Computer and its
Applications in Pharmacy
SHAH RAIZ ZEB
Contents
What is a Computer
Data vs Information
Basic Components of a Computer
Types of Computers
Computer Applications and Features
Process and Program
Hardware vs Software
ICT and Communication types
Data Processing
Information Process Cycle
What is a Computer?
◦Computer is an electronic device.
◦Can store large amounts of data.
◦Can perform operations on data.
◦Performing given function on the data & displays the result as output.
◦Process data whenever needed.
◦Mostly known as ‘to compute’.
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data (input), processes it using
instructions (processing), stores it (storage), and produces meaningful results
(output).
Data vs Information
Data: Raw facts and figures with no meaning on their own.
Example: 98, 75, 65
Information: Processed data that has meaning and is useful.
Example: These numbers represent the scores of a student in three subjects.
Data becomes information when it is organized and understood.
Going Forward
Data: Raw facts and figures with no meaning on their own.
Example: 120/80, 98.6, 72
Information: Processed data that has meaning and is useful.
Example: These numbers represent the blood pressure (120/80), temperature (98.6°F), and
heart rate (72 bpm) of a patient.
Knowledge: Understanding gained from interpreting information, which helps in
decision-making.
Example: The patient's vital signs are within normal range, indicating good health.
Basic Components of a Computer
Component Description Examples
CPU (Central
Processing Unit)
The "brain" of the computer; processes
instructions.
Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen
Memory (RAM)
Temporary storage used for running
programs.
4GB RAM, 8GB DDR4
Storage
Stores data and software permanently or
long-term.
Hard Drive (HDD), SSD, USB
Input Devices
Allow users to enter data into the
computer.
Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner
Output Devices
Show results or outputs from the
computer.
Monitor, Printer, Speakers
Types of Computers (By Mechanism)
Analog Computers: Process continuous data, often in the form of physical quantities.
Digital Computers: Process discrete data in binary form with high precision and accuracy.
Hybrid Computers: Combine both analog and digital components to process data.
Types of Computers (By
Size/Purpose)
Microcontrollers: Used in gadgets like appliances, toys, or vehicles.
Microcomputers: Personal use like browsing, gaming, or office work.
Minicomputers: Used in medium-sized companies for database management or factory
control.
Mainframe Computers: Used by large organizations to manage complex data and
thousands of users.
Supercomputers: Used for scientific research, simulations, and modeling.
Computer Applications
Process and Program
Process: A program that is actively running on a computer.
◦Processing involves operations like
◦Calculations
◦Logical decision making
◦Outputting data
◦Communicating with others computer etc.
Program: Set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
When you run a program, it becomes a process.
An Example
Think of a hospital as the computer, and a doctor seeing a patient as a process.
◦The patient’s file (medical history, test results, prescriptions) is like the program.
◦When the doctor starts examining the patient using that file, it becomes a process — real work is
happening.
◦Each doctor handles one patient at a time, using their own tools and notes (like a process using its
own memory and resources).
◦Several doctors (processes) can work at the same time in different rooms, without interfering with
each other.
So, a process is like one active doctor-patient session happening in the hospital (computer).
Hardware vs Software
Hardware is what you can touch (like a laptop or printer).
Software is what tells hardware what to do (like apps and games).
Feature Hardware Software
Definition The physical parts of a computer
The programs and instructions that run
the computer
Nature Tangible (can be touched) Intangible (cannot be touched)
Examples Keyboard, Monitor, CPU, Mouse
Windows OS, MS Word, Chrome,
Antivirus
Function Performs physical tasks Tells hardware what to do
Failure Can wear out or break Can get corrupted or have bugs
Development
Made in factories using electronic
components
Created by programmers using coding
languages
ICT
Information and Communication Technologies Broad set of tools, systems, and services used
to create, store, transmit, and manage information electronically.
Information Technologies (IT): Hardware and software that handle data processing and
storage (e.g., computers, databases, applications).
Communication Technologies: Systems that transmit and exchange data between people
and devices (e.g., the Internet, mobile networks, email, video conferencing).
ICT Advantages
Together, ICT enables us to:
◦Access information (web browsers, search engines)
◦Share information quickly (email, social media, messaging apps)
◦Collaborate remotely (cloud platforms, video calls)
◦Automate and streamline services (online banking, e‑government portals)
ICT in Real World
Telemedicine & Remote Diagnostics:
Wearable health monitors send patient data to doctors; AI tools analyze images (like X‑rays)
to assist in diagnosis without needing in‑person visits.
Smart Cities:
Sensors and cameras feed data into central systems to manage traffic lights, street lighting,
waste collection routes, and public safety in real time.
Internet of Things (IoT):
Connected devices—like smart thermostats, wearables, and home security systems—collect
and share data over the internet to automate everyday tasks.
Precision Agriculture:
Drones and soil‑moisture sensors transmit data to farmers’ dashboards, enabling targeted
watering, fertilization, and pest control to boost yields.
ICT Applications
E‑Learning & Education
◦Virtual classrooms (e.g. Moodle, Google Classroom)
◦Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) like Coursera, edX
E‑Health & Telemedicine
◦Remote patient monitoring (wearables + cloud dashboards)
◦Video consultations (e.g. Zoom Health, Teladoc)
◦Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems
E‑Commerce & Digital Payments
◦Online retail platforms (e.g. Amazon, Alibaba)
◦Mobile payment apps (e.g. PayPal, Easypaisa)
Scope of Internet as a ICT
Education
Research
Communication
Entertainment
Exploring the world
Finance
Shopping
And many more ….
Synchronous Communication
Communication that happens in real-time, where all parties are present and respond
immediately.
Key Features:
◦Instant interaction
◦Requires participants to be available at the same time
◦Suitable for urgent or dynamic discussions
Examples:
◦Phone calls
◦Video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet)
◦Live chat support
◦Instant messaging (when expecting real-time replies)
Asynchronous Communication
Communication that does not occur in real-time; participants respond at their convenience.
Key Features:
◦Time flexibility
◦No need for all parties to be online simultaneously
◦Suitable for thoughtful or documented discussions
Examples:
◦Emails
◦Discussion forums
◦Project management tools (Trello, Asana comments)
◦Recorded video messages
Data Processing
Data processing is the series of actions or steps that turn raw data into meaningful
information.
Input
Gather raw data.
Preparation
Clean and organize the data.
Processing
Analyze or transform the data.
Output & Storage
Present results and save both raw and processed data.
Example
Input
Take a patient’s temperature in °F.
Preparation
Ensure the thermometer reading is in °F and within a realistic range.
Processing
Compare the temperature to the normal range (97.5–98.9 °F; average ≈ 98.6 °F).
Output & Storage
If > 98.9 °F, flag as “fever.”
Record the temperature, note “fever” if flagged, and save in the patient’s chart.
Information Process Cycle
Computer process data (input) into information (output).A Computer often holds data,
information, and instruction in storage for future use.
The series of input, process, output and storage activities as the information process cycle.
INPUT
OUTPUT
CPU
STORAGE
MEDIUM
DATA INFORMATION
INSTRUCTION