Introduction to Computing

Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Fourah Bay College

What is an Information System?

An organized combination of
people, hardware, software,
communications networks,
and data resources that
collects data, transforms it,
and disseminates information.
Manual and Computerized
Information Systems
• An information system can be:
– Manual
• Example: Developing patterns and trends on graph
paper for stock analysis
– Computerized
• Example: Using program trading to track the market
and trade large blocks of stocks when discrepancies
occur
Data Vs. Information

Data: Raw unorganized facts

Information:
A collection of facts organized in such a
way that they have additional value
beyond the value of the facts
themselves.
Defining and organizing relationships
among data creates information.
Data, Information, and
Knowledge
Data, Information, and
Knowledge
Common Video File Formats:
1. MP4 (MPEG4 – Part 14) – Most common and about the
best. This file format can be used to store still photos and
documents but is most commonly used to store digital
video and audio files. MP4 files are the most popular file
format for online video sharing. Additionally, MP4 files are
highly compatible with several formats, including both
online and mobile internet browsers. MP4 files are also
compatible with many social media sites, including
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2. Other video file formats are MOV (QuickTime – developed
by Apple), AVI, WMV (Microsoft’s Windows Media Video),
etc.
Data, Information, and
Knowledge
Common Audio File Formats:
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) used mostly through Apple
iTunes), MP3 (MPEG audio layer 3), WAV, WMA (Windows
Media Audio), M4A (MPEG-4 audio file), MP4, FLAC, etc..

Common Graphic Image File Formats:

TIFF, JPEG (JPG), GIF, PNG, BMP, etc.

N.B.: Note that there are converters available on the internet

that converts one file format to the other. File format types
are inherent in their extensions. Some of the formats are
compressed and some are uncompressed.
 Information Concepts
Process:
A set of logically related tasks performed
to achieve a defined outcome.
Knowledge:
An awareness and understanding of a set
of information and ways that information
can be made useful to support a specific
task or reach a decision
In terms of business, the value of Information is
directly linked to how it helps decision makers
achieve their organization’s goal sand objectives
Input, Processing, Output,
Feedback
• Input
– Gathering and capturing raw data
• Processing
– Converting or transforming data into useful outputs
• Output
– Production of useful information, usually in the form
of documents and reports
• Feedback
– Output that is used to make changes to input or
processing activities
10
Technology – the means by which data is
transformed and organized for business use:
◼ Hardware
◼ Software
◼ Database
◼ Telecommunication/Internet
People – the users of IS
Organization -- a collection of functional units
working together to achieve a common goal
Computer-Based Information
Systems (continued)
 Computer-Based Information System

A system is a set of elements or components that

interact to accomplish goals

Hardware:
Computer Equipment

Software:
Computer Programs

Databases:
An organized collections of facts
 What Is a Computer?
• An electronic device, operating under the
control of instructions stored in its own
memory, that can:
– Accept data (input)
– Process the data according to specified rules
(process)
– Produce results (output)
– Store the results (storage) for future use
 Basic Terminologies
 Computer  Software
◼ A device that accepts ◼ A computer program that
input, processes data, tells the computer how to
stores data, and perform particular tasks.
produces output, all
according to a series of  Network
stored instructions.
◼ Two or more computers and
other devices that are
 Hardware connected, for the purpose
◼ Includes the electronic of sharing data and
and mechanical programs.
devices that process
the data; refers to the
 Peripheral devices
computer as well as
peripheral devices. ◼ Used to expand the
computer’s input, output
and storage capabilities.
 Types of Computers
Computers For Individual Use
 Desktop computers
◼ The most common type of computer
◼ Sits on the desk or floor
◼ Performs a variety of tasks
 Workstations
◼ Specialized computers
◼ Optimized for science or graphics
◼ More powerful than a desktop
 Notebook computers
◼ Small portable computers
◼ Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds
◼ Typically as powerful as a desktop
Types of Computers

 Handheld computers
◼ Very small computers
◼ Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
◼ Note taking or contact management
◼ Data can synchronize with a desktop
 Smart phones
◼ Hybrid of cell phone and PDA
◼ Web surfing, e-mail access
 Tablet computers
◼ Newest development in portable computers
◼ Input is through a pen or via touchscreen
◼ Run specialized versions of office products
Types of Computers
Computers for Organizations
 Network servers
◼ Centralized computer
◼ All other computers connect
◼ Provides access to network resources
◼ Multiple servers are called server farms
◼ Often simply a powerful desktop
Types of Computers

 Mainframes
◼ Used in large
organizations
◼ Handle thousands
of users
◼ Users access through a
terminal
Types of Computers

 Minicomputers
◼ Called midrange computers
◼ Power between mainframe and desktop
◼ Handle hundreds of users
◼ Used in smaller organizations
◼ Users access through a terminal
Computers For Organizations

 Supercomputers
◼ The most powerful
computers made
◼ Handle large and
complex calculations
◼ Process trillions of
operations per second
◼ Found in research
organizations
The Major Components of a Computer
What Constitutes a Functional Computer
 There are two basic elements that make
up a functional computer...
Hardware Software
Hardware
 Hardware is basically anything that
you can touch with your fingers.
Computer Chassis/ System Unit
CPU (central processing unit...Pentium chip)
Monitor
Keyboard & Mouse
Disk Drive, Zip Drive, CD-ROM, DVD,
Hard Drive
Memory (RAM)
Speakers
Printer
Hardware (Continued)
 Even though the CPU and Memory are
hardware devices, There are typically three
types/categories of hardware
1. Input Devices
2. Output Devices
3. Storage Devices
Input Devices
 An input device is any hardware component
that allows you to enter data and instructions
into a computer
Keyboard, Mouse,
Trackball, Touch Pad
Light Pen, Laser Scanner,
Pointing Stick
Touch Screen,
Bar Code Reader,
Microphone, Joystick
Output Devices
 Output devices make the information resulting from the
processing available for use. The two output devices
more commonly used are the printer and the computer
screen.

Monitor
Printer
Speakers
Headphones
Modem
Fax
Storage Devices
 Storage devices are both input and
output devices in one. A storage
device is a place to keep data that has
been processed so that it can be
retrieved at a later time to be used
again.
Hard Disk
Floppy Disk
CD’s, DVD’s
Magnetic Tape
Flash Drive/Memory, Jump Drive
 Central Processing Unit -CPU
 The central processing unit (CPU) contains
electronic circuits that cause processing to occur.
The CPU interprets instructions to the computer,
performs the logical and arithmetic processing
operations, and causes the input and output
operations to occur. It is considered the “brain” of
the computer.
Memory
A computer uses RAM to hold temporary instructions and
data needed to complete tasks. This enables the
computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit), to access
instructions and data stored in memory very quickly.
Random Access Memory or RAM (temporary memory) is the
main memory of the computer. It consists of electronic
components that store data including numbers, letters of the
alphabet, graphics and sound. Any information stored in RAM
is lost when the computer is turned off.

Read Only Memory or ROM is memory that is etched on a

chip that has start-up directions for your computer. Unlike
the RAM, the content of the ROM is permanent.
 System Unit
•The system unit is a case that contains electronic
components of the computer used to process data
–The processor (CPU) interprets and carries out the
basic instructions that operate a computer
•Arithmetic/logic unit
Memory (RAM) consists of electronic components that
store instructions waiting to be executed and data
needed by those instructions
Memory
More Differences Between RAM and ROM
Mother Board

A motherboard is one of the most

essential parts of
a computer system. It holds
together many of the crucial
components of a computer,
including the central processing
unit (CPU), memory and
connectors for input and output
devices. It also provides the
communication path for interaction
of all components through ports
and internal buses
The Composition of the Hard Drive/Disc
Software
 Software is the programs and applications
that tell the computer what to do and how
to look.
 Computer programmers write the
codes/instructions that make-up software
applications/programs.
 HTML is a type of computer programming
language that allows programmers to make
web pages.
 The next 2 slides show what HTML codes
look like and the web page the codes
produce.
Two Types of Software
 Application
Software

 Operating System
Software
Operating System Software
 The parent software that
directs/controls all the activities and
sets all the rules for how the
hardware and software will work
together.

Examples
DOS, Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, XP, Vista, Windows
7,8,10
Unix, Linux, Sun Solaris, Chrome OS
MAC system OS 6,7,8,9,10
Command Line Operating Systems
DOS (disk operating system ) is an example of a
command line operating system.

On the next slide, Notice that there are no:

 Icons (pictures)
 Colors
 Mouse Pointer
 Buttons
 You have to memorize commands in order
to use this text based operating system.
Typical Example of a DOS Interface
Operating Systems: GUI
 GUI stands for Graphical User Interface
Uses pictures (icons) to represent files, folders,
disk drives, modems, printers, etc.
GUI’s were created to make using a computer
easier, more interesting, non-threatening
to inexperienced users.
A mouse allows users to point at something and
click to make it work. With command line
you have to have all of the commands to
make your programs work.
Here is an example of a GUI
Typical Example of a GUI OS Interface
Application Software
 Programs that work with operating
system software to help the computer to
do specific type of work.
 Application software consists of programs
designed to make users more productive
and/or assist them with personal tasks
◼ Word processing
◼ Presentation
◼ Spreadsheet
◼ Database
◼ E-mail
Application Software
 There are six basic types of
application software...
Application Software
1. Business software: word processors,
spreadsheets, and database programs.
2. Communication software: allows computers to
communicate with other computers: fax
software, Instant messaging tools, AOL,
Modem Software, Softphones
3. Graphics software: software that allows users
to create and manipulate graphics...Photoshop,
corel Print Shop, etc.
Application Software
4. Education and Reference software: Programs
that help teach new material and ideas, and
programs that can be used to find
information...Encarta, Worldbook Encyclopedia,
Jumpstart Kindergarten, MicroType.
5. Entertainment and Leisure software...Warcraft,
virtual DJ Age of Empires, Barbie Design
Center, Mrs. Pacman, Solitair
6. Integrated software: Combines several types of
software into one program or package... Like
EPR Software, Quicken (Spreadsheet/data
base/communications/reference) or Print Shop
(Graphics/Word processor).
Software