ICT Chapter 1 (Components of a Computer System)

ICT Chapter 1 (Components of a Computer System)

1. Hardware and Software (Part 1)

   • A hardware is the physical parts of the computer. You can touch it, see it and can be picked up by you. It works with the software to give information to the user
     • Examples of hardware include: The keyboard, A webcam to the RAM and Processor
   • The software are the programs that are being run inside the computer, while it is not needed to power on the computer; it gives the computer useUnlike the hardware, it is not physical hence can't be picked up or touched. There are two types, 'Application' and 'System' Software
     • Examples of system software include: The operating systems such as Windows 10 or Mac OS to Anti-virus softwares
     • Examples of application software include: Word Processors such as Microsoft Word to the graphic editors such as Adobe Photoshop

2. Types of Computers (Part 1)

   • Desktop PC - Usually found in homes, the personal computer is designed for almost any purpose, from gaming to school work and emails to photoshop. It is composed of input and output devices to allow function. It is value for money compared to other technologies whilst it may be difficult to move place to place
   • Laptops - A handheld version of the PC, does most of the tasks that the PC can do with one exception; it is easily portable. While the battery does last long compared with most technologies, it is limited, which makes it inferior to the PC
   • Mainframe Computers - This is not owned by the ordinary person but usually by large companies who require the computing power that these computers provide. It processes huge amounts of data due to it's size, however it's size does hinder the movability of the object
   • Netbooks - Like laptops but much smaller, it can do most a PC or laptop can do albeit with a much slower speed. That however does mean that it consumes much lesser energy than the laptop, giving it a longer battery life.
   • PDA - Otherwise known as the "Personal Digital Assistant", the PDA is almost like a modern mobile phone, it can do most of what a modern phone can. Unlike a mobile phone however, is the stylus pen which can potentially make it difficult to use.
   • Palmtop - Like a laptop that fits in your palm (hence the name), has the power of about a PDA (not very strong)

3. Main Components of a Computer System (Part 2)

   • Computer Components - All the parts of hardware and software that join together to create a functioning computer
     • Internal Hardware - Hardware that fits inside the computer
       • Motherboard - All other components are inserted inside the motherboard, other components use the motherboard to communicate with each component
       • Processor - The brains of the computer, it controls the calculations and the data processed inside the computer
       • Internal memory (RAM and ROM) - RAM (Random Access Memory) stores information currently in use and deleted when shut down or application is closed. ROM (Read Only Memory) permanently stores the instructions inside the computer. Processes such as booting up the computer is impossible without ROM. The information CANNOT be changed.
       • Video / Graphics card - Enables the computer to display images on the monitor
       • Sound Card - Allows the computer to produce sound and allows the input of sound
       • Storage Devices - Permanently store data of programs and information. It can also backup the files
     • Input Devices - Gets raw data to the computer to process, there are two types of input device. Manual and Automatic - Two types, Manual and Automatic. Manual requires a human to operate while the automatic does not
     • Output Devices - Output devices are pieces of hardware that send this usable information out of the computer. Two types - Temporary and permanent, temporary constantly refreshes while the other does not
     • Peripheral Devices - Non-essential things of the system. Peripherals are called non-essential because the system can operate without them.

4. Operating Systems (Part 3)

   • An operating system is a software program that manages computer resources.
   • Operating systems allow components to communicate with each other and enables the computer to run software applications."
   • 3 Types of Operating System interfaces
     • Command Line Interface (CLI) -The main features of a CLI are that keyboards are used to type in a variety of different commands into a command prompt.
     • Graphical User Interface (GUI) - GUI's are visual interfaces instead of typing in commands, the user can use a mouse to point and click objects on the screen.
     • Touchscreen Interface - Just like GUI except that it is touchscreen, just like how you use a modern phone. usually on tablets

5. Recent Developments (Part 4)

   • Two recent Developments: E-Books and Cloud Computing
     • Cloud Computing - Instead of physical storage, it is stored on the internet, the "cloud". Difficult to lose information as it is in the internet and is constantly being backed up
     • E-Books - Digital versions of the previously printed counterparts, it can be read on almost any electronic devices. No longer people have to leave home to buy a book, all they need now is an electronic device and download it online