What

is Information Technology ? Introduction to Computer Fundamentals Classification of Computers Computer System Resources Current Trends in Computer application/technology Business application of Computer Systems

 Information technology (IT) is the

acquisition, processing and storage of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical data by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and communications-based devices and subsequent dissemination of the processed data - information. Nowadays, the basis of achieving the objectives of IT is through the Computer !!!

What is a Computer?

Computers were originally designed to carry out mathematical computations for scientific research / studies. Hence, the term COMPUTER. But today, the activities being performed by the Computer is no longer limited to mathematical computations (electronic calculators have taken over this function). Computers have now assumed the primary role of enhancing the decision making abilities of end users by giving them access to vast and distant data resources and enabling them to evaluate / analyse useful data timely and accurately. Therefore, the way we currently view computers have changed, they are now seen as information processing systems. To this end, we shall define a computer as an interconnection of various components, coupled together for the purpose of accepting, analysing data and eventually presenting the information derived therefrom based on a predefined sequence of logically related instructions.

Functions of a Computer

Input Processing Output

Input

Processing

Output

Storage / Memory

Computer System Schematic

Input

This represents the data capture point. Various input devices currently exist as will be discussed in this course. The keyboard is undoubtedly the most common input device. Other commonly used input devices are the mouse, scanners, light pen, card reader, e.t.c. While the underlying technology of these input devices differs, they essentially transform input data, in whatever form, into one recognisable to the computer. Consider a system that processes the Materials Requirements of a large manufacturing company. A typical input data for the system is the Bill of Material structure for each product to made for a given period. This can be captured by entering the data via the keyboard or by directly linking Master Production Scheduler system to the MRP I system.

Processing

This function of the computer system transforms the input data to information based on a predefined set of instructions. This set of instructions, universally referred to as a computer program, is human defined. Consequently, the computer will process the input data irrespective of whether the processing logic has been properly defined or not. The main processing component of the computer is referred to as the Central Processing Unit [CPU]. Although one CPU is normally required, some computers employ several CPU's working simultaneously.

Output
This

function presents information in a useful form to the outside world i.e. in report form. A myriad of output devices currently exists. These include the visual display unit (VDU), printers, plotters etc. from the MRP I will include numerous management and statutory reports such as production schedule, etc.

Output

Traditionally, classification of computers was based on their: Size, Processing Ability, Architecture, Storage Ability, e.t.c,

Computers were classified into the following categories: Mainframe Computers, Minicomputers, Microcomputers.

Mainframes

This class of computers can handle the computing needs of several dozen to hundreds of users simultaneously. It is very bulky and has great storage capability. Consequently, mainframe installations are very big, expensive and exist where processing requirement is intensive in terms of volume and response time. Nowadays, these types of computer systems are referred to as Legacy Systems. Minicomputers Compared to the mainframe, the traditional minicomputer is a relatively smaller computer. Although it is powerful and has very good multi user capability, it is not designed to handle the same volume of transactions as the mainframe. Also, these types of computer systems are referred to as Legacy Systems. Microcomputers The microcomputer is the smallest member of the computer family. Unlike the mainframe and the minicomputer, the microcomputer is cheap, has moderate processing and storage abilities and only occupies a very small space e.g. the desktop. Originally targeted at the personal /domestic user -, hence the name Personal Computer [PC] -, however, advances in PC technology and the improved processing ability this engendered, has seen the incursion of the PC into the business world. In recent times, the line of demarcation had become blurred.

Resource Types

There are three types of computer resources. These are hardware, software and data resources. Hardware is the all-encompassing term describing the electrical, electronics and mechanical components of the computer system. Software refers to the suites of instructions that run the hardware, while, data are facts or observations about the entities that a computer system needs to maintain details on. These data are processed into valuable information products by the other resources. Example of hardware resources include the system unit, magnetic storage devices, printers, the keyboard, microprocessor [CPU on a chip], e.t.c.

Hardware Resources

System Unit The system unit houses the computer's electronic parts such as the CPU, the cooling system, power supply, storage, e.t.c.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) The CPU is the most important hardware component of a computer system. It: peripherals). performs all the arithmetic and logic operations provides primary / temporary storage. executes / coordinates the activities of the computer including the interaction with input / output devices (also known as

Computer Memory

There are two general types of memory differing mainly in nature of use and volatility. These are the Read-Only Memory [ROM] and Random Access Memory [RAM].
1. Read Only Memory (ROM)

2.

It serves as the computer's permanent memory, housing instructions and data essential for the working of computer. Information stored in ROM is not lost when power supply is cut. Random Access Memory (RAM)
The RAM is designed and used as the computer's scratch work area, where programs and data are processed. This memory is characterized by it's volatility as it's content is lost when power supply to the unit is cut. However, it is fast and efficient. The RAM size is currently a major purchase criterion.

Input Devices

The Keyboard Mouse Joystick Touch Sensitive Devices Optical Scanner Voice Recognition

Output Devices
Monitor

or Visual Display Unit

[VDU] Printers / Plotters

Secondary Storage Devices Floppy / Flexible Disk /

Nowadays, most computer systems do not have this device and its usage is now limited to legacy industrial computer systems. Its role had now been taken over by USB flash drives.

The

Hard Disk Magnetic Tape Optical Disk USB Flash drive

This a secondary storage medium that is actually called Universal Storage Bus flash memory storage medium.

Software Resources
As earlier stated, the software runs the hardware. There are two main types of software. These are:

- System Software - Application Software

System Software controls access to the system and its resources. The most important part or the heart of the system software is the operating system.

The Operating System manages system activities in the same way as the traffic cop directs the flow of traffic in a network of roads. Operating systems can support just one user at a time or could be designed to accommodate multiple users (multi-user) simultaneously. Also, an operating system can be multitasking, i.e. it can support the simultaneous processing of various tasks / processes.

Specifically, the operating system:

manages access to input and output devices facilitates the loading and execution of application programs controls access of application programs to system resources In a multi-user / multitasking environment, controls the sequencing of tasks and user access to shared resources.

Examples of Operating Systems are MS-DOS [No Longer in use], UNIX, PC-DOS, XENIX, OS/2, Linux, Windows XP/VISTA/7/2008 SERVER, e.t.c.

The user can access system resources directly, with or without an application software

Data Resources
The data resources of a computer system are usually stored on the secondary storage devices. Normally, user's access to these resources is through an application software, which understands how data is physically stored by the hardware.

Logical

Data Elements

Data in a computer system are logically organised into characters, fields, records, files and databases. This arrangement is hierarchical in nature, with database being the highest level and character being the lowest level.

Physical Data Elements

As stated earlier, the character is the most basic data element users can manipulate or observe (based on business activity). However, from the hardware or physical point of view (the way data is actually stored), the most basic data element is the binary digit, known as BIT. The next level of data representation is the BYTE. The byte is a basic grouping of bits that the computer operates on as a single unit. Typically, a byte is made up of eight bits and is used to represent one character of data.

Hardware Storage/Memory Capacity are usually measured in multiples of bytes, such as kilobytes (KB, one thousand bytes) or megabyte (MB, one million bytes) or gigabyte (GB, one billion bytes).

Just as technology advances daily, computers are daily finding applications in new areas, redefining traditional ways of doing things in the process. This trend is currently facilitated by advancements in:

Data Communications. Advances in data communications techniques have effectively broken down physical and geographical barriers thereby transforming the world into a global village.

Microprocessor Technology. Advancement in microprocessor technology has resulted in the development of faster, smaller, low cost and intelligent processors.

Networking

A Computer network is an interconnection of computer systems through communications links with the objective of sharing resources hardware, software and data / information. Networks have the following advantages: systems

elimination of physical barriers maximisation of investments on computer

Networks can be configured as follows:

Local Area Network (LAN): Links systems, within the same location such as a local premise, office locations or manufacturing plants. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Links systems where the geographical displacement is not so much. Wide Area Network (WAN): Links systems that are geographically displaced such as systems in different states or even countries. Organisations usually employ this to link branches with each other or with the Corporate Headquarters.

Internet & Intranet: The internet is not really a network per say, but can be described as a global collection of computer networks. It is also referred to as the information superhighway. The Internet provides access to information on any subject imaginable. People from various spheres of life currently use it. On the other hand, intranet can be described as a private / local internet, since it is typically limited to a country or organisation. It incorporates the Internet technology to provide organisations, government agencies or any specific entity an internal pathway for information distribution, dissemination and transfer. Multimedia Technology: This refers to the ability to combine various information formats e.g audio & video into one single medium.

Business Communications

Electronic Mail: This is the transmission, storage, and distribution of text material in electronic form over networks. It entails sending messages from your PC to one or more persons in a network. Such messages are stored in electronic mail boxes on magnetic disk devices that can be displayed on the computer screen as at when required.If the network you are connected to or your PC has access to the Internet, then, you can send messages to people on the other side of the globe. Voice Mail: This is another form of electronic mail used to send, store and transmit digitized voice messages. These are equally stored on magnetic disk devices attached to the voice mail system.

To access the voice mail system, an identifier code might be required. In addition, each subscriber has a mailbox number that is required for accessing or transmitting voice messages. Video Conferencing: This allows people at various distances from each other to hold business conferences / meetings effectively as they would when within the same room. People via video conferencing are able to see each other when communicating from different locations thus enabling productive meetings without having to travel long distances.

Computer systems have become an inseparable part of human life. They daily enjoy new applications in virtually every imaginable area from household applications, to education and also to high-risk areas as defence === lets discuss briefly !!!

Production Accounting Order-Entry and Processing Production Scheduling Market Analysis Inventory Control

Process Control
Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II)

Data

Acquisition and Interpretation

Data acquisition is the process of sampling of real world physical conditions and conversion of the resulting samples into digital numeric values that can be natively manipulated by a computer. In reality, Data acquisition and data acquisition systems typically involves the conversion of analog waveforms into digital values for processing. The components of data acquisition and interpretation systems include:

Sensors that convert physical parameters to electrical signals. Signal conditioning circuitry to convert sensor signals into a form that can be converted to digital values.

Analog-to-digital converters, which convert conditioned sensor signals to digital values

A practical Data Acquistion and Interpretation System is SCADA. According to webopedia, SCADA is an Acronym for supervisory control and data acquisition, a computer system for gathering and analyzing real time data. SCADA systems are used to monitor and control a plant or equipment in industries such as telecommunications, water and waste control, energy, oil and gas refining and transportation. A SCADA system gathers information, such as where a leak on a pipeline has occurred, transfers the information back to a central site, alerting the home station that the leak has occurred, carrying out necessary analysis and control, such as determining if the leak is critical, and displaying the information in a logical and organized fashion. SCADA systems can be relatively simple, such as one that monitors environmental conditions of a small office building, or incredibly complex, such as a system that monitors all the activity in a nuclear power plant or the activity of a municipal water system.

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