Page 4 - CLOUDCOM SERIES: ICT HAND-OUT FOR J.H.S 1

 Mainframe computers: is powerful than minicomputers. The mainframe computer is used
principally by large organizations such as Airlines, Hospitals, Manufacturing Companies and
computer service organizations.

 Supercomputers: they process complex scientific applications and are used in meteorological
analysis, aircraft design and complex structural engineering. They are expensive, powerful,
largest and faster as compared to the other types of computers.

DATA: are unprocessed facts, numbers, letters or symbols that are given to computer to process into
something meaningful.

INFORMATION: is a data which has been processed, classified, organized or interpreted within a
framework or context so that meaning emerges.

THE INFORMATION PROCESSING CYCLE

Information processing cycle is the systematic process whereby data is converted into meaningful
information.

All computers perform 5 basic operations that is: Input, processing, output, storage and communication
(IPOSC cycle)
input →processing → output → storage →communication or distribution.

Note: information processing cycle can be completed without communication or distribution stage.

Data stage, this is the first stage of the information processing cycle. At this stage raw or human readable
data is entering raw data into computer for processing. The devices used at this stage are: keyboard,
joystick, mouse, scanner, digital camera, web camera etc.

Processing stage: at this stage, data that are inputted into the computer are organized, manipulated and
structured to become information. Here the computer recognizes the machine readable data in the binary
format. The device that process the data at this stage is system unit (central processing unit)

The central processing unit C.P.U is the brain and heart of the computer. It performs all the calculations
and manipulations of the computer. The C.P.U is located inside the system unit. Examples of processors
are; Pentium, Core Duo, and centurion.

Output stage; at this stage the computer brings outcome of the data processed by the computer system.
The output device translates the binary digit into meaningful and processed fact on the computer which
can be read and understood by human beings. Devices used are; monitor printer and speaker.