Information Technology

International General Certificate of Secondary Education

Introduction to IT
What is a Computer?
A computer is a re-programmable machine for automatic processing of data.
A computer is a machine which processes input data and outputs information.
What is Data?
Any random facts bearing no specific meaning or significance, for example characters
or numbers, colors, dates, names etc.
What is Information?
After data has been processed, it has relevance, or a meaning. Information is this meaningful sorted data.
The structure and context of data must be known for us to know what it means. Look at the following
string of symbols:
Radwa15f16065brown0123456789EGC
If we give the string structure by dividing it properly into more meaningful sections, we get the
following:
Radwa 15 f 160 65 brown 0123456789 EGC
Maybe now it is getting some meaning?
Well, how about if we label each group of characters?
Name

Age
(years
)

Sex

Height
(cm)

Weight
(kg)

Hair
Colour

Phone No

School

Radw
a

15

160

65

brown

012345678
9

EGC

Now the data has gained context. It all makes sense that this is about Radwa. Now we can call it
information.
What do you mean by processing?
Processing is all the activity done to the data to obtain the desired output or result.
This may involve mathematical functions, sorting, comparing, converting or checking.

How is a computer automatic if it needs human intervention?

Of course a computer has to be instructed (by humans) to carry out the operations needed
for processing. This is achieved using a program. The computer then automatically
carries out the program very quickly and efficiently.
So, what is a program?
Quite simply, a program is a set of detailed instructions, written in a computer language directing the
computer how to process input information and output the result.
What is the difference between Hardware & Software?
Software is the collective term used to refer to all programs and data used by a computer. Examples of
software are Word processing packages, email clients, and database programs. Software is also in your mobile
phone, TV, satellite receiver, and microwave.
Hardware are the physical devices which make up a computer, such as Chips, motherboard, keyboard, etc.
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Types of Computers
Mainframe computers
A mainframe computer is a very powerful computer with a very strong CPU (sometimes more than one). They
are very fast and also very expensive. It is possible to connect many terminals together. Because of they are so
powerful, they produce very large amounts of heat, so computer rooms have to be air conditioned.
Typical users of such an expensive system are multinational companies, or big Banks.
Mini computers
A Mini computer is a computer with one powerful CPU. You can attach more than one monitor (up to
something like 24). A Minicomputer will be mostly used in small offices, where more people need to work on
the same data in a network (like a school, a library). All monitors (mostly called Workstations) are directly
linked to the CPU with their own cable or are connected with the help of a network.
Micro computers
A micro computer is a device with one CPU and only one monitor connected. A typical example is the PC
(personal computer), but also a calculator is a microcomputer. Microcomputers are made for single use
mainly. If you want PCs to share the same data, you will have to put them into a network (connect them via
cables and special adapters).
Typical operating systems used on PCs are: Dos (old)/Windows (95, 98, ME), OS/2, Linux or MacIntosh Os.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers:

Advantages
Computers are FAST
A computer can perform huge mathematical and logical
operations in a fraction of a second, where it would take
a human many minutes or even hours.
Computers are ACCURATE
A computer can perform many long difficult operations
without error. If error does occur, this is usually the result
of incorrect input or programming by humans.
GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out)
Computers SAVE STORAGE SPACE
Paper books and filing systems take up huge space. A
computer is able to store vast amounts of information in a
very small space.
Computers DONT GET TIRED OR ILL
A human worker can be ill or tired. This means days off
work, or inaccurate production. A computer doesnt get ill
or tired, so there is a consistency in its standard of output.

Disadvantages
Computers CAN REPLACE PEOPLE
One computer is faster, more accurate, and more
reliable than a human. It doesnt need to rest or
complain from working conditions. One computer
can replace many workers. Computers can & have
caused unemployment.
Computers HOLD PERSONAL INFORMATION
That makes it easy for people to access personal
information and misuse it.
People RELY on COMPUTERS TOO MUCH
That means that if a computer system breaks
down or a power failure occurs, there will be
complete panic and chaos.
SOME JOBS ARE BEST LEFT TO HUMANS
For example, would you trust a computer to perform
a medical operation?
Computers dont have feelings or manners. They
cannot sense how the person in front of them feels,
and act more flexibly in given situations.

Computers DONT NEED BREAKS & CAN WORK

CONTINUOUSLY
Humans need to take breaks during the day, time off for
family and holidays. They complain about poor working
conditions. Computers can work continuously without
tiring.
Computers DO IMPOSSIBLE JOBS QUICKLY
Some jobs are dangerous or impossible for humans to do
alone, such as space exploration, weather forecasting or
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credit cards transactions.

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The Essential Structure of a computer:

Central Processing Unit

Control Unit
Input

Output
Arithmetic and
Logic Unit
Immediate
Access Store

Control Path
Data Flow

Backing Storage

Input and Output Devices:

Input Devices are used to feed data into the computer.
Output Devices are used to display the resulting
information from the computer.

Figure 1.1

Backing Storage:
These are storage devices used to
store backup information.

What is the Central Processing Unit?

The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is home for the processing, where all the
manipulations and calculations are carried out.
It consists of the Control Unit, the Arithmetic & Logic Unit and the Immediate Access Store (Main Memory).
The Control Unit:
The Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU):
The Control Unit co-ordinates everything
Calculations and logical decisions are made
else.
here.
Immediate Access Store:
This is the computers main memory where programs and data are held. It is divided into two parts: Random
Access Memory(RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).
Random Access Memory(RAM):
Read Only Memory (ROM):
ROM is read only memory. It is memory that cannot be
RAM is random access memory. It is memory that can be
changed or altered; it can only be copied (read-only). It is
changed or altered, it can be used for storing data. It is
used mainly to store the boot (start-up) information of the
used to store the programs (and data) that run on the
computer. Also quite often other parts of the operating
computer. You can write and delete data on RAMsystem are stored in ROM. ROM contains permanent data,
devices. It also stores data currently being used. When
which is not lost, when the computer is switched off.
switched off, it loses all its data.
What is a Microprocessor?
What are Peripheral Devices?
A microprocessor is a single chip
These are machines connected
that has a complete central
to the computer to perform
processing unit on it.
certain tasks such as input and
What is a chip?
output, communications, and
It is a small piece of silicon
backing storage.
containing millions of tiny electronic circuits used to
make an integrated circuit (IC).
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