COMPUTER

FUNDAMENTAL
S AND
INFORMATION
PROCESSING

Slides compiled by Timothy Singh

 COMPUTER
FUNDAMENTALS
THE CONCEPT OF
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology (IT) is the
development, implementation, and
maintenance of computer hardware and
software systems to organize and
communicate information electronically.
Information Processing (IP) describes the
manipulation of information to make it more
useful for a task. It involves using a computer
to manipulate digital data to create
information. For example: using sales data to
make graphs.
SCOPE OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology and Information
Processing have many practical or real-life
uses such as:
Industrial uses such as process control,
automation.
Commercial uses such as information
retrieval, information management.
Scientific uses such as use in
experiments, calculations, presentation
of results.
 TYPES OF COMPUTER
SYSTEMS:SUPERCOMPUTER

Supercomputers are designed to process a large amount of

data, at much higher speeds than other computers.

Supercomputers can store a very large amount of data.

However, supercomputers are very expensive (up to $100

million) and even has high costs for running and maintaining.
There are also not portable, and typically must always remain in
a specially designed room.
Supercomputers are usually built for government agencies or
large corporations. Supercomputers are used in industries such
as aero-space, automotive, nuclear research and quantum
mechanics.
Examples of supercomputer systems are Cray, Fugaku, Summit
and Sierra.
 TYPES OF COMPUTER
SYSTEMS:MAINFRAME

Similar to Supercomputers, mainframes are housed in special

rooms, and have very large amounts of storage. Therefore, they
are not portable.

Some processes would be so important to a business, that the

business would fail to operate if the process goes down. This is
called a business-critical process, and mainframes are used
to run these types of processes.
Mainframes typically prioritize reliability over speed/efficiency,
since their processes are typically quite simple, but NEED to
always be functional.

Mainframes are used to maintain the ATM systems for banks, as

the operation of these machines are critical to the running of the
banks’ services. Mainframes are also used in health care and
insurance sectors.
Examples of mainframe systems are IBM zEnterprise System,
UNISYS Mainframe Systems.
TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS:DESKTOP COMPUTERS
(PERSONAL COMPUTERS)
Desktop computers are general use computers that are used in
offices, schools and households.

The processor is stored in a single metal case, which is small

enough to fit on a desk. There is more portability than
supercomputers and mainframes, but still not very portable. Input
and output devices are attached to this device, via cables.
Desktop Computers are very customizable to the individual user.
Online gamers can install a powerful processor and graphics card,
whereas a photographer can install a larger hard drive to store
many high-quality photos.
Desktop Computers therefore have many general uses and can be
customized to fit a specific purpose. Therefore, processing speed
and storage are very variable with this device but would be
typically lower than a supercomputer or mainframe.
There are several types of Desktop Computers. Top manufacturers
include Dell, Lenovo, Acer and ASUS.
 TYPES OF COMPUTER
SYSTEMS:MOBILE DEVICES
Mobile devices include laptops, notebooks, netbooks,
smartphones, tablets and game consoles.

The main feature of these devices is portability; they are

lightweight and small so that they can be carried easily. They
typically have a keyboard built in, or a touchscreen, to be used
as an interface.
A smaller base and built-in peripherals mean that mobile
devices cannot be upgrades and customized as easily as
desktop computers. Processing speed and storage are typically
less than that of a Desktop Computer but are relatively
comparable.
Mobile devices have the advantage of convenience. With more
internet connections in public places, using mobile devices allow
users to use the Internet anywhere, at any time.

Top manufacturers of mobile devices include Samsung, Apple,

Huawei, Nokia, Sony, Motorolla.
TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS:EMBEDDED DEVICES

Embedded devices include special-purpose systems such

as controllers in microwaves, car ignition systems and
answering machines.

Computer processors have become so small and light, that

they are able to be built into many personal household
devices. An embedded microprocessor makes another
device more powerful and useful.
Embedded microprocessors are usually designed to
perform a single specific task, and their input and output
goes directly into or from the device. They may or may no
have internet connectivity.
Top manufacturers of embedded processor chips include:
Intel, AMD and CML.
 MAJOR HARDWARE
COMPONENTS OF A
COMPUTER SYSTEM - IPOS
A computer is an electronic device operating
under the control of instructions stored in its
memory. Whether alone, or while connect to a
network, a computer is capable of:
Input (Accepting data)
Processing (Manipulating Data)
Output (Producing data)
Storage (Storing data for later use)
These make up the IPOS (Input, Processing,
Output, Storage) cycle.
This cycle is achieved by a computer system,
through several hardware devices working
together. Hardware is the general name given
Input Processi Output Storage to the physical components of a computer
ng system.
MAJOR HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM: INPUT

Input involves a user putting data into a computer. It

means turning data into an electronic form so they can be
processed by the computer
Input devices are used to put information into the
computer.
For instance, a keyboard. When letters are pressed, the
keyboard turns the letters into electronic signals that are
sent to the CPU.
We will look at more input devices later on.
MAJOR HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM: PROCESSING

In a computer, the processing step is done by the Central

Processing Unit (CPU). Processing is done according to
input instructions. The CPU consists of the Arithmetic
and Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU).
The Control Unit coordinates the flow of data throughout
the computer and carries out instructions in the software.
The Arithmetic and Logic Unit performs any calculations or
logic operations that may be required.
MAJOR HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM: OUTPUT

Output involves a user receiving information from a

computer. It means turning the results of processing into a
form that a computer can use.
Output devices are typically used to show/give the results
of processing
For instance, a monitor. After letters of a keyboard are
pressed, and the CPU recognizes the signals of the
particular letter, the letter is displayed on the monitor.
We will look at more output devices later on.
MAJOR HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM: STORAGE

Storage involves storing or retaining data that can be processed or output

at a later time.
Storage may be one of two types: Primary Storage or Secondary
Storage.
Primary Storage or Main Memory or Immediate Access Storage
refers to memory that is readily available to the Central Processing Unit.
This includes Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).
Secondary Storage refers to storage devices that keep data, instructions
and information of a computer for future use. This includes hard drives, or
optical disks.
We will look at more in-depth at storage media (both primary and
secondary) later on.
 UNITS OF STORAGE
Storage devices store data and instructions in binary
form. This means electronic signals that can either be
ON or OFF.
ON is represented as a 1. OFF is represented as
a 0.
A bit (b) is a single ON or OFF signal (a 0 or a 1). Bit
stands for “Binary Digit.”
A byte (B) consists of 8 bits (8 b).
A kilobyte (KB) consists of 1024 bytes (1024 B).
A megabyte (MB) consists of 1024 kilobytes (1024
KB).
A gigabyte (GB) consists of 1024 megabytes (1024
MB).
A terabyte (TB) consists of 1024 gigabytes (1024 GB).
 PRIMARY STORAGE
Primary Storage or Main Memory or Immediate Access Storage refers to memory that is readily available
to the Central Processing Unit. These memory chips are directly on the motherboard, so the CPU can easily access
it. The two main types of Primary Storage are: Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).
Random Access Memory (RAM) stores the current instructions that the computer is using. RAM is read-write
memory, which means the data it holds can be changed. However, RAM is volatile which means when the
computer has no power, all the data stored in RAM is lost.
Read-Only Memory (ROM) stores the instructions to start up the computer system. ROM is read-only, which
means the data it holds cannot be changed. The instructions within it were fixed when the computer was
manufactured. However, ROM is non-volatile, so data stored is not lost when the computer loses power.
There are different types of ROM:
Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) – This type of ROM is left blank after manufacture, to be later programmed.
However, once programmed, the data it holds cannot be erased.
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) – Similar to PROM but can be erased at any time using Ultraviolet
(UV) light.
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) - Similar to PROM but can be erased at any time using
electricity.
 SECONDARY
STORAGE
Secondary Storage refers to storage
devices that keep data, instructions and
information of a computer for future use.
This includes a large range of devices
including (but not limited to):
Hard Disks
Magnetic Tapes
Flash Drives
Memory Cards
Optical Disks
HARD DISKS
A hard disk or hard drive (HDD) is a stack of metal disks,
which can be fixed inside or external to the main computer
case.
It can store large amounts of data, but it can only be
accessed on the computer to which it is attached.
The surface of a hard disk is divided into tracks and sectors
by magnetic lines. The disks spin and a read-write head
moves across each disk in the stack, guided by the track and
sector markings. When it finds the right spot, it can read
existing data or write new data to the disk.
Solid State Drives (SSD) are faster, smaller and lighter than
hard drives. They are increasingly being used in place of hard
drives, especially In mobile devices.
Both HDDs and SSDs support direct access, read-write
access, and high-capacity storage.
 MAGNETIC TAPE

Magnetic Tape is a narrow strip of plastic

coated with ferrous oxide. The data is
recorded along the length of the tape, with
each symbol encoded in binary form across
the width of the tape.
Magnetic Tape comes in many sizes and types
but are rarely used in modern computer
systems.
Data stored on magnetic tape can only be
retrieved sequentially, which is slower than
direct access, however they can be more
portable than a hard disk and can store large
amounts of data.
Magnetic Tape facilitates read-write access.
FLASH DRIVE
Flash Drives can store large amounts of data,
are low cost, non-volatile, fast and supports
read-write access.
They are also very small and extremely
portable, which allows for the convenient
transfer of files and data from one device to
another.
They have become increasingly common since
they use a standard-type USB connection with
computers and laptops.
MEMORY CARDS
These cards are typically used in digital
cameras, video game consoles, laptops and
mobile phones.
These cards vary in size, and ranges in storage
capacity from 2GB to 1TB.
However, devices often have limitations on the
type of memory card they can facilitate, and as
a result, memory cards are sometimes not
interchangeable between devices.
OPTICAL DISKS
Optical Disks include CDs (Compact Disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks)
and Blu-ray (BR) Disks.

There are different types of CDs:

CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory) which allows access up to
650MB of stored data. Once data is written to this disk, it cannot be changed,
only read.
CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable) allows data to be stored or written to the
disk. However, once data is written, it can only be read.
CD-RW (Compact Disk Rewritable) allows data to be written and erased
from the disk.

CDs can store a significant amount of data but can be easily damaged due to
improper handling or exposure to heat or dust.

DVDs are used for storing any kind of digital data. They can store much more data
than CDs and are often used to store full-length feature films.

Blu-ray Disks were designed to replace the DVD by storing several hours of video, by
having a storage capacity of up to 100 GB. It is mainly used for distributing video
games, and full-length feature films in high definition.
CLOUD STORAGE
Cloud storage uses the internet to transfer data between your
computer and a large remote storage area called a Data Centre.
The advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage over local
storage are:
• Individuals and organizations can buy as much or as little
storage space as they need.
For most people cloud storage is cheaper. The cost is spread
across many users.
Data can be accessed from anywhere on any device.
Data is more secure. It isn't lost if a computer fails, is lost or
is stolen.
Some speculate that data stored in the cloud is more vulnerable
to theft by hackers. There have been some cases of data
breaches in Data Centres, and user data being stolen.
 HARDWARE: INPUT DEVICES
There are a variety of Input Devices that are used today. These include:

Optical Mark Reader (OMR) Touch Screen

Optical Character Reader (OCR) Keyboard
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
Digital Camera
(MICR)
Mouse Biometric Systems
Joystick Sensors
Barcode Reader Remote Control
Document Scanner Sound Capture
Light-pen Pointing Devices
Touch Terminal
Webcam
Voice Response Unit
 HARDWARE: INPUT
SIMPLE DATA
An Optical Mark Reader (OMR) system
detects the position of pencil marks on a
page. OMR is sometimes used to mark
multiple-choice exam systems.
A bar code reader scans the bar code on
a product. This represents a code number,
which is sent to a Point of Sale (POS)
terminal.
A POS terminal has the same function as
a cash register or till, but It is computerised.
 HARDWARE:INPUT LETTERS
AND NUMBERS
Character Readers
Character readers can tell the difference between different letters and
other primed characters, so they can 'read' text into the computer.
MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) is used to read
numbers on bank cheques. This input device works by detecting
special magnetic ink.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) works by recognizing the
shape of letters. Old-fashioned OCR systems require special printing
styles, but modern devices can read all types of printing.
Keyboard
When you press the different keys on the keyboard you select
different letters and numbers. The keyboard sends electronic signals
that represent the characters you have typed to the processor.
HARDWARE: POINT-AND-CLICK
Point-and-click devices lets the user move a 'pointer' on the screen of the
computer, so you can select and click on different choices. The pointer detects the
movement of your hand or finger and turns that movement into electronic signals,
which are then sent to the computer. Some input devices work by moving them
about.
A mouse is moved about on a flat surface and sends a signal to the computer as it
is moved forwards, backwards and from side to side.
A joystick is typically used with a computer game. Like a mouse, it lets you move
forwards, backwards and from side to side.
A touch pad detects the motion of your finger when you touch, without having to
use a mouse or joystick.
A touch screen detects when you touch the display. This is an easy way to select
choices from an on-screen menu and perform other simple tasks. Touch screens
are used in smartphones and tablet computers such as the Apple iPad.
A light pen lets you draw on a touch screen. It gives you more control, letting you
draw lines and make more precise actions. This type of device can be used by
graphic artists to create computer images. Some modern computers have very few
controls, and most of the input is done by touching the screen. The Apple iPad is
an example.
HARDWARE: INPUT SOUNDS
Sounds such as music and voices can be input to the
computer.
A microphone can be used to pick up voices, music and
other sounds, which are then converted into electronic
form to be processed or stored inside the computer.
Musicians and record producers can use the computer to
combine and mix sounds.
Voice response. Some computer systems can
distinguish between different words and respond to
spoken commands. For example, some modern phones
will recognize if you say a name, and automatically place
a call to that person. Voice response can also be useful
for disabled people, who might not be able to see the
screen or use a keyboard.
 HARDWARE: INPUT
IMAGES
Images can also be stored Inside the computer in
electronic digital form.
A digital camera takes photos that are stored in
electronic form.
A web cam is a video camera that records a moving
image and sends the signal over the internet. People
use web cams to send video Images to friends who
live far away.
A document scanner takes a picture of a document
and stores it as an image. Sometimes this is combined
with OCR so that the scanner can 'read' all the letters
on the page and store it as text that can be edited.
 HARDWARE: VISUAL OUTPUT DEVICES
There are a variety of Visual Output Devices that are used today. These include:

Monitors (Visual Display Unit)

Printers
Laser
Inkjet
Dot Matrix
Thermal
Plotters
3D Plotters
Microfilm
 VISUAL DISPLAY UNIT

The screen of a computer is also known as a monitor or Visual

Display Unit (VDU). The image on a VDU is typically made up of
many tiny dots of light. These dots are called pixels.
A low-resolution VDU has comparatively fewer pixels, and each pixel is
larger. A high-resolution image is made up of a large number of very
small pixels. This gives a clearer, sharper image.
VDUs come in many sizes. Large screens have some advantages, as
the image is bigger and easier to see. However, a small screen is
suitable for laptops and other mobile devices.There are many types of
VDU defined by the technology used to produce an image. The most
common types of VDU use LCD or LED technologies. Cathode ray VDUs
are rarely used now because 1hey are bulky and heavy and give low
quality.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each type.Sometimes a
VDU serves as an input device as well as an output device such as a
touchscreen.
 PRINTERS
Printers produce printed output from a computer onto paper, which can be read by
people. There are two main types of printer.
Impact printers have a print head that strikes an inked ribbon against the
paper. Impact printers typically print one character at a time. The most
common type of Impact Printer is a dot matrix printer. Impact printers are
now rarely used. They are noisy and the quality is low, especially for images.
They cannot print in colour.
Non-impact printers produce an image by projecting a stream of ink
directly on to the page. The three main types of non-impact printers are:
Inkjet Printer - Inkjet printers spray dots of Ink to create a page line
by line.
Laser Printer – Laser printers are faster and more expensive than
other types of non-impact printers. Special ink, called toner, is
transmitted to the page from a cylinder or drum, which has been
electronically charged by a laser beam. Laser printers print a whole
page at a time.
Thermal Printers – These use heat on chemically treated paper to
form characters. (E.g., ATM receipts, debit/credit card slips, etc.)
 OTHER TYPES OF
PRINTING DEVICES
3D Printers are similar to inkjet printers, but instead, a 3D
model is created, layer by layer from the bottom upward. Instead
of using ink, the 3D printer uses melted plastic that sticks each
layer on the previous one.
A plotter uses coloured pens or toner to draw an image on
paper. The paper is handled in different ways depending on the
type of plotter.
Flatbed plotters hold the paper still while pens move to
create image.
Drum plotters roll the plotter over a cylinder to create an
image. These can produce very large images.
Pinch-roller plotters are a combination of the two.
Microfilm is a roll of film on which many frames/pages of
information can be stored. It is used to store computer data by
reducing the data to a size that can fit on these very small prints.
 HARDWARE: AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICES
There are a variety of Audio Output Devices that are used today. These include:

Speakers
Speakers broadcast sounds from the computer that can be heard by many people.

Headphones
Headphones are used when only one person wants to hear the output

Earphones
They cover your ears and cut out other sounds. Earphones typically go in only one
ear. They are used when a person wants to be able to hear the computer output, but
also respond to
other sounds, such as customer queries.
 SOFTWARE

This is the general term for instructions carried out

by a computer. All software is created by
programmers, and it is held within the computer in
the form of electronic signals.
There are two major types of software:
System Software - software that controls the operations
of the computer system itself. The main types of System
Software include Operating System and Utilities.

Application Software – software that allows the user to

perform different tasks on the computer system.
Different types of Application Software include general-
purpose, special-purpose, integrated package, custom-
written and customized software.
 SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
OPERATING SYSTEM
The Operating System (OS) is loaded on to the computer before any other software. It controls all
aspects of the operation of the computer including the following functions:

Memory Management: Primary storage (immediate access storage or IAS) holds the data and
instructions currently in use by the computer. The operating system ensures that the correct data
and instructions are copied into the IAS.

File Management: Data and instructions are held in Secondary Storage as computer files. The
OS organizes the files and allows the user to choose which ones to access.

Device Management: The OS controls the operation of the peripheral devices.

Input/Output Management: The computer system receives input from devices such as the
keyboard and sends signals to output devices such as the monitor. The operating system
organizes this data flow.

Process Management: A modern computer will typically have multiple processes under way at
the same time. These are organized by the OS.

Security: The operating system controls some aspects of data security, for example the password
login to a network.

User Interface: The user interface is the system that allows you – the user - to interact with the
computer, to input instructions and data, and to receive results.

Examples of Operating Systems are Microsoft Windows 10, Apple’s Mac OS, Linux.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE: UTILITIES
Utilities are programs that carry out one
specialist function that helps the computer to
work smoothly or tries to protect and maintain
software on the computer.
Utility Software include software that:
Protects other software from viruses (antivirus)
Backs up files
Recovers files after a computer crash
Examples of Utility Software are: Symantec
Norton Antivirus, Disk Defragmenter, System
Backup and Restore.
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application Software covers all the other types of software that are available for computer systems. This
software enables all the useful functions that we perform with computers, from word processing, to robot
control, to games. The different types of Application Software are:

General-Purpose Software allows a wide range of activities to be carried out. An example is a general
word processing program (such as Microsoft Word), which allows you to create many different types of
document from posters to letters. These programs may be bought by many millions of customers. They
offer a wide range of functions and are generally of lower cost than other types of software.

Special-Purpose Software is written to perform a single type of task. Compared to general purpose
software it is useful lo far fewer people. However, because it is focused on only one activity it is very
useful to its target group. An example might be the software that an architect uses to create building
designs (AutoCAD), or software that a photographer uses to edit photographs (Adobe PhotoShop).

Customized Software is General-Purpose Software that has been modified to perform specific tasks for
the user. For example, word processing, spreadsheet and database software can be customized by
automating certain parts of the software or writing and adding programming modules to perform specific
tasks.

Custom-written Software is created for a single customer by a computer programmer (or team of
programmers). This can be quite expensive, but it is written specifically for the customer, according to
their instructions. A large company such as a bank might have its own specially written computer
systems.

Integrated Software refers to a program that includes all the major types of applications and functions
and brings them into a single software package. Examples of this are Microsoft office and Adobe Creative
Suite.

What do you think ‘off the shelf’ software refers to?

 USER INTERFACE

The User Interface includes both the software and

hardware that allows the user to make use of the
computer system. This interface can be graphical,
text-based, or even audio-visual based, depending
on the application.
HARDWARE USER INTERFACE
Hardware user interfaces are included in
various hardware items that make it possible for
the user to work with the computer system.
An example of a hardware device with a user
interface is a game controller. The layout of the
buttons, touchpad, joysticks and hand grips
together form the user interface that carries out
various functions.
Other examples of devices with a hardware user
interface are keyboards, keypads, even
touchscreen.
SOFTWARE
USER
INTERFACE
Software user interfaces are
available after the computer has
booted up and the OS has been
loaded, allowing the user to
interact with the computer or
device through an interface.
Examples of software interfaces are
online forms for data entry, GPS
interfaces, control panel menu on a
computer, etc.
The main types of software
interfaces are:
Command-line Interface
Menu-driven Interface
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
COMMAND-LINE
OR COMMAND-
DRIVEN
INTERFACES
This type of user interfaces
require the user to type
specific commands using a
special syntax.
This makes command-line
interfaces difficult to use,
especially for new computer
users.
Examples of command-line
interfaces are Windows
PowerShell (in Windows) or
Terminal (in Linux).
MENU-DRIVEN
INTERFACES

Menu-driven interfaces were

developed to try to make the
interface friendlier and easier to
learn. The user can control the
computer by choosing commands
and available options from a menu,
using a keyboard and mouse.

Menu-driven interfaces may also be

verbal instead of visual. An
example of this is an automated
answering service, where buttons
can be pressed on a telephone
keypad to select different options.
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES
A graphical user interface (GUI) include ease of navigation for new computer
users, with the ability to cut, paste, drag and drop, etc. However, GUIs require a lot
of memory, which can sometimes slow processing time.

A GUI comprises of Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers (WIMP).

A window is a part of the screen that holds its own document or message. A
window can be resized, moved or shrunk. Multiple windows can be opened at one
time.

An icon is a tiny picture of an object displayed on the screen. Typically, an icon can
be double clicked to achieve some functionality.

Menus provide options for the user to select. There are two types of menus:
Pull-down menus are activated by left-clicking a menu item such as ‘File.’
This makes a menu pull down just below the menu item and allows the user
to scroll through various items.
Pop-up menus are activated by right-clicking anywhere on a document.
Some standard commands on these types of menus are cut, copy and paste.

Pointers allows the user to select window items, icons and menu items via a
pointer input device such as a mouse.
EVALUATING A COMPUTER SYSTEM:PROCESSING SPEED

Processing Speed – A faster CPU is important in

applications where graphics are important (for example
gaming), or where several programs are being run at the
same time.
Clock speed is how fast instructions are carried out by the
CPU – more powerful processors have faster clock speeds.
“Cores” refer to the number of processors in the CPU.
Modern CPUs use typically use more than one processor. A
CPU with two processors is called a “Dual Core” processor. A
CPU with four processors is called a “Quad Core.”
Graphics Cards have their own processor and memory built
in and is only used for graphics. They are useful in
applications such a gaming, photo and video editing and 3D
modelling. These applications use a lot of processing power
and can typically slow down a computer.
EVALUATING A COMPUTER SYSTEM:MEMORY

Memory – The amount of RAM that a computer needs

depends on what they computer would be used for.
Most modern computers require at least 4GB of RAM for
usage. That is enough for web browsing and office
applications and will allow one to have several windows at
the same time.
Users of more graphical applications such as photo editors
or desktop publishing may be to upgrade to 8GB of RAM or
more.
High-definition graphics, video editing, gaming or 3D
imaging applications often need 16GB of RAM or more to
run properly.
EVALUATING A COMPUTER SYSTEM:SECONDARY STORAGE

Secondary Storage – The hard drive is the most usual type of

secondary storage found in computers. A typical desktop computer will
have between 256GB to 1TB hard disk drive.
Some applications may need more secondary storage. For example,
professional photographers or video editors work with very large
graphic files.
An alternative type of secondary storage is a Solid-State Drive
(SSD). SSD is faster, lighter and more reliable than a hard drive
because it has no moving parts. SSDs are more expensive than hard
drives, but the higher speeds can be more useful in intensive
programs.
Cloud storage can reduce the amount of secondary storage needed
on a computer. A photographer may need to store many thousands of
high-definition images but will only be working with a few at a time.
Most images can be stored on a cloud drive until they are needed. This
is called archiving.
EVALUATING A COMPUTER SYSTEM:SOFTWARE/ INPUT AND
OUTPUT DEVICES

Software – Software will have requirements for

RAM and secondary storage may also need to be
considered.

Input and Output Devices – A computer also

includes input and output devices. Input devices
includes devices such as a scanner or barcode
scanner. Output devices could include a colour
printer to create business reports that include
complex charts.
 BASIC COMPUTER
HARDWARE PROBLEMS
A number of simple problems can occur when
using a computer, but few checks can be
performed to identify the possible causes. These
checks can determine whether the problem can be
fixed, or if further technical assistance is required.
Typical problems with basic computer hardware
include:
Cable Problems (E.g., loose cables)
Monitor Problems (E.g., incorrectly configured
monitor controls)
Printer Problems (E.g., changing printer cartridges)
Battery Problems (E.g., loose or dead battery)
 CABLE PROBLEMS
If a computer devices does not turn on even if power is
connected, ensure that the power connector at the
back of the device is plugged in properly to an
electrical outlet.
If plugged in to a power strip or surge protector, ensure
that this device is connected to a power outlet and is
on.
Ensure that the electrical outlet being used is
functional.
Ensure that the problem is not the power strip or surge
protector by briefly plugging it directly into an outlet
and testing if it comes on.
Try another power cable that is suitable for the device.
If the device comes on in this case, the power cable
would need replacing.
MONITOR PROBLEMS

In the case of a blank screen, ensure all

cables are connected properly to the
monitor, and that the monitor’s power
cable is appropriately connected to power.
Ensure that when plugged in, the power
light on the monitor comes on. If it does,
the monitor has power. If the power light is
blinking, the monitor may be in power-
saving mode.
Ensure the electrical source to which is
monitor is plugged into is working.
PRINTER PROBLEMS
If a computer not detecting a printer, ensure the
printer drivers are appropriately installed on the
computer device. Also, ensure that the printer is
plugged in and has power.
If the printer is not printing appropriately, check to
make sure there is adequate ink in the printer. Also,
printer settings can be tweaked to adjust settings
like alignment, orientation, print quality and paper
type; ensure these are configured appropriately.
If the printer is not printing a document, ensure the
cartridge tray of the printer is not open. Also,
ensure that there is properly placed paper in the
printer, and there is no paper jam. Also, ensure the
correct printer is selected for printing in the
software application.
BATTERY PROBLEMS

For laptops and mobile devices, ensure there is

appropriate amount of charge in the battery.
A battery may need charging or even replacing if:
The laptop or mobile device shuts off when the power
adapter is unplugged
The devices powers off soon after use
The battery icon indicates that a battery is not
detected or found

Before replacing the battery, try another power

adapter of the same make and model. If it charges
appropriately, then the issue may lie in the power
cord or adapter rather than the battery itself.
REFERENCES

Information Technology for CSEC Study Guide (Oxford 2nd Edition) by Howard
Lincoln, Alison Page, Leo Cato, June Moe, Gerard Phillip
CSEC Information Technology (Oxford 3rd Edition) by Glenda Gay, Ronald Blades
CSEC Information Technology Syllabus