COURSE TOPIC: FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

COURSE CODE: BIT 113: FUNDAMENTALS OF

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
A. Course Information

Course Code: BIT 113 Course title: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

FUNDAMENTALS
Lecturer Contact
Name: Ronoh .K. Hillan
Cell Number: 0727369451,
Email: [email protected]

Welcome message
Welcome to BIT 113: Fundamentals of Information Technology. This is a first year first Semester
introductory course to fundamentals of Information Technology for Undergraduate students. It has
five major topics with every lesson having several sub topics. Ensure that you have read and
understood every lesson before you proceed to the next one. In every lesson you will find given
instructions on what is expected of you; At the end of every topic there will be a self-check
activities where you are expected to assess your understanding.
Course description* (expected proficiencies required for course)
BIT 113: Fundamentals of Information Technology intends to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the key components of the computer, how it works, present the basic concepts of
various computing environments and give a broad view of how technology is improving
communications.
Course Aims
The aims to introduce different parts of the computer and its applications to computing and demystify
the way a computer system works and understanding its underlying theories and concepts, history and
basic data communication of a computer

Course Objectives
At the end of this course the participant should be able to;
1. Explain the characteristics and purposes of all the sub-units in a computer system
2. Categorize the different types of computers
3. Explain the applications of computers to different fields and explain the impacts of
computers to the society.
4. Explain the numbers systems ; perform binary arithmetic and the conversions to different
basis
5. Demonstrate the use of networks and other data communication facilities.
6. Apply the concepts of operating systems and learn the features of Ms DOS and Windows
Operating System.

Course Outline and Schedule (course calendar and/or pacing expectations)

COURSE CONTENT
Week #2:
 Introduction to Computers;
 Application of Computers
 Evolution of computers
Week #3:
 Introduction to Hardware;
 Basic Computer organization; I/O,
 Processor and memory, buses
 Assignment 1
Week #4 and #5:
 Data representation and Binary arithmetic
 Binary, Octal, Decimal, Hexadecimal number systems
 ASCII, EBCDIC, UNICODE
 Week #5:
 Types of Computer systems
Week #6:
 CAT 1
Week #7:
 Introduction to Software
 Systems software
 Operating system, system utility, device drivers
Week #8:
 Application software
 Word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation
 Programming languages
 Assignment 2
Week #9:
 Introduction to data communication
 Data communication elements
 Types of network topologies
Week # 10:
 CAT 2
Week #11:
 Revision of CATs and Assignments

Course Evaluation (Assessment, grading, pass mark)

Coursework 30%,
End of Semester Examination 70%,
Total 100%

Mode of delivery (Description of instructional methods)

Lectures, Case studies, Case teaching and Group discussions.

Instructional materials and equipment (technical requirements: software, plugins)

Tablet, Smart board, LCD projector & Computers, videos, Case studies

Course Delivery (response time on opening topics, response time on answering questions)
Technology (information on support services)
General Forums:
1. News Forum
2. Social Forum
3. Question & Answer Forum
Course Chat (Regularly scheduled office hours to chat with learners)

Course texts
1. Stallings Hutchinson Sawyer: Computers –The user perspective (1988), Times mirror
2. Wang, W and Parker R C.(2002) office 2000 for windows, New York, Microsoft
3. Relevant internet materials
Other references
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COURSE OVERVIEW

Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers

Duration: 2 Hours

1.1 Introduction
Today, virtually everything is managed or controlled by computers. For better or worse, computers have infiltrated
every aspect of our society. Today computers do much more than simply compute: supermarket scanners
calculate our grocery bill while keeping store inventory; computerized telephone switching centers play traffic cop
to millions of calls and keep lines of communication untangled; and automatic teller machines let us conduct
banking transactions from virtually anywhere in the world..
1.2 Objectives
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Define the concept of computer system

2. Explain the evolution of computing technology and the technical advancement in computer architecture
3. Describe the current trends in computer applications
4. Explain the different types of computer categories based on size, capabilities & prizes

Learning Outcome
The student is able to:
I can now define the concept of computer system
I can explain the evolution of computing technology and the technical advancement in computer architecture
I can explain the different types of computer categories based on size, capabilities & prizes
I can describe the current trends in computer applications

Learning Activities
Activity 1.1
Based on the resources you have read, participate in the discussion on what is computer in your own words?
Post your discussion in the topic discussion forum
Activity 1.2

In your surroundings, identify the types of computers in use. Are they mainframe computers, mini-computers,
workstations or personal computers?.
Activity 1.3

Write a brief description of the types of computers in place and their main uses. If your office or surrounding has
more than one type of computer, find out why? What different tasks are the different computers intended to do?.
Upload a summary of your findings in the assignment for grading.

Activity1.4
1. In your own words, explain what a computer (2 Marks) is.
2. State different generations of computers (5 Marks).
3. Describe different types of computers based on SIZE, TECHNOLOGY & PURPOSE (7 Marks).
4. Describe at least four different applications of computers in a learning institution (6 Marks).
Content
1. Introduction

Computer - Overview
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as an input from the user and
processes it under the control of a set of instructions (called program), produces a result (output),
and saves it for future use.
Functionalities of a Computer
If we look at it in a very broad sense, any digital computer carries out the following five functions
−
Step 1 − Takes data as input.
Step 2 − Stores the data/instructions in its memory and uses them as required.
Step 3 − Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
Step 4 − Generates the output.
Step 5 − Controls all the above four steps.

Advantages of Computers
Following are certain advantages of computers.
High Speed
 Computer is a very fast device.
 It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
 The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picosecond.
 It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will spend
many months to perform the same task.
Accuracy
 In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
 The calculations are 100% error free.
 Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.
Storage Capability
 Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
 A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
 It can store large amount of data.
 It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.
Diligence
 Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of
concentration.
 It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
 It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.
Versatility
 A computer is a very versatile machine.
 A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
 This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
 At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment
it may be playing a card game.
Reliability
 A computer is a reliable machine.
 Modern electronic components have long lives.
 Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
Automation
 Computer is an automatic machine.
 Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically. Once the computer
receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer memory, then the program
and instruction can control the program execution without human interaction.
Reduction in Paper Work and Cost
 The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper
work and results in speeding up the process.
 As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of
maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced.
 Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially reduces the
cost of each of its transaction.
Disadvantages of Computers
Following are certain disadvantages of computers.
No I.Q.
 A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
 Each instruction has to be given to the computer.
 A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
Dependency
 It functions as per the user’s instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans.
Environment
 The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.
No Feeling
 Computers have no feelings or emotions.
 It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike
humans.

1.3 History of Computers

First generation computers (1946-1956)

They made use of vacuum tubes to store and process information. The tubes consumed a lot
of power and generated a lot of heat (overheating). They were huge in size and occupy a room.
They used magnetic tape. Storage capacity was very low i.e. 2kb and speed of processing was
also very low. First machine in this category was ENIAC (electronic discrete variable
automatic computer) and later came UNIVAC (universal automatic computers).

ii. Second generation computers (1957-1967)

These computers used transistors after invention of transistors. The transistor is smaller
cheaper and produced less heat than vacuum tubes and consumed less power. The cost of
computers decreased and the speed increased. The second generation saw the introduction of
more complex ALU and CPU, the use of high level languages and provision of system
software with the computer. Data access time was measured in micro-seconds. Removable
disk storage units were developed for use on these machines.
iii. Third generation computers (1965-1980)
This introduced the use of very small electronic circuit called integrated circuits (IC) by
combining several transistors together between 3 transistors to make 1 IC. With IC you can
house thousands of transistors in one IC. This change further decreased the size, heat output
and the maintenance complexity of the computers while increasing its speed. The small
circuitry that resulted improved the processing speed i.e. 10 times the past.
iv. Fourth generation computers (1980s)

Use large scale integration circuits which housed hundreds of transistors and very large IC which
are between 200,000 to 400, 000 in one IC. Memory used includes magnetic disc and optical disc.
Memory size expanded up to several MB and speed was 10 times faster. This generation marked
the origin of mini computers in use today.

v. Fifth generation computers (1990-current)

The design of these computers was based on VLSI (very large scale integration) technology, the
microchip technology that gave rise to the smaller computers known as the micro computers in
use today. These computers are used in networking.
Examples of microcomputers are IBM PCs BBC micro etc. the micro computers are usually
described as PCs or stand alone or desktop computers because they were designed primarily to
serve single person at a time. The fifth generation is still a state of the art technology that relies on
predictions and further technological refinements.

Research shows that the trend in computer technology revolution is that there is;
 Continual decrease in computer size
  Improved speed and power processing
 Decrease in computers and the related facilities cost
 Number of components in computer per circuit (IC) greatly increased over 500,000
physical elements e.g. transistors, capacities, diodes etc per chip(IC).

1.2.3 Classification of Computers

i. By Size
a) Micro-Computers
 Micro –Computers are the smallest class of Computers
 Micro- Computers have one micro-processor in its Central Processing Unit
 Micro-Processor refers to Central Data Processing Unit of a Micro-Computers
 Micro- Computers can serve one user at ago.
 Micro- Computers are commonly used in modern Offices.

b) Mini- Computers
o Mini- Computers are Medium Sized Computers
o Mini- Computers can serve Two or more users at ago
o Mini- Computers have Two Micro-Processors in its Central Processing Unit
o Mini- Computers can support Telecommunication hence facilitate Sharing of Information
o Through computers which are Networked together.
o Mini- Computers are commonly in Banks and Super- Markets.

c) Main-frame Computers
 Main-frame Computers used in large organization
 Main-frame Computers can serve several users at ago
 Main-frame Computers Several Micro-Processors in its Central Processing Unit
 Main – frame Computers can support Telecommunication hence facilitate Sharing of
 Information through computers which are networked together.
 Main – frame Computers are commonly used in Large Organization such as International
Monetary Fund and World Bank, Insurance Companies etc.

d) Super-Computers
 Super-Computers Computers used in Large organization
 Super-Computers can serve several users at ago
 Super-Computers Uncountable Micro-Processors in its Central Processing Unit
 Super-Computers can support Telecommunication hence facilitate Sharing of Information
through computers which are Networked together.
 Super-Computers are commonly used in Large Organization such as International
 Monetary Fund and World Bank, Insurance Companies etc.

ii. By purpose
a) Specific Purpose Computers
Specific Purpose Computers is a Computer Classification that performs a Specific Task at ago or
Time for example Computers designed to calculate wages and Salaries, Control Stocks of goods
etc
b) General Purpose Computers
General Purpose Computers is a Computer Classification that performs a General task at ago or at
a time example Computer that can perform arithmetic and Logical Operations at the same Time
iii. By Technology

a) Analog Computers
Analog Computer use continuous data. The common available Analog Computers are:
1. Car Speedometer - Measures Speed of the Approaching Bodies e.g. Cars
2. Hygrometer - Measures Humidity
3. Wind Anemometer - Measures Speed of the Wind.
4. Thermometer - Measures the Temperatures of a place.
5. Barometer - Measures Atmospheric pressure of a place
6. Voltmeter - Measures Voltage of the Electronic device

b) Digital Computers
Digital Computers a Computer Classification works on discrete/non-continuous data. The Digital
Computers have the capability of adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and rearranges the
data in predefined order they are commonly applied in Scientific and Engineering World.

c) Hybrid Computer
Hybrid Computer is a Computer Classification by type that performs Arithmetic and
Logical operations and at the same time measures data in waveform.

1.2.4 Application of Computers

i. Schools
 Keep Record of School Fees
 Keep Record of Number of Students in the School
 Keep Record of Number of Parents
 Keep Record of Number of Staff in the School
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the Schools.

ii. Government Institution

 Keep Record of Government Stocks of pre-numbered documents e.g. Cheques,

 Receipt books
 Keep Record of Government Bills and Statements
 Keep Record Registers for easy retrieval and future reference.
 Keep Records of Government Budgets, which act as a base of planning
 Calculation of Civil Servants Salaries

iii. Telecommunication.
 Computers can be networked to facilitate between Government departments
 Keep Record of Civil Servant, Terms of Service and Terminal Benefits
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the Government Institutions.
iv. Police Station
 Keep Record of Criminal Finger Prints in the Society
 Keep Record of Police Force Staff
 Calculation of Staff Salaries
 Telecommunication - Computers can be Networked to facilitate between Police
Force departments
 Keep Record of Police Abstracts
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the Police Staff.

v. Weather Station

 Keep Record of Weather and Climatic conditions in the World

 Calculation of Staff Salaries
 Keep record of Meteorological Station Staff
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the Weather Station Staff.

vi. Post Office

 Keep Record of Post Office Staff

 Calculation of Post Office Staff Salaries
 Keep Record of Rental Boxes Customers Names and Dates expired.
 Keep Record of Post bank Account holders, the amount and balances.
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the Post Office Staff.

vii. Banks

 Keep Record of Bank Staff

 Calculation of Bank Staff Salaries
 Keep Record of Account holders.
 Keep Record of Post bank Account holders, the amount and balances

Telecommunication - Computers can be networked to facilitate between communication between

the Bank’s Head Office and its Branches.
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the Banking Industry

viii. Insurance Company

 Keep Record of Insurance Staff

 Calculation of Insurance Company Staff Salaries
 Keep Record of Policy document and Premiums paid by Clients. To the Insurance Co
 Keep Record of Bonuses paid to the Client by the Insurance Co
 Telecommunication - Computers can be Networked to facilitate between communication
between the Insurance’s Head Office and its Branches country wide
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the Insurance Firms
ix. University and Colleges

 Keep Record of University Fees

 Keep Record of Number of Students in the University
 Keep Record of Number of Parents/Guardians
 Keep Record of Admission Numbers of University Students
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the University.

x. Industry and commerce

 Maintain Orders and Bills

 Control Stocks
 Manage large Volumes of Financial Transactions, Information and Data
 Ensure the Customers and Supplies demand are fulfilled.

xi. Hospital

 Keep Record of Medical Staff

 Keep Record of Number of Patients and their Diseases
 Keep Record of Stocks of Drugs, the Amount of Cash in the Bank and the Pre –
 Numbered documents.
 Calculation of Wages and Salaries of Medial Staff
 Keep Record of Rules and Regulations that govern the Hospital Staff.

Further reading
2 White R., How Computers Work (Millennium edition).
3 Capron H.L., Computers: Tools for information age (5th Edition).