Introduction to Information and Communication Technology

• This is an introduction to information and Communication Technology
• Reading material: Discovering Computers, Module 1 - Introducing Today's Technologies: Computers, Devices and the Web

Introduction to Modern Computing Devices

• Technology allows more efficient/effective info access, sharing of ideas/media, communication, finance management, shopping, entertainment, organization, and business activities
• People adept at using technology for these tasks are often called tech-savvy

Overview of Computing Devices

• Computing devices today include desktops, laptops and tablets

Desktops and All-in-One Computers

• Desktops: Traditional computers with separate components
• The term "desktop" refers to the on-screen workspace of devices like laptops and tablets too
• All-in-One PCs: Integrated design that merges the display and processing

Laptop Computers

• Laptops: Also called notebook computers
• Laptops are lightweight (around 7 pounds), portable, and run on batteries and power supply

Tablets

• Tablets are smaller than laptops, yet larger than phones
• Tablets are thin, lightweight, and often feature touch screens and a slate design, which run on batteries

Servers

• Servers play a crucial role in managing and distributing data across networks
• Servers support thousands of computers simultaneously

Types of Servers

• Smaller applications may use a high-end desktop as a server at home
• Large corporate, government, and web apps use powerful, expensive servers

Smartphones and Digital Cameras

• Smartphones have revolutionized communication with capabilities such as voice email, text, picture, and video messages

Digital Cameras

• Digital cameras have transformed photography by offering easy connectivity to computers, smart TVs, printers, and the internet
• Digital Cameras can be used to access photos and have built-in GPS

Portable Media Players

• Portable media players enhance the entertainment experience
• Digital media players are used at home and are able to stream media digitally

E-Book Readers

• E-book readers provide a unique reading experience
• Advantages include being an electronic version of a printed book, readable on multiple devices with touch screen and internet capability

Wearable Technology

• Wearable devices offer functionality and convenience
• Popular wearable devices have activity trackers such as smart watches

Wearable Technology Applications

• Wearable technology monitors heart rate, measure pulse, counts steps, and tracks sleep patterns.

Gaming Devices

• Gaming Devices include consoles and portable gaming devices

Impact of Portable Gaming Devices

• Portable gaming devices are small and lightweight.

Hardware

• Hardware is the physical components of a computer system
• Hardware examples include keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers

External Hardware

• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage devices

Internal Hardware

• Motherboard
• RAM
• ROM
• Video Cards
• Sound Cards
• HDD
• SSD

Software

• Software includes the programs that control a computer system
• Two types of software are application and system software

Application Software

• Application software allows users to perform specific tasks
• Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, databases, control/measuring software, apps, and photo/video editing and Graphics manipulation software

Word Processor

• Word processing programs manipulate text documents like essays/reports with features for copying, deleting, and formatting

Spreadsheet

• Spreadsheet programs organize and manipulate numerical data in a grid of lettered columns and numbered rows

Database Software

• Database software organizes, manipulates, and analyzes data using tables of rows (records) and columns (fields)

Graphic Manipulation Software

• Graphic manipulation software alter bitmap and vector images

Photo Editing Software

• Photo editing software manipulates digital photos, adjusting brightness, contrast, color saturation, and removing imperfections

Video Editing Software

• Video editing software produces videos by rearranging clips, adding effects, adjusting color, and creating transitions

Control and Measuring Software

• Control and measuring software interfaces with sensors to measure physical quantities and control applications

Apps

• Apps are software for mobile phones/tablets, downloaded from an "App Store", including video/music streaming, GPS and camera functions

System Software

• System software allows hardware to run and enables user-computer communication

Elements of System Software

• Compilers
• Linkers
• Device drivers
• Operating Systems
• Utilities

Compilers

• Compilers translate a high-level language (HLL) program into machine code that the computer can understand

Linkers

• Linkers combine multiple object files (created by a compiler) into a single executable program

Operating Systems

• Operating systems (OS) manage fundamental functions of a computer system in the background
• Operating systems allow input/output operations, user interface, error handling, program loading
• Operating systems manage security like accounts and passwords.

Utilities

• Utilities are programs that manage, maintain, and control computer resources
• Utility examples include antivirus software, anti-spyware, file backup, disk repair, file management, security, screensavers, and disk defragmenters

Device Driver

• A device driver is software that enables the computer to communicate with associated hardware devices
• An error message is produced if the right device driver is not installed

Main Components of a Computer System

• A computer system is made up of a processor, internal memory, storage devices, monitor, mouse, keyboard and printer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU interprets and executes commands from hardware and software
• The CPU is part of the computer motherboard

Structure of CPU

• Control Unit: Controls the input and output devices
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Carries out calculations and makes logical decisions
• RAM: The immediate access store

Processor

• Memory holds both data and instructions
• The arithmetic/logic gate unit can perform arithmetic/logic operations
• A processor register is a quickly accessible location available in the CPU
• Input arrives into a CPU via a bus
• Output exits the CPU via a bus

Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD) / Solid State Drive (SSD)

• The main internal storage for computers include HDD / SSD
• Application software, operating systems and files are stored in the HDD / SSD

HDD

• The traditional spinning-platter-based storage device

SSD

• Solid-state drives are much faster than hard disk drives

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• RAM is an internal chip temporarily storing data for running applications
• RAM is a volatile or temporary memory

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

• ROM stores permanent information, often containing configuration data for a computer system
• ROM cannot be altered and is non-volatile

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

• BIOS code dictates the computer's actions when starting up, checks devices, loads the OS into RAM
• BIOS stores system configuration on a non-volatile CMOS chip, which is battery-powered