ICT everything

• Hardware

  General term for the physical components which make up a computer system (i.e Mouse/Keyboard)
• Software

  General term for programs which control the computer system
• Types of software

  • Systems software
  • Application software
• Systems software

  Those allow the computer to run properly such as the OS (Windows/IOS/Linux/etc...)
• Application software

  Those which allow the user to accomplish specific tasks (i.e spreadsheets/word processors/etc...)
• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

  Part of the computer which interprets and executes the commands from software/hardware, as well as it does the mathematical operations in a computer
• CPU

  • Used to be made up of many parts, but due to modern improvements, the CPU has now become a microprocessor
  • Made out of a Control unit and an Arithmetic Logical Unit
• RAM (Random Access Memory)

  Immediate storage where data is temporarily stored while applications are running, Can be written to and read from
• ROM (Read Only Memory)

  Memory used to store information which needs to be permanent (i.e BIOS), Can be only read from
• Differences between RAM and ROM

  • RAM: Data is temporarily stored, Written to and read from, Volatile
  • ROM: Data is permanently stored, Read from only, Non-Volatile
• Motherboard


  Allows the processor and other computer hardware to function and communicate. It sort of acts as a "hub" for all the devices connected to the computer
• Video Card

  Allows a computer to send digital data to a display device such as a monitor. It has a processing unit, memory unit (RAM), cooling mechanism, and connection to a display unit
• Sound Card

  Integrated circuit that allows a computer to produce sounds via a speaker/headphone. It can do this through FM synthesis or Wavetable synthesis
• Compiler

  Computer program which translates HLL (Source code) to machine code (object code)
• Linker

  Program which combines a bunch of compiled files and joins them together to make 1 program
• Driver

  Software which allows one or more hardware to communicate with the OS
• Operating System

  Software running in the background of a computer system, and manages many of the basic functions
• Utilities

  Programs that have been designed to carry out specific tasks (Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware/Backup of files/etc...)
• Word Processor

  Used to manipulate text documents (Essay, report, etc.), through a keyboard. It allows for many features, such as : (Creation/Editing/Saving of text, Copy and pasting, spell check and thesaurus, Importing images, Translation)
• Spreadsheets

  Used to manipulate and organize numerical data. It allows for features such as: (Use of formulas for calculations, ability to produce graphs, Ability to do if functions and modelling)
• Database

  Used to organize, manipulate, and analyze data. It allows for features such as : (Carry out queries and produce reports, add/delete/modify data)
• Apps

  Type of software that runs on smartphones or tablets and includes: (Video and music streaming/GPS/Camera facility)
• Photo editing software

  Allow user to manipulate photographs stored on a computer, for example, you can: Crop/Change brightness/Resize/Combining pictures together/etc...
• Video editing software

  Allows the user to manipulate videos and produce an edited video, and includes: (Rearranging/Removing/Adding clips, Applying color correction/Creating transitions)
• Graphics manipulation software

  Allows bitmap and vector images to be changed, by alternating lines, curves, and text
• PC/Desktop computers


  Refers to a general purpose computer which is made of separate components
• Advantages of PC/Desktop computers

  • Spare parts tend to be standardized; resulting in lower cost
  • Better specifications
  • Large casing allows good wasting of heat build up
• Disadvantages of PC/Desktop computers

  • Not particularly portable
  • Can be complex/clutter up desk space
  • Necessary to copy files if you want to do work somewhere else
• Laptop computers

  A type of computer where all the components are hooked up together in one single unit
• Advantages of Laptop computers

  • Low weight
  • Low power consumption and long battery life
  • Does not generate too much heat
• Disadvantages of Laptop computers

  • Easy to steal
  • Limited battery life; need to carry charger
  • Can be awkward to use peripherals
  • Heat buildup not wasted as easily
• Tablets


  Relatively new internet-enabled, touch friendly, portable computers. Here, the tablet uses an on screen touch keyboard, and can connect to the internet using Wi-Fi or 3G/4G/5G
• Features of Tablets

  • High-Definition Anti-Glare screens
  • Front and back cameras
  • Lightweight and long battery life
  • Bluetooth connection
  • Make use of backup storage facilities
  • Have a number of sensors to carry out multiple tasks (i.e Proximity sensor for detecting how close a tablet is to the ear)
• Advantages of Tablets

  • Fast switch-on time
  • Portable
  • Simple to use due to touchscreen
  • Can use several standard apps
  • Don't generate any heat
  • Can go on standby (stay connected but turned off)
• Disadvantages of Tablets

  • Limited memory capacity
  • Can be expensive to run if 3G/4G/5G is needed
  • Typing on touchscreens can be awkward and slow
  • Transferring apps/data has to be done using an implemented app store
  • Don't support as many file types as other computers
• Smartphones

  Allow phone calls to be made as well as support functions such as apps due to having an implemented OS. They can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or 3G/4G/5G
• Features of Smartphones

  • Send/Receive E-Mails
  • GPS
  • Internet surfing capabilities
  • Calendar
  • Telephone banking
  • VoIP
  • Streaming of videos/music
  • Social network
  • Instant messaging
• Advantages of Smartphones

  • Small in size and lightweight; makes them portable
  • Can make phone calls and connect to the internet
  • Can be used anywhere due to Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Have hundreds of apps
  • Reasonable battery life
• Disadvantages of Smartphones

  • Small screens make it difficult to type and read
  • Web browsing/Photographing can drain the battery rapidly
  • Small memory size in comparison to other computers
  • Easy to lose
  • Slow data transfer rate
• Smartwatches

  Allow the user to wear a small-computer on their wrists, which allows the user to access the same features which the smartphone withholds