notes
notes
1.1.1 Hardware
• Internal Hardware:
○ Motherboard
○ Central Processing Unit (CPU) / Processor
○ Random Access Memory (RAM)
○ Read-Only Memory (ROM)
○ Graphics Card
○ Sound Card
○ Network Interface Card (NIC)
○ Internal Storage Devices (HDD/SSD)
1. Motherboard
4. Graphics Card
5. Sound Card
1.1.2 Software
Definition
Categories of Software
○ Examples:
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Database Management System (DBMS)
Control and Measurement Software
Audio Editing
Video Editing
Graphics Editing
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Apps and Applets
○ Examples:
Compilers
Linkers
Device Drivers
Operating Systems (OS)
Utilities
Applications Software
8. Spreadsheet Software
System Software
1. Compiler
3. Linker
5. Utilities
Definitions
• Digital Data:
• Analogue Data:
Key Differences
• Graphical Representation:
○ Analogue Data: Smooth curve allowing for infinite values (e.g.,
examples like 2.5, 4.652).
○ Digital Data: Discrete steps with specific values (only 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or
6).
•
Conversion Processes
1.2.1 CPU
The central processing unit (CPU) interprets and executes commands from
hardware and software, typically located on the motherboard. Modern CPUs,
known as microprocessors, are single integrated circuits found in PCs and
various household devices (e.g., car engine management systems). The CPU
consists of:
Read-Only Memory (ROM) permanently stores critical information, such as system configuration
data. It is non-volatile and cannot be altered. ROM contains the BIOS (basic input/output system),
which performs hardware checks at startup and loads the operating system into RAM. The BIOS
also stores the date, time, and system configuration in a battery-powered CMOS chip.
Overview
Examples of Devices
Input Devices
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Camera
• Microphone
• Sensor
• Scanner
Output Devices
• Monitor
• Printer
• Speakers
• Projector
• Graph Plotter
2. Internal Storage:
Input Devices
Output Devices
• Forms: Usually in the form of internal hard disk drives (HDD) or solid-state
drives (SSD).
• Characteristics:
• CLI:
○ Typically used by programmers, analysts, or technicians needing
direct communication with the system for software development and
debugging.
• GUI:
○ Designed for general end-users without technical knowledge, suitable
for running software, playing games, or managing files (e.g., photos).
Summary Tables
1. Laptops (Notebooks)
2. Smartphones
3. Tablets
4. Phablets
• Features:
• Future Applications:
• Features:
○ Fully immerses users in a simulated digital environment.
○ Requires a VR headset for a 360° view, creating a lifelike experience.
• Future Applications:
○ Military: Training simulations for equipment operation (e.g., tank
operations).
○ Education: Immersive history lessons (e.g., exploring ancient buildings).
○ Healthcare: Diagnostic tools for treatment recommendations.
○ Entertainment: VR games providing realistic experiences using gloves,
goggles, etc.
○ Fashion: Virtual fashion shows for previews before actual events.
○ Heritage: Virtual tours and proximity to historical sites (e.g., Stonehenge).
○ Business: Training and role-playing scenarios.
○ Engineering: Visualizing new designs in existing environments.
○ Sports: Training tools for skill improvement (e.g., golf swing analysis).
○ Media: Enhanced interactive effects in movies.
○ Scientific Visualization: Visualizing complex structures in biology and
chemistry.
2.1.1 Keyboards
• Definition: Keyboards are the most common method of data entry for devices
such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
• Connection:
• Functionality:
• Health Concerns:
○ Frequent use can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI) in hands and wrists.
○ Ergonomic Keyboards: Designed to reduce strain with a different key
arrangement and better wrist support.
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:
• Components:
• Types:
○ Optical Mouse: Uses reflected light for movement detection, more robust
than traditional mice as it has no moving parts.
○ Wireless Mouse: Transmits signals to a USB receiver, offering flexibility in
use.
• Uses:
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:
Touchpad
• Functionality:
○ Users control the pointer by moving their finger and can tap to simulate
mouse clicks.
○ Features buttons under the pad for left and right clicks.
• Uses: Similar to those of a mouse, including navigation and selection within
applications.
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:
Trackerball
• Uses:
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:
Remote Control
• Uses:
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:
Joystick
• Uses:
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:
○ Control of the on-screen pointer can be more difficult than with a mouse
or other devices.
Driving Wheel
• Uses:
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:
Definition
Uses:
• Self-service terminals (e.g., at petrol stations for fuel selection and payment).
• Automated teller machines (ATMs) for on-screen option selection.
• Point of sale terminals in restaurants for order processing.
• Public information systems at airports, railway stations, and tourist offices.
• Mobile devices (e.g., phones, tablets) and satellite navigation systems.
• Interactive whiteboards used in educational settings.
• Computer-based training (CBT) systems where users interact by selecting
answers on-screen.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
2.1.7 Scanners
Definition
• Scanners are devices that convert hard copy documents (text, photographs)
into computer-readable formats.
Common Type
• Flatbed Scanner: Consists of a glass panel and lid; uses a light source to scan
documents/photos.
Functions
Uses of Scanners:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
• Digital cameras capture images and store them on memory cards. They have
largely replaced traditional film-based cameras.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Market Trends:
Definition
Uses of Microphones:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
2.1.10 Sensors
Definition
Data Conversion
• Since sensors provide analog data, it must be converted to digital format using
an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) for computer processing.
Uses of Sensors:
• Faulty sensors can provide inaccurate results (e.g., dirty sensors on cars).
• Most sensors produce analog data, requiring an ADC for conversion.
Definition
• Light pens are input devices that detect changes in light, sending signals to a
computer. They work primarily with CRT monitors.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Definition
• DDE devices are used to input data into a computer with minimal or no human
interaction. Examples include barcode readers, which require only pointing
towards a barcode.
Uses
• Utilized in:
○ ATMs and EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer at point of sale) terminals.
○ Security systems for building or room access.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Process Steps
Advantages
Disadvantages
• Function: Similar to magnetic stripe readers but require inserting the card into
a slot and entering the PIN for validation.
Uses
Advantages
Disadvantages
• Fraud Risk: Potential for someone to observe and record the PIN during entry.
• Function: Utilize radio waves to read data stored on RFID tags from a distance.
Uses
Advantages
• No Line of Sight: Tags can be read from various angles and distances.
• Speed: Quick response time (typically < 100 milliseconds).
• Bidirectional Data Transfer: Enables both read and write operations.
• Bulk Detection: Several tags can be read simultaneously.
Disadvantages
Definition
Uses
Advantages
• Speed: Very fast input method as documents are fed automatically with no
manual input.
• Accuracy: More accurate than manual data entry since there is no typing
involved.
• Efficiency: Generally more accurate than Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
methods for specific tasks.
Disadvantages
• Form Design: Requires careful design of forms to ensure marks are correctly
positioned for accurate reading.
• Error Handling: If forms are filled incorrectly, they may need manual checking
before processing, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Definition
• OCR is a technology that converts printed text from hard copy documents into
electronic format, allowing for editing and storage.
Uses
Advantages
Disadvantages
Definition
Description
Uses
Advantages
• High Information Capacity: Can store much more data than standard barcodes.
• Error Detection: Built-in error-checking systems provide better data integrity.
• Ease of Use: Readable by smartphone cameras; no need for specialized
scanners.
• Data Transmission: Easily shared as images or text.
• Encryption: Offers greater security options compared to traditional barcodes.
Disadvantages
Types of Monitors
Definition
• Touch screens function as both input and output devices, allowing users to
interact with the displayed options and receive responses based on their
selections.
Uses
Advantages
Disadvantages
Definition
• Devices that magnify images from signal sources (like computers, TVs, or DVD
players) and display them on large screens.
Uses
Advantages
Disadvantages
2.3.4 Printers
This section focuses on the three most common types of printers: laser printers,
inkjet printers, and dot matrix printers.
Laser Printers
Definition
Uses
Advantages
Disadvantages
Inkjet Printers
Definition
• Inkjet printers produce good-quality hard copies using small droplets of ink
sprayed onto the paper.
Components
• Print Head: Contains nozzles that spray ink onto the paper.
• Ink Cartridges:
○ Multi-cartridge systems: Separate cartridges for blue, yellow, magenta,
and black.
○ Single cartridge system: Combined colors in one cartridge.
• Stepper Motor and Belt: Moves the print head across the page.
• Paper Feed: Automatically feeds pages into the printer.
1. Thermal Bubble:
○ Resistors heat the ink, forming tiny bubbles that eject ink onto the paper.
○ When the bubble collapses, a vacuum draws new ink into the head.
2. Piezoelectric:
○ Crystals vibrate when electrified, forcing ink out while drawing in more.
Uses
• Ideal for low-output volumes and high-quality printing on single pages, such as
photo-quality printouts.
• 3D inkjet printing is used for prototypes in industrial applications.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Definition
• Dot matrix printers are impact printers that use a print head composed of a
matrix of pins to strike against an inked ribbon.
Uses
Advantages
Disadvantages
• Noisy operation, unsuitable for office settings.
• Higher initial purchasing cost compared to inkjet printers.
• Slow printing speed and lower output quality compared to inkjet and laser
printers.
Definition
• A graph plotter is an output device that uses pens, pencils, or markers to draw
continuous lines, producing vector graphic drawings rather than printing dots
like traditional printers.
Characteristics
Uses
Advantages
Disadvantages
2.3.6 3D Printers
Definition
• 3D printers create solid objects layer by layer, utilizing technologies similar to
inkjet and laser printing.
Characteristics
• The solid objects can be made from various materials, including powdered
resin, metal, paper, or ceramic.
• The process is based on additive manufacturing (building up layers) vs.
subtractive manufacturing (removing material).
Types of 3D Printing
1. Direct 3D Printing: Uses inkjet technology with a print head that can move both
horizontally and vertically.
2. Binder 3D Printing: Involves two passes per layer, where dry powder is first
deposited, followed by a binder application to create solid layers.
3. Laser/UV Techniques: Newer methods use lasers or UV light to harden liquid
polymers, expanding the range of printable products.
Uses
Advantages
Disadvantages
• Risk of counterfeiting and copyright infringement due to easy replication of
items.
• Potential for illegal manufacturing of dangerous objects.
• Possible job losses in traditional manufacturing sectors, though this can also
reduce costs for companies.
Speakers
• Definition: Speakers (or loudspeakers) are output devices that produce sound.
• Conversion Process:
1. Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC): Converts digital data (binary) into electric current.
2. Amplifier: Boosts the small current from the DAC to a level sufficient to drive the
loudspeaker.
3. Loudspeaker: Converts the electric current into sound waves.
• Operation:
○ The coil of wire wrapped around an iron core becomes a temporary electromagnet when
current flows through it.
○ The changing current induces a varying magnetic field, causing the iron core to vibrate.
○ This vibration is transmitted to a cone (plastic or paper), producing sound waves.
• Uses:
○ Found in phones and computers.
○ Outputs sound for multimedia presentations.
○ Assists visually impaired individuals through text-to-speech.
○ Plays downloaded sound files.
• Advantages:
○ Amplifies sound, making it audible to larger audiences.
○ Enhances presentations and group activities.
○ Simple technology.
• Disadvantages:
○ Can be disruptive in shared environments (e.g., offices).
○ High-quality speakers can be expensive.
○ May require significant desk space.
Actuators
• Definition: Actuators are devices that convert electrical signals into physical movement, often
used to control machinery like conveyor belts and valves.
• Example: Solenoid:
○ Converts electrical signals into a magnetic field, creating linear motion.
○ A plunger (e.g., a magnetized metal bar) moves when current is applied, enabling operation
of valves or switches.
• Uses:
○ Control motors, pumps, switches, and buzzers.
○ Enable computers to manage physical devices requiring analogue inputs.
• Advantages:
○ Facilitate remote operation of devices (e.g., in hazardous environments).
○ Generally inexpensive.
• Disadvantages:
○ Additional components that could malfunction.
○ Typically require DAC for control due to analogue nature.
Advantages of SSDs:
• Reliability: No moving parts, reducing failure risks.
• Weight: Lighter than HDDs, ideal for portable devices.
• Immediate Access: No need to "get up to speed."
• Power Efficiency: Lower power consumption.
• Cooling: Operate cooler than HDDs, beneficial for laptops.
• Access Time: 0.1 ms compared to 10 ms for HDDs.
• Data Transfer Speed: Faster than HDDs.
Disadvantages of SSDs:
• Longevity: Limited write operations (rated for 20 GB/day over three years).
• Cost: Generally more expensive than HDDs.
• Endurance Issues: Still not widespread in high-write environments (e.g., servers).
4o
You said:
can u add in a table with the following tags their definitions an example cell padding, sub and super
script, col and row span, caption, border collapse, alignment, hyperlink, bookmarks, division tags,
anchors,
2/2
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Here’s an extended table including the specified HTML tags, their definitions, and examples:
HTML Tag Definition Example
cellpadding An attribute used in the <table> tag to define the <table
space between cell borders and content. cellpadding="10">...</table>
<sub> Displays text as subscript, typically used in chemical H<sub>2</sub>O
formulas or mathematical notations.
<sup> Displays text as superscript, commonly used for x<sup>2</sup>
exponents or footnotes.
colspan An attribute used in <td> or <th> to specify the <td colspan="2">Merged
number of columns a cell should span. Cell</td>
rowspan An attribute used in <td> or <th> to specify the <td rowspan="2">Merged
number of rows a cell should span. Row</td>
<caption> Defines a title or caption for a table, typically <table> <caption>Student
displayed above the table. Scores</caption>...</table>
border- An attribute used in CSS to specify whether table <table style="border-collapse:
collapse borders should be collapsed into a single border or collapse;">...</table>
separated.
align An attribute that specifies the alignment of text in a <td align="center">Centered
table cell or other block-level elements. Text</td>
<a> Creates a hyperlink to another page or resource. <a
href="https://example.com">
Visit Example</a>
<a Creates a bookmark in the document that can be <a name="section1"></a>
name="bookm linked to.
ark">
<div> Defines a division or section in the document, often <div style="background-
used for layout purposes. color:lightblue;">Content
here</div>
<a Creates an anchor link that jumps to a specific <a href="#section1">Go to
href="#bookm location in the document (bookmark). Section 1</a>
ark">