ICT: UNIT 1 GRADE 6 Key Points

Chapter 1: Types and components of a computer system

Key objectives
The objectives of this chapter are to revise:
• Software
• Hardware
• Main components of a computer system
• Operating systems
• Different types of computer system
• Emerging technologies.

Key terms and Definitions

A. Application software Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks on a
computer.

B. System software Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the
user to communicate with the computer.

C. CPU Central Processing Unit. The part of a computer that interprets and executes
commands from computer hardware and software.

D. Microprocessor Single integrated circuit, which is at the heart of most computers,

incorporates the functions of a CPU on a single circuit board.

E. Operating system Software running in the background of a computer; it manages

many functions, such as user interface, error handling, memory management and
managing user accounts.

• Software and hardware Hardware consists of all the physical components of a

computer system, while software refers to the programs used for controlling the
operation of a computer or for processing electronic data.

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• Application software - Software that is designed so a user can perform a specific
function on a computer is known as application software. With this software a
user is able to browse the internet, watch a video, write an email, and much
more.

• Word processor This is used to manipulate text documents and text entered via a
keyboard; the software has such features as editing, saving, and manipulating
text; copy and paste; spell checker and thesaurus; importing photos, text, and
spreadsheets; translation of text into other languages.

• Spreadsheet Used to organise and manipulate numerical data; data is organised

in cells in a grid of lettered columns and numbered rows; common features
include formulae to carry out calculations; ability to produce graphs; data
replication; ability to do modelling and 'what if scenarios.

• Database Used to organise, manipulate, and analyse data; uses one or two tables
to organise the data; tables are made up of records; common functions include
ability to carry out queries on data and produce reports, and add, delete, and
modify data in tables.

• Control/measuring Designed to allow computer/microprocessor to interface with

sensors to allow physical quantities in the real world to be measured; control of
processes by comparing sensor data with pre-stored data and sending out
signals to alter process parameters (for example, open/close a valve).

• Apps Type of software that usually runs on tablets or mobile phones; examples
include music streaming, GPS and camera facility (but there are thousands of
Apps available).

• Photo editing Allows user to manipulate digital photos, for example change the
brightness, contrast, colour saturation, remove 'red eye', and so on.

• Video editing. Allows user to manipulate videos, for example, addition of titles,
colour correction, creating transitions between video clips, and so on.

• Graphics manipulation Allows bit map and vector images to be changed; allows
the manipulation of lines, curves and text depending on the format of the
original image.

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Systems software

• Compiler A program that translates high-level language code into machine code
so that it can be run on a computer (that is, it produces object code from original
source code).

• Interpreter This is software that directly executes a program without previously

compiling it into a machine language.

• Linker A program that takes one or more object files (modules) produced by a
compiler and combines them into a single program that can be run on a
computer.

• Operating system (OS) Software running in the background of a computer; it

manages many functions such as user interface, error handling, memory
management and managing user accounts.

• Device driver Software that enables one or more hardware devices to

communicate with a computer's operating system; as soon as a device is plugged
in, the operating system looks for the correct device driver.

• Utilities Software designed to carry out specific tasks on a computer, such as

anti-virus, anti-spyware, file management and disk defragmenter.

Internal computer hardware

Motherboard
A printed circuit board that allows the processor and other computer hardware
to function and communicate with each other; acts as a “hub' that other
computer devices connect to.

RAM Random Access Memory: an internal chip where data is temporarily stored
(data is lost on switching off the computer, which gives it the name volatile
memory); RAM can be read from or written to and stores the data or part of the
operating system currently in use.

ROM Read Only Memory; memory used to store data that needs to be permanent
(data is kept even when the computer is switched off, which gives it the name
non-volatile memory); data on the ROM cannot be altered or deleted, which is
why it is used to store computer configuration or the BIOS.

Video card Allows the computer to send graphical data to a video display device
such as a monitor, television, or projector; it is made up of a processor, RAM,
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cooling mechanism/heat sink and connections.

Sound card
An integrated circuit board that provides the computer with the ability to
produce sound via speakers or headphones; uses FM synthesis or wavetable
synthesis to translate digital data into analogue data (to drive the speakers/
headphones).

HDD/SSD Hard disk drive and solid-state drive; devices built into a computer to
allow data to be stored for later use or to store application software, photos,
videos and more; SSD is a more modern system with no moving parts, whereas
HDD uses rotating magnetized platters and read/write heads.

CPU Central processing unit: part of the computer that interprets and executes
commands from computer hardware and software; usually part of the
motherboard.

Microprocessor
The CPU is often referred to as a microprocessor; it is a single integrated circuit
made up of the control unit, arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) and RAM.

Operating systems
One program manages the hardware and software of a computer and makes it
possible for programs to function; it is known as the operating system.

Command line interface

In a CLI, the user interfaces with the computer by typing in commands; the syntax
of each command must be correct -- thus it can be a slow, error-prone process;
however, the user is in direct communication with the computer and not
restricted to some pre-determined options.

Graphical user interface

In a GUI, the user interacts using a pointing device (such as a mouse) and icons
on a computer screen; clicking on an icon launches an App; GUI is often part of a
WIMP (windows, icon, menu, and pointing) environment; the user doesn’t have to
learn any commands and it is, therefore easier/quicker for a novice to use.

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Emerging technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) biometrics This uses dynamic profiling, for example, the
system learns by using AI each time a person's fingers are scanned; hence it
doesn't matter if the finger is placed in exactly the right position each time. This
is also true of other biometrics and means biometric security systems are
becoming increasingly more reliable.
Vision enhancement LVES (low-vision enhancement systems) allow images to be
projected inside a headset placed in front of the user's eyes. An example of its
use includes helping the visually impaired.
NVE (night vision enhancement) uses infrared light to enable an image to be
seen in apparent darkness; it makes use of an image intensifier tube which
converts light into electrons – these electrons collide with a phosphor-coated
screen resulting in an image. This technology is used by the military when
identifying objects at night.
Robotics Robots are used in many industrial applications to carry out repetitive
tasks (for example, car body assembly line) - this enables consistency of
production and greater productivity.
Recent applications are the use of drones which can be used for military (for
example, reconnaissance) and commercial (for example, delivery of goods to a
customer) use.
Robots are also being used to carry out certain surgical procedures.

Quantum cryptography This refers to a technology that ensures the security of

data transmission over fibre optic cables; it is based on the use of photons (light)
and their physical quantum properties to produce a virtually unbreakable
cryptography system. It relies on the fact that photons oscillate in various
directions and can be used to produce a random bit (Os and ls) sequence. This
technology can be used by companies or government organisations where
security of data is paramount.
Computer-assisted translation (CAT) CAT is a type of language translator that
uses software to help in the translation process. It makes use of terminology
databases (which grow and learn following translations) and translation
memories (which automatically insert known translations for certain words or
phrases). Many multinational companies encounter language problems when
dealing with offices in foreign countries - CAT can be used to overcome many of
these language difficulties.
3-D and holographic imaging This is a technology that allows 3-D images to be
produced; requires a source of laser light, interference of light, light diffraction,
and light intensity recording. A holographic image is produced where laser light
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beams meet after being reflected off a number of mirrors. There are many
applications of this technology, such as in the medical field (for example, for
training purposes where actual images of human organs in 3-D can be seen) or
in the film and television industry to produce special effects (for example,
holograms of performers used in music videos).

Virtual reality This is an artificial environment created by software. It makes use

of data goggles, sensor suits, data gloves or data helmets to get a feeling of
'being there? This technology has many uses in training, plant design and
complex computer games.

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