Chapter 1

Madda Walabu University
School of Engineering and Technology

Department of Information systems
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Chapter One
Overview of Information and Communication Technology
1.1 Defining ICT

Why learn about computers and Information systems?
Computers and information systems are the tools that allow you to transform data
efficiently and effectively into information and distribute it to where it is needed. If used
properly they can also improve your productivity. Productivity refers to the amount of time
and resources required to gain a desired result. In recent years, the growing use of
computers has brought the benefits of these tools to anyone who wants to take advantage of
them.
Preliminary Definitions
Data: are raw facts that convey little meaning by themselves and hence need further
processing.
Information: it is the result of processing, gathering, manipulating and organizing data in a
way that adds to the knowledge of the receiver. Both data and information might take any
form such as text, picture, audio and video.
Technology: the application of scientific knowledge to benefit humanity
Electronic device: a device that is made up of semi-conductor materials (materials that fall
between conductor and insulators).
Computer: An electronic device that has the ability to store, retrieves, and process data. A
computer consists of hardware and software.
Hardware: the physical part of a computer that can be seen and touched.
Software: Instructions that direct the operation of a computer.
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System: A collection of components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of

functions.
A computer-based information system collects, processes, transmits and disseminates
information in accordance with defined procedures.
Information and Communications Technology, also called Information Technology
(IT) is the study, design, development, implementation, support and management of
computer-based information systems.
ICT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store,
protect, process, transmit and retrieve information, securely.
It represents the convergence (merging) of Computer Technology, Telecommunications
(satellite communications, telephone, mobile phone etc) and Data Networking
Technologies into a single technology which took place in the 1980s.
An information system is a set of components that work together to manage the acquisition,
storage, manipulation, and distribution of information. The components of an information
system are hardware, software, people, data, and procedures. A person who uses computer
hardware and software to perform a task is called a user. Procedures are the instruction that
tell a user how to operate and use an information system.
Information systems designed to be used by many user are called multi-user information
systems. These are found in most businesses and organizations, and are vital to their
successful operation. An example is a banking software used to store customer related data
that is critical to the operation of the bank.
Information systems that are designed for use by an individual user are called personal
information systems. Examples are Microsoft word, access, excel and so on that are used
for personal purposes.
An information system has three basic functions:
(1) to accept data (input) ,
(2) to convert data to information (process), and

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(3) to produce and communicate information in a timely fashion to users for decision
making (output).
1.2 What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs computations, and makes logical
decisions according to instructions that have been given to it; then produces meaningful
information in a form that is useful to humans.
Computer derives directly from the Latin computus and computare. Both Latin words mean the
same as the English verb compute: to determine by mathematical means. Putare means to reckon
(to calculate an amount, a number, etc), and com is an intensifying prefix. An intensifying prefix
heightens or stresses, but does not change the meaning of the word it modifies; for example, in the
word inflammable, in is an intensifier, and inflammable means easily inflamed.
1.3 Characteristics of computers
The characteristics of a computer show the capability and the potential of the computer for
processing data. This saves time, space, money, labors etc. And they answer the questions why
computers are used? Why have they become so popular?
1. Speed
The ability of the computers to carry out their instructions in a very short period of time is one
of the main reasons for their popularity. Computers can perform within a matter of seconds or
minutes tasks that would be impossible for a person to complete by hand in lifetime.
 Its speed is measured by the amount of time it takes to perform or carry out a basic
operation. And its speed measured in terms of micro second (10 -6 one millionths), nano
second (10-9 one billionths), or Pico second (10-12 one trillionths). Hence a computer with
speed 1 microsecond can perform 1 million instructions in just 1 second. Speed is also
given as 3 GHz (3.1 billion instructions per second)
2. Accuracy
Nowadays computers are being used in life-and-death situations (For example, jet pilots rely on
computer computations for guidance, Hospitals rely on patient-monitoring systems in critical –care
units) which needs almost hundred percent accuracy. From this we can understand that computer is

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accurate and consistent. Unless there is an error in the input data or unreliable program the
computer processes accurately. If computers are given wrong input, they will produce wrong
output–Garbage In, Garbage Out (GIGO).
3. Capacity
The ability of computers to store and process vast amounts of data continues to grow. A computer
operating at 200 MHz can move data from one location to another at a rate in excess of 1.2 billions
characters (symbols) per second.
4. Durability and reliability
Computers are durable and extremely reliable devices. They can operate error-free over long
periods of time.
5. Versatility
Because of technological advancements in the computer industry, most computers today are
considered to be general-purpose computers That is both their computation and input/output
processing capabilities are such that they can be used for almost any type of application. For
example, the same computer that is used to handle engineering company’s mathematics, and
design computations can also be efficiently used by the company to track inventory, process
payroll, project earnings, and fulfill all its reporting needs.
Today’s computers are versatile in what they can do; computers and their components part being
used in application never before envisioned. For example; in home appliances (washing machines,
ovens) home entertainment centers, traffic lights, automobiles, banking, assembly plants, space
probes, art, music, education, hospitals, and agriculture, to name few. The versatility of the
computers and its use in a wide array of application are limited only by the imagination of the
human mind.
Note: Even if the above main characteristics of computers are increasing with time, the cost
and size of computers are decreasing.
1.4 Application of Computers
Why we use Computers?
The following are some of the capability of computers, which are reasons to use computers.
 Store and process large amount of information with high speed and accuracy;

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 Transmit information across continents via communication channels;

 Simulate events;
 Perform complex mathematical computations and make comparisons;
 Monitor ongoing industrial operations;
 Perform repetitive processes with great ease, speed, and reliability;
Therefore, computers are applicable for any functions or process that requires these abilities.
The main areas of computer applications can be listed as follows:
Learning Aids:
Example:
 learning toys
 programs range from simple arithmetic to calculus, from English grammar to creative
writing and foreign language, and
 from basic graphics to engineering design models
Entertainment: Examples: Games
Commercial or business applications
Computers are needed to perform business operations that require handling large amounts of data.
Several computer applications are available to assist business in working with large volumes of
data.
Examples are:
 Text processing
 Accounting and Finance management
 Inventory control
 Database management
 Statistical analysis
Scientific – engineering and research applications
 Using computers for scientific research, complex mathematical calculations, design
work, and analysis and control of physical systems.
Examples are:
 Space technology

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 Meteorological observatory systems

 Astronomical investigations
 Design of machines and
 Control of manufacturing process
Information Utilities
Information utilities companies use large computers that store huge amount of information about
many different subjects. These computer systems and their vast amount of data are available for
personal use. For example: information utilities can allow a computer user to read the daily news ,
research published works, send a letter to a friend, play games, make airline reservations, obtain
the latest stock market quotations, and perform many other activities.
Example: Internet.
Ethiopian airline is a member of World-Wide reservation system called Gabriel system.
 The main database is located at Atlanta, Georgia
 More than 48 airlines including EAL share /extract/transmit information using Gabriel.
Facilities included:
 Booking of passengers on Domestic and International flight on EAL or Other carrier
(Example: Lufthansa).
 Making hotel reservation for the travelers (i.e. the system is connected with major
hotels & travel agents)
 Message correspondence with all stations which are members of Gabriel (i.e.
reconfirmation, space availability, etc)
Elements involved in the reservation system are:
 Computer Network;
 Computer terminal;
 Communication Channels ( telephone lines, satellite, etc)
 Modems
Electronic Banking and Service:
 Teller Machine:
o is a computerized telecommunications device that provides the customers of a

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financial institution (such as banks) with access to financial transactions (e.g.

withdrawing money) in a public space without the need for a human clerk or bank
teller. On most modern ATMs, the customer is identified by inserting a plastic
ATM card with a magnetic stripe or a plastic smartcard with a chip that contains a
unique card number and some security information to prevent from credit card
fraud. Security is provided by the customer entering a personal identification
number (PIN).
o Most ATMs are connected to interbank networks, enabling people to withdraw and
deposit money from machines not belonging to the bank where they have their
account or in the country where their accounts are held (enabling cash withdrawals
in local currency).
o An interbank network, also known as an ATM consortium or ATM network, is a
computer network that connects the ATMs of different banks and permits these
ATMs to interact with the ATM cards of non-native banks.
 Online banking: A bank customer can use his/ her computer to check account balances,
transfer funds, pay bills
Shopping from Home
Individuals may now shop by computer in the comfort of their home.
Household Control
A growing number of the recent houses hold devices that are computer controlled. For example:
Security systems, refrigerators, microwave ovens, washers, stereos, and televisions. This computer
controlled home security system monitors movements, broken glass, unlawful entry without a
security code, and so on, and alerts the local police department.
Weather and Environment
Computer equipment may show temperature ranges, precipitation levels and wind flow and can be
used in weather forecasting.
Transportation
Computers have affected almost every kind of transportation. Many aircrafts can fly under the

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control of the computer; in this situation, the captain simply serves as a manger by telling the
computer what to do. In Cars, computers have provided functional controls such as spark and fuel
control.
Medical and Health Care
Computers have long been used by hospitals for routine record keeping. Today, however, many
people owe their lives to the computer. Computers are used in hospitals as sensors (device that
detect changes in blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), testing (scan the body and provide 3-D
figure), patient treatment.
Routine and Dangerous Tasks
Computers are used in routine tasks. And they can perform tasks in environments too dangerous
for human workers.
Consultant (Expert system)
An Expert system is a computer program, which can solve problems from a specific knowledge
base. These systems don't replace expert humans because the knowledge base of expert system is
given from the skilled specialist.
Example: Mycin: a medical diagnostic program by using sophisticated decision making process).
This expert system was designed to identify bacteria causing severe infections, such as bacteremia
and meningitis, and to recommend antibiotics, with the dosage adjusted for patient's body weight.
1.5 History of Computers
Although computer professionals do not agree on exact dates or specifics, computer developments are often
categorized by generations. Actually there are four generations and major characteristics that distinguish
these generations are the following;
 Dominant type of electronic circuit elements used.
 Major secondary storage media used.
 Computer language used.
 Types or characteristic of operating system used.
 Memory access time (time to store or retrieve a word or data from memory).
Computer generations are usually categorized by dramatic improvements in the hardware, typically better
increases in speed and reliability.

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First generation (1950s)

 Used vacuum tubes as components for the electronic circuit.
 Punched cards were the main source of inputs, and magnetic drums were used for internal storage.
 Operate in a speed of milliseconds (thousands of a second) and could handle more than 10,000
additions each second.
 Most applications were scientific calculations.
Second generations (early 1960s)

 Transistors were the main circuit components. Transistors are solid state devices made from
silicon which is smaller, cheaper, faster, dissipate less energy and more reliable than vacuum tube
but work in the same way as the vacuum tube.
 The transistor was invented in Bell Labs.
 Magnetic tapes (similar with home tape caste), used for main storage,
 Operate in microseconds (millionths of a second) with more than 200,000 additions possible each
second.
 Business applications became more common, with large data files stored on magnetic tape and disk.
Magnetic disk is a circular platter constructed of metal or plastic materials coated with magnetic
substance.
 High-level languages COBOL and FORTRAN were introduced during this period. Batch operating
systems were used that permitted rapid processing of magnetic tape files.
Third generation (late 1960s, early 1970s)
 This generation was characterized by the solid-state integrated circuit (IC). In early 1960s
electronic equipments composed of discrete (single, self-contained) components such as transistors,
capacitors, and resistors. They are
o manufactured separately
o Packed in their own containers and soldered (wired together) on a circuit board. So the
entire manufacturing process was cumbersome and expensive.
 These and other problems were solved when the IC was invented in 1958, an achievement that
revolutionized electronics, starting the era of microelectronics.
 Unlike transistors and circuit boards that were assembled manually, ICs were single, complete
electronic semiconductor circuits contained on a piece of silicon, sometimes called chips. ICs could

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be manufactured by machinery, which ultimately resulted in a lower cost. Memory technology

improved. By 1969, as many as 1000 transistors could be built on a chip of silicon.
 Computer storage switched from magnetic cores to IC boards that provided modularity (expandable
storage) and compatibility (interchangeable equipment). New input/output methods such as optical
scanning and plotters.
Software became more important with sophisticated operating systems and improved programming
languages,
Fourth generation (late 1970s - present)
 Greatly expanded storage capabilities and improved circuitry.
 Has a large-scale integrated circuits (LSI) which has several hundred thousands of transistors
placed on one tiny silicon chip.
 In the mid-1970s the development of very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) produced a chip
containing a microprocessor.
 VLSI made the microcomputer possible. The Intel 80386 microprocessor followed. The Intel 80386
is faster and more powerful than its predecessors.
 Magnetic disks became the primary means of internal storage.
 Computer memory operated at speeds of nano seconds (billionths of a second) with large computers
capable of adding 15 million numbers per second.
Fifth generation(Future)
These computers will allow a simple and natural methodology for solving. This generation will begin with
the creation and use of a computer with artificial intelligence (AI). AI indicates the ability to perform
humanlike thinking and reasoning. These computers will have intelligent processors i.e., processors which
can draw inferences. Users will also be able to interact with them in natural languages such as English,
German etc.
Summary of generations of computers
Generation 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Circuit element Vacuum tube Transistor IC LSI/ VLSI
SSD(secondary Punched card Magnetic Magnetic Mass storage
storage device) Tape disk device

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Language Machine & Fortran, Structured Application

assembly COBOL language oriented
languages etc
Operating system Operator control Batch Application Time sharing
system oriented
Memory access 1ms 10µs 10ns 1ns
time
Approx. date 1946-57 1958-64 1965-71 From 1971 -
present
examples ENIAC, IBM 7090, IBM system Late IBM
UNIVAC 7094, products
EDVAC
1.6 Types of Computers

There are different types of computers. Their difference is depending on different categories.
Classification by the method of operation (processing)
They are classified into three:
1. Analog
Analog computers operate by measuring. They deal with continues variables; they don’t compute directly
with numbers, rather, they operate by measuring physical magnitude such as pressure, temperature, voltage,
current etc.
Examples
 Thermometer
 Voltmeter
 Speedometer
 Gasoline pump – Contains an analog computer that converts the flow of pumped fuel into two
measurements the price of the delivered gas and the quantity of pumped fuel.
They are special purpose computers.
Analog computers have limited accuracy

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2. Digital Computers
Digital computers deal with discrete variables; they operate by counting rather than measuring. They
operate directly upon numbers (or digits) that represent numbers, letters, or other special symbols.
Examples:
 Abacus
 Desk & pocket computers
 The general purpose computers
Digital computers have higher accuracy and speed than the analog ones.
3. Hybrid computers
The best features of analog and digital computers can be combined into a single device to form a
hybrid computer. A hybrid computer processes the information by collecting input data with
analog method, converts it into digital quantities, processes the digital values and converts the
output from digital to analog form.
Example:
In hospital insensitive-care units, analog devices may measure a patient’s heart function,
temperature and other vital signs. These measurements may then be converted into
numbers and supplied to a digital component in the system. This component is used to
monitor the patient’s vital signs and to send an immediate signal to the nurse’s station if
any abnormal readings are detected.
Classification by purpose of application
Computers can be applied or used for different purposes. Based upon their application, they are
classified as special purpose or general-purpose computers
1. Special purpose computers
They are designed to solve a single type of problem, that is their components and function are
uniquely adapted to a specific situation involving specific application.
Example:
 The public telephone box
 Traffic control system
 Ticket machines (used in grocery, super market etc.)

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 Pocket calculators etc.

 Counters
Most analog computers are special purpose computers.
2. General-purpose computers
They are designed to solve variety of problems through the use of “stored program concept”. A
program or set of instructions designed to solve a problem is read and stored into the memory and
then executed by the computer one by one. The same computer can be applied to solve another set
of problems using a different program. General purpose computers are more flexible and versatile.
Examples
 Micro computers
 Mini computers
 Super computers etc.
Classification by physical size, price, capacity and performance
At this stage, by a computer, we mean a general-purpose digital computer. There is a wide variety
of general purpose digital computers on the market place today, in terms of physical size, price,
capacity, and performance. They are then classified as follows by their capacity and size:
Super computers: - are the fastest, largest and most powerful types of computers.
They have speeds of tera(10^12) or peta(10^15) operations per second, a primary memory capacity
measured in giga bytes, a secondary memory of capacity of about 20 times its primary memory.
They are multi-user systems in intercontinental range.
They can carry out enormously complex scientific calculations.
They are used to process huge amount of data and are commonly used in space technology centers,
meteorology stations, and astronomical observatories, intercontinental communications, airline
organizations.
Mainframe computers: - Smaller than in size and capacity, lower in speed & memory
capacity than super computers. However they are multi-user systems and handle hundreds of users,
usually used in large organizations, such as banks, internet service providers, etc.
Mini computers: - have relatively lower speed, can handle multi-users, are smaller in size than

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the mainframe computers. They use terminals for inputs and output. Mini computers are used in
small organizations.
Micro computers:-Micro computer (personal computer (pc) or desktop computer) is a computer
whose CPU is microprocessor. Microprocessor is a processor all of whose components are on a
single integrated-circuit chip. Since its CPU is integrated in a single circuit, it can serve only a
single user at a time. Most of home and personal office computers are microcomputers. The
performance and usage of personal computers is increasing continually.
Moore's law describes a long-term trend in the history of computing hardware. Since the invention
of the integrated circuit in 1958, the number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an
integrated circuit has increased exponentially, doubling approximately every two years. The trend
was first observed by Intel co-founder Gordon E. Moore in a 1965 paper. It has continued for
almost half of a century and is not expected to stop for another decade at least and perhaps much
longer.
Almost every measure of the capabilities of digital electronic devices is linked to Moore's law:
processing speed, memory capacity, even the number and size of pixels in digital cameras. All of
these are improving at (roughly) exponential rates as well. This has dramatically increased the
usefulness of digital electronics in nearly every segment of the world economy. Moore's law
describes this driving force of technological and social change in the late 20th and early 21st
centuries.

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Madda Walabu University

School of Engineering and Technology

1.1 Defining ICT

Compiled By: Abdela A. Page 1

System: A collection of components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of

Compiled By: Abdela A. Page 2

1.2 What is a Computer?

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 Transmit information across continents via communication channels;

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 Meteorological observatory systems

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financial institution (such as banks) with access to financial transactions (e.g.

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First generation (1950s)

Second generations (early 1960s)

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be manufactured by machinery, which ultimately resulted in a lower cost. Memory technology

Generation 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

SSD(secondary Punched card Magnetic Magnetic Mass storage

storage device) Tape disk device

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Language Machine & Fortran, Structured Application

1.6 Types of Computers

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 Pocket calculators etc.

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