GCSE ICT topic 1

GCSE ICT topic 1

1. Two parts to a computer systems

   • Software
     • Supplies the instructions that tell the hardware what to do
     • Two types
       • Applications software
       • Operating system software
   • Hardware
     • Parts of the computer you can touch

2. Main parts to a computer

   • Fan
     • Cools the components down
   • Motherboard
     • Sends messages to all the components
   • RAM
     • Where the computer stores the current tasks
   • Processor
     • Where the computer carries out all of its tasks
   • Hard disk drive
     • Where all of your documents, pictures etc. are stored
   • Power supplies
     • Provides power to the computer and allow it to run

3. Micro processes

   • Used in washing machines, mobiles, central heating etc.
   • Computers put onto a single chip
   • Used to check, regulate and control

4. Types of computer systems

   • Super computer -forecast the weather
   • Desktop computer
   • Laptop computers
   • PDA computer- touch screen
   • Netbook computer

5. Input and Output devices

   • Input
     • Used to get raw data into the computer
       • So it can be processed
     • Keyboard
     • A mouse
   • Output
     • The devices that give the resuts of processing the data by the computer
     • Screen/monitor
     • Printer

6. Hardware

   • Modem
     • Allows computers to connect to the internet
     • Cable- fast connection
   • Broad modem
     • Very fast broadband
   • Router
     • A device that enables a network to be able to be connected to the internet
     • Several computers share the connection
   • Wireless
     • Danger to hacking
     • Frees users to work anywhere in range
   • Network inference card
     • Provids a socket to the network cable
     • It is a circuit board
     • Most computers come with one

7. System software

   • Components
     • Operating system- IOS
     • Drivers- converts commands such as 'print'
     • Utility software- clean up files
   • Functions of a operating system
     • Hides the complexity of hardware from user
     • Provides a user interface
     • Provides interface between applications software and hardware
     • Deals with errors
     • Manages and control devices
     • Maximizes memory use
   • Used to run application software

8. Utility software

   • Drivers
     • For example plugging a printer driver into a computer which will help the computer to the printer and allowing you to view and import photos off a card or SD card
     • Software used to supply instructions to the hardware that tell it how to operate
     • The software is supplied with the hardware
   • Tasks
     • File maintenance
       • File compression
     • Compaction files stored
     • Installing software
       • Uninstalling software
     • Burning files to DVD or CD
   • Types
     • Voice drivers
     • Menu driven