Scribd
Upload
5 views

Class Notes

The document discusses the key components of computers including hardware, software, operating systems, and types of computers. It covers internal hardware components like the CPU, RAM, and ROM. It also covers software types like application software and system software. Operating systems enable computers to function and allow user interaction. Types of computers discussed include desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets.

Uploaded by

Anish Kantheti
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views

Class Notes

The document discusses the key components of computers including hardware, software, operating systems, and types of computers. It covers internal hardware components like the CPU, RAM, and ROM. It also covers software types like application software and system software. Operating systems enable computers to function and allow user interaction. Types of computers discussed include desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets.

Uploaded by

Anish Kantheti
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

CAMBRIDGE IGCSE

ICT Summary Notes


Chapter 1

Things to know:

1.1) Hardware and software

● Hardware - Hardware is the general term for the physical components that make up a
typical computer system.
● 2 types of hardware are present in a computer ; Internal and External hardware.
● Internal hardware are the hardware components present inside of the computer
cabinet , For example : Hard drive , Processor (CPU) , Graphics card , RAM and
motherboard. These are usually the hardware components not visible to the average
computer user. (For more depth pg.3)
● External hardware will be touched on in chapter 2.
● Software - Software is the general term used for the programs that control the
computer system and process data.
● Types of software - Application , System software.
● Application software - They are basically the software the average user uses inorder to
fulfill their needs , the basis of application software is to provide the services that the
user requires. (EX. photoshop , instagram , discord.)
● System software - They are the necessity for the computer to run on , it provides a
platform on which all other software runs on. (Ex. compilers , linkers , Operating
systems and device drivers or anything that serves the computer itself)(Pg.5 for more
info)
● Analogue and digital data - Computers talk , think and speak in a different type of
language , you can define this as digital data. It is represented by 0’s and 1’s whereas
analogue is represented as continuous values (not on and off).

Analogue data is physical data that changes smoothly from one value to the next, and
not in discrete steps as with digital data.

If analogue data is being sent to a computer, it must first be converted into digital
data; this is done by hardware known as an analogue to digital converter

1.2) Components of a computer system.

● Internal hardware : the central processing unit (CPU) , (contained on the motherboard)
, internal hard disk drive or solid-state drive , random access memory (RAM) ,
read-only memory (ROM).
● CPU - central processing unit (CPU) is the part of the computer that interprets and
executes the commands from the computer hardware and software. Nowadays it is
referred to as a microprocessor. ( contains an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), which
carries out calculations and makes logical decisions, and small memory locations
called registers )
● RAM - it is an internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running
applications. This memory can be written to and read from. Because its contents are
lost when power to the computer is turned off, it is often referred to as a volatile or
temporary memory.
● ROM - Read-only memory (ROM) is a memory used to store information that needs
to be permanent. (Stores BIOS which contains CMOS which stores the system time ,
date and system configuration )
● RAM vs ROM -
● Input vs Output -

● Backing storage - computer’s main internal storage where the applications software,
disk operating system and files , backing storage is not directly addressable (that is, it
cannot be read directly by the CPU).

Data access time for RAM and ROM is much shorter than it is for backing storage.

Fixed and removable types of backing storage are available.

Internal memory Vs Backing storage


1.3) Operating systems

● Enables computer systems to function and to allow users to communicate with


computer systems, special software, known as operating systems (OS).
● Purposes:
1. control of the operation of the input, output and backing storage devices
2. supervising the loading, running and storage of applications programs
3. dealing with errors that occur in application programs
4. maintaining security of the whole computer system
5. maintaining a computer log (which details computer usage)
6. allowing communication between user and the computer system (user interface)
● Types of computer user interfaces : CLI , GUI
● CLI : type in instructions to choose options from menus, open software , number of
commands are to be typed in and the user has to learn a number of commands.

The advantage of a CLI is that the user is in direct communication with the computer
and is not restricted to a number of predetermined options.

● GUI : allows the user to interact with a computer by symbols or icons.


● CLI vs GUI

● Dialogue based interface - Dialogue-based user interfaces use the human voice to
give commands to a computer system, they can also act as a personal assistant.
● Gesture based interface - Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction by the
moving of hands, head or even the feet. This type of interface uses techniques known
as computer vision and image processing.
● Dialogue vs Gesture based interfaces -

1.4 ) Types of computers

● Desktop computers - Basically the computers in the ICT lab , usually refers to a
general-purpose computer that is made up of separate monitor, keyboard, mouse and
processor unit.
○ Advantages
■ Spare parts and connections tend to be standardised, which usually
results in lower costs.
■ Desktop computers are easier, and less expensive, to upgrade or
expand.
■ The desktop tends to have a better specification (for example, faster
processor) for a given price
■ Power consumption is not critical because they usually plug straight
into a wall socket, and the larger casings allow a better dissipation of
any heat build-up
■ Because they are usually fixed in one location, there is less likelihood of
them being damaged or stolen.
■ Internet access can be more stable because a desktop computer is
more likely to have a wired internet connection and no roaming around
so the connection is stable.
○ Disadvantages
■ Not portable
■ More complicated and clutter desk space
■ Need a memory stick to carry files instead of carrying device.
○ Uses
■ Office
■ Educational
■ Gaming
■ General entertainment
● Mobile computers
○ Laptop computers
○ Smartphones
○ Tablets
○ phablets

You might also like