Theory

INFORMAION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

Introduction to computers

A computer is an electronic device (machine) which is capable of receiving data as input, stores it and manipulating (processing) it to output in a meaningful form as information. COMPUTER – Common Operated Machine Particularly Used for Technical and Educational Research

NB. A device is any machine or component that attaches to a computer.

Characteristics of modern computers

Modern computers today have the following characteristics:

1.      Speed
Computers operate at extremely high speeds. Their speed is measured in megahertz (MHZ) and currently Giga hertz (GHZ). 1GHZ=1000MHZ

2.      Automatic (Spontaneous)
The computers are automatic. They do not need any supervision in order to do tasks when instructed.

3.      Accuracy
Computers are very accurate. The errors made in computing are due to the users but not technological weakness. If a user enters wrong data, the computer gives wrong Information. This trend is described as GIGO (Garbage in, Garbage Out)

4.      Versatile
Modern Computers can perform different kinds of tasks at the same time. For example, you can play music while typing a document at the same time. This is also known as multi-tasking.

5.      Diligence (Endurance)
Computers have the ability to perform the same task for a long time without getting tired.

This is because a computer is a machine, and so does not have human behaviors of tiredness and lack of concentration. For example, computers which are used for controlling the satellites.

1.      Storage
For a computer to be able to work, it must have some form of work space where data is stored before being processed. All information is stored on a hard disk or in the Random Access Memory (RAM).

2.      Processing

Computers can process large amounts of data. It can perform different types of processing like addition, subtracting etc. it also performs logical functions such as comparing numbers.

3.      Communication

Most computers have the capability of communicating to other computers. Computers can be connected to one another using computer devices such as modem

4.      Adaptability

Modern Computers can be adapted to comply with different settings and environments.

For example, they can be used as personal computers, for home use, banking, communication, entertainment, weather forecasting, space explorations, teaching, railways, medicine etc.

5.      Artificial intelligence
Computers are artificially intelligent. I.e. they can be programmed to assume capabilities such as learning, reasoning, adaptation, and self-correction. For example, computers can respond as if they were thinking by playing chess, recognize handwriting and speech. However, the computers themselves cannot think. The artificial intelligence is only supported by the power of the programs installed in them.

6.      Need User input
Computers cannot initiate themselves and make the decisions. They need instructions from users to enhance the process. After all, a computer is only a machine.

Demerit of using computers in society

1. Risk of addiction. Many people don't care about anything else because they spend many hours in front of computer.
2. Eye Strain. Using computer for long can be very harmful to the eyes.
3. Over dependence. Our creativity, skills and reasoning can decrease when we are too dependent to the computer. For instance, with email replacing the hand-written letter, Onscreen Art designing instead of Hand drawing Art etc.
4. Computer can destroy the culture of a certain group of people in the society, especially youths.
5. Expensive. Computers are still costly because the initial costing and maintenance cost of a computer are very high.
6. Need for Extra Training. Uses of computers require additional training before the use of computers and their programs.
7. There is dehumanizing of people. Excessive use of computer for communication with others threatens to reduce the intensity of personal bond that often develops between people. For instance, the telephone calls
8. Computers have led to unemployment of people such as Tellers, shop workers, postal workers; since many manual/repetitive jobs have been replaced by computers like ATMs