ICT, digital technologies, and IT

• ICT systems consist of communication (Wi-Fi, cabled), hardware (physical devices), people (data supply, decision making), software (programs) and data (raw, unprocessed facts).

ICT & Digital Technologies

• Digital technologies are a subset of ICT, utilizing digital tools for information creation, storage, and sharing.
• IT (Information Technology) is a sub-division of ICT, managing digital tools for data gathering, manipulation, and saving for problem-solving and communication, including programming.

Point of Sales (POS) Systems

• POS is a specialized system with software and hardware for till points, managing stock, and creating reports of customer transactions.
• Strengths are accurate recordings, real-time stock updates, transaction history, and faster sales.

Computers: Core Concepts

• Computers are programmable electronic devices for receiving data, processing it, and producing output at high speeds.
• Main components include hardware (peripherals and internal components) and software (application and system).
• Peripherals include mouse, keyboard, monitor, and printer.
• Internal components include RAM, hard drive/SSD, CPU, and graphics card.
• Application Software examples are Word, Chrome and Powerpoint.
• System Software examples are Operating Systems and Utility Software.
• Connectivity enables access to vast information.
• Computers save information in a small physical space and perform tasks faster and accurately compared to humans.
• They automate repetitive tasks and can handle tasks that are impossible or hard for humans.
• They are multipurpose devices, can be used for entertainment, and instant communication.
• Risks include security vulnerabilities, social issues such as isolation and bullying, and automation leading to unemployment.
• Environmental impact includes electronic waste and a negative impact on carbon footprint.
• Information overload can make it difficult to filter and retain relevant information.
• Health risks include RSI and CTS.
• Digital divide exists due to limited education access, the cost of technology, infrastructure limitations, and social factors.

Health Risks and Computer Usage

• RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) causes pain from repetitive overuse of muscles and tendons.
• CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) occurs when the nerve in the wrist's carpal tunnel is pinched.
• Companies use FUPs (Fair Usage Policies) to specify private computer use, data limits, and security protocols.

Information Processing Cycle

• The information processing cycle represents the core functions of a computer.

Servers

• Used to share resources, manage networks, host websites.
• Operating Systems include Windows Server, Mac OS X Server, Oracle, and Linux (Ubuntu Server).
• They process and store large amounts of data.

Desktops

• Designed for regular use in a fixed location.
• Strengths include easier and less expensive upgrades and lower purchase cost compared to laptops.
• Weaknesses are lack of portability, constant power source requirement, and more cables.
• Operating Systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux Mint.

Laptops

• Laptops are multipurpose mobile computers with a built-in battery.
• Strengths include portability, built-in battery.
• Environmentally friendlier than desktops due to lower power consumption.
• Weaknesses are higher damage risk, cost, theft risk, limited battery, and difficult upgrades.
• Operating Systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux Mint.

Tablets

• Tablets have a screen size between a phone and a laptop, with an on-screen keyboard.
• Suitable for browsing, reading, and note-taking using handwriting recognition software.
• Weaknesses include being easily damaged, lower performance than a laptop, difficult touch screen keyboard use, smaller screen, and small storage.

Smart Phones

• Facilitate communication, web browsing, and app usage.
• Strengths: Portability, built-in battery and cellular connection.
• Operating Systems include IOS, Android and Windows mobile.

Embedded Computers

• Designed for a fixed purpose, like controlling hardware in devices.
• Used in industrial automation and IoT devices.
• Examples of embedded computers are Raspberry Pi, airbag systems and smart TVs.
• Operating Systems include FreeRTOS, VxWorks, QNX, Embedded Linux and Android Things.
• Strengths are optimization for specific tasks, low power consumption, and compact design.
• Weaknesses include limited processing power, memory, storage, and user interface.

Quantum Computers

• Perform computations using quantum bits (qubits).
• Solve complex problems in cryptography, optimization, materials science, and AI.
• Speed up certain types of calculations.
• Suitable for specific tasks, which optimizes performance and reduces cost
• Low power consumption
• Small size and compact design
• Limited processing power and memory
• Limited storage capacity
• Limited user interface (usually no keyboard or mouse)
• May require custom hardware to meet specific needs
• Operating Systems include include FreeRTOS, VxWorks, QNX Embedded Linux Android Things Windows IoT Core TinyOS

Ergonomics

• Ergonomics studies human interaction with the work environment, focusing on effectiveness and health.
• Proper posture consists of a straight back, forearms at keyboard height, feet on the ground, and the monitor at eye level.
• Regular breaks are required.

Input Devices

• Input devices should have an ergonomic design.
• Biometrics use unique physical or behavioral traits for identification.
• Examples of biometric systems include retinal, voice, fingerprint and facial recognition.

Alternative / Ergonomic Keyboards and Pointing Devices

• They offer increased comfort tailored to user needs.
• For visually impaired: Braille, large-key keyboards, speech to text
• Pointing devices manipulate the cursor, including mice, trackballs, joysticks, and Wii remotes.
• Devices can track head movement for control or navigation

Scanners

• Convert hard copies to soft copies using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software.
• Optical readers- devices reading QR codes or barcodes.

Touch Screens

• Common in smartphones, tablets, and POS systems, utilizing finger gestures.
• Inconvenient when large volumes of data must be entered.

Sensors

• Detect input from the environment in real-time.
• Examples:
• Accelerometers (measure linear movement)
• Gyroscopes (determine phone orientation).

Pen Input

• Styluses allow drawing, writing, and navigating with precision.

Monitors

• Development order: CRT → LCD → LED.
• Monitor measurements: Screen size (diagonal inches), contrast ratio, response time, resolution, aspect ratio, and brightness.
• Pixel is the smallest element on a display device.

Output Devices

• Output devices include monitors, printers, data projectors, headphones and speakers.

Comparing LCD vs LED Monitors

• LED: Higher contrast, faster response, higher resolution, less power consumption, less strain on eyes.
• LCD: Lower contrast, slower response, lower resolution, more power consumption, more strain on eyes.

Connecting a Monitor to Computer

• VGA, HDMI or Display port

Types of Printers

• Types of printers: Dot Matrix, Inkjet, Ink-Tank, Laser, and 3D.

Inkjet Printers

• Sprays ink onto paper.
• Moderate purchase cost.
• High running cost. Best for home use, photo printing, small office tasks.

Laser Printers

• Uses laser beams and toner powder. High purchase cost, but low running cost. Best for high volume printing, (especially text).

Ink-Tank Printers

• Sprays ink, larger ink reservoirs. Higher purchase cost than Inkjet, but low running costs. Good for both text and color.

Dot-Matrix Printers

• Impact-based, uses pins on an ink ribbon. Low purchase cost, low per-page running cost. Best for invoices and receipts.

3D Printers

• Builds objects layer by layer with materials like plastic or liquid resins. High purchase and running costs. Best for prototypes and models.

Green Computing Practices

• Print on both sides, use print preview, and use scrap paper for drafts.
• Use low-power devices.
• Use power management. Get rid of e-waste responsibly.
• Recycle whenever possible.

3D Printers: Advantages vs Disadvantages

• Advantages: Cheaper prototype creation, less material waste, reduced production time, easier design fixing.
• Disadvantages: Potentially inferior quality, limited material choice, limited colors.

Printer Factors

• Purchase cost, running cost, pages per minute (PPM), and dots per inch (DPI).
• Connect printers via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

Multi-Functional Printers

• Used in SOHO environments, offering printing, scanning, and copying.
• Advantages: lower cost vs separate devices, less space.
• Disadvantages: Failure of one function may affect others.

Hardware Devices used as Input & Output

• Touch screens on mobile devices serve as both input and output.
• Game controllers: Specially for use in games
• Digital cameras: Capture images, display images, more cost effective.
• Smartboards: Project image as output, input via tool/finger

Storage Concepts

• Used for permanent file storage, measured by capacity, access speed, transfer rate, and cost per GB.
• Storage Devices: HDD, SSD, memory sticks, CDs etc.
• Considerations include power consumption

HDDs (Hard Disk Drives)

• Consist of magnetic disks read/written by a head.
• Disks divided into tracks, sectors, and clusters.
• Formatting prepares the disk for use.
• Mechanical permanent storage devices connected via SATA.
• Speed measured in RPM (rotations per minute).

SSDs (Solid State Drives)

• Use flash memory for storage.
• Faster, quieter, and more durable than HDDs due to no moving parts.
• Electronic storage devices connected via SATA / M.2 NVMe.
• Used in laptops, mobile devices, and desktops.

HDD vs SSD Comparison

• HDD: Mechanical, slower access, cheaper per GB, files can become fragmented.
• SSD: Electronic, faster access, more expensive per GB, files do not fragment.
• HDD: Uses more power, larger, data is recoverable, more prone to damage.
• SSD: Uses less power, smaller, data recovery is difficult, less prone to damage.

Other Storage Devices

• External hard drives: Portable backup storage via USB.
• USB flash drives: Transfer files, use SSD technology, plug and play.
• Memory cards: Extra storage for mobile devices, digital cameras.
• Blu-ray drive: Larger storage space and better image and audio than DVDs.
• DVD: Declining use, slower access, easily damaged.

Ports

• Ports provide connection points for peripherals.
• VGA ports: Analog video only connection.
• HDMI ports: Digital video and audio connection.
• Display Ports: Used for connecting computers and monitors.
• USB Ports: Connect a range of devices for data transfer and power.
• USB C-Port: Compact connector for high-speed data transfer, power, and video.
• Thunderbolt port: Connect high-speed devices to the motherboard.

Modular Design

• Design of a computer consisting of various separate, interchangeable components that can be easily replaced or upgraded.
• Enables easier upgrades and repairs

Motherboard

• A circuit board with slots and ports for component connections.
• Provides physical structure, supplies power, and facilitates data communication.

Hardware Components for Processing

• The CPU and RAM work together to process data.
• RAM temporarily loads data and software for CPU processing.
• Location: DIMM slots on the motherboard
• Unit of measure: GB (gigabytes)
• Volatile meaning it requires power to retain content
• Adding more RAM improves performance by increasing the number of files and programs that can be open simultaneously

RAM vs Storage Devices

• RAM: Electronic, faster, volatile, more expensive per GB.
• Storage: Mechanical or electronic, slower, non-volatile, less expensive per GB.
• Limited by DIMM slots and operating system (32-bit up to 4 GB, 64-bit more than 4 GB).
• OS and Applications stored on the SSD, data stored on the HDD for faster computer performance.

Questions covering ICT, digital technologies. Includes the use of computers for automation, benefits of computers and understanding the transformation of data within an ICT system.