The document provides an overview of computing concepts, detailing what constitutes a computer, including hardware and software, and discussing various types of computers. It highlights the importance of information communication technology (ICT) systems in managing data and improving business operations through techniques like data warehousing and data mining. Furthermore, it contrasts open source and proprietary software, outlining their respective advantages and disadvantages.

1. BASIC CONCEPTS OF COMPUTING

2. CONTENTS
 What is a computer?
 An expanded model of a computer
 The role of software
 Types of computers
 ICT systems
 Glossary
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3. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
• all the parts of a
computer that
you can
physically touch
Hardware
• the programs –
sets of
instructions – that
tell the computer
what to do
Software
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 Main components or parts of a computer

4. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
 IPO model
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 The basic model of a computer

5. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
 A computer is a multi-purpose electronic tool
that can receive data (input),can process the
data, can produce results and can output
them.
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 A definition of a computer
Input
data
Process
Produce
results/
Output

6. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
DATA INFORMATION
 raw, unprocessed facts.
CAT123NW
 is the result of the
processing of data and
should be useful and
meaningful.
 registration number of a car
from the North West
province.
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CAT123NW

7. AN EXPANDED MODEL OF A COMPUTER
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get data into
computer
executes the
instructions, processes
the data and manages
and controls all the other
parts of the computer
keep instructions and data
that it is not currently working
on
get feedback from the
computer
allow computers to
communicate with
each other

8. AN EXPANDED MODEL OF A COMPUTER
 Programs have to be ‘loaded’ before they
can be used.
 Data must also be in memory if the computer
is to work with it.
 The contents of memory only become
‘permanent’ when you ‘Save’ them.
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 Note the following:

9. THE ROLE OF SOFTWARE
System
Software
Application
Software
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 Software categories according to function

10. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
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Graphics and Design
Word Processor
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentation Software

11. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
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Communication Software
Office Suite
Desktop Publishing
Games
Web Authoring Software

12. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
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Web browser
Plug-ins
Financial Applications

13. THE ROLE OF SOFTWARE
Open source
software (OSS)
• Advantages :No cost / low cost; Access to source code;
Freedom to adapt and change; Access to a community of
users / support.
• Disadvantages: No one to hold responsible; Risk of poor
support; Higher skills needed; Various ‘varieties’.
Proprietary
software
• Shrinkwrap; Shareware; Freeware
• Proprietary software is owned by a company – you never
get the source code – in fact you only ever ‘license’ the
software, you do not ‘own’ the software.
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 Software categories according to distribution
model

14. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
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 Size and processing power

15. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
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 Servers
-used in
network
environment
s to help
‘run’ a
network of
linked
computers

16. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
 These are small
portable devices
 They are designed
to be controlled
through touch
screen interfaces
 Consumer tablets
usually have WiFi,
Bluetooth and 3G
communication built
in
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 Consumer Tablets & Tablet PCs

17. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
Server
• Providing services to users in a network.
Desktop, laptop, notebook, netbook, Tablet PC
• Productive work and the use of applications that allow one to be
creative.
Consumer tablet
• Use digital content, access the web and e-mail, create documents,
play games, etc.
Smartphone
• Mobile access to connectivity and services.
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 Uses

18. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
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 Advantages and disadvantages of using
computers

19. ICT SYSTEMS
Information
is power
and creates
the potential
for wealth.
Newspapers
sell
information
about their
subscribers
Google and
Facebook
advertising
using information to
streamline their
stock control and
ordering processes
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 The ability to analyse and interpret data in order to arrive at valid
conclusions and to form accurate predictions (information) can spell
the difference between success and failure.

20. ICT SYSTEMS
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Information Communication Technology
Manipulated
or processed
data
The process
of transferring
data/
information
from one place
to another
• Systems
technologies
(hardware and
software)
• Communications
technologies
(networks and
communication
devices)

21. ICT SYSTEMS
 Data warehousing:
 securely store, manage and retrieve large
amounts of data.
 Data mining:
 process and analyse data looking for valuable
information that you did not even know was
there.
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 Data storage by businesses

22. ICT SYSTEMS
 Supermarket chain
 Modern POS systems use
barcodes and scanning
 Scanning is also more
accurate
 Items scanned removed
from a computerised
database of what is in
stock – enabling you to
better manage your
inventory.
 Data sent to the head
office - stock ordering and
management decisions.
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 Examples of ICT systems in everyday life
 An ICT system enables
them to
 Order only the right
amount of stock when
needed
 See which items are not
selling well
 track sales

23. ICT SYSTEMS
 Cellphone company
 contracts
 adequate supplies & stock of
cellphones
 generating finance for
expansion and maintenance
 tracking of call durations,
SMSs, data transfers, free
talk time, carry-over of free
minutes/seconds, and expiry
of the same
 service and repairs of
cellphones and other
infrastructure
 monitoring the network
status
 maintaining staff records 23
 Examples of ICT systems in everyday life
 An ICT system enables them
to
 List how many calls you
have made, to which
numbers and how long each
call was
 Total the number of minutes
used and bill you for them
 Total the amount of data you
have transferred (usually in
megabytes) and then bill you
for that.

24. GLOSSARY
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Application
software
Computer
Data
Freeware
Hardware
ICT system
Information
Input
IPO model
IT and ICT
Open source
software
Output
POS system
Proprietary
software
Shareware
Software
Source code
System software