Digital Technology: Binary and Hardware

• Digital technology encompasses the electronic tools, systems, devices, and resources that generate, store, and process data
• It includes online and mobile technologies

Binary Representation

• Digital systems use binary digits (bits) to represent all data
• A bit has two possible values: 0 or 1
• All forms of data (numbers, text, images, sound, video) are converted into sequences of bits for processing and storage
• The binary system is base-2, unlike the decimal system which is base-10
• Multiple bits are combined to represent larger values or more complex data
• A byte is a group of 8 bits

Hardware Components

• A computer's hardware includes physical components like the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage devices
• The CPU (central processing unit) executes instructions, and is often called the "brain" of the computer
• RAM (random access memory) provides fast, temporary storage for data and instructions that the CPU is actively using. Data in RAM is lost when the power is turned off
• Storage devices like hard drives, solid-state drives and USB drives store data permanently
• Input devices such as keyboards, mice, and touchscreens allow users to enter data and commands
• Output devices like monitors, printers and speakers display or output processed data

Software and Operating Systems

• Software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do
• Operating systems (like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) manage hardware resources and provide a platform for running other software
• Applications (apps) are software programs designed for specific tasks, such as word processing, web browsing, or gaming

Networks and the Internet

• A network connects multiple computers allowing them to share resources and communicate
• The Internet is a global network of networks, enabling communication and access to information worldwide
• A computer network allows computers to share resources
• A local area network (LAN) connects devices in a limited area, such as a home or school
• The Internet uses the TCP/IP protocol suite for communication
• The World Wide Web (WWW) is a collection of web pages accessed through the Internet using protocols like HTTP

Algorithms and Programming

• An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem
• Algorithms are fundamental to computer science and programming
• Programming involves writing code to implement algorithms in a language that a computer can understand
• Programming languages include Python, Java, and C++
• Control structures (sequence, selection/if statements, repetition/loops) are used to control the flow of execution in a program
• Variables are used to store data within a program
• Debugging is the process of finding and fixing errors (bugs) in a program

Data and Information

• Data is raw, unorganized facts
• Information is data that has been processed and organized to give it meaning
• Databases are used to store and manage large amounts of data
• Different data types exist, such as integers, floating-point numbers, strings (text), and Booleans (true/false)

Security and Privacy

• Cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems and data from theft, damage, or unauthorized access
• Passwords should be strong and unique to protect accounts
• Malware (viruses, worms, Trojans) can harm computer systems and steal data
• Firewalls and antivirus software can help protect against malware
• Personal information should be kept private and shared cautiously online
• Understanding privacy settings on social media and other online platforms is important

Digital Communication

• Email is a method of sending and receiving messages electronically
• Social media platforms enable users to connect and share content
• Instant messaging allows real-time text-based communication
• Video conferencing allows real-time audio and video communication

Ethical Considerations

• Digital ethics involves making responsible decisions when using technology
• Copyright protects the rights of creators of original works (text, images, music, video)
• Plagiarism involves using someone else's work without giving them credit
• Cyberbullying involves using digital technology to harass or intimidate others
• It's important to be respectful and responsible when communicating online

Problem Solving

• Computational thinking involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts
• Decomposition involves breaking a problem into smaller sub-problems
• Pattern recognition involves identifying similarities or trends
• Abstraction involves focusing on the essential details and ignoring irrelevant information
• Algorithmic thinking involves developing step-by-step solutions

Emerging Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves creating computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence
• Machine learning is a type of AI that allows computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed
• The Internet of Things (IoT) involves connecting everyday objects to the Internet, allowing them to collect and exchange data; examples include smart home devices and wearable technology
• Cloud computing involves storing and accessing data and software over the Internet rather than on a local device
• Virtual reality (VR) creates immersive, computer-generated environments using headsets
• Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital content onto the real world using smartphones or tablets

Explore digital technology, focusing on binary representation and hardware components. Learn how digital systems use bits to represent data. Understand CPU, RAM and other hardware.