chapter 1 ict

• CPU

  The brain of the computer, it controls all the functions in the computer system
• CPU


  • If there is no CPU, there is no computer, the computer won't work without it
  • Intel and AMD are one of the most popular CPU brands
• Types of computer memory

  • Main memory (RAM and ROM)
  • Secondary memory (hard drive and pen drives)
• RAM


  Random Access Memory, a part of the computer which temporarily stores instructions, it is volatile
• ROM


  Read-Only Memory, a built-in memory which holds the boot up instructions, it is non-volatile
• Cache


  The fastest type of memory, placed between the processor and RAM, it collects data from RAM
• Backing storage


  Also known as secondary storage, it is non-volatile and used to store data for a long time
• Types of hardware


  • External (peripheral devices like microphones, speakers, projectors)
  • Internal (motherboard, sound card, graphic card)
• Motherboard


  • A circuit board which connects the main components of the computer system
• Graphic video card


  • A device attached to the motherboard to enable the computer to display graphics
• Sound card


  • Enables the computer to input and deliver sounds
• Internal hard disk


  • Used to store information like software and files
• Network card


  • Connects a computer to a computer network to exchange data
• Types of software


  • Application software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Google Chrome)
  • System software (e.g. operating system, utility, antivirus)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)


  Deals with developing machines and software with human intelligence, e.g. expert systems
• Robotics


  Technologies that deal with automated machines, can be designed to look and behave like humans, used in dangerous environments or manufacturing
• Impacts of AI


  • Increase leisure time
  • Accurate weather prediction
  • Increase personal safety
  • Improve medical care
• Types of biometrics


  • Fingerprint
  • Voice recognition
  • Eye recognition (retina and iris)
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)


  A type of user interface built around graphics, uses icons to command apps
• Command Line Interface (CLI)


  A type of user interface where users enter commands to interact with the computer
• Types of computers


  • Mainframe
  • Laptop
  • Desktop
  • Tablet
  • Smartphone
• Mainframe computer


  • Large computer with many processing powers, big storage, can be used by many people at the same time
• Laptop computer


  • Has mouse pad, keyboard and screen in a single unit, portable, uses battery, can connect to internet wirelessly
• Desktop computer


  • Has separate components (keyboard, mouse, CPU, monitor), difficult to carry around, cheaper than laptops, used in offices, connected to external power source
• Tablet computer


  • Similar to laptop but smaller, uses touchscreen technology, can be used as a phone with a SIM card
• Smartphone


  • Modern mobile phone used for browsing and calling, has touchscreen technology