Chapter 1 ICT CIE Types of components and computer systems

1.1 Hardware and software

Hardware
1. Motherboard is printed circuit board that connects with all
computer’s components.
2. Graphics card is internal circuit board that allows graphical
data to a visual data display.
3. Sound card is a Integrated circuit board that has the ability
to produce the sounds.
4. RAM is volatile memory, temporary memory but when the
computer turns off, it is lost.
5. ROM is non-volatile memory/permanent memory but the
data won’t lost even the computer turns off.
6. CPU(central processing unit or microprocessor) allows
executing the information/instruction from the program.
7. NIC(Network interface card)allows a device to connect a
network.
8. Internal storage=HDD/SDD(hard disk drive and solid state
drive)
External
Plotter ,Camera ,printer ,monitor ,mouse.
Hardware
It is a physical components that make up any typical computer
system. This component can be internal or external.
Software
It is a general term used for programs that control the
computer system and process data.
Two types of software (applications and system software)
Applications software provides the services that the user
requires to solve a particular task.
Examples of applications software=word processor, data base,
spread sheet, control measurement, audio/video editor,
graphics editor, CAD(computer aided design) and apps and
applets.
1. Apps/applets=applets can only do a single task but
applications can perform complex tasks.
2. Word processor=allows manipulate the text document by
spell checking, page formatting and creating text.
3. Spreadsheet=organizes and manipulate the numerical data
arranged in rows and columns. Also do graphs, modeling
and carries out (what if)calculations.
4. Data base management do organizing, manipulating and
analyse data to find associated data
5. Control measurement do monitoring or control a process
by taking and analysing data from sensors.
6. Audio/video editor=allows user to edit, manipulate and
generate sound/video files stored on computer.
7. Graphics editor=allows bitmap and vector images to be
changed.
 8. Computer aided design do modify, create and manipulate
drawings and design.
System software
 Compiler do change the high level language into machine
code that computer can understand.
 Linkers do takes a lot of files and combine them into single
program.
 Device drivers enables one or more devices to connect a
computer. It is usually connects via a USB port.
 Operating system runs in the background that manages all
basic functions like input output operations.
 Utilities do a special task to maintain and control the
computer’s resources like antivirus and security.
Analog data=physical data
Digital data=data that can computer only understand.
1.2 Main components of computer system
Main components of CPU is ALU and control unit.
ROM also contain the boot file. It tells u what to do when it first
start up.
BIOS is also one of the system’s procedure. BIOS stores the
computer system on the CMOS.
Input means to allow data into computer either manually or
automatically. Manual(keyboard) automatic(QR code)
Output means to allow the results of a computer’s processing
and to be shown in the human readable form.
Backing storage is HDD and SSD. It can store permanently and
also can change, add or remove by the user.
It can also be blu ray disk or hard disk and also it can be
external or internal.
Slower than data access than ROM and RAM but literally larger.
Also cheaper than internal storages.
1.3 Operating system
OS is a type of software that enables a computer system to
function and allow the user to communicate with the computer
by
 The user can communicate with the computer
 Dealings with errors
 Controlling input/output devices and backing storage
devices.(involves control of data flow.)
 Supervising the loading, running and storage of apps
 Maintaining security/a computer log
User interfaces
Four types
CLI(command line interface)used only programmers and
for people who knows how to use. Direct communication
 with the computer.(need to command with correct
spelling)Slow,error-prone but need training.
GUI(graphical user interface)everyone don’t need training
to use. Easy to use but no direct communication with the
computer.(Click icons and choose which one you open)
Dialogue based interface(use human voice to command
what you need and want but you need to have
understandable and good pronunciation, then this
interface will understand.)
Gesture based interface(use your body to access controls.
Uses computer vision and image processing software ,but
drawback is need to do movement about 1.5 metres far
away from the device. Need to do accurate movement.)
GUI also called as the windows icons menu and pointing
device(WIMP).
1.4 types of computers
 Smartphones=most of us have and now it is very used
widely all around the world. Comfortable and easy to carry
around with you. Can connect to data and wifis. Long last
battery life than desktops and laptops. Drawbacks are very
difficult to type in keyboard in tiny touchscreen and
consume more power when you enter websites. The data
transfer rates take longer than other devices.
 Tablets or phablets=have bigger screen than mobile
phones. Battery life is more longer than smart phones.
 Drawbacks are more expensive to run and limited memory
or storage than laptops.
 Sometimes it can be slow and error-prone when using
touch screen.
 Phablets are bigger than smartphones(nowadays, we also
do use these as well. Maybe it is up to brand, the reason is
IOS also have smartphones or phablets)
 The functions are the same with the tablet.
Let’s talk about the main uses of these things.
 Entertainment (like we do stream the music, videos and
listen music)
 Gaming(example MLBB, PUBG ,Genshin) but you know
the PC can give more better performance than other
two.
 Internet use(Online sales and using QR codes)
 Offices and business management (voice and video
communication)
 If you want to know more, pls do your own research.
Thank you.
1.5 Emerging technology
Artificial intelligence(AI)is a machine or application which
carries out a task that requires some degree of intelligence.
Positive sides of AI
Improvements in safety and quality
Autonomous vehicles
 Faster development of vehicles
Negative impacts of AI
 Can lead to job losses and unskillful
 Technology dependency
 Some of the features can be affect in future.
Extended reality
 Virtual reality(VR)
 Augmented reality(AR)
 Mixed reality(MR)
In this book, Mixed reality is just an intro. So, if you want to
learn more, you can just search and do study.
Let’s talk about VR
It is able to take out the user from the real world. Fully
immersed in the simulated world.
User has to wear a VR headset to get 360* view.
Can be used in medicine, military, sport and business.
Augmented reality
Allows the user to experience the relationship between
digital and physical worlds.
Not isolated from the real world but they still can see in front
of them with special goggles or via a smartphone or tablet.
Can be used in healthcare, shopping items, safety and rescue
operations and then entertainment.