Welcome to FreshNote, your campus journey companion, today we're delving into detailed Course note on information technology/computer fundamentals (GST 103) on this page, we cover key concepts of computer from definition, types, computer classification and network. Check out this, for full outline, summary and handout on GST 103,
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Now, let's move to what we have at hand. Introducing computer.
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What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine which helps to solve problems easily. It was invented by Charles Babbage basically for the purpose of calculation. It may be defined as an electronic device or machine that accepts data, process data, store it, process it and generate results know as information. Thus, any device that posseses this features, that is using power source, capable of receiving command, process it and give feedback may be regarded as computer. Quintessential of it include phones, calculator, laptops fuel dispenser etc.
Parts of a Computer
Monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, and speaker are the main parts of a computer.
1. The Monitor
- The monitor is the screen of the computer.
- It displays texts, pictures, videos, and everything we do on the computer.
- It works like a television, but instead of showing only programs, it shows the results of our work, like documents, games, or websites.
2. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- The CPU is called the “brain” of the computer.
- It processes all the instructions given to the computer.
- Whenever we type on the keyboard, click the mouse, or open a program, the CPU carries out the commands.
- It is usually located inside the computer case (the system unit).
3. The Keyboard
- The keyboard is the main input device of the computer.
- It is used to type letters, numbers, and symbols.
- It also has special keys like Enter, Spacebar, Shift, and Ctrl that help us control the computer.
- Without a keyboard, it would be difficult to write documents, search the Internet, or give commands.
4. The Mouse
- The mouse is another input device.
- It is used to point, click, drag, and select items on the screen.
- It makes navigation easier compared to only using the keyboard.
- Modern computers also use touchpads (especially on laptops) that work like a mouse.
5. Speaker
- The speaker is an output device.
- It produces sound from the computer, such as music, voices, or notification alerts.
- Speakers make it possible to watch movies with sound, attend online classes, or enjoy games with audio.
Types of Computer
Desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, palmtop computer, and smartphones are some types of computers. Charles Babbage is known as the father of computers.
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Classifications of Computer by Purpose and Size
The computers under this classification are General Purpose Computers and Special Purpose Computers.
General Purpose Computer
These computer systems are specially designed and developed to work with standard functions and applications of computers. These computers are extremely helpful for word processing, creating and editing graphics, playing songs and movies, creating small applications, working with spreadsheets, etc.
These computers are inexpensive compared with special purpose computers. A computer that performs everyday tasks and operations given to it falls in the category of general purpose computers.
Examples of general-purpose computers are personal computers such as notebooks, tablets, laptops, desktop, smartphones, etc.
Special Purpose Computer
These computer systems are designed and developed to perform particular tasks and operations and derive necessary results with great speed, accuracy, and consistency. These computers have more processing power, storage capacity, and speed than general purpose computers.
These computer systems allow additional devices and components to connect for better performance and enhanced functionality. These systems can have multiple CPUs (Central Processing Units) for more speed and handling power.
They are widely used in the following areas: scientific research, military, weather forecasting, crypto mining, space science, etc.
Examples of special purpose computers are supercomputers, workstations, servers, automated teller machines, point of sale, ultrasound machines, ECG machines, etc.
Classification According to Size
Computer classification according to size can be categorized into four different types: Microcomputer, Mini Computer, Mainframe Computer, and Supercomputer.
Supercomputer
Supercomputers with excellent storage capacity are considered the fastest computers in data processing and handling. They are big and have multiple CPUs for faster data access and processing. The supercomputer also uses parallel processing for better functionality, performance, and processing.
Speed is measured or counted in FLOPS (Floating Point Operations Per Second). It can perform a speed of over 1 billion per second. The supercomputer is designed and developed for special purposes like scientific research, quantum physics, weather forecasting, military and defense, genetic engineering, nuclear engineering, data mining, etc.
Examples of supercomputers: IBM Sierra, Sunway TaihuLight, Frontera, Dell C6420, Dell EMC Trinity, Cray XC40, Summit, Lawson, IBM Power System.
Supercomputers are faster machines and emit lots of heat and energy. Therefore, it is mandatory to use air conditioners to keep the devices and components of the computer cool and avoid physical damages like burning and overheating.
The supercomputer works and manages applications with tremendous speed. Supercomputer is a million times faster than mini, mainframe, and microcomputers. Supercomputer speed is extraordinary because of the thousands of processors installed on them.
Mainframe Computer
These computers are small in size compared to a supercomputer. Mainframes are fast and can store a massive amount of data and information. They have extremely impressive data processing and handling abilities, and hence a number of users can connect to them quickly for better data sharing and functionality.
Mainframe computers can connect to other microcomputers to form a network. They support tens of thousands of remote computers and can work as a host computer. They are pretty good when considering working with different operating systems.
They can store data and deliver millions of instructions per second. Mainframe computers are used in banking, government databases, airline and railway reservations, population databases.
Examples of mainframe computers are IBM Z890, Hitachi Z800, CDC Cyber Series, IBM 4381, etc.
Mini Computer
Mini computers are considerably smaller in size compared to supercomputers and mainframe computers. Mini computer consists of more than one Central Processing Unit, making them faster than microcomputers. Mini computers work slower than mainframe computers.
Mini computers are called workstations or mid-range computers. Mini computers are extensively used in small businesses and medium-sized companies.
Examples of mini computers: MicroVAX, IBM OS/400, VAX, Texas Instruments TI-990.
Microcomputers
Microcomputers are compact in shape and size and use a microprocessor or CPU for processing and calculations. They are comparatively smaller than other computers. The microprocessor is cheaper than the technology used by mini, mainframe, and supercomputers.
This computer can be accommodated inside a briefcase and placed on a desk. Therefore, these tiny computers are called microcomputers. The microprocessors are also known as the heart or brain of a computer.
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The primary function of the microprocessor is to perform arithmetic and logical operations at high speed with great accuracy. Microcomputers can perform trillions of operations per second. The speed of the microprocessor can range from megahertz to gigahertz.
There are different types of microprocessors: single-core processor, dual-core processor, quad-core processor, hexa-core processor, octa-core processor.
Microcomputers are also called PC (Personal Computers) because they can only be used by one person at a time. They are used in small businesses for file handling, word processing, and spreadsheets, etc., and can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Examples of microcomputers include laptops, desktops, smartphones, embedded systems, PDAs, palmtops, etc.
Hardware and Software
A computer is made up of hardware and software.
Computer hardware is any part of the computer that we can touch. Examples of computer hardware are monitor, CPU, keyboard, motherboard, printer, scanner, and speaker.
Computer software is the set of instructions that makes the computer work. Examples of computer software are PowerPoint, Android, Microsoft Word, Windows, Java, Google Chrome, Gmail, and antivirus software.
How a Computer Works
A computer works in three basic steps: input, process, and output.
Input is the data that we enter into the computer. Process is what the computer does with the input data. Output is the final result the computer gives to us after processing the data.
Input Devices
Input devices are used to give data to the computer. Examples of input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, microphone, light pen, and scanner.
Output Devices
Output devices are used to get information from the computer. Examples of output devices are monitor, printer, projector, headphone, and speaker.
Computer Language
Machine language is the only language a computer is capable of understanding. It is also called low-level language. Machine language is a collection of 0s and 1s.
0 and 1 are called binary digits or bits. It is very difficult to understand by humans.
Uses of Computer
Computers are used to study, listen to music, watch movies, play games, draw pictures, chat, send emails, and surf the internet etc.
Computer in Our Daily Life
Computers are used in schools, hospitals, offices, homes, banks, and airports.
Advantages of Computer
Accuracy: A computer does accurate calculations without mistake.
Durability/efficiency: A computer does not get tired. It can do many tasks at a time. It does not forget any information.
Speed: A computer works very fast.
Disadvantages of Computer
A computer does not have feelings. It cannot make its own decisions. A computer works on a user's orders wether good or bad, thus, making itself a moron.
Types of Computer Networks: LAN, MAN and WAN
What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a group of computers connected with each other through a transmission medium such as cable, wire, etc.
There are mainly three types of computer networks based on their size: Local Area Network, Metropolitan Area Network, and Wide Area Network.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Local Area Network is a group of computers connected with each other in small places such as schools, hospitals, etc. LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a communication medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
Advantages of LAN:
- LAN is secure because it can't be accessed from outside
- In LAN, the data is transferred at an extremely faster rate
- It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware such as hubs, network adapters, and ethernet cables. Wi-Fi is quintessential of lan.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network is a network that covers a large geographic area by interconnecting different LANs to form a larger network.
In Metropolitan Area Network, various Local Area Networks are connected with each other through telephone lines. Metropolitan Area Network covers the larger area of a city or town. This kind of next work is manage by big firms like MTN, Airtel etc
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area such as countries, continents, or even the whole world. This type of network can cover Nigeria as a country.
The internet is one of the biggest Wide Area Networks in the world. The size of the WAN is larger than LAN and MAN.
Examples of WAM network
The Internet is the biggest WAN connecting billions of devices.
2. MTN Nigeria’s Network, glo, Airtel etc – connects millions of users across different states via WAM
3. Bank Networks – interlink branches across a country. bank like Access Bank Nigeria connects its branches across different states using WAN, so customer data is accessible anywhere.
Real-Life Example
When you make a WhatsApp call from Lagos to London:
Your phone connects to MTN’s or any other provider you're using via it local LAN/MAN.
MTN (provider) routes it via its WAN backbone through undersea cables or satellites.
The call reaches the UK network provider’s WAN and then to your friend’s LAN/Wi-Fi.
Conclusion:
We have taken you by this course note through the basics of computer studies as outlined on the university curriculum; covering definition, components, types, classification and network. Don't forget to explore our library for more.