ICT in todays world

ICT in todays world

1. ict systems

   • An ICT system is a set-up consisting of hardware, software, data and the people who use them.
     • ICT and computers are not the same thing. Computers are the hardware that is often part of an ICT system.
   • It commonly includes communications technology, such as the Internet.

2. Types of computers

   • Analogue computers
     • An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the nonstop changeable parts of physical parts such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
   • Digital computers
     • The definition of a digital computer is the most commonly used type of computer and is used to process information with quantities using digits, usually using the binary number system.
   • Personal computers
     • Personal computers include netbooks, laptops, notebook , palmtops, desktop computers, tablet computers, PDAs and computers.
   • Supercomputers and mainframes
     • Supercomputers are the fastest computers that exist in terms of the speed calculation and are used
   • Mainframe computers
     • computers used primarily by corporate and governmental organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics
   • Embedded computers
     • Software that is programmed to carry out a number of dedicated functions.

3. Hardware and software

   • The physical components of a computer system are called the ‘hardware’
     • More components
       • Network interface card
       • Modem
       • CPU
       • Hub
       • Router
   • Hardware is all of the physical components that can be touched, held and seen.
   • Software
     • The instructions that make the system work and which follows are called software.
     • Software is used to ‘program’ the computer system which create a set of instructions, usually stored or saved for later use, that the computer will follow

4. Communication devices

   • Network interface card
     • This device is often just called a network card or NIC; these provide the electronic circuitry for computers to communicate on a network
   • Router
     • These devices connect different networks and can be used to control where the data is sent. They are often found in homes and used for connecting to the internet.
   • Hub
     • This device connects different networks sections

5. ROM and RAM

   • ROM
     • ROM is memory that cannot be changed by a program or user. ROM retains its memory even after the computer is turned off.
   • RAM
     • RAM is a fast temporary type of memory in which programs, applications and data are stored.

6. Operating systems and Utility software

   • Operating system
     • An operating system is a system program that controls and organizes the general operation of the computer.
   • Utility Software
     • Are software programs that add functionality to your computer or help your computer perform better.

7. Application software

   • Application software
     • Applications are programs written to carry out a specific task or set of tasks
   • Types of application software
     • Utility programs
       • Utility programs - examples include virus scanners, disk defragmenters and backup utilities.
     • Generic
       • general purpose software that is not written for any particular type of business. Examples of this include word processors and spreadsheets.
     • Integrated
       • a collection of software that has a common set of commands/icons. Usually they include word processors, spreadsheets and graphics software.

8. CLI and GUI

   • CLI
     • A command-line interface allows the user to interact with the computer by typing in commands.
   • GUI
     • Graphical user interface is sometimes shortened to GUI. The user chooses an option usually by pointing a mouse at an icon representing that option.

9. input , output , storage

   • Input devices - Components to allow users to enter data such as instructions
   • Processor- Component for deciding what the instructions mean and what to do – this is the processing of the instructions or data
   • Output- Components for showing the results of the processing to the user data such as instructions
   • Storage device- a piece of computer equipment on which information can be stored.