Introduction to Computer

Session 1:

INTROCTION TO COMPUTER

Learning Objectives

• Define the term computer
• How computer works?
• Describe types of computer
• Differentiate between data and information

Describe factors that Impact a Computer’s Performance

General definition of computer

Computer

Is an electronic machine that takes data, store it, processes that data and produce information.

A computer is an electronic device which is capable of receiving the inputs (data from the user), storing it for a desired period of time, manipulating it according to the set of instructions (called program) and producing the output to the user in desired form.

It performs a variety of operations in accordance to the set of instructions.

Data

• Data are raw facts and figures that on their own have no meaning

These can be any alphanumeric characters i.e. text, numbers, symbols

Data

• Is anything enter in the computer for the purpose of getting output
• Types of data
• Alphanumeric –numbers, letters, symbols etc.
• Images-graphic images, pictures
• Audio-sound, noise, tones

Video-moving pictures

Information

• Information-Is the result obtained after data has been entered and processed
• OR

Data that has been processed into a form that gives it meaning.

Examples

What information can then be derived from the data?

Summary

• Information
• Data
• Context
• Meaning
• =
• Processing
• Data – raw facts and figures

Information – data that has been processed (in a context) to give it meaning

ICT

ICT stands for Information Communications Technology.

ICT refers to any device or system that allows the storage, retrieval, manipulation and transmission of digital information.

For example, personal computers, digital television, email, robots.

ICT

• ICT hardware include:
• Computers
• Scanners

Digital cameras

ICT

• ICT software include:
• Standard Office Applications: (Word processor, Spreadsheets, database, graphics etc)
• Accounting packages

Computer Aided Design

The 'C' in ICT stands for communications

• Covers all the communications technologies such as:-
• digital TV
• digital radio
• e-mail
• Internet
• broadband
• networks (wired and wireless)
• ICT
• mobile phones
• GPS (global positioning systems)
• videoconferencing
• instant messaging

fax

Computer cont….

Fig. 1.1: Personal Computer

TYPES OF COMPUTER

• Types of Computer can be categories/classes depending upon:
• the size
• efficiency
• memory and

Number of users.

Types of computers

• Micro computer
• Mainframe computer
• Mini computer
• Super computer
• Network computer
• Hybrid computer

Workstation computer

Types of computers cont….

• Micro computer
• A person computer designed to meet the computer needs of an individual.
• Five types of Microcomputers:

Desktop Computers

Notebook Computers/Laptop Computers

• Tablet PCs

Personal Digital Assistants

Mini computer

• This is designed to support more than one user at a time.

It possesses large storage capacity and operates at a higher speed.

The mini computer is used in multi-user system in which various users can work at the same time.

This type of computer is generally used for processing large volume of data in an organisation.

They are also used as servers in Local Area Networks(LAN)

Mainframe

A powerful computer used by large scale organization to manage large amount of computerized data and programs. Example Hospital, Banks, ets They are also used as controlling nodes in Wide Area Networks (WAN).

Super computer

Are those computer which are designed for scientific job like whether forecasting and artificial intelligence.

• They are the fastest and most expensive machines.

They have high processing speed compared to other computers.

Supercomputer

Super computer….

• Supercomputers are mainly being used for :
• weather forecasting
• biomedical research
• remote sensing
• aircraft design

and other areas of science and technology.

HYBRID COMPUTER

Are those computer used in hospitals to measure the heartbeat of the patients

Ways Computers Are Used in Medicine

• CT scanning machines are run and monitored by computers.
• Sample to be tested by spectroscopy.
• Computer measuring patient's statistics.
• Computers used during surgery.

Research using computers.

Network computer

A computer allows you to connect two or more computers together.

Allows sharing of resources. Example, instead of each PC requiring its own Printer, you can have single printer shared amongst, many network PCs

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER

Speed

Computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for calculations that we take hours to complete.

Accuracy

Suppose some one calculates faster but commits a lot of errors in computing. Such result is useless.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER cont…

Diligence

A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can work for hours without creating any error. If millions of calculations are to be performed, a computer will perform every calculation with the same accuracy.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER cont…

Versatility

It means the capacity to perform completely different type of work. You may use your computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment you may use it for inventory management or to prepare electric bills.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER cont…

Power of Remembering

Computer has the power of storing any amount of information or data. Any information can be stored and recalled as long as you require it, for any numbers of years.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER cont…

No Feeling

It does not have feelings or emotion, taste, knowledge and experience. Thus it does not get tired even after long hours of work. It does not distinguish between users.

Reading Assignment

• Discuss Advantages and Disadvantage of using computers?

What are the functions of computer?

Computer Performance

Factors that Impact a Computer’s Performance

• The higher the processor speed, the faster the computer.
• The more memory you have (RAM), the faster the PC will appear to operate.
• The more programs which are running at the same time, the slower each one will run.

The lower the hard disk size, the slower the computer.

Factors that Impact a Computer’s Performance cont …..

• The more start-up programs the slower the computer.
• These are programs that load automatically during start-up.

Most of them are probably unnecessary during start-up; it is better to run them Hardware problems such as overheating, short-circuiting, dust, and damage caused by impact can cripple your system and also cause it to run slow.

Computer Use in Hospitals

• In clinical implication, computers are used for:
• Assessment

Patient Monitoring

• Documentation
• Telemedicine

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

DISCUSSION QNS

• How do health provider use computers when they are busy with patients/clients?
• Is my personal and health information private and confidential on a computer?
• What kind of information health provider enter on the computer?

Mention ten (10) Benefits of Computer Use in Health Care Systems

References

Herniter, M.E. (2000). Personal Computer Fundamentals for Students, Hardware Windows 2000 Application. (2nd ed.). Prentice Hall.

Joos, I. Whitman, N., Smith, M., et al. (2006). Introduction to Computers for Healthcare Professionals. (4th ed.). London: Barb Mews.

Morris, M. & Charles, M. (2003). Logol Computer Designer Fundamentals. Prentice Hall.

O’leary, T. & O’leary, L. (2006). Computing Essentials, Introductory Edition. Boston Burr Ridge: Arizona State University