Applications of Information and

Communication Technologies

By Engineer Maryam Jamil

LECTURE No. 1
Marking Criteria
Sr. Grading Percentage of Total Marks
1. Theoretical Assignments 10%
2. Quizzes 10%
3. Mid Exams 30%
4. Final Exams 50%
Lecture Outline
 Computers
 What is a Computer
 History of Computers
 Data & Information
 Information Processing Life Cycle
 Advantages of Computers
 Processor
 Memory
 Storage Devices
Lecture Outline
 Hardware
 Types of Hardware
 Software
 System Software
 Operating System
 Utility Software
 Application Software
 Communication Devices
What is a Computer
 What is a Computer ?
◦ an electronic device,
◦ operating under the control of instructions
stored in its own memory,
◦ that can accept data, process the data
◦ according to specified rules,
◦ produce results, and store the results for
future use.
COMPUTER
 The word computer comes from the
word “compute”, which means, “to
calculate”
 COMPUTER can perform arithmetic
operations at high speed.
History of Computers
First Computer
One of the earliest and most well-known devices
was an abacus.
Then in 1822, the father of computers, Charles
Babbage began developing what would be the
first mechanical computer
And then in 1833 he actually designed an
Analytical Engine which was a general-
purpose computer. It contained an ALU,
some basic flow chart principles and the
concept of integrated memory.
History of Computers
 1st Generation
Period of 1940 to 1955
When machine language was developed for the use of
computers.
They used vacuum tubes for the circuitry.
For the purpose of memory, they used magnetic drums.
These machines were complicated, large, and expensive.
They were mostly reliant on batch operating systems and
punch cards.
As output and input devices, magnetic tape and paper tape
were implemented.
For example, ENIAC, UNIVAC-1, EDVAC, and so on.
History of Computers
 2nd Generation
Years 1957-1963
COBOL and FORTRAN are employed as
assembly languages and programming languages.
Here they advanced from vacuum tubes to
transistors.
This made the computers smaller, faster and
more energy-efficient.
And they advanced from binary to assembly
languages.
For instance, IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604,
CDC 3600, and so forth.
History of Computers
 3rd Generation
Period (1964-1971)
Development of the Integrated Circuit
A single integrated circuit (IC) is made up of many transistors,
which increases the power of a computer while
simultaneously lowering its cost.
These computers were quicker, smaller, more reliable,
and less expensive than their predecessors.
High-level programming languages such as FORTRON-II
to IV, COBOL, and PASCAL PL/1 were utilized.
For example, the IBM-360 series, the Honeywell-6000 series,
and the IBM-370/168
History of Computers
 4th Generation
◦ Period 1971-1980
◦ The invention of the microprocessors brought
along the fourth generation of computers.
◦ C, C++ and Java were the programming
languages utilized in this generation of computers.
◦ For instance, the STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-
1, CRAY-X-MP, and Apple II.
◦ This was when we started producing computers
for home use
History of Computers
 5th Generation
◦ Period Since 1980 to this day
◦ This is the present and the future of the computer world.
◦ The defining aspect of this generation is artificial intelligence.
◦ The use of parallel processing and superconductors are
making this a reality and provide a lot of scope for the future.
◦ Fifth-generation computers use ULSI (Ultra Large Scale
Integration) technology.
◦ These are the most recent and sophisticated computers. C,
C++, Java,. Net and more programming languages are used.
◦ For instance, IBM, Pentium, Desktop, Laptop, Notebook,
Ultrabook, and so on.
Data & Information
 Data and Information
 Computers process data into information.
 Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can
include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.
 Information conveys meaning and is useful to
people. Information is the result of processing data,
usually by computer.
 Example A computer processes data into
information. The student identification number,
semester, course codes, and course grades all
represent data. The computer processes the data to
produce the grade report (information).
Information Processing Life Cycle
Information Processing Life Cycle
 Information Processing Cycle Computers process
data (input) into information (output).
 A computer often holds data, information, and
instructions in storage for future use.
 Instructions are the steps that tell the computer
how to perform a particular task. Definition
Series of input, process, output, and storage
activities as the information processing cycle.
 Recently, communications also has become an
essential element of the information processing cycle.
ADVANTAGES OF USING
COMPUTERS
 Speed: When data, instructions, and information flow
along electronic circuits in a computer, they travel at
incredibly fast speeds. Many computers process
billions or trillions of operations in a single second.
 Reliability: The electronic components in modern
computers are dependable and reliable because they
rarely break or fail.
 Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a
computer will produce the same results —
consistently. Computers generate error-free results,
provided the input is correct and the instructions
work.
ADVANTAGES OF USING
COMPUTERS
 Storage: Computers store enormous
amounts of data and make this data
available for processing anytime it is
needed.
 Communications: Most computers
today can communicate with other
computers, often wirelessly. Computers
allow users to communicate with one
another.
Computer Elements/ Components
Computer Elements/ Components
 Processor
 Memory
 Storage devices
 Hardware
 Software
 Communication Devices
Volatile & Nonvolatile Memory
 Volatile Memory is the type of memory
in which data is lost as it is powered-off.
 Non-volatile Memory is the type of
memory in which data remains stored
even if it is powered-off
Processor
 Processor
It is also called CPU (Central
Processing Unit)
It is the brain of
the computer
It interprets and execute
the instructions
in the computer
A computer cannot
work without CPU
Memory
 The hardware component used to
store data, instructions, and
information temporarily
 It is also called primary memory or
main memory
 It consists of electronic chips
 The main memory is also called volatile
because its contents are lost when the
computer is turned off
Storage Devices
 The hardware component used to store
data, instructions, and information
permanently are called storage devices.
 It is called non-volatile because its
content remain safe when computer is
turned off
 Example USB, Hard Drive, Memory
Card
HardDrive
Hardware
 The physical part of computer are called
hardware
 All of the tangible and physical
components of a computer, meaning that
they can be touched and seen
Types of Computer
Hardware
 External hardware
 External hardware refers to peripherals
and devices that connect to your
computer or device externally,
enhancing functionality and expanding
possibilities.
 Examples motherboards, hard
drives, and RAM.
Types of Computer
Hardware
 Internal hardware
 Internal hardware resides inside
your electronic devices, hidden from
view but critical to their operation.
 These components work harmoniously to
ensure your device runs smoothly devices
 Examples motherboards, hard drives, and
RAM.
Types of Computer
Hardware
 Input Devices
 The data or instruction given to the
computer is called input.
 A hardware component used to
enter data and instructions is called
input device.
 Examples Keyboard, Mouse,
Microphone, Scanner, Digital Camera, Web
Cam
Types of Computer
Hardware
 Output Devices
 The data processed into useful
information is called output.
 A hardware component used to
display information is called output
device.
 Examples Monitor, Speaker, Headphone
Software
 Software, also called a program, is a series of instructions
that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.
 You interact with a program through its user interface.
 Software today often has a graphical user interface. With
a graphical user interface (GUI pronounced gooey),
 You interact with the software using text, graphics, and visual
images such as icons.
 An icon is a miniature image that represents a program, an
instruction, or some other object.
 Example You can use the mouse to select icons that
perform operations such as starting a program.
Software
 Graphical User Interface
Types of Software
 System Software
 Application Software
System Software Its
Importance & Its Types
 System Software consists of the
programs that control or maintain the
operations of the computer and its
devices.
 System software serves as the interface
between the user, the application
software, and the computer’s hardware.
 Two types of system software operating
system and utility programs.
Operating System
 OPERATING SYSTEM is a set of programs
that coordinates all the activities among
computer hardware devices.
 It provides a means for users to communicate
with the computer and other software.
 When a user starts a computer, portions of
the operating system load into memory from the
computer’s hard disk. It remains in memory
while the computer is on.
 Examples Windows XP,Vista, Mac OS X,
Utility Programs
 Utility program allows a user to perform maintenance
type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its
devices, or its programs.
 Most operating systems include several utility programs for
managing disk drives, printers, and other devices and media.
 You also can buy utility programs that allow you to perform
additional computer management functions.
 Examples
◦ Antivirus
◦ File Management System
◦ Disk Management tools
◦ Compression tools
◦ Disk cleanup tool
◦ File Management System
Application Software Its Uses
& Limitations
 Application Software consists of programs
designed to make users more productive
and/or assist them with personal tasks.
 A widely used type of application software related to
communications is a Web browser, which allows
users with an Internet connection to access and view
Web pages.
 Other popular application software includes word
processing software, spreadsheet software,
database software, and presentation graphics
software.
 Many other types of application software exist that
enable users to perform a variety of tasks.
Application Software Its Uses
& Limitations
 These include
◦ personal information management,
◦ note taking,
◦ project management,
◦ accounting,
◦ document management,
◦ computer-aided design,
◦ desktop publishing,
◦ paint/image editing,
◦ audio and video editing,
Application Software Its Uses
& Limitations
 These include
◦ multimedia authoring,
◦ Web page authoring,
◦ personal finance,
◦ legal, tax preparation,
◦ home design/landscaping,
◦ education,
◦ entertainment (e.g., games or simulations),
◦ purchase application software
Application Software Its Uses
& Limitations
Limitations of Application Software
 1) Cost: High-quality Application Software can be expensive.
Licenses, subscriptions, and upgrades can add up, making it a
significant investment for individuals and businesses. This cost can
be a barrier to access for some users.
 2) Compatibility issues: Not all Application Software is
universally compatible. Some software may work seamlessly on one
operating system but encounter challenges on another. Similarly,
hardware limitations can restrict the use of certain software.
 3) Security risks: Security is a significant concern with Application
Software. Malicious software, commonly known as malware, can
compromise the integrity of a system or steal sensitive data. Users
need to be vigilant and use reputable software from trusted
sources to mitigate these risks.
Application Software Its Uses
& Limitations
Limitations of Application Software
 4) Learning curve: Complex Application Software often has a
steep learning curve. Users may need to invest time and effort in
learning how to use the software effectively. This initial learning
period can slow down productivity.
 5) Maintenance and updates: Application Software requires
regular maintenance and updates to remain secure and functional.
Users need to ensure they keep their software updated, which can
be time-consuming and occasionally disruptive.
 6) Resource intensive: Some Application Software can be
resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware to run smoothly.
This can be a disadvantage for users with older or less powerful
devices, as they may experience performance issues.
Communication Devices
 The hardware Component used to
communicate and exchange data ,
instructions and information with
other computers
 Modem is an example of communication
device.
 It enables the computer to connect
with other computers through
telephone or cable.
 Modem