KAMPALA
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
Western Campus
P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
E-mail: kiu@admin.ac
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL, TELECOMMUNICATION
AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
PROGRAM:
ALL
COURSE UNIT:
COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS (UCC1100)
YEAR:
ONE
SEMESTER:
ONE
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
1.1 What is a computer?
A computer is a multipurpose electronic machine that is capable of accepting data, storing the
data, processing the data and finally outputting the processed data (information) through its
output devices in a form that is usable by human being!
1.2 What is Data?
This is the basic facts of any event in the life such as names, cost, prices, date, time etc.
(Unorganized facts) e.g. lists of students in the school irrespective of their classes, sex or age.
1.3 What is Information?
This is data that has been turned into a more meaningful form that would make immediate sense
to any user. I.e. processed data (organized facts) example of processed data include: printed
documents, headed tables etc.
1.4 Data processing
Is the process where data is transformed into information?
Western Campus
KAMPALA
P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
INTERNATIONAL
E-mail: kiu@admin.ac
UNIVERSITY
1.5 How a computer works (Information processing cycle)
Information processing cycle is the process where data is transformed into information. Data is
entered into the computer through the input devices like keyboard then it’s received by the main
memory (RAM) which stores it temporary as it waits to be processed, it’s then sent to the CPU
for processing and finally it’s outputted through the output devices like the monitor.
1.6 Information Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT means sending and receiving information using scientific means (computers, networks,
internet e.g.) which requires sending, understanding, receiving and sending feedbacks. ICT tools
includes; Radios, TVs, Computers, Phones, Masts, Satellite, etc.
1.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers
1.7.1 Advantages of a computer
A) High Speed: A computer can perform billions of calculations in a second.
The time used by a computer to perform an operation is called the processing speed.
Computer speed is measured in Mega Hertz (MHz).
B) Large and permanent Storage Capability: A computer can store a large amount of data
permanently. We can store any type of data in a computer i.e. text, graphic, pictures,
audio and video files can be stored easily.
C) Accuracy: Accuracy means to provide results without any error. Computers can process
large amount of data and generate error-free results.
D) Communication: Most computers today have the capability of communicating with
other computers. We can connect two or more computers using communication devices
such as modem. These computers can share data, instructions, and information. The
connected computers are called networked computers.
E) Flexible: Computers are flexible as they can do work of other machines like radio, phone
F) Recreational. Computer offers recreational facilities like game, movies etc.
KAMPALA
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
Western Campus
P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
E-mail: kiu@admin.ac
G) Versatility. A computer is a very versatile machine. A computer is very flexible in
performing the jobs to be done. This machine can be used to solve the problems related to
H) \various fields. At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the
very next moment it may be playing a card game.
I) Reliability. A computer is a reliable machine. Modern electronic components have long
lives. Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
J) Automation. Once a task is input into a computer, it is executed without human
interaction.
K) Reduction in Paper Work. The use of computers for data processing in an organization
leads to reduction in paper work and results in speeding up a process. As data in
electronic files can be retrieved when required, the problem of maintenance of large
number of paper files gets reduced.
L) Reduction in Cost. Though the initial investment for purchasing a computer is high, it
substantially reduces the cost of each of its transaction.
1.7.2 Disadvantage of using Computers
1. Causes unemployment where a job that could be done by 100 people is now being done
by one person using the computer and within a short time.
2. It involves a lot of costs like the initial cost of purchase, cost of training and cost of
maintenance
3. It is delicate i.e. you must handle it with a lot of care
4. Vulnerable to viruses attacks. A virus is a malicious program which is designed to
disorganize the proper functioning of the computer system or computer information. It
can be spread easily using the internet or networked computers
5. Has led to moral decay. Computers on internet which can even show Pornographic
materials like sexual acts which miss lead the users to get involved in bad acts
6. Vulnerable to Crackers: is a person who access information illegally on the network
and he goes on to carry out malicious actions on it.
7. Computers cannot be used by the literate. It can only be used by people who know
how to read and write leaving out the illiterate people
1.8 Characteristics of computers






High speed
Reliability
Large Storage capacity
Increase Productivity
Versatility
Flexible
KAMPALA
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
Western Campus
P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
E-mail: kiu@admin.ac
1.9 Reasons for studying computer
o Pass Examinations
o To learn how to use a computer
o To get a job e.g. teaching computer
1.10 Evolution of Computers
The history of computer development is often referred to in reference to the different generations
of computing devices.
1.11 The Five Generations of Computers
Each generation of computer is characterized by a major technological development that
fundamentally changed the way computers operated resulting in increasingly smaller, cheaper,
powerful, efficient and reliable devices.
Below is a detailed explanation of each computer generation;
1.11.1 First Generation - 1940-1956: Vacuum Tubes









1.11.2

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry
They used magnetic drums for memory
They were often enormous, taking up entire rooms.
They were very expensive to operate
They used a great deal of electricity, generating a lot of heat, which was often the cause
of malfunctions.
First generation computers relied on machine language to perform operations, and they
could only solve one problem at a time.
Input was based on punched cards and paper tape
Output was displayed on printouts.
The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing
devices. The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to a business client,
the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.
Second Generation - 1956-1963: Transistors
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers.
The transistor was invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the
late 50s. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to
become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-
KAMPALA
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
Western Campus
P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
E-mail: kiu@admin.ac
 generation predecessors. Though the transistor still generated a great deal of heat that
subjected the computer to damage, it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube.
 Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for
output.
 Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic,
or assembly languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words.
High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time, such as early
versions of COBOL and FORTRAN.
 These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which
moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
1.11.3 Third Generation - 1964-1971: Integrated Circuits
 The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of
computers. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on siliconchips, called
semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
 Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers
through keyboards and monitors.
 Operating system was invented, which allowed the device to run many different
applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory.
 Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were
smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.
1.11.4 Fourth Generation - 1971-Present: Microprocessors
 The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands
ofintegrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip.
 What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand.
The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer from the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls - on a single chip.
In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the
Macintosh. Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many
areas of life as more and more everyday products began to use microprocessors.
 As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together
to formnetworks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet.
 Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handheld
devices.
1.11.5 Fifth Generation - Present and Beyond: Artificial Intelligence
Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in
development, though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are
being used today
KAMPALA
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY



Western Campus
P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
E-mail: kiu@admin.ac
The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial
intelligence a reality.
Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will radically change the face
of computers in years to come.
The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.
1.12 Computer Application Areas
Computers are presently being used in the following areas;
1) Business
The computer's characteristic as high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or
versatility has made it an integrated part in all business organizations.
Computer is used in business organization for: Payroll Calculations, Budgeting, Sales Analysis,
Financial forecasting, Managing employees database, Maintenance of stocks etc.
2) Banking
Today Banking is almost totally dependent on computers in performing accounting facility,
which include
 Current balances,
 Overdrafts,
 Shares
 Deposits,
 Interest charges
 Trustee records
ATM machines are making it even easier for customers to deal with banks.
3) Insurance
The Insurance Companies are widely using computers to show
 How to continue with policies,
 Starting date of the policies,
 Next due installment of a policy,
 Maturity date,
 Interests due,
 Survival benefits,
 Bonus
KAMPALA
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
Western Campus
P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
E-mail: kiu@admin.ac
4) Education
The computer has provided a lot of facilities in the Education System such as;
 Management of learners’ information using student information management systems,
 Management of school/institution resources using content management systems,
 CBE (Computer Based Education). CBE involve Control, Delivery and Evaluation
of learning using computers. It is also used to prepare a database about
student performance and analysis is carried out.
5) Marketing
In marketing computers are used for;
 Advertising: With computers, advertising professionals create art and graphics, write
and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal of selling more products.
 At Home Shopping: At home shopping has been made possible through use of
computerized catalogues that provide access to product information and permit direct
entry of orders to be filled by the customers.
6) Health Care
Computers have become important part in all Medical Systems. Computers are being used in;
 Diagnostic System: Computers are used to collect data and identify cause of illness.
 Lab-diagnostic System: All tests can be done and reports are prepared by computer.
 Patient Monitoring System: These are used to check patient's signs for abnormality
such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG etc.
 Pharma Information System: Computer checks Drug-Labels, Expiry dates, harmful
drug side effects etc.
 Performing surgery
 Keeping the record of patients and medicines
 Carrying out scans such as ECG, EEG, Ultrasounds and CT Scans
7) Engineering Design
Computers are widely used in engineering purposes.
One of major areas is CAD (Computer aided design).CAD provides creation, edition, and
modification of image. Some fields are:
i) Structural Engineering: Requires stress and strain analysis required for design of
Ships, Buildings, Budgets, and Airplanes etc.
KAMPALA
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
Western Campus
P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
E-mail: kiu@admin.ac
ii) Industrial Engineering: Computers deals with design, implementation and
improvement of integrated systems of people, materials and equipment.
iii) Hitectural engineering: Computers help in planning towns, designing buildings,
determining a range of buildings on a site using both 2D and 3D drawings.
8) Military
Computers are largely used in defense. Modern tanks, missiles, weapons etc. employ
computerized control systems. Some military areas where a computer has been used are:
 Missile Control
 Military Communication
 Military operation and planning
 Smart Weapons
9) Communication
Communication means to convey a message, an idea, a picture or speech that is received and
understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant. Some main areas in this
category are:
 E-mail,
 Social media,
 Usenet,
 FTP,
 Telnet,
 Video-conferencing
10) Government Applications
Computers play an important role in government applications. Some major fields in this
category are:







Preparation of Budgets
Tax Payment,
To carry out Statistics,
Computerization of voters lists,
Computerization of Driving Licensing system,
Computerization of PAN card,
Weather Forecasting