ICT Unit 1
1. Types and components of computer systems:
→ Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that you
→ Internal: Motherboard, CPU, ROM, RAM, video card,
can touch both internally and externally.
sound card, Hard disk drive, optical disk drive, network
→ External: Mouse, Keyboard, monitor, printer, scanner,
card, power supply.
microphone, speaker
→ Software is the programming instructions that tell a
→ Application: Word processor, spreadsheet, email,
computer what to do
→ System: Operating systems, utilities, drivers,
games, web browser.
translators (compilers and interpreters), Linkers.
→ Compiler: Translates code from a high-level
→ Interpreter: Translates code written in a high-level
programming language into Binary.
programming language into Binary line-by-line as the
code runs
→ Linker: Collects and combines pieces of code and data
→ Device driver: A program that manages hardware
into a single file.
components attached to a computer and enables them to
→ Operating System: Manages the computer's memory
function with the computer smoothly.
and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware.
→ Utilities: Components that assist the operating system
It also allows you to communicate with the computer.
in optimizing, maintaining, organizing, and managing how
it functions.
→ CPU is the ‘brain’ of the computer that calculates,
searches, sorts, and makes decisions, which can be
measured in GHz; 1 GHz can do 1 billion instructions per
→ Cache is the fastest type of memory and collects its
second.
data from the RAM which is commonly used data and
→ RAM temporarily stores instructions of the computer
then sends it to the CPU to be transferred.
while the CPU processes it and it loses all its data when
→ ROM is a memory that cannot be changed and holds
the computer turns off (Volatile).
the instructions to boot up the computer and it doesn’t
lose its data when the computer turns off (Non-Volatile).
→ Input devices are devices that pass data to the
→ Output devices are devices that take data from the
computer
→ Storage devices are devices on which information can
computer.
→ Backup storage (Secondary storage) doesn’t lose its
be stored.
data when the computer turns off (Non-Volatile) and is
used to store data for a long time
→ An operating system is a system software that
→ The functions are:
manages the general operation of a computer system.
→ User interface
→ Manages the peripherals
→ Security
→ Load and run applications
→ Memory management
→ Multi-tasking
→ File management
→ GUI is a user interface built around graphics (WIMP)
→ CLI requires the user to enter command prompts to
interact with the computer.
→ User doesn’t → Takes up more
Advatages Disadvantages
GUI (Graphical
→ Requires an
user interface) learn any memory
commands
→ Easier to use operating system
CLI (Command → More freedom → Need to learn
→ Can alter
line interface) to interact commands
→ No visual aids
without errors
computer
systems
→ Can come in → Not portable
Advantages Disadvantages
Desktop
any sizes and can and takes up
be upgraded and more deskspace
parts can be and they need
replaced easily seperated
→ It is portable → Difficult to
components
Laptop
and can connect upgrade or repair
wirelessly to the parts and can be
internet and no stolen or lost and
→ Long battery → Limited
loose cables small battery life.
Tablet
life and uses memory and
touchscreen and expensive to use
data can be 3G/4G and typing
backed up can be more
→ Small and easy → Small screen
difficult
Phone
to carry around can be difficult to
and can be used read and small
whilst on the battery life and
move and uses can be stolen and
touchscreen limited memory
→ Emerging technologies are a new technologies, but it
may also refer to the continuing development of an
existing technology.
→ AI is computer systems that can simulate human
→ Impacts on human lives:
intelligence
→ Weather prediction
→ Robut vacuum cleaner
→ Safer trains
→ Burglar alarm
→ Robot surgery
→ VR is an artificial environment that is created with
→ Impacts on human lives:
software
→ Training
→ Education
→ Computer Games
→ Sports
→ Construction
→ AR is an experience that combines reality with
→ Impacts on human lives:
computer content
→ Entertainment
→
→
Enhanced training
→
Retail
→
Military
Logistics
