INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Week 1 Students learning objectives
1. Define: - computer, system, data, information, data processing.
2. Differentiate between digital and analogue computers
3. Explain how computers are applied to: - business applications, office automation,
science and engineering, healthcare, sports, education, artificial intelligence,
government, homes, arts and humanities.
4. Define algorithms and explain their significance in computer science.
5. Understand how a computer is internally organized.
Topics
ÿ An introduction to computer science: - terminologies: - computer, system, data,
information, data processing.
ÿ Algorithm discovery and design
ÿ Computer systems organization and models of computation.
What is a Computer?
A Computer is a high-speed electronic device which when given data and instructions from an
input device will process the data in accordance with the predefined program to produce the
required results- the output
It can also be defined as an electronic device that accept data and instructions, stores them
temporarily in its memory awaiting processing, automatically executes/obeys the sets of the
issued instructions to produce information from the input raw data.
It is described as an electronic device because it uses electric energy in its logical operations.
What is a system?
A system is the entire set of components, both computer related, and non-computer related, that
provides a service to a user. Or a system is a group of related parts/components that work
together as a unit to realize a common goal/function.
What is data?
Data is simply the basic facts or raw facts including numbers and words, given to a computer
during the input operation.
1|Compiled by T.Njoroge
, What is information?
Information is a term with many meanings depending on context, in computing, information can
be defined as a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn. Information therefore
refers to data that has been processed into a form that has meaning and is useful in decision-
making.
What does a computer do?
Computers perform four major operations:
They are input, process, output and storage. In the processing phase, the computer
manipulates the data in a predetermined manner to create information.
Information processing or electronic data processing is the production of information by
processing data on a computer.
Computer Application Areas:
a) Business Applications
Computers are used to reduce inventory costs, analyze new markets, analyze the performance of
sales people, make sophisticated financial analysis, determine production costs, forecast labor
needs, and eliminate production bottlenecks.
The typical business procedures that utilize computers include the following:
(i.) Accounts Receivables: To maintain and process records on money owed to a company
by customers or clients.
(ii.) Accounts payable: To maintain and process records on money owed by the company to
vendors.
(iii.) Payroll: To maintain employee payroll records and process payroll checks.
(iv.) Inventory control: To maintain records on items or goods on hand, on quantities
ordered, and in general to maintain inventory files by producing purchase orders on
out-of –stock items, o determine economic order quantities
Computers are widely applicable in the following Business areas:
(i.) Banks:
∑ Banks use computers to process the huge amount of checks and credit cards transactions
that take place daily.
∑ The Automated teller machines allow the banking transactions to be carried out day and
night. The customer uses a plastic card and selects the transactions by pressing a series of
buttons.
∑ Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): This is the automatic recording of account transactions
and money transfers. However, no money actually exchanges hands.
(ii) Retailing:
∑ By use of the Universal Product Code (UPC), and Point –of- Sale (POS) terminals,
computers can greatly enhance the performance of retail stores. The UPC is a
2|Compiled by T.Njoroge
Week 1 Students learning objectives
1. Define: - computer, system, data, information, data processing.
2. Differentiate between digital and analogue computers
3. Explain how computers are applied to: - business applications, office automation,
science and engineering, healthcare, sports, education, artificial intelligence,
government, homes, arts and humanities.
4. Define algorithms and explain their significance in computer science.
5. Understand how a computer is internally organized.
Topics
ÿ An introduction to computer science: - terminologies: - computer, system, data,
information, data processing.
ÿ Algorithm discovery and design
ÿ Computer systems organization and models of computation.
What is a Computer?
A Computer is a high-speed electronic device which when given data and instructions from an
input device will process the data in accordance with the predefined program to produce the
required results- the output
It can also be defined as an electronic device that accept data and instructions, stores them
temporarily in its memory awaiting processing, automatically executes/obeys the sets of the
issued instructions to produce information from the input raw data.
It is described as an electronic device because it uses electric energy in its logical operations.
What is a system?
A system is the entire set of components, both computer related, and non-computer related, that
provides a service to a user. Or a system is a group of related parts/components that work
together as a unit to realize a common goal/function.
What is data?
Data is simply the basic facts or raw facts including numbers and words, given to a computer
during the input operation.
1|Compiled by T.Njoroge
, What is information?
Information is a term with many meanings depending on context, in computing, information can
be defined as a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn. Information therefore
refers to data that has been processed into a form that has meaning and is useful in decision-
making.
What does a computer do?
Computers perform four major operations:
They are input, process, output and storage. In the processing phase, the computer
manipulates the data in a predetermined manner to create information.
Information processing or electronic data processing is the production of information by
processing data on a computer.
Computer Application Areas:
a) Business Applications
Computers are used to reduce inventory costs, analyze new markets, analyze the performance of
sales people, make sophisticated financial analysis, determine production costs, forecast labor
needs, and eliminate production bottlenecks.
The typical business procedures that utilize computers include the following:
(i.) Accounts Receivables: To maintain and process records on money owed to a company
by customers or clients.
(ii.) Accounts payable: To maintain and process records on money owed by the company to
vendors.
(iii.) Payroll: To maintain employee payroll records and process payroll checks.
(iv.) Inventory control: To maintain records on items or goods on hand, on quantities
ordered, and in general to maintain inventory files by producing purchase orders on
out-of –stock items, o determine economic order quantities
Computers are widely applicable in the following Business areas:
(i.) Banks:
∑ Banks use computers to process the huge amount of checks and credit cards transactions
that take place daily.
∑ The Automated teller machines allow the banking transactions to be carried out day and
night. The customer uses a plastic card and selects the transactions by pressing a series of
buttons.
∑ Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): This is the automatic recording of account transactions
and money transfers. However, no money actually exchanges hands.
(ii) Retailing:
∑ By use of the Universal Product Code (UPC), and Point –of- Sale (POS) terminals,
computers can greatly enhance the performance of retail stores. The UPC is a
2|Compiled by T.Njoroge
