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Information Technology - Computer Fundamentals and Information Processing

Provides an array of information along with examples on various topics such as Storage, Input, Output, Processing, Storage Media, etc.

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priya.m.mack
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9 views5 pages

Information Technology - Computer Fundamentals and Information Processing

Provides an array of information along with examples on various topics such as Storage, Input, Output, Processing, Storage Media, etc.

Uploaded by

priya.m.mack
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

E.O.T STUDY REVIEW


NOV 23, 2024

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

Characteristics of the computer


- Speed
- Reliability
- Accuracy
- Power
- Communication Capabilities

Speed- The ability of fast and powerful computers to process many instructions at a timely
rate (ie. in a single second). For example: Computers used by companies to produce
monthly bills.
Reliability- The ability of computers to be dependable, produce consistent results and
work continuously with minimal issues. (ie. Modern computers have a low failure rate.)
Accuracy- The ability of the computer to produce error free and precise results when data
is entered correctly.
Storage- The ability of a computer to retain and back up large amounts of data for later use
(also in case of accidents).
Communication Capabilities- The ability of computers to share stored data and
information (ie. modems)

Drawbacks or the Negative Effects of Computer Use


- Computers can replace people/Unemployment
- Computers hold personal information that may be misused
- Downtime- When computers cannot be used due to ie. malfunction, problems arise
as tasks may be postponed or now done manually. This delays task completion.
- Jobs based around computers would be time consuming and expensive as training
of staff would have to be done.

Types of Computer Systems

Smallest to Largest Least to Most Portable


1. Embedded Devices 1. Supercomputers
2. Mobile Devices 2. Mainframes
3. Desktop Systems 3. Embedded
4. Mainframes 4. Desktop
5. Supercomputers 5. Mobile

Hardware
- These are the physical components of a computer system that you can
touch/tangible.

- It is divided into two categories: Peripheral and Essential


Essential- The hardware components the computer could not operate without eg.
Motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM, Power Supply
Peripheral- The hardware components the computer CAN operate without and is not
needed for basic operation, but only enhancement of usage. Usually located outside the
computer. Eg. speaker, mouse, keyboard, scanner, disk drives (input, output, storage).

Output and Input

Input Devices- Devices that enter data into the computer


- Source Data Automation Devices: Direct entry of graphic or text-based information
into the computer with a scanner. Ie. Optical Mark Reader, Character Readers
(OCR- Optical Character Recognition and MICR- Magnetic Ink Character
Recognition), Magnetic strip reader, bar code reader, document scanner, digital
camera, biometric systems, sensors, remote controls, sound capture, voice response
unit, webcam
- Key Input Devices: Using keys of different functions and values to send data and
those values into the computer. Keyboards, Specialized Keyboards.
- Point and Draw Devices: Inputting data into the computer using the pointer,
cursor or selection on the screen like a button. Ie. Mouse, Joystick, Stylus, Touch
screen (tablets, Point of sale, ATM)

Output Devices- Devices that display information in a human-readable format from the
computer, to us users.
- Audible Output: Speakers, Headphones, Earphones
- Visual Output: Monitor, Printers (laser, inkjet, 3D, dot matrix, thermal)

Storage - The retaining and keeping of data for future use


Two types: Primary and Secondary

- Primary Storage: Necessary for the computer to function. (Ie. Hard Disk Drive).
Storage that is accessed directly by the CPU.
- Volatile: (IE. RAM) – Data is lost when the power is lost or a device is powered off.
Temporary Storage
- Non-Volatile: (IE. ROM) – Data is not lost when power is lost or a device is
powered off. Permanent Storage

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------

RAM AND ROM

RAM (Known as main memory)


- Volatile meaning it is lost when power turns off
- Stores data and programs which the computer is currently using or working on

*Two types of RAM (volatile) are:


- DRAM – ORDINARY RAM
- SRAM – FASTER TYPE OF RAM
ROM
- Consists of non-erasable hardware modules that contain programs. Data is not lost
when power turns off, but permanent.
- Contents are Read Only
- Stores the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
*Three types of ROM (non-volatile) are:
- PROM
- EPROM
- EEPROM
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Secondary Storage: Backup data that comes from primary storage. (Ie. External
Hard Drive).
- It is permanent/non-volatile/long-term storage.
- Has a large storage capacity
- The device can be internal or external to the computer, meaning in it or outside,
connecting to it in some way.

- Local Storage: Data storage directly attached to the device. Ie. Magnetic, Optical,
Flash Memory
- Cloud Storage: Data is stored on off-site servers (The cloud).

PROS CONS - CLOUD STORAGE


- Data Security - Internet Dependency- If you do not
have stable connection for access,
tasks will take longer

- Ability to collab on docs and files - Ongoing costs- Subscription fees to


the cloud add up over time

- Cost and resource savings —-------------------------------

PROS CONS - LOCAL STORAGE


- Data privacy and security - Physical Risk - Vulnerable to
physical damage, theft and loss as
there is no backing up or extra-step
of storage incase of data loss

- Faster access times compared to - Back-up- Requires manual setup


cloud for backup — Can be
time-consuming

- No required internet as data access —----------------------------


is not needed
STORAGE TERMS

Storage Media: The physical materials used to store/retain data so that it can also be
retrieved. Ie. a CD – plastic disk with laser markings

Storage Devices: The devices that manages the storage media


Magnetic Storage Devices: uses magnets ie. Hard Disk Drives, Floppy Disks, Magnetic
Tapes
Optical Storage Devices use lasers. Ie. CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, Blu-Ray Disk Drives
Flash Memory/Storage Devices: electronically programmed to erase data in units ie. USB
Flash Drives, SSDs (Solid State Drives), Memory Cards

Device – manages the media – Reads and Writes to the media


Read/write Head
Flash Drive
Cassette Reader

Media – the material that stores the content


Hard Disk(Platters)
Floppy Disk
CD
Magnetic Tape
memory sticks

* The device that actually holds the data is the storage media and the device
that saves data or reads and writes to the storage media is the storage
device.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------

SOFTWARE

Types: application and system software

SYSTEM

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