ICT NOTES

Computer Hardware Definition

Hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. Each
component has specific roles and can be either internal or external.

Internal Hardware Devices

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)- The 'brain' of the computer- Carries out calculations to
complete software instructions
• Motherboard- Main circuit board that connects all internal components- Provides
power and enables component communication
• Memory- Stores data and instructions for CPU processing
• Graphics Video Cards- Enables computer to process and display graphics- Attaches to
motherboard
• Sound Card- Enables input, processing, and delivery of sound- Connects to
motherboard
• Internal Hard Disk- Stores information like software and files- Capacity ranges from GB
to TB
• Network Card- Provides internet connection- Works through wireless signals or
physical cable
• Optical Disk Drive- Runs CD/DVD/Blu-Ray disks- Can write data to discs
• Power Supply- Connects to main power source- Distributes power to all components

External Hardware Devices

Input Devices
• Devices that input data into computer:- Mouse- Keyboard- Microphone
Output Devices
• Devices that output data from computer:- Monitor- Speakers- Printers
External Storage Devices
• Provides external storage or backup solutions:- External Hard drive

Computer Software Types and Components

What is Software?
Software is a collection of instructions that can be 'run' on a computer. These instructions tell
the computer what to do. Unlike hardware, software is not physical but can be stored on
physical media like CD-ROMs.
Types of Software
1. Application Software
Designed to allow users to complete specific tasks:
Word Processing- Create and edit text documents- Formatting tools, spell check- Page
layout options
Spreadsheet- Organize and manipulate numeric data- Use formulas (Sum, Max, Min,
Average)- Create graphs and charts
Database- Insert and organize data using fields and records- Run queries- Create reports
Photo Editing- Edit digital images- Adjust contrast/brightness- Apply filters and effects
Video Editing- Split and trim videos- Add transitions- Insert audio
Mobile Apps- Games- Social media- Communication tools- Health/Fitness
2. System Software
Operating Systems- Manages computer functions- Provides GUI interface
Utilities- Manage and maintain computer performance- Include antivirus software
Device Drivers- Allow hardware devices to run on computer- Support printers, sound cards,
graphics cards
Compilers- Translate programs into computer-readable code
Linkers- Combine object files into a single program
Key Difference: Application software is used for specific user tasks, while system software
manages the computer's basic operations and hardware.

Computer Components and Memory

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer where all processing occurs:
• Performs searching, sorting, calculating and decision making
• Speed measured in Gigahertz (GHz) - 1 GHz = 1 billion instructions per second
• Controls computer operations and data movement
• Major brands: Intel and AMD

Main Memory Types

RAM (Random Access Memory)
• Temporarily stores running instructions
• Volatile memory - data is lost when power is off
• Used for active program data processing
ROM (Read Only Memory)
• Contains boot-up instructions
• Cannot be changed (read-only)
• Non-volatile - retains data when powered off
• Essential for computer startup
Cache Memory
• Fastest type of memory
• Located between processor and RAM
• Collects and holds commonly used data
• Automatically transfers data from RAM for CPU processing

Memory Process Flow

1. Applications installed in Secondary Storage (Hard drive)
2. Temporary data held in Main Memory
3. CPU checks Cache first for required data
4. If not in Cache, CPU checks RAM
5. Cache transfers next data set from RAM

Input/Output Devices
Peripheral devices are categorized as:
• Input devices - pass data into computer
• Output devices - receive data from computer
• Storage devices - store data long-term

Secondary/Backing Storage
• Also known as secondary storage
• Non-volatile - retains data when powered off
• Used for long-term data storage
• Allows both reading and writing of data
• Used for file backups

Desktop/Personal Computer
Evolution from room-sized computers to desk-sized in 1980s
• Separate components (monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers)
• Affordable for public use
Usage Modes:
• Standalone- Personal or work use- Individual printer and internet connection
• Networked- Share resources and files- Shared drives- Central storage- Online gaming

Laptop Computer
All-in-one device with integrated components
 • Key Features- Portable design- Wireless connectivity- Built-in screen and keyboard

Tablet Computer
• Characteristics- Touch screen technology- Wireless/3G/4G connectivity-
Downloadable applications- Speech recognition capabilities
• Connectivity- Wireless network compatibility- 3G/4G mobile data access- High-speed
internet on the move

Smartphone
• Core Features- Traditional phone capabilities- Operating system for running
applications- Touch technology- Internet connectivity (Wireless/3G/4G)- Built-in
sensors- Cameras
• Common Uses- Email communication- Web browsing- VoIP calls (voice/video)- Media
streaming- Social networking- GPS navigation

Computer Types Comparison

Which type of computer

should I choose based on my
needs?

Desktop Laptop
Ideal for high Offers high
processing power processing power
needs like work or and portability for
gaming, but work or personal
stationary. use.

Tablet Smartphone
Very portable with Most portable with
medium processing limited processing
power, suitable for power, best for
media or casual use. communication.

Emerging Technologies in Computing

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Computer systems that simulate human intelligence and decision-making capabilities:
PR2 robot - programmed for specific human-like tasks
Deep Blue - first AI to win chess against world champion
Self-parking cars - semi-autonomous parking assistance
Biometric Authentication
Uses unique human characteristics for identification:
Fingerprinting- Employee attendance tracking- Police identification- Laptop security access
Eye Recognition- Contactless iris scanning- Airport immigration control- Security verification
Other Methods- Facial recognition- Voice recognition
Vision Enhancement
Projects video through special lenses
Magnifies distant objects
Uses infrared for night vision
Military applications for surveillance
Virtual Reality (VR)
Artificial environment created with software, typically using head-mounted displays
Applications:
Training - Risk-free professional training
Education - Virtual exploration of historical sites
Gaming - Immersive gaming experiences
Sports - Performance analysis and technique improvement
Construction - 3D visualization of structures
3D and Holographic Imaging
Technology that produces three-dimensional images that move like the original object
Impact on Society: - Enhanced security through biometric systems - Improved training and
education through VR - Advanced military and surveillance capabilities
- More efficient and accurate identification systems
## Role of Operating Systems
- Manages general computer operations- Provides system security- Manages applications
and files- Controls memory usage## Types of User Interfaces**1. Graphical User Interface
(GUI)**- Features: - Windows for displaying information - Menus for selecting options -
Icons representing files/folders - Mouse pointer navigation**2. Command Line Interface
(CLI)**- Features: - Uses text commands - Requires command knowledge - More
flexible for advanced users - Uses less memory than GUIThe main difference is that GUI is
more user-friendly but resource-intensive, while CLI offers more control but requires
technical expertise.

Unit 2: Input and Output Devices

1. Input Devices
• Devices that allow users to input data into a computer.
Examples & Uses
• Keyboard – Enter text and commands.
• Numeric Keypad – Used for entering numbers quickly.
• Pointing Devices:
• Mouse – Controls cursor, clicks, and drags items.
• Touchpad – Functions as a mouse replacement.
• Tracker Ball – Moves cursor with minimal space.
 • Remote Control – Used for controlling devices wirelessly.
• Joystick & Driving Wheel – Used in gaming and simulations.
• Touch Screen – Allows direct interaction with the display.
• Scanners – Converts physical documents to digital.
• Digital Cameras & Webcams – Capture and input images or video.
• Microphones – Convert sound into digital signals.
• Sensors:
• Temperature Sensor – Detects heat levels.
• Pressure Sensor – Measures pressure changes.
• Light Sensor – Detects light intensity.
• Graphics Tablet – Allows digital drawing.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Some Input Devices
Device Advantage Disadvantage Keyboard Easy to use, fast typing Takes up space, requires
learning Mouse Easy to navigate Needs flat surface Touchpad Portable Less precise than a
mouse Joystick Good for gaming Hard to control for some users Microphone Hands-free
input Background noise interference

Input Devices

Pros Cons

Easy to use Takes up space

Requires
Fast typing
learning

Easy to Needs flat

navigate surface

Portable Less precise

Hands-free Background
input noise

2. Output Devices
• Devices that display or produce the results of computer processing.
Examples & Uses
• Monitor (Screen/Display) – Shows visual output.
• Printer – Prints digital content on paper.
• Speaker – Produces sound output.
• Headphones – Private sound output.
• Projector – Displays large visuals on a screen.
• 3D Printer – Creates physical objects from digital designs.
 • Actuators – Converts digital signals into mechanical movement (e.g., motors).
Advantages & Disadvantages of Some Output Devices
Device Advantage Disadvantage Monitor Real-time display Can cause eye strain Printer Hard
copies of documents Uses ink and paper Speakers Good for presentations Can be noisy in
shared spaces Projector Good for large audiences Requires a dark room 3D Printer Produces
real objects Expensive

Output Devices

Pros Cons

Real-time
Eye strain
display

Uses ink and

Hard copies
paper

Good for
Noisy
presentations

Large audience Requires dark

display room

Real objects Expensive

Key Learning Points

• Understand the functions of various input and output devices.
• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of these devices.
• Compare different devices to choose the right one for specific needs.

CHAPTER3 Storage Devices & Backup

1. What is Data Storage?
• Data Storage → Saving files safely for later use.
• Backup Storage → Creating copies of files to prevent data loss.
2. Considerations When Choosing Storage
• Capacity → How much data it can store.
• Cost → Initial price + maintenance expenses.
• Performance → Speed of accessing and transferring data.
• Manageability → Easy to use and maintain.
• Scalability → Can handle increasing data needs.
3. Importance of Data Backup
• Prevents data loss from accidents, system crashes, theft, or disasters.
 • Businesses need backups to protect financial records, customer data, and important
files.
• IT systems should ensure high performance and reliability for storage.

Types of Storage Media

1. Magnetic Storage Media
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• Stores data on spinning disks.
• Large capacity (up to 1TB or more).
• Fixed HDD → Built into computers.
• Portable HDD → External, connects via USB.
• Uses: OS storage, software, and file storage.
• Magnetic Tape
• Stores data in sequence (slow access).
• Used for large backups in businesses.
Ὄ Pros & Cons of Magnetic Storage:✔ High capacity, cheap per GB.❌ HDDs can
fail, magnetic tape is slow.

2. Optical Storage Media

• CD-ROM/DVD-ROM → Read-only, used for software, movies, music.
• CD-R/DVD-R → Can write data once, no erasing.
• CD-RW/DVD-RW → Can write and erase multiple times.
• Blu-ray Disc → Holds 25-50GB, used for HD movies.
Ὄ Pros & Cons of Optical Storage:✔ Cheap, portable, widely used.❌ Scratches
easily, limited storage.

3. Solid-State Storage Media

• USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive) → Small, fast, and portable.
• Memory Cards (SD Card, MicroSD) → Used in cameras, phones.
• Solid-State Drive (SSD) → Faster than HDD, no moving parts, used in laptops/PCs.
Ὄ Pros & Cons of Solid-State Storage:✔ Very fast, durable, low power use.❌
More expensive than HDD.

4. Data Access Methods

ὓ Sequential Access → Reads data in order (e.g., Magnetic Tape).ὓ Random
Access → Accesses data instantly (e.g., HDD, SSD, USB).

5. Comparison Table
Storage Type Advantages Disadvantages HDD Large capacity, fast Not portable, can be
damaged SSD Very fast, durable More expensive USB Drive Small, portable Limited lifespan
CD/DVD Cheap, widely used Scratches easily, slow Magnetic Tape Huge storage, cheap
Very slow access
6. End of Topic Questions
1️⃣ What is the difference between storage and backup?2️⃣ Why is data backup
important?3️⃣ List two advantages and disadvantages of HDD, SSD, and Optical
Storage.4️⃣ Compare Solid-State Drive (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

CHAPTER4 Network Devices & Security

1. What is a Computer Network?

• A computer network is a group of computers connected to share resources, data,
and communication.
Ὄ Uses of Computer Networks:✔ Sharing files, printers, and internet access.✔
Communication via emails, video calls, and messaging.✔ Playing online multiplayer
games.

2. Common Network Devices

1️⃣ Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Allows a computer to connect to a network (wired or wireless).
2️⃣ Modem
• Converts digital signals (computer data) into analog signals for telephone lines and
vice versa.
• Used to access the internet via telephone lines.
3️⃣ Hub
• Broadcasts data to all connected devices.
• Slower and less secure than a switch.
4️⃣ Switch
• Intelligently forwards data to the correct device.
• Faster & more secure than a hub.
Ὄ Hub vs. Switch:
Hub Switch Sends data to all devices Sends data only to the intended device Slower Faster
Cheaper More expensive
5️⃣ Bridge
• Connects two different LANs together.
• Reduces network traffic by filtering data.
6️⃣ Router
• Connects different networks (e.g., LAN to WAN).
• Uses a routing table to find the best path for data.
7️⃣ Wireless Access Point (WAP)
• Allows wireless devices (Wi-Fi) to connect to a wired network.
8️⃣ Repeater
• Boosts weak signals to extend network range.
• Used in large buildings to maintain connectivity.

3. Internet, Intranet & Extranet

ἱ Internet
• A global network connecting millions of computers.
• Used for browsing, emails, streaming, and gaming.
Ἶ Intranet
• A private network used within an organization.
• Employees can share internal documents, emails, and resources.
Ὄ Internet vs. Intranet:
Internet Intranet Public Private Access for everyone Only for company members Used for
browsing, social media, etc. Used for company resources
ὑ Extranet
• A controlled private network that allows limited access to external users (e.g.,
business partners, suppliers).
Ὄ Intranet vs. Extranet:
Intranet Extranet Only for company employees Accessible to external users (partners,
suppliers) Internal communication Limited external collaboration

4. Network Security
1️⃣ Encryption
• Converts data into coded form to prevent unauthorized access.
• Only authorized users can decrypt it.
2️⃣ Firewall
• A security barrier that prevents unauthorized access.
• Can block suspicious websites and hackers.
3️⃣ Authentication
• Verifies user identity before granting access.
 • Common methods:✔ Password & PIN✔ Two-factor authentication (SMS,
Email)✔ Biometric authentication (Fingerprint, Face ID)

Ὄ Strong Password Features:✔ At least 8 characters long✔ Uses uppercase,

lowercase, numbers, symbols✔ Avoid common words (name, DOB, 1234)

5. Malware & Anti-Malware

1️⃣ What is Malware?
Malware is malicious software that harms computers.
Ὄ Types of Malware:
• Virus → Attaches to files and spreads.
• Worm → Self-replicates & slows down systems.
• Trojan → Pretends to be useful software but causes harm.
• Spyware → Secretly collects personal data.
• Adware → Shows unwanted ads.
2️⃣ How to Protect Against Malware?
✔ Install antivirus software and keep it updated.✔ Use firewalls to block suspicious
access.✔ Avoid downloading unknown files.✔ Regularly update your operating
system.

6. End of Topic Questions

1️⃣ Define a computer network.2️⃣ What is the difference between a hub and a
switch?3️⃣ How does a firewall protect a network?4️⃣ Name two authentication
methods.5️⃣ List two advantages of encryption.6️⃣ What is malware, and how can
you prevent it?