COMPUTER LITERACY

Time : 02:00Pm
Venue: science block room c

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 Objectives

• Define the term computer and

discuss the four basic computer
operations: input, process, output,
and storage
• Define data and information
• Identify the differences among
desktop computers, notebook
computers, and mobile devices
• Explain the primary components of
the computer and their use
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 Objectives
• Discuss computer software and explain
the difference between system
software and application software
• Identify several types of application
software
• Discuss the Internet and World Wide
Web
• Describe various types of Internet and
network attacks and how to protect
against them
• Explain how to purchase computers
and mobile devices
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 Objectives
Give practical skills about major
applications including;
◦ Microsoft office Word
◦ Microsoft office excel
◦ Microsoft PowerPoint and
◦ Microsoft office Access

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What Is a Computer?
An electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions
stored in its own memory, that
can:
◦ Accept data (input)
◦ Process the data according to
specified rules (process)
◦ Produce results (output)
◦ Store the results (storage) for future
use
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What Is a Computer?

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 A computer is a general-purpose
machine
that performs tasks in response to
instructions given to it.

A computer is an electronic device

that:
 Accepts input
 Processes data
 Stores data
 Produces output 07/25/25 7
 why is a computer called a
computer
1. Acomputer is a general-purpose machine that
performs tasks in response given to it and it
stores information.

2. Acomputer is given instructions and these

instructions are known as Commands.

3. Acomputer is capable of storing vast amount of

data and carry out data processing or
manipulation very fast.

4. The operational speed of a computer is

measured in Millions Instructions per
second (MIPS) in Megahertz (MHz) or
Gigahertz (GHz)
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 5. A computer is capable of receiving data,
processes it and send the feed back.
g

6. A computer can perform a task easier

and faster than a person can.

7. A computer is different from other

machines because it has artificial
intelligence.

Note: Artificial Intelligence refers to the

ability of computers to reason like
human beings. A human being has
natural intelligence.

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A COMPUTER SYSTEM
A computer system consists of the
following:

(1) A computer professional. This a

person in a profession involving
computers who has had formal education
in the technical aspects of a computer.
Example are computer programmers,
computer engineers, etc.

(2) A user: Is some one without much

technical knowledge of computers but uses
computers to produce information for
professional or personal tasks, enhance
learning or have fun.

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(3) Computer Hardware: This 0

comprises of the electronic and

electromechanical parts of the
computer. (Tangible components)

(4) Software: Is a series of

instructions that tells the hardware
how to work. (Programs)

NOTE:
(a) As professionals generally, you
must be computer literate as well as
computer competent.
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(b) Computer Literacy is
having an understanding of
what a computer is and how
it can be used as a
resource.

(c) Computer competence is

applying some skills using a
computer to meet your
information needs and improve
your productivity.
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THE COMPUTER PROCESS

Input computer Output

(Raw Data) (Processing)
(Information)

N.B
(a) Data : These are raw facts and
figures presented but could be
presented into meaningful information.
They are facts to 07/25/25
be processed. 13
(b) Information : This is
presented data coming out as
output after processing from
the computer.

(c) Input : Is any data or

instructions entered in the
memory of a computer.

(d) Output: Is data that has been

processed into useful form
called information.
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How a Computer
Works
The hardware, software, and you
work together to complete tasks.

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How a Computer Works
The data you type into the computer
is called input.

The result of the computer

processing your input is called
output.

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●Many people believe that knowing how to
use a computer is one of the basic skills
needed to succeed in the workplace.

●In order to use the computer it is necessary

to understand how the computer works.

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The Components of a
Computer
The six primary components of a
computer are input devices, the
processor (control unit and
arithmetic/logic unit), memory, output
devices, storage devices, and
communications devices
The processor, memory, and storage
devices are housed in a box-like case
called the system unit
• A peripheral is a device that connects
to the system unit and is controlled by
the processor in the computer
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 Hardware Organization
Input Devices ...

CPU

memory

motherboard

hard drive

‫مطلوبة فقط للفهم‬ ‫غير‬

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Basic Parts of a Computer
 There
are two basic parts that make up a
computer...
Hardware Software

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Hardware
Hardware is basically anything that
you can touch with your fingers.
Computer Case
CPU (central processing unit...Pentium
chip)
Monitor
Keyboard & Mouse
Disk Drive, Zip Drive, CD-ROM, DVD,
Hard Drive
Memory (RAM)
Speakers
Printer
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 Hardware (Continued)
 Thereare four
types/categories of
hardware
1. Input Devices
2. Processing devices
2. Output Devices
3. Storage Devices

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Input Devices
Anyinfo you enter into a
computer is input

keyboard-enter text
mouse- select options
entering commands by
selecting items

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Input Devices
• An input device is any hardware
component that allows you to enter
data and instructions into a computer
– A keyboard is an input device that
contains keys users press to enter data
and instructions into the computer
◦ A stylus is a small metal or plastic device
that looks like a tiny ink pen, but uses
pressure instead of ink
◦ A mouse is a pointing device that fits
comfortably under the palm of your hand
◦ Most notebook computers have a
touchpad, a small, flat, rectangular
pointing device
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 Other Input Devices
Mice
◦ Two buttons on Windows PC
◦ Single button mouse Mac
Small wheel helps to scroll
Right click on Mac = Ctrl key + mouse
click
Trackball
◦ Move ball to move curser
Trackpoint
◦ b/n the G and H keys
◦ Found on a laptops keyboard
 Press and move finger on touchpad to move cursor

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 Touchpad
◦ Flat, built in pad
◦ Press and move finger on touchpad to move cursor
Sound Input Devices
◦ Record voices or music
 Microphones
◦ Record sounds to create audio files
◦ Audio cards enable computer to process sounds
 Digital recorders
◦ Save sounds in a format you can use with
computers
◦ Handheld devices come w/ cables that connect to
computers
 Synthesizers and Musical Keyboards
◦ Create music w/ digital synthesizers
◦ Can record music as you play it
◦ Able to edit music recording
◦ Digital recording edited w/ audio editing software
◦ Can be connected to computers by cables

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Digital
Still Cameras & Digital
Camcorders
◦ Digital files that can be uploaded to a
computer
◦ Pictures and videos (images and sounds)
Web Cams
◦ Digital video camera connected to the
www
◦ Allow live broadcast over the web
◦ Quality not as good
◦ Inexpensive
◦ Good for teleconferences

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Graphics Tablet
◦ “Digitizing tablet” or “digitizer”
◦ Create sketches
◦ Drawings in digital format
◦ Displays on a computer screen
◦ Draw on tablet with pointing device
◦ Tablet translates movement into digital
signals
◦ Sends them to the computer

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Scanners
◦ Converts printed pictures or
documents to a digital file that you
can upload to a computer
Game controllers
◦ Game pads (both hands)
 race car wheels
◦ Joysticks
 Use them to send instructions to the
computer

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Input Devices

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 Input Devices
Other input for mobile devices

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System Unit
The system unit is a case that
contains electronic components of
the computer used to process
data
◦ The processor (CPU) interprets and
carries out the basic instructions that
operate a computer
 Arithmetic/logic unit
– Memory (RAM) consists of electronic
components that store instructions
waiting to be executed and data
needed by those instructions
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System Unit

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Output & Display Devices
Any information a computer
produces is called output
Can see or hear output

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Display Devices
A display device is an output
device that visually conveys text,
graphics, and video information
◦ LCD monitors use a liquid
crystal display to produce
images on the screen

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Display Devices

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Monitors -2 most common kinds
◦ See text, graphic input
◦ Shows you computers output
CRT
◦ Cathode ray tube-desktop computer
LCD
◦ Liquid crystal display-laptops

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 CRT vs. LCD
CRT
◦ Use display technology that beams
signals against the back of a screen

LCD
◦ Use technology that displays text and
images by passing electricity through a
liquid crystal solution sandwiched b/n 2
magnetic sheets

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Touch screens
◦ Output device, display, and an input
device
◦ Touch an item instead of using
keyboard or mouse
Where do you see them?

ATMS
PDA’s
Kiosks-purchase ticktes, airports,
hotels
Interactive computer terminals
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Gas Plasma Display (flat screens)
◦ Flat panel display that creates images
by passing electrical impulses through
a neon/xenon gas mixture sandwiched
b/n two sealed glass plates with
electrodes on their surfaces
◦ High color depth
◦ Wide viewing angle
Projectors
◦ Connect to computer to display what’s
on your computer screen on a wall or
screen

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 Printers
◦ Produce a hard copy of what is on your computer
◦ Inkjet printer: spray ink at paper through tiny
nozzles
 Inexpensive
 Color
 Produce high quality text and graphics
 Slower
◦ Lazer printers: use laser beam and magnetism to
transfer fine powder called toner to the paper
 More expensive
 Color
 Print quality better
 Speakers
◦ Most PCs come with speakers
◦ Allows you to hear sound files
◦ Laptops: built in
◦ Desktops: usually detachable

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Output Devices

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Digital Storage Devices
& File/Folders

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Storage Devices
Important for saving and storing software
you use
Help to provide a means for saving your
work
Save frequently
Some devices are built in
Others are removable- mobility
All computers have a hard drive (hard disk)
◦ Built in for storing software and information
◦ Has a disk that spins and stores data
magnetically
◦ Not recommended to save work on the
computer
◦ Cannot access it throughout the building

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Storage Devices

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Storage Devices
An external hard disk is a separate
freestanding hard disk that connects
with a cable to a port on the system
unit or communicates wirelessly
A removable hard disk is a hard disk
that you insert and remove from a
drive

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Portable hard drives
◦ Helps to store files that can be used on
more than one computer-external hard
drive, carts
Removable Storage Disks
◦ Computers come with drives that can read
and write information from removable disks
◦ What are some of these disks?
 Cd roms
 DVDs
 Floppy disks
 Flash drives
◦ Why would you save or store files on these
kinds of disks?
 Save space on hard drive of computer
 Take home
 Keep for future use
 Use on any computer

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 Storage Devices
An optical
disc is a flat,
round,
portable
metal disc
with a plastic
coating

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 CDs (compact disks)
◦ Software and music is sold on CDs
◦ CD Rom (compact disc-read only memory)
 Computers can read data from them
 Cannot write to them
 Why?
 What do you need to be able to write a CD? (cd burner and
its software)
 Your drive needs to be able to write to cds
 Large capacity – more storage space = 433 floppy disks
 CD R
 Can only write data once
 Software and music publishers use them
 Cannot erase the material
 CD RW (compact disc -read / write)
 Stores data
 Erases it
 Replaces it with new data
 Sometimes called “erasable” or “rewritable” cds
 Replacing a file on it erases the entire disk
 CD RW drives can write to both CD-R and CD RWs

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DVDs (digital video disks)
◦ Optical disks- more space than a CD ROM
◦ 3 kinds:
 DVD ROM: digital video disk read-only
 Memory –can only read data on disk
 DVD Rs and DVD +R (DVD recordable)
 Can record data on to the disk
 DVD RW and DVD1RWs (DVD rewritable)
 Can record and rerecord to the disk many times
 Floppy Disks-replaced by CDs (floppies)
 Flexible magnetic disk which is sealed in a plastic
casing
 Still found on PCs since customers may have old data
still stored on them
 Convenient for backing up
 Storing and transporting small files

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Storage Devices
Flash memory is a type of memory
that can be erased electronically and
rewritten
◦ Solid state media
◦ A solid state drive (SSD) is a storage
device that typically uses flash memory to
store data, instructions, and information

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 Storage Devices
A memory card is
a removable flash
memory device,
usually no bigger
than 1.5 inches in
height or width,
that you insert
and remove from
a slot in a
computer, mobile
device, or card
reader/writer

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Memory Cards
◦ Cameras and audio recorders use
them for storage.

◦ Take a lot of pictures-use memory

card for the rest

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 Storage Devices
A USB flash drive,
sometimes called a
thumb drive, is a
flash memory
storage device that
plugs into a USB
port on a computer
or mobile device
 An ExpressCard
module is a
removable device
mobile device that
fits in an
ExpressCard slot
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Storage Devices
Cloud storage is an Internet
service that provides hard disk
storage to computer users

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 CPU - the actual hardware that interprets and
executes the program instructions and
coordinates how all the other hardware
devices work together.

◦ Control unit - interprets software

instructions and tells the other hardware
devices what to do, based on the software
instructions

◦ Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) - performs all

arithmetic operations and all logic operations

◦ Registers: A processor register (CPU

register) is one of a small set of data holding
places that are part of the computer processor.
A register may hold an instruction, a storage
address, or any kind of data
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 CPU Speed

◦ Megahertz (MHz) - the number of

millions of CPU cycles per second

◦ Gigahertz (GHz) - the number of

billions of CPU cycles per second

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 Connecting devices
Peripheral Device: A piece of
hardware outside the main
computer
 Keyboard
 Printer
 Scanner

Port: The pathway for data to go

into and out of the computer from
the peripheral devices

Device Driver: Software that will

allow the computer to communicate
with a peripheral device
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 Software
 Software contains the instructions
that the hardware executes to
perform an information processing
task.

 Without
the aid of software, the
computer hardware is useless.

 Two categories of software

◦ Application
◦ System
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Software
System Software – your computer
is controlled by the system software
called the operating system e.g.
◦ Windows XP
◦ Vista
◦ Windows 7
◦ OS X

Application Software – programs

that are designed to preform a basic
function
◦Word processing
◦Database
◦Spreadsheet
◦Desktop publishing
◦Photo editing
◦Games
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 Understanding System
Software
- operating system helps the computer carry
out it s basic operating tasks.
-The operating system controls the I/O or
input/output, the flow of data from
microprocessor to memory to peripherals.

-The operating system makes multitasking

possible.
Some types of system software include:
 Virus protection software
 Utilities
 Device drivers
 Computer programming languages
07/25/25 61
 Understanding Application
Software
-Application software helps the user
carry out a variety of tasks.
-Application software enables you to
perform specific tasks.

Examples of application software

includes:
 Document production software
 Spreadsheet software
 Database management software
 Graphics and presentation software
 Communication software
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 Understanding Application
Software
Document production software
includes word
processing, desktop publishing, and
Web authoring software that assist
you in writing and formatting
documents.

It often has grammar and spell-

checking, thesaurus, search and
replace, and template features.

07/25/25 63
Understanding Application
Software

Numbers and text are displayed in a

grid of rows and columns. Cell B5
contains the result of a calculation
performed by the spreadsheet
software

With spreadsheet software, you can create

formulas
that perform calculations. Spreadsheet software
creates worksheets with columns and rows.
The intersection of a column and row is a cell.
07/25/25 64
Understanding Application
Software
Database management software
creates structured databases to
contain information.

Graphics and presentation

software allow you to create
illustrations, diagrams, and charts
to be presented or transmitted.
Most allow you to include graphics.

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Understanding Application
Software
Database management software
creates structured databases to contain
information.

Graphics and presentation software

allow you to create illustrations,
diagrams, and charts to be presented or
transmitted. Most allow you to include
graphics.

Multimedia authoring software allows

you to record digital sound files, video
files, and animations that can be included
in presentations and other documents.
07/25/25 66
Communication Software

Connectivity software
◦enables a computer to “dial up” or
connect to another computer
Web browser software
◦enables a computer to surf the Web
E-mail software
◦enables electronic communication with
other people by sending and receiving
e-mail
ETC.
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 COMPUTER MODELS
They include among others;
(a) Dell
(b) Compaq
(c) Macintosh
(d) Wwang
(e) IBM(International Business
Machine)
(f) Gateway
(g) Toshiba
(h) Mercer
(i) Mercury
(j) Viglen
(k) Samsung 07/25/25 68
 Course work one
Computers are becoming a necessity today in
almost all areas of life in homes, work places,
education and daily life as well (supermarkets,
Libraries, hospitals etc.)
Required;
Explain the different generations of these computers and
clearly state the major Innovation in each generation.
using relevant and real life examples, explain
the relevancy of computers in any one area of
your choice from the above specified areas.

Date of submission: 21st sept.2017 @1:00pm

07/25/25 69
IMPORTANCE OF
COMPUTERS TO OUR
DAILY LIVES

A computer is a best companion of

our daily life .

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 Computers play
an important
role in the lives
of most of us
today, whether
we realize it or
not. Some
people,
however, are
beginning to ask
if we really need
them. In my
opinion,
computers have
become a
necessary part
07/25/25 71
of modern life.
 In the first place
the computers
can save a lot of
storage space.
Storing
information on
computers’ disks
is one of the most
efficient ways of
keeping data. One
computer disk can
hold the same
amount of
information as
several books.
07/25/25 72
 Furthermore,
computers
save
everyone a
lot of
valuable
time.

Any
information
can be found
at the touch
of a button,
whereas
searching for
it manually
takes much
longer.
07/25/25 73
 Therefore,
our everyday
lives are
made easier -
from going to
the bank to
doing the
shopping.

Using a
computer, we
can make
purchases,
prepare
documents or
just chat with
friends.
07/25/25 74
Also, using the
computer, we
are able to
carry out
complicated
mathematical
calculations
that are used
by scientists to
predict the
weather, or
research.
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 Computers
navigate the
modern planes
and ships, and
such navigation
is used in
modern GPS
devices that
can identify the
exact location
of the car and
make a route to
any point in the
world.

07/25/25 76
Nevertheless, there are
those who claim that
computers are
unnecessary and make
our lives more
complicated.

They argue that in the past

we managed very well
using other methods and
that we have become too
dependent on
computers.

However, they fail to

consider that the time
saved by using
computers for repetitive
tasks enables us to use
our own time more
creatively and
productively.
07/25/25 77
It helps us to type letters ,

notice , record etc.

It helps us to type letters ,

notice , record etc.

With the help of Internet we

should communicate with

others who live in any Part of
the world
07/25/25 78
 All in all I
strongly believe
that computers
are useful tools.

They have
changed our
lives for the
better and there
is no reason
why we should
not make them
work for our
advantage.
07/25/25 79
Advantages of Computers in data
processing
Speed
Storage
High Accuracy
Versatility
Diligence
Automatic Operation
Obedience
Decision Making Capability

07/25/25 80
 DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS FOR
PROCESSING
u

INFORMATION
i. Initial investment cost can be high. (Setting up) Extra costs
are required to employ specialized staff to operate and
design the data processing
ii. Some jobs may be lost due to computerization and thus lower
the morale of staff members.
[Link] staff has to be trained or retrained.
[Link] transmission of viruses via the internet, which may lead
to creating untimely costs to the recipient and sender
computers.
v. Problems may arise when computers cannot be used either
because they are malfunctioning or damaged. This can bring
an organization to a halt if no back up exists.
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i. Face to face interaction among staff may be
reduced
ii. High rate of forgery

LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTERS

(a) Data correctness. All the data that is

processed into information is usually correct.
However, we have heard stories or seen
movies that tell us how computers have done
mistakes. Perhaps the data that is entered
contains the mistakes. People enter data and
perhaps do make mistakes.

(b) Program correctness. After data

correctness, the question of program
correctness come up. If the data entered is
correct and a program written to process this
data has mistakes, once again, the
information obtained will be incorrect.
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T
(c) Computers cannot think.
Unlike the human brain, the
computer cannot think but can
effortlessly execute all instructions given
to them any number of times without
errors.

(d) Alternatives: Human beings know

how to try out a new option when one
alternative to do a job fails. Computers
lack this ability.

(e) Experience: Computers cannot learn

from experience.
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GENERAL
CHARACTERISTICS OF
MODERN COMPUTERS

07/25/25 84
 SPEED
Computers operate at extremely high
speeds

Their speed is measured in millions

for instructions per second (MIPS).

ACCURACY

The computer’s accuracy is consistently

high. Almost without exception, the
errors in computing are due to human
rather than to technological weakness
i.e. due to vague thinking by the
programmer, inaccurate data, user
instructions or hardware problems.
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AUTOMATIC (SPONTANEOUS)
The computers are automatic. They do
not need any supervision in order to
perform programs when instructed or
execute the work assigned.

DILIGENCE (ENDURANCE)

Computers have the ability to perform

the same task over for long time
without getting tired. This is because a
computer is a machine, and so does
not have from human behaviors of
tiredness and lack of concentration
07/25/25 86
versatility
Modern Computers can perform different
kind of tasks simultaneously (doing many
tasks at the same time). For example you
can play music while typing a document at
the same time. This is also known as multi-
tasking.

Adaptability

Modern Computers can comply with

different settings. For example, they can
be used as personal computers, for home
use, banking, communication,
entertainment, weather forecasting, space
explorations, teaching, railways, medicine
etc.
07/25/25 87
Artificial intelligence
Computers are artificially intelligent. i.e. They
can be programmed to assume capabilities such
as learning, reasoning, adaptation, and self-
correction. For example computers can respond
as if they were thinking by play chess, recognize
handwriting and speech. However, the
computers themselves cannot think. The
artificial intelligence is only supported by the
power of the programs installed in them.

Storage

For a computer to be able to work, it must have

some form of work space where data is stored
before being processed. All information is stored
on a hard disk or in the memory, for example on
a Ram. 07/25/25 88
Need user Input

Computers cannot initiate

themselves and make the
decisions. They need instructions
from users to enhance the
process. After all, a computer is
only a machine.

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 Classifications/Types of
Computers
According to size
Supercomputers...are used to
process very large amounts of
information including processing
information to predict hurricanes,
satellite images and navigation, and
process military war scenarios.

Mainframes...are used by
government and businesses to
process very large amounts of
information.
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 Types of Computers

Mini-Computers...are similar to
mainframes...they are used by
business and government to
process large amounts of
information.

Personal Computers (PC)…

Personal Computers...also known as
PC’s...are smaller and less powerful
than the others. They are used in
homes, schools, and small
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Personal Computers and Mobile
Devices
A personal computer is a computer
that can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage
activities by itself

A mobile device is a computing

device small enough to hold in your
hand
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Personal Computers and Mobile
Devices

Desktopcomputer
Notebook computer
◦ Laptop computer
◦ Netbook
◦ Tablet PC
Mobile devices
◦ Smart phone
◦ Portable media player
◦ Digital camera

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There are 3 main types
of PCs
 Desktop

 Portable (Notebook/Laptop)

When portable (notebook/laptop) computers were

first created they were HUGE. They weighed
around 100 lbs., and were carried in a large
luggage suitcase. The creators of the portable
(notebook/laptop) computer dreamed that one day
it would be the size a notebook or pocket
dictionary. With today’s technology, we have been
able to accomplish this goal and more..

 Hand-Held

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Desktop vs. Laptop PCs
Desktop computers
◦ Easier to upgrade
◦ Designed to be left in one location
◦ Can add more memory
◦ Full size keyboard
◦ Larger monitor

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Laptop Computers
Portable
Smallerscreens
More powerful before
Compact keyboard
Cost more
Upgrading more difficult

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Hand Held Devices (PDAs)
 Computers small enough to hold in your
hand
 Personal digital assistants
 Most popular PDAs are made by PalmOne
and Blackberry
◦ Don’t have all features or power of PC
◦ Keyboards too small
◦ Only type a few words
◦ Write w/stylus via a touch
screen
◦ Can’t store large amounts
of information
Anyone have a PDA?
What Features?

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Servers(main frame computers)
A computer that manages files and
other resources for a network
Network: several PCs connected to a
single server
Some servers no bigger than a PC
others are much larger and more
powerful
Other devices are also connected to a
server so that many people can share
them
What are some of these devices?

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ELECTRONIC COMPUTER GENERATIONS:

Computer generations refer to the

advancement of computer technology over
years. In the 1950‟s, first widely
operational computers came in and we
divide them into generations.

Each generation is characterized by

dramatic improvement over:
(a) technology used to build the
computer.
(b) Internal organization of the computer.
(c) Programming languages.
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FIRST GENERATION COMPUTERS (1946 – 1956)
Technical developments or innovations
p

1. The first generation of computers relied on

Vacuum tubes to store and process information.
2. They used magnetic drum memories.
3. The maximum memory size was
approximately 2000bytes (2kilobytes)
4. Used punched cards for input and output.
5. Programming was done in machine language.

Set backs include:

1. Limited primary memory.
2. Consumed great quantities of electricity and
generated a lot of heat.
3. They were short lived and needed a standby
technician.
4. They were expensive and few people could
monopolize computers.
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0
 SECOND GENERATION COMPUTERS (1957-1963)
0

The second generation of computers relied on

transistor technology.
Key characteristics:
Computers were built from individual transistors and
connected by wires.
Memory size expanded to 32kilobytes of Ram
memory.
Speeds reached 200,000 to 300,000 instructions per
second.
Computers became less expensive,
were smaller,
increased in processing speed and reliability. E.g. IBM
1401
Computers became much more stable and reliable
than vacuum tubes.
They generated less heat and consumed less power.

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1
0

THIRD GENERATION COMPUTERS (1964-1979)

The third generation of computers had a number of

improvements
Magnetic disks were developed during this period for
storage purposes.
Computer memory expanded to 2 Mega bytes of RAM.
 Speed accelerated to 5 million instructions per second.
(5MIPS)
 This period also saw the production of the first Micro
computers (in 1974)
 Introduction of operating systems e.g. Multics.
 Low cost, high reliability, small size, low power made
computers popular.
 it consisted of fast mainframe such as IBM 360, IBM 370,
etc.
 Introduction of networking of computers.

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2
p

FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTERS (1979-1989)

In this generation;
 Memories used included magnetic disks, bubble
memories and optical speeds to 50MIPS.
 Limited Artificial intelligence and expert systems.
 Development of microprocessors.
 Development of microcomputers.
 Introduction of a wide variety of software.
 Computers became more powerful and cheap
enough that schools and homes were
able to purchase them.

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3
FIFTH GENERATION COMPUTERS (1990-Present)
1990 to present is the merging of Telecommunication and computing
technology. The technology currently used.
These technologies have led to the development of extremely fast
computers referred to as super computers with speeds in the range
of 1 GIGA to 1 TERA instructions per second.
In addition to this, the development of computer networking has reached a
level that turning the world into one single village ( World Wide Web)

Summary
Generation Major Innovation
Generation one Vacuum tubes
Generation two Transistors
Generation three Integrated circuits
Generation four Large scale integrated circuits
Generation five Three dimensional circuit design
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4
Classification of Computers According to Purpose

General Purpose Computers:

General purpose computers are designed to solve a
large variety of problems. The different programs can be
used to solve many problems.

Most digital computers are general purpose computers and

used in business and commercial data processing.

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5
 Classification of Computers According to Purpose

.2 Special Purpose Computers

 The special purpose computers are designed to solve specific problems.

 Thecomputer program for solving a specific problem is built right into the
computer.

 Mostanalog computers are special purpose computers. These special purpose

computers are widely used in industrial robotics .

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6
 According to functionality
1. Analog Computers
A computer that uses moving parts to show
changing information. The word “Analog” means
continuously varying in quantity.

The voltage, current, sound, speed, temperature,

pressure etc. values are examples of analog
data.

The thermometer is an example of analog

device because it measures continuously the
length of a mercury column.

Another example of analog computer is the

analog clock because it measures the time by
means of the distance continuously covered by
the needle around a dial.
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7
According to functionality

2. Digital Computers
The word “Digital” means separate. It
refers to binary system, which consists of
only two digits, i.e. 0 and 1.

Digital data consists of binary data

represented by OFF (low) and ON (high)
electrical pulses. These pulses are
increased and decreased in discontinuous
form rather than in continuous form.

In digital computers, quantities are counted

rather than measured. A digital computer
operates by counting numbers or digits
and gives output in digital form.
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8
According to functionality
3. Hybrid Computers
The hybrid computers have
best features of both analog and
digital computers.

These computers contain both the

digital and analog components.

In hybrid computers, the users can

process both the continuous (analog)
and discrete (digital) data.
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9
Classification By Processor
Power
Due to rapid changes in Generations
80286 or 286
80436 or 436
Pentium 1 (80586)
Pentium II
Pentium III
Pentium IV
Pentium M

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0
CARING FOR 07/25/25
MICRO COMPUTERS
a) Avoid abrupt switching off and on the computer
system. Use the normal way of shutting down.

(b) Avoid making connections when the computer is on

power e.g. keyboard connections, mouse, printer,
monitor etc. …..

(c) Place the microcomputer in a dust free environment

with good ventilation. Dust covers should be used to
cover the microcomputers when not in use, if you use
polythene covers, do not cover immediately after
switching off as it will trap heat.

11
1
o

(d) The microcomputer should not be exposed to direct

sunlight.

(e) Food and drinks should not be allowed near the

computers.

(f) The computers should be regularly serviced, atleast once

a year or more frequently if the environment is dusty.

(g) Do not open the computer for inside cleaning, this should
handled by a qualified personnel.

(h) It is a good practice to keep a record of the daily

condition in case of computer failure.

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2
Information Networks
Isa group of computers and associated
devices that are linked together to
facilitate sharing information.

Can also be used to share data and

devices such as printers.

A typical network has the following three

components:

o Server
o Workstation()
o Communication channel
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Networks and the
Internet
Anetwork is a collection of
computers and devices connected
together, often wirelessly, via
communications devices and
transmission media
◦ Local area network
◦ Wide area network

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4
 Types of Networks
LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (LAN)

Connects devices within a limited area (home

or a small group of offices)

Commonly includes computers and shared

resources (printers and scanners)

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5
A metropolitan area network (MAN)

This is a network that interconnects users

with computer resources in a
geographic area or region larger than that
covered by even a large local area
network (LAN) but smaller than
the area covered by a wide area
network (WAN).

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wide area network
 Isa network that connects devices in
geographically separated areas.

 Isused to connect networks across different

countries.

 The Internet is an example of a WAN.

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7
Internet
 Internet is a worldwide collection of public
networks that are linked to each other for
information exchange.

 Internet offers a range of services to its users

(file transfers between Internet users and
electronic mail)

 TheWorld Wide Web (WWW), or the Web, is

another service that the Internet provides.

 Anintranet is similar to the Web but is

accessible only to authorized users of the
organization. The reverse is termed as an
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extranet 8
Networks and the Internet
The World Wide Web contains
billions of documents called Web
pages
◦ Web page
◦ Web site
◦ Web browser
◦ Web address
◦ Hypertext transfer
protocol

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9
Searching the Web

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0
Revision questions
• Define the term computer and
discuss the four basic computer
operations: input, process, output,
and storage
• Define data and information
• Identify the differences among
desktop computers, notebook
computers, and mobile devices
• Explain the primary components of
the computer and their use
• Describe the use of hard disks, flash
memory, optical discs, and other
storage media
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Revision questions
Discuss computer software and
explain the difference between system
software and application software
Identify several types of application
software
Discuss the Internet and World Wide
Web
Describe various types of Internet and
network attacks and how to protect
against them
Explain how to purchase computers
and mobile devices07/25/25 12
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