ICT Impact on Business Systems

Mainframes and Business Servers

• Key functions supported by ICT include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Supply Chain Management.
• Mainframes serve as powerful servers for core business operations.

Internal Components of a Computer

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Executes calculations and instructions necessary for running programs.
• Motherboard: Main circuit board that connects all internal computer components.
• Memory (RAM): Temporary storage utilized by the CPU during data processing tasks.
• Storage Drives (HDD/SSD): HDD uses mechanical spinning disks, while SSD employs flash memory for permanent data storage.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Converts external electrical power into usable power for internal components.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Handles rendering images, videos, and graphical tasks, relevant in gaming and cryptocurrency mining.

Peripheral Devices

• Input Devices: Allow user data entry (e.g., keyboards, mice).
• Output Devices: Display or output processed data (e.g., monitors, printers).
• Storage Devices: External storage solutions include USB drives and external hard drives.
• Network Devices: Hardware enabling network connectivity, such as routers and modems.

Computer Software

• Software is intangible data instructing computer operations.
• Operating System (OS): Manages hardware and software resources of the computer.
• Utility Programs: Assist in managing, maintaining, and controlling computer resources (e.g., virus scanners, disk cleanup).
• Application Software: Includes productivity tools like Microsoft Office, creative tools like Adobe Photoshop, and entertainment applications such as games and media players.

The Internet

• A global network of interconnected computer systems using Internet Protocol (IP) for communication.
• Web: Utilizes Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) for resource access, enabling document and resource sharing via the World Wide Web.

Major Components of the Internet

• Application Server: Manages application logic.
• Web Server: Delivers HTML pages.
• Proxy Server: Acts as an intermediary between users and resources.
• Mail Server: Manages email services.
• File Server: Provides storage and access to data files.

Evolution of the Web

• Web 1.0: The initial version characterized by static content and limited interactivity, also known as the "Read-only Web."
• Web 2.0: Introduced social interaction and user-generated content, emphasizing participatory experiences.
• Web 3.0: Focuses on decentralization and the use of AI and machine learning for personalized and intelligent web interactions, referred to as the "Semantic Web."

Democratization in Technology

• Involves making advanced tech accessible to a broader audience without specific skill requirements.
• Historical examples include the printing press and affordable computers.

Data Policing

• Refers to managing and regulating the responsible use of data, essential for maintaining privacy and ethical standards in digital environments.

Machine Learning

• A subfield of AI focused on developing models through data set training, playing a vital role in modern technology applications.
• Types include supervised, semi-supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

• Utilizes software robots to automate repetitive tasks, increasing efficiency across sectors such as manufacturing and transportation.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Technologies

• Pros: Enhanced capabilities, resource optimization, decision-making improvements, and community trust in systems.
• Cons: Ethical concerns, privacy risks, biases in algorithms, and dependency on technology efficiency and accuracy.

Applications of Machine Learning

• Found in self-driving cars, healthcare innovations, agricultural advancements, and fraud detection.