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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Computer
Identification of Non computer related objects
Identification of computer related objects
Identification of the computer
Uses of Computer I
Uses of Computer II
Uses of Computer in Daily Life
Computers in Workplaces
Definition of computer
Information Technology
Types of Computers
Functions of Computer
Introduction to Data and Information
Types of Data and Information
Main Parts of Computer
Computer Accessories & Peripherals
Branches of Computer
Test
Basic Concept of computer Unit
Input Unit
Processing unit
Storage Unit
Output Unit
Computer Software
Computer Hardware
What is Booting?
Various Types of Computers and Their Functions
Terminologies/ Glossaries
CONCISE COMPUTER
SCIENCE TEXTBOOK
FOR CHILDREN
BOOK ONE
By:
Wole Adedoyin
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A COMPUTER
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Pupils should be able to:
i. Identify a computer machine;
ii. Identify computer related objects
iii. Identify non computer related objects
iv. Distinguish a computer from other computer
related devices e.g Television, Global
System for Mobile Communications (G.S.M),
Calculator, and Typewriter etc.
IDENTIFICATION OF NON-COMPUTER
RELATED OBJECTS
Computer Is an electronic machine which input
data, process data and display data (output) in a
desired form.
Non computer related objects are those objects
that have no similarity with the computer system or
having nothing to do with the computer system.
Examples: House, Pencil, Box, Book, Basket, Car
etc.
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Definition of Computer
Computer is a machine that processes data into useful
information.
A typewriter, a calculator, thermometer, speedometer or
even voltage meter can be called a computer.
What distinguishes a computer from other information
processing machines are 3 basic functions :
1. A computer is an electronic machine – all its activities
are carried out with current (light)
2. A computer has memory to hold information for future
use
3. A computer is programmable Computer machine can
be coded or programmed to do any operation we tell it
to do.
Information Technology
Information Technology allows the user to extract, save and
exchange information with the help of computers.
I.T is the short form for Information Technology.
It also enables the user to access, retrieve, manipulates and
perform numerous operations by using the computer system.
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IDENTIFICATION OF COMPUTER RELATED
OBJECTS
These objects are similar and related to the
computer system. Some are also performing the
functions of the computer system, like typing letters,
sending and receiving information and performing
calculations. Examples of computer related objects
are:
Calculator:
Calculator is a computing machine used for solving
both simple and complex calculations e.g addition,
subtraction, multiplication, square root and division.
GSM:
G.S.M stands for Global System for Mobile
Communications. For sending and receiving calls
and messages. Also used for uploading (sending)
files and downloading (receiving) files. Some GSM
also allows the user to browse the internet.
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Ipod digital Media players
Stereo System
Typewriter:
It is a computer keyboard like machine used for
typing documents like letters. Typewriter got
different keys on it like a computer keyboard.
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A Manual Typewriter
An Electric Typewriter
Washing Machine
IDENTIFICATION OF THE COMPUTER
1. C.P.U
This is the brain of the computer system. It
processes raw data into a useful information.
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2. Keyboard
For typing data into the computer system.
3. Mouse
For clicking and dragging objects and text
4. Monitor
It displays information on the television like screen
Test
1. Mention 3 non computer related objects
2. Mention 2 computer related objects
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3. What is the function of the keyboard.
PARTS OF COMPUTER
At the end of the topic, pupils should be able to:
i. Name the parts of a computer
ii. Recognize computer parts
PARTS OF A COMPUTER
Monitor:
Is an output device which display information on the screen.
Another name for monitor is VDU – Visual Display Unit.
There are two types of monitors –
i. Monochrome Monitor
Displays white and black objects on the screen
ii. Colour Monitor
Displays colour objects on the screen.
The monitor looks like a television screen. The information
received through the screen is called soft copy.
Keyboard:
For typing data into the computer system. Keyboard looks like
a typewriter. It got different keys on it. The first five letters on
the first section of the keyboard reads QWERTY.
Keyboard is an input unit.
System Unit:
This is the brain of the computer system. It transforms data
into useful information. It looks like a video machine. It got
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buttons like power button, restart button and other device
connectors. System unit is a processing device.
Mouse:
Mouse is an input device used for clicking and dragging text
and objects. The singular of mouse is mouse while the plural
is mice. Mouse also got different buttons on it e.g left clicking
button and right clicking button.
Printer:
It displays the results on printed sheets. The information
received through the printer is called Hardcopy.
There are two types of printers
i. White and black printer
ii. Color printer
White and black Printer
i. White and black printer
Prints only white and black objects.
ii. Colour Printer
Prints only colour objects
Speaker:
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It bring out sound from the computer system. When watching films,
movies or listening to music always connect your computer speakers
to the system unit. The result received through the speaker is called
Voice copy.
Speakers
Test
i. Draw and colour the pictures of the following
parts – pictures of mouse, keyboard and the
monitor.
ii. Write out the functions of the following
computer parts:
a. Mouse
b. Keyboard
c. Printer
d. Monitor
e. System Unit
USES OF COMPUTER I
At the end of this topic
Pupils should be able to state the uses of a computer
Uses of Computer II
At the end of the lesson pupils should be able to mention additional
uses.
Use of computer III
Pupils should be able to mention more uses of the computer in daily
life.
USES OF A COMPUTER
1. Drawing Objects
Computer can be used to draw shapes and objects of different
shapes and sizes. A good artist can use computer to draw a human
being, houses, cars, trees, logos and other artistic drawings. Mouse
is used for drawing while keyboard is sued for labeling on what you
draw.
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2. Playing Games
There are numerous games in the computer – games like car race,
ludo, dice, mortal combat, Mario, soccer and play station can all be
played in the computer system. Users are to make use of either the
keyboard or mouse to control their players and set games options.
3. Typing of Text
Keyboard is used for typing text into the computer system.
Any letter, be it formal, informal or semi-formal letter can be
typed into the computer system through the keyboard. When
typing, computer sometimes proof read or automatically
corrects wrong spelling and vocabularies.
4. Playing Music
Computer is now a modern tool for some notable musicians.
Users are now using their computers to play music, listen to
music and watch different movies.
5. Watching Educational Movies
Some educational films or documentaries which are meant to
educate, entertain and inform users on some subjects or topic
they are hearing for the first time can be played on the
computer system. Some difficult school subjects like Maths,
English etc. are now stored in the CD ROM to be played in the
computer system.
USES OF COMPUTER II
1. Saving typed works
Computer now allow the users to continue working where they
left off. Typesetted works like letters, memo and curriculum
vitae can all be saved in the computer system after typing.
Saving such work means the user is making the work
permanently stored in the computer system.
2. Opening saved work
A saved work can also be re-opened if the user want to
continue where he or she left off.
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3. Learning
This is similar to watching educational films and
documentaries. There are much to learn through the computer
system. People learn everyday and the quest for learning is
rising everyday. Computer is an instrument of great learning.
4. Sending and Receiving Messages
Computers are now used for sending and receiving
information and messages. Messages send through computer
are always fast, reliable and secured.
USES OF COMPUTER IN DAILY LIFE
i. Calculation
People are now using the computer to perform, solve and
simplify simple calculations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division and square root. There is an inbuilt
calculator in the computer system used for solving
mathematical problems.
ii. Shopping
Buyers can now buy things they like on the computer through
the internet.
iii. Chatting/Online Communication
People from far distance can be talking at the same time. For
example a person in Nigeria can talk to another person in
Brazil without leaving their individual countries. Internet and
Webcam makes this possible.
Test
Mention 6 uses of computer.
COMPUTER IN WORKPLACES
At the end of the topic pupils should be able to:
i. Name some places where computers are used e.g
home, in the school, in hospital etc.
ii. Identify the uses of computers in the school and
home.
iii. Play simple computer games
PLACES WHERE COMPUTERS ARE FOUND
AT HOME FOR CHILDREN TO:
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i. Play Games
Hundred of games from Arcade to Zega are all in the computer
system. Game playing is an entertainment segment in the system.
Some games are also educative and some teaches morals to children.
ii. Keeping Records
Important records and files are always kept for future uses in the
computer system.
iii. Learn
Latest things are always present in computer through the internet.
Latest information and facts can be search for and stored into the
computer system.
iv. Computer can be used for household accounts, filling and as a
diary for appointments and birthday reminders.
v. It can catalogue records, books and photographs.
vi. With electronic mail, letters and messages can be entered into
your computer and then sent instantly to the receiver’s computer.
vii. With computer, it is possible to sit at home and select library
books.
IN THE SCHOOL FOR:
i. Keeping records of both teachers and pupils:
The man function of computer in the school is for keeping the bio-
data, educational data, marks scored by pupils, the schools’ facts
and other vital information concerning the school, the teachers and
pupils.
ii. Making Time-Table
Computer is the fastest tool for making timetable. There are other
numerous gridlines, tables which can be customized and formatted
to suit the taste of the user.
iii. Processing Texts
Computer has the ability to process text into a useful document.
Text typed into the computer can be sort, retrieve, save and open
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iv. Learning
Programs like Britannica and Encarta Junior Series makes learning
easy and comprehensible.
IN SUPERMARKET FOR:
i. Entering the sale of goods into a computer
ii. Stock taking
iii. Controlling Stock levels
iv. Recording stock
v. Providing the prices of good: In the Supermarket
prices of goods are always stored in the
computer system. To know the price of a product,
the only thing the user need is to type the name of
the product into the computer and the price will
come out.
vi. Updating Account: Money are sometime stored in
the computer. Money realized during the day, can
be stored into the system. When expenditure is
deducted from income in the computer, computer
will automatically give out the remaining
balance.
vii. Providing information on the goods in stock –
Major supermarkets in towns and cities today are
using departmental layout, whereby their shops
will be divided into different departments e.g
jewelry department, hardware department, books
department – where various books are sold.
Information on each department and list of
products in each department with information on
each products will be stored into the computer
system.
A point of sale terminal used in Supermarket
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A dedicated keyboard is useful when limited number of items is sold
Gathering data using a hand-held device in a supermarket
IN HOSPITALS
i. Patient admissions and discharge (including which
beds are available)
ii. Appointments of outpatients
iii. A booking system for scarce resources such as
operating theatres
iv. Purchasing and stock control
v. Keeping record of patients
vi. Carrying out diagnosis
An infant Incubator
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IN OFFICE
i. To produce written letter and documents (text
productions).
ii. To copy or duplicate text
iii. To file the written materials, so that it can be retrieved
when required.
iv. To communicate information, both within the office and
to those outside the office.
IN BANKS
i. Computers are used to process cheques
ii. Computers are used to calculate interests
iii. Computers are used to keep customers’
accounts
iv. Providing customer’s statement of accounts.
v. Making it possible for a customer for
withdraw money from his/her bank account
at any location of his/her bank in the country.
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Questions
i. Mention 4 places where computers are found
ii. Mention 4 uses of computers in school.
FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER
1. For processing data
2. For playing games
3. For sending information
4. For listening to music
5. For typing
6. For watching videos
7. For designing
8. For Calculation
9. For organizing and sorting data
10. For drawing and painting
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY PURPOSE
Special Purpose:
They perform specific functions. They are permanently programmed
to do a specific job. E.g traffic light controller, Robots.
Asimo Robot
General Purpose:
These are generally programmed to handle various kinds of
work or for solving day to day transactions or operations e.g
Micro-computer (desktop, Laptop and Palmtop or Notebook).
Test
i. Mention 5 places where computers are used.
ii. List 5 functions of the computer system.
INTRODUCTION TO DATA AND INFORMATION
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Information coded for a computer is called data. Data is an
unprocessed information or raw fact. It is coded or
programmed in form of curved and straight lines called letters.
Information on the other hand is a processed data. Data
transformed or reshape in a readable and understandable
form is called an Information.
Information is often shortened or compressed when coded or
programmed as computer data to occupy small memory
space.
TYPES OF DATA
1. Alphabetic Data : A-Z – Yes , O.K, No
2. Numeric Data : 0-9 – 100,500
3. Alpha-numeric Data – Combination of letters and the
figures e.g A-Z and 0-9 – Number 30
Types of information
Written information
Graphical information
Oral information
1. Written information:
Consist of the typesetted documents. Combinations of
letters which form word, combination of words which form
sentences and the combination of sentences which form
paragraphs. Combination of paragraphs form pages.
2. Graphical Information –
This consist of graphical object or image e.g Postals,
certificates, bill boards, handbills etc. are all often used to
convey and send information from one person to another.
3. Oral Information:
When playing music or watching video cds in your
computers at home, always connects your external
speaker to the back panel (the speaker’s port) where you
connect your speaker at the back of the C.P.U. In case of
Laptop, you don’t need to connect your external speaker
because every laptop computers always come with an in-
built sound. Information conveyed through the sound is
called oral information.
Softcopy
Information displayed through the monitor
Hardcopy
Information printed out through the printer.
Features of computer data
1. Computer can be shared
2. Computer data can be stored and erased
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3. computer data can be stored and edited
4. Computer data can be retrieved
5. Computer data occupies less space.
Features of computer information
i. Information is a processed data
ii. Information must be transformed as data before it
can be processed by computers.
iii. Information processing and data processing both
involve input-process-output and might also involve
storage.
MAIN PARTS OF A COMPUTER
There are 4 main parts of the computer system which
include the followings:
1. CPU or System Unit
2. Monitor VDU
3. Mouse
4. Keyboard
These four parts are the essential parts of a computer system.
A computer having this four parts is called A Complete
Computer System. Because it has CPU (the brain), for
transforming data into a useful information, the keyboard for
typing, the mouse for clicking and dragging of text and object
and lastly monitor for viewing the result on the screen. These
four parts are also called the fixed parts or essential parts of a
computer system. They are also known and referred to as
permanent parts.
Other parts of computer which are not essential like, the
mouse, keyboard, monitor and the system unit are printers,
scanners, digital cameral, joystick, lightpen, OCR (optical
Character Reader), MCR (Magnetic character Reader),
Modem etc.
COMPUTER ACCESSORIES AND PERIPHERALS
Computer Accessories are computer components or parts that
are attached to the system unit.
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They are attached to the C.P.U to haste its fastness and
increase its speed and accuracy. Examples of computer
accessories etc.
Computer peripherals are optionally used with the C.P.U e.g
U.P.S which stands for Uninterrupted Power Supply, Digital
Camera etc. All the devices that are not in the CPU are called
Peripherals.
APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS
- Word processing – For typing and creating
document
- Spreadsheet – For performing calculation
- Graphics – For designing
- Data Processing – For sorting , arranging and
adding data.
- Communication – For sending message though
the Internet and Network.
- Desktop Publishing – typesetting and graphics
Test
1. What is data and information
2. List the type of data that we have
3. ___________ , ___________ , ___________ and
________ are the four main parts of the computer
system.
4. What are Computer Accessories and Computer
Peripherals.
5. Mention 3 applications of computer that you know.
BASIC CONCEPTS OF COMPUTER UNITS
Before any data can be transformed into an information. It
must pass through the following units;
1. Input Unit
2. Processing Unit
3. Output Unit
4. Storage Unit
All computers use the same methods for carrying out the
tasks given to them. The computer takes in Data through input
devices, it manipulates the data according to its instructions, it
outputs the result of its processing and it stores data for later
use. These four processes together are known as the
Computing Cycle.
Input :
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Input is the process of entering data into the computer. The
most common device used for input on Micro-computers is the
keyboard. Computer keyboard include many special keys and
function keys used in performing specialized input tasks as
well as the usual typewriter layout and other input devices
include: a mouse, which manipulates a pointer on the
computer screen for giving commands and entering data; a
scanner, which reads graphic images and pages of text and
sends them to the computer; a modem which receives data
over phone lines and several other devices like joystick for
playing games, light pen , OCR, MCR, Microwriter, Scanner,
keyboard, touch screen, roller balls, digitisers, MICR
(Magnetic Ink Character Recognition), Microphone etc.
A Microwriter
Light Pen
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Roller Ball
Joystick
Touch screen
A Digitizer
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An Optical Character Reader
Bar Code Reader
Hand held numeric key pad
Output:
Getting processed out of the computer is the job of output
devices. The computer can display the data on a monitor
screen of which there are several types:
1. Monochrome or White and Black
2. Color
3. Flat Screen or Panel/LCD (Liquid Crystal Display ) in
the case of both the desktop and the laptop computers.
4. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) In the case of Desktop
Computer.
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You can also send data to a printer or plotter to make a paper
copy, use the modem to send the data over a phone line to
another computer or use any number of specialized output
devices like speaker, digital camera, projector e.t.c.
Processing:
This part transforms data into a useful information. Once the
data is in a computer, it is processed by the processor and its
associated integrated circuit chips. Processors perform all
calculations and manipulations necessary to transform data
into meaningful information. Also with the processor is the
memory, which is used for storing data and programs while
they are being used by the processor.
You have already seen that computers can receive data,
process it and display the results. However, computer can
also store data for future use. The processing is carried out in
the central processing unit (C.P.U) which is the heart and the
brain of any computer.
The C.P.U is made up of:
1. The Control Unit
2. The Memory
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3. The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (A.L.U)
Storage:
This is the process of saving inside and outside the computer
system. The computer system needs stored programs and
data to carry out the processing. Small amounts of data are
stored on Flash Disk, CDROM. These are called Backing
Stores.
Where do you go if you want to keep the data into a
permanent place? That’s what the storage devices are for.
Storage devices hold date permanently in the computer, so
that you can save it and retrieve it later . All computers use
disks to store data magnetically. Each type of disk is used by
its corresponding disk drive to read and write information.
Floppy disks are used for easy, portable storage and built in
Hard Disks are used for more permanent storage of large
amounts of data and programs for fast access.
Test
1. Mention 4 computer units you know
2. List 5 examples of input devices
3. List 4 examples of output devices
4. Differentiate between input and output units
5. CPU is divided into __________, _______ and
_________
COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
Hardware:
These are the physical, touchable and the moveable part of
the computer. You will often hear people refer to ……. A piece
of hardware ….. or say, that’s a good piece of software!
Hardware is a term used to describe the actual equipment.
The computer is hardware. Look at your school computer
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system. The keyboard, mouse, CPU, joystick, UPS, monitor,
printer, scanner and disk drives are all pieces of hardware.
All computers consist of hardware. They include the computer
itself and all other related physical devices.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software are the instructions that tell the computer what tasks
to perform; data, the information the computer works on and
you, the user, who tell the computer what to do, and for whom
the computer does all.
A program is a group of instructions that tells the processing
device what to do.
Software can be a single program or a set of programs that
work together. Because their meanings are very similar. They
are programmed for solving day to day activities e.g Ms Word,
Ms Excel, Ms paints, Notepad, WordPad, Marvis Beacon etc.
Computer Software
BOOTING
Booting is the process of getting your computer ready for a
particular task or operation.
Types of Booting
1. Cold Booting
2. Warm Booting
COLD BOOTING :
Is the process of getting your computer ready by the power on
button
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WARM BOOTING:
It is the process of restarting your computer system. Or by
using Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart your restart your system.
Various types of computer
1. Thermometer – For measuring temperature
2. Barometer – For measuring Pressure
3. Meter – For measuring voltage
4. Speedometer – For measuring the speed of a car
5. Rain Gauge – For measuring amount of rainfall.
Test:
i. Differentiate between computer hardware and
software.
ii. Define Booting
Terminologies/Glossaries
Booting – The process of getting your computer ready for a
particular task
Software – Programs installed in the computer system
Hardware – The physical part of the computer system
Information – It is a processed data
Data – unprocessed information
CPU – stands for Central Processing Unit – It is the heart and
the brain of the computer system.
Output – Result gotten from the computer system
Softcopy – The result display on the monitor.
Hardcopy – Result printed out through the printer
Input – Process of sending data into the computer
Storage – Process of saving inside and outside the computer
system.
Processing – Process of transforming data into a useful
information.
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ACCESSORIES OF COMPUTER
Mouse
Keyboard
Scanner
Joystick
Light pen
Printer
CPU
Monitor
Peripherals of Computer
Plotter
Digital Camera
UPS
HARDWARE
Mouse
Keyboard
Scanner
Joystick
Lightpen
Printer
CPU
Monitor
Plotter
Digital Camera
UPS
SOFTWARE
Ms Word
Corel Draw
Adobe PageMaker
NotePad
WordPad
Ms Paint
OUTPUT
Plotter
Printer
Digital Camera
Webcam
Monitor
Speaker
INPUT
Mouse
Keyboard
Scanner
Joystick
MICR
MCR
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OCR
Light pen
PROCESSING
CPU
STORAGE
Hard Disk
CD ROM
Floppy Disk
Zip Disk
Flash Disk
CD Writer
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