IT Unit One

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Unit 1 basics:

CPU- Central Processing Unit- Controls what happens on the computer. Handles all instructions received from software and hardware

Microprocessor- CPU with no memory (labour) Ex. Washing machine

Input Devices- A hardware device that sends data to a computer Ex. Mouse, keyboard

Output devices- An external device that allows the computer to do additional tasks Ex. printing uses a printer (and external device)

Storage Devices- Hardware capable of holding data. 2 types- Primary Ex. RAM or Secondary Ex. Hard drive. Secondary storage can be a removable, internal or external storage

RAM- Random Access Memory- Computer storage location allowing data to be to be stored and opened from random locations

ROM- Read Only Memory- Built in memory that holds data and is capable of having data read from the chip

BIOS- Basic Input/ Output System- Chip located on all motherboards that contains instructions and setup for how a system should operate

CMOS- Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor- On-board semiconductor chip powered by a CMOS battery inside computers and stores information like system date and time.

Why might students use laptop over a PC?

Students would use laptops because they are portable and are

better for learning, for example if you wanted to help someone learn, you might

go to their house and help them.

Webcam

Inputs

moving images of the person using the computer for video or video messaging.

Keyboard

Inputs

words, numbers, characters and allows you to do functions like Crtl + C.

Mouse

Input device

that controls movement of the cursor.

Monitor

Outputs

video from what is happening on the computer.

Printer

Outputs

documents that have been printed from different programs.

Speakers

Outputs

music or other sounds from the computer.

Type of computer

Description and example

Advantages

Disadvantages

Examples of people who use them

Mainframe

Can run more than one OS at once, companies can run multiple sessions with super fast speed

Occupies a lot of space and produce a lot of heat

Microsoft, Apple and the government etc…

A data processing

system.

Ex. IBM System z9

Desktop or personal

computer

General-purpose computer

Ex. PC

Can store more processing

power than a laptop

Can cause unemployment

(they reduce the need of people) less portable

Average person and

companies

Laptop or notebook

A small, portable computer

Small

Can’t store as much

Students or people who

travel for work

Netbooks

Small, slim laptop

Portable

Less powerful processor

Students or people who

travel for work

Personal Digital Assistants

(PDA)

Personal organiser but also

provides email and internet access

Can use email and internet

Low battery life

Secretary and businessmen

Smartphones

A mobile phone that can

perform many pc functions

Small

Power consuming

Everyone

WIMP- Windows, Icons, Mouse, Pointer

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