Usage And Importance Of It

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Usage and importance of IT

Information Technology is about computers, communication networks and People SHARING information and knowledge utilizing such computers and Communication networks.

Today, IT is practically utilized in diverse fields such as education, science, Engineering and technology, manufacturing, banking, airline industry, health and medicine,provinsion of public and other services, commerce, administration and management etc.

While technology is playing a larger role in society overall, developing a holistic,UP-to-date System is particularly critical in higher education because it offers new avenues to expIore-academically,socially and recreationally.

IT has created vast job opportunities in other fields such as management, accountancy commerce, banking, publishing and media architecture, health and medicine.

Some Common IT Applications

IT has found its way into more and more aspects of our society such as, supermarkets hospitals, schools, universities, banks and households.

Why Study lT?

Studying it up to an appropriate level will be decisive advantage and will certainly help you to proper in your career.

Data and Information

What is Data?

Data is a collection of un-organized facts,which can include words, numbers, images ,and sounds. computers manipulate and process data to create information .

What is Information?

Information is data that is organized has meaning and is useful examples are reports newsletters a receipt a picture invoice or a check data is processed and manipulated to create a check.

Computers for Data Processing

What is Data Processing?

It is the process of restructuring or reducing raw data to produce meaningful information.

Data process Information

Process of conversion

The acquisition, recording, organization, retrivel, display, and dissemination of information in recent years, the term has often been applied to computer based operations. Data received by a computer via it s inputs devices are stored in memory prior to processing. Processing here is referred to as changing data by processes in the computer. This could either be mathematical operations or logical operations. The results are sent of the computer via its output devices and may be stored in computer storage for future use.

How Is Technology Used in Business?

History

Before the development of modern technology, there was the trade and barter system. Advances led to a skeleton of what we know as business today. People handled every aspect of running a business, even the responsibility of making machines work manually. However, the computer revolution sped up the pace of trade and commerce. The technological advances it created drastically reduced the cost of business operations and increased the efficiencies throughout an organization.

Significance

Technology and business are practically inseparable today. Without technology and computers, the routine business functions that are the backbone of an organization would be severely slowed. It would take an extensive amount of time and a lot of specialization for those basic functions to be performed without technology. The use of technology in business has increased the workload that a business can handle effectively. It has allowed business to be able to operate around the clock and around the world.

Benefits

Business has become so entrenched with technology because of the benefits that technology provides. It decreases the time it takes to perform a task and increases the volume of information that can be processed. Technology also has the ability to take on multiple tasks at once. There is a minimal chance of error when technology is used. The low acquisition costs along with the efficiency and precision of technology make the benefits of using it in business undoubted.

Opportunities

The use of technology in business has created opportunities for more technological advances. Many business functions are able to operate autonomously with the use of technology. This has led to the need for software development companies and business consultants domestically. It has also created an environment receptive to outsourcing to other countries. With technology running certain business functions constantly, with international employees businesses are able to have customer support at all times as well.

Considerations

While there are innumerable benefits of using technology in business, there are some downsides. According to the United Nations University, acclamation to technology has led to increased dependency. In addition, according to the Small Business Bible, the advent of technology has led to a decline in the skill level of the end users. The U.S. Small Business Association's Office of Advocacy has predicted that this atrophy of skill level may cause an eventual reduction of incomes.

Introduction to Computers

What is a computer?

An automatic electronic apparatus for making calculations or controlling operations those are expressible in numerical or logical terms.

Anatomy of a Computer

A system is a set of components that work together to accomplish one or more common goals. A computer system can be viewed as a system of three major components.

Computer Hardware

Computer Software

Computer Liveware (Personnel)

Classification of computers

Computers can be classified into different categories based on the following criteria.

Types of data processed

Functions performed

Processing capabilities

Classification of computers according to the type of data processed

Analog Computers

In analog computers, data is represented as continuously varying and operates essentially by measuring rather counting. As the data is continuously variable, the results obtained are estimated and not exactly repeatable. Voltage, temperature and pressure are assured using devices like voltmeters, thermometers etc.

Digital Computers

In digital computers, data is represented as discrete units of electrical pulsars. The data is measured in quantities represented as either the ON or OFF state. Therefore, the results obtained from a digital computer are measured and precise. The modern day digital clock is a good example. Virtually all of today’s computers are based on digital principles.

Hybrid Computers

Hybrid computer accepts data in analog form and present output also in analog form. The data, however, is processed digitally. Therefore, hybrid computers required analog digital converters for input and digital to analog converters for output.

Classifying computers according to their functions pertained

Special Purpose Computer

Special purpose computers are also known as dedicated computers. They are designed to solve a single type of problem. The functions are uniquely adapted to control situations.

Many computers are special purpose computers designed as computerized traffic control systems and automatic aircraft landing systems. Examples of special designed computers that could need to operate in real time are those involved in process control, missile obtained data and light control.

General Purpose Computer

General Purpose computers are designed to be flexible and versatile. They can be used to solve a verity of problems by changing the program or instructions that govern their operations. The range of problems that can be solved by a General Purpose Computer stretches from the simplest accounting to the most complex simulation and forecasting.

Classification of Computers

Size

Modern computers vary in size from large computers that fill entire rooms to the CPU that is smaller in size than the nail of the little finger.

Computers can thus be classified as Supercomputers, Mainframe Computers, Minicomputers and Microcomputers according to their size.

While large systems have grater processor speed, greater storage capacity, are able to handle large number of powerful input and output devices, the smaller processors are generally cater to single uses. They may be special purpose devices performing a single task example controlling the ignition system in an automobile. Personal computers are ranging from the Desktop model to the laptop, to the Notebook.

Micro-Computers

The microcomputer is the smallest type of computer available. Inside the microcomputer, the arithmetic and control unit is combined on a single chip called a microprocessor.

Microcomputer contains two types of store or memory. Random Access Memory (RAM) where programs and data are held during processing temporarily. Data stored in the RAM is lost when the machine is switched off.

Read Only Memory (ROM) where permanent instructions of data are held. The wrong does not require a continuous supply of power to retain its contents.

Microcomputer site is used as home computers for the family or as personal computers by business executives or by small businesses where volumes of data processing and speed requirements are small.

Mainframes

The earliest computers were called mainframes due to their large size. The term is still used for the large computers today. The capacities of the earlier mainframes and the mainframes of today are numerous to different. Mainframes are very large computers with a very high capacity of main store. Because they can process large amounts of data are very quickly; big companies, banks, government departments as their main computer use them. They can be linked into a network with smaller departmental computers, Microcomputers or with each-other. They act as hosts of larger national and international communication networks, handling hundreds of users. Some examples of mainframes are IBM 4381, ICL 39 series and CDC cyber series.

Supercomputers

Complex and difficult applications like weather forecasting require a large amount of data to be manipulated within a very short time. Large supercomputers are with faster processing using multiple processors and superior technology. Examples of supercomputers are CARY XMP-24 and NEC-500.

Laptop computer

Portable power came of age towards the end of the 1980s. Our some laptop portables now have the same capacity as some of the larger microcomputers. In 1994 Intel’s powerful Pentium processor found its way into portables too. 64 or 128MB (megabytes) of main memory, together with the medium capacity hard disk and a coloured monitor were commonplace by 2000. In addition to this, the laptop portable can have sophisticated communications facilities. It is these portables and a revolution iced their way in which many people use their computers. If you have a computer available whenever you are, then you’re most likely to make use of it.

Palmtop

A computer that is small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand. Palmtops or hand-held personal computers are lightweight, small, battery-powered, general-purpose programmable computers.

Computer Hardware

The word hardwear refers to the tangible things that make up a computer such as display unit, system unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. System unit is the place where the "brain" of the computer exists.

A computer system is a combination of six electronic hardwear, softwear, data and information, procedures or intrusions people and communities.

Generally computer hardwear can be divided into five categories.

Input devices

Processors

Storage devices

Output devices

Communications

Input devices

Input devices are used to input data, processed and programs that include processing instructions to the computer. Common input devices are the keyboard and the mouse. There are other input devices such as pointing devices, scanning devices, writing cards, and optical cards, sensors, digital cameras, trackballs, joystick, touch screens, light pen, barcode readers, optical character reader, microphone, etc.

Processors

The processor in a personal computer (PC) is generally considered as the PC’s "brain". It process instructions and also manipulates data.

Storage or memory devices

The word storage implies the retaining (holding place) of information temporally or permanently. There are two types of storage devices namely: Primary storage devices and Secondary storage devices. There are two types of memory: RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory)

Primary Storage or memory devices: this refers to computer’s internal memory, which is typically made of RAM (Random Access Memory).

Characteristic of RAM

Temporarily stored data

Can store and retrieve data much faster

Volatile (Changing, not stable)

Small memory capacity

Secondary storage (auxiliary or external memory):

This refers to storing and retrieving data external to the main computer.

Characteristic of ROM

Permanently stored data

Storing and retrieving data is slow

Nonvolatile (data is not lost when electrical power is switch off)

Large memory capacity

Secondary storage devices appear on a variety of media such as magnetic tape, magnetic disks, hard drivers, magnetic diskettes or floppy disks, optical disks and flash drivers.

Output devices: (permanent media = hard copy / non –permanent media = soft copy)

The devises allow the computer to output information for the benefit of users.

Ex : monitor/visual display unit (VDU), printers, speakers.

Communication hardware

Communication hardware facilitates the connection between individual computer and group computers

History of computers

To explore the history of the computers we will look at the following topics: Early computational devices, early computers and generation of computers.

Early computational devices

Somewhere around 3000 BC the first mechanical computing device was created and was called the Abacus

In 1642 another mechanical device called the Pascaline was created

In 1800s difference engine and analytical engineers created by Charles Babbage. He is also created with being the "Father of computing"

Early computers

The first computer – ENICAC (Electronic Number Integrator and Computer)

The first commercial computer – UNIVAC

Generations of computers

1st generation computers(1951-1958)

2st generation computers(1959-1963)

3st generation computers(1964-1979)

4st generation computers(1979-present)

5st generation computers(future)

Use of vacuum tubes

Use of transistors and diodes

Use of integrated circuits

Increased storage

Extensive use of storage

Limited storage capacity

Increased storage capacity

More flexibility with in input/output

Increased storage

Extensive use of storage

Slow speed

Faster speed

Smaller size and batter performance

Considerably smaller and faster

Fast & small

Symbolic language programming

Reduction of size

Extensive use of high level programming language

Modular design, versatility and compatibility

Knowledge based expert system

Huge size

High level programming language (COBOL, FORTRAN)

Remote processing and timesharing

Sophisticated programs and language for special application

Decentralized computing

Problem of over heating

Heat generation is reduced

Less expensive

Increased use of microcomputers

Use of artificial intelligence

Microprocessor development

Since the day of first vacuum tube computer, designers have sought better, faster and cheaper computer performance. Microprocessor often called the microprocessor unit or more central processing unit (CPU)

What is chip or integrated circuit (IC)?

The IC or chip is a small. Thin piece of silicon onto which the transistors, resistors, capacitors and diodes are etched according to a given circuit design The transistors act like switches and can turn electricity ON and OFF

Microprocessors: this refers to a single chip that contains the entire central processing unit of a computer. They are used in in many devices such as TVs, telephones, motor cars, traffic lights, etc

Integrated Device Electronic (IDE)

[Integrated Device Electronic (IDE) connectors connect the motherboard, via a ribbon cable to various peripharaL, the most common being hard ware drives and CD ROMs. On most boards there are 2 channel/connectors, each can have 2 devices attached giving a total of four IDE devices

If one device Is atached to a cable, It should be configured as the master.

If two devices are attached to the same cable then one must be the master

divice one the slave. Master and slave are configured the use of

jumpers. Jumpers are small, Insulated sleeves With a contact Inside used to complete a circuit

Serial ATA(SATA)

Is a computer bus technology primarily designed for transsfer of date to end from a hard dissk. It Is the successor to the legacy AT Attachment standard (ATA). Serial ATA is an evolutionary replacement for the Parallel ATA physical storage interface. The Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) is the group responsible for developing, managing, and driving adoption of the Serial ATA specifications. Users of the Serial ATA interface benefit from greater speed, simpler upgradeable storage devices and easier configuration.

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Fiber-Optic Cable

This Lucent fiber-optic cable holds 288 fibers, which was a record-high fiber count in 1996. Cables with more than a thousand fibers have since been developed.

optical fiber

The Central Processing Unit – CPU

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) performs the actual computations inside a computer. The CPU is made up of millions of microscopic transits

This unit performs arithmetic operations (+,-,*,/) and logical operations (=,>,<,<>) and controls the speed of those and instruction or short period of time

CPU

CU

ALU

Memoryy

Memory (Registers):

Registers store very small amounts of data and instruction or short period of time.

Memory capacity

The memory capacity of computer is measured in binary system; each 0 or 1 is called a bit, which is short for binary digit. To representation the special characteristics bits are combined into groups.

Unit

Capacity

1Byte

8Bits

Kilobyte (KB)

1024(210)byte

Megabyte (MB)

1048576(220)bytes

Gigabyte (GB)

1073741824(230)bytes

Terabyte (TB)

1099511627776(240)bytes

Evaluation of microprocessors

The technological advance of microprocessors

Model (Intel)

Model (Motorola)

Year

Speed (MHz) (roughly)

4004

8088

8

8086

68000

4-8

80186

68010

16

80286

68020

1982

20

80386DX

68030

1986

40

80486dx4

68040

1990

66-75

Pentium MMX

Power Pc

1997

166/200

Pentium ii

Power Pc G3/G4

1997

350-450

Pentium iii

2000

1200

Pentium iv

2001

1800-2000

Core

2 Duo, 2 quad, i7

2009

3.20(GHz & 3.33 GHz)

Memory System in a Computer

Primary storage or Main Memory

Maim memory of the computer stores three types of information such as,

Data to be processed by the CPU

Instructions for the CPU as to how to process the data

Operating system programs

There are four main types of primary storage: Resisters RAM, ROM, and Cache memory.

Basic Operations of a Computer

A computer performs basically five major operations.

The input function: accepts data or instructions

The storage function: stores data or instructions

The processing function: process data

The output function: gives results

The control function: controls all operations

Software

What is the Software?

The term of software refers to the set of computer programmes,procedures, and associated documents. To be precise, software means a collection of program,the objective is to enhance the capabilities of the hardware.

Types of software

Computer software is normally classified into two categories;

Application and System Software.

Application Software

Application software also referred to as an application package, is a set of programs designed to carry out operations for a specified purpose.

Ex: Word processing packages, Multimedia packages, Database packages, ect

System Software (Operating System)

This refers to asset of programs designed to control the operation of a computer system. This is also called operating system. Some common OS are< DOS, Windows, OS/2, Unix Linux.

Basic tasks of operating system

Recognizing input from the keyboard.

Sending output to display screen.

Keep track files and directories

Controlling peripheral devices(HD & printers)

To start up & shutdown the computer

To act as an interface between the user & hardware

Copyrighted Software and Open Sources Software: There two types

Copyrighted Software

Open Source Software

Copyrighted Software: The software that belong to a party who have the legal rights. Only those who have al license from the copyrighted party can use change or distribution this software. Ex: Microsoft, Adobe etc.

Open Source Software: the software that does not have a copyright belongs to this category. This software is also called independent software. This software legally allows the use to use, change and distributes it partially or completely.

Ex; UBUNTU, open office

Communication and Computer Network

Introduction to communication

The simple view of communication is the sharing of information or message between two or more entities.

Why do we communicate?

To discuss some subject matter / to inform my abilities to another person / To get an appointment to have a chat with my friend / To transfer a file / To send emails and SMS

Components of a Data Communication System

The basic elements of any communication process are,

The sender

The medium

The receiver

Data communication is the function of transporting data from one computer to another computer. A communication system consists of hardware and software that transmits information from one system to another. These systems can transmit text, data, graphics, voice, document, or full-moon video information.

Communication Model

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Communication protocols

A communication protocol is the set of stranded rules that governs how information is delivered representation.

Modem – (MOdulate and DEModulate)

MODEMModem is the device that converts between analog and digital signals.

Analog signal Digital signal

Introduction to Computer Networks

What is a computer Network?

A system of computer interconnected telephone wires or other means in order to share information. Also called net. Network is mainly classified on the basis of geographical area in two board categories.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network (LAN)

Connecting individual computers within the premises with coaxial cables, optical fibers, or standard telephone lines.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs).

Difference between LAN and WAN

LAN

WAN

Restricted to limited geographical area

Covers great distance and operates nationwide

Physical connection such as wires and cable

Communication links such as telephone lines, and satellites

Less cost

High cost

The speed of data transmission - higher

The speed of data transmission – lower

Few data transmission errors

More data transmission errors

Network Topologies

This refers to the way in which machines of a network are linked together

There are four basic network topologies

Star topology

Ring topology

Tree topology

Bus topology

Application of data communications and computer networks

The internet

A worldwide system of interconnected computer network is called internet. The origins of the Internet can be traced to the creation of ARPANET ( Advanced Research Projects Agency Network ) as a network of computers under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Designs in 1969.

Today, the Internet connects millions of computers around the world in a nonhierarchical manner in the history of communications. The internet s a product of the convergence of media, cornputers telecommunications. It is not merely a technological development but the product of social and political processes,involving, both the academic world and the

government (the Department of Defense).

World Wide Web

A system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents.The documents are formatted in a markup language called HTML (HyperText Markup language)

That supports links to other documents,as well as graphics, audio, and video files. This means that you can jump from the document to another simply clicking on hot spots . Not all Internet servers are part of the world wide web .There are several applications called web browsers that makes it easy to access the World wide web;The most popular netscape navigator and Microsofts Internet Explorer.

The Difference Between the Internet and the world wide web

Many people use the terms Internet and the world wide web) interchangeably, but in fact the two terms are not synonymous. The Internetand the web are seperatedbut related things.

The internet is a massive network of networks, a networking infrastructure. It connects millions of computers together globally, forming a network in which any computer can communicate with any other computer as long as they are both connected to the Internet. Information that travels over the Internet does so via a variety of languages known as protocols.

The World Wide Web, or simply Web, is a way of accessing information over the medium of the Internet. it is an ‘nformation-shanng model that is built on top of the Internet. The Web uses the HTTP protocol, only one of the languages spoken over the Internet, to transmit data. Web services, which use I-fliP to allow applications to Umrnunicate in order to exchange business logic, use the Web to share information. The Web also utilizes browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape, to access Web documents called Web pages that are linked to each other via hyperlinks. Web documents also contain graphics, sounds, text and video.

The Web is Just one of the ways that information can be disseminated over the Internet. The Internet, not the Web, is also used for e-mail, which relies on SMTP, Usenet news groups, instant messaging and FTP. So the Web is just a portion of the Internet, albeit a large portion, but the two terms are not synonymous and should not be confused.

Data Resource Management – 

Data resource management is a managerial activity that applies informationsystems technology and management tools to the task of managing an organization’s data resources. It includesthe database administration function that focuses on developing and maintaining standards and controls for anorganization’s databases. Data administration, however, focuses on the planning and control of data to support business functions and strategic organizational objectives. This includes a data planning effort that focuses ondeveloping an overall data architecture for a firm’s data resources.

Database Management

The database management approach affects the storage and processing of data. The dataneeded by different applications are consolidated and integrated into several common databases, instead of beingstored in many independent data files. Also, the database management approach emphasizes updating andmaintaining common databases, having users’ application programs share the data in the database, and providing areporting and an inquiry/response capability so end users can easily receive reports and quick responses to requestsfor information.

Database Software

Database management systems are software packages that simplify the criterion, use, andmaintenance of databases. They provide software tools so end users, programmers, and database administrators cancreate and modify databases, interrogate a database, generate reports, do application development, and performdatabase maintenance.

Types of Databases

Several types of databases are used by business organizations, including operational,distributed, and external databases. Data warehouses are a central source of data from other databases that have been cleaned, transformed and cataloged for business analysis and decision support applications. That includesdata mining, which attempts to find hidden patterns and trends in the warehouse data. Hypermedia databases onthe World Wide Web and corporate intranets and extranets store hyperlinked multimedia pages at a website. Webserver software can manage such databases for quick access and maintenance of the Web database.

Database Development

The development of databases can be easily accomplished using microcomputer databasemanagement packages for small end user applications. However, the development of large corporate databasesrequires a top-down data planning effort. This may involve developing enterprise and entity relationship models,subject area databases, and data models that reflect the logical data elements and relationships needed to supportthe operation and management of the basic business processes of the organization.

Data Access

Data must be organized in some logical manner on physical storage devices so that they can beefficiently processed. For this reason, data are commonly organized into logical data elements such as characters,fields, records, files, and databases. Database and object-oriented models, are used to organize the relationshipsamong the data records stored in databases. Databases and files can be organized in either a sequential or directmanner and can be accessed and maintained by either sequential access or direct access processing methods

Problem solving and decision-making

We solve problems and make decisions everyday at the home, at work, at play, even at the grocery store! Some problems and decisions are very challenging, and required a lot of thought, emotion, and research. Similarly, in any organization, decisions need to be made. Data and information assist us in making decisions.

Manual and Computer based information systems

File storage devices, manual procedures and papers are the components of a manual information system.

The advantages of manual information system are

The manual information system is flexible

In a manual information system, The judgments and decisions can be taken easily with the help of the guidance of human beings.

The disadvantages of manual information system are

Human beings are unreliable

The human mind is slow in performing

Human are subjected to fatigue and

Computer- based information systems

Computer- based information systems can replace manual information systems.

A computer based information systems involves six interdependent components: hardware (machines), software (instructions o programs), people (programmers, manages, or uses), procedures (rules), data and information.

Types of information systems

There are different types of information systems provide information to people at different levels in the organization.

Organization structure

There are different types of information system available geared towards different user needs. We can broadly some of the basic types of information systems as follow:

Transaction processing system

Management information system

Diction support system

Executive information system

Expert system

Transaction processing systems (TPS):

This refers to capturing and processing data about business transitions. Ex: the Bank, the banking system that maintains information about customers, accounts and financial transactions (such as withdrawals, deposits ect.)

Management information systems (MIS):

This provides managers with information and support for effective diction-making and provides feedback on daily operations. Ex: In the bank, a report consisting of average cash flow per month in branch might assist the manager to plan for future cash requirements at the branch.

Decision support systems (DSS):

This is used t support problem-specific decision-making. For instance, in our bank example, the management decides to expend and open a branch. A DSS may support in finding the bast city or town to open the branch.

Executive information systems (ESS):

This executive support system specifically made for top-level manages and executive to support their strategic diction making process.

Expert Systems:

The focus of an expert system is to capture the knowledge and reasoning of a human export in a particular field and utilize this in decision making in the respective tied.

Information systems development

Developing information system is a complex process there many approaches are proposed for information system development.

Traditional system development lifecycle approach,which is also known as classical life mode, liner sequential mode or water fall model

Prototyping model (original model)

Rapid application model

Effective system development requires a term efficiency system consist of user, manager, systems development specialists and varies support personel systems analyst plays various roles while interacting with the stakeholders (Users,managers and supplier, software programmers and other)

The system life cycle

Similar to humans, plants and animals, information system also have a life cycle. The system life cycle divides the life of an information system into two stages as follows:

System development: developing the information system.

System operation and support: running the system and supporting it until its retirement.

System Development Life Cycle

In SDLC model, the development process is divided into a set of well-defined steps or phases as follows:

System Investigation

System Analysis and Requirements Definition

System Design

Software Development

Testing

Implementation

Maintenance

Problems in System Development

Some of the major issues that need considered in system development include:

Estimating cost and time

Selecting a project term

Capturing user requirements

Using standards

Choosing design approaches

Testing programs

Maintaining systems

Conclusion & Value addition to the report

Information Technology for National Development

National Development

IT or ICT can be used to enhance and improve the quality of service provided to the citizens of the country, cater to the day to day need of the people and uplift the overall quality of life of the people. IT or ICT may be the most effective and efficient tool for social and economic changes. Access to up-to-date and accurate information in a timely manner is the key to success of a society in terms of development.

E-Government

E-government is the use of information technology, in particular via interment, to deliver public services in a much more convenient, people oriented, cost efficient manner. This is not about using IT for technology’s sake. It is about enhancing government services to public in an efficient and effective manner.

24 hours service via interment

Easy to find information

Access to government information is fast

Helping to improve the quality of service

IT for Rural Communities

This topic deals with the empowering of the rural communities with IT. When they are equipped with the facilities such as telephone, fax, photocopy, internet and email, they will be able to make better decisions on selling their product. IT can be use to provided is information to the farmers in time through "Visa Gnana Kendra".

Computer Ethics, Safety, Health Hazed and Laws

Computer Ethics

Ethics is principal of what is right and wrong. Everybody knows it’s wrong to lie, cheat, steal, etc. computer ethics refers to rightfulness or wrongfulness of human behavior .for example if someone steals your laptop, then it would cause a lot of problems for you. This would be very upsetting because you have lost your valuable information. Then you have to start from the beginning over again. Therefore computer ethics is very important for us because it is based on human reasoning. Each lodivdual a free being, so any good or bad action affects our nature or being. We must do an action with aim doing well.

How computer hardware is harmed? By way of computer theft, dust, fire..

How hardware is protected?

There are many ways to protect our valuable things such as air conditioning. Security personnel, keeping under lock, using ID badge, alarms, fireproof doors, smoke detectors, cleaning the computer room.

Software Copyright

Software copyright is very similar to book copyright This means that someone owns the intellectual rights to software and the users have to buy license to use it, the ideas of a person’s program is protected from someone reselling or making copies.

Intellectual Property Rights:

Intellectual property consists of the products of the human mind, tangible or intangible. There are three methods of protecting intellectual property. They are patents as for an invention, trade secrets as for a formula or method of doing business, or copyright. A copyright is a body of law that prohibits copyright of intellectual property without the permission of the copyright holder.

Software and network piracy:

Piracy is theft or unauthorized distribution or use. A type of piracy is to appropriate a computer design or program. Software piracy is the unauthorized copying of copyrighted software. One way is to copy a program from one CD to another. Another is to download a program from a network and make a copy of it. Network piracy is using electronic networks to distribute unauthorized copyrighted materials in digitized form.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the expropriation of another writer’s text, findings, or interpretations and presentation of is as one’s own.

Computer viruses:

Computer viruses are deviant programs that can cause destruction to computers that contract them. They are passed in two ways such as via infected pens, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray CDs and a network.

The features of the computer viruses,

Replicates itself

Destroys the files in the computer

Silent killer

Boot sector virus

File virus

Macro virus

safety measure to protect computer systems

Avoid infected disks, pen drives etc

Avoid downloading infected executable files

Be careful when opening emails with unfamiliar addresses

Use antivirus software

Antivirus software: AVG, Kaspersky, Mccafee, Nortan, Nod 32,Microsoft essentials

Health issues

Eyestrain & headache

Repetitive strain injury

Big brother syndrome

Electromagnetic fields

Back & neck pain

To avoid repetitive stress injury

Keyboard should be at the elbow height

Use a harm chair

Adjust your chair

Keep your feet flat on the chair

Don’t slouch (bend)

Keep your head in a neutral position

To avoid eye strains

Your head should be about 18-30 inches from the monitor

Blink frequently so you eyes don’t get dry

Clean the screen every ones with your screen due to static electricity

Refocus your eyes every ten minutes once by looking away from the computer and briefly focusing on an object at least 20 feet away

Evaluation of computer system

Manny different microcomputers with different features and processing capabilities exist on the market today. If you are going to purchase a compute, you should consider carefully your processing needs. Not only should you define your software and hardware requirements clearly before you purchase a computer system, but you should also get know the company from wich you are buying the computer to make sure it will offer support in the long run.

If you are a first –time buyer of a computer, you should choose your applications software first, after you identify your processing needs one your application software requirements have been determined choose the compatible hardware models and system software.

The following three factors should greatly influence where you purchase a computer :

The company reputation

The warrantee agreement

The price

If the computer store has been in business fo a few years, you can be reasonably confident that it will not go out of business. When deciding where to purchase a computer, consider the following:

Manufactures generally support warranties on computers should through dealers. Should anything happen to the computer in 6-12 months, parts and labour are powered by the manufacture’s warrantee, or agreement between the manufacture and purchaser

When purchasing a computer from a local store, you have a convenient place to take the computer if it needs to be serviced

When you purchased from a local computer company, you have the advantage of establishing personal contacts at the computer store, should you have questions about your system.