Introduction

Computers are information processing machines used in different

departments and organizations. They can be connected all over the world.
Therefore, more productivity and good quality with less cost and legal
constrains
Computers perform three main operations:
1. Receive input (data raw facts)
2. Process it according to predefined instructions
3. Produce out output (information which is meaningful data).
Computer system
The components of computer system are: -
1. Hardware: Physical components like Screen, Cables, keyboard,
system box and printer. The hardware cannot do any thing without
software.
2. Software: A set of instructions that tell computer what to do and
how to do it. Such as: word processing, computer Games and
Graphics Programs. Software is a collection of programs, data, and
information. A program is a set of sequence instructions that tell
the computer what to do. Hardware built on physical equipment but
software (logical component) is built on thinking, knowledge and
planning. A programmer is the person who makes the program
using one of the computer's programming languages.
3. Users: A person who use the software on the computer to do some
task.
Computer Software
There are two kinds of software: system software and application
software
1. system software: it is the software used by the computer or
operator's computer system such as operating systems
 operating systems: the most important system software. It is holds
all instructions that make computer; displaying on the monitor;
using the keyboard; saving and loading files; using secondary
memory, managing Application software by being an interface
between them and computer's equipment. Usually an O.S is
supplied with the computer on hard disk, and it is loading into
computer memory automatically when the computer is switched
on. Some times you have to in put some information to configure
your computer like adding printer
functions of operating systems
1. booting up
2. user interface
3. task and resources management
4. monitoring
5. files management
6. system security
2. application software: It is the software used by users like word
processors, Spreadsheets, databases, graphics and drawing
programs, presentation tools
interface :
It is the way that user used to deal with the computer or communication
his commands to the computer
 command line interface: Commands had to be typed on a keyboard
as a line of text. It is slow process, and required a high degree of
computer knowledge.
 Graphic user interface (GUI): Uses pictures; windows; menus; and
Icons to represent to objects and commands. The users can select
his needs by pointing the mouse at and then clicking on it.
System development
Involves the design, development, and implementation of computer
operations to replaced or update some processes within the
organization.
Steps of system development
1. Define requirements:
understand the business problem or opportunity
2.Assess feasibility:
to determine whether a new or improved information system is a
feasible solution
3.System analysis:
Analyze the information needs of end-users, the organizational
environment and any system presently used
4.Product development for the hardware, software, people and data
resources, and the information products that will satisfy the
functional requirements of the proposed system.
5.Testing:
test the system
6.Training:
train people to operate and use it
7.Hand over to the client.
8.Monitoring and maintaining the system:
use a post- implementation review process to monitor, evaluate, and
modify the system as needed
Information technology (IT)
A set tools that are used to: receive, process, store retrieve, print and
transmit information in an electronic form through computers these form
can be: text, sound, picture or video.
Different between computer and people
Computer are good for repetitive tasks, and for those tasks that require
high speed. Accuracy and calculations. They are good for combining,
storing, and retrieving data.
People are good in tasks that require creativity and imagination where
instructions cannot be written. They are better for non-repetitive tasks, as
well as, for tasks that need feelings.
The computer versus people debate has developed into the context of
information and communications technology being an integral part
everyday life. The European commission posted some questions. The
considered opinion was that computer literacy skill have become as
important as traditional skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. It
enables people to take advantage of the opportunities at work, as well as
to practice fully in all other aspect of life.
Computer use
Computer play an important role in societies. They are used in different
fields as we mentioned. Computer use leads to: -
 The eliminate repetitive tasks
 Providing greater efficiency and reliability in processing of
information
 Providing a new employment opportunity
 Getting a large amount of information from the internet in your
home.
  Doing your task quickly and easily from the home like making
reservations, buying and purchasing via internet and sending
messages via e-mail
 Working from home by use telecommunications
 Firms, which can sell directly to people in their homes. There is not
any need for renting stores.
 Teleconferencing and video conferencing.
 The rapid development in machines and equipment.
 The standards of living, which are changed to higher level.
Computers at work
Many different types of computer system are used according the type of
business. Usually the computers are with high specifications for
processing data. They are linked to make a net work. Other peripherals
used are: the scanner, touch screens, bar code readers and the modem and
internet server. The software, which is used, is word process, spreadsheet,
databases, graphics programs, presentation programs, e-mail and
communications programs, accounting and finance packages, statistics
packages, a calendar program, decision support systems and project
management, and other tools
Computer in education
Computers are used in universities, collage, training, research and
administration. Usually the hardware is a network or standalone
computers with special tools. For administrations the software is word
process, database and programs, training programs, word process,
spreadsheet, desktop publishing programs finance packages. For class
room use, there are educational packages, multimedia authoring, internet
and e-mail and presentation and graphics packages.

security
involves not only the physical security of computer equipment, but also
the security of the data contained on the storage media
1. the computer should be protected from damage (hardware and
software)
2. data should be backed up and protected from viruses
3. passwords must be used for hardware and software
4. back-ups are essential.
Backups
They are copies of all software files and information when you have in
your computer system; use it when the original copies are damage
because of physical failure use errors; accidents, or carelessness
Backups can be made by different methods:
1. copying onto CD or external hard disk
2. copying onto remote servers
3. copying a hardcopy
in all cases:
1. backup must be made on regular basis.
2. the user can use back-up programs that make the operation
automatic in special times
3. keeping back-ups in a secure and safe place
4. make different copies and keep them different locations
5. label each CD or external hard disk.
6. disks should be write protected.