ICT Summary

 A computer system consists of a Hardware and a Software

 Hardware consists of four key components:
1. Central Processing Unit ( CPU)
2. Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
3. Random Access Memory ( RAM)
4. Read Only Memory (ROM)
 CPU
 It is the part that interprets and executes the
commands of the computer hardware and software.
 It is a part of the Motherboard
 It is made up of numerous ICs on one or more circuit
board
 It is referred to as Microprocessor
 A Microprocessor is a single integrated circuit (chip) at
the heart of most PCs and devices where control and
monitoring is needed
 CPU parts are:
 Control Unit : controls input and output devices
 Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): carries out
calculations and makes logical decisions
 RAM : the immediate access store
 The Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive
(SSD)
 Main internal storage
 Where the applications software, disk operating system
and files are stored
 Advantages:
 Fast data transfer / access time
 Large capacity
 Random Access Memory (RAM)
 Internal chip where data is stored temporarily
when running applications
 Can be written to and read from
 It is a volatile or temporary memory (why or
explain)
Since its contents are lost when power of the
computer is turned off
 Stores data, files or part of operating system
currently in use
 Read only memory (ROM) is memory used to store permanent
information
o Used to contain configuration data for a computer
system.
o Chips cannot be altered, only read from
o It is a non volatile memory ( Data not lost when
computer is turned off )
o It contains a coding known as boot file
 Boot file tells the computer what to do when it first
starts up
 Boot file is referred to as BIOS ( Basic Input
Output System ( continued next page )
BIOS tasks:
 When the computer is turned on, BIOS checks
that all devices are present and functional,
 then it loads the operating system into the RAM
 BIOS stores date and time and system
configuration in a nonvolatile chip called (CMOS
)
 o Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor (CMOS): a nonvolatile chip
in which the BIOS stores the date, time
and system configuration and it is battery
powered
Operating Systems
• Enables users to communicate with computer systems
• enable computer systems to function

 It has general tasks:

1. Controls operation of input, output & backing storage
devices
2. Supervises loading, running & storage of applications
3. Deals with errors in application programs
4. Maintains security of whole computer system
5. Maintains a computer log
6. Allow communication between the user and the system
Types of OS ( User Interfaces) :
1. Command Line Interface (CLI) :e.g DOS
2. Graphical User Interface (GUI) : e.g Windows

Command Line Interface (CLI)

The user types commands to tell the computer what to do
Important notes:
a. The user must know all the commands
b. Must not make typing errors
c. Used by technicians, programmers or analyst
d. Direct communication with the computer and not restricted
to a predetermined options
Advantages:
a. The user is in direct communication with the computer
b. The user is not restricted to predetermined options
c. The user can alter computer configuration settings
d. Uses much less RAM than any other interface type
e. Low resolution, cheap monitors can be used

Disadvantages:
a. The user needs to learn a number of commands
b. All commands should be typed which takes time and error-
prone
c. Each command must be typed correctly
d. It is difficult to edit command once they are entered

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Important notes:
 Allows the user to interact with a computer by using
pictures or icons
 Number of commands are replaced by one icon
 One of the most common technologies used for user
interact is WIMP devices
  WIMP stands for Windows Icons Menu and Pointing device
 WIMP was developed for PCs use .eg. Mouse
 Windows manager controls the interaction between
windows and applications
 Post-WIMP are used in touch screens on mobiles and tablets
 Post – WIMP interaction allows fingers to be in contact with
the screen such as pinching and rotating which can’t be
done by a single pointer device like the mouse
 The user is a person who doesn’t have a great knowledge of
how the computer works
Advantages:
a. The user doesn’t need to learn any commands
b. User-Friendly, icons are used to represent applications
c. A pointing device like the mouse is used to click on the icon
to run an application
Disadvantages:
a. Larger amount of Memory than CLI interface
b. GUI use more processing power than other types of
Interfaces
c. GUI can be slow for experienced programmers to use.
d. The user is limited to the icons
e. It needs an operating system such as windows to operate
which needs more memory
Types of computers:
1) Desktop/Personal Computers (PCs)
• Refers to general purpose computers
• PC refers to IBM compatible computers, distinguishing
them from the Macs
• Made up of separate monitor, keyboard, mouse and
processing unit
• Advantages of Desktops over Laptops
o Spare parts standardized results in low costs
o Tend to have better specifications (faster processor)
o less possibility of being damaged because it is fixed in one
location
o Internet access is more stable ( because it is not moved)
o Power consumption is not critical,
o Large cases allow better dissipation of heat built up

• Disadvantages of Desktops over Laptops

o Not portable since they are made up of separate
components
o Wiring clutters up desk space
o Necessary to copy files as they aren't portable

Laptops :
• Refers to computers where monitor, keyboard, pointing device
and processor together in a single unit which makes them
Extremely portable systems

Key Features•
o Low weight
o Low power consumption and long battery life
o Processor doesn't generate too much heat
• Advantages of laptop computers to desktop computers:
o Portable because monitor, pointing device, keyboard,processor
& backing store units are together in one box
o No trailing wires, everything in one unit
o Full advantage of Wi-Fi
o Can link into any multimedia system

• Disadvantages of laptop compared to laptops:

o Easy to be stolen
o Limited battery life; need to carry charger
o Keyboard and pointing device awkward to use
o Heat dissipation is difficult due to laptop structure
Tablets
o These are small hand-held devices that can perform many
functions that PCs & laptops do.
o New Internet-enabled portable computer
• Often use touch screens technology
• On-screen virtual keyboard replaces physical keyboard
 Equipped with sensors
 Internet access through Wi-Fi
• Often used by graphic designers to digitalize their content with
a stylus pen
• Can be used like a PC and/or a Smartphone
 Anti glare displays
 Front and back facing cameras
 Lower weight and longer battery life than laptops
 Bluetooth connection
 Flash memory and cloud storage facilities
 Some of them are hybrid between tablet and smartphones ,
called phablets
 Phablets have all features of smartphones and some features
of tablets,larger screen size than the phone , larger memories,
quad core processors
Advantages compared to Laptops :
o Very fast to turn on
o Fully portable, so light weight
o Touchscreen can be used which means simple to use
o can use many Apps as standard (e.g built in camera)
o Don’t generate heat
o Battery life is much longer
o When the power button is pressed , it goes into stand by but
remains connected to the internet

Disadvantages compared to laptops:

o Less storage spaces
expensive to run if the internet is accessed frequently
o typing on touch screen can be slow and error-prone
o transferring files has to be done through an Apps store, lack of
drag and drop facility
o Laptops support more file formats

What are the functions of sensors in tablets?

1.Proximity Sensors: to detect if the device is close to the ear for
example
2. Accelerometer:detects movement and orientation (landscape
or portrait screen
3. Sophisticated speech-recognition systems