What is a computer

Is an electronic device that works under the control of stored programs to accept process and output data for use by the operator A device that accepts data, process the data in accordance with a stored program generates the results and usually consists of input, output storage and arithmetic logic and control units. A functional unit that can perform substantial computational including numerous arithmetic operation without human intervention during a run.

Advantages Speed Can process vast amounts of data in a very short space of time. Reliability Computer component seldom breaks down; hence a computer is a reliable tool. Security Use of usernames and passwords to restrict unauthorized access to computer resources. Storage capacity Can store vast amounts of data on its hard disk (measured in GB).

Easier communication People can communicate in seconds. Consistence Given the same instructions the computer can process data and produce consistent results.

Disadvantages It does not work when there is no electricity. It can be made useless by virus activities. For those who keep on working on computer continuously can suffer from repetitive strain injury-back ache, shoulder, wrist and neck disorders.

Classification of computers Size Use Where the computer normally sits. According to size Mini-computers Micro-computers Mainframe computers

Computer program A set of instructions written in a specific programming language which a computer follows in processing data,perfoming an operation,or solving a logical problem. Also see software. A computer program is a set of statements/instructions to be used directly or indirectly in a computer in order to bring about a certain result.

Input device

Refers to any hardware component that allows data and instructions into the computer.

Is a peripheral used to enter data and instructions into the computer system? Examples Microphone, touch sensitive screen, scanner, light Pen/stylus etc.

Input Is the data entered into a computer system. Keyboard Is a primary input device that is used to enter data and instructions manually in a computer system. Is the principal input device invirtually in all micro computers. It is a component of the Video Display Terminal employed for remote access to other machines. A variety of special purpose keyboards are used for data input in various industries such as fast-food ultimates.

Advantages Its simple to use. You dont need any special equipment.

Disadvantages Disabled people find it difficult to use keyboards. It is slow in efficient method of inputing data into the computer. Can only enter data in the form of characters. If not connected to CPU it cant work. Peripheral devices Used to enter data and instructions. Types of keyboards Qwerty Dvorak

Input devices Mouse Is a pointing device used to move the cursor on the screen as well as to issue commands and make the icon selection. Is a handheld device usually connected to the computer by a cable and rolled around the smooth surface (desktop) to move the cursor around the screen. The mouse detects movement across a flat surface and converts the information into an input signal. We have two types of mice: mechanical mouse, optical mouse. It is popular with graphical user interface (GUI). Uses of mouse Is used to draw, select options from a menu or form a set of instructions. To position the cursor from a menu or set of instructions and playing games. Advantages Is faster than a keyboard to enter data or instructions. Disadvantages Not good for entering large amounts of data. Cant be used to enter data in characters.

Tracker ball Is stationery pointing device with a ball on its top or sides. Used as an alternative to the mouse. The ball is rolled around in a socket to move the cursor. Is used where space is limited, frequently attached or built into the keyboard. Has one or more buttons that work like mouse buttons. Requires less space than a mouse and can be used on laptops. Joystick Is a device which enables the user to control the movement of the cursor on the screen by a small lever? Lighten Is a pointing device used to move the cursor about the screen by touching the screen? A light pen or wand is an input device shaped like a pen that can be used to draw on a computer screen or to pointing objects. Touchpad or track pad Is a small flat, square space pad below the space bar on laptops? As you move your finger across the track pad the pointer moves.

Graphics tablet/pad

Is a flat rectangular pad which resembles an electronic tracing paper? It works with a stylus. Is connected by the cable to a recording device. Uses of lighten To detect barcode. To indicate a point on the screen. It removes the need to type or write. It is faster.

Disadvantages It can only record the presence or absence of light. It only works with software written for it. Graphics tablet Is also known as digitizing or digitizing pad. Uses It can be used to digitize drawings with great accuracy. Reproducing drawings and designs. Producing layouts of printed circuit boards Works with stylus which will move along the surface of the pad to produce drawings on the computer. Is used mainly for computer added design drawing

TrackPoint Is a small rubber cap in the middle of the keyboard that is used to control the cursor? Touch screen Is a video display screen that receives input from the touch of a finger e.g. ATM, petrol pumps. Magnetic stripe card reader Reads information on a magnetic stripe on the surface of a plastic card where it is swiped through a reader. Uses Can be used to access cash on cash points e.g. ATM. Can also be used to control access to buildings. Advantages Simple to produce. Not easily damaged. Stores a large number of characters. The data recorded on the magnetic stripe is in electronic form and can be input directly into the computer. They are often used as a form of identification.

Disadvantages The data can be changed or erased by magnetic field. The data recorded on the magnetic stripe can be affected by electro-magnetic radiation such as that from TV, computer and magnetic fields. The data recorded on the magnetic stripe can be recorded or copied or printed. This is an opportunity for determined criminals to commit identity theft.

Touch sensitive screen Is a screen through which data can be entered into a computer by touching the screen with a finger? Items are selected as they would be with a mouse or finger. It is a video display screen that receives input from the touch of a finger. There are three forms of touch screen: 1. Pressure sensitive 2. Capacitive surface 3. Light beam

Advantages It is natural to do reach out and touch something. There is no extra peripheral needed accept the monitor, although the monitor has been adapted to respond to touch. Software can alter the screen while it is running, making it more flexible than a printed concept keyboard.

Disadvantages It is tiring if many choices must be made. It takes a lot of screen space for each choice since fingers are bigger than cursors. It is not suitable for putting large amounts of data.

Barcode readers Is a set of parallel printed black and white lines of different thickness which represents a number? When barcodes are used on shop goods the number coded identifies the following: 1. Country of origin 2. Manufacturer 3. Item number for the product. Advantages Is a fast and reliable method of inputing data? They can be read even when they are on curved surfaces or upside down and a check sum digit is included in the cord to check if it has been read correctly. Can be printed by normal printing methods. Staff does not have to write down or key in the name of the item or its price.

Disadvantages Input is limited to a number cord. Bar codes have to be read by bar codes only. Only numbers can be coded in this way. Bar codes are not suitable for recording prices. Customers still have to be informed.

Optical mark recognition Is used to interpret pencil marks on a piece of paper. Can recognize the position of a mark or a set of marks because the mark is darker than an unmarked area. The computer then records the marks position and can analyze it to determine the meaning. Marks made on this kind of form must be very clear or they may not be properly recognized.

Advantages There is no requirement to type in the information written on the form. Is a direct entry input device (input is faster and less expensive). The person who fills in the form is responsible for the accuracy of the information on it. The method is useful when the results for the test are needed very quickly.

Disadvantages Optical character recognition Is the identification of printed or written text characters by a computer? It is a light sending input device. The scanner image depends upon resolution. Image will be sharper if the scanner provides high resolution. Provides O C R soft ware. They are different types of optical scanner: flatbed scanner, sheet felt scanner, hand held scanner. Printed text is scanned and input to the computer which attempts to recognize characters in it. These are then stored as text that can be word processed. OCR can be used to read handwriting. OCR software is often included when you purchase a scanner so that any office with a scanner has OCR capabilities. Readers are very expensive. Only certain fonts are acceptable. There is high rejection rate. OMR forms must be printed very accurately because the position of the mark must be printed on the paper affects the accuracy of the input, because of this printing cost more. Verification checks on the input are unlikely to be carried out so mistakes are less likely to be detected. .

Advantages of OCR USES Advantages Multiple choice answer sheet marking Counting voting bullets Enrolment forms Lotto Department stores To scan financial document

Text printed on paper can be converted to electronic form and be edited.

Disadvantages Character recognition is not always accurate and the electronic text has to be checked carefully.

Magnetic ink character recognition Identifies data printed using a special magnetic ink. Instead of relying on reflected light to detect a character it depends on the magnetic behavior of the ink which s activated by a magnetic field that can be deleted by a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Reader Specially shaped Magnetic Ink Readers are used to speed up recognition. NB As the document passes into the readers the ink is magnetized so that the character shapes can be recognized electrically. Uses It is used by banks for cheaque processing. Each cheaque contains MICR at the lower left edge. These characters represent:cheque number; bank number; account number

Advantages documents can still be read when folded written on forms can be pre-printed with data which can be read by a computer and this saves a data capturing time.

Disadvantages MICR has to be printed in magnetic ink and this is more expensive. Characters printed on ordinary ink are not detected. Readers are very expensive. Only certain facts are acceptable

Smartcard Is a credit card device which contains a simple micro-chip A chip and pin card provides very secure access to a bank or credit card account. The chip can do some processing as well as storing information. Special devices can communicate with the chip to read and write information. Advantages Often used as a form of identification that is small and light and can be carried at all times. The data recorded on the chip is in electronic form and can ben input directly into a computer. The data recorded on the chip is more secure than data recorded on a magnetic stripe. The data recorded in the chip can be updated during transactions.

Disadvantages The data recorded on the chip can be affected by an electro-magnetic radiation. Data recorded on the chip can be copied or edited by very determined criminals and can be used for fraud.

Digital camera/digital video cameras and webcams Store pictures on a memory card suitable for displaying and saving on a computer. Pictures can be transferred from the camera to the computer where they can be edited and enhanced in graphic software or viewed on screen. A digital video camera or camcorder records moving images with sounds. Can save recordings on a memory card. A webcam is a type of digital camera where the image is viewed using a computer. A webcam can be used to view a remote location.

Advantages Photos and videos can be recorded on a video form that can be saved on a computer, this makes back up easier, more reliable and more extensive. Digital photos and videos can be displayed on a wide variety of devices such as smartphones and television screens. Photos and videos can be sending by email. Can be broadcasted over the internet so that TV programs can be available on demand.

Disadvantages Users turn to have more photos and longer videos and this creates a need for more backing storage. High quality photos and videos can be in very large files.

Biometric scanner Is a pattern recognition system which makes a personal identification based on a persons physical characteristics. Advantages Biometric data cannot be lost , forgotten or borrowed. This makes identification theft and fraud much less likely.

Theres no need to remember to carry personal identification.

Disadvantages Identification using biometric scanner is not yet sufficiently accurate. Sensors An input that measures physical quantities such as temperature and humidity. The sensor needs to be attached to an analogue digital. Usually produce a low voltage which must be converted to a digital signal for a computer using an analogue converter. Is used extensively for data logging and control application There are essential applications such as the following: automatic washing machine, automatic cookers, air conditioning controlers,central heating controllers ,computer controlled green houses ,burglar alarm system and for monitoring scientific experiments

Advantages Sensors can be placed in dangerous locations where people could get hurt. Sensors can continuously, reliably record data whereas to organize this using people could be much more reliable and inexpensive. Can record data that people do not sense accurately such as humidity. The data recorded by sensors can be automatically recorded in a form that can be processed by a computer. Remote areas are not easily accessible. Data can be collected by a central computer

Disadvantages They cannot interpret data. Detect a very restricted range of the different type of data.

Microphone Is an input device used to record sounds and voices. Also used to give voice commands and for voice communication on the internet. Processing hardware Is the brain of the computer. Processing is the convertion of data into information which only takes place in the CPU. Is the central processing unit. Can also be called microprocessor. Microprocessor is a single microchip containing all the elements of the CPU. Control unit Fetches instructions from memory, decodes and executes the instructions one at a time. Arithmetic and logic unit Performs all computations and all logical operations. Random access memory

Can also be called memory, immediate access storage.. Read only memory Is internal memory that can not be altered. Is non-volatile which means information cannot be lost if power is switched off RAM Volatile Read and write memory Used for holding data, programs and the results of processing temporarily. Computer storage Is non-volatile and is used for relating permanent data storage. Storage device ROM Non-volatile Read only Used for holding data and programs that does not change

Is any computer hardware that records and retrieves data and instructions to and from storage media. Examples, hard disk drive,flopy disk.optocal diske.tc. Storage media Is the physical material where data , instructions and information are held Examples of storage media; compact disk; CD; DVD; Blue ray disk Output device Produce output in either soft copy or hard copy. Refers to any computer hardware which can reveal the results of processing to the computer user. Examples of output device Monitor Printer Plotter Projector Speakers NB output is any computer hardware which =conveys the results of processing to the computer user.

Monitor/display screen/visual display unit/cathode ray tube monitor Is an output device used to view data in the screen.

Advantages You can see what you are doing straight away . Disadvantages Screen displays is not permanent . Soft copy Is the output displayed on the screen . Advantages You can see what you are doing straight away. You can alter contents before printing documents .

Disadvantages Can only be displayed on screen therefore it requires a monitor each time you access it . Cannot be distributed to people without computers. user cannot move around with it

Computer networks Is an interconnection of at least two computers to facilitate communication between or among them. Is a group of computers and associated devices that are connected by communication facilities. Protocol is a set of rules relating to communication between devices. Handshaking Refers to a series of signals acknowledging that communication can take place between devices or computers. It can also be called the exchange of signals between devices to establish their readiness to send or receive data . Polling is the repeated checking of devices by the CPU to establish whether it is holding data for transmission or collection. Advantages expensive peripherals can be shared such as laser printers and sensors . messages can be sent between users on the same site with LANs and WANs anywhere in the world. All users can access the same files. Network software can be purchased which Is often cheaper than buying an individual package for each machine. Data and software can be stored centrally which makes them easier to maintain.

Disadvantages A virus can spread more easily. A network manager is needed.

Cost of installation is high. Users access rights can be controlled. Local area network Consists of a collection of computers that can share peripherals. It is a network that is limited to an area such as a building or a school. Advantages Software can be shared. Data files can be shared by many users. Users can communicate using email.

Disadvantages Printing can be slow. There can be long queues. A virus can spread more easily.

Metropolitan area network Is a communications network covering a city. Wide area network Is a communications network that covers a wide area network such as a country or the world. Network topology refers to the logical layout of the network. Star network Is a LAN in which all microcomputers and other communications devices are connected to a central hub. Advantages The most reliable because a cable failure does not affect other users. Performance is not as greatly affected by the number of computers being used on the network. If one computer stops working the network is not affected. Good performance because there Is direct path from the central controller to each terminal. Easy to troubleshoot for cable failure because the affected area is easy to pinpoint. Easy to set up and to expand.

Disadvantages Uses a lot of cables which is expensive to install. Extra hardware required such as hubs and switches. If the hub fails the whole network would be affected. More expensive than linear bus topology.

Bus topology network Connects the computers to the same communications line. Communi ication goes both direction along the line. All the computers can communicate with each other without having to go through the server. Data is sent to all the nodes on the network at the network at the same time and the devices are placed along a line like the bus stops.

Advantages easy and inexpensive to install as it requires the least amount of cable. Easy to add more stations without disrupting the network. Simpler than a ring topology to troubleshoot if there is a cable failure. Any one computer or device being down does not affect other computers. Well suited for temporary networks quick to set up.

Disadvantages

The whole network goes down if the main cable fails at any point . Cable failure is difficult to isolate. Network performance degrades under heavy load. Limited cable length and number of stations. Low security as the entire computer in the bus topology can sell all data transmissions. Proper termination at the and of the cable is required to prevent reflected signals. Slower than a ring topology as data travels in both directions so collisions occur and data has to be resend. Cannot connect a large number of computers. It is physically difficult to run the one communications line over the building.

Ring topology

PC

PC

PC

PC

In a ring network nodes are connected in a circle and there is no controlling computer. Each computer can communicate with any other computer in the ring or with messages specifically addressed to the destination computer. There is no central computer that holds all the data. This configuration is good when the processing of data can be done on the local PC.

Advantages There is no dependence on a central computer or file server and each node controls transmission to and from itself. Very high transmission. Requires less cabling and so is less expensive. Relatively cheap to install and expand. Adding additional has very little impacts on data transfer speed.

Disadvantages If one node in the ring breaks down transmission between any of the devices in the ring is disrupted. The hardest topology to troubleshoot if there is a cable failure. Because all stations are wired together to add a station you must shut down the network temporarily. In order for all computers to communicate with each other all computers must be turned on. If the cable fails the whole network may fail.

Internet Is a collection of networks that all use the same protocol suit. It is a world wide network of linked computers sharing a vast amount of information Is a world wide network of networks., Requires of internet Modem Computer Network card Telephone line ISP Network software

Advantages Communication is made easy . You can share information with other users Software can be shared by many users. Data can be shared. E-mail sent and receives electronic services.

You can do your shopping in the comfort of your house. You can download software. Can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Information on the internet is up to date. Multimedia can be used. Huge amounts of information can be accessed. Search engines are available to assist in finding information . Using e-mails you can access experts from all over the world from certain subjects.

Disadvantages Need of security for data can be hacked. Viruses can be easily attached through downloading files from the internet. Identity theft and fraud is rampant. Broadcasting of illegal software like pornography Availability of spam. Equipment and connections needed are very expensive (computers, modems, ISDN, ISP) Internet Subscriber Digital Network. One needs knowledge to perform searches effectively. There are problems of hackers. Breaches of copyrights are very common. Rampant spread of rumors on the internet leading to loss of privacy. Some people become internet addicted and tend to interact with computers more than with humans. Credit card fraud is rampant.

E- Mail (electronic mail) One to use e mail must have e mail address. Is a way of sending messages electronically?

E mail stores and forwards methods of composing, sending, storing and receiving messages over electronic. An electronic message is made up of a header which includes the address of the person who sent the e mail and the content which is the actual message and recipients address.

E mail client Is software application used for sending receiving and storing e mails? Examples: Gmail and hot mail E mal address is made up of two parts, the username of the 0person followed by a name of the domain which provides the email services.

E mail facilities may also include Reply to a received message. Forward a message to another use Keep an address book of e mail addresses Keep mailing lists

Advantages of using e mail It is much cheaper to send large volume of data via e mail that is post bulk documents (data may be composed before it is saved to transmission charges) ` Transmission can be made without having to move from your chair. Mails can be accessed at any place or point with internet. Security Access can be restricted by the use of passwords. Fast and cheap. You can attach files to emails. You can reply messages quickly, forwards messages quickly to other people or sent the same message to a number of people.

Disadvantages It is possible to sent viruses through attachments. It is possible that the recipient does not have the necessary software to open the attachments. Email can become impersonal or misunderstood. Email can compromise the security of an organization because sensitive information can be easily distributed accidentally or deliberately.

Teleconferencing

A method of contacting discussion with several people in different locations using the telephone. Advantage It is easier to use. Video conferencing Is used to connect two or more people over the internet so that they can see or hear each other. To use it the user must have a video input device such as a webcam or digital video camera. A microphone is needed to capture the sound of speaking people. A video display such as a monitor. An audio output devices such as speakers. Suitable software to allow video and audio from a number of people to be shared among users/people.

Advantages Meetings can be called at short notices since there is no need for people to travel to the meeting or for people to completely arrange their work. Cost of travel is saved. Cost of hiring a conference venue is saved. The time spent travelling is saved for other work. It can be used to keep in easy contact with employs who work from home. World wide travelling has a danger element (terrorist activities risk associate) which can be mitigated by using video conferencing.

Disadvantages Teletex Is used to refer to the transmission of data such as news, weather, sports reports, and stop market quotations airline and train schedules etc. via the television set. The data is transported via a television channel at the same time that the channel is being used to broadcast convention. The caller needs to have a broadband connection. Sound quality can be poor (broke-out, echoes).

Advantage It updates viewers with information. Disadvantages No feedback No two way communication.

View data/videotext Gives a home user access to information in databases via a convential television set. Is a standard for displaying textual information using fixed pages. Is very efficient and used where communication have limited capacity. Each page can be displayed on a standard TV or monitor and requires a very small of quantity of data to describe the information displayed.

Newsgroup (can only be accessed on the internet) A newsgroup/bulletin is a board that enables a group of people with common interest to communicate with each other. There are thousands of newsgroups on almost every imaginable topic. A subscriber to a newsgroup posts a message which can vary from few lines to whole articles e.g. a bulletin board for detectors may have a substantial article of diseases. N.B A thread is all the discussion about a single topic. Voice over internet protocol Is a system that that allows a user to talk to another user using the internet. The user have 3 options: computer to computer, mobile phone to computer, computer to landline, mobile phone to mobile phone. The main advantage of VOIP is the cost for example computer to computer is free.

Disadvantages of video conferencing The equipment needed to for video conferencing is expensive to buy and to maintain. The picture and sound quality can be variable depending on the broadband with data transfer speed and signal strength. Time zones can be an issue across long distances.

Chat(can be only accessed on the internet) A chat room is a group of people with common interests communicating with one another interactively in real time. Advantage

You get responses quickly or immediate responses to questions asked. Instant messaging This enables you to chat privately with another person. Internet shopping You can order goods on line and pay for them using credit card. The goods ordered will be delivered at the specified place.

Advantages Do not leave your house to go shopping. You can go shopping at any time or night because internet shops are opened 24/7. Online shopping is particularly helpful to those who have to stay at home for they are disabled or caring for the sick.

Telecommuting/teleworking Describes people using computers and telecommuting working from their homes rather than travelling to a central office. Refers to working at home using a computer instead of at the office and transmitting work over a communication network to the computer at work. Advantages Less destruction from workers from their fellow employs and the company environment. Flexible schedule that is workers have more freedom to choose the hours to work. Teleworkers have more time with his /her family. Teleworking results in congestion in cities. Results in reduced pollution from exhaust fumes. Reduced stress-no need to drive up early on long distances to work or drive up early to avoid congestion. The time that would have been spent travelling can be spent working or relaxing.

Disadvantages Cost of providing technology to individual workers is expensive. The different skills needed to manage home workers may lack the skill to supervise. The difficulties of solving technical problems experienced by telecommuter especially those in remote areas hinder its wide spread. Many home workers may feel isolated from colleagues and alienated from the company they are working for. A feeling that you might be overlooked for promotion. Lack of access to specialists facilities and advice that may only be available at the office. Destruction from the family members, neighbors house hold chores.

Advantages of the company A perk to attract and retain good workers. The ability to employ workers who live a long way away perhaps in another country. Reduced sick leave, many telecommuters continue to despite sickness e.g. common cold. Increased productivity-employs are more relaxed at home and therefore work more effectively. No stoppage of work because of floods or snow. Less expensive overheads in areas such as the purchase and rental of floor space and equipment. Less expenses on electric bills.