DATA: The word Data is plural form of the Latin word Datum which means A single fact or figure.

So the term data is defined as Collection of raw facts and figures that cannot lead to some decision making are called data. For example Auon, 59, bread, 36.65 etc Other examples: A word processed letter stored on a floppy disc A song written as sheet music so that it can be played. A telephone conversation converted to electrical signals to be sent down the wires. INFORMATION: Processed data which can be utilized for some decision making is called information. For example Ali eats bread, Inzamam scores 90 runs etc. Usually information is expressed in words and numbers. However, it can be expressed in other forms, such as sounds, measurements or pictures. Examples: A list of names and addresses. The contents of a letter. The words of a song. A map.

PROCESSING INFORMATION: Information processing is the organization, manipulation and distribution of information. Sorting a list of names and address into alphabetical order. Producing a letter with a word processor, saving it on floppy disc Transmitting a conversation over the phone system.

and then sending it by electronic mail. PROCESSING OF INFORMATION WITHOUT MACHINES: Examples are: Listening to songs and deciding which ones are best.

Reading a map to get from one place to another.

THE DATA PROCESSING CYCLE:

When data is collected and processed, whether by computer or by other means, a set of operations is carried out on it. The sequence of operations : data collection, input, process, output is called a data processing cycle.

Processi ng

Memory

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) is all types of equipment and programs which are used in the processing of information. Examples are: A computer. A calculator. A fax machine. A telephone.

USES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: The term information technology is also used to refer to the uses of this technology. The main types of use involved are: Presentation of information. Handling information. Searching data, sorting it into order and analyzing Producing modules of real situations Data communication. Control and measurement

DIGITAL AND ANALOGUE DATA:

A device is digital if some quantity in it can be set to a number of different separate values or states. Data is then represented by combinations by these values. Usually the devices are binary and data is represented as a succession of 1s and 0s. An analogue device is one in which data is represented by some quantity which is continuously variable. The value of a data item at a given time is represented by the size of the quantity measured on a fixed scale. SYSTEM: A system is group of inter-related components working together towards a common goal by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation process. Components of a system are of two categories: Base components and Secondary components. Base components are mandatory for the system. A system cannot work without them. Secondary components are not mandatory for the system. However their presence or involvement increases the functionality and efficiency of the system. A System has three base / basic interacting components: Inputs, Processing, and Output. Input involves capturing and assembling the elements that enter the system to be processed. For example, raw materials, energy, data and human efforts etc. inputs must be secured and well organized for processing. Processing involves transformation processes that convert input into output. Examples are a manufacturing process, the human breathing process, or a mathematical calculation etc. Output involves transforming elements that have been produced by a transformation process to their ultimate destination. Examples are finished products, human services and management information etc. Output must be transmitted to their human users INFORMATION SYSTEM: A system that accepts data resources as input and processes them into information products as output is known as information system.

An information system uses the resources of people (end users & specialists), hardware (machine & media), software (programs & procedures), data, information, applications and communication (media & network support) to perform input, processing, output, storage and control activities that convert data resources into information products. COMPONENTS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM: An information system consists of five major resources: people, hardware, software, data and networks. People: People are required for the operation of all information systems. People resources include end users and information system specialists. End-users are people who use an information system or the information it produces. They can be accountants, salespersons, engineers, clerks, customers or managers. IS specialists are people who develop and operate information system. They include system analysts, programmers, computer operators and other managerial, technical and clerical IS personnel. Hardware Resources: Hardware resources include all physical devices and materials used in information processing. It includes not only machines but data media also. Software Resources: Software resources include all set of information processing instructions. It includes not only the operating instructions (programs) but also sets of information processing instructions needed by people (procedures). Software resources include system software, application software, procedures (manuals and SOPs etc). Data Resources: Data constitutes a valuable organizational resource. Data can take many forms including alphanumeric data (composed of numbers and alphabetical) and other characters that describe any sort of transaction; text data consisting of sentences and paragraphs which are used in written communication, Image data

such as graphic shapes and figures; audio data such as the human voice and other sounds etc. Data resources of an information system are of two types: Databases and knowledge bases. Databases hold processed and organized data. Knowledge bases hold knowledge in a variety of forms such as facts, rules, case studies etc. Network Resources: Telecommunication network consist of computers, communication processors, other devices, interconnected by some communication media and controlled by communication software. Network resources include communication media (twisted wire, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, microwave system, communication satellite systems), network support (all of the people, hardware, software and data resources that directly support the operation and use of communication network). COMPUTERS: A Computer is a programmable, multipurpose machine that accepts data (e.g. raw data, facts & figures) and processes, or manipulates it into information we can use, such as summaries or totals Examples are: An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) computes the deposits and withdrawals to give you the total in your account. Computer (ISO Definition): A programmable functional unit that consists of one or more associated processing units and peripheral equipment, that is controlled by internally stored programs and that can perform substantial computation, including numerous arithmetic operations or logic operations, without human intervention during a run. A computer may be a stand-alone unit or may consist of several interconnected units. Computer is a programmable machine. The main properties of a computer are: 1. It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner. 2. It executes pre-loaded / pre-recorded set of instructions (Programs)

Computer is an electronic device that accepts data and instructions as input, processes them, and communicates results as output. A general computer requires the following hardware components Central Processing Unit (CPU): The Heart of the computer, the component hat actually executes the instructions. Memory: Enables to store (at least temporarily) data and program. Input devices: usually a keyboard and mouse is the conduit / bridge through which data and instructions enter a computer. Output devices: let us see what the computer has accomplished. Mass storage device: allows the computer to permanently retain large amounts of data. For example disk drive, tape drive etc.
In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components of a computer to work together.

HISTORY OF COMPUTERS: 3000 BC the ABACUS a rudimentary first computing device developed

1642 Blaise Pascal built the first mechanical digital calculator Pascaline.

1822

Charles Babbage invented Difference Engine with a mechanical

memory to store results. 1840 Ada, the first programmer suggested binary Data storage rather than decimal. 1880 Dr.Herman Hollerith developed the punched card that would contain data coded in form of punched holes.

1939 Dr. John Vincent Atanasoft produced the first prototype electronic computer. 1944 Aitken built Mark 1 the first automatic, sequence controlled calculator; used by military to compute ballistic data. 1947 Mauchy and Eckert built ENIAC 2nd Electronic digital computer. 1949 Maurice, Eckert and Von Neumann built EDVAC the -1st stored program computer.

1950 Turing built Ace 1st programmable computer. 1951 Mauchy and Eckert built UNIVAC 1 1st commercially sold. 1960 Gene Amdahl designed IBM System/360 mainframe computer 1st general purpose digital using Integrated circuits. 1963 Olsen with Digital Equipment Corporation produced PDP-1 1st Minicomputer. Ted Hoff of Intel Corporation produced microprocessor Intel 4004. 1975 H.Edward Roberts 1st Microcomputer. 1976 Seymour Cray CRAY-1 Supercomputer. 1977 Stephen Wonzniak and Steven Jobs built first Apple Microcomputer. 1980 Lower cost Personal Computers.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS: There are different types of computers. These are according to their sizes and processing power (speed). Followings are the main types of computers Personal Computer: A small, single-user, based upon a single microprocessor. It consists of other peripherals like keyboard (for entering data), a monitor (for displaying data & information) and a storage device (for saving data). These are the traditional types of computers. Applications for personal computers involve basic data processing, office automations, network clients etc. Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer but it has a more powerful microprocessor and high quality peripherals. Applications of a workstation involve network servers,

professional graphic servers, professional workstations, technical network clients etc. Minicomputer: A powerful multi-user computer system capable of supporting 10 to 100 users simultaneously. Applications of minicomputers involve departmental and workgroup systems, network servers, application servers etc. Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer system that can handle many hundreds of users simultaneously. It is a powerful computer system capable of supporting even too much complicated applications. Applications of mainframe computers involve host computers, database servers, transaction processors, enterprise wide systems etc. Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second. They are huge in size. They can cater needs of thousands of users simultaneously. CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS: All computers have certain common characteristics irrespective of their sizes and speed. Those common characteristics are: 1. Word Length: A digital computer operates binary digit (0 or 1). BIT is an abbreviation of Binary digit. A byte is group of 8 bits. n bits combine together to make a WORD. The number of bits a processor (computer) can process at a time is called word length of that computer. Word length is normally 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit. Word length is in 2 n and always measured in bits. Word length is a measure of computing power of a computer. Longer the word length, more powerful is the computer. When we say 32-bit computer, it means its word length is 32-bit. 2. Speed: All computers work with specific speed. They can calculate at a very high speed. As the power of the computer increases, the speed also increases. 3. Storage: All computers have main memory and auxiliary memory system. A computer can store a large amount of data. The computers storage is unique because of access and retrieval of data within no time.

4. Accuracy: Accuracy of computer system is very high. Hardware flaws can occur but there are no logical flaws. In other words, Garbage-In-GarbageOut (GIGO). 5. Versatility: Computers are very versatile machines. They perform activities ranging from simple calculations to complex CAD modeling. They can do any task provided that it must be reduced in logical steps. 6. Automation: Once a task is initiated in computer, it can proceed at its own till its completion. 7. Diligence: Diligence means being constant and earnest in effort and application. Human being suffer from weakness like tiredness, lack of concentration etc. human have feelings. They become sad, depressed, bored, and negligent and it will reflect on the work. After sometime, people will become bored and it will affect performance. Being a machine, a computer has none of these types of weaknesses. WHAT COMPUTER CANNOT DO? There is no doubt that computers are fulfilling their promise to perform certain tasks better, faster and cheaper. But there are certain functionalities that computers have not achieved yet. They are 1. Productivity: Computers havent yet met all our expectations as a productivity improvement tool. Sometimes it takes longer to do things with a computer than it would to do them manually. Sometimes it takes too much time to learn how to use an application program that is supposed to increase productivity. But these problems are sorted out with improved user interface design, easy-to-use and easy-to-learn applications, use of wizards, templates, on-line and context sensitive help facilities, etc. 2. Reasoning: Computers still lack many of the mental capabilities possessed by human being. Simply saying, computer cannot think. They cannot discriminate or assimilate widely divergent kinds of data, and they have absolutely no capacity for ethical evaluation. These are still powers possessed only by people, and it may be wise to keep things that way.

3. Errors: Computers dont make errors, people do --- either in the way they program computers or in the way they use them. CLASSIFICATION OF DIGITAL COMPUTER SYSTEM: Computers are classified as: Microcomputers 1. Personal Computers: 2. Workstations 3. Portable Computers a. Laptops / notebooks b. Sub-notebooks c. PDAs Minicomputers Mainframe Super Computers Network Computers

ANATOMY OF A DIGITAL COMPUTER

Processo r
Input

ALU Control

Main Memor y

Output

Storage

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT: Processor:- The heart of any computer system. It consists of ALU, control elements and small memory units called registers. ALU: All calculations and all comparisons take place in this unit. Control Unit:- This interprets any instruction it receives from memory and directs the sequence of events Necessary to execute the instruction. CU uses a system clock which synchronizes all tasks by sending out electrical pulses. INPUT DEVICES: Input devices are used to feed data and instructions to the computer system. Input devices provide the interface between the outside world and the computer system for this purpose. An input device is a peripheral which accepts data and sends it to the central processing unit. Examples of input devices The keyboard Alight pen An Electronic digital weighing scale interface d to a computer A document reader A mouse.

INPUT FROM KEY BOARD The usual keys supplied are The alphabet The digits 0-9 Other text characters Cursor and other control characters Keys which change the function of other keys Function keys.

DOCUMENT READERS

OMR, OCR and MICR

A document reader is a device which read data straight from a form. Examples are Optical Mark Recognition(OMR) Optical Character Recognition(OCR) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition(MICR)

OPTICAL MARK RECOGNITION. (OMR)

OMR is a system of reading lines or marks which have been made in exactly the right positions on a card or document. APPLICATIONS OF OMR The documents to be read have empty boxes to take the marks. These have been preprinted on to the documents together with information telling the user what to do. The person preparing the data makes pencil or ink marks in the appropriate boxes. The data to be input has to be simple because the user can only make marks and cannot write any information. There has to be large number of documents to justify designing and printing them. Examples are: marking multiple choice question papers. OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION (OCR)

An optical character reader can recognize characters from their shape. As with OMR light is reflected from the paper and form the ink. In OCR however the reader has to work out what the characters are. Scanners were originally design to scan pictures but they can also be used to read text. MOUSE A mouse is an input device designed to fit snugly under a hand while it is moved about over a table. Moving the mouse produces movements of a cursor or a pointer on the screen. The mouse is also provided with one, two or three buttons. These are pressed to produce action when the user has moved the cursor to the right place. USES OF MOUSE: To select options from a menu or from a set of icons. To position the cursor when editing text or using a design packages. To select an object in a drawing or a piece of text to be copied, moved or deleted.
OUT PUT DEVICES:

There are several ways to produce output: Text output. Graphics output. Sound output. Video output.

TEXT OUTPUT Is simply alphanumeric characters that makeup our language. Text output appearance ranges from type writer to typeset quality. GRAPHIC OUTPUT Includes line drawings, maps, presentations business graphics. SOUND OUTPUT

Ranges from the message beeps produced by the computer system to the human voice to music and other forms of sound. VIDEO OUTPUT Photographs (still images) or moving images such as television and video taped material Again we have 2 principle kind of output are: Hard copy. Soft copy.

PRINTER A printer is read only device, driven directly by a computer and provide permanent visual records called hard copy. The basic criteria for evaluating printers include: Quality of the printed output. Speed at which printed pages are produced. Sound level during printing. Cost of printing media. Conservation of paper. Character printers. - Prints one character at a time. Line printers Prints one line at a time. Page printers Prints one page at a time.

BASIC CLARIFICATION OF PRINTERS

BASIC METHODS OF PRODUCING PRINTOUTS IMPACT PRINTERS: Form characters or images by striking mechanism Such as print hammer or wheel against an inked ribbon leaving an image on paper. Ex Low speed impact printers (Daisy wheel print head, Dot matrix printer head) NON-IMPACT PRINTERS Form characters or images without making direct physical contact between printing mechanism and papers. Examples are Laser printer, Ink jet printer DOT MATRIX PRINTER

This mechanism enable the print control up to the dot level on the paper, can be used to produce both text and graphics. Fast but noisy; wear out ribbons very quickly. LASER PRINTER

Excellent print quality and font selection. Fast printing and high quality graphics with color, high resolution Medium level noise but high cost. Primary disadvantages are expensive maintenance and the high cost of toner cartridges.

INK-JET PRINTERS

Ink jet printers transfers characters and images to the paper by spraying a fine jet of ink. Offers nearly the quality of laser printing but not the speed. Low cost alternative for high quality printing. MONITOR

Provide soft copy output. Come in either monochrome or color. A monochrome display a single color against a different color background Color display can show variety of colors.

Resolution- Describe the degree of details in a video display. The higher the resolution the characters and images are sharper and crisper as fill image. PLOTTERS

It is a specialized output device designed to produce high quality graphics in a variety of colors. Those are especially useful for creating maps and architectural drawings, although they may also produce less complicated charts and graphics. TYPE OF PLOTTERS Pen plotter Electrostatic plotter. Thermal plotter.

DATA STORAGE IN COMPUTERS STORAGE OF DATA The number of instructions and amount of data a computer can store in its memory is measured in bytes. A single character can be stored in one byte. (A BIT CAN BE EITHER 0 OR 1) 4 BITS 8 BITS 1024 B = 1 NIBBLE = 1 BYTE = 1 KILOBYTE

1024 KB = 1 MEGABYTE 1024 MB = 1 GIGABYTES 1024 GB = 1 TERABYTE A

BYTE

is a small group of bits treated as a unit. It is usually the number of bits

needed to store one character. Normally a byte consists of 8 bits. WRITE Data means to move it or copy from the main store to backing store. READ - Read data means to move it or copy from the backing store to main store. STORES DIFFER IN: The speed with which they can be accessed. Whether they can store data when the computer is not running. Whether data on they can be changed. Main store Backing store

Two main categories of storage are

MAIN MEMORY (MAIN STORE) There are two types of memory ROM (Read-Only Memory) RAM (Random Access Memory) Memory is the name given to a group of chips inside the processing unit. Here data is held temporarily whilst processing takes place. CACHE MEMORY Cache is an area of memory that holds frequently accessed data or program instructions for the purpose of speeding a computer systems performance. READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)

ROM is Memory which can be read from but not written to. ROM is permanent data and programs on it cannot be changed. It is not volatile. If ROM was volatile it would lose. Its data and it would not be possible to write it back. There are four types of ROM. PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory EPROM Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)

RAM is memory which can be read from or written to. RAM is temporary. It contents can be changed. It is usually volatile. The application of RAM 1. As the working store of the computer- as the temporary store for the program which is running and data it is using. 2. To store data being transferred to an from peripherals 3. To store the contents of the screen BACKING STORE A STORAGE MEDIUM is the material on which the data is stored. Examples are Magnetic tape, Floppy disk, CD ROM Storage DRIVE Is the piece of equipment which rotates the storage medium and access the data on it. Characteristics of backing store 1. Data is usually accessed using read/write heads. These transferred the data while the medium rotates in the drive.

2. Access to backing store is slower than to main store. 3. They are not volatile. the data is stored on the medium until it is deleted. MAGNETIC DISCS A typical Magnetic Disc has two surfaces or sides. Each surface holds data in circular tracks. Each track is divided into equal sections called sectors. There are two types of Magnetic Disks Floppy Disc: Is a light flexible magnetic disc. Hard Disc: Is a rigid magnetic Disc

COMPACT DISC All types of compact disc can be read by a computer if you have the right player interfaces and software. A CD ROM is a compact disc normally of about 12cm in diameter. CD ROMs of other sizes are also available. Ex. Electronic books which are 8 cm in diameter. Data is written to the disc using a powerful laser beam to burn patterns in the surface. The discs are exchangeable and easy to transport. Access to data is faster than floppy discs but slower than hard discs. MULTI-MEDIA: means presentation on a computer of information combining animated and still graphics, sound and text.