and serial ports), graphics card, sound channel, etc., is built in to a single unit. Laptops
contain high capacity batteries that can power the device for extensive periods of time,
enhancing portability. Once the battery charge is depleted, it will have to be recharged
through a power outlet. In the interest of saving power, weight and space, they usually
share RAM with the video channel, slowing their performance compared to an
equivalent desktop machine.
One main drawback of the laptop is sometimes, due to the size and configuration of
components, relatively little can be done to upgrade the overall computer from its
original design. Internal upgrades are either not manufacturer recommended, can
damage the laptop if done with poor care or knowledge, or in some cases impossible,
making the desktop PC more modular. Some internal upgrades, such as memory and
hard disks upgrades are often easy, a display or keyboard upgrade is usually impossible.
The laptop has the same access as the desktop to the wide variety of devices, such as
external displays, mice, cameras, storage devices and keyboards, which may be
attached externally through USB ports and other less common ports such as external
video.
23
A subtype of notebooks, called sub notebooks, are computers with most of the features
of a standard laptop computer but smaller. They are larger than hand-held computers,
and usually run full versions of desktop/laptop operating systems. Notebooks are
sometimes considered in this category, though they are sometimes separated in a
category of their own (see below).
1.9.4 Notebook
Notebooks (also called mini notebooks or sub notebooks) are a rapidly evolving
category of small, light and inexpensive laptop computers suited for general computing
and accessing web-based applications; they are often marketed as "companion
devices," that is, to augment a user's other computer access. At their inception in late
2007 — as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost— notebooks
omitted key features (e.g., the optical drive), featured smaller screens and keyboards,
and offered reduced specification and computing power. Over the course of their
evolution, notebooks have ranged in size from below 5 in to over 13 in, and from ~1
kg (2-3 pounds). Often significantly less expensive than other laptops, by mid-2009,
notebooks had been offered to users "free of charge", with an extended service contract
purchase. In the short period since their appearance, notebooks have grown in size and
features, now converging with new smaller, lighter notebooks.
1.9.5 Tablet PC
A tablet PC is a Notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer, first introduced by Pen

Computing in the early 90s with their Pen Go Tablet Computer and popularized by
24
Microsoft. Its Touch screen or graphics tablet/screen hybrid technology allows the user
to operate the computer with a stylus or digital pen, or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard
or mouse. The form factor offers a more mobile way to interact with a computer. Tablet
PCs are often used where normal notebooks are impractical or unwieldy, or do not
provide the needed functionality.
As technology and functionality continue to progress, prototype tablet PCs will

continue to emerge. The Microsoft Courier, a personal business device, has two 7"
monitors that support multi-touch gestures, Wi-Fi capabilities and has a built-in
camera. The device looks to be a replacement to traditional planners while offering
what most digital planners cannot, two pages and large writing spaces.
1.9.6 Ultra-Mobile PC
The ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) is a specification for a small form factor of tablet PCs. It
was developed as a joint development exercise by Microsoft, Intel, and Samsung,
among others. Current UMPCs typically feature the Windows XP, Windows Vista,
Windows 7, or Linux and operating system.
1.9.7 Pocket PC
25
A pocket PC is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer (personal
digital assistant) that runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system. It may
have the capability to run an alternative operating system like NetBSD or Linux. It has
many of the capabilities of modern desktop PCs.
1.9.8 Mid-range servers

A mid-range server is more powerful and larger than a workstation computer. Mid-
range servers can often support up to 4000 connected computers at the same time. Users
often access a minicomputer via a terminal. A terminal is a monitor and keyboard.
Such terminals are known as dumb terminals because they have no processing power
– they cannot act as stand alone computers and they need the minicomputer connected
to them at all times.
1.9.9 Mainframe Computers
Mainframes (often colloquially referred to as Big Iron) are powerful computers used
mainly by large organizations for critical applications, typically bulk data processing
such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and
financial transaction processing.
The term originally referred to the large cabinets that housed the central processing unit
and main memory of early computers. Later the term was used to distinguish high-end
commercial machines from less powerful units.
Most large-scale computer system architectures were firmly established in the 1960s
and most large computers were based on architecture established during that era up
until the advent of Web servers in the 1990s. There were several minicomputer
operating systems and architectures that arose in the 1970s and 1980s, but
minicomputers are generally not considered mainframes. (UNIX arose as a
minicomputer operating system; Unix has scaled up over the years to acquire some
mainframe characteristics.) Many defining characteristics of "mainframe" were
established in the 1960s, but those characteristics continue to expand and evolve to the
present day.
26
ARTICLE
Batters By, Jeffery; Farivar, Cyrus. Macworld. GET CONNECTED (cover story).
Jul2004, Vol. 21 Issue 7, p56, 9p, 2 charts, 3c; (AN 13460049)
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
1. Explain why it is important to be Computer literate
2. Define the terms computer
3. Identify the component of the computer.
4. Explain why computer is so powerful tool.
5. Differentiate amongst the various categories of computers.
6. Discuss the application of computers in the categories mentioned
27
TOPIC 2
2. SOFTWARE
____________________________________________________________________
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After studying this topic, you should be able to:

Explain the uses and different types of widely used software applications
Define and describe a User interface & a GUI
Define an operating system & describe its functions
List & describe the major operating systems being used today
Know the different types of computer languages
List software applications and communication software
2.1 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer software, or just software, is the collection of computer programs and

related data that provide the instructions telling a computer what to do. The term was
coined to contrast to the old term hardware (meaning physical devices). In contrast to
hardware, software is intangible, meaning it "cannot be touched". Software is also
sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only. Sometimes
the term includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computers, such
as film, tapes and records.
Examples of computer software include:
Application software includes end-user applications of computers such as word

processors or Video games, and ERP software for groups of users
Middleware controls and co-ordinates distributed systems
Programming languages define the syntax and semantics of computer programs. For
example, many mature banking applications were written in the COBOL language,
originally invented in 1959. Newer applications are often written in more modern
programming languages
System software includes operating systems, which govern computing resources.
Today large applications running on remote machines such as Websites are
considered to be system software, because the end-user interface is generally through
a Graphical user interface(GUI), such as a web browser
Test ware is software for testing hardware or a software package
Firmware is low-level software often stored on electrically programmable memory
devices. Firmware is given its name because it is treated like hardware and run
("executed") by other software programs
28
Shrink ware is the older name given to consumer bought software, because it was
often sold in retail stores in a shrink wrapped box
Device drivers control parts of computers such as disk drives, printers, CD drives,
or computer monitors
Programming tools help conduct computing tasks in any category listed above. For
programmers, these could be tools for debugging, or reverse engineering older legacy
systems in order to check source code compatibility.
2.2 TYPES OF SOFTWARE
Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes: system
software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is
arbitrary, and often blurred.
2.2.1 System Software

System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes a
combination of the following:
Device Drivers
Operating Systems
Servers
Utilities
Window Systems
The purpose of systems software is to unburden the applications programmer from the
often complex details of the particular computer being used, including such accessories
as communications devices, printers, device readers, displays and keyboards, and also
to partition the computer's resources such as memory and processor time in a safe and
stable manner. Examples are - Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
2.2.2 Programming Software

Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing
computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more
convenient way. The tools include:
Compilers
Debuggers
Interpreters
Linkers
Text Editors
An Integrated development environment (IDE) is a single application that attempts to
manage all these functions.
29
2.2.3 Application Software
Application software allows end users to accomplish one or more specific (not
directly computer development related) tasks. Typical applications include:
Industrial Automation
Business Software
Video Games
Quantum Chemistry and Solid State Physics Software
Telecommunications (i.e. The Internet And Everything That Flows On It)
Databases
Educational Software
Medical Software
Molecular Modeling Software
Image Editing
Spreadsheets
Simulation software
Word Processing
Decision Making Software
2.3 THE ROLE OF THE OPERATING SYSTEM AND USER INTERFACE
2.3.1 What is an Operating System?

Definition: An Operating System (OS) is software that governs the interaction between
application programs and hardware. The application programs cannot communicate with
the hardware directly and consequently, rely on the Operating System to communicate
with hardware on their behalf. The Operating System also manages and controls the
computer’s resources such as the CPU, memory and the hard disk and handles the input
and output of data. It coordinates the operation of all the hardware and software
components of the computer system.
The Operating System is responsible for starting application programs running and
finding the resources that they need. When an application program is running, the
Operating System manages the details of the hardware for it. For example, when you
type characters on the keyboard, the Operating System determines which application
program they are intended for and does the work of getting them there.
Modern Operating Systems usually come with a user interface that enables users to
interact with the Operating Systems themselves and with application programs.
You could liken the Operating System of a computer to a shopkeeper who keeps a shop
in order by attending to customers, handling supplier deliveries, stocking the shelves,
doing the book keeping and so on. The Operating System usually operates
30
behind the scenes, thereby ‘protecting’ the user from the mundane ‘housekeeping
chores’. Consequently, the user does not have to know all the complex low-level tasks
that are involved in interacting with hardware. In short, the purpose of the Operating
System is to make it simpler to use a computer.
Computer users need only to know how to perform high-level functions, such as
opening and working with programs, copying and deleting files and so on. However,
they need not worry about low-level functions such as looking up the physical location
of the file in the disk’s file allocation table (FAT), finding the pointer address of the
first block and segment, positioning the read/write head in the proper location, reading
the data to the initial disk cache…Well, I think you get the point!
All these complex low-level ‘housekeeping chores’ are transparent to the user, i.e., for
the user to operate a computer he does not need to know that all these functions are
taking place in the background.
User
Application Programs – Word, Excel, etc
Operating Systems – DOS, Windows, UNIX, Linux,

Mac OS, etc
Hardware – CPU, Memory, Hard Disk, etc
Above figure: Relationship between the user, the applications, the OS and hardware
The diagram above diagram depicts the relationship between the user, the application
programs, the Operating System and hardware. As the diagram clearly indicates, the
user interacts with the application program, which in turn interacts with the Operating
System; which subsequently interacts with the hardware. The user cannot interact
directly with hardware, because at a hardware level a computer talks in terms of 1’s
and 0’s or machine language. So the Operating System acts somewhat like a
translator between the user and hardware.
31
2.3.2 Operating Systems
Between the hardware and the application software lays the operating system. The
operating system is a program that conducts the communication between the various
pieces of hardware like the video card, sound card, printer, the motherboard and the
applications.
2.3.3 Functions of Operating System

Today most operating systems perform the following important functions:
1. Processor management, that is, assignment of processor to different tasks being

performed by the computer system.
2. Memory management, that is, allocation of main memory and other storage areas
to the system programmes as well as user programmes and data.
3. Input/output management, that is, co-ordination and assignment of the different
output and input device while one or more programmes are being executed
4. File management, that is, the storage of file of various storage devices to another. It
also allows all files to be easily changed and modified through the use of text editors
or some other files manipulation routines
5. Establishment and enforcement of a priority system. That is, it determines and
maintains the order in which jobs are to be executed in the computer system
6. Automatic transition from job to job as directed by special control statements
7. Interpretation of commands and instructions
8. Coordination and assignment of compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and other
software to the various user of the computer system
9. Facilities easy communication between the computer system and the computer
operator (human). It also establishes data security and integrity
2.4 ALLOCATING SYSTEM RESOURCES
The operating system directs the traffic inside the computer, deciding what resource
will be used and for how long.
Time Time in the CPU is divided into time slices which are measured in
milliseconds. Each task the CPU does is assigned a certain number of time
slices. When time expires, another task gets a turn. The first task must
wait until it has another turn. Since time slices are so small, you usually
can't tell that any sharing is going on. Tasks can be assigned priorities so
that high priority (foreground) tasks get more time slices than low
priority (background) tasks.
Memory Memory must be managed also by the operating system. All those rotating
turns of CPU use leave data waiting around in buffers. Care must be taken
not to lose data!! One way to help out the traffic jam is to use virtual
memory. This includes disk space as part of main memory. While it is
slower to put data on a hard disk, it increases the amount of
32
data that can be held in memory at one time. When the memory chips get
full, some of the data is paged out to the hard disk. This is called
swapping. Windows uses a swap file for this purpose.
Input and Flow control is also part of the operating system's responsibilities. The
output operating system must manage all requests to read data from disks or
tape and all writes to these and to printers.
To speed up the output to printers, most operating systems now allow for
print spooling, where the data to be printed is first put in a file. This frees
up the processor for other work in between the times data is going to the
printer. A printer can only handle so much data at a time. Without print
spooling you'd have to wait for a print job to finish before you can do
anything else. With it you can request several print jobs and go on
working. The print spool will hold all the orders and process them in turn.
2.5 MONITORING SYSTEM ACTIVITIES
System A user or administrator can check to see whether the computer or

performance network is getting overloaded. Changes could be made to the way
tasks are allocated or maybe a shopping trip is in order! System
performance would include response time (how long it takes for the
computer to respond when data is entered) and CPU utilization
(comparing the time the CPU is working to the time it is idle.)
System Some system security is part of the operating system, though

security additional software can add more security functions. For multiple
users who are not all allowed access to everything, there must be a
logon or login procedure where the user supplies a user ID and a
secret password. An administrator must set up the permissions list
of who can have access to what programs and what data.
2.6 WHAT IS A USER INTERFACE
In computer science and human-computer interaction, the user interface (of a computer
program) refers to the graphical, textual and auditory information the program presents
to the user, and the control sequences (such as keystrokes with the computer keyboard,
movements of the computer mouse, and selections with the touch screen) the user
employs to control the program.
2.6.1 Graphical User Interface

A graphical user interface (GUI) is a type of user interface item that allows people to
interact with programs in more ways than typing such as computers; hand-held devices
such as MP3 Players, Portable Media Players or Gaming devices; household appliances
and office equipment with images rather than text commands. A GUI
33
offers graphical icons, and visual indicators, as opposed to text-based interfaces, typed
command labels or text navigation to fully represent the information and actions
available to a user. The actions are usually performed through direct manipulation of
the graphical elements.[1]
Graphical user interfaces, such as Microsoft Windows and the one used by the Apple
Macintosh, feature the following basic components:
Pointer
A symbol that appears on the display screen and that you move to select objects and
commands. Usually, the pointer appears as a small angled arrow. Text - processing
applications, however, use an I-beam pointer that is shaped like a capital
Pointing device
A device, such as a mouse or trackball that enables you to select objects on the
display screen.
Icons
Small pictures that represent commands, files, or windows. By moving the pointer
to the icon and pressing a mouse button, you can execute a command or convert the
icon into a window. You can also move the icons around the display screen as if they
were real objects on your desk.
Desktop
The area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often referred to as the
desktop because the icons are intended to represent real objects on a real desktop
Windows
You can divide the screen into different areas. In each window, you can run a
different program or display a different file. You can move windows around the
display screen, and change their shape and size at will
Menus
Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a choice
from a menu.
2.7 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SWITCH ON A COMPUTER?
When you switch on your computer, the computer locates the initial instructions that
start it up in the ROM BIOS chip. Among other things, the other function of these BIOS
instructions is to locate the device where the Operating Systems resides and load it into
main memory, a process called booting. The process of booting was so named because
it is analogous to someone ‘pulling
34
Themselves up by their bootstraps’ (bootstraps is an old word for shoestrings). Once
the Operating System is up and running, it can be used to start up any other programs.
If for any reason the Operating System cannot be loaded, you will not be able to use
your computer because you cannot communicate with it. Reasons for the Operating
System not being loaded vary from the Operating System being corrupted by a virus,
for example, to the hard disk crashing and so on.
When the computer has booted (loaded the OS) successfully, the Operating System will
then start running silently. Mostly it is managing the user interface, waiting for some
input to tell it what to do.
2.8 THE BOOT PROCESS
When you first turn your computer on, it locates the ROM BIOS chip on your
motherboard. This BIOS chip has a program that was burnt into it at the factory and it
is this program that knows where to look for and how to access, the different hardware
resources, and the Operating System.
The program code on the BIOS chip is loaded into main memory and the computer
sequentially executes the same instructions. It carries out a power on self-test of several
hardware devices such as the video adapter card and other cards in the expansion slots.
It copies their configurations into main memory, and does a quick memory count.
The program then compares the information it has gathered with the information stored
in the CMOS chip’s setup program. If there are any discrepancies, it halts the boot
process and informs the user.
Finally the computer has to locate the Operating System. It looks in the floppy drive
first. If there is a disk in drive a, it must have Operating System files on it. If it does,
the Operating System is loaded into main memory. If the disk does not contain any
system files, the computer will halt and display the following error message:
Non-system disk. Insert boot disk and press any key when ready.
If there is no disk in the floppy drive, the computer checks the hard drive for the
Operating System files and, once found, continued to load the Operating System into
main memory.
2.9 IMPORTANT OPERATING SYSTEM FILES
The program mentioned in the above section, in loading the Operating System,
precisely locates and loads in memory a hidden system file on your boot disk, called
IO.SYS. After IO.SYS has been loaded in memory it also locates another hidden
35
system file called MSDOS.SYS and loads it as well. MSDOS.SYS in turn locates a file
called Command.com, the command interpreter, and loads it. This file is the only
Operating System file that is not hidden and is always located in the root directory of
your boot disk.
There are two other files worth mentioning, although they are not part of the Operating
System, namely, Config.sys and Autoexec.bat
Config.sys is a user-configurable text file that usually contains device drivers and
system setup values.
Autoexec.bat is another user-configurable text file that is used to set system

environment variables e.g. screen and memory settings. Autoexec.bat is the right place
to put commands that you want to be executed every time the computer starts up. If
these two files are not present the Operating System will skip them, but as long as they
are available, they are run every time your computer starts up.
2.10 FILE AND DISK MANAGEMENT
2.10.1 What is a File?

A file is collection of characters or bytes or information treated as a single unit. A file
has a name and an extension e.g. sales.xls. Sales are the name of the file and xls is the
extension given by the application program MS Excel. It is the user who decides on the
name of the file and it is the program that gives the extension to that file the different
types of files and the extension determines the type of file.
2.10.2 Types of File

Application or Programme Files
Driver Files
Systems Files
Document or Text Files
Sound Files
Video or Animation Files
Graphic or Image Files
Keeping track of what files are where is a major job. If you can't find a file, it doesn't
help to know that it is safe and secure somewhere. So an operating system comes with
basic file management commands. A user needs to be able to create directories for
storing files.
(Dumping everything in one pile soon becomes the needle-in-the-haystack story.) A

user needs to copy, move, delete, and rename files. This is the category of operating
system functions that the user actually sees the most. A more technical task is that of
disk management. Under some operating systems your hard disk can be divided up,
or partitioned into several virtual disks. The operating system treats each virtual disk
as though it were a physically separate disk. Managing several physical and/or
36
virtual disks can get pretty complex, especially if some of the Disks are set up with
different operating systems. (Some folks are never satisfied with just one of anything!)
2.11 SINGLE PROGRAM AND MULTITASKING OF OPERATING SYSTEM
The first allows only one program to run at a time. This means that if you are working
in a spreadsheet and want to write a memo, you must shut down the spreadsheet
application and open up a word processor. This is annoying, especially if you need to
quote some data from the spreadsheet in your memo! So new operating systems were
designed that allowed multiple programs to run at the same time.
The simplest form is multi-tasking. What this really means is that the programs are
taking turns with the processor. It allows a single user to have the spreadsheet and the
word processor open at the same time, and even more. Now the user can see to copy
data from one to the other. Much better!!
The computer must decide on how many time slices each program gets. The active
program gets the most. Next is a program that are doing things but which aren't the
foreground program. Last is a program that is open but aren't doing anything. They
need a little bit of time every now and then to see if they are supposed to do something
yet.
The next step up in complexity is multiple users. On a network several users can be
using the same computer or even the same program on that computer. This is called
time-sharing.
If a computer has multiple CPUs, it can do multiprocessing. Rather than a single CPU
giving out turns to various programs, the different CPUs can work simultaneously.
Speed increases immensely. Of course cost does, too!
It is possible for a computer to use more than one operating system through the use of
virtual machines. "Virtual" means it's not really there. But programs written for
different operating systems are fooled into thinking their required operating system is
present.
37
2.12 COMMON OPERATING SYSTEMS
Originally the operating system was created by each company that manufactured a
processor and motherboard. So each operating system was proprietary, that is, unique
to each manufacturer. Problem: changing to a new computer meant your software had
to be replaced! Not good marketing. So there was pressure early on to standardize
things so that software could be transferred to the new (and of course better!) computer.
This required more standardization in operating systems.
The winner in the PC market was MS-DOS, Microsoft's Disk Operating System, and
its twin at IBM, PC-DOS, also written by Microsoft. Now it's hard to recall those days
when each computer had its own unique operating system. More on DOS Commands
2.13 THE HISTORY OF WINDOWS
When Microsoft Windows was developed, about two decades ago, it was not really an
Operating System; it was more of an operating environment. Windows would rely on
DOS to boot the system and was then launched through a statement that the user had
to include in his Autoexec.bat file, i.e. C:\Windows\Win.com
Windows came of age in the early 90s with the release of Windows for Workgroups
version 3.11, the first version of Windows to have networking capability. The author
still recalls this version of Windows with fond memories.
In December 1995, Microsoft launched a version of Windows that was truly an

Operating System in its own right. It did not need DOS to boot the computer for it, it
would accomplish that own its own. However, DOS still existed within it. This new
Operating System included a fully-fledged Web Browser called Internet Explorer.
Hitherto, Netscape Navigator had been the dominant Web Browser, but by releasing
Windows 95 bundled with Internet Explorer, Microsoft had placed a fatwa on
Netscape’s head. Throughout its history, Microsoft has demonstrated its vision, strong
survival instincts, and an uncanny ability to forecast what the market wants. In line
with this philosophical observation, Microsoft has a proven track record as a super-
efficient killer of competitors.
2.14 THE WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM
The Windows Operating System boasts a GUI (pronounced gooey) interface. The user
interacts with Windows by clicking on small graphic images on the screen called icons.
With Windows there
Is no need to ‘carry’ commands in your head any more (Contrast DOS)? Most of the
icons are designed in such a way that they are suggestive of their function. The
38
computer icon, for example, is an image depicting a desktop computer and the My
Briefcase icon in an image of a real brief case. As a result of this, Windows is several
times more user-friendly than DOS. Through Windows, Microsoft has managed to de-
mystify computers. In the Old days of cryptic Operating Systems like UNIX,
computers were solely for power users like Engineers and Scientists. With Windows
computers are truly for every one, including the semi-literate.
Please Note: The Windows Boot Process is very similar to the DOS Boot Process,
except that apart from IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS and COMMAND.COM, Windows loads
additional files such as DRVSPACE.BIN, SYSTEM.DAT, USER.DAT,
SYSTEM.INI, WIN.INI and others. Refer to the DOS Boot Process.
Windows 95 and Windows 98 are actual operating systems on their own. The previous
versions of Windows use DOS as the operating system and adding a graphical user
interface which will do multitasking. But with Windows 95, Microsoft released an
operating system that can take advantage of the 32-bit processors.
Windows Me (Windows Millennium Edition) is an upgrade of Windows 98, release

date Sept. 14, 2000. The system resources required for this operating system are
significantly higher than previous versions of Windows.
Windows NT (the NT apparently came from New Technology) is an operating system

for client-server type networks. The latest version of NT has a user interface that is
practically identical to Windows 95. Since Windows NT is designed for the higher
demands of networks, it has higher demands itself for disk space and memory.
Windows 2000 is an upgrade of Windows NT rather than of Windows 98?
Windows XP an upgrade to Windows 2000. It comes in two versions - Home and

Professional. The Professional version contains all the features of the Home version
plus more business features, like networking and security features.
Windows CE is for small devices like palmtop and handheld computers. Late versions
of a number of major applications are available to run on these devices. You can link
your small computer to a regular one to synchronize documents and data.
Windows 7 is the latest public release version of Microsoft Windows, a series of

operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including
home and business desktops, laptops, notebooks, tablet PCs, and media centre PCs.[3]
Windows 7 was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, [4] and reached general
retail availability on October 22, 2009, [5] less than three years after the release of its
predecessor, Windows Vista. Windows 7's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008
R2, was released at the same time. Unlike its predecessor, who introduced a large
number of new features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental
upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being fully compatible with
39
applications and hardware with which Windows Vista is already compatible. [6]
Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touch support, a redesigned
Windows Shell with a new taskbar, referred to as the Super bar, a home networking
system called Home Group,[7] and performance improvements. Some applications that
have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, including Windows
Calendar, Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery, are
not included in Windows 7; most are instead offered separately as part of the free
Windows Live Essentials suite.
2.15 LANGUAGE TYPES
Programming has changed a lot since the first computers were created. The original
programs were very simple and straight forward compared to today's elaborate
databases, word processors, schedulers, and action games.
Different computer languages have been created with which to write these
increasingly complex computer programs. They can be categorized based on how close
to normal speech they are, and thus how far from the computer's internal language.
Machine The language of the CPU (The central processing unit of the
Languages computer, which is the part that does the "thinking"). The lowest
level language. Composed of 0's and 1's
Assembly Abbreviations for machine language

Languages
High-Level Use program statements - words and algebra-type expressions.
Languages Developed in the 50's and 60's.
After a program is written in one of the high-level languages, it must
be either compiled or interpreted.
A compiler program rewrites the program into machine language
that the CPU can understand. This is done all at once and the
program is saved in this new form. A compiled program is generally
considerably larger than the original.
An interpreter program translates the program statements into
machine language one line at a time as the program is running. An
interpreted program will be smaller than a compiled one but will
take longer to execute.
4th 4GL. Very high-level languages. These are results oriented and
Generation include database query languages. There are fewer options for
Languages programmers, but the programs are much easier to write than in
lower level languages. These too must be compiled or interpreted.
Natural 5th Generation Languages. We don't really have any programming
40
Languages languages yet that use natural language. In such a language you would
write statements that look like normal sentences. For example, instead
of odd-looking code you would write "Who are the salesmen with
sales over $20,000 last month?"
2.16 INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS
Application software can be used for the following purposes:
(1) As a productivity/business tool

(2) To assist with graphics and multimedia projects
(3) To support household activities for personal business, or for education
(4) To facilitate communication
Home/
Graphic
Productivity/Business Personal/
Design/Multimedia
Educational
Word Processing Computer Aided Integrated Software
Design
Spread Sheet Desktop Personal Finance
Publishing
Database Paint/Image Legal
Editing
Presentation Video and Audio Tax Preparation
Graphics Editing
Personal Multimedia Desktop Publishing
Information Authoring
Manager
Software Suite Web Page Paint/Image Editing
Authoring
Project Home
Management Design/Landscaping
Accounting Educational /
Reference/Entertainment
2.16.1 Productivity/Business Software Packages

This software is designed to make people more effective and efficient while performing
daily activities. Table below lists some of the more popular Productivity Software.
41
Software Application Popular Packages
Microsoft Word
Corel Word Perfect
Word Processing
Lotus Word Pro
Microsoft Pocket Word
Microsoft Excel
Corel Quattro Pro
Spread Sheet
Lotus 1-2-3
Microsoft Pocket Excel
Microsoft Access
Corel Paradox
Database Lotus Approach
Microsoft Visual FoxPro
Oracle
Microsoft Power-point
Presentation Graphics Corel Presentations
Lotus Freelance Graphics
Microsoft Outlook
Corel CENTRAL
Lotus Organizer
Personal Information Manager
Microsoft Pocket Outlook
Palm Desktop
Palm Multi-Mail
Microsoft Office
Software Suite Corel WordPerfect Office
Lotus Smart Suite
Microsoft Project
Project Management Primavera Sure-Trak Project
Manager
Intuit Quick Books
Accounting Peachtree Complete
Accounting
2.17 GRAPHICS AND MULTIMEDIA EQUIPMENT
In addition to productivity software, many individuals also work with software

designed specifically for their field of work. Power users such as engineers, architects,
desktop publishers, and graphic artists for example use powerful software that allows
them to work with graphics and multimedia.
Here is a list of the popular graphics and multimedia equipment
42
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is a sophisticated type of application software
that assists the user in creating engineering architectural and scientific designs
Desktop Publishing Software allows you to create sophisticated documents using
a combination of text, graphics and brilliant colours; professional graphic designers
use it
Image Editing Software allows you to create images and edit existing images as
well as the one you have created
Video and Audio editing Software Allows you to edit segments of audio and
video clips
Multimedia Authoring Software also called auto ware, allow you to combine
text, graphics, audio, video and animation into an interactive presentation
Web Page Authoring Software helps users of all skill levels create web pages that
include graphical images, video, audio, animation and other special effects
2.18 SOFTWARE FOR COMMUNICATION
One of the most valuable aspects of software is its capability of supporting

communication. Certain applications are specifically designed to facilitate
communication thus allowing you to share information with others.
The following is a list of some communication software:
Groupware identifies any type of software that helps groups of people on the
network collaborate on projects and share information
E-mail is the transmission of messages via a computer network such as a local
area network or internet
FTP is a method of downloading and uploading the files to the internet.
Web browser allows you to access or view web pages
Chat rooms permit users to chat with each other via the computer.
Newsgroups also called a discussion, is an online area on the web where users
conduct written discussions about a particular subject.
Instant messaging (IM) is a real-time communications service that notifies you
when one or more people are online and then allows you to exchange messages or
files with them or join a private chat room.
A videoconference is a meeting between two or more geographically separated
people who use a network on the Internet to transmit audio and video data.
2.19 LEARNING AIDS AND SUPPORT TOOLS
Learning how to use an application software package or the web effectively involves
time and practice. To aid you in the learning process many software packages have the
following facilities:
Online help is the electronic equivalent to a user manual
43
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is used to find answers to the most
commonly asked questions
Tutorials are step by step instructions that show you how to use an application
ARTICLES
Albro, Edward N. LONGHORN TO ARRIVE SHORT ON FEATURES.PC

World, Nov2004, Vol. 22 issue 11, p22, 1/2p. 1c; (AN 14692669)
Fox, Steve. How Long Can a File Name Be? PC World, Nov2004, Vol. 22 Issue
11, p41, 1/8p; (AN 14690460)
Economist. On to the desktop. 10/23/2004
Chen, Christine Y, Fortune. HOW SECURE IS YOUR MACHINE? 10/18/2004
44
CASE STUDY
In 2000, Crystal Flash decided to revamp its outdated sales practices that led to
customers being called on by more than one salesperson, creating heavy
administrative workloads. A committee consisting of representatives from sales,
marketing and information systems was formed to determine how to establish a more
uniform and efficient set of sales processes. The group focused on implementing a
sales management software application. After six months of work, they decided that
a custom sales management application would be too expensive due to the required
consulting, hardware, on going maintenance and licensing fees. They spend the next
six months reviewing and evaluating existing sales management software packages.
The solution they chose was Salesnet Sales Force Automation, a software application
that runs on saver hardware owned and operated by Salesnet, a sales software
application service provider.
The Salesnet Process Builder software module enables sales organizations to define
and build their own sales processes. Crystal Flash was able to define a set of standard
sales processes that will reinforce effective selling and closing behaviors among all
its sales reps. No longer are Crystal Flash’s sales reps spending time completing
unnecessary paperwork. They are able to use the software’s calendar, scheduling,
and contact management features to support greater teamwork. In addition, use of
the software enables Crystal Flash’s managers to access real-time information about
sales team activities and to obtain sales reports, forecasts and customer information.
Sales reps can access the Internet-based application through desktop PCs, by dialing
up through notebook computers or wirelessly on smaller devices. Because Salesnet
is a hosted application, there is no upfront capital investment in software, hardware,
IT resources, or on going maintenance fees. As a result Crystal Flash saved up to
$100,000 over other solutions. (Source: Principles of Information Systems (2003) by
Ralph M Stair and George W Reynolds)
Questions
1. Which problems did Crystal Flash face before they engaged Salesnet Sales Force
Automation software?
2. What are the benefits of this new system for Crystal Flash?
3. What is a User Interface? Describe how Crystal Flash would interface with this
new software for effective communication?
4. Why did Crystal Flash abandon the use of a custom sales management application
software?
45
TOPIC 3
____________________________________________________________________
3. THE SYSTEM UNIT
____________________________________________________________________
LEARNING OUTCOMES

Define a systems unit & identify its components
Describe the use & functions of these components
Describe how a CPU processes data
Differentiate between RAM & ROM & explain their uses & characteristics
Explain what a machine language is & its purpose
Define a bit and explain how data is represented in a computer
Explain how different bit patterns are used to represent characters
Explain the use of the binary, decimal & hexadecimal number systems
3.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SYSTEM UNIT
A system unit is sometimes called a box or main unit /the main part of a personal
computer. The system unit includes the chassis, microprocessor, main memory, bus,
and ports, but does not include the keyboard or monitor, or any peripheral devices. The
system unit which houses electronic components is a box-like case that is made of
plastic or metal and is designed to protect the components from damage. On a desktop
computer, the electronic components and storage devices are inside the unit and the
peripherals are situated on the outside. However, on a laptop most of the components
are housed inside.
46
3.2 THE COMPONENTS OF A SYSTEM UNIT
3.2.1 The Motherboard

The motherboard / system board is the circuit board to which many of the electronic
components are attached to. One of the components attached to the motherboard is a
chip. A chip is a small piece of semi-conductor on which one or more integrated
circuits (IC) are attached. An IC is a microscopic pathway that can carry electrical
current and may contain millions of transistors. The motherboard contains different
types of chips and one of the most important chips is the Central Processing unit
(CPU).
3.2.2 Central Processing Unit

The CPU interprets and carries out basic instruction that operates a computer. The CPU
is also called a processor, significantly impacts on overall computing power and
manages most of the computer operations. Most of the devices connected to the
computer communicate with the CPU in order to carry out a task.
3.2.3 Components of the CPU

Control Unit: Executes the instructions given to the computer, it co-ordinates and
directs most of the activities in the computer
Arithmetic Logic Unit: Performs the arithmetic comparison and logical

operations.
Pipelining: In some Computers the CPU executes only one instruction at a time.
The second instructions wait until completion of first instruction. With Pipelining
the CPU begins executing the second instruction before it completes the first
instruction thus results in faster processing
47
System Clock: The CPU relies in a small chip called the System Clock to control
the timing of all computer operations.
3.2.4 Memory
While performing a processing operation, a processor needs a place to temporarily
store instructions to be executed and the data to be used with those instructions. A
48
computer’s memory is used to store data, instructions and information. The
computers memory stores basically three things:
The operating system and other system software used to operate the computer
Application programs designed to carry out a specific task e.g. word processing
The data being processed by the application programs.
3.3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEMORY
RAM (Random Access Memory) - When the computer is powered on, certain
operating system files are loaded from storage devices onto RAM. These files
remain in RAM as long as the computer is running. RAM is volatile, means items
stored in RAM are lost when the computer is turned off. For this reason any item
that needed for future use needs to be saved.
Cache – Most of today’s computers improve their processing time by using cache.
Cache helps speed the process of the computer by storing frequently used
instructions and data. The rationale is that the processor is likely to request these
items over and over again. When the processor needs an instruction it first searches
cache.
ROM (Read Only Memory) - is the name given to memory chips that can store
data that can only be read. The data stored on ROM chips cannot be modified –
hence the name read only. ROM is non-volatile i.e. the contents of the computer is
not lost when the computer is turned off. ROM stores information such as the
sequence of instructions the computer follows to load the operating system and other
information when you first turn the computer on.
CMOS (Complementary metal oxide semi conductor) - is used to store

configuration information about the computer e.g. type of disk drives, keyboard,
monitor, etc.
3.4 HOW DATA IS REPRESENTED IN A COMPUTER
To fully understand the way a computer processes data, it is important to understand

the way the data is represented in the computer. Computers are digital i.e. they
understand only two discrete states: on and off. This is because electronic goods only
have two states i.e. on and off. These two states can be represented easily by using two
digits 0 for off and 1 for on.
The number system referred to above is called the binary system, because of its two
digits 0 and 1. Each on or off digit is called a bit (binary digit) and represents the
smallest unit of data a computer can handle. By itself a bit is not very informative but
when 8 bits are grouped together as a unit they are called a byte. A byte is very
informative because it contains enough different combinations of 0s and 1s to
49
represent 256 individual characters including, numbers, upper and lower case letters of
the alphabet, punctuation and other characters such as the Greek alphabet.
3.5 STORAGE DEVICES
3.5.1 What are Bits?

Every computer has electronic devices called transistors inside it. A transistor is
basically an electronic switch that is either on or off. In the computer world the on is
represented by a 1 (one) and the off is represented by a 0 (zero). If it were possible to
peer inside the bowels of a computer, one would see millions of transistors in different
states, some on and some off. Binary mathematics was chosen to model what takes
place in the bowels of a computer because the electronic devices that make up a
computer are bistable (two states). Just as unary stands for one, binary stands for two.
The 0’s and 1’s that are used to represent information inside a computer are called
binary digits or bits for short. One bit can represent only two unique states, i.e., on and
off.
A good analogy would be a light bulb. It is either on or off. If you wanted to use one
light bulb in your bedroom to communicate a message to a friend who lives across the
street you would only be able to communicate two facts i.e.
On means ‘I am in and I am reading’ and off means ‘I am out’.
In the above scenario you would not be able to communicate a third fact like ‘I am in
and I am playing poker.’ So once your friend sees the light on, he would assume
(wrongly off course) that you are in and you are reading.
Therefore, with only one bit we would not be able to represent the alphabet, for
example, because we have twenty-six uppercase letters and twenty-six lowercase
letters, which give fifty-two unique states.
To avoid confusion in the computer industry, the American National Standards

Institute (ANSI), developed a code to represent keyboard characters, called the ASCII
code. ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. For
example the letter A is 01000001 in ASCII code. The original ASCII code used 7 bits
to represent characters and one bit for error correction. The bit used for error correction
is called the parity bit.
Seven bits gave the original ASCII code the ability to represent 2 characters i.e., 128
characters. IBM, however, later developed another code called the extended ASCII
code, which uses all the 8 bits in a byte to represent characters (no parity bit is
employed). This extended ASCII code is able to represent 256 characters, i.e. 2.The 8
bits that form one character constitute a byte. Inside a computer, the word ACE, for
example will be represented as follows: 010000051100001511000511
50
So the word ACE is made up of 3 bytes and will obviously occupy 3 bytes of storage
space on a secondary storage device, provided it is typed as pure text. Secondary
storage devices such as floppy disks and hard disks store information on them
permanently (Contrast RAM). Even if power is switched off data stored on a secondary
storage device will not be erased. It will remain there and can be accessed days, weeks,
months or even years later.
Please do not confuse memory with storage space on a secondary storage device.
Memory refers to the amount of RAM installed in your system, whereas storage space
refers to the capacity of your hard disk or floppy disk, whichever the case maybe. The
capacity of a floppy disk or hard disk is measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes or
even gigabytes. But what are these bytes? Do they bite?
A byte is a group of 8 bits.

A Kilobyte (KB) is 1024 bytes of information (Approx. 1000 bytes).
A Megabyte (MB) is 1024 Kilobytes or 1024 X 1024 bytes (Approx. a million bytes)
A Gigabyte (GB) is 1024 Megabytes or 1024 X 1024 X 1024 bytes (Approx. a billion
bytes).
A Terabyte (TB) is 1024 Gigabytes.
Please Note: 1024 = 210

1024 X 1024 =220
1024 X 1024 X 1024 =240
Do not confuse Kilobyte (KB) with Kilobit (Kb) and Megabyte (MB) with Megabit
(Mb). Speeds over networks and modem speeds for example are measured in Kilobits
per second or Megabits per second (Kbps or Mbps).
Data is stored on secondary storage devices in the form of files. A file is a related set
of bytes that has been given a name and is stored on a storage device such as a floppy
disk, a hard disk or CD ROM.
ARTICLE
Dreier, Troy. Working Together. PC Magazine,7/6/2004, Vol. 23 Issue12, p88, 1p, 2c;
(AN 13439243)
51
1. What is System Unit? Explain the components of System Unit
2. What is Central Processing Unit? Explain the components of Central Processing

Unit?
3. What is Memory? Explain different types of Memory?
4. Explain how data is represented in a Computer?
5. Define terms:
a. Motherboard
b. Control Unit
c. Arithmetic Logic Unit
d. Pipelining
e. System Clock
f. RAM (Random Access Memory)
g. Cache
h. ROM (Read Only Memory)
i. CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor)
j. Bit
k. Byte
52
TOPIC 4
4. INPUT AND OUTPUT
LEARNING OUTCOMES

List the various types of input & how the computer uses them
Define input & output
Explain how to use the various function keys of a keyboard & describe its features
Know how a mouse & the various other pointing devices are used & how they
operate
Describe the different methods of source data automation
List & describe the various types of output devices
Describe the various types of printed output
Recognize & identify different types of display devices
List & explain the differences between impact & non – impact printers
4.1 DEFINING INPUT
Input is any data or instructions you enter into the memory of the computer. Once
input is in memory, the CPU can access it and process the input into output.
There are four types of inputs:

Data is a collection of unorganized facts that can include words, numbers and
pictures. A computer manipulates and processes data into information
Program, is a series of instructions that tells a computer how to perform the tasks
necessary to process data into information
Command, is an instruction given to a computer program. A command is issued
when typing in a keyword or pressing any special keys on the keyboard
User response, is an instruction you give to the computer by replying to the question
posed by the computer program, such as Do you want to save the changes made?
4.1.1 Input Devices

An input device is any hard ware device that allows you to enter data, programs or
commands, and user responses into the computer. Input devices include keyboard,
pointing devices, scanners, reading devices, and digital cameras, audio and video input
devices.
53
Keyboard
It is the primary input devices on the computer. You enter data into the computer by
pressing the keys on the keyboard.
There are different types of Keyboards for Personal Computers, Handheld Computers
and Computers appliances.
1) Enhanced Keyboard: This is a normal keyboard for personal computers having 12

functions keys on the top, 2 ctrl keys, 2 alt keys etc.
2) Cordless Keyboard: This is a battery-powered device that transmits data using
wireless technology
3) Inbuilt Keyboard: This is a like enhanced keyboard but it is built in for Laptops,
Notebooks etc
4) Portable keyboard: This is a pocket sized portable keyboard, which can attach and
remove from a handheld computer.
Pointing Devices
A pointing device is any input device that allows you to control a pointer on the screen.
In a graphical user interface a pointer is a small symbol on the screen. Types of pointing
devices:
Mouse is an input device used to control the movement of the pointer. The top of the
mouse has one to four buttons, and some have a wheel on it and the bottom of the
mouse is flat and contains a multi – directional mechanism usually a small ball.
As the mouse is moved over a horizontal surface a pointer moves on the computer
screen. In most programs you will use the left mouse button to make a selection.
The right mouse button is used to bring up a context-sensitive sub-menu of special
commands.
Types of Mice
PS/2 Mouse – the PS/2 connector used by this type of mouse is the same as the PS/2
connector used by the keyboard.
Serial Mouse – this type of mouse connects to the System Unit using a DB-9 female
connector.
USB Mouse – a newer type of mouse connects to the System Unit using a USB port.
Cordless Mouse – another new type of mouse is the cordless type, which has no
cable connecting it to the system unit but uses infrared light to communicate with the
System Unit.
Bus Mouse – this type of mouse is virtually obsolete. It used to come with its own
expansion card and would connect to the motherboard through this expansion card. The
rationale behind the introduction of this mouse was to free up a COM port for use with
another serial device, such as a modem. It became obsolete however because
54
it would waste a whole expansion slot and it would take up an IRQ channel (Interrupt
Request).
The Microphone
The microphone is another input device. It allows the computer to receive and record
sound. The microphone is necessary for voice recognition software and any type of
software that needs to record sound.
The Scanner
Scanners allow you to transfer pictures, photographs and text into your computer. This
is an example of going from a hard copy to a soft copy (or digital image). You can then
take that digital image (also called a bitmap) and use it in a paint program like Paint,
print it out or send it out as a fax. With Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
software you can convert printed documents such as newspaper articles to text that you
can use in your word processor.
Trackball is a stationary pointing device with a ball mechanism on the top. To move the
pointer using the trackball you rotate the ball mechanism using you thumb, finger or the
palm of your hand
Touch pad is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and
motion. To move the pointer you slide your finger across the surface of the pad
Pointing Stick is a pressure sensitive pointing device shaped like a pencil eraser. Because
of its small size the device was positioned between the keyboard keys. To move the pointer
you push the pointing stick to the direction you want the pointer to move with your finger
Joystick and Wheel used mostly for games. It is a vertical lever mounted on a base. You
move the lever in different directions to control the action of the vehicle or player
Light Pen is a handheld input device that can detect the presence of light. Some light pens
require a specially designed monitor
Touch screen, interaction with the computer is done through touching areas of the screen
with your fingers, which in turn acts as the input device
Stylus, electronic pen is used to input data into the computer. The pen can be used to point
at onscreen objects and write or draw objects and many handheld computer supports
handwriting input through a stylus
The Modem
A modem, sometimes classified as a communication device, is an input as well as an
output device. The word modem is actually a contraction of the words Modulator-
Demodulator.
The function of a modem is to connect computers to the Internet. The reason why a
modem is required is that computers use digital signals (1’s and 0’s) whereas telephone
lines use analogue signals. A modem is therefore required to convert digital signals to
analogue signals.
52
55
(A process called modulation) for placement on the telephone wire. Before the signals
reach the computer on the receiving end, they need to be converted from analogue to
digital again.
(A process called demodulation). Every modem is capable of doing both modulation

and demodulation.
Modem speeds started at 2.4 Kbps (Kilobits per second) and progressed as follows: 4.8
Kbps, then 9.6 Kbps, then 19.2 Kbps, then 33.6 Kbps up to 56 Kbps, which is the fastest
analogue modem speed to date. The Kbps unit is usually abridged to K, so you may
hear of a ‘56 K modem’ more often than a ’56 Kbps modem’. In the old days the unit
of measurement of modem speed was the baud rate, so 2.4 Kbps was referred to as
2400 baud.
The Digital Camera

Digital cameras allow you to take digital photographs. The images are stored in the
memory of the camera and can be later downloaded into the computer. Some cameras
can also capture sound and video.
Scanners and Reading Devices

Some devices make the input process more efficient by eliminating the manual entry
of data. Instead of the person entering the data using a keyboard or pointing device,
these devices capture data from the source document, which is the original form of
the document.
Types of Scanners and Reading devices:

Optical Scanner, simply called a scanner, is a light sensitive input device that reads
printed text and graphics and then transmits the results into a form the computer can
understand.
Optical Character recognition is technology that involves reading typewritten,

computer printed or handwritten characters from ordinary documents and
translating them into a form that the computer can understand.
Optical mark recognition (OMR) devices read hand- drawn marks such as small circles or
rectangles.
Bar Code Scanner uses laser beams to read barcodes. A bar code is a set of vertical lines
and spaces of different widths.
56
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) reader is used to read text printed
with magnetized ink. MICR is exclusively used in the banking industry for check
processing.
4.2 OUTPUT DEVICES
An output device is a device that is used to get data out of the computer system to
the outside world (the human world).
The Monitor
The computer monitor is the most important output device. Strange as it may look, a
computer can work without a monitor but we cannot work with a computer without a
monitor.
Audio and Video Input

Audio Input is the process of entering music, speech or sound effects. To record
high quality personal sound your computer must have a soundcard. Sound is
entered via a device such as a microphone, tape player, or audio CD player which
plugs into the port of your computer.
Video Input is the process of entering a full motion recording into a computer and
storing the video onto a hard disk or some other medium. To capture the video you
must plug a video camera into a video capture card which is an expansion card that
converts analogue signal into digital signal so that the computer can understand.
Input Devices for Handheld Computers

The primary input data method on most is the stylus. A handheld computer typically
includes a basic stylus. With the stylus you can enter data in two ways: use an on screen
keyboard or use hand writing recognition software.
Another way of input to handheld computer is you can attach a full sized
keyboard to your handheld computer (Portable keyboard)
57
Another way is you can type on the desktop and you can transfer the data to the
handheld computer
4.3 DEFINITION OF OUTPUT
Output is data that has been processed into a useful form called information. You may
choose to view this information on a monitor, print it on a printer, or listen to it through
speakers or headsets. There are four common types of outputs:
Text consists of characters that are used to create words, sentences or paragraphs
Graphics are digital representations of non-text information such as drawings,
charts and photographs. Graphics can also be animated, giving them the illusion of
motion
Audio is music speech or any other sound
Video consists of images that are played back at speeds that provide the
appearance of full motion
4.4 DISPLAY DEVICES
Display device is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics and video
information. Information shown on a display device is called soft copy, because the
information exists electronically and is displayed for a temporary period only. Display
Devices include:
CRT Monitors : CRT monitors (Cathode Ray Tube monitors) are popular for
desktop computers.
Flat – Panel Display Devices: Flat-panel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) models are
used mostly for portable computers but are also starting to be used with desktop
computers. They are expensive but take up less desk space, give out no radiation
and do not flicker. Laptops, Notebooks, Handheld Computers, eBooks, Mobile
Phones comes under LCD models
High Definition Television
The monitor receives signals from a video display adapter card inside the computer and
it gives the user a graphical or textual display. A complete display system consists of
a video display adapter and a monitor. A video display adapter (also called video card)
is an expansion card that provides a data pathway from the motherboard to the monitor.
A computer monitor looks somewhat like a TV screen and displays images composed
of dots called pixels or picture elements. The numbers of dots that make up an image,
determine the sharpness and clarity or resolution of the image. For example, a
resolution of 800 pixels x 600 pixels will give a sharper and clearer picture than a
resolution of 640 pixels x 480 pixels.
58
Whereas CRT monitors (Cathode Ray Tube monitors) are popular for desktop
computers, flat-panel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) models are used mostly for
portable computers but are also starting to be used with desktop computers. They are
expensive but take up less desk space, give out no radiation and do not flicker. Monitors
can be monochrome or colour, though colour is almost universal these days except in
palm-size computers.
When choosing a monitor, you want a high-resolution, Non-Interlaced monitor. The

so-called NI monitor does not flicker when it refreshes or redraws the image on the
screen. The most common monitor size is 14” (measured diagonally). However, if you
can afford it, a 15” or better still a 17”, is recommended.
4.5 VIDEO ADAPTER CARDS
In the old days PC Monitors were basically monochrome in nature, i.e. capable of
producing only one colour. Subsequent to the monochrome monitor a video adapter
card called a Colour Graphics Adapter (CGA) introduced colour to the personal
computer. It could achieve resolutions of 320 x 200 and had a palette of 16 colours.
With the introduction of the Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) by IBM, monitors
were able to achieve a resolution of 650 x 350 pixels and could display 16 colours from
a palette of 64.
For some time in the computer industry, colours were produced digitally by the use of
three electron guns, one red, one green and one blue (RGB). These monitors were
driven by 8 bit adapter cards and could produce a total of 16 colors. Shortly after this,
IBM came up with the idea of developing an analogue display system that could
produce 64 different levels of intensity. This new Video Graphics Array (VGA)
adapter was capable of a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and could display up to 256
colours from a palette of 26 000.This technology soon became the de facto standard for
almost every video adapter card and monitor being developed.
The SVGA (Super Video Graphical Array) standard later succeeded the VGA
standard. More features and enhancements were added to the VGA technology.
59
Step 1: The Processor sends video data
to the video card
Processor
Step 2: The Video Card’s

digital to analog converter
(DAC) converts the digital
data to an analog signal.
Video Card
Step 3: The Analog signal is sent
though a cable to the CRT monitor
Step 4: The Step 5: Electron

CRT monitor guns fire the
separates the three color
analog signal signals to the
into Red, green, front of the CRT
and blue signals
Step 6: An Image is displayed on the

screen when the electrons hit phosphor
dots on the back of the screen.
Suggested Maximum Possible

Standard
Resolution Colors
Monochrome Display
Adapter (MDA)
Video Graphics Array
(VGA)
Extended Graphics
Array (XGA)
Super Video Graphics
Array (SVGA)
Beyond SVGA
57
60
SVGA could achieve resolutions of 800 x 600 with 256 colours or 1024 x 768 with 16
colours. However, with further enhancements, SVGA cards are now capable of
resolutions of up to 1280 x 1024 with a palette of over sixteen million colours.
IBM also developed another video technology called extended Graphics Array (XGA)
that could perform better than both VGA and SVGA. However, this video technology
was proprietary i.e. it could only work on one manufacturer’s computer architecture,
i.e. IBM’s, and this limited its survival and growth.
4.6 THE PRINTER
Another very important output device is the printer. The function of a printer is to take
a soft copy (or electronic copy) on your computer and transfer it onto paper (a hard
copy).
Without a printer you would be able to type your curriculum vitae (CV) on the
computer, for example, but you wouldn’t be able to carry it to show a prospective
employer. Imagine! There are three main types of printers i.e. dot matrix, inkjet and
laser.
Dot matrix printers are impact printers and they work much like the typewriter. They
produce characters on paper by impacting an inked ribbon with a ‘matrix’ of tiny pins
in their print heads. When a particular pin in the print head receives a voltage it juts out
and hits the inked ribbon, which in turn comes in contact with paper. When the voltage
from the same pin mentioned above is switched off, the pin retracts and another pin is
given voltage and the process goes on and on. Depending on the character being written
on paper, different sets of pins will receive voltage and others will not. Transistors on
the printer main board control the pins. Dot matrix printers are becoming less popular,
while inkjet and laser printers are becoming more popular even for home users. Dot
matrix printers are relatively cheaper to purchase and operate, but they make a lot of
noise, produce documents of low quality, cannot print colour and are extremely slow.
Inkjet printers work by firing streams of ink from a cartridge directly onto paper. The
cartridge has tiny holes called nozzles through which ink can be squirted out. The
quality of the printout depends on the dpi ratio (the dots per inch ratio is a measure of
print resolution). Both inkjet printers and laser printers are capable of printing high-
resolution text and graphics (300 dpi or more).The main advantages of inkjet printers
are:
They make very little noise and are therefore suitable for an office environment
They are relatively cheaper than laser printers
The most popular laser printer manufacturer is Hewlett Packard.
61
Laser Printer: The main advantages of a laser printer are:
They produce a very high print quality
They can print colour of high quality (although colour laser printers are still very
pricey)
They are very quiet in their operation
They print with a very high printing speed
On the other hand however, laser printers have the following notable disadvantages:
They are very expensive to purchase

They are also expensive to operate
A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium
such as paper or transparency film. Printed information is called hardcopy because the
information exists physically and is a more permanent form of output than that
presented on a display device. There are basically two types of printers:
Impact Printers form characters and graphics on a piece of paper by striking a

mechanism against an ink ribbon that physically contacts the paper. Because of the
striking activity, impacts printers are generally are noisy. There are two types of impact
printers i.e. Dot Matrix and Line Printers.
Non-impact Printers forms characters and graphics on a piece of paper without

actually striking the printer. Some spray ink, while others use heat and pressure to
create images. Because these printers do not strike the paper they are generally quieter
then the impact printers. The three commonly used non-impact printers are Ink-jet,
Photo Printers, laser, thermal printers, Portable Printer, Label and Postage Printers and
Wireless Printers.
4.6.1 Viewing the Progress of Printing

If you have sent a number of documents to be printed, you may wish to review their
progress. You can do this from the desktop Print Manager. There are two ways to do
this:
Open the printer’s window (start- printers and faxes) and select the printer that you
are currently using and open it. A window appears which shows you the progress of
the various print jobs you have sent to this printer
When you start to print, a printer icon opens in the Taskbar at the bottom right of
your screen (next to the clock in the most cases). The icon remains on the Taskbar
as long as there are files being printed. When printing is complete, it disappears
4.6.2 Pausing, Restarting, or Deleting a Print Job

From the Print Manager screen, you can also pause or purge printing. This can be useful
if, for example, you have a long print queue and suddenly have something urgent to
print, or if the printer jams and you need to stop printing. To do this, either
62
click the printer menu or right click a specific file. In either case, select what you want
to do.
4.6.3 Installing a Printer

If you’re new printer is plugged and play, then if you plug it into the correct port and
turn it on, windows automatically defects it and installs it. The different types of printer
port are outside the scope of this book, but the documentation with your printer should
make clear which port to use- the plug and sockets are different for each kind of port.
If you do not have a plug and play printer, you can use Add Printer Wizard. Choose
start – printer and faxes-window has the option Add a printer at the top. If you using
the Classic view, you see an Add new printer icon.
In either case, click the option to open the Add Printer Wizard and follow the
instructions. You will be asked for the manufacturer and model of printer. You may
also be asked to insert the installation disk that came with your printer. You may also
ask if you want to share the printer with other networks users, and you will be given
the option to print a test page.
4.6.4 Changing the Default Printer

Your system always has a default printer, but you can change this by taking the
following steps:
Choose start- printers and faxes. The printers and faxes window will open. Which
printers are listed depends on how your system and network has been set up.
Select the printer that you want to make the default. (Perhaps you have changed
your printer, installed another, or want to run a series of jobs on a printer that is
currently not the default.)
Choose File- Set as default printer or right click the printer icon and select Set as a
default printer from the menu that displays. If there is a tick alongside this, then this
printer is already the default printer.
Close the printer’s window. The next time you print from an application, your new
default printer will be highlighted.
4.7 AUDIO OUTPUT
Audio is music, speech or any other, sound. Audio Output Devices are the
components of the computer that produces music, speech or any other sounds such as
beeps.
Most personal computers only have small internal speakers that output only low quality
sound. For this reason, many personal computer users add higher quality stereo
speakers to their computers.
63
ARTICLE
Kaven, Oliver; Rhey, Erik. Keep Your Office safe, (cover story), PC Magazine,
8/3/2004, Vol. 23 Issue 12, p93, 7p, 11c; (AN 13669071)
1. What is Input? Explain the types of Input?
2. What is Input Device? What are the kinds of Input Devices?
3. What is keyboard? Explain the types of keyboard
4. What are the various types of Pointing Devices? Explain
5. What is Output? Define the common types of Output?
6. What is the Display device? Explain with Examples
7. What is a Printer? What are the types of Printers? Explain
8. Define the terms:
a. Data k. Touch pad

b. Program l. Pointing Stick
c. Command m. Joystick and Wheel
d. User Response n. Light Pen
e. Keyboard o. Touch Screen
f. Enhanced Keyboard p. Stylus
g. Portable keyboard q. Microphone
h. Cordless keyboard r. Modem
i. Inbuilt keyboard s. Digital Camera
j. Trackball t. Impact Printer
64
TOPIC 5
____________________________________________________________________
5. STORAGE
____________________________________________________________________
LEARNING OUTCOMES

Define storage
Identify the major storage devices
Describe how special purpose storage devices such as smart cards are used.
5.1 INTRODUCTION TO DATA STORAGE
Storage refers to the media on which data, instructions and information are kept as well
as the devices that record and retrieve these items. This section explains various storage
media and storage devices. Following completion of this chapter you will have an
understanding of all four operations in the information processing cycle: input,
processing, output and storage.
5.2 DEFINING DATA STORAGE
Storage also called secondary storage or auxiliary or mass storage holds items such
as data, instructions and information for future use. Storage is non-volatile, which
means that items in storage are retained even when power is removed from the
computer. A storage medium is the physical material on which items are kept. One
commonly used storage medium is a disk, which is a round, flat piece of metal or plastic
with a magnetic coating on which items can be written. A storage device is the
mechanism used to record and retrieve items to and from a storage medium.
5.2.1 Floppy Disk

For some time in the computer world, floppy disks were the best way of transporting
data from one computer to another. However, this has changed as the threat of computer
viruses being transported along with the data, has become significant.
Floppy disks come in two different sizes 51/4 inch (almost obsolete) and 31/2 inch. The
51/4 inch disk is quite flexible (like a floppy hat), hence the name floppy disk. The 31/2
inch disk is a bit more rigid than its 51/4 inch counterpart and some people have resorted
to calling it a ‘Stiffy’ disk. However this term is non-standard and is not used in well-
respected international text books, so use it with caution.
65
The following table summarizes floppy disks sizes and capacities:
Disk Size & Density Capacity Equivalent 8.5” X 11”
Printed Pages
5.25” DSDD 360 KB 180
5.25” DSHD 1.2 MB 600
3.5” DSDD 720 KB 360
3.5” DSHD 1.44 MB 720
CD 700 MB A small library
DVD 4.5 GB Afeature length

movie
DSDD – stands for Double Sided Double Density

DSHD – stands for Double Sided High Density
At the moment, the 3.5” DSHD 1.44 MB floppy disk has been adopted as a de facto
industry standard. If you were to buy a PC today, most likely it will come with this
floppy disk drive size and capacity.
5.2.2 Zip Disk Storage

A Zip Disk is a type of portable magnetic media that can store from 100 MB to 750
MB of data. The larger capacity Zip disks hold about 500 times more than a standard
floppy disk.
5.2.3 Hard Disk Storage

When personal computers were first introduced, software programs and their related
files required relatively small amounts of storage space which could easily fit onto a
floppy disk. As software became more advanced and included graphical user interfaces
and multimedia, file sizes and storage requirements increased. Today’s hard disks-
provide far larger storage capacities and much faster access times then
66
any floppy disk. A hard disk usually consists of several inflexible, circular disks,
called platters, on which items are stored electronically. A platter in a hard disk is made
of aluminum, glass, or ceramic and is coated with a material that allows items to be
magnetically recorded on its surface. On hard disks the platters, the read/write heads
and the mechanism for moving the head across the surface of the disk are enclosed in
an airtight container to prevent it from contamination. The hard disk in most desktop
computers is housed inside the systems unit. Such hard disks, which are not portable,
are considered fixed disks. Nowadays hard disks are also removable.
5.2.4 The Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
A hard disk drive (usually called hard disk) is a high-capacity, high-speed, magnetic
storage device that is housed inside the system unit of your computer.
A typical hard disk can be accessed in about 10 milliseconds, whereas a floppy disk
can take several seconds to be accessed. Of course a hard disk is much slower than
main memory, which has a typical access time of 60 nsec. A hard disk is much slower
than main memory because whereas the operation of main memory involves electronic
processes, a hard disk’s operation involves mechanical motion.
Hard disks store the majority of information on today’s modern computer. All other
storage devices play an ancillary role.
5.2.5 Compact Disk Storage

A Compact Disk (CD) is a flat round portable metal storage medium that is usually
4.75 inches in diameter and less than one-twentieth of an inch thick. Compact disks
store items such as data instructions, and information by using microscopic pits and
land that are in the middle layer of the disc. A high - powered laser light creates the
pits.
The compact discs operate by reflecting light through the bottom of the discs, which is
either solid gold or silver in color. The reflected light is converted into a series of bits
that the computer can process. Land causes the light to reflect, which is read as binary
digit 1. Pit absorbs the light; this absence of light is read as binary digit 0.
A Compact Disc stores items in a single track that spirals from the center of the disc to
the edge of the disc. As with a hard disc, this single track is divided into evenly sized
sectors in which items are stored. A CD ROM is used to read the information from a
CD.
67
Although CD ROMs have huge storage capacities, but nowadays even a CD is not large
enough for many of today’s software. To meet these tremendous storage requirements
some software moved from the CD to the DVD. A DVD-ROM (digital video disk -
ROM) is an extremely high
Capacity compact disc is capable of storing from 4.7GB to 17GB. Not only is the
capacity of a DVD greater than a CD but the quality of the DVD surpasses that of a
CD. In order to read a DVD you need a DVD ROM drive. Refer to fig 7.23 and 7.24
of the prescribed textbook.
5.2.6 Other Types of Storage

Although the majority of data, instructions, information are stored on floppy disks, hard
disks, compact disks and PC cards, other more specialized means for storing these items
are also used. These include smart cards, micro-films and microfiche. Each of these
media is discussed below
Smart Cards
A smart card which is similar in size to a credit card, stores data on a thin
microprocessor embedded in the card. Refer to fig 7.39 of the prescribed textbook.
Microfilm and Microfiche

Microfilm or Microfiche are used to store microscopic images of documents on roll or
sheet film. The images are recorded onto the film using a device called computer
output microfilm (COM) recorder. The stored images are so small, microfilm or
microfiche reader can only read them.
ARTICLES
McCown, Sean. Fast and Friendly Database Protection. InfoWorld, 8/16/2004.
Myers, Brad A.; Pane, John F.; KO, Andy. NATURAL PROGRAMMING
LANGUAGES AND ENVIRONMENTS. Communications of the ACM, Sep2004
68
1. What is Data Storage?

2. What are the devices for Data Storage? Explain
3. Differentiate between Storage and Memory
4. What is a floppy? How do you take care about floppies?
5. Explain how data is stored on a floppy disk?
6. Explain how data is stored on compact disks
7. Define terms:
a. Storage f. Compact Disk (CD)

b. Storage Medium g. Digital Versatile Disk (DVD)
c. Floppy h. Smart Cards
d. Zip Disk Storage i. Microfilm
e. Hard Disk
69
TOPIC 6
_____________________________________________________________ _
6. ADDENDUM 511 (A): CASE STUDY FOR DISCUSSION

______________________________________________________ ________
CASE STUDY
You work as an intern in the Information Technology department for the Star Journal,
a local newspaper. The newspaper’s board of directors recently approved a budget for
redesigning the interior of its century-old building as part of an inner-city
rehabilitation project.
Your manager has been asked to recommend the type of transmission media (hardwire
or wireless) to use for the newspaper’s local area network. He has asked you to submit
a feature/benefit report that summarizes the advantages of wired versus wireless
transmission for the building.
Which transmission media would have a greater startup cost? Which transmission
media do you think is most secure? Do the walls in the building present a problem
for a wireless network? Does a wireless network present any health hazards? Be
prepared to discuss your finding a class. (Source: Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat (
2008))
70
TOPIC 7
_________________________________________________________________________________
ADDENDUM 511(B): REVISION QUESTIONS

________________________________________________________________________________________________
Question One (50 Marks)
Answer the following question using Microsoft Word 2007
1.1 Type the following article in Microsoft Word in exact format as presented below: (20)
How tech transforms the lives of people in need

When you think of technological innovations, you probably focus on something like the next-
generation iPhone's integration with GPS and Google Maps or the new Netflix player for
streaming movies and TV episodes from the Internet. But technology is also transforming the lives
of people in need. Among the life-changing advances:
Surgical precision The latest developments in robotics are making surgery less invasive
and improving the outcomes of patients with some cancers.
Mobility People with disabilities are less limited in their mobility, thanks to a next-
generation wheelchair, the iBot.
Computer access Children in developing countries are gaining access to the
computing world via the XO, developed by the One Laptop Per Child program.
1.2 Refer to the above article and answer the following questions:
1.2.1 Center the title and change the font to Arial black. (8)
68
71
1.2.3 Increase the font size of the paragraph to 12 (4)
1.2.4 Change the bulleted list to numbered list. (12)
1.2.5 Justify the alignment of the paragraph. (4)
1.2.6 Save your work with your Name, Surname, and ICAS No. (2)
Question Two (50 Marks)
2.1 Create the following spread sheet in Ms Excel. (15)
Expenses Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total
Tuition Fees 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 (A)
Books 2000
Transport 665 665 665 665 665 (B)
Food 900 900 900 900 900 (C)
Rent 750 750 750 750 750 (D)
Odds & Ends 150 150 150 150 150 150
Monthly Total
2.2 Calculate the following for the month of June:
a) Tuition fees increased by 10% (4)

b) Transport is increased by 3.2% (4)
c) Food is 50% more than the previous month (4)
d) Rent is constant throughout the year (4)
2.3 Calculate the monthly totals and total expenses for each Month. (9)
72
TOPIC 8
____________________________________________________________________
8. ADDENDUM 511 (C): PREVIOUS YEAR EXAMINATION

QUESTION
____________________________________________________________________
RICHFIELD GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF

TECHNOLOGY
HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMICS &

MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
INFORMATION SYSTEMS 511
Duration: 2 Hours Marks: 100 Date: XXXXX

Examiner: XXXXXX Moderator: XXXXXX
This paper consists of 4 questions and 4 pages including this page.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
1) Ensure that you are writing the correct Examination paper, and that there are no missing
pages.
2) You are obliged to enter your learner number and centre name on all answer sheets. The answer
sheets provided are the property of the Business College and all extra sheets must be handed to
your invigilator before you leave the examination room. Number your answer sheet and ensure
that they are stapled in the correct sequence.
3) If you are found copying or if there are any documents / study material in your possession, or
writing on parts of your body, tissue, pencil case, desk etc, your answer book will be taken away
from you and endorsed accordingly. Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against you
for violating the code of conduct of the Business College Examinations Board. Therefore if any
of these materials are on your person, you are requested to hand these over to your invigilator
before the official commencement of this paper.
4) You are required to answer all questions. Rule off after each question.
SUGGESTED TIME REQUIRED TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION PAPER
Numbers Questions Marks Time In
Minutes
1 Question One 15 20
2 Question Two 60 70
3 Question Three 15 20
4 Question Four 10 10
73
Question One (15 Marks)
Define the following terms and give examples
1.1 Information literacy [3]
1.2 Information system [3]
1.3 Computer software [3]
1.4 Operating system [3]
1.5 Graphical user interface [3]
Question Two (60 Marks)

Answer the following questions
2.1 Evaluate the uses of computer in society. [10]
2.2 Identify any five functions of an operating system. [5]
2.3 The information cycle consists of four main processes list and briefly explain these four
processes. [8]
2.4 Identify and explain the various types of storage devices. [12]
2.5 Explain the different types of Pointing Devices. [15]
2.6 Analyse the boot process [10]
Question Three (15 Marks)

The concept of video conferencing has taken the industry by storm. Its ability to have people
communicating efficiently irrespective of their geographical location produced a phenomenon
response from industry with specific reference to the above statement.
3.1 Clearly discuss how video conferencing functions and what its benefits are.
Question Four (10 Marks)

Read the case study below and answer the following questions
CRYSTAL FLASH
In 2000, Crystal Flash decided to revamp its outdated sales practices that led to customers being called
on by more than one salesperson, creating heavy administrative workloads. A committee consisting
of representatives from sales, marketing and information systems was formed to determine how to
establish a more uniform and efficient set of sales processes. The group focused on implementing a
sales management software application. After six months of work they decided that a custom sales
management application would be too expansive due to the required consulting, hardware, ongoing
maintenance and licensing fees. They spend the next six months reviewing and
74
evaluating existing sales management software packages. The solution they chose was Sales net Sales
Force Automation, a software application that runs on saver hardware owned operated by Sales net,
a sales software application service provider.
The Sales net Process Builder software module enables sales organizations to define and build their
own sales process. Crystal Flash was able to define a set of standard sales processes that will reinforce
effective selling and closing behaviors among all its sales reps. No longer are Crystal Flash’s sales
reps spending time completing unnecessary paperwork. They are able to use the software’s calendar,
scheduling, and contact management features to support greater teamwork. In addition, use of the
software enables Crystal Flash’s managers to access real-time information about sales team activities
and to obtain sales reports, forecasts and customer information.
Sales reps can access the Internet- based application through desktop PCs, by dialing up through
notebook computers or wirelessly on smaller devices. Because Sales net is a hosted application, there
is no upfront capital investment in software, hardware, IT resources, or ongoing maintenance fees. As
a result Crystal Flash saved up to $100 000 over other solutions. (Source: Principles of Information
Systems (2003) by Ralph M Stair and George W Reynolds).
Questions:
4.1 Identify the problems Crystal Flash faced before they engaged Sales force automation
software? [2]
4.2 Highlight the value of this new system for Crystal Flash. [4]
4.3 Demonstrate how Crystal Flash would interface with this new software for effective
communication. [4]
75

Information Systems 511

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Information Systems 511

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Information Systems 511

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

The following lectures will focus on the study units described.

SECTION A: WELCOME & ORIENTATION

Study unit 2: Orientation of Students to Library and Students

Study unit 3: Distribution and Orientation of Information

Study unit 4: Discussion on the Objectives and Outcomes of

Study unit 5: Orientation and guidelines to completing

Section B: Information systems 511 (1st Semester) Lecture 6-55

3. PURPOSE OF THE MODULE

3.1 Information Systems 511

3.2 Information Systems 511 (1st Semester)

On completion of this module, students should have a basic / fundamental practical

Introduction to using the computers

6. LECTURES AND TUTORIALS

8. PRESCRIBED & RECOMMENDED TEXT/S

8.1 Prescribed Material

8.2 Recommended Material

8.4 Library Infrastructure

The following services are available to you:

9.1 Continuous Assessment Tests

9.4 Final Assessment

9.5 Key Concepts in Assignments and Examinations

SOFT SKILLS LIFE SKILLS

Prerequisites for placement with employers will include:

The partners in Work Readiness Programme (WRP) include:

Good luck with your studies…

MODULE: INFORMATION SYSTEMS 511 (1ST SEMESTER)

TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO USING THE COMPUTER

2.10 File and Disk Management

TOPIC 8: ADDENDUM 511(C): EXAMINATION Lecture 55

After studying this topic you should be able to:

Know different components of an information system

1.1 COMPUTER LITERACY AND INFORMATION LITERACY

1.2 WHAT IS INFORMATION LITERACY?

Information Literacy is the ability to identify what information is needed, understand

1.3 WHY IS INFORMATION LITERACY IMPORTANT?

Information literacy is critically important because we are surrounded by a growing

1.5 WHAT IS AN INFORMATION SYSTEM?

1.6 COMPONENTS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM

The purpose of a communications network is to allow moving information from one

1.7.1 What is a computer?

17.2 The Four Functions of a Computer

INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT

Keyboard CPU Monitor

1.7.3 The Information Processing Cycle

The figure can be summarized as follows:

1.7.4 Why a Computer is so Powerful?

1.7.4.2 Reliability and Consistency

1.7.4.4 Storage Capacity

1.8 CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

A personal computer (PC) is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities,

Processor from early 1990s

A workstation is a high-end personal computer designed for technical or scientific

1.9.2 Desktop Computer

A laptop computer or simply laptop, also called a notebook computer or sometimes a

A tablet PC is a Notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer, first introduced by Pen

As technology and functionality continue to progress, prototype tablet PCs will

1.9.8 Mid-range servers

1.9.9 Mainframe Computers

1. Explain why it is important to be Computer literate