1.

1 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

 Hardware
• Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system
• These components can be internal or external

Components

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): the computer's "brain" that performs

calculations, processes instructions, and controls other components
• Processor: a chip inside the CPU that carries out instructions from a program
• Motherboard: the main circuit board that connects all internal components

• Random Access Memory (RAM): temporary storage for running programs and
data; it is volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer is turned off
• Read-Only Memory (ROM): permanent storage for essential data, like the
computer's BIOS; it is non-volatile, meaning data is retained even when the
computer is turned off

• Graphics card: processes images and videos for display on a monitor

• Sound card: processes audio for output through speakers or headphones
• Network Interface Card (NIC): enables connection to a network, such as the
internet
• Camera: captures images or video for input into the computer(external)
• Internal/external storage devices: stores data permanently, such as hard
drives (portable (external hardware) /Fixed (internal hardware) or USB flash
drives(external)
• Input devices: allow users to enter data, like keyboards and mice(external)
• Output devices: display or produce results, like monitors and printers(external)
 Software
• Software refers to programs that control the operation of a computer or the
processing of electronic data

Application Software

• Application software provides the services that users require to solve a task

E.g.:

o Word processing: creating and editing text documents

o Spreadsheet: organising and analysing data in a grid format
o Database management systems: storing, retrieving and managing data
in databases
o Control/measurement: uses sensors to measure and control a system
o Applets and apps: specialized software for specific tasks
o Video editing: creating and modifying video files
o Graphics editing: creating and modifying images
o Audio editing: creating and modifying sound files
o Computer Aided Design (CAD): designing and modelling objects in 2D
or 3D

System Software

• System software provides the services that the computer requires to operate
e.g.
o Compilers: translating high-level programming languages into machine
code
o Linkers: combining object files into a single executable program
o Device drivers: controlling hardware components and peripherals
o Operating systems: managing the computer's resources and providing a
user interface
o Utilities: tools for maintaining and optimizing the computer's performance
 Analogue & Digital Data
• Analogue data is continuous and varies smoothly over time
• Digital data is discrete and represented in binary form (0s and 1s)

Differences between Analogue & Digital Data

• Analogue data can have any value within a range, while digital data has a limited
set of values
• Digital data is less prone to noise and distortion compared to analogue data
• Digital data can be easily manipulated, stored, and transmitted by computers

Converting Analogue to Digital Data

• Analogue data must be converted to digital data so it can be processed by a

computer
• This process is called analogue-to-digital conversion (ADC) and is performed
by an analogue-to-digital converter

Converting Digital to Analogue Data

• Digital data must be converted to analogue data so it can be used to control

devices
• This process is called digital-to-analogue conversion (DAC) and is performed
by a digital-to-analogue converter
1.2COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM
"All the different pieces of electrical hardware that join together to make up the
complete computer system."

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain" responsible for
processing instructions entered into the computer
• The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce
an output

CPU Functions

• It fetches instructions from memory

• It decodes the instructions to determine the required operation
• It executes the operation
• It stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device

CPU Components

• The CPU is made up of 3 main components:

o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
o Control Unit (CU)
o Registers
o The clock

Control Unit

• Control Unit (CU) which controls the I/O devices

• It controls the execution of program instructions and the processing of data by
sending out control signals to the other parts such as ALU and registers.
• It will fetch and executes the instructions.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• It carries out calculations (+, -, *, /) and performs logical decisions.

Registers

These are memory locations within CPU itself.

They store instructions and data that is currently being used by the control unit.
 Internal memory
Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process.

Characteristics of ROM and RAM

ROM RAM
Volatility Non-volatile (retains data Volatile (loses data when
when powered off) powered off)

Access Read-only (data cannot be Read-write (data can be

modified) modified)
Main Purpose Stores essential Stores data and
instructions (e.g. BIOS) instructions in use by CPU

Differences between ROM and RAM

ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile

ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions
currently in use.

Input and output devices

Input devices
It allow users to enter data or instructions into a computer system e.g.:
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Scanner
• Microphone
• Touch screen etc..

Output Devices

It display or produce the results of data processing from a computer system e.g.:

• Monitor
• Printer
• Speakers etc
Differences between Input & Output Devices
Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive
data from the computer
Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display
or produce the results of data processing.

Backing storage
It is a long-term storage used to store data, files, and programs when not in use

• hard disk drives (HDD)

• solid-state drives (SSD)
• USB flash drives
• optical discs (CDs, DVDs)

Backing storage is typically slower than internal memory but has a larger
capacity.It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data when the computer is powered
off

Backing storage Internal Memory

Function Long-term storage of files, programs, Temporary storage of data and
and data essential instructions while the
computer is running
Examples HDD, SSD, USB flash drives, optical RAM, ROM
discs (CDs, DVDs)
Access speed Slower Faster
Capacity Larger Smaller
Volatality Non volatile Volatile
1.3 OPERATING SYSTEMS
An Operating System has a user interface to allow the user to interact with the
computer.

There are different types of user interfaces:

Command Line Interface (CLI)

It is a Text-based interface.The users type commands to perform tasks.It Requires
knowledge of command syntax.It allows the user to interact with a computer using
keyboard input at a prompt on the screen.

It has blue/black screen and white text.Programmer,analyst are able to access the
computers

They use no graphics and use very little computer power.There are 270 commands that
can be entered at command prompt.Eg

• copy
• del
• rename
• md – create a new folder
• format

Example : UNIX and IBM DOS

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
The user is in drect communication ith The user needs to learn a number of
computers. commands to carry out basic operations

It is possible to alter computer configuration All commands need to be typed which

settings takes time
It is faster in troubleshooting Each commands to be typed in using the
correct format,spelling.
The user is not resticted to a number of pre More difficult to edit once commands
determined options entered
It requires very little processing For new users it is very difficult ot use
 Graphical User Interface (GUI)
It is a Visual-based interface with icons, windows, menus and pointers(WIMP
features).The users will interact with the system using a mouse and keyboard.It is a
easier for beginners to learn and use.

It is user friendly which is easier to enter the commands.The features are

• Windows-It divide the screen into areas so you can work on a several task at a
time
• Icons-A small images that represent application and files
• Menus-It allows users to select command and icons from a drop-down list
• Pointers- A pointing device is used to click on an icon to launch the application.

Example : Windows,MacOS,Linux

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
The user does not need to learn a number of Its uses more memory compared to CLI
commands

It is more user friendly It Needs an operating system to operate.

It will do multi task The user is limited to the icons provided on

the screen
A pointing device is used to click on an ico to It takes up lots of storage space
launch the application this is simpler than
typing in commands
 Dialogue-based interface
An interface that allows a users communicate with the system through text or voice.The
system responds with appropriate actions or feedback.

It willbe used to control car entertainment,satellite system and also smart home systems
where user can control using spoken commands.

Voice recognition will be used in smart phones.

Eg:

• Amazon alexa
• Apple siri
• Microsoft cortana

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• It allows for hands free control • It has limited access due to the
number of commands stored
compared to GUI

• It is safer than using a standard • It will be more expensive to develop

interface for additional software

• More useful for physically disabled • May not operate reliably due to
users background noise/speech
impediment/accents

• It is very useful for disabled peoples • It needs to be ‘trained’ by the user

because many tasks can be crried out
by spoken words
• It has natural and intuitive interaction • It can be quite comples to setup
 Gesture-based interface
An interface that allows a Users interact with the system through physical gestures by
using movements of various parts of the body.

Humans will gives a command without using a keyboard/mouse/pointing device

It will used in smartphones as biometrics like finger print,voice recognition,eye

recognition to secure the data in the smartphones.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• It replaces mechanical input devices • The users have to learn the
gestures for particular request

• No physical contact required • It only work fairly near to cameras or

sensors

• No training needed to interface with • It may only accepted Limited

the computer number of movements

• It is very natural interface for a human • User can unintentionally activate the
operators device by moving their arms/fingers

• It has natural and intuitive interaction • Users with physical disabilities may
not be able to make the gestures
 Difference between CLI and GUI
CLI GUI
• CLI is difficult to use. • GUI is easy to use.

• It consumes low memory. • It consumes more memory.

• CLI is faster than GUI. • The speed of GUI is slower than CLI

• CLI operating system needs only a • While GUI operating system needs
keyboard. both a mouse and keyboard.

• There are no graphics in CLI. • While in GUI, graphics are used

• In CLI, the information is shown or • While in GUI, the information is

presented to the user in plain text and shown or presented to the user in
files. any form such as: plain text, videos,
images, etc.

• CLI’s appearance can not be modified • While its appearance can be

or changed. modified or changed.
1.4 TYPES OF COMPUTERS
 DESKTOP COMPUTERS
Characteristics of a Desktop Computer

• Designed to be used on a desk or table

• Comprised of separate components (monitor, keyboard, mouse, tower)
• More powerful than laptops and tablets
• Easier to upgrade and customize
• Typically, less portable than other computer types

Uses of a Desktop Computer

• Office and business management:

o Word processing
o Spreadsheet creation and management
o Email communication
o Data storage and backup
• Education:
o Access to educational resources
o Creating and editing multimedia content
o Conducting research
o Distance learning and virtual classrooms
• Gaming and entertainment:
o High-performance gaming
o Streaming movies and TV shows
o Social media browsing
o Creating and editing video and audio content

Mobile Computers
Portable computing devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and phablets, that
allow users to access and use computer applications and resources on the go

Characteristics of Mobile Computers

• Laptop Computers:
o Portable with integrated display, keyboard, and touchpad
o Battery powered
o Less powerful and less expandable than desktops
 Smartphones:

o Portable and lightweight

o Touchscreen interface
o Multifunctional (phone, internet access, camera)
o Anti-glare screen
o Front and rear facing camera
o Battery powered
o Uses Bluetooth, WIFI, 3G, 4G, 5G
o Has an on-screen keyboard

Tablet Computers:

o Larger touchscreen than smartphones

o Ideal for media consumption and web browsing
o Limited expandability
o Anti-glare screen
o Front and rear facing camera
o Battery powered
o Portable and lightweight
o Uses Bluetooth, WIFI, 3G, 4G, 5G
o Has an on-screen keyboard

Phablet Computers:

o Combine features of smartphones and tablets

o Larger screen than smartphones
o Can be used for phone calls

Uses of Mobile Computers

• Office and business management:

o Remote access to office applications
o Email and communication on the go
o Mobile payment processing
o Calendar
• Education:
o E-books and digital textbooks
o Educational apps and tools
o Note-taking and research
• Gaming and entertainment:
o Mobile gaming apps
o Streaming movies and music
o Social media
• Remotely controlled devices:
o Controlling smart home devices
 o Remote access to surveillance systems
o Controlling drones and other devices
• Communication:
o Video calling
o Text messaging
• Other:
o Sat Nav
o Online banking
o Searching the Internet
o Taking photos
o Language translation

Advantages and Disadvantages of desktop computers

Advantages Disadvantages

It is more powerful than mobile devices It is not portable

It is usually having a larger screen than
It takes up a lot of space
laptop
It is restricted to one working
It is easy to upgraded and and expand
area
Less easy to seal and carry way
It will cost less for the power and facilities
they offer

Advantages and Disadvantages of Laptop computers

Advantages Disadvantages

It is light and portable It is easier to steal

Access to internet and resources from They have limited amount of
anywhere (Flexibility) battery life
Can be used for various tasks and
Larger than heavier than tablets
activities (multi-functionality)
It has full size keyboard It is slower to start than tablets
It is not always possible to
It is less expandability than desktop
upgrade them
Thera are no trailing wires because its in Keyboard is difficult to use for
a single unit RSI injury users

Advantages and Disadvantages of smartphones

Advantages Disadvantages

Smaller screen can make difficult to

It is pocket sized
read
It can make calls and send text and They have limited amount of battery
emails life
Web browsing can drain the battery
It can use WIFI
quickly
Typing on a small touch screen may
Lots of apps are available
be slow
4g/5g connectivity to use the
It is easier to steal
internet

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tablet and Phablet

Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to carry and use on the go Limited expandability (Difficult to

(Portability) upgrade hardware)
Access to internet and resources Less powerful (Lower performance
from anywhere (Flexibility) compared to desktop computers)
Can be used for various tasks and Shorter battery life (Needs frequent
activities (multi-functionality) charging)
1.4 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
 AI
This is the development of computer systems that can perform tasks usually
requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition,
and decision-making

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

positive

• Enhances productivity by automating repetitive tasks

• Improves decision-making through data analysis and pattern recognition
• Can be used in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and
transportation
Negative

• It could lead to many job losses in a number of areas like manufacturing.

• Loss of skills

Examples

• An autonomous vehicle
• Making a patient diagnosis based on their symptoms.

Virtual Reality (VR):

• A computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional replicated
environment
• It can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way
• Can manipulate objects or perform a series of actions
• Makes use of the sensory experience
• Uses a virtual reality headset with built in speakers
• Can be used with gloves / controllers / driving wheel
 Augmented Reality (AR):
A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image or information
onto a user's view of the real world, providing a composite view
Impact of Extended Reality (VR and AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in a simulated environment, while

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world

Used in gaming, education, and training for a more engaging experience

Can be applied in fields like architecture, medicine, and retail for improved
visualization and interaction

Potential issues with addiction and excessive screen time