Homework: Basic concepts of computers

Resume Unit 1.1: General Model of computer

ICT systems and IT
1. ICT refers to technologies that capture, transmit and display data and
information electronically. It includes all devices , applications and
networking elements that allow people to connect in a digital word.
 ICT system = overall set-up => hardware, software, data, users
2. Complement of ICT system:
a. People: supply the data and take the decisions from the information
product by system
b. Hardware: contains input device, storage, treatment, output and
communication.
c. Procedures: to derminate the actions that executate and the
moment where it realizes
d. Software: the computer programs which give the instructions
detailed for to do task
e. Data: first material treated by the system to product the information
in different forms
 To function system, it must allow receive, store, retrieve, manipulate
and transmit data.

The role of computers in IT

1. The computer is electronics device programmable. It receives data to do
mathematical and logical operations and display the results.
2. IT is a subset of ICT that focuses on the use of computers to store, retrieve
and manipulate data in a professional and organizational environment.
3. Computers are hardware device, but they can’t function without receiving
data to treat. When the data are stored, they are manipulated with the
receive instructions and produces a new information for the user
 We can say that IT is the development, the maintenance and the using
of computer system, the software to the networking to treat and
communicate the data

The general model of computer

The illustration shows a

general model of
computer and shows that
the function of computer
follows the steps of the
information processing
cycle.
All basic of computer
follow four essential
functions:
 1. Input: the computer receives data by a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen,
etc .
2. Storage: the data can be temporarily stores in the ram memory or
definitively in hard drive or a SSD
3. Processing: the processor executes the instructions and manipulates the
data
4. Output : the computer displays the results on the screen, print a document
or send a audio answer.
5. Communication : the computer can send processed data over a network
via the internet, Bluetooth or other communication systems
Conclusion:
The general model of computer is used to explain all operations on a computing
device
When you learn to program, it’s necessary to understand the flow of information
who begin with the data input and finishes by understanding form for the user

Activité 1.1
1. Differentiate between ICT and IT

ICT is all technology that allow

to collect, process, retrieve,
transmit and store the data in
digital form. This includes the
computers, software, network
and the internet.
IT is the subset of ICT that
focuses on the use of
computers and software to
manage and process the data

2. List the output devices of your computer.

- Screen
- Printer
- Speaker
- Headphones
- Projector
3. Follow the guidelines below to provide a diagrammatic example of
the general model of computers
o Draw a diagram of the five steps of the general model of
computers.
o Define each step

o Think about when you send a WhatsApp message. How can

you apply the generale model of a computer to this ?
Resume Unit 1.2: Hardware and software
Hardware VS software
For computers to operate correctly, it must be composed of hardware and
software, because they are interdependently. It means that one can’t operate
without other
 Hardware : refers to all physical components of a computer, also called
computer equipment. These components can be classified by their function
in the computer
 Software : it’s application which allow the computer to execute the
specific task. It is divided into two main types :
o Application software

o Systeme software

Hardware : the physical components of a computing system

The most common devices in the computer are:
1. Input devices
These are components that allow the data input into the computer or enable the
user to interact with it.
Ex : keyboard, mouse, touchscreen on smartphones or table
2. Storage devices
These store data for future use. There are different types of storage, each with its
own advantages and disadvantages:
 Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
 Solid-State Drives (SSD)
 USB Flash Drives
 Memory Cards (SD Cards)
 Cloud Storage
3. RAM – Random Access Memory
RAM is fast and temporary memory that store the data and instructions currently
use by the computer
Warning : the RAM is volatile, which means the data will be lost if the computer is
turned off
4. Processing devices
It’s a component that executes the instructions and processes the data.
There are two principal types:
 CPU – Central Processing Unit: executes the general instructions of
applications
 GPU – Graphics Processing Unit : uses to process the pictures and
videos, including graphics for video game
5. Output devices
This devices display or gives the results of operation performed from computer,
ex : screen, print, etc.
6. Communication devices
They allow to send and receive data from network wirelss (ou filaire), ex :
network interface card, modem, router, switch

Software: the component no physical of computing system

The software is all instructions that allow a computer to execute the tasks. There
are two main types of software:
1. System software
It’s the type of software manage the flow of data and the internal processing of
the computer.
OS – Operating System is the most important the system software
2. Application software
There are programs made to realize the specific tasks such as the text edition,
web browsing, or video playback
Type of licence logiciel
1. Shareware
Software offered as free trial version with limitations. After the evaluation period,
the user must pay to continue using it.
Ex : WinRAR (which displays a message after 30 days).
2. Freeware
Software is completely free but without access to the source code. The user can’t
modify it.
Ex : Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome.
3. FOSS – Free and Open Source Software
The software is free with open source code, allow users to modify and redistribute
it.
Ex : Linux, GIMP, VLC Media Player.
4. Proprietary Software
Software is protected and sold. The user must buy the license and can’t modify
the program
Ex : Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop.

Interdependency between hardware and software

The hardware and the software are totally dependent on each other :
- the hardware can’t function without software to execute the instructions
- the software can’t process without hardware to perform the tasks.
Example :
A computer without an operating system can’t be used. Same, software like
Microsoft Word can’t process without a computer to execute it.

Activity 1.2
1.2.1 Explain the difference between hardware and
software
Hardware : refers to all physical components of a computer, also called
computer equipment. These components can be classified by their function in the
computer
Software : it’s application which allow the computer to execute the specific task.

1.2.2 Explain the interdependency of hardware and software

The hardware and the software are totally dependent on each other:
- The hardware can’t function without software to execute the instructions
- The software can’t process without hardware to perform the tasks.
Example:
A computer without an operating system can’t be used. Same, software like
Microsoft Word can’t process without a computer to execute it.

1.2.3 Match column A with column B

1,C 5,A
2,I 6,J
3,D 7,H
4,G 8,F
9,D

1.2.4 a. Differentiate between system software and

application software
System software = type of software manage the flow of data and the internal
processing of the computer. OS – Operating System is the most important the
system software
Application software = There are programs made to realize the specific tasks
such as the text edition, web browsing, or video playback

b. List two examples of operating systems.

Linux, Windows

c. List two examples of applications software.

Adobe photoshop, Microsoft office, Firefox

1.2.5a. Define shareware, freeware, free open source software

(FOSS) and proprietary software
 b. Evaluate which categories given in question 1.2.4 a.
above would most likely be used for the following
i. Gamer: Proprietary software and system software
ii. A businessman who has online meetings: Application Software (ex: Zoom) and
System Software.
iii. A student researching for a project: Freeware (Google), FOSS (LibreOffice), and
Application Software (Microsoft Word)
iv. A teacher designing lesson plans: Application Software (Power Point) ,
FOSS( LibreOffice), and Freeware Google Docs)
1.2.6 a. Distinguish between the six main components of computer system
b. Provide an example for each of the main components of a computer
system

1.2.7 What is a storage device ? Give examples of those that you have in your
computer lab.
A storage device is a hardware component that use to store digital data
temporarily or permanently.
a. Hard disk Drive
b. Solid-state Drive
c. USB flash-drive
d. Memory card
e. External hard drive
1.2.8 Read the following article taken from an eNCA report and answer the
questions that follow
Vocabulary :
Overvall : Global, Générale
Expected to reach : devrait atteindre
A compound : un taux
Hosted : organisé/accuiili
Subdued : modéré, atténué, faible

a. ICT and IT are mentioned in the excerpt. Explain and describe the
difference between these terms.
The terms ICT is used to speak about the overvall ICT market and
the terms IT is used speak about the services
b. The term “legacy systems” is used in the text. Research this term
ans esplain its meaning in you owns words.
Legacy system is the old computer system that always use often
because it contains important data, or it is more expensive or more
risky to replace it.
Normally it must be replaced or update to stay compatible with the
new technologies
c. Explain what in meant by ICT infrastructure
This means that ICT infrastructure refers to the systems and
technologies being maintained and upgrade
d. What is meant by connectivity in this context ?
making improvements = faire des améliorations
This shows that connectivity means making improvements to allow
better connections on smart city projects.

Resume Unit 1.3 Types of computers

Today, with the advancement of technology, a lot smart devices exist to make life
more comfortable. These devices are generally called smart devices or
embedded computers and are one of the 5 types of computers you can find
today.
Computers are classified in 5 great categories:
1. Supercomputers
2. Mainframe computers
3. Minicomputers
4. Microcomputers
5. Mobile computers
Classification of computers
The computers can be classified in :
1. Generale-purpose computers
 Can do many tasks but without a greater speed and efficiency
 Examples: desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones
2. Specific-purpose computers
 Can do one specific task and uses a high level of accuracy and
processing power.
 Examples: servers, embedded devices.
3. Supercomputers
 More expensive and use for specialized activities like weather
forecasting.

Devices Uses Processing Mobility

power

Laptop Documents processing, navigate, Medium to Full

play high mobile

Desktop Like laptop but not mobile Medium to Minimal

computer high mobility

Smartphone Mobile tasks: picture, call, messages. Medium to Excellent

low mobility

Tablet Read and application is better than Medium Excellent

on smartphone mobility

Server Managing networks, hosting High No

websites, processing huge quantity of mobility
data

Embedded Designated for fixated tasks Low Dependi

computer ng on
the
devices

Activity 1.3
1.3.1 Identity the different types of computers illustrated below
 Desktop computer

Tablet

Smartphone

Server

1.3.2 Differentiate between the six types of computing devices

1.3.3 – Which of the devices below are examples of embedded devices? Support
your answers.

Correct answers: b, d,
e
✔ These are embedded
computers because they
are designed for a
specific fixed task, not
general-purpose use.
1.3.4 – Your school wants to upgrade their computers in the media centre. A
debate has started about whether to replace the desktop computers with laptops
or tablets. Critique the options and give reasons for your choice.
I would choose laptops instead of desktops or tablets.
Laptops have the same processing power as desktops, but they are fully mobile,
so students can carry them anywhere.
Tablets are good for reading and apps, but laptops are better for typing and
working on projects.
Replacing desktops with laptops is a good balance between power and mobility.