ISM 2112: COMPUTER 1
June 1, 2010
Note Week 1: (May 31-June 4)
Things that will be covered in this week:
a)Information System
b)Definition and its components
c)Types of computers
d)Microcomputer hardware


Data and information
Data representation
e)Difference between data and information
f)Connectivity, Wireless and the Internet
g)History of computers
Introduction
Computer competency refers to acquiring computer-related skills
• Microcomputers are common tools in all areas of life.
• New forms of learning have developed.
• New ways to communicate, to find people with similar interests, and to buy goods are
available.
a)Information Systems
b)Definitions: Information System has five parts; people, procedures, software, hardware and data.
People: It’s about how microcomputers can turn the end user like us to be more productive.
Procedures: The rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware and data are
the procedures. The procedures is can be found documented in the manuals. It is written by the
computer specialist like when you buy the new computer, it will come along with manual on how to use
the computer. Normally it comes in electronic or printed form.
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Software:
Two major kinds of software
– System Software
– Application Software
What is System Software:
• A collection of programs-not a single program
• Enables the application software to interact with the hardware
• “Background software” that helps the computer manage its own resources
What is Application Software:
• End-user software
• Two major categories
– Basic Application or General purpose
– Specialized applications
Hardware
c)Types of computer:
• Supercomputers
• Mainframe computers
• Minicomputers (also known as mid-range computers)
• Microcomputers
The Evolution of the Computer Age(cover for topic:g)
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First Generation (1951-1957)
During first generation, computers were built with vacuum tubes – electronic tubes that were made of
glass and were about the size of light bulbs.
Second Generation(1958-1963)
This generation began with first computers built with transistors-small devices that transfer electronic
signals across a resistor. Because transistors are much smaller, use less power and create less heat in the
vacuum tubes, the new computer were faster, smaller and more reliable than the first generation
machines.
Third Generation(1964-1969)
In the year 1964, computer manufacturers began replacing transistors with integrated circuits.
Integrated circuits(IC) is a complete electronic circuit on a small chip made of silicon (one of the most
abundant elements in the earth’s crust).
Compare to the previous technology, it is more reliable and compact comparing to the computers that
are made with transistors and cost less to manufacturers.
Fourth Generation(1970-1990)
Many key advances were made during this generation, the most significant being microprocessor – a
specialized chip developed for computer memory and logic.
Use of a single chip to create a smaller “personal” computer (as well as digital watches, pocket
calculators, copy machines and so on) revolutionized computer industry.
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Fifth Generation(1991-2010 and beyond)
This is the generation that is also known as “Connected Generation” and it is because of the massive
effort to increase the connectivity of computers. The rapidly expanding Internet, World Wide Web and
intranets have created information to shared as superhighways and home users able to communicate
within community across the globe like using Facebook, Twitter and so on.
Data:



Raw, unprocessed facts
Processed data becomes information
Stored electronically in files
– Document files
– Worksheet files
– Database files
– Presentation files
d)Microcomputer hardware
Microcomputer Types (example)
• Desktop
• Notebook or laptop
• Tablet PC - A tablet PC is a type of notebook computer that accepts your handwriting. This
input is digitized and converted to standard text that can be further processed by
programs such as a word processor.
• Handheld - Are the smallest and are also known as palm computers. These systems typically
combine pen input, writing recognition, personal organizational tools, and communications
capabilities. Eg: Personal digital assistants (PDA’s) are the most widely used handheld
computer.
Four basic categories of equipment:
– System Unit
– Input/Output
– Secondary Storage
– Communication
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What is System Unit?

Two important components
– Microprocessor
– Memory
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Input/Output Devices
• Common input devices are the keyboard and the mouse
• Common output devices are printers and monitors
Secondary Storage
• Unlike memory, secondary storage holds data and programs even if electrical power is
not available.
• The most important types of secondary media are floppy, hard, and optical disks.
Communications
• Communication Devices provide microcomputers with the ability to communicate with other
computer systems across the globe
• The modem is the most widely used communication device
• Modems modify telephone communications into a form that can be processed by a computer
• Modems also modify computer output into a form that can be transmitted across standard
telephone lines
e) Data and information & the Difference
Data: Raw, unprocessed facts
• Processed data becomes information
• Stored electronically in files
– Document files
– Worksheet files
– Database files
– Presentation files
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
Data representation
 Document Files
• Created by word processors to save documents such as memos, term papers, and letters
Worksheet Files
• Created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze things like
budgets and to predict sales
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Database Files
• Typically created by database management programs to contain highly structured and
organized data.
Presentation Files
• Created by presentation graphics programs to save presentation materials. For example, a file
might contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.
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f)Connectivity, Wireless and the Internet
• Connectivity
– Sharing of information
– Wireless communication is becoming popular
• Computer networks
– Connected communication system of computers
– Largest network is the Internet
Careers In IT
• For a complete listing of careers, visit www.computing2008.com
keyword: careers
Questions
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