Computer Competency Lecture 1 Notes

Module Overview

  • Subject consists of a two-hour lecture and a two-hour lab per week.

  • Focus on developing skills and knowledge in educational technology, software, hardware, data storage and management, communications and networks, web designing, information systems, and workplace and societal issues.

Assessment Details

  • To pass, students must:

    • Attempt all assessment components.

    • Obtain 50% from all assessments.

    • Obtain an aggregate of 50% from the subject.

    • 80% attendance is compulsory for the final exam.

Learning Objectives

  • Define the word computer and its basic operations.

  • Understand the uses of computers.

  • Explain the five parts of an Information system.

  • Distinguish Application from System Software.

  • Distinguish 4 types of computers.

  • Describe hardware devices for input, process, storage, and output.

  • Explain different types of software for different uses.

  • Explain computer connectivity, the Wireless Revolution, and the Internet.

Computers and Us

  • Computer: A machine that performs the four basic operations of the information-processing cycle: Input, Processing, Output, Storage.

Uses of Computers

  • Communication

  • Entertainment

  • Business

  • Telemedicine

Information Processing Cycle

  • Input: Input device sends data to the central processing unit.

  • Processing: Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes computer Instructions; Memory holds data and programs temporarily

  • Output: Devices make processed data (information) available.

  • Storage: Secondary storage device stores data and programs.

Parts of Information System

  • People: End users who become more productive.


  • Procedures: Rules or guidelines people follow when using software, hardware, and data.


  • Software: Programs that convert data into information through step-by-step instructions.


  • Hardware: Equipment that processes data (keyboard, mouse, monitor, system unit, etc.).


  • Data: Raw, unprocessed facts (text, numbers, images, sounds).


  • Connectivity: Uses the Internet to expand the capability and usefulness of information systems.

People

  • Computers and Information Systems have become a big part of our daily lives.

  • The role of people in Information Systems is direct and obvious but sometimes indirect.

  • Communication, Entertainment, Education, Business, Healthcare, and Transport are some areas where Computers and IS benefit us.

Software

  • Software is another name for a program; it consists of a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.

  • Two major kinds of software:

    • System Software: Programs for the computer to use.

    • Application Software: Programs for the user to carry out tasks.

System Software

  • System software enables the interaction between Application Software and the Computer.

  • It exists primarily for the computer itself, to help the computer perform specific functions.

  • One major type of system software is the operating system (OS).

  • The OS tells the computer how to interact with the user and its own devices. Common operating systems include Windows, the Macintosh OS, and LINUX.

Application Software

  • Application Software accomplishes specific tasks required for the user, such as preparing a document and editing an image. Also known as end-user software.

  • Includes General-purpose applications, Specialized applications and Mobile apps.

Types of Computers

  • Supercomputers

  • Mainframe computers

  • Minicomputers

  • Microcomputers

Supercomputers

  • High capacity, used by large organizations for tasks like tracking space and weather.

Mainframe Computers

  • Occupy specially wired, air-conditioned rooms.

  • Capable of great processing speeds and data storage, but not as powerful as supercomputers.

Minicomputers

  • Known as midrange computers, used by medium-size companies or departments of large companies.

Microcomputers

  • Least powerful, widely used; types include Desktop, Notebook/Laptop, Tablet PC, Handheld, and Embedded.

Hardware

  • Equipment that processes the data, controlled by software.

  • Includes physical devices like Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor and Other devices.

Hardware Components

  • System unit

  • Input/output devices

  • Storage Devices

  • Communications

System Unit (Processing Devices)

  • Contains the CPU, also known as the system cabinet or chassis.

  • Houses most of the electronic components that make up the computer system.

System Unit Components

  • Motherboard

  • Expansion Cards

  • CPU

  • RAM

Input Devices

  • Equipment that translates data into a form a computer can process (e.g., Keyboard and Mouse).

Output Devices

  • Equipment that translates processed information from the CPU into a form that can be understood (e.g., Monitors and Printers).

Storage Devices

  • Permanent storage used to preserve programs and data, including floppy disks, hard disks, and magnetic tape.

Communications

  • Communications Devices enable computers to connect to a computer network.

  • Network: Two or more computer systems that are connected.

  • Modem: A device that enables the computer to access other computers.

Data

  • Raw, unprocessed facts that when processed create information.

  • Stored electronically in files (Document files, Worksheet files, Database files, Presentation files).

The Information Processing Cycle

  • Input: You enter text in a word processing program.

  • Processing: The computer checks and compares all words entered with a list of correctly spelled words.

  • Output: The computer provides a list of apparent misspellings; you correct the spelling in your document.

  • Storage: You save the revised document to a disk.

Connectivity, the Wireless Revolution, and the Internet

  • Connectivity: Sharing of information.

  • Wireless communication is becoming popular.

  • Computer networks: Connected communication system of computers.

  • Largest network is the Internet.