Sulaimani Polytechnic University

Chamchamal Technical Institute

Dept of Nursing
1st Stage

Module 1 – ICT

Study year: 2017-2018

Date: 14 Nov 2017

Module1 General Concepts
• Information Technology
• General term used to describe the use
of computers to process and transfer
information.

• Can also refer to other office

equipment (such as faxes and
telephones) which contain computers.
Define Information Technology
• Information Technologies are systems of hardware
and/or software that capture, process, exchange, store
and/or present information using electrical, magnetic
and/or electromagnetic energy.
Data and Information
Defernce Information and Data

no DATA INFORMATION
Data is collection of raw facts Information is processed
1 and figures. data.
Data is unarranged and Information is arranged
2 unorganized and organized.
3 Data is input. Information is output.
Information represents
4 Data represents facts before
processing. results (obtained after
processing).

5 Data are unprocessed records Information contains

processed records
Hardware and Software
• Hardware • Software
• Refers to the physical parts of a • Primarily a list of instructions coded
computer – those parts which you in a special way that computers can
can see or touch understand
• Operating system software
– eg Windows which works
in the background and
controls your software and
hardware devices
• Applications software – eg
Microsoft Word – software
used to perform tasks
Different Types Of Computer
• Mainframe computers
• Networked Computers
• Personal Computers
• Laptop/Notebook Computers
• Personal Digital Assistants/Handheld
Computers
[Link] Computers
• Large, fast and expensive
• Used by large organisations such as utility companies, banks or
multinational companies
• Connect hundreds or thousands of users.
• Users connect via terminals which are located in different cities
or even abroad
Dublin Paris

London New York

Mainframe
2. Networked Computers
• Personal computers • Very popular with small-
connected to a server via to-medium-sized
network cards and cables businesses, schools and
• The software and data is colleges/adult education
stored on the central centres
server rather than installed
individually on each PC
• The network also enables
a fast Internet
connection, printers and
scanners to be shared
• Users access allocated Server

resources via a user name

and password
[Link] Computers(PC)
• PC: is a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for home
or office user. Typically, a PC is used to run application programs
such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation
software etc.
There are different types of personal computers:
1. Desktop/Tower computers
are designed for home or office use. These computers are used to run application programs
such as word-processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software

2. Laptop (or notebook) computers

are lightweight portable computers with a built-in (thin screen) monitor, keyboard, hard-disk
drive, battery, and power supply adapter.

3. Tablet PCs
are similar to laptops but these have an LCD screen on which the user can write using special
pens or stylus.
Handheld Portable Digital Devices
Personal digital assistants (PDAs)
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are handheld computers (also known as palmtops),
designed to manage the day to day tasks. They have several personal organization tools such
as address book, appointments diary and phone list.
Mobile Phones:
Mobile Phones – are long-range devices used for voice or data communication over a
mobile telephone network.

Smartphones
Smartphones – are phones with advanced features like e-mail, Internet and e-book reader
capabilities, and/or a built-in full keyboard or external USB keyboard.
Multimedia players

Multimedia players - are electronic devices capable of storing and playing digital media.
Music and videos are typically stored in internal disks or a small memory card that can be
inserted in these handheld devices.
Main Parts of a Personal Computer
You will now look at the different parts of a computer. Your computer may look similar to
the following:
 Computer Essentials
• Monitor – to display results of
processing
• System Unit – this contains all
the basic computer components
that do all the hard work
• Keyboard – to enable text and
commands to be input into the
computer
• Mouse – to enable the user to
point and click at pictures and
menus
The System Unit
• The system unit is a case that contain electric components of the computer used to
process data.
• Consists of a motherboard which contains complex electronic circuits and silicon
chips.
• All the computer components plug into the motherboard either directly into slots or
by cables
 Central Processing Unit
 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is located inside the system unit. The
CPU, also referred to as the central processor or processor, is the „brain‟ of
the computer. It determines the speed at which program instructions are
carried out by the computer.
 The main brain of the computer which is a small silicon chip with two main parts
 Computer Memory
• There are two kinds of • ROM (Read Only Memory)
memory • Used to start your computer
• RAM (Random Access and load Windows
Memory) • ROM can only be accessed
• This is the computer’s by the CPU and cannot be
working memory changed
• The more you have
installed, the faster your
computer will work
What is RAM?
• Used to store information on a temporary basis (eg software, text
document etc)
• CPU transfers information from the hard disk drive to RAM
• Information can then be processed
• Information stored in RAM is temporary
• When the computer is switched off, anything stored in RAM is lost
• This type of memory is called volatile memory
 An Example of RAM
• Switch on the computer • Open a Word document
• The processor transfers • The processor transfers
operating system
software from the hard the file information into
disk drive to RAM RAM so you can see it
• The Windows desktop and make changes to it.
appears

• Double-click on the Word • If you don’t SAVE the

icon document, the changes will
• The processor transfers be lost when you switch off
the software from the the computer!
hard disk drive to RAM
What is ROM?
• Used to store important
information that the CPU
needs to keep the PC running

• Information stored in ROM

• can only be accessed by
the CPU and can’t be
changed
• is permanent and is
retained after the
computer is switched off
• can be used repeatedly

• This type of memory is called

non-volatile
An Example of ROM
• Switch on your computer • The PC start-up software is stored
• A Power On Self Test (POST) in ROM so it can be used time and
and boot-up are carried out to time again.
make sure your CPU, memory
chips and other vital
components are working

• If they are, then

information is transferred
to RAM to start up your
operating software
• If not, then an error
message will appear on
screen
How memory is measured
 RAM is divided into millions of units called Bytes.
 Each byte contains 8 bits.
Computer Performance
• Two main factors will • Each time you launch
determine how quickly your software, the program is
computer works transferred to RAM
• The speed of the • If you have several
processor (measured in programs running at once,
megahertz or gigahertz) this will slow down your
• The amount of RAM computer!
installed (measured in
megabytes)
Input devices
An input device is any piece of equipment used to enter data in a
computer e.g. keyboard, mouse, trackball, scanner, touchpad, light pen,
joystick, digital camera and microphone.

• These are devices used to put data into the

computer
Keyboard Light pen

Mouse Scanner

Trackball Joystick

Microphone Digital camera

Output Devices - Monitors
• Come in 15”, 17”, 19”, 21” • Resolutions
screen sizes • 800 x 600 is typical of a 15”
• Picture is made up of screen
millions of dots called pixels • 1600 x 1200 is typical of
• Picture quality depends on larger screens
number of pixels going
• Two different types
across and down the screen
• Cathode Ray Tube(CRT)
• Refresh rate is the number of monitors – similar to a TV
times the picture is drawn on screen
screen
• Thin Film Transistor(TFT)
monitors – much more slim
line
Output Devices - Printers

• Inkjet printers • Laser printers

• Mainly used by home • Standard in most offices
users • Very high quality printing,
• Monochrome and very quickly
colour printing • Suitable for large volume
• Ink is forced through printouts
holes onto the paper • Running costs quite low
• Running cost quite high due to high capacity
per page cartridges
Output Devices
• Speakers
• Connect to a soundcard supplied with multimedia PCs
• Quality of the sound produced can either be controlled
on the speakers or from with in software
Input/output Devices
• Touch screen
• Allows the user to touch an area of the screen rather than typing from a
keyboard
• Used mainly in tourist offices, bus information kiosks and Job Centres
Storage Devices
• These are needed to store data on • CDR/CD-RW drive – large
your computer amounts of data can be
• Most popular devices are: stored on a CDR or a CD-
• Hard disk drive – this RW disk.
stores all your programs and
data. • DVD ROM drive – these
can be used to watch films
• Floppy disk drive – this etc
stores smaller files.

• CD ROM drive – software

and games are normally
supplied on CD ROM disks.
Information is read-only and
cannot be changed
Other Storage Devices
• Zip Drive • Tape Drive
• Uses zip disks which can • Uses data cartridges for
store either 100Mb or backing up data on servers
250Mb of data • Very slow access compared
• Can be internal or can plug to other options
into a PC’s USB port
• Flash Drives
• Jaz drive • Plug into a USB port
• Similar to a zip drive but can • Typical storage – 32Mb,
store up to 1Gb of data 64Mb, 128Mb and 256Mb

Online file storage – is an Internet

service that one can use to store
personal files for personal backup
of files. Users can upload their files
and share them publicly or keep
them password-protected.
What is software?
• Primarily a list of instructions coded in a special way that
computers can understand
• Operating system software – eg Windows which works in the
background and controls your software and hardware devices
• Applications software – eg Microsoft Word – software used to
perform tasks
Software Updates
• Software is constantly updated • Be careful with software
to give the user improved versions – a file created in
features Word 2003 may not be opened
on a PC running Word 97
• Most software manufacturers
will provide updates to solve
problem issues.

• Software manufacturers will

provide new versions to
comply with new operating
systems
Popular Operating Systems
• Microsoft Windows is the most widely-
used operating system (OS)
• OS2 is an OS created by IBM

• Macintosh (MacOS) was created by Apple

• Linux is a popular alternative open-source

OS

• MS-DOS was precursor of Windows but

text-based

• Unix is another OS used in companies or

universities
Graphical User Interface
• Enables users to click and point at icons and menus on screen,
instead of typing in computer commands
Applications Software
• Word processor – used for typing letters, memos, reports etc
• Spreadsheet – used for performing calculations (eg Accounts) and
for creating Charts
• Database – used for storing large quantities of data which can be
interrogated to display specified pieces of information
• Desktop Publishing – used for creating newsletters, booklets,
posters, cards etc
• Presentation – used for creating presentations which can either be
displayed on screen, or printed onto overhead projection film or 35
mm slides.
• Web browsers – allows users to view and download information
from the world wide web
Examples of Application Software
• Microsoft Office – which • Internet Explorer / Netscape
comprises: Navigator / Mozilla / Opera
• Word (word processing) (web browsers)
• Excel (spreadsheet)
• Access (database) • CorelDraw! (graphics)
• PowerPoint (presentation) • Sage (accounts and payroll)
• Publisher (desktop
publishing)
• Outlook (e-mail software)
• Frontpage (web page
creation)
The Systems Life Cycle

Analysis

Evaluation Design

Testing Programming
The Different Stages
• Analysis
• When the need for a computer system is identified, a systems
analyst will analyse the requirements – how will information
be input? What processing is required? What output is
required?
• Design
• The overall system is designed with each subsection in fine
detail, including screen layouts, user interfaces, format of
stored data, processing and output
• Programming
• A team of programmers will each work on a module of the
final package.
The Different Stages (cont’d)
• Testing
• Each section is tested individually and then as part of the whole
suite. Data is supplied (including ‘normal’ and ‘erroneous’) to
test the system to make sure it is stable.
• Evaluation
• Once the system has been put into operation, it must be
evaluated to see how well it performs.
• A new system may be needed and the whole process starts again
 Question
• Q1:List of Input and Output Device?
• Q2:What is the deference between Application
Software and Operating System.
• Q3: what is Bit?

• Q1: what is deference between Data and

Information.
• Q2: write list of Storage Device.
• Q3: what is RAM
What is network?
A network consists of a group of computers and other peripherals
(printers, scanners etc.) connected to each other. There are three basic
categories of networks:

1- Local-Area Networks (LANs)

2- Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)

3- Wide-Area Networks (WANs)

1. Local Area Network
• Computers which are linked by cabling in the same room or
building
• A server controls the network and stores data which is used by
other users on the network (clients),
Advantages and Disadvantages Networks
• Advantages • Disadvantages
• Printers, scanners etc can be • Security measures are needed
shared to stop users accessing
programs and data
• Work is stored on the server
and can be accessed from • Can be complicated to set up
any of the client computers and requires support from
skilled technicians
• Users can communicate and
exchange data • Faults affecting the server
will affect the client
• Software is loaded once onto computers
the server rather than on
individual computers
[Link] Area Networks
A WAN connects computers in different geographical areas
These are connected via the telephone system
Used by multinational companies to communicate between
different countries
The world’s largest WAN is the Internet!
[Link] Local Area Networks (WLANs)
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) –
I. link computers and peripherals together using high
frequency radio signals.
II. A wireless access point connects the computers to
Internet. No wiring is required between the computers and
the peripherals.

III. WLANs are now popular in many office buildings and

public places such as local councils, coffee shops etc.
IV. Some users have a WLAN installed at their homes.
The Telephone Network in Computing

• A modem is required for a computer to communicate over

telephone lines
• Data is converted from digital to analogue and then back again
• The speed at which data is transmitted and/or received is
measured in bits per second
• The current standard is 56,000 bits per second
Client / Server Computers
A client is a computer that requests data from another computer
known as a server. Compared to the client computer, the server is a
powerful computer in terms of processing speed and data storage.

Different servers may be used to manage different tasks.

A file server is a computer that acts like a disk-drive,
File server storing the programs and data files shared by client
computers.
A print server controls one or more printers and stores
print server the print-image output from all computers on the system.

Web server Web servers contain Web pages that can be viewed using
a browser.

Mail server Mail servers manage e-mail.

Advantages of Networks
Sharing of
peripheral Networking enables several computer users to share laser
printers, scanners, modems etc.
devices
Networking enables several computer users to
Sharing of share the same programs. In most organisations,
programs people make use of the same software.

Networking enables several computer users to

Sharing of data share data. Thus individual users can work on the
same data at the same time.

Efficient Networking enables efficient exchange messages

communication and documents between several computer users.
The Internet
The Internet, short for „International networking,‟ consists of
thousands of computer networks that connect millions of computers
around the world
The ISP provides access to the Internet through their servers
Many ISPs do not charge as users will normally pay for the access
via their telephone bills
The Internet refers to the hardware and software that provides
different communications services between computer networks.
These services include:
[Link] Wide Web (WWW, W3 or the ‘Web’) – is the text and
pictures that you view on your computer. It consists of all the
Internet screens that appear on your computer.
The Internet(cont.)
2. Electronic Mail (e-mail) – is the transmission of messages over
computer networks. These messages can contain text, graphic images
and sound files.

3. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) – is an Internet service that allows

users to transfer files from one computer to another. Many
computers on the Internet, known as FTP servers, allow users to
download different types of files to their computer. Users may
download data files and software (freeware, evaluation & shareware
software).
Intranet & Extranet
An intranet is an organisation‟s private network that uses the
infrastructure and standards of the Internet and World Wide Web.
 It is a website accessible only by the organisation‟s members,
employees or other persons with authorisation.
 Intranets enable employees to have quicker access to internal
information and to share knowledge so that they can do their jobs
better.

An extranet that refers to an intranet that is partially accessible to

authorized outsiders.
Whereas an intranet resides behind a firewall and is accessible only to
people who are members of the same company or organization, an
extranet provides various levels of accessibility to outsiders.
Downloading / Uploading
Downloading refers to the transfer of data from a server to a local
computer. For example when you view a webpage, the source code of
a webpage is copied to your browser from a server across the
Internet.

Uploading refers to the transfer of data from a local computer to a

server. For example, you can create a website and then upload this
from your computer to your web server.
Data Transfer Rate
Data is transmitted in characters or collections of bits. The
transmission speed of data is measured in:

1. bps – stands for bits per second. 8 bits = 1 character (Letter „A‟
= 8 bits).
2. kbps – stands for kilobits per second or 1000 bits per second. A
56.6K modem technically transmits 56,600 bits per second of
data.
3. mbps – stands for megabits per second or 1,000,000 bits per
second.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) includes all
technologies (hardware, software & networking) used to process and
communicate information.
E-commerce - Computer networks are gradually replacing our
shopping habits. Nowadays more and more people are buying and
selling goods/services through Internet.

Here are some important facts that you should know before submitting
your credit number:
 Information travelling between your computer and a server can be
routed through many computer systems.
 Any one of these computer systems can capture and misuse your
information.
 An intermediary computer could even deceive you and exchange
information with you by representing itself as your intended
destination.
Purchasing Over The Internet
• You have to enter your • You have the same
name, address and consumer rights as buying
credit/debit card details to from a shop
purchase goods/services
• Most sites will offer a
secure site which will
scramble your details so it
can’t be intercepted by
thieves
• Secure sites will start with
the prefix https:// - look out
for the padlock symbol at
the bottom of your screen
Purchasing Over The Internet
• Advantages • Disadvantages
• You can shop 24 hours a • You cannot see or try goods
day, 7 days a week before purchasing
• You can shop from the • You may have to pay extra
comfort of your own for delivery
home • You cannot speak to a
• You can surf the web to person for sales advice
find the best bargains • There is some degree of
• Many dealers will offer risk giving out your
discounted prices for debit/credit card details
shopping online over the Internet
Computers or People?
• Computers can
• calculate millions of times faster than
humans
• never get tired
• can do jobs which are dangerous for
humans
• store large amounts of information in
one place
• find information quickly
• never lose or misplace information
E-banking
E-banking – Nowadays many banks enable their customers to
perform electronic banking transactions through Internet. Users do
not need to go to the bank to transfer funds, pay bills, view and check
their bank accounts etc.

The advantages associated with e-banking include:

 The banking services are available 24 hours a day seven days a

week. There are no banking hours.
 No commuting time – You will not need to go to the bank and
therefore avoid queues.
E-government & E-learning
E-government – Nowadays many government departments offer
services to the community through the use of ICTs. Locally the
government portal that gives access to all information and services
provided by government departments is available at [Link].

E-learning
E-learning is a form of learning or education through the use of
computers connected to Internet. It includes text, video, audio,
animation and virtual environments.
People versus Computers

• Computers cannot
• write a book
• comfort a person in
distress
• think for themselves
• think of new ideas
Computers in business
• Business Administration • Online Banking
• Payroll • Access your account 24/7
• Keeping customer records • No need to travel to a
• Processing sales orders branch
• Keeping accounts • Reduction in overheads for
• Stock management the bank.
• Airline Booking Systems
• Bookings instantly recorded
to avoid double booking
• Availability of flights
instantly accessible
Computers in Government
• Census • Vehicle Registration
• Recording of information • DVLC has records of all
including statistics on registered vehicles.
age, ethnic origin etc
• Ensures schools, hospitals • Revenue Collection
and other facilities are
made available • Inland Revenue keeps
records of every taxpayer
• Electronic Voting • Taxpayers can fill in a tax
• Voting register is updated return online
• Voting by computer either • Tax credits can also be
at home or at polling applied for online
station is likely to take off
Computers in Education
• Student Registration • Online learning
• Keep student records • Student resources made
• Enable computerised available over the Internet
timetabling • Assignments can be
• Swipe-cards to monitor submitted via email
student attendance • Distance Learning
• Computer-Based Training
• Wide range of software
packages to aid learning
• Can teach a wide range of
subjects
Teleworking
Nowadays employers are making arrangements for staff to work away
from office using Internet connected computers. Teleworkers use
Internet facilities to work from home. There are several advantages
associated with teleworking:
• Advantages • Disadvantages
• No travelling time • Lack of personal
contact with colleagues
• Avoid traffic jams
• Lack of teamwork in
• Work in the comfort of
shared projects
your own home
• Home distractions
• Flexible schedules
• Lesser employee
• Reduced office space
benefits (medical plans,
requirements
bonuses etc)
• Easier childcare
E-mail
• By far the most popular use of • Documents or photos can be
the Internet sent as attachments
• E-mail messages arrive almost • E-mail software is required or
instantaneously, anywhere in you can access webmail
the world providers online (e.g.
• The same message can be sent Hotmail, Yahoo, Lycos etc)
to more than one person at the
same time
• It is very easy to reply to and
forward e-mail messages
Instant Messaging (IM)
Instant Messaging (IM) is an Internet service that enables you to
communicate using text with another person/s using an instant
messaging program.
• The communication is real time – similar to a telephone
conversation but using text instead of voice.
• A program known as instant messenger is used for text or chat
communication.
Online Communities
An online (virtual) community is a group of people that
communicate with each other using Internet e.g. email, internet social
network service or instant messages. They communicate for social,
professional, educational or other purposes.
Information Security
In the IT environment security is concerned with the protection of
hardware, software and data. There are two main categories of
computer security: physical security and data security.

Physical security – is concerned with protecting hardware from

possible human and natural disasters.

Data security – is concerned with protecting software and data from

unauthorised tampering or damage. IT departments often attach more
importance to data protection rather than hardware protection.
Computer Viruses
A computer virus is a piece of program designed and written to
make additional copies of itself and spread from location to location,
typically without user knowledge or permission.

 Viruses are written by programmers with malicious intent to

annoy computer users.

 The only protection against this is having anti-virus software

installed on your machine

 Your PC can catch a virus by sharing files on disks/CDs,

viewing/downloading files on the web and from e-mail
attachments
Protecting the Computer System against Viruses
1. Install an anti-virus program in your computer system. Anti-virus
programs are able to detect and in most cases remove viruses in
the computer system.
2. Update the anti-virus program regularly.
3. Some e-mail client programs can automatically open Word
macros, JavaScript or any other executable code in, or attached to
a message.
4. Treat all files (in particular those carrying .exe and .vbs
extensions) attached to e-mails with caution.
5. Be careful with program or file downloads from the Web. Such
programs or files may be infected.
6. Avoid sharing of data files or programs via USB flash disks,
CDs/DVDs etc.
Backing Up Data
• You should always back up your data on a regular basis.

• Keep a second copy of important files on a floppy disk, zip

disk or CD and store it separately from your PC.

• Your data is much more valuable than your computer

equipment - it’s priceless.

• You can protect your PC equipment with insurance, but this

will not replace your data!