Introduction to Computers

Preview and Objectives

o Define the term “Computer”
o To explain the importance of computers in medical
practitioner.
o To Identify and compare the classification of computers.
o To understand the different parts of a computer system.
o To understand what Software is and its different types.
o To briefly understand how computers represent data.
o Security and password
o To understand Backups
o To define Computer Viruses
o To understand Data copyright
o To understand Data protection
 Definition of a computer
 By definition, a computer is an electronic device that processes

data, converting it into information that is useful to people.

 Computers are controlled by programmed instructions that

transform the data into meaningful information.

 Generally a Computer is an electronic device that accepts input,

processes it, stores data, and produces output.

 Merits/characteristics of computers
 Speed - Computers perform operations at an extremely high speed and

executes millions of instructions in a short time.

 Accuracy -very high as long as they are fed with instruction. Error

detecting and correcting techniques will prevent false results

 Diligence - Computers do not suffer from human limitations such as

tiredness, lack of concentration, boredom e.t.c.

 Versatility - performs various tasks ranging from simple calculation to

complex, Can receive data in various forms i.e. text, sound, video,
graphics etc.
 Storage capacity -. can store and retrieve data immediately – large data
 …
 Consistency, you always get the same result for the same

process when using a computer. For example if you created a

document on one computer, you can open it on another
without making any special adjustments.
 Automation - Ability to perform various operations with little

or no human intervention.
 Connection with Internet, With the Internet, you can

communicate faster with people across the globe

 Demerits of computers
 May take longer to learn how to use applications that may
decrease productivity.

 Unlike human it can’t take decision on its own.

 They are expensive.

 Have taken place of human labor.

 Health Risk, Improper and prolonged use of a computer might

lead to disorders or injuries of the elbows, wrist, neck, back,
and eyes.
…
 Violation of Privacy, When using the Internet on your

computer, you run the risk of leaking your private

information.

 Impact on Environment, When computer junk is discarded

in open grounds, they release harmful chemicals like lead

and mercury to the environment.
Personal and Home Uses of Computers
 Computers allow people with
disabilities to do normal activities.
 Shopping online
 Playing games with other people
 Work from home
 Entertainment such as listening
to music, watching videos etc.
 Enable communication through
the use of (electronic mails) e-
mails , chats etc.
Business Uses of Computers
 Computers allow companies to keep
large amounts of information at hand.
 Databases

 Makes ordering and tracking resources

quicker and easier.
 Allows people to have meetings from
different locations.
 Helps in information management
which eases the process of decision
making .
 Computers allow people across the
world to communicate easily.
Educational Uses of Computers
 The Internet allows access

to hundreds of online
research materials.
 Allows colleagues to
correspond quickly about
ongoing research.
 Eases the process of
analyzing research data.
Information Processing Cycle
The basic working principle of computers
Input

Processing

Output

Storage
 Input
 Input: Things provided to the computer by a person, the environment,

or another computer.
Examples of Input
words and symbols

numbers

pictures

audio signals from a microphone

signals from another computer

temperature, speed, pressures, etc. from sensors

Processing
Processing - manipulation of data.

 Data are symbols that represent raw facts, objects, and

ideas about people, places, events, and things that are of
importance in an organization.
 A computer program or software is a series of instructions

that tell a computer how to carry out a processing task.

Examples of Processing
Arithmetic calculations
Sorting a list
Modifying pictures
Drawing graphs
 Output

 Output - the result produced by a computer after processing

the data.
 Examples of Output

images on a monitor

printed documents

sounds

signals to device controllers

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 Memory and Storage
 Memory - the area of a computer that temporarily holds data that

is being processed or waiting to be processed, stored, or output.

 Storage - The area where data can be left on a permanent basis

while it is not needed for processing.

 Examples of Storage

magnetic disks i.e HDD

CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory)

magnetic tapes
Classification of Computers
 Computers are classified according to;

Size: Some computers are designed for individual use while others are
for organizations.
Technology: Some computers are more powerful than others in terms
of the speed at which they operate as well as the technologies they use.
Purpose: Some computers are designed to handle lighter tasks
compared to others that can handle heavier tasks
 Because of the above factors, we have computers of different prices,

having different hardware as well as compatible with different software.

Classification of Computers
 Supercomputers
 The most powerful computers
made.
 Handle large and complex
calculations.
 Because of their size and
expense, supercomputers are
relatively rare.
 These are used by research
institutions, government
agencies, and large businesses.
Classification of Computers
 Mainframe Computers
 Are slower, less powerful and
less expensive than
supercomputers.
 Are used by banks and many
businesses to update inventory
etc.
 Are used in large organizations
where many users need access
to shared data and programs.
 Can support thousands of users,
handling massive amounts of
input, output, and storage.
Classification of Computers

Mini computers

 Are smaller than mainframe.

 It is generally easier to use.

 Handle hundreds of users

 Used in smaller organizations.

 Minicomputers may be
servers.
Classification of Computers
Workstations

 Are powerful single-user

computers.
 More powerful than a desktop

PC.
 These machines are mostly used

by scientists, engineers, and

animators.
 Workstations are often used as

network and Internet servers.

Classification of Computers
 Microcomputers

This is the smallest, least

expensive of all the computers.
Micro computers have smallest

memory and less power.

They permit fewer peripherals to

be attached.
Microcomputers are commonly

known as personal computers.

Classification of Computers
Personal Computers are usually meant to be used by only
one person at a time. These include:
1. Desktop Computers:
 The most common type of computer.
 Sits on the desk or floor.
 Performs a variety of tasks.

2. Notebook Computers:
 Also known as Laptop computers.
 Small portable computers.
 Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds.
 About 8 ½ by 11 inches.
 Typically as powerful as a desktop.
Classification of Computers
3. Tablet Computers
 Newest development in portable computers
 Input is through a pen.
 Run specialized versions of office products

4. Handheld Computers
 Very small portable computers
 Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
 Note taking or contact management.
 Slow and too small for many computing applications.

5. Smart Phones
 Hybrid of cell phone and PDA
 Can be used for web surfing, e-mail access etc.
 The Computer System
Computer systems consists of;

Hardware

Software

Data

User (people)

Procedures

24
Parts of a computer system:
Hardware

A computer's hardware consists of the physical electronic

devices; the parts you can see and touch.

In other words these are tangible parts of a computer.

The term "device" refers to any piece of hardware used by the

computer, such as a
keyboard, monitor, modem, mouse, etc.

These are mechanical devices that make up the computer.

Examples of Hardware
Categories of hardware
Hardware components are also categorized into;

o Input devices

o Processing device

o Output devices

o Storage devices

o Communication devices
Input Devices
Devices used to provide data and control

signals/instructions to a computer. These include;

oKeyboards
oMouse
oTouch screen
oDigital camera
oScanner
oPoint of sale terminals
oBar code reader
omicrophones
keyboard
An input device consisting of a typewriter like keys that
enable you to enter data into the computer.

It sends information to the computer via the system unit.

The keyboard has:

Alphanumeric keys- letters and numbers

Punctuation keys- comma, period, semicolon etc

Special keys - function keys, control keys etc

Keyboard keys.
F1-F12 : Function keys.
ESC : Cancels the action done.
Tab: Used for formatting e.g. paragraphing.
Caps Lock: For capitalizing.
Backspace: Removes words from the right.
Delete key: Removes words from the left
Shift: Used with other keys e.g. capitalizing.
Ctrl: Used with other keys e.g. ctrl + c for
copying.
Alt: A computer key that is pressed together with
another key to change its function.
Keyboard keys.
Enter: Confirms action.
Scroll Lock: Moving through windows.
Print screen: Takes a snap short.
Num lock: Locks the number pad.
Arrow keys: Moves the cursor in four directions.
Home: Takes the cursor at the beginning of the
line.
End: Takes the cursor at the end of the line.
Mouse

Input device that controls the movement of a cursor or

pointer on the display screen.

Mouse clicks

Left click

Right click

Double click
Output devices
These are devices used to send data from a computer

to another device or user. These include;

oPrinters
oSpeakers
oMonitor
oMicrophones
oProjectors
Monitor.
It’s a device responsible for data out from the computer
system.

Types of monitors:
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

 Printer.
A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.
Types of printers include:
Dot-matrix printer

Ink jet printer

Laser jet printer

36
Peripherals
 A peripheral device designates equipment that might be added to
a computer system to enhance its functionality.
 A peripheral device can be attached, either physically or in a
wireless fashion to a computer system.
 Examples:
Printer
Digital camera
Scanner
Joystick

 Any device that is ready to communicate to a computer is said to

be online. One that is not ready to communicate is said to be

offline.
Processing Devices
These are devices used to process data using program
instructions, manipulate functions, perform calculations
and control other devices.
The main processing device in the computer is the
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 The CPU
CPU also known as a microprocessor -- is a complete

computation engine that is designed on a single chip.

The processor is the "brain" of the computer, the part that

interprets and carries out instructions.

It does calculations, and coordinates the other motherboard co

mponents
Every CPU has three basic parts

Control Unit (CU)

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

39 Registers
Control Unit
It manages all the computer resources and coordinates

all the computer's activities.

It contains the basic instructions (called firmware) for

execution of programs.
The instruction set, built into the circuitry of the

control unit, is a list of all the operations that the CPU

can perform.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit
When the control unit encounters an instruction that

involves mathematical calculation or decision/logic, it

passes the control to the ALU.
Performs arithmetic operations(+, -, *, /).

Performs logical operations (<,>,>= ||, &&)

The ALU includes a group of registers (memory locations)

built directly into the CPU -that are used to hold data that
are being processed by the current instruction.
 Registers
The register is the smallest high-speed storage area in

the CPU. All data must be represented in a register

before it can be processed.

Instruction register Data register

- Holds instruction - Holds data waiting to be

currently being executed processed

- Holds results from

processing
…
 Functions of CPU
 Controls the transmission of data from input devices to memory.

 Processes the data held in main memory.

 Controls the transmission of information from main memory to output

devices.
 A microprocessor can move data from one memory location to another.

 A microprocessor can perform mathematical operations like addition,

subtraction, multiplication and division.

 It does calculations, and coordinates the other motherboard com

ponents.
Storage/Memory device
 These are devices that are used for storing, porting and

extracting data files and objects. There are two types of storage
devices;
 Primary Storage Devices (main memory or internal memory)

 Generally smaller in size, designed to store data

temporarily and are internal to the computer.
 It is directly accessible by the CPU

 E.g Random Access Memory(RAM), Cache

Storage device
 Secondary Storage Devices (external memory or auxiliary

storage)
It is not directly accessible by the CPU.

Have large storage capacity, and store data permanently.

They can be both internal and external to the computer.

These include;
Hard disk, compact disk and USB devices
Storage Devices
 Three major distinctions between storage and memory.

There is more room in storage than in memory.

Contents are retained in storage when the computer is

turned off, whereas programs or the data in memory

disappear when you shut down the computer.
Storage devices operate much slower than memory

chips, but storage is much cheaper than memory.

Communications devices
Piece of equipment or hardware designed to move information
or data from one place to another, in other words, allowing
one computer device to communicate with another.

Examples: modems, network interface cards, Wi-Fi devices,

Bluetooth devices perform both input and output, allowing
computers to share information.
Parts of a computer system: Software
 Software is a set of instructions that drive a computer to perform

specific tasks.
 These instructions tell the machine’s physical components what to

do.
 A set of instructions is often called a program.

 When a computer is using a particular program, it is said to be

running or executing the program.

 The two most common types of programs are system software

and application software.

 …
Application Software: Tells the computer how to accomplish
specific tasks, such as word processing or drawing, for the user.
 Some of the major categories of these applications include:
 Word processing
 Spreadsheets
 Presentation programs
 Graphics programs
 Database management software
 …
System Software, This is the type of software that directly operates
the computer hardware, to provide basic functionality needed by
users and other software.
There are three basic types of system software:
a) Operating system : All computers require an operating system.
 The OS tells the computer how to interact with the user and

its own devices.

 Examples of operating systems include Windows, Macintosh

operating system and Linux, IOS, Android.

 It provides a platform for running application software.
…
b) Network operating system allows computers to
communicate and share data across a network while
controlling network operations and overseeing the
network’s security. Example is Windows server 2012.

c) A utility is a program that makes the computer system

easier to use or performs highly specialized functions.

 Utilities are used to manage disks, troubleshoot

hardware problems, and perform other tasks that the
operating system itself may not be able to do. For
example a antivirus software, HDD Partition
software etc.
Parts of a computer system: Data and Information
 Data are the words, numbers, symbols and graphics that describe
people, events, things, and ideas.
 Data becomes information when it is used as the basis for initiating
some action or for making a decision.
 Information are the words, numbers, and graphics used as the basis
for human actions and decisions.
 A set of data that has been given a name is called a file.
 A file that a user can open and use is called document.
 A folder is a place where groups of computer files and other folders
can be kept and organized.
 Files
A file is a named collection of data, stored on a storage medium

such as a hard disk.

There are two types of files

Data files contains text, images, or other data that can be used by

a program.
Executable files contains programs or instructions that tell the

computer how to perform a task. For example, the file myfile.exe

Filename extensions describe a file’s contents. For example
Executable files usually end in .exe, word files end in .doc, adobe
acrobat documents end in .pdf etc.
 How Computers Represent Data
 The computer reads and stores data of all kinds in form of

numbers.
 Computers use the binary number system while humans

normally use decimal number system.

 Binary number system
Has two distinct digits, 0 and 1

0 and 1 combine to make numbers.

 Decimal number system

Contains ten distinct digits e.g 0 up to 9.

Digits combine to make larger numbers.

Bits and Bytes
 One bit is a single 0 or  One gigabyte is
1. 1,024 megabytes or
 One byte consists of 8 approximately
bits. 1 billion bytes
 One kilobyte consists of  One terabyte is
1,024 bytes 1,024 gigabytes or
approximately 1000 approximately
bytes. 1 trillion bytes.
 One megabyte is
1,024 kilobytes or
approximately
1 million bytes.
How computers represent Data
cont’d
Parts of a computer system : People/Users
 Users and Creators of IT Applications
User (End User): The people who use computers in their jobs or
personal lives

Programmer/Analyst: A person who has joint responsibility

for determining system requirements and developing and
implementing the systems/software.

Computer Engineer: Professional who designs, develops, and

oversees the manufacturing of computer equipment.

Systems Engineer: Professional who installs and maintains

hardware.
Parts of a computer system: Procedure
 Procedure: A step-by-step process or a set of instructions for
accomplishing specific results.
– Operations
– Backup and Recovery
– Security
– Development
…
 Operations Procedure: A procedure that describes how a computer

system or application is used, how often it can be used, who is

authorized to use it, and where the results of processing should go.

 Backup Procedure: A procedure that describes how and when to

make extra copies of information or software to protect against losses.

 Recovery Procedure: An action taken when information or software

must be restored.
 …
 Security Procedure: A procedure designed to safeguard data

centers, communications networks, computers, and other IT

components from accidental intrusion or intentional damage.

 Development Procedure: A procedure that explains how computer

literates should describe user needs and develop applications to

meet those needs.
Proper care of computers
o Computers are used to store data and information

o It is important to take care of your computer so that it will

function well.
o If you take care of your computer, you will not experience

difficulties in retrieving data stored in it.

 Proper care of computers cont.…

1. Place your computer in a cool dry place

2. Don’t put your computer under direct heat

3. Clean your computer regularly. Use a clean damp cloth to

clean the computers external casing

4. Don’t eat and drink while using your computer. Small particles

of food might on your computer and entice insects to feed on

them. Liquids when spilled on your computer, might destroy it.
 Proper care of computers cont.…
5. Cover your computer when not in use. This will prevent dust from gathering on
your computer
6. Use an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to give your computer a few minutes of power
during power failure. This allows you to save your work and properly shutdown.

7. Frequent saving and backups, It is good practice to save your work at regular intervals.
This prevents data loss resulting from a power cut or a system error.

8. Usernames, passwords and access rights, To protect information and access on a computer
or multi-user network, usernames and passwords are used.

9. Make sure your PC has the latest anti-virus software installed, and regularly update its
data files so that it can recognize new viruses to keep your PC safe from viruses.
Health Effects of Computers
1. Eye-Strain
One health issue that can occur after using computers for a long time is

eye-strain (tiredness of the eyes).

This is caused by looking at a monitor which is a constant distance away.

The muscles that focus your eyes do not move, and so get tired

and painful. Eye-strain can also cause headaches.

2. Back and Neck Ache
Many people suffer from back and neck pain after working at a computer

for a long time.

This is usually due to them having a bad sitting posture
3. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) in Wrists and Hands
Any repetitive movement (same movement over and
over again) can result in a health problem called repetitive
strain injury (RSI).
In particular, typing and using a mouse for long periods
are common causes of RSI in the wrist (it is often called
carpal-tunnel syndrome)
 Safety Issues with Computers
You wouldn't imagine that using computers could be dangerous,
but there are a few situations that can result in accidents.
1. Trailing Cables
Computer equipment is often connected
to lots of cables: power, network etc.
If these cables are laying on the floor,
they can cause people to trip over them
Solution: Place cables inside cable ducts,
Or under the carpet / flooring
...
2. Spilt Drinks or Food
If any liquids are spilt on electrical equipment,
such as a computer, it can result in damage to
the equipment, or an electric shock to the user.

Solution: Keep drinks and food away from

computers
3. Overloaded Power Sockets
Plugging too many power cables into a socket
can result in the socket being overloaded,
overheating, and a fire starting.

Solution: Never plug too many cables into

a socket. Always make sure there are fire
extinguishers nearby
...
4. Heavy Objects Falling
Many items of computer equipment are very heavy:
CRT monitors, laser printers, etc. Heavy items
can cause serious injury if they fall on people.

Solution: Make sure equipment is placed

On strong tables / shelves
 Software Piracy
Making illegal copies of copyrighted software

Prosecution

Jailed

Fined

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Security and Privacy – Data Protection
Data communications capabilities provides new
challenges
Keep data secure Keep data private
 Destruction  Salaries
 Accidental damage  Medical information
 Theft  Social security numbers
 Espionage  Bank balances
Protecting sensitive data
 Use hard-to-guess passwords.

 Use Bio-metrics

 Keep security software up to date

Control use of USB storage devices

Prepare for disaster.

Backup
- Making a copy of data

Types of backups Media

o Full backup o USB drives
o Differential backup o CD-R / CR-RW
o Mirrored hard drive
o Incremental backup
Full backups
This type of backup makes a copy of all data to another set
of media, which can be tape, disk or a DVD or CD.
o The backing up process is slow.

o High storage requirements.

Differential backups
A differential backup backs up only the files that
changed since the last full back. For example, suppose
you do a full backup on Sunday. On Monday you back
up only the files that changed since Sunday, on
Tuesday you back up only the files that changed since
Sunday, and so on until the next full backup.
Incremental backups
Incremental backups also back up only the changed data,
but they only back up the data that has changed since
the last backup -- be it a full or incremental backup.

If you do an incremental backup on Tuesday, you only

back up the data that changed since the incremental
backup on Monday. The result is a much smaller,
faster backup.
What Can Cause Data Loss?
Software may harm data
Hard disk malfunctions
Accidentally delete files
Virus infection
 Viruses

 Illicit instructions that pass themselves on to other

programs
o Damaging to computer

o Digital vandalism
 …
Antivirus
Stops the spread of and eradicates the virus
Download signature files/updates regularly

Getting Infected
Executing the virus program
Opening an infected USB drive
Downloading an infected file and executing it
Opening an infected e-mail attachment