IDENTIFY COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
DEFINITION OF TERMS
DIGITAL LITERACY
Digital literacy is the ability to effectively and responsibly use digital technology, tools, and resources to find, evaluate,
create, and communicate information. It encompasses a wide range of skills that allow individuals to navigate the online
world safely and proficiently.
i) Computer
A computer is an electronic device that accepts and processes data into information and under the control
of instructions stored in its own memory and output or store the results for future use.
NB: An electronic device is a device that depends on the principles of electronics and uses the manipulation of
electron flow for its operation.
ii) Data
Data are raw, unprocessed and unorganized (unstructured) facts and figures that are relatively
meaningless to the user. E.g., number of hours worked by an employee.
iii) Information
Information is derived from data. This is data that is processed, organized/structured and presented
in a given context so as to make it useful. e.g., multiplying the hours worked by the hourly rate to
get each employee’s gross earning. Information is an important component in decision making.
For example, from a students test scores, the following information can be derived:
a) Class' average score
b) Most improved student
, c) Median Score etc.
USES OF INFORMATION
(a) Decision-making
When managers are ready to make choices (decisions) they need good, accurate and up-to-date
information. If they act without relevant information it could lead to disaster, and failure.
(b) Monitoring and control
Businesses will compare actual performance against its predicted (budgeted) performance. Then they
will act upon it.
iv) Information Communication Technology/Technologies (ICT)
ICT is an umbrella term that covers any software or hardware product that can store, retrieve,
manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form. Examples include
personal computers, digital television, email, robots, radio, cellular phones and networking
hardware.
For our study, we are concerned with computer (hardware and software) and telecommunications
technology (data, image, and voice networks).
v) Information System (IS)
An Information System (IS) is a combination of hardware, software, personnel, data and
procedures that interact to support and improve day-to-day operations in an organization. These
elements of an Information System are also known as the components of an Information System.
Characteristics of High-Quality Data
The Audit Commission has identified six key characteristics of good quality data.
a) Accuracy
Data should be sufficiently accurate for the intended use and should be captured only once, although it
may have multiple uses. Data should be captured at the point of activity.
, b) Validity
Data should be recorded and used in compliance with relevant requirements, including the correct
application of any rules or definitions. This will ensure consistency between periods and with similar
organizations, measuring what is intended to be measured.
c) Timeliness
Data should be captured as quickly as possible after the event or activity and must be available for the
intended use within a reasonable time period. Data must be available quickly and frequently enough to
support information needs and to influence service or management decisions.
d) Relevance
Data captured should be relevant to the purposes for which it is to be used. This will require a periodic
review of requirements to reflect changing needs.
e) Completeness
Data requirements should be clearly specified based on the information needs of the organization and data
collection processes matched to these requirements.
f) Uniqueness
In order to add value to an organization, information must be unique and distinctive.
IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL LITERACY
Access to information: It enables individuals to find, evaluate and use online information effectively
which is important in work, education and daily life.
Career Opportunities: Many jobs require digital skills. Being digitally literate enhances employability
and opens up new career paths.
Informed Decision-Making: Digital literacy helps people evaluate the reliability of information,
leading to better choices in areas like health, finance, and politics.
Social Inclusion: As the world becomes more digital, those without digital skills risk exclusion. Digital
literacy promotes equal access to resources and opportunities.
Online Safety: Understanding digital tools includes recognizing online threats and practicing safe
behavior, protecting personal information from cyber threats.
Lifelong Learning: Digital literacy encourages ongoing education and adaptability, helping individuals
keep up with new technologies and trends.
Creativity and Innovation: With digital skills, individuals can create and share content, fostering
creativity and contributing to innovation in various fields.
Effective communication: Allows people to communicate efficiently through digital platforms like
email, social media, messaging apps which are important for professional and personal connections.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER
Input: Computers receive data and instructions from users or other devices through input devices like
keyboards, mice, scanners, and microphones.
Processing: The central processing unit (CPU) processes the input data according to the instructions provided.
This involves calculations, data manipulation, and decision-making tasks.
Storage: Computers store data and instructions in various storage devices, including hard drives, solid-state
drives, and cloud storage. This allows for data retrieval and use over time.
, Output: After processing, computers produce output in various forms, such as text, images, and sounds,
delivered through output devices like monitors, printers, and speakers.
Control: Computers manage and coordinate the operations of hardware and software components, ensuring
everything works together effectively.
Networking: Many computers can connect to networks, allowing for data sharing, communication, and access
to remote resources.
Automation: Computers can automate repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of
human error.
USES OF COMPUTERS
Education: Computers facilitate online learning, access to educational resources, and interactive learning
tools, enhancing both teaching and learning experiences.
Business: They are used for accounting, data management, communication, project management, and
marketing, helping businesses operate more efficiently.
Healthcare: Computers manage patient records, assist in diagnostics, support telemedicine, and aid in research
and development of treatments.
Communication: Email, social media, and video conferencing tools enable instant communication and
collaboration, connecting people across the globe.
Entertainment: Computers are used for gaming, streaming movies and music, graphic design, and creating
digital art.
Research: They assist in data analysis, simulations, and accessing vast amounts of information, facilitating
scientific and academic research.
Design and Engineering: Computers are essential in fields like architecture and engineering for creating
blueprints, 3D modeling, and simulations.
Finance: They are used for online banking, investment analysis, budgeting, and managing financial records.
Automation: Computers control machinery and processes in manufacturing, enhancing productivity and
precision.
Data Analysis: They process and analyze large datasets, providing insights for decision-making in various
sectors, including marketing, economics, and public policy.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
DIGITAL LITERACY
Digital literacy is the ability to effectively and responsibly use digital technology, tools, and resources to find, evaluate,
create, and communicate information. It encompasses a wide range of skills that allow individuals to navigate the online
world safely and proficiently.
i) Computer
A computer is an electronic device that accepts and processes data into information and under the control
of instructions stored in its own memory and output or store the results for future use.
NB: An electronic device is a device that depends on the principles of electronics and uses the manipulation of
electron flow for its operation.
ii) Data
Data are raw, unprocessed and unorganized (unstructured) facts and figures that are relatively
meaningless to the user. E.g., number of hours worked by an employee.
iii) Information
Information is derived from data. This is data that is processed, organized/structured and presented
in a given context so as to make it useful. e.g., multiplying the hours worked by the hourly rate to
get each employee’s gross earning. Information is an important component in decision making.
For example, from a students test scores, the following information can be derived:
a) Class' average score
b) Most improved student
, c) Median Score etc.
USES OF INFORMATION
(a) Decision-making
When managers are ready to make choices (decisions) they need good, accurate and up-to-date
information. If they act without relevant information it could lead to disaster, and failure.
(b) Monitoring and control
Businesses will compare actual performance against its predicted (budgeted) performance. Then they
will act upon it.
iv) Information Communication Technology/Technologies (ICT)
ICT is an umbrella term that covers any software or hardware product that can store, retrieve,
manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form. Examples include
personal computers, digital television, email, robots, radio, cellular phones and networking
hardware.
For our study, we are concerned with computer (hardware and software) and telecommunications
technology (data, image, and voice networks).
v) Information System (IS)
An Information System (IS) is a combination of hardware, software, personnel, data and
procedures that interact to support and improve day-to-day operations in an organization. These
elements of an Information System are also known as the components of an Information System.
Characteristics of High-Quality Data
The Audit Commission has identified six key characteristics of good quality data.
a) Accuracy
Data should be sufficiently accurate for the intended use and should be captured only once, although it
may have multiple uses. Data should be captured at the point of activity.
, b) Validity
Data should be recorded and used in compliance with relevant requirements, including the correct
application of any rules or definitions. This will ensure consistency between periods and with similar
organizations, measuring what is intended to be measured.
c) Timeliness
Data should be captured as quickly as possible after the event or activity and must be available for the
intended use within a reasonable time period. Data must be available quickly and frequently enough to
support information needs and to influence service or management decisions.
d) Relevance
Data captured should be relevant to the purposes for which it is to be used. This will require a periodic
review of requirements to reflect changing needs.
e) Completeness
Data requirements should be clearly specified based on the information needs of the organization and data
collection processes matched to these requirements.
f) Uniqueness
In order to add value to an organization, information must be unique and distinctive.
IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL LITERACY
Access to information: It enables individuals to find, evaluate and use online information effectively
which is important in work, education and daily life.
Career Opportunities: Many jobs require digital skills. Being digitally literate enhances employability
and opens up new career paths.
Informed Decision-Making: Digital literacy helps people evaluate the reliability of information,
leading to better choices in areas like health, finance, and politics.
Social Inclusion: As the world becomes more digital, those without digital skills risk exclusion. Digital
literacy promotes equal access to resources and opportunities.
Online Safety: Understanding digital tools includes recognizing online threats and practicing safe
behavior, protecting personal information from cyber threats.
Lifelong Learning: Digital literacy encourages ongoing education and adaptability, helping individuals
keep up with new technologies and trends.
Creativity and Innovation: With digital skills, individuals can create and share content, fostering
creativity and contributing to innovation in various fields.
Effective communication: Allows people to communicate efficiently through digital platforms like
email, social media, messaging apps which are important for professional and personal connections.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER
Input: Computers receive data and instructions from users or other devices through input devices like
keyboards, mice, scanners, and microphones.
Processing: The central processing unit (CPU) processes the input data according to the instructions provided.
This involves calculations, data manipulation, and decision-making tasks.
Storage: Computers store data and instructions in various storage devices, including hard drives, solid-state
drives, and cloud storage. This allows for data retrieval and use over time.
, Output: After processing, computers produce output in various forms, such as text, images, and sounds,
delivered through output devices like monitors, printers, and speakers.
Control: Computers manage and coordinate the operations of hardware and software components, ensuring
everything works together effectively.
Networking: Many computers can connect to networks, allowing for data sharing, communication, and access
to remote resources.
Automation: Computers can automate repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of
human error.
USES OF COMPUTERS
Education: Computers facilitate online learning, access to educational resources, and interactive learning
tools, enhancing both teaching and learning experiences.
Business: They are used for accounting, data management, communication, project management, and
marketing, helping businesses operate more efficiently.
Healthcare: Computers manage patient records, assist in diagnostics, support telemedicine, and aid in research
and development of treatments.
Communication: Email, social media, and video conferencing tools enable instant communication and
collaboration, connecting people across the globe.
Entertainment: Computers are used for gaming, streaming movies and music, graphic design, and creating
digital art.
Research: They assist in data analysis, simulations, and accessing vast amounts of information, facilitating
scientific and academic research.
Design and Engineering: Computers are essential in fields like architecture and engineering for creating
blueprints, 3D modeling, and simulations.
Finance: They are used for online banking, investment analysis, budgeting, and managing financial records.
Automation: Computers control machinery and processes in manufacturing, enhancing productivity and
precision.
Data Analysis: They process and analyze large datasets, providing insights for decision-making in various
sectors, including marketing, economics, and public policy.
