Introduction to Computer

Applications

Created By:
Mr. Omary, Hidra R
History of Computers
The history of the computer dates back to several years. There are five
prominent generations of computers.
Computer generations refer to the evolution of computing technology, where
each generation represents a significant technological advancement over the
previous one. The brief history of computers is discussed below:
First Generation (1940s-1950s):
Characteristics:
 Vacuum Tubes: Used for circuitry and switching.
 Magnetic Drums: Used as primary memory.
 Machine Language: Programming was done using machine language.
 Size and Heat: Very large in size and produced a lot of heat.
 Limited Operation Speed: Slow processing speeds.
 Punched Cards: Used for input and output.
 High Power Consumption: Required a lot of electricity.
Cont..
Second Generation (1950s-1960s):
Characteristics:
 Transistors: Replaced vacuum tubes, making
computers smaller.
 Assembly Language: Programming was done using
assembly language, which is more efficient than
machine language.
 Magnetic Core Memory: Used for primary storage.
 Batch Processing: Operations were conducted in
batches.
 Improved Speed and Efficiency: Faster processing
speeds compared to the first generation.
Cont..
Third Generation (1960s-1970s)
Characteristics:
 Integrated Circuits (ICs): Allowed for smaller and more
powerful computers.
 High-Level Programming Languages: Introduction of
languages like COBOL and FORTRAN.
 Multiprogramming: Capability to run multiple programs
simultaneously.
 Increased Efficiency: Faster and more efficient processing.
 Reduced Size: Further reduced size of computers.
 Lower Cost: More affordable than previous generations.
 User Interface: Development of operating systems and user
interfaces.
Cont..
Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s)
Characteristics:
 Microprocessors: Use of microprocessors for processing, leading to the
development of personal computers.
 VLSI Technology: Very Large Scale Integration technology used for
creating microprocessors.
 Graphical User Interface (GUI): Development of more user-friendly
interfaces.
 Networking: Introduction of computer networking and the Internet.
 Portable Computers: Emergence of laptops and portable computing
devices.
 Enhanced Storage: Use of magnetic disks and optical discs for storage.
 Reduced Cost and Size: Dramatic reduction in cost and size of
computers.
Cont..
Fifth Generation (1980s-Present):
Characteristics:
 Artificial Intelligence (AI): Incorporation of AI technologies in
computing.
 Natural Language Processing: Ability to understand human
language.
 Parallel Processing: Use of parallel processing to increase speed.
 Quantum Computing: Research and development of quantum
computers.
 Advanced Robotics: Integration with robotics for more
sophisticated tasks.
 Ubiquitous Computing: Pervasive computing environments.
 Voice and Gesture Recognition: Advanced user interaction
through voice and gestures.
Future Generations
 Quantum Computing: Development of quantum computers that
leverage quantum bits (qubits) for exponentially faster processing.
 Neuromorphic Computing: Creation of systems that mimic human
brain functions for advanced problem-solving and pattern recognition.
 Ubiquitous Computing: Integration of computing into everyday
objects, making technology seamlessly embedded in daily life.
 Enhanced AI: Continued evolution of AI with greater autonomy,
deeper learning capabilities, and emotional intelligence.
 Sustainability: Focus on creating energy-efficient computing
solutions that minimize environmental impact.
 Advanced Interfaces: Development of more intuitive user interfaces,
including brain-computer interfaces and advanced gesture recognition.
 Cost Accessibility: Further reduction in costs, ensuring that
advanced computing technology is accessible to all segments of
society.
What is a Computer?
The word “Computer” comes from the Latin word “Pature”
which means to calculate, to sum, or to think as well.

A Computer is an electronic device that accepts data from the

user, processes it, produces results, displays them to the users,
and stores the results for future usage.

Data is a collection of unorganized facts & figures

Information is a structured data i.e. organized meaningful and

processed data.
Functions of Computers
A computer performs the following functions:
Receiving Input
Data is fed into computer through various input devices like keyboard,
mouse, digital pens, etc
Processing the information
Operations on the input data are carried out based on the instructions
provided in the programs.
Storing the information
After processing, the information gets stored in the primary or secondary
storage area.
Producing output
The processed information and other details are communicated to the
outside world through output devices like monitor, printer, etc.
Characteristics of Computer System
The characteristics of the computer system are as follows:
Cont..
Speed: A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy

Accuracy: Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy.

Diligence: A computer can perform millions of tasks without tired.

Reliability: A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for

similar set of data

Automation: Computer performs all the tasks automatically

Memory: A computer has built-in memory called primary memory

where it stores data.
Basic Applications of Computer
Computers play a role in every field of life.
Home
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment,
watching movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access,
playing games, internet access, etc.
Medical Field
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history,
diagnosis, X-rays, live monitoring of patients, etc.
Entertainment
Computers help to watch movies online, play games online.
Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like Online
marketing, designing purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior
designing, video conferencing, etc.
Cont..
Education
Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online
examinations, referring e-books, online tutoring, etc.
Government
In government sectors, computers are used in data processing,
maintaining a database of citizens and supporting a paperless
environment.
Banking
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers
and conduct transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money
through ATMs.
Business
The main objective of business is transaction processing, which involves
transactions with suppliers, employees or customers.
Cont..
Training
Many organizations use computer-based training to train their employees,
to save money and improve performance.
Arts
Computers are extensively used in dance, photography, arts and culture.
Science and Engineering
Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic process
in Science and Engineering.
Advantages and Disadvantages of
Using Computer
1: Advantages
Following list demonstrates the advantages of computers in today's arena.

High Speed
Computer is a very fast device.
It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man

Accuracy
 In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
The calculations are 100% error free.
Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that correct input has
been given.
Cont..
Storage Capability
 Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
 A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
 It can store large amount of data.
 It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio and many others.

Diligence
 Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration.
 It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
 It can do repeated work with same speed and accuracy.

Versatility
 A computer is a very versatile machine.
 A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
 This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
Cont..
Reliability
 A computer is a reliable machine.
 Modern electronic components have long lives.
 Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

Automation
 Computer is an automatic machine.
 Automation means ability to perform the given task automatically.
 Once a program is given to computer i.e. stored in computer memory, the program and instruction can control
the program execution without human interaction.

Reduction in Paper Work

 The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper work and results in
speeding up a process.
 As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of large number
of paper files gets reduced.
Cont..
2: Disadvantages
Following list demonstrates the disadvantages of computers in today's arena.
No I.Q
 A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
 Each instruction has to be given to computer.
 A computer cannot take any decision on its own.

Dependency
 It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on human being.

Environment
 The operating environment of computer should be dust free and suitable.

No Feeling
 Computers have no feelings or emotions.
 It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike a human being.
Classification of Computers
Computers can be classified in several
ways, including by
1)Performance,
2)Portability,
3)Signal, and
4)Purpose.
Each category highlights different
characteristics and functionalities of
computers, allowing users to select the most
suitable device for their needs.
Cont..
1) Based on Performance

(a) Supercomputers

Description: The most powerful in terms of processing

capacity and speed.

Use: Used for complex simulations, weather forecasting,

scientific research, and cryptography.

Example: Summit, Fugaku.

Cont..
(b) Mainframe Computers
Description: Large, powerful systems used for
bulk data processing and critical applications.

Use: Employed by large organizations for

transaction processing, enterprise resource
planning, and census.
Example: IBM Z series.
Cont..
(c) Minicomputers
Description: Mid-sized, less powerful than
mainframes but more powerful than personal
computers.
Use: Used in manufacturing processes,
research labs, and small to medium-sized
enterprises.
Example: VAX computers.
Cont..
(d) Workstation computers

Description: These are high-performance computers

designed for technical or scientific applications.

Use: They are typically used by professionals such as

engineers, architects, graphic designers, and video editors
who require powerful processing capabilities, large storage
capacity, and high-quality graphics and display
capabilities.
Cont..

(e) Microcomputers

Description: Commonly known as personal

computers (PCs), designed for individual use.

Use: Everyday tasks such as browsing, gaming,

and document processing.

Example: Desktops, laptops, tablets.

Cont..
2) Based on Portability
(a) Desktop Computers
Description: Non-portable, designed to be used at a single location.
Use: Suitable for office work, gaming setups, and home use.
(b) Laptops
Description: Portable computers with integrated components, such
as a screen and keyboard.
Use: Ideal for mobile work, education, and personal use.

(c) Tablets
Description: Portable, touchscreen devices without a physical
keyboard.
Use: Useful for reading, casual browsing, and entertainment.
Cont..
(d) Notebooks
Notebooks computers are small compared to
laptop computers.
Besides the size and portability. The main
difference between a notebook computer and a
laptop, is the display screen.
Notebook computers use various techniques,
known as flat panel technologies, to produce a
lightweight and non-bulky display screen.
Cont..
3) Based on Signal

(a) Analog Computers

Description: Use continuous data and physical phenomena to perform
calculations.
Use: Employed in scientific and engineering applications for simulations.
Example: Slide rules, thermometers.

(b) Digital Computers

Description: Use discrete values (0s and 1s) for processing information.
Use: Widely used in all modern computing tasks, from simple to
complex.
Example: PCs, Smartphones.
Cont..

(c) Hybrid Computers

Description: Combine features of both analog and

digital computers.

Use: Used in specialized fields like robotics and

process control.

Example: Hybrid computing systems in hospitals.

Cont..
4) Based on Purpose

(a) General-Purpose Computers

Description: Designed to perform a wide variety of tasks.
Use: Suitable for general computing needs, from word
processing to gaming.
Example: PCs, Laptops.

(b) Special-Purpose Computers

Description: Built for a specific task or application.
Use: Used in situations where specific computations are needed,
such as ATM machines or automotive control systems.
Example: Embedded systems, calculators.
PATIES OF COMPUTER

There three parties of computer

1. Hardware

2. Software

3. User
1. Hardware

Hardware:
Refers to the physical components of computer which can be seen and
touchable.

There four (4) devices of computer hardware, these are as follows.

A. Input devices
B. Processing devices
C. Output devices
D. Storage devices
A: Input Devices
Input devices:
These are devices which are used to take data from out to inside the
computer machine to inside a computer system unit.

Examples
i. Keyboard.
ii. Mouse.
iii. Scanner.
iv. Digital Camera.
v. Microphone.
i) Keyboard
Keyboard:
Is an electronic device which input data by punching the arranged button.
Parties of keyboard buttons
1) Number/numerical keys: 0-9
2) Alphabetical keys: A-Z
3) Special keys:
a. Special key for typing special command: esc, tab, shift, ctrl, page up/ down etc.
b. Special key for typing special character: - /*&%@!etc.
4) Function keys: F1 - F12.
ii) Mouse
Mouse:
Is an electronic device which used to operate programs.
Three Mouse Actions
 Click: is the process of press down once the left mouse button, in order
to select an items.
 Double click: is the process of press down the left mouse buttons twice,
in order to open the selected items.
 Right click: is the process of press down the right mouse button once, in
order to display a menu.
iii) Scanner
Scanner:
Is an electronic input device which takes image of picture,
graphics, & text document to inside the computer.
iv) Digital camera

Digital camera:
Is an electronic device which can able to sane picture and
movies to inside the computer.
v) Microphone
Microphone:
Is an electronic device which sends sound effect and speech to
inside the computer.
B: Processing Devices
CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data
processing operations. It stores data, intermediate results and instructions(program).It
controls the operation of all parts of computer.
CPU itself has following three components
 ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 Control Unit
 Memory Unit
The speeds of computer are measured by using hertz which is small SI Unit of
computer speed.
 1000 Hertz (Hz) = 1 Kilohertz (KHz)
 1000 KHz = 1 Megahertz (MHz)
 1000 MHz = 1 Gigahertz (GHz)

C: Output Devices
This part is used to send out the processed data/information
from the CPU.

The output devices are

i. Monitor.
ii. Printer.
iii. Speaker.
iv. Projector.
i) Monitor
Monitor:
Is a screen or an output device which display information from
computer machine; some time it known as Video Display Unit
(VDU).
Two types of monitor: -
1. Cathode ray tube (CRT): It have long dimension at the back
side, it consume a lot amount of power for it uses.

2. Liquid crystal display (LCD): It have low dimension at the back,

it consume a low amount of power. That monitor it is good for
display graphics than CRT monitor
ii) Printer
Printer:
Is an output device which prints out the information from the
computer to the hard copy paper.
Two types of Printer:
1. Impact Printer is the printer which print in high speed, it
makes noise during the printing process and it print in low
quality means it is black & white printer e.g. LaserJet.
2. Non impact Printer is the printer which prints in low speed, it
is silence during the printing process and it print in quality
means it is colored printer.
iii) Speaker
Speaker:
Is an output device which loud out the sound from the computer when you
play a music file, play cd or sound effect of computer programs.
iv) Projector
Projector:
Is an output device which display information from system unity by
using lay-light.
D: Storage Devices
This part is used to store data or information of computer.

There are two types of storage of computer:

a) Primary Storage

b) Secondary Storage
a) Primary Storage
It store small amount of data for a time, it known as memory which means an
ability of computer to remember data.
There are two types of memory
i) RAM means Random Access Memory:
These are types of memory which allow the user to read and write data on it.
Sometimes it is known as Volatile Memory, which means it store data when there
is a presents of power, and when the power is absent or off it erase all the data.
ii) ROM means Read Only Memory:
These are types of memory which allow the user to only read the data on it.
Sometimes it is known as Non-Volatile memory, which means it store data even if
there is no presents of power.
b) Secondary Storage
These are devices which are used to store large amount of data over long
period of time without erasable

1) Hard disk (HD)

2) Compact disk (CD)
3) Floppy disk (FD)
4) Flash disk
5) Memory Card Disk
6) Min disk
7) Super disk
8) Zip or cartridge
Storage Measurement
The storage capacity of computer is depended on the capacity of its hard
disk which is a fixed storage device. Storage is measured by using byte which
it came from the word bite.
The small S I Unit of Computer storage is called byte.

 1 Bite = 1 Character
 8 Bites = 8 Characters = 1 Bytes
 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte
 1024 KB = 1 Megabyte
 1024 MB = 1 Gigabyte
 1024 GB = 1 Terabyte
2. Software
This means a set of instruction which command computer to perform a
given task. This part you can able to see, but you can not touch it.

Two types of software program

a) Operating System (OS)

b) Application Software (AS)
a) Operating System (OS)
Is a powerful program which control all the activities within the computer
system and gives instructions and commands to a computer application
software. Most of these programs are known as windows

Common useful operating systems are as follows.

1) Windows: 95, 98, Millennium (Me), 2000.
2) Windows: XP, VISTA, 7, Server.
3) Windows: 8, 10, 11.
4) Windows: Ubuntu, Linux. Etc.
b) Application Software's
These are the programs which are used to create a real work professionally.

Some of these computer Application Software's are:

1. Game Program
2. Typing Program,
3. Accounting Program
4. Presentation Program
5. Word Processor Program
6. Publication Program etc.
3. User
User
is a human being who has an experience, skills,
knowledge and ability of using computer devices at
that current time.
WINDOW
Window Desktop :
Is a framed area in the computer program.
This is a screen which appear after turn on the computer
machine;

It made by the following elements

a) Icon.
b) Background.
c) Taskbar.
a) Icon
Icon:
Is a picture or graphics which represent computer
programs, file, and folder or computer hardware such as:
-
 Documents icon are used to store a document file
and folders
 This PC icon this icon are used to store drives
 Recycle bin icon this icon are used to store deleted
files and folders.
Icon
b) Background
Back ground:
Is a wall page which display on the back of computer screen icons.
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c) Taskbar
Taskbar:
Is the bar which display the entire running program (s), it contain
start button at the left hand side and at right side there time and
trial program.

Taskbar
Types of window

There are two types of window

1) File window: Is the window frame area which represent file of

computer

2) Program window: Is the window frame area which represents a

program of computer.
Window elements
Window elements consist of eight (8) categories, these are as follows:
a) Title bar
b) Minimize
c) Maximize/restore
d) Close
e) Menu bar
f) Status bar
g) Scroll bar
h) Border
a) Title bar
Title bar: Is the bar which display name of program and file, it
contains minimize button, maximize/restore button and close
button.

Title bar
b) Minimize
Minimize: used to lose focus of the current window frame.

Minimize
c) Maximize or Restore

Maximize/restore: Used to restore down when is maximized and

to maximize when the window is restored.

Maximize/restore
d) Close
Close: used to exit the current window frame.

Close
e) Menu bar
Menu bar: Is the bar which contain all the command used to
access the programs

Menu bar
f) Status bar
Status bar: Is the bar found at the button of window frame it display short
summary or information about the current program.

Status bar
g) Scroll bar
Scroll bar there horizontal which move the page left/right and vertical
scroll bar which move the page up/down.
h) Boarder

Border: Is the end edge of the window frame.

boarder
Computer Virus
Virus:
Is program cause harm when it contaminated with other
computer programs.

Types of Virus
• File virus is the virus which attaches an application program of
computer.
• Boot Sector virus is the virus which attaches boot sector which
used to store bootable file, so computer fails to boot.
Symptom of virus
The following are common symptoms of Virus
 Computer responds slowly.
 Computer creates and opens a certain image automatically.
 Computer creates a new folder automatically.
 Computer may restart automatically.
 Computer may turn off automatically.
 Computer may stack or stop respond.
 Computer fails to boot or fail to log on the user account.
Virus transmission
There are common two ways where the virus can transfer from one
computer to another.

1) Through computer storage devices:

The virus can able to move from one computer to another using storage
devices like Flash Disk drive, Memory Card Disk, Compaq Disk Drive etc.
when transfering files from effected computer.
2) Through computer network:
The virus can move from one computer to another via an e-mail and
internet through downloading files from the browser.
Anti-virus
Anti virus:
Is a program which used to remove and protect virus from the computer, that virus
are installed permanent into the computer for security.
Same common anti-virus are:
a) Nod
b) AVG
c) MacAfee
d) Kaspersky
e) A vast
f) Avira
g) Smadav
h) Pc tool, etc.
Turning the Computer On and Off
Introduction
One thing a computer definitely needs to work is electricity!
A desktop computer must always be connected to a power outlet,
while
A laptop Computer may operate on its own internal battery for a few
hours.
In any case, without power the computer is pretty useless.
In this lesson, we’ll cover the basics of how to turn On and Off a
computer.
The Power Button: for turning On the
Computer System unit & Monitor
A computer has a power button on the front. By pushing in on the
button and then releasing it, you turn the computer on.
You should hear a noise like a fan or a vacuum cleaner, and some
lights will appear on the front of the computer.
Here is a picture of a typical power button:
Turn off/ shut down computer
Procedure
1. Close all the running programs.
2. Click window menu
3. Click power
4. Click shutdown
5. Turn off the monitor by press its power button.
Restart computer
Procedure
1. Close all the running programs.
2. Click window menu.
3. Click power.
4. Click restart .
Change window desktop image /
desktop background
Procedure
1. Right click on desktop without point any icon
2. Click personalize.
3. Click desktop background
4. Select image or color
5. Select position (fit, tile, stretch, centre)
6. Select background color/images
Change screen server
Procedure
1. Right click on desktop without point any icon
2. Click personalize.
3. Click screen server.
4. Select the screen server and wait time.
Desktop icons settings
Procedures
 Right click on desktop screen without point any icon
 Point view
 Change icons either
 Large icons
 Medium icons
 Small icons
Hide or Show desktop icons
Procedures
 Right click on desktop screen without point any icon
 Point view
 Click show or hide desktop icon
Change window taskbar direction
Procedures
 Right click a blank section of the taskbar
 Verify the taskbar is unlocked
 Click taskbar settings at the bottom of the menu
 Click on the drop down arrow on the taskbar
location on screen setting
 Select where you want to move the taskbar
Change mouse setting
Procedure
1. Click start
2. Open control panel
3. Open hardware and printer
4. Open mouse
5. Click ok
6. Click control panel Open mouse
7. Change mouse buttons, mouse pointer and pointer option.
8. Click ok.
Change date & time.
Procedure
1. Click start.
2. Click control panel.
3. Open “date & time”.
4. Change time zone and date and time.
5. Click ok.
FOLDER
Folder: is where file(s) are stored.

Create folder on the Desktop Screen.

Procedure
1. Right click
2. Point new
3. Click folder
4. Type a unique name of that new folder.
Create Folder in “My Documents”
1: Procedure
a. Click file
b. Point new
c. Click folder
d. Type a unique name

2: Procedure
e. Click make new folder in the left panel

3: Procedure
f. Use the procedure of create folder on the desktop; by right click -point new -click
folder and Type a unique name.
Rename Folder
Procedure
1. Right click folder
2. Click rename
3. Type new name
Delete Folder
Procedure
1. Right click folder
2. Click delete from the menu
3. Click “yes” from the message. Or drag that
folder to the recycle bin
Restore folder
Procedure
1. Open recycle bin
2. Right click that folder
3. Click restore
4. Close the recycle bin
Delete folder Complete
Procedure
1. Open recycle bin after delete it.
2. Right click folder
3. Click delete.
4. Click yes from the message
Delete all contents from the recycle bin

Procedure
1. Right click recycle bin.
2. Click empty recycle bin
Change folder appearance
Procedure
1. Right click folder
2. Click properties.
3. Click customize
4. Click change icon
5. Select an icon image, and then click ok
6. Click ok.
Sub-folder
Sub folder: is the folder exits in another folder.

Create sub folder

Procedure
1. Open an exist folder
2. Create a new folder in that folder by follow the
procedure of create a folder.
FILE
File: is a collection of related of data (s).

Create a file of note pad/painter/word pad

Procedure
1. Click start button
2. Point all programs
3. Point accessories
4. Click not pad/painter
5. Ready to type any text/word(s) or to draw
Save a file
Procedure
1. Click file
2. Click save/save as
3. In the save as dialog box - Select where to save in. e.g. my
document, desktop, local disk, removable disk etc.
4. Type a unique file name into the file name.
5. Click save.
This Makes an end of Introduction
to Computer Applications (CAPP)

Questions..!