Hardware:

Hardware is a general term for the physical components that make up a computer system, for
example keyboard, mouse, etc. Hardware can be either external or internal.
Peripheral devices: devices other than the CPU.

Differentiating between Internal memories:

RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is a permanent one.

RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.

RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only be read from.

RAM is used to store data, files, programs, and parts of OS that are currently in use. However,
ROM is used in storing start-up data.
Software:
Software is a general term for the programs that control the computer system. There are two types
of software: application and system.
a) Application Software: Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks. For example:
• Word processor is used to manipulate text documents.
• Spreadsheet is used to organise and manipulate numerical data.
• Database management system is used to organise, manipulate and analyse data.
• Control and measuring software
• Apps (short for Applications) refers to the type of software that runs on mobile phones or
tablets.
• Photo editing software
• Video editing software
• Graphics manipulation software
b) System Software: Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to
communicate with the computer. For example:
• Operating systems
• Utilities help to manage, maintain and control computer resources. Examples:
o antivirus
o anti-spyware
o backup of files
o disk repair
o screensavers
• Device drivers allow hardware devices to communicate with the operating system.
• Compiler translates a program written in high-level language into machine code to be
understood by the computer.
• Linkers are used to put all the modules together to form a final program.
Analogue and Digital Data
Computers can only understand data in the form of binary digits (0,1); this is commonly known as
digital data. However, data in the real world is analogue, not limited to two specific values.
 The figures show how data changes in analogue and digital forms; analogue data forms
smooth curves, whereas digital data changes in discrete steps.
 So, for a computer to process real-world data, it first needs to convert the received data into
digital form. This is done by hardware known as ADC (analogue to digital converter), and
its output is given back in analogue form using DAC (digital to analogue converter).
Input & Output Devices
 Input devices are pieces of hardware that allow users to enter data into computers.
 An output device displays the computer's output in a human-readable format. For example,
words on a printer or moving graphics on a monitor.
Input devices Output devices
An input device is any hardware that enables An output shows the result or solution of
data entry. the input after it has been processed.
An input device can only send data. An output device can only receive data.
Input devices are necessary for a computer to Output devices are needed in order to
receive commands from the user for processing display the outcome of the processing that
to be permitted. took place to the user.
Input devices are complex as they must ensure
Output devices are simpler as they only
proper communication between the computer
need to display the finale.
and the user.
Backing and Secondary Storage
 Required to store significant amounts of data permanently.
 Most commonly in the form of Hard disk drives and Solid-state drives.
Differentiating between internal memory and backing storage:
1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is read-only, and backing storage is
permanent even without power.
2. RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing storage.
3. RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing data than backing storage.
4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal memory.
5. Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage can be fixed or portable.
6. Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU, while backing storage needs to be
moved into the RAM before being read by the CPU.

Operating systems:
Tasks for a typical operating system:
• control the operation of the input, output and backing storage devices
• supervising the loading, running and storage of application programs
• maintaining security of the whole computer system
• maintaining a computer log (which details computer usage)
• allowing communication between the user and the computer system (user interface)
Operating systems offer various types of user interfaces, for example:
Command line interfaces (CLIs):
CLIs require a user to type in instructions in order to choose option, open software, etc.

CLI is used by programmers, analysts and technicians to have direct communication with a
computer to develop new software, locate and remove errors, and so on.

Graphical User Interface (GUIs):

One of the most common GUIs is windows icons menu and pointing device (WIMP). Windows
create a border to the information. Icons represent files. Menus allow users to make choices and a
pointer to select choices.

Touch screen phones use post-WIMP interaction, where fingers are in contact with the screen
allowing actions such as rotating.

GUI is used by the end-user who doesn’t have great knowledge of how a computer works.

Interface Advantages Disadvantages

CLI 1. The user is in direct communication 1. The user has to learn the commands.
with the computer. 2. All commands need to be typed in which
2. The user is not restricted to a number takes time and can be error-prone.
of pre-determined options. 3. Each command must be typed using the
3. It is possible to alter computer correct format.
configuration settings. 4. It is more difficult to edit once commands
are entered.

GUI 1. The user doesn’t need to learn any 1. It uses up more computer memory than
a CLI interface.
commands.
2. It is more user-friendly; icons are 2. The user is limited to the icons
provided on the screen.
used to represent applications.
3. A pointing device is used to click on 3. Needs a more complex operating
an icon to launch the application – this is system to operate.
simpler than typing.

Dialogue-based user interface: use the human voice to give commands to a computer system. no
need for a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. In a home, it is especially useful for
 people with disabilities because many tasks can be carried out by the spoken word only. Possible
to use it as a security feature because voice recognition could be used to identify a person. Still
unreliable, with many commands not being recognized or needing to be repeated several times
(especially if there is background noise). Can be quite complex to setup. User needs to know
which commands can be used.

Gesture-based user interface: relies on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even
feet. Replaces mechanical input devices. No physical contact is required. Very natural interface for
a human operator. No training is needed to interface with the computer. It is possible for
unintentional movement to be picked up. Only works near the camera or sensor (maximum of 1.5
meters). May only accept a limited number of movements (for example, it may take several
attempts to determine exactly what finger movements are recognized).

Types of Computers:
Personal Computers (PCs) / Desktop Computers:
They are general purpose computers made up of separate components. Spare
parts are often cheap because they are standardised.
Advantages of desktop computers compared to laptop computers:
1. Spare parts are cheaper.
2. The desktop tends to have a better specification for a given price.
3. Power consumption is not critical since they plug straight into a wall socket and the larger
casings allow a better dissipation of heat.
4. Being fixed in one location, there is less likelihood of them being damaged.
5. Internet access is more stable since they are not moved around.
Disadvantages of desktop computers compared to laptop computers:
1. They are not portable since they are made of separate components.
2. It is necessary to copy files when you want to do some work elsewhere.
3. Many components, so clutters up the desk space with wiring.
Laptops / Notebook Computers:
The key features in a laptop are:
• low weight (to aid portability)
• low power consumption (and also long battery life)
• a processor that does not generate too much heat (cooling is very
important).
Uses:
 office and business work
 educational use
 general entertainment
 gaming device
Advantages of laptop computers compared to desktop computers:
1. They can be taken anywhere since all the components are all together in one single unit.
2. Because everything is in one single unit, there are no trailing cables.
3. They can take full advantage of Wi-Fi.
4. Since they are portable, they can link into any multimedia system.
Disadvantages of laptop computers compared to desktop computers:
1. Since they are portable, they are easier to steal.
2. They have a limited battery life, so the user may need to carry a heavy adaptor.
3. The keyboards and pointing devices can sometimes be awkward to use.

Tablets
They work in a similar way to a smartphone. They use touch screen technology and do nt have
conventional keyboards. Internet access is usually through Wi-Fi or 3G/4G/5G (mobile phone)
connectivity.
Features of tablets:
• high-definition, anti-glare displays
• front- and back-facing cameras
• lower weight and longer battery life than laptops
• Bluetooth connection to printers and other devices
• flash (solid state) memory and cloud storage facilities to backup and synchronise data
sources
• sensors to carry out the following functions:
o proximity sensors to detect if a device is close to the ear to block unintended touches
o accelerometer, which detects movement and orientation of the device
o can use speech-recognitions systems.
Advantages of tablets compared to laptops:
1. very fast to switch on.
2. fully portable.
3. touch-screen technology means they are simple to use and don’t need any other input device.
4. don’t generate any heat - they use solid state technology.
5. battery life of a tablet is a lot longer.
6. when the power button is pressed it goes into standby but remains connected to the internet, so
the user still hears alerts when emails are received
Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops:
1. They often have limited memory or storage compared to a laptop.
2. They can be expensive to run if the internet is being accessed frequently via 3G/4G mobile phone
networks.
3. Typing on a touch screen can be slow and error-prone compared to a standard keyboard.
4. Transferring of files often has to be done through an ‘Apps store’.
5. Laptops support more types of file format than tablets, and also run more types of software.
Phablet: A hybrid between tablet and smartphone.

Smartphones
These allow regular phone calls to be made and also have an operating system (such as iOS,
Andoid) allowing them to run a number of computer applications call apps or applets. Internet
access is either by using Wi-Fi or 3G/4G (mobile phone) connectivity.
Advantages of smart phones:
1. They are very small in size and light in weight.
2. Can use them to make phone calls as well as connect to the internet while on the move.
3. Because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone networks, they can be used almost anywhere.
4. They have hundreds of Apps – this is similar to tablets but it is an advantage over compared to
laptops.
5. They have a reasonable battery life compared to laptops.
Disadvantages of smart phones:
1. Small screens make pages difficult to read and small keyboards make typing difficult and slow.
2. Web browsing and photography can drain the battery quickly.
3. Memory size in most phones isn’t very large when compared to laptops and PCs – although it is
comparable to tablets.
4. Not all website features are compatible with smartphone operating systems.
5. Because of its small size it is much easier to lose (or for it to be stolen) a smartphone than laptops
or PCs.
6. The data transfer rate using mobile phone networks is slower than with Wi-Fi.
Smartwatches
Whatever is available on a smartphone is available on a smart watch.
Advantages of a smartwatch over a smartphone:
1. notifications are delivered straight to the user’s wrist
2. easy to use for monitoring fitness and health regimes
Disadvantages of a smartwatch over a smartphone:
1. large and bulky which can make them uncomfortable to wear
2. unattractive in design
Emerging Technologies
Impact of emerging technologies:
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks
typically requiring human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving,
perception, language understanding, and decision-making.
AI is designed to perform tasks such as facial recognition, internet searches, or self-driving cars and
analysing data to predict the outcome of future event, for example weather forecasting.
There are many definitions of artificial intelligence (AI). Essentially, AI is a machine or application
which carries out a task that requires some degree of intelligence.
The use of language recognizing a person’s face, the ability to operate machinery, such as a car,
aeroplane, train, and so on, and analyzing data to predict the outcome of a future event, such as
weather forecasting.
Everyday uses:
An autonomous (driverless) vehicle – we already have driverless trains and autopilots on
aeroplanes, but future developments include driverless cars.
Robotic research is leading to improvements in technology to help amputees and people with
disabilities.
Robots are used to help people carry out dangerous or unpleasant tasks – for example, bomb
disposal.
Negative impacts of AI
 Unemployment, robots are capable of doing tedious human tasks with much more efficiency
and excellence than humans.
 Dependency on technology could lead to problems in the future.
 De-skilling: Tasks that used to be considered a talent are now part of general, tedious
processes that are done on a regular basis by machines.
Extended Reality
This refers to combined real and virtual environments. The two most common examples at the
moment are:
Augmented reality (AR)
This is a merger between the virtual and physical (real) world; it lays objects onto pre-existing
objects. e.g., Pokémon GO!
Impact:
 safety and rescue operations’ training,
 shopping and retail (getting a better look at a car before the purchase),
 healthcare (better understanding of a patient’s body)
Virtual reality(VR):
Virtual reality is an artificial environment created by software. The user makes use of data goggles,
sensor suits, data gloves or helmets to get a feeling of reality.
Virtual is used in:
• military applications (e.g. training to use a new tank)
• education (e.g. looking inside an ancient building as part of a history
lesson)
• entertainment (e.g. games where gloves, goggles or helmets are worn to
give realism to the scenario)
• engineering (e.g. seeing how new designs will look)
• media (e.g. special effects in films)
• scientific visualisation (e.g. looking at molecular structures in chemistry).

Continuous Assessment 1
1) There are a number of different types of computers. Write down the type of computer that best
fits the following descriptions.
a A computer that is difficult to move and has a separate monitor and
keyboard.
b A portable computer that includes a physical keyboard.
c A thin portable computer that has a touch screen and a battery in a single unit, not normally used
to make phone calls.
d A mobile phone that can be used as a computer.
2) Tick (✓) whether the following are features of operating systems containing a command line
interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI).
CLI (✓) GUI (✓)
Instructions have to be typed.
Applications are represented by icons.
Options are chosen from a menu.
Many instructions have to be memorised.

3) Computer operating systems have developed since early computers used Command Line
Interfaces (CLI). Many computers now use Graphical User Interfaces (GUI), some of which are
capable of using touch screen technology.
Compare and contrast CLI and GUI.
4) Nine statements about random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) are given
below. By putting a tick (✓) in the appropriate box, indicate whether each statement refers to RAM
or ROM.

\
5) a. Describe what is meant by augmented reality and virtual reality.
b. Describe how augmented reality and virtual reality could affect society in the near future.
Motherboard: The motherboard is a printed circuit board found in all computers. It allows the
processor and other computer hardware to function and communicate with each other. One of the
major functions of a typical motherboard is to act as a kind of 'hub' which other computer devices
connect to.
Central processing unit (CPU)/processor: A central processing unit (CPU) or processor is an
electronic circuit board in a computer that can execute instructions from a computer program. The
two main components are:
• arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) where arithmetic and logical operations are carried out
• control unit (CU) which takes instructions the decodes and executes the instructions.
Graphics card: A graphics card allows the computer to send graphical information to a video
display device such as a monitor, television, or projector. It usually connects to the motherboard.
Sound card A sound card is an integrated circuit board that provides a computer with the ability to
produce sounds. These sounds can be heard by the user either through speakers or headphones.
Internal hard disk drive/ solid-state drive (HDD/SSD): Hard disk drives, or HDDs for short, are
magnetic devices that are widely used to store data, files (text, images, and music), and the majority
of system and application software. More modern computers (and all tablets) use the newer storage
systems which make use of solid-state (SSD) technology and are replacing HDDs in many cases.

Network interface card (NIC): A network interface card (NIC) is a component that allows a
computer or any other device (for example, a printer) to be connected to a network (for example,
the internet); it can be wired or wireless. Each NIC is hard-coded with a unique MAC (media access
control) address code.
Read-only memory (ROM): Read-only memory (ROM) is a memory used to store information
that needs to be permanent. It is often used to contain, for example, configuration data for a
computer system. These chips cannot be altered and can only be read from (hence their name). One
of the main advantages is that the information stored on the ROM chip is not lost even when power
is turned off to the computer. They are often referred to as non-volatile memories.
Random access memory (RAM): Random access memory (RAM) is an internal chip where data is
temporarily stored when running applications. This memory can be written to and read from. Since
its contents are lost when power to the computer is turned off, it is often referred to as a volatile or
temporary memory. RAM stores the data, files or part of the operating system currently in use.