Introduction to Computer
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY · NTA LEVEL 4 · SEMESTER TWO Introduction to Computer CRT04207 · Radiology Informatics START READING NOTES Study Introduction to Computer using the sections below. Use the topic navigation to continue through Radiology Informatics. Contents of This Topic Session 1: Learning Objectives General definition of computer Data Information Examples Summary ICT The 'C' in ICT stands for communications Computer cont…. TYPES OF COMPUTER Types of computers Types of computers cont…. Mini computer Mainframe Super computer HYBRID COMPUTER Ways Computers Are Used in Medicine Network computer CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER cont… Reading Assignment Factors that Impact a Computer’s Performance Factors that Impact a Computer’s Performance cont ….. Computer Use in Hospitals DISCUSSION QNS References 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
