5 Applications of Information and Communication Technology PDF

# Introduction to the Computer The term computer is used for any device that may be employed to compute or to calculate. # What is Computer? - A computer is an electronic device that receives input, stores it for a period of time, operating it according to a set of instructions (Known as PROGRAM)...

# Introduction to the Computer The term computer is used for any device that may be employed to compute or to calculate. # What is Computer? - A computer is an electronic device that receives input, stores it for a period of time, operating it according to a set of instructions (Known as PROGRAM) and gives the user with an output. - Computer is an electronic device which converts data into information. # Computer System - A computer system is the combination of hardware and software. A typical computer system has memory and set of states that define the relationship between the system's inputs and outputs. # Important Terms - DATA - The collection of raw facts is called data. - PROCESSING - The action required to be performed on data to convert it into result is called processing. - RESULT - The useful information after processing of data is called result. - INFORMATION - It is the collection of data according to a set parameter. - INPUT - The process of collecting and entering data into the computer is called input. - OUTPUT - Output is the result we get after the processing of data and taking it out of memory. # Features of Computer - Speed - Accuracy - Storage - Versatility - Automation - Diligence # Limitations of a Computer - Computer is as intelligent as is the program that runs it. Without a program computer is useless. - Computer cannot detect wrong feeding of data. # Simple Input/Output System The image shows a simple diagram of an input/output system broken down into three parts: input, process and output. Below each box is a description of the action that each part performs. - **INPUT:** Input Unit is used to enter data into computer. - **PROCESS:** Processing takes place in the processing unit. It has three main units-Memory, CU, ALU. - **OUTPUT:** We get the output on the output unit. # Computer Components The Computer System has two main components which when both combined makes a computer system. These are: - **Hardware** - **Software** An image shows how these two components relate, as well as higher level components like the user, application, and operating system. # Hardware Hardware means the physical structure of a computer, i.e., the parts that can be touched by us. All the components attached to the computer like Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printers are hardware. # Software Hardware is just a box with electronic parts in it. It cannot do any work by itself. It needs certain programs to do some work. Software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. Software includes websites, programs, video games etc. # Hardware Components We can categorize hardware components in three broad categories: - Input Devices - CPU, the Central Processing Unit, and - Output Devices - [Backing] Storage Devices or Secondary Memory