Topic 1: Getting to know Computers Better

Objectives of the course

 

By the end of the topic, learners should be able to;

• define a computer and describe how it works.

• describe the three wares that build up a complete computer system.

• understand the term hardware.

• understand what a personal computer is.

• distinguish between desktop, laptop (notebook), and tablet PCs in terms of typical users.

• identify common handheld portable digital devices like Personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile phones, smartphones, and multimedia players and know their main features.

• know the main parts of a computer like: the central processing unit (CPU), types of memory, hard disk, common input ,and output devices.

• identify common input/output ports like USB, serial, parallel, network port, and FireWire.

• Let us start our first lesson by watching this Computer Basics video for beginners. Keep noting down important points and thereafter try on your own

The Importance of Studying Computers: Navigating the Digital Age

In an era increasingly dominated by technology, understanding computers is not just beneficial but essential. Below are key reasons why studying computers is crucial, especially in educational environments like schools, colleges, universities, and various other institutions:

1. Overcoming Technological Apprehension: First and foremost, it's essential to dispel any fears or apprehensions about computers. Gaining knowledge about computers and their operations allows us to utilize them effectively, preparing us for both current and future technological landscapes.

2. Achieving Computer Literacy: Developing computer literacy is critical in adapting to the digital age. It's not just about using computers for basic tasks; it's about understanding their role in various aspects of life. This literacy empowers us to navigate the challenges and changes brought about by the ongoing technological revolution.

3. Career Preparedness and Opportunities: In today's job market, technological skills are increasingly in demand. From security to banking, telecommunications to law enforcement, and engineering to healthcare, almost every industry relies on computers and technology to enhance efficiency and maintain competitiveness. By mastering computer skills, we open doors to diverse and lucrative career opportunities.

4. Understanding the Impact of the Computer Revolution: Computers have transformed how we live, work, and play. Realizing the extent of this transformation is crucial. This includes understanding how to communicate effectively in a digital world, especially as the internet becomes an ever more integral part of daily life.

5. Adaptability to Emerging Technologies: As new technologies emerge, being proficient in basic computer skills sets the foundation for adapting to these advancements. This adaptability is vital in a world where technological progress is constant.

6. Computers in Diverse Fields of Study: Computers have applications across various academic and professional fields, making them indispensable tools for research, data analysis, design, and more.

7. Fostering Lifelong Learning: Proficiency in computers equips learners with skills necessary for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving world. This skillset is critical for personal and professional growth in the 21st century.

Understanding and embracing the role of computers in our world is not just about keeping up with the times; it's about being prepared for the future and making the most of the opportunities that technology presents. This course aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to confidently navigate the digital landscape.

Differences between Man and A Computer:

For the purpose of learning better, it is important that the learners discuss this issue seriously before looking at the differences we have given below. In your view, what are the differences that exist between a human being and a computer?

Man can operate a computer whereas a computer cannot operate a man. Is it true?

Computers are man made whereas man is God created.

Man thinks whereas computers do not think or just seems to think.

Man has a natural intelligence whereas computers have artificial intelligence.

Computers use electricity to perform tasks whereas man uses energy accorded to him by God.

Computers get damaged but can be repaired and work again whereas for a human being if time has come to dies, not even Bill Gates (the World's richest man - 2015) can be repaied. He just man dies like any other common man.

Features or Characteristics of Computers.

For any device to be called a computer, it must manifest or posses some or all the following characteristics.

Speed. Computers are quite fast in their operations in that their speed is measured in millions of instructions per second (M/PS).

Accuracy. Computers are known to be so accurate that they hardly make mistakes. Computers are able to detect and correct any mistakes made.

Storage: For computers to be able to work, they must have some form of work space where data (raw facts and figures or unprocessed data) is stored before being processed of where information (processed data or summarised data or otherwise manipulated data) is stored before being output to particular devices. This storage space is referred to as memory.

Deligience. Computers have the ability to perform the same task over and over for a long time without getting bored.

Artificial intelligience: Computers are artificially intelligent. They can respond to requests given to them and provide solutions. This is accomplished by the ‘power’ of the programmes installed in them.

Automation. Computers also work automatically. They do not need any supervision in order to perform programmed routines. For example, telling of time is automatic no matter whether time is correct or not.

Electronic. Computers use electricity in order to perform their functions. They either use solar or thermal electricity. This explains why there are few computers in areas with no power.

Uses or Advantages Computers:

Computers are widely used in our everyday lives to do particular tasks. Their uses may be as wide as the user may imagine. Some of these uses/advantages are as follows:

Research. Computers are used in scientific research especially by doctors to come up with drugs and also by other scientists to come up with scientific findings. New drugs have been introduced and invented; movement into space is possible (exploration). In places where human beings cannot survive, computers (machines) have been sent into space, and data is transmitted back to Earth.

Business environment. In the world today, businesses have realized the benefits of computers; for instance, one can sit at home or in an office and trade with the outside world through computer communication e.g. the use of a cellar/mobile phone.

Calculations: Computers are used in the calculation of complex numbers, especially in big organizations. It is not only this but they are also used in balancing accounts to suit the needs of the owners.

Recreation. People today use computers to play games and also watch films especially when they are bored, from a hectic job as refreshment to their mind. It is also used for watching mostly European soccer,  especially on TV (DSTV).

Click on the image below to watch an NTV intro video

Storage: Computers are found by most organizations like schools, colleges, and universities as the best means of keeping information for a long time. This is because once work is put on a flash disk, or floppy diskette, it is easier to move with it yet again the information kept on a computer is not easily accessed if one doesn’t know how to use a computer and doesn’t have a password to the file.

Time: Computers are used to tell time. This explains why we have digital watches and cellular phones have provisions for time telling.

Communication: Computers are used in communication from one person to another through the use of the internet (e-mails – electronic mail) and also through cellular phone communication.

Computers are also used to get better and recent yet important information that has been posted on the web.

Disadvantages of Computers.

Though there are many advantages of computers as you well know, there are also so many disadvantages and among them are the following:

Computers are too expensive to afford. This explains why there are few computers in most Organisations, Schools, Colleges and Universities.

Computers cannot be used in areas with no power; this explains why they are called electronic devices.

Computers do not think, therefore they require the services of a human being before they can work or be used.

Computers can be dangerous to one's health. They spoil our eyes. This is exemplified by the fact that too much time taken on a TV may cause tears to come out of one’s eyes. Even placing a laptop on your lap may be dangerous to the future of a man's marriage.

Computers can call for laziness, especially for those who spend much of their time watching films. They forget they are meant to do certain jobs given to them by their parents.

There is also cultural disintegration as a result of watching films. As people watch films and also surf on the internet, they find different modes of dressing which they copy yet they dilute our cultures. 

Moral degeneration. As a matter of fact, their certain literature and pictures shown on computers that are not good for consumption such as love stories and sex movies (Blue Movies). These erase our morals.

Computers cause blood clotting as a result of strain by not moving i.e. being in one place static.

They also cause backache to those who are ever on the computer doing much of their work there.