Computer Display Technologies Quiz

ICT Notes (CAIE IGCSE 0417)

• This document summarizes the theory syllabus of CAIE IGCSE ICT (0417)
• The material covers various topics including computer systems, operating systems, types of computers, and the impact of emerging technologies.

Types and Components of Computer Systems

• Hardware: Tangible, physical components like the processor, motherboard, RAM, ROM, video cards, internal storage (HDD, SSD), and external storage (monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer).
• Software: Programs that control hardware and enable actions (application software for tasks, system software like the operating system).
• Internal Hardware Devices: Processor, motherboard, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), Video/Sound Cards, Internal Storage(hard disk drive & solid state drive).
• External Hardware Devices: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, external storage devices.
• Software Types: Application software (performs tasks), system software (controls hardware).
• CPU: Central Processing Unit (interprets and executes computer commands).

Operating Systems

• CLI (Command Line Interface): User types commands to interact, requires knowledge of commands.
• GUI (Graphical User Interface): Uses icons and mouse interaction, easier to use than CLI.

Types of Computers

• Desktop/Personal Computers: General-purpose, made up of separate components (monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU).
• Laptops/Notebooks: Portable, single unit, integrated components.
• Smartwatches: Portable devices with a smaller screen, often used for health tracking and notifications.
• Tablet Computers: A small hand-held device for performing various functions like PCs or smartphones.
• Mainframe Computers: Powerful computer systems for running large-scale applications (such as banking).

Impact of Emerging Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Aims to mimic human intelligence.
• Biometrics: Identifying individuals through unique body characteristics (fingerprints, retina, iris).
• Vision Enhancement: Systems for users with visual impairments.
• Robotics: Programmed machinery for tasks.
• Quantum Cryptography: Secure data transfer technology.
• CAT (Computer Assisted Translation): Translation software assisting human translators

Input and Output Devices

• Keyboards: Input device for text entry.
• Numeric Keypads: Input device for numbers only.
• Mouse: Input device for controlling a pointer on-screen.
• Touchpad: Input device used in laptops, controlling the pointer.
• Tracker Ball: Input device similar to a mouse.
• Remote Control: Used to control devices remotely.
• Joysticks: Used in games, simulators, etc., controlling a pointer's movement.
• Touch Screen: Input device, user touches screen to make selections.
• Scanners: Input device for converting physical documents into digital format.
• Digital Cameras: Capture and store images and video.
• Video Cameras: Record moving images.
• Microphones: Input sound.
• Sensors: Measure physical quantities like temperature, pressure, light, etc.
• Graphic Tablets: Stylus-based drawing and input device.
• Webcams: Video capture devices for computers.

Storage Devices and Media

• Fixed Hard Drives/Drives: Main storage on computers.
• Portable & Removable Hard Disks/Drives: External storage, backup, transfer data between devices.
• Magnetic Tapes & Drives: Method of data storage, frequently used for long-term storage and backup.
• CD-ROM/DVD-ROM: Storage for data, read-only.
• CD-R/DVD-R: Recordable data (once).
• CD-RW/DVD-RW: Re-writable data (many times).
• Blu-Ray Discs: High-capacity storage for videos/data.
• Solid State Drives (SSDs): Fast, non-mechanical storage.

Networks and Their Effects

• Router: The device that enables communication between different networks (sending packets of data)
• Hub: A device that sends data to all devices on the same network, regardless of the intended recipient
• Bridge: Device connecting dissimilar networks.
• Switch: Device that directs data only to intended devices on a network.
• Modems: Convert digital signals to analog ones and vice-versa for long-distance transmission, often used for internet connections.

Data Manipulation and Databases

• Databases: Store data in structured format.
• Relational databases: Organize data in multiple tables linking related information.

ICT Applications

• Communication applications (e.g., email, social networking): Used for messaging, sharing information, creating communities.
• Office and business applications (e.g., spreadsheets, databases): Used for data management, calculation, and analysis.
• Multimedia presentations (e.g., slide shows, video): Used for presenting information interactively to large audiences.
• Web authoring, e.g., creating and maintaining a website.

Health and Safety

• Physical Safety: Hazards like tripping over wires, heavy items falling, and fire hazards.
• Ways of eliminating hazards: Using cable ducts, ensuring appropriate support, fire safety equipment, etc.
• Health Effects: Eye strain, back/neck problems, RSI, etc..

E-Safety

• Risks: Hacking, viruses, malware, inappropriate websites, unsafe practices online.
• Solutions: Strong passwords, firewall, anti-virus, safe online behavior.
• Data protection: Importance of safeguarding personal information.