ICT test notes

Computer Hardware
Computer hardware components:
- Storage
- Input
- Processing
- Output

Input unit
Input is any data or instructions entered into the memory of a computer
Any hardware component allows user to enter data and instructions into a computer

Examples:
Keyboard and mouse are the most common input devices which are used.
Keyboard: is used to enter information into the computer and for giving commands
Mouse: is used to control the on-screen pointer by pointing and clicking on the screen.

Output unit
The job of output unit is just the reverse of that of an input unit.
It supplies information and results of computation to the outside world.

Examples:
Monitor and printer are the most common output devices which are used.
Monitor: a display screen is used to provide “output” to the user.
Printer: an output device that produces a hard of the information.

Memory/storage devices
All computers need to store data.
Main memory: Data is stored temporarily while program is running.
Backing storage: To store data for long – term to preserve programs and data while not in
use

Examples:
Primary memory and secondary memory

Memory storage:
- HDD
- SSD
- RAM
- ROM
- CACHE

Primary Memory
Temporary area for holding data
To store the program currently being executed
To hold data produced while the programme is running

Primary memory are two types

1. RAM
2. ROM

RAM – random access memory

Major portion of the primary memory.
Memory that is used by the program in execution.
If the computer gets turned off RAM will lose all the data

Static RAM and dynamic RAM

Static RAM
The memory retains as long as power remains applied
Uses flip flop circuitry
Is faster

Dynamic RAM
Need continues refreshing in order to maintain the data.
It uses transistors and capacitors in circuits.
Slow and consumes more power

ROM – read only memory

Memory which can only read but cannot write on.
Non-volatile
Used to store some firmware programs

PROM – programmable read only memory

EPROM – erasable and programmable read only memory
EEPROM – electrically erasable and programmable read only memory

Secondary memory
Permanent memory of the system.
More storage capacity.
It is the backing store.

Magnetic disk and optical disk

Hard disk
Access to data is far faster then access to data in floppy disks.
Read/write head is positioned close to the disk.
Disk is attached to a spindle.
Spindle is rotated by a motor.
Speed of disk depends on the speed of motor

Processor or CPU
The CU and ALU are jointly known as CPU
Brain of the computer.
Perform data processing operations.
Control the working of the entire system.

Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU)

Control unit
It acts as a central nervous system for the other components of the computer.
It manages and coordinates the entire computer system.
It gets information from the main memory.
It issues signal to control every other unit of the system.

Software
Types of software
1. Operating systems
2. Application software

Operating systems
All devices have an operating system.
Functions performed by the operating systems:
- Managing the hardware resources of the computer
- Providing the user- interface components
- Providing a platform for a software developer to write applications
Most popular are Microsoft windows, apple MAC OS, and Linux
Role operating system
- Error handling
- Program management
- Memory management
- Interaction with the user
- Processor management
- Input and output
- Security
- File management

Types of operating system

Operating system are pieces of software that regulate interactions between software and
hardware
There are lots of different operating systems. The most popular are:
- Windows
- Mac OS
- Linux
- Android

Application software
Application software include programs that do real work end user.
Examples:
Payroll systems, inventory, manage student’s database etc.

Categories of application software

- Business software
- Graphic and multimedia
- Home/personal/education
- Communication

Software utilities
- Security eg virus protection
- Firewalls
- Clean up tools
- Removal of cookies
 - Defragmentation
- Drive formatting

Secondary storage
- Hard disk
- CD
- DVD
- Floppy disk

Hard disk drive (HDD)

Hard disk drive stores data magnetically onto spinning platters

Compact disc (CD)

It is mainly used to store photos, audios and computer software
They are available in 3 types:
- Read only
- Recordable
- Rewritable

Digital video disc (DVD)

The storage capacity of DVD is much greater than CD
Can store up to 17 GB of data
They are available in 3 types:
- Read only
- Recordable
- Rewritable

Floppy disks
Also known as diskette
They are portable magnetic storage device
Can store up to 1.44 MB of data (about 300 pages)

Memory units
- Bit
- Byte
- Nibbles
- Cache memory

Bit
Bit comes from shortening the word “Binary digit”
Binary mean 2,1 or 0 are the only values

Byte
1 byte = 8 bits
Keyboard character is stored as a byte
Example A = 01000001

Nibbles
A nibble is a collection of 4 bits

Cache memory:
Cache memory is a fast memory, faster than RAM. When the CPU needs an instruction or
data during processing, it first looks in the cache. If the information is present in the cache,
it is called a cache hit if not it is called a cache miss.

Types of cache memory:

Cache memory improves the speed of the CPU, but it is expensive. Type of Cache memory is
divided into different levels that are L1, L2, L3.

Emerging technologies
What is emerging technologies?
Emerging technology is a term generally used to describe a new technology

List of some currently available emerged technologies:

- Artificial intelligence
- Virtual reality
- Cloud computing
- Internet of things (IoT)
- Intelligent apps (I-Apps)
- Big data
- Robotic processor automation (RPA)

Artificial intelligence (AL)

It’s the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer system
Examples:
- Accurate prediction of weather
- Increased leisure time
- Safer transport

Virtual reality
Is where computers are used to create an artificial environment that users can interact with
as if it were real
Examples:
- Eye goggles
- Special gloves
- Powerful computer

Augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) is the integration of digital information with the user’s environment
in real time
Examples:
- Retail
- Entertainment and gaming
- Architecture
Direct data enter devices (DDE)
Magnetic strip reader
Are used to read data found on magnetic stripes
Use:
- Bank cards
- Arcade
- Security/hotel rooms
- Gift cards

Advantages Disadvantages
Easily updated Does not work at a distance
Fast data entry Easily lost

Chip and pin readers

Are used POS terminals to make secure payment using a debit or credit card
Use:
Users can make payment by simply inserting their credit card into the chip and reader and
typing their pin

Advantages Disadvantages
Secure method of payment Fraudulent machines can copy card details
Chip is less likely to be damaged The pin could be read by someone
watching or use of mirrors

Contactless cards
Used by customers to pay for products at the POS without the need to enter a PIN number
using RFID technology
Use:
The payment terminal picks up a signal from the chip to process and complete the
transaction when the card is within a few centimetres distance.

Advantages Disadvantages
Don’t have to use PIN Less secure
Quicker transaction Anyone can use card if lost

Radio frequency identification (RFID)

Reads information stored on tags using radio waves
Use:
- Track movement
- Stock control
- Airports: track luggage
- Contactless cards

Advantages Disadvantages
Can read objects from a distance More expensive
Very fast reading Tags could interfere with each other

Magnetic ink character reader (MICR)

Can read characters printed in a special ink
Use:
To process bank cheques

Advantages Disadvantages
Character can be read even if they have More expensive
been written over
Less chance of human error Limited amount of characters can be read

Optical mark reader (OMR)

Can read marks written in pen or pencil
Use:
Use to scan in marks from multiple choice exams, surveys, and lottery tickets

Advantages Disadvantages
Less chance of errors Forms have to be completed correctly
More accurate

Optical character reader (OCR)

Scand text from hardcopies and converts it into an editable form
Use:
- Self – immigration system
- Scanning text from books
 Advantages Disadvantages
Less chance of errors Unable to read handwriting
Faster method of data entry Not accurate

Barcode scanners
Used to scan bar codes which contain information about a product
Use:
Point – of – sale (POS)

Advantages Disadvantages
Stock database can easily be updated Barcode could be unreadable or missing
Far quicker and more accurate Can be an expensive system

Sensors
A device which automatically inputs data into a computer system where the data is
constantly changing and could be measured.
- Temperature: measuring heat in a room
- Light: setting off a burglar alarm
- Humidity: detecting when plants become too dry.
This information id “physical” and “analogue”

Analogue data
- Outside temperature changes all the time but not very gradually and smoothly.
- Computer don’t understand analogue data and therefore it needs to be converted to
digital (e.g., 0 and 1).
- A special device called an Analogue to digital converter (ADC) is used in order to
achieve this.

Uses of sensors
- Sensors are used in monitoring and control applications.
- When monitoring, the data is sent directly to some sort of a computer and is then
processed and used.
Advantages and disadvantages of sensors:
 Advantages Disadvantages
Sensors can respond to information Most sensors are analogue (require
immediately conversion using an ADC)
No need to humans to operate the sensor Faculty sensors can give incorrect results

Computer Networks
What is a network?
- A network is two or more computers connected so that they can exchange data.
- A network allows computers to share files, users to message each other etc.
- Network connections between computers are typically created using cables (wires)
- Connections can be created using radio signals (wireless/wi-fi), telephone line…

Network terminology
- (MAC) media access control
- (IP) internet protocol
- (NIC) network interface card
- Data packet

Advantages Disadvantages
Store data centrally for ease of access and information found on the internet is not
back-up always accurate or reliable
Communicate with other network users Your computer can easily be attacked by a
virus
Allows us to easily share files and data If the network breaks, many tasks become
very difficult

Main strategies for connecting for connecting computer are:

1. Client/Server
2. Peer-to-Peer

Local area network (LAN)

 - Covers a small region of space, typically a single building
- LAN is the smallest network
- Simplest form of LAN is connecting two computers together

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

- Collection of LANs with the same geographical area, for instance a city
- MAN can define as a group of computers and network devices connected within a
large physical area
- MAN, networks allow sharing of regional resources

Wide area network (WAN)

- WAN is the largest network
- WAN generally covers large distances such as countries or continents.
- WAN is group of MANs or LANs or the mixture of both networks.
Personal area network (PAN)
A personal area network (PAN) interconnects technology devices within the range of single
user.
This type of network is designed to enable devices in a small office or home office (SOHO)
environment to communicate and share resources data and applications either wired or
wirelessly.