PAPER NO. 1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
This paper is intended to equip the candidate with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable him/her to apply computing skills.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A candidate who passes this paper should be able to:
- Select appropriate computer hardware and software
- Apply data processing principles
- Demonstrate competence in basic computer operations
- Select appropriate information systems in an organisation
- Control information systems
CONTENT
Introduction to information communication technology (ICT)
- Components of a computer system
- Classification of computers
- Evolution of computers
- Computer peripherals and interfaces
- Application areas of computer systems
- Impact of ICT in society
- Careers in ICT
Computer hardware
- Input devices
- Processing devices
- Memory
- Storage devices
- Output devices
- Communication devices
- Selection and acquisition of computer hardware
Computer software
- Classification of computer software
- Systems software
- Application software
- User interface
- Selection and acquisition of computer software
Basic data processing
- Introduction to data processing
- Stages in data processing
- Data input, output and control
- File organisation and access
- Data collection methods
- Data capture methods
- Methods of data processing
- Data processing systems
- Data processing modes
- Data hierarchy
- Data security
Introduction to information systems
- Information system concepts
- Components of an information system
- Types of information systems
- Information centres
Information systems in an organisation
- Definition of an organisation
- Organisation levels
- Roles of information systems in an organisation
- Benefits and challenges of information systems
Information system security
- Information system integrity
- Information system threats and controls
Emerging issues and trends