Sms208: Computer Appreciation for Managers
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SMS208: COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS COURSE GUIDE SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS Course Developer Gerald C. Okeke Eco Communication Inc. Ikeja, Lagos Course Editor/Coordinator Adegbola, Abimbola Eunice National Open University of Nigeria Programme Leader Dr. O.J. Onwe National Open University of Nigeria NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA 2 SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS National Open University of Nigeria Headquarters 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island Lagos Abuja Office No. 5 Dar es Salaam Street Off Aminu Kano Crescent Wuse II, Abuja Nigeria e-mail: [email protected] URL: www.nou.edu.ng Published by National Open University of Nigeria 2008 Printed 2008 ISBN: 978-058-198-7 All Rights Reserved 3 SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS CONTENTS PAGE Introduction………………………………………………….. 1 Course Objectives…………………………………………… 1 Credit Units………………………………………………….. 2 Study Units………………………………………………….. 2 Course Assessment………………………………………….. 2 Introduction This course is designed to avail managers in business, governance and education with what computer is and its applications in carrying out their every day assignments. This course goes on to acquaint them with the basic component parts of a personal computer and the types available. The emphasis is for them to understand the application of computer in information technology and in information communications technology that translates to effectiveness and efficiency in business and people management. Course Objectives The following are the major objectives of this course Define a computer and know the major characteristics of a computer Know the different classes and categories of computer 1. Define hardware and know the basic components of computer hardware 6.0 Identify and differentiate the types of software available *0Identify the four basic cycles the computer undergoes during data processing 6.0 Define and trace the history of operating systems Identify and differentiate types of operating systems commonly available Define and identify the major types of application systems 3 Enumerate the benefits of database management system. Identify the benefits associated with SDLC Know the levels of users involvement in the development of information system 1. Know the major functions of networks to a business Know to what extent the Internet has impacted the social life of people Understand the application of the Internet in marketing 1. Know the various forms of attack computer is exposed to Know what are the characteristics of a healthy job Identify the ways computer system impact on health and safety of workers 4 SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS Know the roles ICT has played thus far in the reduction of poverty in developing countries. Answer the question of the future of ICT. 5 SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS Credit Units This course attracts 3 credit units Study Units The study units of this course are as follows: Module 1 Unit 1 Introduction to Computer Unit 2 Computer Hardware Unit 3 Computer Software Unit 4 Basic Computer Operations Unit 5 Operating Systems Module 2 Unit 1 Computer Application Systems Unit 2 Database Management System Unit 3 Systems Development Life Cycle Unit 4 Computer Networks Unit 5 The Internet Module 3 Unit 1 Computer Security Unit 2 Health and Safety Unit 3 Information Communication Technology Course Assessment 6.0 Assignments = 30% 7.0 Examination = 70% 6 SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS Course Code SMS 208 Course Title Computer Appreciation for Managers Course Developer Gerald C. Okeke Eco Communication Inc. Ikeja, Lagos Course Editor/Coordinator Adegbola, Abimbola Eunice National Open University of Nigeria Programme Leader Dr. O.J. Onwe National Open University of Nigeria NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA 7 SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS National Open University of Nigeria Headquarters 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island Lagos Abuja Office No. 5 Dar es Salaam Street Off Aminu Kano Crescent Wuse II, Abuja Nigeria e-mail: [email protected] URL: www.nou.edu.ng Published by National Open University of Nigeria 2008 Printed 2008 ISBN: 978-058-198-7 All Rights Reserved viii SMS 208 COMPUTER APPRECIATION FOR MANAGERS CONTENTS PAGE Module 1 ………………………………………………… 1 Unit 1 Introduction to Computer……………………. 1 Unit 2 Computer Hardware…………………………... 13 Unit 3 Computer Software…………………………… 27 Unit 4 Basic Computer Operations…………………... 37 Unit 5 Operating Systems……………………………. 54 Module 2 ………………………………………………… 68 Unit 1 Computer Application Systems………………. 68 Unit 2 Database Management System……………….. 78 Unit 3 Systems Development Life Cycle……………. 89 Unit 4 Computer Networks…………………………... 101 Unit 5 The Internet…………………………………… 113 Module 3 ………………………………………………… 126 Unit 1 Computer Security……………………………. 126 Unit 2 Health and Safety…………………………….. 138 Unit 3 Information Communication Technology……. 149 9 SMS 208 MODULE 1 MODULE 1 Unit 1 Introduction to Computer Unit 2 Computer Hardware Unit 3 Computer Software Unit 4 Basic Computer Operations Unit 5 Operating Systems UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Objectives 3.0 Main Content 3.1 Classes of Computers 3.1.1 Microcomputers 3.1.2 Minicomputers 3.1.3 Mainframe Computers 3.2 Mainframes vs. Supercomputers 3.3 Classes by Function 3.3.1 Servers 3.3.2 Workstation 3.3.3 Portable Data Entry Terminals 3.3.4 Embedded Computer Systems 3.4 Supercomputer 4.0 Conclusion 5.0 Summary 6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment 7.0 References/Further Readings 1.0 INTRODUCTION There are several definitions to computer, so there is no one single definition of a computer. However, in this unit we will try to give a generalized and all round satisfactory definition of computer. A computer is a fast operating machine that can be used for the home and business to enhance productivity. In other words, a computer is a collection of electronic parts, or hardware that have a set of electronic instructions called software. All computers perform the same basic functions; they enable you to store and manipulate information. Typically any machine called a computer displays the following characteristics: 1 SMS 208 MODULE 1 The ability to perform calculation at very high speed. Ability to take in information and to store that information for future retrieval or use. The ability to take in and store sequence of instructions called program which must be written in the language of computer. The ability to obey sequence of program instructions provided the program is stored within the computer. The ability to use simple logical rules to make decisions for their own internal control, or for the control of some external activity e.g. to take over the role of calculator operator. The ability to communicate with other systems. The ability to exploit a complex internal structure of a microelectronics circuitry in a variety of ways. 2.0 OBJECTIVES At the end of this unit you are expected to: define a computer and know the major characteristics of a computer know the different classes and categories of computer differentiate mainframe computer from supercomputer define the different types of computer based on size and functions. 3.0 MAIN CONTENT 3.1 Classes of Computers A few years ago computers were easily classified as mainframe, minicomputer or microcomputer. Mainframe computers were physically large and powerful systems capable of supporting hundreds of users. They had relatively large amount of RAM (e.g. 1-2 Mb) and disk storage (e.g. 100 to 400 Mb). Minicomputers were smaller less powerful machines than mainframes, but were still multi-user machines. Microcomputers were small humble machines with 8-bit or 16-bit processors, 16Kb to 256Kb of RAM and 5 to 10 Mb of disk storage, used mainly for games and basic word processing. Developments in microprocessor technology however means that today's desktop microcomputer will easily have more RAM and disk storage than the above mentioned mainframe, as well as having a more powerful CPU. Minicomputers today are really no more than very powerful microcomputers. The differences between such a machine and a desktop model may more likely be in the software that is being used as opposed to the hardware, for example, a multi-user operating system such as Unix, would typically be used, as opposed to the Windows systems of PCs. Mainframe computers are still powerful machines (physically 2 SMS 208 MODULE 1 much smaller than their ancestors) with hundreds of megabytes of RAM and terabytes of disk storage. They have very powerful CPU's that allow them cope with large numbers of users. Supercomputer is the term used for the most powerful computer available at any time. These are typically tailored for very fast processing of what are known as number crunching applications. Such applications require a tremendous number of arithmetic calculations to be carried out. Weather forecasting is the classic example of such an application, where equations taking account of huge numbers of observations have to be solved. Other applications are to be found in astro-physics and some branches of chemical analysis and modelling. Supercomputers at the moment can carry out trillions of operations per second! The Cray is perhaps the most well known supercomputer, named after its designer, Seymour Cray. The different classes of computers based on sizes are as follow: 3.1.1 Microcomputers Microcomputers are the most common type of computers in existence today, whether at work in school or on the desk at home. The term "Microcomputer" was introduced with the advent of single chip large scale integrated circuit computer processors. The term "microcomputer" itself, is now practically an anachronism. A microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space when compared to mainframe and minicomputers. Many microcomputers (when equipped with a keyboard and screen for input and output) are also personal computers (in the generic sense).