Computer Hardware, Software

and World Wide Web

Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be seen, touched, and manipulated.
Examples of computer hardware include the following:

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the brain of the computer and performs most of the processing. It
executes instructions and performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a temporary storage space for data that the computer is currently
processing. It is a volatile memory that gets erased once the computer is turned off.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): The HDD is a permanent storage space for data, including software, documents, and
multimedia files. It is a non-volatile memory that retains data even when the computer is turned off.
Input Devices: Input devices allow users to interact with the computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touchpad.
Output Devices: Output devices display the results of the computer's processing, such as a monitor, printer, or
speakers.
Software
Software refers to the programs, applications, and operating systems that run on a computer system. Examples
of computer software include the following:

Operating System (OS): The OS is the primary software that runs on a computer, managing and coordinating
the system's functions.
Application Software: Application software performs specific tasks and functions, such as word processing,
spreadsheet analysis, or video editing.
System Software: System software provides tools and utilities that assist with managing and maintaining the
computer system, such as antivirus software or backup and recovery software.
World Wide Web
Brief History: In the late 1980s, Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist, invented the World Wide Web
while working at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Berners-Lee's idea was to create a
global network of interlinked hypertext documents accessible through the internet. In 1990, he developed the
first Web server, the first Web browser, and the first Web page.
The World Wide Web (WWW or Web) is a vast network of interlinked web pages and resources accessible
through the internet. The following are the main components of the World Wide Web:
Web Pages: A web page is an electronic document that can contain text, images, audio, and video content.
Web pages are displayed in a web browser and can be accessed through a unique web address or URL.
Web Browser: A web browser is a software application that enables users to view and interact with web pages
on the World Wide Web. Examples of web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft
Edge.
Internet: The internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that allows for the transfer of
information and communication.
 World Wide Web
How the World Wide Web Works: The World Wide Web
works by using a client-server model, where the client is
the user's computer or device, and the server is a
computer or a group of computers that store and deliver
the Web content. The following are the primary
components of how the World Wide Web works:
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP is the protocol
used for transmitting and receiving data over the Web.
HTTP defines how Web browsers communicate with
Web servers to request and send Web pages.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL): A URL is a unique
address that identifies a Web page or a resource on the
World Wide Web. A URL contains the protocol, the
domain name or IP address, and the resource path.
Hyperlinks: Hyperlinks are clickable links that connect
one Web page to another. By clicking on a hyperlink, the
user's browser requests and loads the linked Web page.
.
HTTP
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, and it is the primary protocol used for communication between
web servers and web clients (such as web browsers) on the World Wide Web (www). HTTP defines the rules for
how messages are formatted and transmitted, and it allows web browsers to request and receive web pages
and other resources from web servers. HTTP defines how Web browsers communicate with Web servers to
request and send Web pages.

When you type a website address into your web browser, the browser sends an HTTP request to the web server,
asking for the page or resource you want to view. The web server then responds with an HTTP response, which
includes the requested content and other information, such as status codes, headers, and cookies.

HTTP is a foundational technology for the World Wide Web, and it enables the seamless delivery of web pages,
images, videos, and other multimedia content. Without HTTP, the web as we know it today would not be
possible.
Generating Web Pages
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML): HTML is the standard markup language used for creating Web pages.
HTML defines the structure and content of a Web page using tags, attributes, and elements.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): CSS is a style sheet language used to describe the appearance of Web pages. CSS
separates the presentation from the content of a Web page, allowing for a consistent and efficient design.

JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language used to add interactivity and dynamic features to Web pages.
JavaScript runs on the user's browser and can be used to validate forms, manipulate the DOM, and create
animations.
 WWW vs Internet
• The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers
and servers, while the World Wide Web is a system of interlinked
hypertext documents accessed via the Internet.
• The Internet has been around since the 1960s, while the World
Wide Web was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
• The Internet provides the infrastructure for the World Wide Web
to exist, but the Web is just one of many applications that use
the Internet.
• The World Wide Web is based on the hypertext transfer protocol
(HTTP) and the hypertext markup language (HTML), which allow
users to navigate between web pages and access multimedia
content.
• The Internet, on the other hand, enables a wide range of
activities beyond the World Wide Web, such as email, instant
messaging, online gaming, and file sharing.
 Browsing the Internet
Browsing the internet with a web browser involves entering a URL or search term, navigating to a webpage, and
interacting with the content. Efficient searching involves using specific keywords, quotation marks, filters, and
checking multiple sources.
Launch your web browser: Open the web browser on your computer or mobile device. The web browser icon
may be located on your desktop or in your applications folder.
Enter a URL or search term: In the address bar, type the URL of the website you want to visit or a search term
to find information on a specific topic. For example, you can type "www.google.com" or "best restaurants in my
city."
Navigate to a webpage: After entering a URL or search term, press "Enter" or "Return" on your keyboard to
navigate to a webpage. The webpage will load in your web browser.
Interact with the webpage: Once the webpage is loaded, you can click on links, fill out forms, watch videos, or
perform any other action available on the page.
Tips for efficient searching
Use specific search terms: Use specific keywords when searching for information. For example, instead of
searching for "cars," search for "best fuel-efficient cars under $20,000."

Use quotation marks: Use quotation marks around a phrase to search for an exact match. For example, "apple
pie recipe" will search for pages that contain that exact phrase.

Use filters: Use filters or advanced search options to narrow down your search results. For example, you can
filter search results by date, language, or file type.

Check multiple sources: Don't rely on one source of information. Check multiple websites to verify the
information and get a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
Internet Resources
Search engines: Search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo are the most popular resources that students use on
the internet. They can search for information on any topic and find a wide range of sources.
Online libraries and databases: Many universities and institutions have online libraries and databases that provide
access to books, journals, and other academic resources. Some examples of online libraries are JSTOR, Project MUSE,
and ScienceDirect.
Educational websites: There are many educational websites that provide students with resources and learning
materials on various topics. Some examples of educational websites are Khan Academy, Coursera, and TED-Ed,
YouTube.
Online forums and discussion groups: Online forums and discussion groups are great resources for students to ask
questions and get answers from experts or other students. Some popular discussion forums for students are Reddit,
Quora, and Stack Exchange.
Social media: Social media can also be used as a resource for students. They can join groups or follow pages related
to their field of study to get updates and share knowledge with other students.
Online collaboration tools: Online collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Dropbox, and Trello can help students
collaborate on group projects and assignments.
Accessing the Internet
Dial-up: This method is the oldest way to access the internet through host services. It uses a telephone line to
connect to an internet service provider (ISP). To use dial-up, you need a modem, which converts the digital data from
your computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over the phone line. Dial-up is slow and outdated, but it
can still be used in areas where broadband internet is not available.
Broadband: Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that is provided by an ISP. There are several types of
broadband, including cable, DSL, and fiber optic. Cable broadband uses the same infrastructure as cable TV, while DSL
uses a phone line. Fiber optic broadband uses a network of glass or plastic fibers to transmit data. Broadband is faster
than dial-up and is the most common way to access the internet today.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that allows you to connect to the internet without a physical cable. Wi-Fi is
provided by an ISP or a wireless network. To use Wi-Fi, you need a wireless router, which creates a local network that
your devices can connect to. Wi-Fi is convenient and widely available in public places, but it can be slower and less
secure than a wired connection.
Mobile data: Mobile data is a wireless connection that is provided by a cellular network. It allows you to access the
internet using a smartphone or other mobile device. Mobile data is fast and convenient, but it can be expensive and
may have data caps or speed limits.
Ethical Implications of ICT
1. Privacy: ICT has made it easier to access and collect personal information, which raises
concerns about privacy. With the widespread use of social media, e-commerce, and other
online services, personal data can be collected, analyzed, and used for targeted advertising,
data profiling, and other purposes without the user's knowledge or consent.
Cookies: Cookies are small text files that are placed on a user's computer or device when
they visit a website. These files contain information about the user's interaction with the
website and are used to provide a more personalized experience.When a user visits a
website, the site may ask the user's browser to store a cookie on their device. This cookie
contains information such as the user's preferences, their login credentials, or the contents
of their shopping cart. The next time the user visits the same website, the site can read the
stored cookie and use the information it contains to provide a more tailored experience.
Should you use cookies?
Should you use website cookies? The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and
concerns about privacy. Cookies can be helpful because they can make your browsing experience more efficient
and personalized. For example, they can save your login credentials so you don't have to enter them every time
you visit a site, or they can remember your preferences for things like language or currency.

On the other hand, cookies can also raise privacy concerns. Some users may feel uncomfortable with websites
tracking their browsing activity and collecting personal information. Additionally, cookies can be used by third-
party advertisers to track user behavior across multiple sites, which can feel invasive.

It's important to note that most websites use cookies, and many features of a site may not work properly if
cookies are disabled. If you decide to use cookies, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy, such as
clearing your cookies regularly or using browser extensions that block third-party cookies.
Ethical Implications
2. Cybersecurity: As more sensitive and confidential information is stored and transmitted through digital
channels, the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches has increased. This raises concerns about the security of
personal and organizational data, including financial, medical, and other confidential information.Cyberattacks,
hacking, and other forms of data breaches can have severe consequences, including financial loss, identity theft,
and damage to an individual's reputation. Scamming has now been made easy.

3. Intellectual Property: ICT has made it easier to create, share, and distribute digital content, but it has also
raised concerns about intellectual property rights. With the ease of copying and sharing digital content, there is
a risk of copyright infringement, plagiarism, and other forms of intellectual property theft.

4. Digital Divide: ICT has created a digital divide between those who have access to digital technology and
those who do not. This creates inequalities in access to education, employment, healthcare, and other services,
which can widen social and economic disparities.This divide can create a significant disadvantage for those who
are unable to access the internet, use digital devices, or access online services.
Ethical Implications
Automation and Job Displacement: As ICT advances, there is a risk of job displacement and automation, especially in
industries that rely on manual labor or repetitive tasks. This can create economic and social disruptions and raise concerns
about the ethical implications of automation and artificial intelligence.As automation and artificial intelligence become more
prevalent, there are concerns about the impact on employment and the future of work. The widespread adoption of these
technologies could lead to job losses, increased income inequality, and other negative social consequences.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of machines or computer programs to perform tasks that typically require
human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and perception. In other words, AI involves creating
machines or software that can think and learn like humans do, in order to perform tasks more efficiently or accurately.
AI can be divided into two broad categories: narrow or weak AI, and general or strong AI. Narrow AI refers to systems that
are designed to perform a specific task, such as playing chess or recognizing speech. These systems are designed to do one
thing very well, but cannot perform other tasks outside of their area of expertise.
General or strong AI, on the other hand, refers to systems that can perform a wide range of intellectual tasks at the level of
human beings. This level of AI is still mostly theoretical and is not yet possible with current technology.AI can be used in many
different industries, such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and manufacturing, to automate processes and increase
efficiency. For example, in healthcare, AI can be used to help diagnose diseases, analyze medical images, and even develop
personalized treatment plans. In finance, AI can be used to detect fraud, predict market trends, and automate financial
processes.
Ethical Implications
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying: The anonymity and accessibility of digital communication have made it
easier for individuals to engage in online harassment, cyberbullying, and other forms of online abuse. This
raises concerns about the impact of ICT on mental health and social well-being.
Digital Rights: The right to access information, freedom of expression, and other digital rights are also ethical
implications of ICT. Governments and other organizations may attempt to censor or limit access to information,
which can have severe consequences for democracy and freedom of expression.Government may use your
social media to track you e.g. VISA officers.
Gmail
Gmail is a popular email service offered by Google.
Create a Gmail account: If you do not have a Gmail account, go to the Gmail website and click on the "Create Account"
button. Follow the instructions to set up your account.
Compose and send emails: To compose a new email, click on the "Compose" button in the top left corner. Enter the
recipient's email address, the subject of the email, and the message. Once you have composed your email, click on the
"Send" button to send it.
Organize your inbox: Gmail has different ways to organize your inbox. You can use labels to categorize your emails and make
it easier to find them. You can also use the priority inbox to see important emails first.
Use filters and search: Gmail has a powerful search function that allows you to find emails by keywords, dates, and other
criteria. You can also set up filters to automatically organize your emails based on specific criteria.
Use canned responses: If you find yourself sending similar emails frequently, you can use canned responses to save time.
Canned responses are pre-written messages that you can use as a template for your emails.
Use keyboard shortcuts: Gmail has a set of keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate your inbox and compose emails
more quickly. For example, you can use "c" to compose a new email or "j" and "k" to move up and down your inbox.
Use add-ons: There are many add-ons and extensions available for Gmail that can add extra features and functionality. For
example, you can use Boomerang to schedule emails to be sent later, or Grammarly to check your spelling and grammar.