Tutor: Ms.

Sheikha Hanna
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Hardware vs. Software

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Hardware vs Software

• Hardware is the physical parts

of the computer system – the
parts that you
can touch and see.
• Software is a collection of
instructions that can be ‘run’
on a computer. These
instructions tell the computer
what to do.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

 Hardware Software

External Internal Applications System

Input Devices Motherboard Word Compiler

Output Devices RAM Excel Interpreter
Storage Devices ROM Powerpoint
Video Cards Apps
Sound Cards
HDD/SSD
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
The Difference Between Hardware and
Software
• Computer hardware is the physical components that make up the
computer system. Hardware is useless without software to run on it.
Software is instructions that tell computer hardware what to do.
Software is useless unless there is hardware to run it on.
For a computer system to be useful it has to consist of both
hardware and software.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

 Word Processing Software Spreadsheet Database

Graphics Manipulation Application Software Video Editing Software

Application software are designed

to allow users to complete
specific tasks.

Control and Measuring

Apps Photo Editing Software
Software

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

 Linkers

Compiler Device Driver

System Software

System software are normally

involved in the running of the
computer

Operating System Utilities

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Main Computer
Components
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer. It is the
device that carries out software instructions.
• The Pentium processor made by Intel is an
example of a CPU.
• CPUs usually plug into a large socket on the main
circuit board (the motherboard) of a computer. They
get very hot when they are operating so usually
have a large fan attached to their top to keep them
cool.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Main Memory
• Any data or instructions that are to
be processed by the CPU must be
placed into main memory (sometimes
known as primary storage).

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

 • Random Access Memory (RAM) is the part of the computer
that temporarily stores the instructions that the computer
is running, and the data it is processing.
Random Access RAM is a volatile storage device. This means that if the
computer’s power is turned off the contents of RAM
Memory (RAM) disappear and are lost.

RAM, like the CPU, also plugs in to sockets on the

motherboard.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Read-Only
Memory (ROM)
• Read-Only Memory (ROM) is used in most
computers to hold a small, special piece of
software: the 'boot up' program.
• BIOS (basic input/output system) is the
program a computer's microprocessor uses
to start the computer system after it is
powered on.
• This software runs when the computer is
switched on or 'boots up'. The software
checks the computer’s hardware and then
loads the operating system.
• ROM is non-volatile storage. This means
that the data it contains is never lost, even
if the power is switched off.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Peripheral
Devices
• Technically, a computer need
only be made up of a CPU and
some RAM. But a computer
like this would not be much use
to anybody – other devices
need to be connected to allow
data to be passed in and out of
the computer.

The general name for these

extra devices is ‘peripheral
devices’. They are usually
categorised
into input devices, output devi
ces and storage devices.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Secondary/Backing
Storage

• Backing storage (sometimes

known as secondary
storage) is the name for all
other data storage devices
in a computer: hard-drive,
etc. Backing storage is
usually non-volatile, so it is
generally used to store data
for a long time. Backing
storage devices are slower
to access, but can hold data
permanently...

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Operating Systems
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
 Operating Systems

• An operating system is a special piece

of software that manages the general operation of a
computer system:
• It provides a user interface so that we can interact with the
computer
• It manages applications that are running on the computer,
starting them when the user requests, and stopping them
when they are no longer needed
• It manages files, helping us save our work, organise our
files, find files that we have saved and load files
• It manages the computers memory, deciding what should
be loaded into memory and what should be removed
• It looks after computer security, preventing unauthorised
access to the system
• It manages the computer’s input and output hardware
such as printers, etc

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Without an operating system, a computer is of little use.

But, just having an operating system running alone on a computer is

also not very useful - we need to have application software (such
as Word, Excel, etc.) so that we can actually do useful tasks with the
computer.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Without an operating system, a computer is of little use.

But, just having an operating system running alone on a computer is

also not very useful - we need to have application software (such
as Word, Excel, etc.) so that we can actually do useful tasks with the
computer.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Without an operating system, a computer is of little use.

But, just having an operating system running alone on a computer is

also not very useful - we need to have application software (such
as Word, Excel, etc.) so that we can actually do useful tasks with the
computer.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

User
Interfaces

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

• The system that people use to interact with a computer (to give it commands, to see the results
User Interfaces of those commands, etc.) is known as the user interface.

• There are two that you need to be aware of:

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
2. Command-Line Interface (CLI)
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
GUI
• A GUI is an interface built around
visual (graphical) things:
Windows are regions of the
screen used to display information
• Icons are small pictures that are
used to represent folders,
software, etc.
• Menus are lists of options the
user can select from
• A pointer is an arrow that can be
moved around the screen and is
used to select things
• Windows XP is an example of an
operating system with a GUI.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

 CLI
• Many years ago when computers were not
very powerful they could not display the
colourful graphics required for a GUI. The only
interface available to most computer uses was
the ‘command line’.
• The user would see nothing but a black screen.
They would have to type a command to make
anything happen.
• The user would have to learn a whole set of
strange commands so that they could make use
of the computer system. Plus it was not very
interesting look at – no visual clues to tell you
what to do next.
• This meant computers used to be quite difficult
to use, so this type of interface is only really
suitable for expert users.
• Command-line interfaces are still used today on
many servers.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Types of
Computers
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

PC/Desktop Computers
• Computers used to be huge and would sometime take
up the whole space of a room.
• In the 1980s (desktop/personal) computers were
created and were small enough to fit on desks.
• These computers were cheap and affordable for the
public.
• Desktop Computer normally have a separate monitor,
keyboard, mouse, speakers etc.
Laptop
Computers
• A 'laptop' computer is
a light, compact and portable PC.

Laptops contain a rechargeable battery so

that they can be used even when not
plugged in to a mains power supply. They
also have a built-in LCD monitor.

To make them as portable as possible, most

laptops try to avoid any sort of cable or wire.
Instead of a mouse, a trackpad is used.
Instead of a wired connection to a network or
printer, 'wireless' radio connections are
used.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tablets
• Tablets are very similar to smart
phones.
• They have an internet connection via a
wireless connection including 3G/4G.
• Tablets make use of touch screen
technology to select options on a
menu or to select particular icons.
• Applications can be downloaded and
installed.
• Sensors including speech recognition

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Smartphones
• Smart phones can use traditional methods to make
phones calls and send messages using mobile network.
• Smart phones have operating systems which allows
them to run multiple applications.
• Like the Tablets Computers Smart Phones have many
features including:
1. • Touch Technology
2. • Internet connection (Wireless/3G/4G)
3. • Sensors
4. • Cameras

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

 A mobile device with a touchscreen display, designed to be worn on the
wrist.
Smartwatches The main benefit of a smartwatch is that it keeps you constantly
updated without you having to whip out your smartphone

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Mainframe
Computers
• A mainframe computer is a large
computer, often used by large
businesses, in government offices, or
by universities.
• Mainframe computers are typically:
1. Powerful - they can process vast
amounts of data, very quickly
2. Large - they are often kept in
special, air-conditioned rooms
3. Multi-user - they allow several
users (sometimes hundreds) to
use the computer at the same
time, connected via remote
terminals (screens and keyboards)

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Artificial Intelligence
• Artificial intelligence (AI) is computer systems that can simulate
human intelligence (able to make decisions typically made by a
human).
• The PR2 robot is being programmed to complete a number of
specific tasks just like a human.
• Deep Blue was a chess-playing computer developed by IBM. It is
known for being the first piece of artificial intelligence to win both
a chess game against a reigning world champion.
• Self-parking cars currently on the market are not completely
independent, but they do make parallel parking much easier.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Vision
Enhancement
• Vision Enhancement uses video technology
which is projected to the user though the
lens. The system can bring distant objects
closer and into focus.
• The vision enhancement system amplifies
infrared light so that an image can be
clearly seen even in darkness.
• Militaries across the world use this
technology to complete missions and carry
out surveillance at night.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Robotics

• Robotics are used commonly in the manufacturing industry

typically completing labour intensive jobs.
• Robots can be programmed to complete specific tasks or used
manually.
• No human intervention is required once the robot has been
programmed.
• Robots can complete tasks with more precision including
robotic surgery.
• Robots can work in extreme conditions or environments.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Quantum
Cryptography
• Quantum Cryptography is
a technology will allows
for securing
communications whilst
online. Commonly use in
online shopping and
banking website to secure
data.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

 • Google Translate is an example of computer
Computer-assisted assisted translation. The human user can
either type or speak into a microphone. The
Translation information will then be translated in to the
selected language.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

3D and holographic
imaging
• 3D and holographic imaging is a technology that
allows 3D images to be produced. A holographic
image moves in the same way as the original image
in three dimensions (3D)

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Virtual Reality

• Virtual reality is an artificial

environment that is created with
software. The user will normally
wear a head mounted display
which will simulates their
physical presence in places in
the real world or imagined
worlds.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Past Paper
Questions
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna
There are a number of different types of computer.
1) 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.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

There are a number of different types of computer.
1) 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.
PC/desktop

(b) A portable computer that includes a physical keyboard.

Laptop

(c) A thin portable computer that has a touch screen and a battery in a single unit, not normally used to make
phone calls.
Tablet

(d) A mobile phone that can be used as a computer.

Smartphone

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Discuss why different user interfaces require the use of different types
of input devices.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Discuss why different user interfaces require the use of different types
of input devices.
With a GUI you just click on an icon
With a GUI icons represent applications
Separate windows are used for different pieces of work/software
With a GUI menus are offered to help choose an action
Moving a mouse enables users to manoeuvre a pointer around a screen
A mouse can be used to drag windows/icons around a screen
People with physical disabilities can use a trackerball to manoeuvre the pointer around a
screen
Pointing devices are easier to control a pointer/menu selection/icon clicking
Joysticks can be used to mimic the behaviour of a mouse
Buttons on the mouse enable users to select icons
Buttons on a mouse enable users to see menus on a screen
Touchscreen can be used to directly select options from a screen

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tick the type of computer which would be most appropriate for each
use of ICT.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tick the type of computer which would be most appropriate for each
use of ICT.

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna

Tutor: Ms. Sheikha Hanna