JSS1 Computer Science Lesson Note
Topic: Data and Information
Definition of Data
Data refers to raw facts, figures, symbols, or values that have not yet been processed.
Data alone does not provide meaning until it is organized or interpreted.
Examples of data:
o Numbers: 12, 45, 78
o Text: “John”, “Benin”
o Symbols: %, $, &
Types of Data
1. Text Data – Letters, words, or sentences (e.g., names, addresses).
2. Numeric Data – Numbers used for calculations (e.g., age, score).
3. Audio Data – Sounds, music, or speech recordings.
4. Video Data – Moving images or video clips.
5. Image Data – Pictures or graphics (e.g., photos, drawings).
Definition of Information
Information is data that has been processed, organized, or structured to give it meaning.
It helps people make decisions or understand situations.
Examples of information:
o “John scored 75% in Mathematics” – Here, raw numbers and facts are processed to give a meaningful result.
o “The school has 500 students” – Data is organized to show total students.
Difference Between Data and Information
Data Information
Raw facts and figures Processed and meaningful
Cannot be understood easily Can be understood easily
Examples: 10, 20, 30 Examples: Average score is 20
No context or organization Has context and organization
Importance of Information
Helps in decision making.
Assists in planning and problem solving.
Enables communication of ideas and facts.
Makes data useful and meaningful.
Summary
Data: Raw facts, not meaningful on their own.
Information: Processed data that is meaningful.
Computers help process data into information efficiently.
JSS2 Computer Science Lesson Note
Topic: Concept of the Computer and Components of Computer System
1. Concept of a Computer
A computer is an electronic device that can accept data, process it, store it, and produce output automatically. It performs tasks quickly and
accurately.
Key Points:
Computers work under the control of instructions called programs.
They can perform arithmetic operations (like addition, subtraction) and logical operations (like comparison).
Computers make work easier in areas like education, banking, medicine, and entertainment.
2. Characteristics of a Computer
1. Speed: Computers can process data very fast.
2. Accuracy: Computers give accurate results if the input and program are correct.
3. Storage: Computers can store a large amount of data.
4. Automation: Computers can perform tasks automatically when programmed.
5. Versatility: Computers can perform multiple tasks like word processing, calculations, and internet browsing.
3. Components of a Computer System
A computer system is made up of hardware (physical parts) and software (programs).
A. Hardware Components
These are the physical parts of a computer.
1. Input Devices: Devices used to enter data into the computer.
o Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer. It has two main parts:
o ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations and logical operations.
o Control Unit (CU): Directs the flow of data and instructions in the computer.
3. Output Devices: Devices that display the processed information.
o Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers.
4. Storage Devices: Devices that store data permanently or temporarily.
o Primary Storage: RAM (temporary)
o Secondary Storage: Hard Disk, USB Drive, CD/DVD
5. Memory:
o RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for programs and data in use.
o ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage for essential instructions.
6. Other Components:
o Motherboard: Connects all parts of the computer.
o Power Supply Unit: Provides power to the computer.
B. Software Components
System Software: Helps run the computer (e.g., Operating System).
Application Software: Programs used to perform specific tasks (e.g., Word Processor, Games).
4. Summary
A computer is an electronic device that processes data into meaningful information.
Components of a computer include input, output, CPU, storage, and memory devices.
Both hardware and software work together for the computer to function efficiently.
5. Exercises
1. Define a computer.
2. List any three input devices and output devices.
3. What is the function of the CPU?
4. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.
5. Name two types of software and give examples.
SS1 Computer Science Lesson Note
Topic: Data Modeling
Class: SS1
Subject: Data Processing
1. Definition of Data Modeling
Data modeling is the process of creating a conceptual representation of data. It helps in organizing and structuring data so that it can be
stored, retrieved, and used efficiently in a database system.
In simple terms, data modeling shows how data relates to one another and how it will be used.
2. Importance of Data Modeling
1. Organizes data clearly – helps to understand relationships between different data.
2. Improves database efficiency – reduces redundancy and ensures accurate data storage.
3. Facilitates communication – helps developers, analysts, and users understand data structure.
4. Supports decision making – well-modeled data can provide meaningful insights.
3. Types of Data Models
Data models are categorized into three main types:
a) Conceptual Data Model
Focuses on high-level relationships between data.
Shows what data is stored without worrying about how it will be stored physically.
Example: Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams.
b) Logical Data Model
Represents detailed structure of the data.
Defines tables, fields, data types, and relationships.
Platform-independent (does not depend on any specific database system).
c) Physical Data Model
Shows how data is actually stored in the database.
Includes details like file structures, indexes, and storage paths.
Database-specific implementation.
4. Components of a Data Model
1. Entities – objects or things of interest (e.g., Student, Teacher, Course).
2. Attributes – characteristics of entities (e.g., Student Name, Age, ID).
3. Relationships – associations between entities (e.g., A student enrolls in a course).
4. Constraints – rules that data must follow (e.g., Student ID must be unique).
5. Example of a Simple Data Model
Entities: Student, Course
Attributes:
o Student: ID, Name, Age
o Course: CourseID, CourseName
Relationship: Student enrolls in Course
This can be represented in an ER Diagram.
6. Benefits of Using Data Models
Ensures data consistency
Avoids data redundancy
Makes database maintenance easier
Helps in application development
Summary:
Data modeling is a crucial step in data processing. It helps us understand, organize, and manage data efficiently before implementation in a
database system.
SS2 Data Processing Lesson Note
Topic: History of Computers
Class: SS2
Subject: Data Processing / Computer Studies
1. Introduction
A computer is an electronic device that processes data and produces information. Understanding the history of computers helps us appreciate
the development of modern computing technology.
2. Definition of a Computer
A computer can be defined as a machine that can accept input, process data according to instructions, and provide output, and can also store
information for future use.
3. Evolution / History of Computers
The history of computers is divided into five generations based on technological developments:
3.1 First Generation Computers (1940 – 1956)
Used vacuum tubes for circuitry.
Relied on machine language (binary) for programming.
Very large and expensive, consumed a lot of electricity.
Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC I.
Limitations: Slow processing speed, high heat generation, and frequent breakdowns.
3.2 Second Generation Computers (1956 – 1963)
Used transistors instead of vacuum tubes (smaller, faster, more reliable).
Used assembly language and early high-level languages like COBOL and FORTRAN.
Examples: IBM 1401, IBM 7090.
Advantages: Less heat, smaller size, faster processing.
**3.3 Third Generation Computers (1964 – 1971
