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What is a computer?
An electronic device that takes data, process the data according to a series of instruction
called program and produces information.
Program
Series of instruction that a computer must follow in order to process data into
information.
Business
Home
Entertainment
Scientific Research
Military
Charles Babbage
Father of Computing. It is not because of the machine (analytical machine) he
built but rather his ideas became the basis for modern computation devices
Lady Ada Byron, worked w/ Babbage & considered as the First
Programmer
Alan Turing is the Father of Modern Computer; ALU (Arithmetic Logic
Unit), logic flow control and memory
Generations of Computers:
The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory,
and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate
and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was
often the cause of malfunctions.
The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of
computers. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips,
called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers
through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed
the device to run many different applications at one time with a central program that
monitored the memory. Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass
audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.
In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in
1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh.
Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas
of life as more and more everyday products began to use microprocessors.
As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form
networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet. Fourth generation
computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handheld devices.
Games Playing: programming computers to play games such as chess and checkers
Robotics: programming computers to see and hear and react to other sensory stimuli.
ASIMO- Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility
Capabilities of a Computer:
1. Perform arithmetic and logical operations.
2. Store or remember a great amount or variety of information and retrieve or recall the
information needed almost instantly.
3. Handle large volumes of repetitive tasks accurately over a long period of time.
4. Communicate with its operator and other machines.
5. Perform tasks at high speed like no other machine can.
6. Control error and check itself.
Limitations of a Computer:
1. The computer functions only when input and the necessary instructions to process the
information have been provided by a human being.
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
DTI: DATA TRANSFORMATION INFORMATION
2. It can detect but generally cannot correct inaccurate entry by itself.
3. It is subjected to compute breakdown or computer malfunctions because of power failure,
computer failure, humidity, temperature, and maintenance time.
LECTURE 2: COMPONENTS OF INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM
Data vs. Information
Data
A collection or independent raw facts and figures
Require to do some transformation
Information
Data after transformation
Data that was made meaningful for someone
A collection of facts organized in such a way that they have additional value
beyond the value of the facts themselves
Such method is slow and relatively inaccurate and could not support the rapidly
expanding information requirements.
Involves use of machines or devices that alter, transmit and direct applied forces.
Involves the use of mechanical devices with electric motors allowing them to
carry out any operation.
DATA INFORMATION
FEEDBACK/CONTROL
Major Phases of Data Processing Cycle:
1. Origination Phase
Filling in the form is an act of data capture. Data are recorded on forms referred to as
source documents.
Examples of source documents are sales orders, checks, materials requisition slip,
and birth certificate
It is concerned with the accuracy and completeness of data to ensure data integrity.
3. Processing Phase
It is concerned with the accuracy and completeness of data to ensure data integrity.
Kinds of Processes:
a) Classifying - systematically grouping data into classes based on common characteristics
b) Sorting - physically separating classified data and rearranging these data into a
predetermined sequence, numerically or alphabetically in ascending or descending order
c) Calculating - applying arithmetical formulas/processes to the data
d) Summarizing - decreasing the level of details of data, generally involving listing or
tabulating data and totaling each list
Storage function is the retention of the results of processed data for future use or
retrieval; the feedback function is the key to control business.
Storing - for future references and/or for input for other processes for the
generation of other information; the cost of generating that same piece of
information is minimized.
Feedback - the comparison of the output(s) and the goal set in advance; any
discrepancy is analyzed, corrected and fed back to the proper stage in the cycle.
System
a group of organized interdependent components that interact with and complement one
another to achieve one or more predetermined goals
Inputs – elements that enter the system and take the form of energy, materials or
information.
Outputs – the finished product, which resulted from processing the inputs.
Environment – the set of all outside elements or focuses that influence the system.
Characteristics of a System:
Unitary Whole – a system is the sum of its parts glued into one distinct entity.
System Parts Interact With Each Other – the parts are related and have definite
interactions and interdependencies.