ict

• Hardware


  Physical components of a computer system
• Software


  Programs that control the operation of the computer or the processing of electronic data
• Internal Hardware Devices


  • Processor/CPU
  • Motherboard
  • Random Access Memory (RAM)
  • Read-Only Memory (ROM)
  • Video Cards
  • Sound Cards
  • Internal Hard Disk Drives

  
• External Hardware Devices


  • Monitor
  • Keyboard
  • Mice
  • Printer
  • External storage devices
• Application Software


  • Word processing
  • Spreadsheet
  • Database management system
  • Control software
  • Measurement software
  • Applets and apps
  • Photo editing software
  • Video editing software
  • Graphics manipulation software
• System Software


  • Compilers
  • Linkers
  • Device drivers
  • Operating Systems
  • Utilities
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)


  Hardware that contains the internal storage/control unit, carries out instructions of a computer program, performs basic arithmetic calculations/logical operations/input and output operations
• Random Access Memory (RAM)


  Stores information temporarily, volatile - when power button switched off, all data is lost, stores files of the operating system currently in use, read and write (altered)
• Read Only Memory (ROM)


  Stores information permanently, non-volatile - when power button switched off, all data is still stored, stores 'boot-strap' information needed to setup a computer, read only
• Input devices


  Any device which allows us to get information from the outside world into a computer so that it can be stored and processed in a digital form
• Output devices


  Any device which can take the data stored inside a computer in a digital form and turn it into another format which we can process
• Peripheral devices


  Non-essential hardware devices that can connect to a system externally. The system can function without them.
• Secondary/Backing Storage


  Used to store and backup data that is not instantly needed by the computer. It permanently stores data and programs for a long time.
• Operating System


  A software program that manages the general operation of a computer system
• Command Line Interface (CLI)

  Text-based user interface used to view and manage computer files, enables the user to interact with the computer by typing a series of text commands
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)


  Enables the user to interact with the computer by using pictures, graphics and icons, main features are (WIMP): Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers
• Types of Computers


  • Desktop (standalone)
  • Desktop (networked)
  • Laptop (standalone)
  • Laptop (networked)
  • Tablet (includes wireless & 3/4G)
  • Smartphone
• Desktop (standalone)


  • Self-sufficient, personal/work use, damage control - if something goes wrong, only the standalone is affected, does not affect other computer users
• Desktop (networked)


  • Share resources and files, convenient resource sharing - can access work from any computer, software easily updated, increases storage capacity, fewer printers/scanners needed, all computers access the internet through one connection
• Laptop (standalone)


  • Smaller and lighter, rechargeable battery, personal use, portable
• Laptop (networked)


  • Fewer printers/scanners needed, convenient resource sharing, software easily updated
• Tablet (includes wireless & 3/4G)


  • Smaller and lighter, portable, touchscreen, built-in cameras, longer battery life (than mobile phones), wireless, 3G/4G, Bluetooth connection
• Smartphone


  • Most portable, more likely to have mobile phone with you, easier to use mobile phone on the move, smaller in size so can fit in pocket
• Emerging Technologies


  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biometrics
  • Robots
  • Quantum Cryptography
  • Vision Enhancement
  • Computer Assisted Translation (CAT)
  • 3D and Holographic Imaging
  • Virtual Reality
• Artificial Intelligence


  Computer science focused on creating computers that stimulate human intelligence
• Areas of Artificial Intelligence being developed


  • Game Playing
  • Expert Systems
  • Language
  • Robotics
• Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on daily life


  • Increased leisure time
  • Increased personal safety
  • Improved medical care
  • Safer transport
• Biometrics


  Where parts of a person's body is used for identification methods as a means of security
• Areas of Biometrics being developed


  • Fingerprints
  • Face, Eye and Voice recognition
• Impacts of Biometrics on daily life


  • Better airport/building security
  • More secure mobile phones
  • Reduced car theft
• Robots


  Used to perform a wide range of specific tasks, usually in the manufacture industry
• Areas of Robots being developed


  • Dangerous jobs
  • Exploring extreme environments
  • Repetitive manufacturing jobs
  • Moving heavy objects
• Impacts of Robots on daily life


  • Increased personal time
  • More efficient manufacturing
  • Loss of jobs
  • Safer working environment
• Quantum Cryptography


  Encryption that allows messages and data to be sent with complete privacy using photons
• Impacts of Quantum Cryptography on daily life


  • Secure voting
  • Secure bank transfers
  • Secure personal information
• Computer Assisted Translation (CAT)


  Where a human translator uses computer software to help in the translation process
• Areas of CAT being developed

  • Spell checkers
  • Translation memory software
  • Language search engine
• Impacts of CAT on daily life


  • More accurate documents
  • More multilingual society
  • Quicker and more efficient translations
• 3D and Holographic Imaging


  Technique where images appear to be three-dimensional
• Impacts of 3D and Holographic Imaging on daily life


  • Improved security
  • Better movie experiences
  • Greater data storage