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system. Software tells the computer computer. Neema is the technician
what to do. Some software are designed in charge of the computer lab.
to control the computer itself, for Describe their roles in terms of
example by managing its resources. computer systems. Computer Science
Other software are meant for the end user
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
to perform their day-to-day activities,
such as creating documents, searching Computer generations
for information, or editing music. The
details of computer software will be Computer generation refers to the
covered in Chapter Four. ongoing evolution and development of
computers and computing technology
Data: These are the raw facts entered over several generations. Each
in to a computer system that is used generation represents a significant
to make decisions, solve problems, or leap in terms of hardware, software,
and overall computing abilities. These
gain insights. For example, the name of advancements have shaped the way we
a student, subjects, and corresponding live, work, and interact with technology.
marks is a single point of data. It might
not have any meaning by itself. However, The different computer generations are:
when computed into total and average, (a) First Generation:
that data gives information such as the (i) These are computers that were
student's progress. That information can developed between the 1940s –
be used to make some conclusions or 1950s.
develop insights about the student.
(ii) They were characterised by
vacuum tubes as the primary
Users: Refer to individuals who interact
with and utilise the computer and its electronic components.
resources to perform various tasks and (iii) Computers were large,
achieve specific objectives. expensive, and consumed a lot
of power.
Exercise 2.1 (iv) Examples include the ENIAC
and UNIVAC computers.
1. What if computers did not exist in
today’s world? (v) They had limited computational
2. Baraka is a student at Kantalamba capabilities and were used
primarily for scientific and
Secondary School. While in the military applications.
school’s computer laboratory,
he enjoys playing games on his (vi) They were using machine-level
language programming.
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Student’s Book Form One
