Technology Quiz: Touch Screens & Devices

CIE IGCSE INFO & COMM. TECH. 0417

• This document is summarized notes on the theory section of the CIE IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (ICT) syllabus, updated to the 2017-19 syllabus.
• The table of contents details the chapters covered.
• Chapters 1-5 cover computer systems, components and effects of ICT.
• Chapters 6-10 cover applications relevant to ICT, such as file management, image editing, document production, data analysis, and communication.
• Chapters 11-19 cover input/output devices, computer systems, storage, emerging technologies, and practical applications.

Types and Components of Computer Systems

• Hardware: Tangible physical components of a computer system
  • Internal: Processor, Motherboard, RAM, ROM, Video & Sound Cards, Internal Hard Disk Drives
  • External: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, External Storage Devices
• Software: Programs controlling computer systems
  • Application: Programs for specific tasks (spreadsheets, databases, word processing)
  • System: Programs to run hardware properly (operating systems, device drivers, compilers)

Input & Output Devices

• Keyboards: QWERTY layout, ergonomic designs
• Numeric Keypads: For inputting numbers
• Mouse: Pointing device with a ball to detect movement
• Touchpad: Pointing device on laptops
• Tracker Ball: Ball to control the pointer
• Secondary/Backing Storage: Holds data/information & programs not being used at current time
• Memory Cards: Portable data storage

Storage Devices & Media

• Fixed Hard Disks: Main method for data storage in computers
  • Uses a read/write head to store data
  • Offers high storage capacity and fast access
• Portable/Removable Hard Disks/Drives: External storage with high transfer rates
• Magnetic Tape/Drives: Used in backup systems (for bulk data)
• CD-ROM/DVD-ROM: Read-only optical media for storing data (music, software)
• CD-R/DVD-R: Optical media that can be recorded once
• DVD-RW: Optical media that can be rewritten several times
• Flash Drives: Portable, solid state (no moving parts) storage devices with good transfer rates, widely used for data transfer
• Blu-Ray Discs: Offer very high storage capacity

Emerging Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Mimics human intelligence, used in expert systems, etc.
• Biometrics: Identifying individuals using physical traits (fingerprints, retina scans).
• Quantum Cryptography: Advanced encryption for secure communication
• Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT): Software assisting human translators in translation tasks

ICT Applications

• Communication: Email, VOIP, video conferencing
• Multimedia: Digital images, animations, videos
• Interactive Presentations: Making presentations visually appealing/interactive (using slides, graphics)
• Multimedia Projectors: Enlarge displays in presentation/showing videos.
• Digital Cameras: Instant storage of images
• Software/Hardware Solutions: Software and hardware for creating electronic documents/graphs
• Graphic Tablets: Used in CAD for creating drawings
• Laser printers: Produce high-quality printed documents
• Inkjet printers: Produce high-quality documents
• Dot Matrix printers: Can create multiple copies/multi-part copies, used for industrial tasks
• Wide format printers: Suitable for large prints
• 3D Printers: Create physical objects (prototypes)
• Sensors/Actuators: Used in equipment that requires automatic/user input control. (e.g., alarm, burglar system or to control lighting, temperature in automatic greenhouses)
• Remote Control: For controlling other devices wirelessly

Networks

• Routers: Connect various networks (e.g. LAN, WAN), making decisions on message transmission routes
• Hubs: Connect devices to networks, transmitting a signal to all connected devices regardless of destination
• Switches: Connect devices and transmit a signal only to the intended device
• Modems: Converts computer signals to use public channels, such as telephone lines or radio signals.
• Wi-Fi: Wireless connectivity standard using radio waves
• Bluetooth: Connects devices wirelessly over short distances

Web Browsing & Email

• Web browsers: Display web pages
• Email: Electronic messaging system
• URLs: Unique addresses for websites/files
• Websites: Collections of related web pages

Computer Systems in Libraries

• Databases: Manage and store large amounts of information in a structured format (e.g., books, borrowers)
• Barcodes: Automated/Quick identification of books/borrowers (used in libraries, shops)

Expert Systems

• Expert systems: Mimic the expertise of an expert.
• Knowledge bases: Databases of knowledge, used in making decisions.
• Inference engines: Used to make decisions based on data and rules
• Use cases: Including diagnoses of diseases or mechanical failures

Safety & Security

• Physical safety: Preventing hazards (electricity, tripping, heavy objects).
• E-safety: Internet security (passwords, phishing, hacking).

Audience Appreciation

• Understanding Different Audiences and what they like/dislike (e.g. Age, Gender, Income, Interests)
• Designing with the Audience in Mind (e.g. Simplicity in designs and layout)
• Meeting Audience Needs such as ease of use/attractive colors/suitable content.

Data Manipulation

• Databases: Storing organized data in tables
  • Flat-file: Simple structure of data stored in rows and columns
  • Relational: Complex structure of linked tables using primary keys and foreign keys
• Data Analysis: Extracting useful information from data.
• Charts: Visual representation of data.

Document Production

• Format: Use of template for consistent document appearance and structure in terms of columns, rows or layout
• Layout: Ensuring correct structure in terms of pages, margins, and spacing.
• Styles: Consistent characteristics (fonts, colors, sizes, backgrounds)
• Proofing: Checking for errors and inconsistencies.

Other Important Points

• System Life Cycle: Stages in the development of an IT system (analysis, design, development, testing, implementation and review).
• Common changeover methods: Direct, parallel, pilot, phased.