Computer Hardware and Software

• A computer is an electronic device that processes, stores, and retrieves data

Hardware

• Hardware consists of the physical parts of a computer

CPU

• The CPU is the brain of the computer and executes instructions

Memory

• Memory provides temporary storage for data the CPU is currently processing

Storage Devices

• Storage devices include hard drives, solid-state drives, and optical drivers for permanent data storage

Input Devices

• Input devices are devices used to input data into the computer, such as a keyboard and mouse

Output Devices

• Output devices output the processed data, like monitors, printers, and speakers

Software

• Software consists of programs and applications that instruct the hardware on how to perform tasks

Operating System

• An operating system manages hardware and software resources, examples include Windows, Linux, or macOS

Application Software

• Application Software is designed to perform specific tasks like word processing or web browsing

Utility Software

• Utility software maintains, protects, and supports the computer's functionality

Language Processors

• Language processors interpret computer language and translates it into machine language

System Software

• System software manages a computer's hardware and application programs

Classifications of Computers

• Computers can be classified in various ways, depending on their size, processing power, and purpose

Supercomputers

• Supercomputers are extremely powerful computers used for complex scientific simulation, weather forecasting, and large-scale computations

Mainframe Computers

• Mainframe computers are large systems used by organizations for bulk data processing, such as banking transactions

Mini Computers

• Mini computers are smaller than mainframes, but they are still capable of supporting multiple users simultaneously

Micro Computers

• Micro computers consist of common personal computers such as desktops, laptops, and smartphones

General Purpose Computers

• General purpose computers are designed for a wide range of tasks (e.g., personal computer)

Special Purpose Computers

• Special purpose computers are built for a specific task (e.g., embedded systems in cars or medical devices)

Capabilities of Computers

• Capabilities of a computer are the qualities of a computer that make the user experience more efficient

Speed

• Speed is the duration a computer system requires in fulfilling a task or completing an activity

Accuracy

• Accuracy is the level of precision with which calculations are made and tasks performed

Reliability

• Reliability is the quality due to which the user can stay dependable on the computer

Adaptability

• Adaptability of a computer system allows to complete different types of tasks

Storage

• Storage is the ability of the computer to store data in itself for accessing it again in the future

Automation

• Automation allows computers to automatically perform repetitive tasks without human intervention once programmed

Limitations of Computers

• Limitations of computers are the drawbacks where humans outperform them

Lack of Common Sense

• A computer may still lack common sense, no matter how efficient, fast, and reliable it is

Zero IQ

• Computers cannot see and think the actions to perform in a particular situation unless programmed

Lack of Decision-Making

• Computers can't make decisions independently because they don't possess all the essentials of decision making

Advantages of Computers

• Increased productivity, information accessibility, cost-effectiveness, communication, speed, and accuracy

Disadvantages of Computers

• Job displacement, security risks, health concerns, high cost, virus and hacking attacks, and data security issues

History of Computing

• A history of computing is the evolution of devices used to perform calculations

Abacus

• The abacus is one of the earliest known computing devices used for simple arithmetic calculations

Charles Babbage

• Charles Babbage is the father of the computer, and he conceptualized the Analytical Engine

ENIAC (1945)

• ENIAC (1945) is the first general-purpose electronic computer

Personal Computer Revolution

• The personal computer revolution was the invention of affordable microprocessors and personal computers

Smartphones

• Smartphones revolutionized computing by bringing the power of a personal computer into a mobile device

Web 2.0

• Web 2.0 is the era of user-generated content, social media, and interactive web applications

Web 3.0

• Web 3.0 focuses on semantic web, artificial intelligence, and decentralized technologies like blockchain

Convergent Technologies

• Convergent technologies blend ICT with other fields like biotechnology, nanotechnology, and robotics

Social Media Platforms

• Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have transformed communication and social interactions

Mobile Media

• Smartphones and tablets have become essential tools for accessing information, communication, and entertainment

Assistive Media

• Assistive media and ICT play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities through assistive technologies

Online Systems, Functions, and Platforms

• Includes e-commerce, cloud computing, online learning platforms, and collaboration tools

Navigating Online Safety and Security

• Password security, firewall protection, antivirus software, and privacy settings

Ethical Considerations in the Digital Space

• Includes data privacy, cyberbullying prevention, and bridging the digital divide

Effective Online Search and Research Skills

• Include keyword selection, source evaluation, and information organization

Leveraging Contextual Information Retrieval

• Involves search engines, personalized recommendations, and contextual search

Fostering Digital Literacy and Competence

• Involves critical thinking, digital communication, and problem-solving skills

Empowering Users through ICT Advancements

• ICT advancements empower billions of users globally

Apps

• Apps, of which tens of thousands are developed daily, expand ICT's capabilities

Devices

• Devices, of which hundreds of millions are interconnected, create an expansive digital network

Digital Age

• The digital age is the current era where digital technology plays a vital role in daily life, known for rapid technological advancements, digital communication, and widespread access to information

ICT and its Role in Social Change

• Includes entertainment, business, driving economic growth and employment, and job and earnings

Global Digital Development

• Global digital development integrates and advances digital technologies worldwide to drive economic growth, improve governance, enhance education, and address social challenges

Technological Change Social Evolution

• Technological change social evolution refers to the gradual transformation of societal structures, behaviors, and institutions as a response to technological developments

Privacy

• Privacy refers to the right to control how personal information and data are collected, stored, and used

Security

• Security keeps private information and data secure and ensures it is not accessed by unauthorized sources

Constitutional Privacy

• Constitutional privacy refers to the freedom to make one's own decisions without interference by others in regard to matters that are seen as intimate and personal

Informational Privacy

• Informational privacy concerns individual control over access to information about themselves

Personal Data

• Personal data is data that is linked or can be linked to individual persons

Moral Reasons for Protecting Personal Data

• Prevent harm, informational inequality, informational injustice and discrimination, and encroachment on moral autonomy and human dignity

Developments in Information Technology

• "Information technology" refers to automated systems for storing, processing, and distributing information

Internet

• The Internet, originally conceived in the 1960s and developed in the 1980s

Social Media

• Social media tempts users to exchange personal data for the benefits of using services

Big Data

• Big data involves statistics on user behavior such as sites visited, links clicked, and search terms entered

Mobile Devices

• Mobile devices collect and send more data, and these devices contain sensors

E-Government

• E-government and public administration have undergone radical transformations due to the availability of advanced IT systems

Surveillance

• Surveillance information technology augments and extends traditional surveillance systems, such as CCTV

Photo Imaging

• Photo imaging refers to capturing and manipulating digital images using various techniques and tools

Types of Digital Photography

• Includes portrait, landscape, and product photography

Tools for Photo Imaging and Editing

• Includes cameras, editing software, and accessories such as tripods and lighting equipment

Basics of Photo Editing

• Includes cropping and resizing, adjusting exposure and contrast, and color correction

Advanced Editing Techniques

• Includes retouching, layering, and filters and effects

Photo Editing Workflow

• Import the image, make basic adjustments, apply advanced techniques, and export the final image

Best Practices in Photo Imaging and Editing

• Includes maintaining a backup, having a mind of resolution and using non-destructive editing

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Photo Editing

• Includes over-editing, poor composition, and not saving original files