BASICS IN COMPUTER AND GENERAL APPLICATIONS

By SALIM OMAMBIA

This book is likely to contribute in the field of basics in computer for students at secondary and tertiary levels. The book is well detailed in its coverage of basics in computers and general applications making it a resourceful referencing material for learners. As such, both teachers and students will definitely find this book useful in the teaching and learning process.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KENPRO
• Release date: Aug 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9789966069146

Book preview

publisher.

FOREWORD

SINCE the economy of human time is an important component in every discipline, sound general understanding of computer systems remains critical. This book provides an introduction into basics of computers and general applications. The book aims at providing general knowledge of basics in computer.

In order to provide a logical flow in its presentation, the book is organized into chapters. The first chapter provides general introduction; the second chapter covers system design and analysis followed by the third chapter which explores the concept of database. The fourth chapter expounds the component of Networking before winding up with the last chapter which highlights the aspects of general applications of computers.

This book is likely to contribute in the field of basics in computer for students at secondary and tertiary levels. The book is well detailed in its coverage of basics in computers and general applications making it a resourceful referencing material for learners. As such, both teachers and students will definitely find this book useful in the teaching and learning process.

Anthony M. Wanjohi (MSc, PGDE, DPM)

Director of Projects and Research

Kenya Projects Organization

DEDICATION

To my parents Isaack Omambia and Annah Omambia for eternally believing in me and to my cousin Immaculate Ombati for her contributions in editing the book.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Any attempt at any level could not be satisfactorily completed without the support of Jehovah our Almighty God. With typical modesty and much piety I would like to express my in depth thanks to my loving parents, wife, children, and friends for helping me amass different skills, ideas and knowledge to aid in evolving them from just mere simple notions to now a didactic book. I wish to appreciate and give recognition to Prof. Michael Kiptoo Director KMTC for the support and encouragement. Ultimately, i would also like to thank the publishers and editorial team for assisting me to finalize the book within the limited time frame.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Computer Definition

1.2 Computer Brief History

1.3 History of Database Systems

1.3.1 First Generation (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes

1.3.2 Second Generation (1956-1963) Transistors

1.4 Classification of Computers

1.4.1 Mainframe Computer

1.4.2 Micro Computers

1.4.3 Mini Computers

1.4.4 Super Computers

1.4.5 Microprocessor

1.5 Definition of a Computer

1.5.1 Types of Computers

1.5.2 Analog Computers

1.5.3 Digital Computers

1.5.4 Main Types of Computers

1.5.5 Types of Computers Based on Size

1.5.6 Basic Units of a Computer

1.6 Systems Software

1.7 Application Software

1.8 Computer Applications

1.9 Types of Computer Memory: Primary and Secondary

1.9.1 Primary Memory Types: RAM and ROM

1.9.2 RAM Computer Memory

1.9.3 Types of RAM

1.9.4 ROM Computer Memory

1.9.5 Types of ROM

1.9.6 Secondary Memory Types

1.9.7 Differences between RAM and ROM

CHAPTER TWO

DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

2.1 Systems Design & Analysis

2.2 Design

2.2.1 Third Generation (1964-1971) Integrated Circuits

2.2.2 Fourth Generation (1971-Present) Microprocessors

2.2.3 Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond) Artificial Intelligence

2.3 Information System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

2.3.1 System Analysis

CHAPTER THREE

DATABASE

3.1 Database

3.2 Advantages of Database

3.3 Disadvantages of Database

3.4 Types of Database

CHAPTER FOUR

NETWORKING

4.1 Computer Networks

4.1.1 Basic Communication Model

4.1.2 Data Communication

4.1.3 Components of Data Communication

4.1.4 Uses of Computer Networks

4.1.5 Mobile Users

4.1.6 Line Configuration in Computer Networks

4.1.7 Types of Network Topology

4.2 Network Topology

4.2.1 Types of Network Topology

4.2.2 Bus Network Topology

4.2.3 Ring Network Topology

4.2.4 Star Network Topology

4.2.5 Mesh Network Topology

4.2.6 Tree Network Topology

4.2.7 Wireless Network Topology

4.3 Transmission Modes in Computer Networks

4.3.1 Transmission Mediums in Computer Networks

4.3.2 Bounded/Guided Transmission Media

4.3.3 Twisted Pair Cable

4.3.4 Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable

4.3.5 Shielded Twisted Pair Cable

4.3.6 Coaxial Cable

4.3.7 Fiber Optic Cable

4.3.8 Fiber-Optic Cable Connectors

4.3.9 Unbounded/Unguided Transmission Media

4.3.10 Radio Waves

4.3.11 Micro Waves

4.3.12 Terrestrial Microwave

4.3.13 Satellite Microwave

4.3.14 Infrared Waves

4.3.15 Local Area Network (LAN)

4.3.16 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

4.3.17 Wide Area Network (WAN)

4.3.18 Wireless Network

4.3.19 Inter Network

4.3.20 Connection Oriented and Connectionless Services

4.3.21 Service Primitives

4.3.22 Relationship of Services to Protocol

4.3.23 Reference Models in Communication Networks

4.3.24 ISO/OSI Model in Communication Networks

4.3.25 Functions of Different Layers

4.4 Physical Layers - OSI Model

4.4.1 Data Link Layers - OSI Model

4.4.2 Network Layers - OSI Model

4.4.3 Transport Layer - OSI Model

4.4.4 Session Layer - OSI Model

4.4.5 Presentation Layer - OSI Model

4.4.6 Application Layer - OSI Model

4.4.7 The TCP/IP Reference Model

4.4.8 Description of Different TCP/IP Protocols

4.4.9 Merits of TCP/IP Model

4.4.10 Demerits of TCP/IP

4.4.11 Similarities between OSI Reference and TCP/IP Reference Model

4.4.12 Comparison of OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model

CHAPTER FIVE

GENERAL COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

5.1 ICT/E-Government

5.2 E-Government

5.2.1 Role of E-Government

5.2.2 E-Government Applications

5.3 E-Environment

5.4 E-Health Services

5.5 Benefits of Using ICT in Government Offices

5.6 The ICT Sector is faced with the following Challenges

5.7 Enablers of E-Government

5.8 Types of E-Government

5.9 E-Government Services

5.10 Key Outcomes of ICT in Government Ministries

5.11 Emerging ICT Trends in Offices

5.12 Business Applications

5.13 Home Applications

REFERENCES

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1 Brief Histories of Database Systems

Table 4.1 Coaxial cable standards

Table 4.2 Fiber sizes

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Definition of a computer

Figure 1.2 Types of Computer Memory: Primary and Secondary

Figure 2.1 System design and analysis

Figure 2.2 The 5-steps of the Information Systems Development Life Cycle

Figure 4.1 Basic communication models

Figure 4.2 Mobile users

Figure 4.3 Point to point connection

Figure 4.4 Multipoint connection

Figure 4.5 Bus network topology

Figure 4.6 Ring network topology

Figure 4.7 Star network topology

Figure 4.8 Mesh network topology

Figure 4.9 Tree network topology

Figure 4.10 Transmission modes in computer network

Figure 4.11 Simplex mode

Figure 4.12 Half duplex mode

Figure 4.13 Full duplex mode

Figure 4.14 Transmission mediums in computer networks

Figure 4.15 Unshielded twisted pair cable

Figure 4.16 Shielded twisted pair cable

Figure 4.17 Performance of twisted-pair cable

Figure 4.18 Coaxial cable

Figure 4.19 Coaxial cable connectors

Figure 4.20 Coaxial cable in twisted pair

Figure 4.21 Fiber optic cables

Figure 4.22 Bending of light ray

Figure 4.23 Propagation modes

Figure 4.24 Multi Modes

Figure 4.25 Fiber optic cable connectors

Figure 4.26 Part of electromagnetic spectrum

Figure 4.27 Unguided signals

Figure 4.28 Omnidirectional antenna

Figure 4.29 Unidirectional antenna

Figure 4.30 Terrestrial microwave

Figure 4.31 Parabolic dish antenna

Figure 4.32 Horn antenna

Figure 4.33 Satellite microwave

Figure 4.34 Types of communication network

Figure 4.35 Local area network

Figure 4.36 Metropolitan area networks

Figure 4.37 Wide area networks

Figure 4.38 Wireless WANs

Figure 4.39 Inter Network

Figure 4.40 Relationship of services to protocol

Figure 4.41 Introduction to ISO-OSI model

Figure 4.42 Introductions to TCP/IP REFERENCE Model

Figure 4.43 Model in communication networks

Figure 4.44 Physical Layers - OSI Model

Figure 4.45 Data link Layers - OSI Model

Figure 4.46 Network Layers - OSI Model

Figure 4.47 Transport Layers - OSI Model

Figure 4.48 Session Layers - OSI Model

Figure 4.49 Presentation Layers - OSI Model

Figure 4.50 Application Layers - OSI Model

Figure 4.51 The TCP/IP Reference model

Figure 4.52 Protocols and networks in the TCP/IP model

Figure 4.53 Comparisons between OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model

Figure 5.1 Basic applications

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ACK:      Acknowledgement. Short for acknowledgement, ACK is an answer given      by another computer or network