Introduction to Information Communication Technology

Study Notes

Peripherals: Not considered a computer peripheral device: CPU
Computer Memory: A system unit component enabling data transfer between various devices and computer
RAM (Random Access Memory): Allows user to write/modify information, unlike ROM.
CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor): A type of memory.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): User cannot write new information.
8 bits: Equal to 1 byte
Megabyte (MB): 1,024 kilobytes (KB)
Utilities: Allow input/output devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Primary and Secondary Memory: Two basic memory types in a computer.
CD-ROM/DVD-RW: Non-erasable disks storing digitized audio information.
Outputting: The process of producing useful information for the user.
Input unit function: Converts data entered by the user into computer-understandable form.
Output unit function: Converts data into computer-acceptable format.
Input/output: Raw material to process data.
Computer characteristics: Include speed, accuracy, reliability, and capacity, a place where data can be stored/retrieved.
Memory: Another name for primary storage, or main storage.

Cache Memory: Memory size depends on the address bus size.
Memory Address Register (MAR): Independent of the address bus.
Optical Disks: Promising random-access medium for high-capacity secondary storage.
Optical Disk Technology: Diffraction is used.
Optical Disk Capacity: Determined by multiplying the number of sectors by the number of bytes per sector.
Disk Tracks: Sectors that have a size that's consistent.
Optical Disk Access Time: Usually takes 20 to 40 milliseconds.
Bar code reader: An example of an input device.
Computer classification: Includes microcomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.
Memory protection: The process of allocating main memory to programs, keeping programs separate.
Primary Storage: Also known as main memory.
Computer classifications examples: Notebook computer, Microcomputers, and supercomputers.
External storage: Holding place for data/programs that are available later.
Computer classification: End-users, peripheral users, and workstation users are examples.
Computer classification Examples: Personal computers, supercomputers, and mainframes.

Input Devices Examples: Bar code reader, wand reader, keyboard, scanner, mouse
Output Devices Examples: Printers, monitors, LED/LCD screens, speakers, and visual display units
Processing Devices: The CPU