Introduction to Information and

Communication Technology
(ICT)
Objectives
1. Describe and differentiate functions
of computer hardware
2. Distinguish different type of
computer software
3. Explain different type of networks
and its configurations
4. Identify data communication
hardware, software and its
channels
 Intro

• A computer is a machine that, under

a program’s direction, performs four
basic operations: input, processing,
output, and storage.
• A program is a list of instructions
that tells a computer how perform
the four operations.
 Types of Computers Workstation
Desktop– PC, Microcomputer

Notebook– Laptop Personal Digital

Assistant– PDA,
Handheld, Pocket PC
 How Computers “Think”

• Computers use algorithms to solve a

problem.
• Algorithms are step-by-step
procedures.
 The Information
Processing Cycle

Input Processing Output Storage

• The computer performs the four

basic operations (input,
processing, output, and storage).
 Objective 1
• Describe and differentiate
functions of computer hardware

– Input device
– Processors - CPU
– Output device
– Storage
 Computer System

Hardware Software

• A collection of related computer

components that are designed to
work together.
• A system includes hardware and
software.
 Hardware
• Hardware is the computer’s physical
components.
• The components include:
– Input devices– Enable users to
enter data into the computer for
processing.
– Processing circuitry– Components
located in the system’s case that
transform data into information.
 Hardware..
– Output devices– Peripherals that
show the results of processing.
– Storage devices– Used to store all
the programs and data that the
computer uses.
– Communication Devices– Used to
move data between computers
 Input

• The first operation.

• The computer performs arithmetic
or comparison operations on data.
• Electrical impulses representing
words, numbers, images, or
sounds.
 Input
• Input is any data entered into the
computer’s memory.
• Types of input include:
– Data– Unorganized information (words,
numbers, images, or sounds) that the
computer converts to meaningful information.
– Software– Programs transferred from storage
devices to the computer’s memory.
– Commands– Instructions that tell the
computer what to do.
– Responses– Prompts requiring user
feedback.
Input Devices

Keyboard

Mouse– pointing device

Microphone–
Digital Cameras
speech-recognition
 Input Devices: Giving Commands

Keyboard & Mouse

Digital Cameras
Touch Screen

Wand Reader
Stylus Pen Microphone
• Input devices are types of hardware that
enable you to get programs, data,
commands, and responses into the
computer’s memory.
Input: Transforming Data into
Information
Command– A type of input that
tells the program what to do.

Confirmation– A message that

indicates if the command was
or was not carried out.

Keyboard– Enables the user to

input characters.
Input..
Pointing device– Enables the
user to move an on–screen
pointer.
Speech-recognition– A
program that enables the
computer to transcribe spoken
words into text.
 Processing
Arithmetic Logic
728 > 546
4 + 8 = 12
• The second operation.
• The computer performs arithmetic or
comparison (logical) operations on
the data.
• Performed at a very high speed.
 Processing
Motherboard Devices
Expansion Card

Central Processing Unit– CPU

Random Access
Memory– RAM
Processing: Transforming
Data into Information
 Central processing unit (CPU)– The
computer’s processing circuitry. It is also
called a microprocessor.

 Chip– A wafer of silicon that contains a

complex electronic circuit.

 Motherboard– The computer’s main circuit

board.
Processing..
 Memory– Chips that store program
instructions. Random access memory
(RAM) is the most important type.
 Expansion slots– A receptacle designed
to accept a plug-in expansion card.
 Expansion card– Used to connect
peripherals (input/output devices) to the
motherboard.
 CPU
• Components:-
Control unit– Coordinates and controls
all parts of the computer system.
Arithmetic-Logic unit– Performs
arithmetic or logical operations.
Primary storage – Store data from input
devices, instructions in computer
software and from ALU operation
Control unit
Direct & coordinate the actions of all other
components

Primary storage unit (memory)

-Main memory serves as repository where
data received, input devices, instructional
computer software and arithmetic logic
operations are brought together in this unit
Two types of memory :
• Random Access memory (RAM)
• Read only-memory (ROM)

•RAM
• Allows data and instructions to be
stored and
retrieved.
• Two types: Static RAM & dynamic RAM
ROM
Only allows data & instruction to be
retrieved
Two types of ROM:
•Programmable read Only
Memory(PROM)
Instructions and data entered by users
or programmers & cannot be altered.
•Erasable Programmable read Only
Memory (EPROM)
Instruction and data entered can be
altered and re-altered.
Aritmetic Logic Unit

Performs all operation specified by the

control unit to include calculation and
logical operations
 Popular CPUs
Intel Advanced
Micro Devices
Pentium IV Pentium III (AMD)

Pentium MMX

Cyrix Motorola (Apple)

Processor capabilities
Depends on:
• Processing speed
Measured by cycle time required to execute
typical
instruction e.g. million cycles per second
(megahertz),
memory capacity.
• Memory capacity
- The quantity of data and programs that can be
stored in
the primary storage unit.
- Measured by kilobytes or megabytes (MB)
 Output

• The third operation.

• The computer shows the results of
the processing operation in a way
people can understand.
• Data is processed into information.
 Output Devices

• Output devices are peripheral devices

that enable us to view or hear the
computer’s processed data.
• Visual output– Text, graphics, and
video.
• Audio output– Sounds, music, and
synthesized speech.
 Output Devices
Monitor
Printer

Speakers
 Output: Displaying the
Information
 Monitors– Display processing results on
a screen.
Cathode ray tube– Monitor similar to
televisions.
Flat-panel displays (LCD)– Monitor that
uses liquid crystal diodes.
Output..
 Speakers– Enable the user to hear the
results of sound processing.
 Printers– Generate output on paper.
Impact printers– Print heads strike a
ribbon to produce an image.
Nonimpact printers– Transfer the
image to the paper.
• Inkjet printers
• Laser printers
 Storage

• The fourth operation.

• The computer saves the data or
output so that it can be used again
later.
Memory vs. Storage
RAM Memory
Hard Drive

• Storage (secondary storage), also known as mass

media or auxiliary storage, refers to the various
media on which a computer system can store
data.
• Storage devices hold programs and data in units
called files.
• Files are stored in directories or folders.
• Memory is a temporary workplace where the
computer transfers the contents of a file while it is
being used.
Why is storage necessary?
Storage:
• Retains data when the computer is
turned off.
• Is cheaper than memory.
• Plays an important role during startup.
• Plays an input role when starting
applications.
• Is needed for output.
• Devices can hold a large amount of
data.
Storage Devices
Storage devices are:
• Hardware that is capable of
retaining data when the electricity
is turned off.
• Able to read (retrieve) data from a
storage medium (disk/tape).
• Able to write (record) data to a
storage medium.
 CD / DVD
Storage
Drive
Devices Hard Drive

Floppy Disk Drive

Zip
Drive

Tape Micro Drive

Drive
Jazz
Drive
Storage: Holding Programs and
Data for Future Use

 Storage media– Includes all types of

storage media.
Magnetic storage media– Uses
magnetically sensitive material.
Optical storage media– Uses a laser
beam to scan pits etched into a disc.
Storage..
Writing– Recording data to a disk.

Reading– Playing back information

on a disk.

Floppy disk– Removable storage

medium.

CD ROM– Optical storage medium.

Types of Storage Technologies
• Sequential– Hardware that reads and writes
data in a serial (one after the other) fashion.
• Random-Access– Hardware that reads and
writes data without going through a sequence
of locations.
• Magnetic– Hardware that uses disks or tapes
that are coated with magnetic material.
• Optical– Hardware that uses laser beams to
read data from plastic disks.
• Solid State– Devices that use nonvolatile
memory chips to read and write data.
Sequential – Magnetic Storage
Tape Backup Unit

Random-Access – Magnetic
Storage
Floppy Drive Hard Drive Jaz Drive Zip Drive
 Sequential – Optical Storage

CD-ROM / DVD Drive

Magnetic – Optical Storage

Magneto-Optic
(MO) Drive
 Solid State Storage
Memory
Smart Card
Stick

Compact Flash
Flash Memory
Memory

Micro Drive
PC Card
 Secondary storage
devices and media
Magnetic tapes
- Stored on reels or cartridge
- Sequential access to the data stored
- Usually used to backup data

Advantages:
1) Huge storage capacity
2) Fast transfer rate
3) Relatively low cost compared to magnetic dicks
4) High reliability
5) Reusability
6) Portability
 Secondary storage devices and media
Magnetic disks
-Most widely used
-Called as “direct access storage devices”
because data stored in magnetic disk can
be access by computer system and
immediately transferred to the primary
storage unit.
-Permanent addresses assigned to all
locations on a magnetic disk where data is
stored
 Secondary storage devices and media

Magnetic disks
Advantages:
1) all as magnetic tapes
2) direct access
3) mounting and removing data is not
needed
Disadvantages:
1) more expensive
2) less portable
3) data are often loss through destructive
 Secondary storage devices and media
Optical disks
-it has transparent, rigid optical reading
devices.
-also known as laser disk
-usually can be read and retrieved but can’t
be erased or modified. WORM-write once
read many
-can store more data at a lower cost
compared to magnetic disk
-disadvantage -slow retrieval.
-e.g. CD-ROM (400 to 600 MB of data)
 Objective 2
• Distinguish different type of
computer software

– Computer Language
– System Software
– Application Software
 Programming language history
First generation
- Machine language (0 and 1 )
- Unique to a specific computer
- Employs binary code
- Slow tedious and error-prone.

Second Generation
-Symbolic (assembly) language
-Utilize mnemonics codes and symbolic codes
-Faster & fewer errors
-e.g. ADD instruction – to add numbers
Programming language history
Third generation
- Procedure-oriented languages or compiler
Languages
- Compilers needed to translate programs
written in the languages into machine
language program
- Enables instructions to be expressed by
algebraic or English-like statement
- Simpler to learn and easier to use
- Less efficient and slower compared to
assembly language
- e.g BASIC, FOTRAN, PASCAL & C
Programming language history
Fourth Generation
- Problem oriented language
- User friendly-even users with little
previous computer
knowledge can use
- User just focus on “what” not “how”
- Requires shorter time and cost and less
error
- e.g Structured query language (SQL),
Excel, Lotus
Software
• Software consists of the
programs that give the
computer’s hardware its step-
by-step instructions.
• Software is created by
programmers using a
programming language.
Software..
• Programs contain units called files.
• Transferring a program into the
computer’s memory is called
loading.
• Once loaded into memory the
program’s instructions are carried
out or executed.
Types of Software
• System software– All System software
programs that help
the computer function
properly.
• Application software–
All the programs you
use to perform a task Application software
such as writing a
letter or browsing the
World Wide Web.
 System Software
• System software is divided into two
categories:
 The operating system:
Provides support for running
application software.
Coordinates the various functions of
the computer’s hardware.
 System utilities:
Are programs for optimizing
computer performance.
 Types of Operating Systems
• Command-line interface– Users type
instructions at the keyboard, one line
at a time. Examples: MS-DOS, PC
DOS, UNIX
• Graphical user interface (GUI)– Users
choose items from menus by using a
pointing device to click on icons
which represent resources and
commands. Examples: Windows, Mac
OS
Command-Line Interface
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Application Software
• Application software includes all
programs that enable us to use the
computer in a useful way.
• Custom software is developed for
specific needs.
• Packaged software is produced for
the mass market.
 Software Suite

MS WORD MS EXCEL MS POWERPOINT

MS ACCESS MS FRONT PAGE

• A collection of full-featured standalone

programs that usually share a common
command structure and have similar
interfaces.
 Objective 3
Explain different type of networks and its
configurations

• Types
– LAN, WAN, VAN
– Internet, Intranet, Extranet

• Configuration
– Star, Ring, Bus, Client/Serve
– Centralized vs Distributed
 Data communication - Network
Network
Architecture Topology

Centralized network NETWORK Star Topology

Ring Topology
Distributed network
Bus Topology
Client server topology

Service area

Local Area Network (LAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)
 Computer Networks

• A computer network consists of

two or more computers linked
together to exchange data and
share resources.
Types of Computer Networks

•LAN

•WAN

•VAN
Local area network (LAN)
Links computers within a building or
group of buildings

• Uses direct cables, radio, or

infrared signals
LAN Files

File Server

Node
Node
LAN

Node Print Server

Node

Printer
 Wide Area Network
• Links computers separated by a few
miles or thousands of miles
• Uses long-distance transmission
media
• typically requires the use of:
– gateways to connect different types of
LANs
– bridges to connect same-type LANs
• WANs may use common carrier facilities,
such as telephone lines, or they may use a
Value Added Network (VAN).
WAN
Bridge

LAN
LAN

Gateway
Gateway

LAN

WAN
Networking Synergies in a Nutshell

Shared applications
Reduced hardware
costs • Users share software
• Users share • File server enables all
equipment users to work with the
same application
program
Connected people
• People can work
together without being Building information
at the same location resources
• Groupware enables • Users create common
sharing of schedules pools of data that can
and communications be accessed by
employees
Internet, Intranet, Extranet
The Internet

• A world-spanning computer
network.
The Internet
• The Internet is a global, interconnected, computer
network in which every computer connected to it
can exchange data with any other connected
computer.
• It’s the first mass medium that involves
computers and uses digitized data.
• It provides the potential for media convergence,
the unification of all media.
• It’s transforming how we communicate, obtain
information, learn, seek jobs, and maintain
professional growth.
• Businesses find it an indispensable tool for their
needs.
 Internet Services
World Wide Web– Electronic commerce– (e-commerce)
(WWW)

Electronic mail– (e-mail)

File Transfer Protocol– (FTP)

Instant messaging

• Standards and software that make

Internet resources, such as Web pages,
files, and electronic mail available to
users.
Intranets and Extranets
Intra..Extra
• Intranet– An internal networking
system within a company.
– They function like the Internet.
– They are for internal use only and are not
available to those outside the company.
• Firewall– Software used to screen
incoming data.
• Extranet– An intranet that can be used
by outside sources who access it over
the Internet.
Network Configuration
• Topology - Star, Ring, Bus,
Client/Server
• Centralized/Decentralized
• Distributed data processing
 Star Topology
• A network of IPUs with a large central
computer (the host)
• The host computer has direct connections
to smaller computers, typically desktop
or laptop PCs.
• This topology is popular for mainframe
computing.
• All communications must go through
the host computer, except for local
computing.
 Star
Topology
Central
Files
Local Local
Files Server Files

Local Local
Files Files

Local
Files
 Ring Topology
• This configuration eliminates the
central site. All nodes in this
configuration are of equal status
(peers).
• Responsibility for managing
communications is distributed
among the nodes.
• Common resources that are shared
by all nodes can be centralized and
managed by a file server that is
also a node.
 Ring Central
Topology Files

Server Local
Local
Files Files

Local Local
Files Files

Local
Files
 Bus Topology
• The nodes are all connected to a
common cable - the bus.
• Communications and file transfers
between workstations are controlled
by a server.
• It is generally less costly to install
than a ring topology.
 Bus Topology

Print Server
Node Node
Local Files Local Files

Node
Local Files
Server
Central
Files

Node Node
Local Files Local Files
 Client-Server topology
• This configuration distributes the
processing between the user’s (client’s)
computer and the central file server.
• Both types of computers are part of
the network, but each is assigned
functions that it best performs.
• This approach reduces data
communications traffic, thus reducing
queues and increasing response time.
 Client-Server Topology

Client Clien
Data Manipulation
Capabilities
Data
t Manipulation
Capabilities
Server
Record
Searching
Capabilities
Client
Data Manipulation
Capabilities
Common
Files

Client Client
Data Manipulation Data Manipulation
Capabilities Capabilities
Centralized

VS
Distributed
 Centralized Network
• Consists of a single central computer
processor/mainframe that is linked to one
or more physically remote terminals and
other communication devices

• All application processing done by

central computer/mainframe

• Suitable for firms that have centralized

organizational structure, homogeneous
operations and low processing activities
at remote sites.
 Centralized Network
Benefits:
- Provide the concentrated computing power of
a large processor which can handle large
volume of transactions and complex
processing. Such processing can be done at
relatively low application costs per
transaction-providing economic of scale.

- Large processor can facilitate the use of and

integrated databases- reduce data
redundancy, simultaneous updating and better
data documentation
 Centralized Network
Drawbacks:
1. Difficult to design and costly to maintain
2. Complicated and costly system software to move
application software in and out of their online
library, to assign priorities to message and so on
3. Inflexible and unresponsive to remote users
4. Heavy transmission traffics can cause transaction
and inquiries
to be delayed
5. Centralized staff may not be attuned to the needs
and circumstances of remote users.
6. Vulnerable to disaster-if the central processor fail,
entire network will shut down
 Distributed Network
• A computer network which processing
task, and possibly also the database
management task has been
distributed/divided to remote sites.
• User oriented architecture
• Distributed network is useful when
1) large volumes of data need to be
processed at remote locations
2) managers or employees need very
fast access to data
on a frequent basis
 Distributed Network
Benefits of distributed network:
1) Responsiveness to user needs
- availability of hardware and software closer to users
- increase the speed of processing and timely report
2) Optimal use of facilities
- overall processing work load can be shared among
remote processor
- can call help from central processor
3) Reliability of network operations
- if a particular computer fails, the reminder computers
can generally
handle the failed computer’s processing load
- Modularity and simplicity of processing facilities
 Distributed Network
Drawbacks:
1) adequate controls and security are difficult
to maintain
2) no standardized protocols and equipments-
incompatibility
 Objective 4
Identify data communication

• hardware
• software and
• its channels
 Long-distance Transmission Media

Copper wire Fiber-optic cable

 Named T1.  Made of glass
strands.
 24 voice calls at a
time.  Transmits data using
pulses of light.
 1.544 Mbps of
computer data.  Named T3.
 672 voice calls at a
time.
 43 Mbps of computer
data.
Cont..
Microwave
High-frequency radio waves.
Travel in a straight line.
Relay stations every 30 miles.

Satellites
Microwave relay stations in space.
Positioned in geosynchronous orbits.
Types of Telephone Transmission
Media Twisted Pair Copper Wire
Fiber Optics

Microwave Satellites
 Multiplexing
• Multiplexing technology enables
simultaneous, multi-use of
transmission lines.
– Copper wire allows up to 24
simultaneous calls per wire.
– Fiber-optic cables permit up to 43,384
calls per strand.
 Modems
Internal Modem External Modem

• Modems are devices that transform

signals when sending and receiving
transmissions.
• Two types:
– Internal modems– Fit into a computer’s
expansion slot.
– External modems– Connect to a port
outside the system box.
Asynchronous and Synchronous
Communications
• Asynchronous communication is a
method of networking where bits
of data are sent and received one
bit at a time; each byte contains a
start and stop bit.
• Synchronous communication
requires a synchronization signal
which identifies units of data.
 Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN)
• ISDN is a standard that provides digital
telephone and data service.
• Types of ISDNs:
– Basic Rate ISDN (BRI)– For home or small
businesses; one or two 64 Kbps channels
available.
– Primary Rate ISDN (PRI)– Designed for
organizations; 23 channels at 64 Kbps
available.
– Broadband ISDN (BISDN)– Requires fiber
optic-cable; maximum bandwidth of 622
Mbps.
 Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
• DSL uses copper wiring, but it is
faster than ISDN; its bandwidth can
reach 1.5 Mbps.
• It requires a DSL modem, DSL
phone line, and an ISP that provides
DSL service.
• Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
(ADSL) has faster downloading than
uploading speeds; downloads at 1.5
Mbps; uploads at 256 Kbps.
Synchronous Optical Network
(SONET)
• SONET requires fiber-optic cable to
transfer data .
• It provides data transfer rates from
52 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
END