CHAPTER 1 NOTES

Hardware
Hardware:
• Is the general term for the physical components that make up a typical
computer system
• E.G:
➢ Input devices – keyboard, mouse, camera
➢ Output devices – monitor, printer, plotter
• There are two types of hardware:
1) Internal – a device that is installed within the computer
2) External – a device that is often externally connected to the
computer to control either input or output
 Software
Software:
• the program that controls the computer system and process data
• Two types of softwares:
➢ System software – programs that allow the hardware to run
properly and allow the user to communicate with the computer
E.G:
»compilers = a computer program that translated a program
written in a high-level language (HLL) into machine code, that is
directly understood by the computer, so that it can be directly
used by a computer to perform a required task
» linkers = a computer program that takes one or more object files
produced by a compiler and combines them into a single program
that can be run on a computer
» device drivers = a software that enables 1 or more hardware
devices to communicate with the computer’s operating system
(without these, a hardware device won’t work with the computer)
» operating systems = a software running in computer
background
» utilities = a software that has been designed to carry out specific
tasks on a computer, (i.e: antivirus, backup of files, disk repair)
➢ Application software – designed to allow users to complete
specific tasks
E.G:
» word processing = used to manipulate a text document
» spreadsheet = used to organise and manipulate numerical data
» database (management system) = used to organize, manipulate
and analyze data
» control and measurement software = designed to allow a
computer or microprocessor to interface with sensors
» applets = are small applications that perform a single task on a
device
» apps = a software which can perform a fairly substantial task
(i.e: video and music streaming)
» video editing = allows a user the ability to manipulate videos to
produce a new video
» graphics editing = allows bitmap and vector images to be
changed and are made up of pixels
» audio editing = allows a user to edit, manipulate and generate
audio data on a computer
» computer-aided design (CAD) = a software used to help in the
creation, manipulation, modification and analysis of a
drawing/design
 Main components of a computer
Central Processing unit (CPU):
The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is the device that carries out software
instructions. Also known as microprocessor. It consists of control unit (CU)
that manages input and output devices and an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
that performs computations and makes logical judgements, and tiny memory
regions known as registers. It processes input and produces the outcome in
the form of output.

Memory:
Any data or instructions that are to be processed by CPU must be placed into
the main memory

CD/DVD drive:
An optical disc thar reads and writes all common CD and DVD formats

Motherboard:
It’s a printed circuit board which holds many of the crucial components of the
system

Hard drive:
A hardware device that’s used to store information like software and files

Power supply:
The component that supplies power to computer

Graphics card:
A device that attaches to the motherboard to enable the computer to process
and display graphics

Sound card:
A device that attaches to the motherboard to enable the computer to input,
process, and deliver sound

Random Access Memory (RAM):

It’s a fast temporary type of memory in which programs, applications and data
are stored. It allows you in for running multiple applications at the same time.
If a computer loses power, all data stored in this memory is lost.

Read only memory (ROM):

A memory that cannot be changed by a program or user and stores the
instructions for the computer to start when it is turned on. It retains its
memory even after the computer is turned off.
 RAM ROM
Temporary memory device Permanent memory device
Volatile Non-volatile
Can be written to and read from Can only be read from
Used to store data, files, programs
Used in storing start-up data
and parts of OS in current use

(RAM AND ROM ARE INTERNAL MEMORY)

Motherboard
Hard drive

CD/DVD Drive

Central Processing Unit

(CPU)/Processor

Sound card

Graphics card
 Analogue and digital data

Digital data – is when computers can only understand data in the form of
binary digits (0,1).
Analogue data – Is the physical data that changes smoothly from one value
to the next, and not in discrete steps as with digital data

The figures show how data changes in analogue and digital forms, analogue
data forms smooth curves whereas digital data changes in discrete steps.

So, for a computer to be able to process real-world data, it first needs to

convert the received data into digital form. This is done by hardware known
as ADC (analogue to digital converter), and its output is given back in
analogue form using DAC (digital to analogue converter).
 Input and output devices
Input devices Output devices
An input device is any hardware that An output shows the result or
enables data entry. solution of the input afterit has
been processed.
An input device can only send data. An output device can only receive
data.
Input devices are necessary for a Output devices are needed in
computer to receive commands from order to display the outcome of
the user for processing to be permitted. the processing that took place to
the user.
Input devices are complex as they Output devices are simpler as
need to ensure proper communication they only need to display the
between computer and user. finale.

• Input devices – are pieces of hardware that allow users to enter data
into computers.
• Output device – displays the computer's output in a human-readable
format. As words on a printer, for example, or moving graphics on a
monitor.
 Backing/Secondary Storage

• Required to permanently store significant amounts of data.

• Most commonly in form of Hard disk drives and Solid-state drives.

Differentiating between internal memory and backing storage:

• RAM contents are lost when power is lost, and ROM is read-only,
backing storage is permanent even without power.
• RAM and ROM are much smaller as compared to backing storage.
• RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing data as compared
to backing storage.
• Backing storage is much cheaper than internal memory.
• Internal memories are fixed, backing storage can be fixed or portable.
• Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU, while backing
storage needs to be moved into the RAM before being read by the
CPU.
 GUI AND CLI
GUI:
• Graphical user interface
• A user interface built around graphics
• Allows the user to interact with the computer
• Are normally used by people who don’t have great knowledge about
how the computer works
• E.G: Windows, android, iOS, Linux, Mac OS, BlackBerry OS

Advantages Disadvantages
Quicker to enter commands Smaller range of commands can be
used
Easier to enter commands Icons are pre-programmed to set
tasks and users cannot change
Less chance of users making errors GUI requires more computer power

CLI:
• Requires the user to enter command prompts to interact with the
computer
• They are normally used by expert users as it is more complicated to use
for others
• E.G: ATTRIB, CD, CHKDSK, Copy, DIR, DOS, Unix

Advantages Disadvantages
User directly communicates with the Users must remember complex
computer commands
A wider range of commands can be Lots of typing needed for quite
used simple task
Needs very little computer power Higher chance of errors when typing
in commands
Can be run on very old computers One spelling mistake means that
the command will fail

WIMP (main features of GUI):

• WIMP = Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers
• Windows – areas for displaying information
• Icons – small images used to represent files/folders or applications
• Menus – list of options or applications users can select from
• Pointers – mouse pointer can be used to select and open
files/applications
Dialogue-based user interfaces:
• Is when it uses the human voice to give commands to a computer
system.
• E.G: In luxury modern cars, where voice activation is used to control
devices such as the in-car entertainment system or satellite navigation
system.

Gesture-based user interfaces:

• It relies on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even the
feet.
• Gesture recognition allows humans to interface with a computer in a
more natural fashion without the need for any mechanical devices.
• This type of interface uses techniques known as computer vision and
image processing.
• E.G: Moving a hand near a car window switch which then automatically
opens the window
 Operating Systems
What is an operating system?
A software that manages a computer’s basic functions, such as managing the
computer’s resources, input and output peripherals, computer start up and its
security. It also provides user with an interface, utilities and file management.

Basic Information:
• An operating system is a software the manages the computer resources
such as peripherals and memory management, multitasking, security
and user interface.
• Operating systems allow components to communicate with each other
and enables the computer to run software applications

Features of Operating System:

• Provides a platform to run application software
• Allows communication between the user and the computer (use of HCI)
• Allows to manage the security (user accounts, password protection)
• Enables hardware to communicate with OS

Common OS:
▪ Android
▪ Mac OS
▪ DOS
▪ iOS
▪ Linux
▪ Windows
▪ Unix
 Types of Computer

Standalone Networked

• Can be used as a standalone • Share resources

computer in your home for • Share files
personal or work use • Shared drives
• Tends to be connected to own • Central storage
printer or internet connection • Online gaming

PC/Desktop:
o A computer that is made up of a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse
and processor unit.
o PC = personal computer
o Uses:-
» office and business work
» educational use
» general entertainment
» gaming device

Advantages Disadvantages
• Usually fixed in 1 position • Not particularly portable
• Internet is stable • Necessary to copy files since
• Tends to have better it’s not portable
specifications • Are more complicated since
• Power consumption is not all components need to be
critical carried around and connected
to the computer by wires

Laptops:
o A computer that is made up of monitor, keyboard, mouse and processor
in one single unit and mot separated
o Light weight, low power consumption, long battery life, the processor
doesn’t generate too much
o Uses:-
» office and business work
» educational use
» used as a gaming device
» general entertainment
 Advantages Disadvantages
• They can be taken anywhere • Since easier portable, easier
• No trailing wires because all to steal
components are in 1 single • Limited battery life so the user
unit needs to carry a heavy
• Has full advantage of Wi-Fi adaptor
• Can link to any multimedia • It can be awkward to use
system keyboard and pointing devices

Tablets:

They work similarly to a smartphone. The only main difference is that they are
much somewhat bigger in size as compared to a smartphone

o High definition, anti-glare displays

o Front & back facing cameras
o Lower weight & longer battery life
o Bluetooth connection to devices
o Has sensors:
➢ Proximity – detect if the device is close to something
➢ Accelerometer – detects movement & orientation of the device
➢ Can use sophisticated speech-recognition systems

Advantages Disadvantages
• Very fast to switch on/off • Have limited memory or
• Fully portable storage
• Touch – screen technology • Expensive to run
• Can use many apps • Typing on a touch screen can
• Long battery life be slow
• Doesn’t generate heat • Tablet doesn’t support many
file formats compared to
laptop
Smartphones:
o Allow normal phone calls to be made
o Have an OS (such as iOS or Android)
o The OS allow them to run a number of compiler applications (known as
apps or applets)
o They communicate with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hotspot or
using 3G/4G/5G phone networks

Function Advantages Disadvantages

• Send/receive email • Very small size – • Small screens
• Surf the net easily fit make pages
• Use of GPS • Use to make calls difficult to read
• Calendar functions • Use Wi-Fi • Web-browsing
& telephone anywhere drains battery
banking • 100 of apps can • Can be easily
• VoIP (Voice Over be installed stolen because
Internet Protocol) • Reasonable to of its small size
• Streaming battery life
music/videos
• Access to social
network
• Instant messaging

Phablets:
• Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a hybrid
between a tablet and a smartphone; these are referred to as a phablet.
They have much larger screens than a smartphone but are smaller than
a tablet.
Uses:
• Entertainment (streaming of music, videos, and television programs).
• Gaming (including group games).
• As a camera or video camera.
• Internet use (online sales, social networks, using QR codes, and so on).
• Sending/receiving emails.
• Global positioning system (use of maps to navigate to a location).
• Calendar functions.
• Telephone banking (sending and receiving money using banking apps).
• Voice over Internet Protocol: telephone network using the internet,
which also allows video calling.
• Instant access to social networks (social contact with friends no matter
where you are in the world).
• Instant messaging.
• Office and business management (allows rapid voice and video
communication).
• Education use (using interactive software to teach or learn from).
• Remotely control devices.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Laptops are the most expandable of these devices, while smartphones are
the most portable. Tablets and phablets fall somewhere in between, offering a
balance of portability and expandability. The choice of which device to use
will depend on your specific needs and use case.
 Emerging Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

• It is an application or machine which carries out a task that requires
some degree of intelligence
• E.G:
❖ the use of language
❖ recognizing a person’s face
❖ the ability to operate machinery, such as a car, airplane, train, and
so on
❖ analyzing data to predict the outcome of a future event, for
example weather forecasting.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Helps in safety and quality of • Can cause higher
services and products unemployment (job losses)
• Can carry out dangerous • Loss of basic skills due to
tasks dependency on technology
• Can work non-stop • Can be prone to viruses
• Have higher productivity and • Repairing costs can be high
greater consistency

Extended Reality (XR):

Refers to real and virtual combined environment
E.G:
• Augmented Reality (AR)
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Mixed Reality (MR)

Augmented reality (AR):

• Allows the user to experience the relationship between digital (virtual)
and physical (real) worlds
• Virtual details and objects are overlaid onto the real world
• The real world is enhanced with digital details, (i.e: images, texts and
animation)
• The user can experience this through special goggles or through
phones
• The user isn’t isolated from the real world and is still able to interact and
see what’s happening in front of them
• E.G: Pokémon GO! = it overlays digital creatures onto the real world
Impact on the following areas:
• safety and rescue operations’ (can provide 3D images of an area for a
rescue mission)
• entertainment (you can interact with your favorite characters at home)
• shopping and retail (getting a better look at a car before purchasing)
healthcare (better understanding of a patient’s body).

Virtual Reality (VR):

• Enables an entirely new world to be created
• Unlike AR, this has no link to the actual surroundings of the user.
• It requires the user to be specially equipped with a VR headset,
joystick, and headphones.

Impact on the following areas:

• Military applications (training to operate a new tank)
• Educational purposes (looking at ancient buildings)
• Healthcare (a diagnostic tool to recommend treatment)
• Media (interactive special effects in a movie)
• Scientific visualization (part of molecular structures/cells)
• Entertainment (different types of games using the VR set)
• Fashion (doinh fashion show before the actual event, i.e: rechecking
clothes and the venue)
• Heritage (allowing users to walk up close to a historical monument)
• Business (training courses)
• Construction/Engineering (seeing how new designs would look like in
the existing environment
• Sport (a golfer can use VR to improve their skills)
• Medicine (teaching operation procedures)