Understanding ICT Systems

• ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is related to computers and communication networks.
• It encompasses audiovisual forms like film and digital productions.
• Digital technologies employ data such as text, numbers, images, sounds, and videos.
• Computers use this data to present information.
• An ICT system's functionality hinges on computers, data, and people.
• Systems must receive, store, retrieve,process, and transmit data, which includes text, numbers, sounds, and images.

POS System Example

• Supermarkets employ ICT systems.
• Barcode readers scan item barcodes and convert them into numerical data.
• The barcode reader may beep to signal identification.
• The check-out computer then searches for the item's price in its database.
• Each item's running total is stored temporarily in the check-out terminal, data such as money taken out of the till.
• After scanning, the computer determines the total cost.
• The cashier inputs the amount given, after which the computer calculates the change.
• The customer views individual prices and the total amount on a display and receives a receipt.

Data vs Information

• Data is useless without context.
• Information is processed and formatted data.
• Accurate data collection is essential for informed decision-making.

The GIGO Principle

• GIGO means "Garbage In, Garbage Out".
• Incorrect data leads to incorrect information.

The Information-Processing Cycle

• Input: The computer receives data or instructions.
• Processing: Instructions are followed, and data is manipulated.
• Output: The computer provides the processed information.
• Storage: Data is stored permanently (hard drive) or temporarily (RAM).
• Communication: Output is sent across a network.

How a Computer Works

• The order is Input, Processing, Output, Storage, Communication (IPOSC), and it's cyclic.
• Output can trigger another data-collection stage.

Computer Definition

• A computer is a multi-purpose, electronic device.
• A computer accepts data (input).
• A computer processes data into useful information.
• A computer makes the information available like displaying to the screen.
• A computer stores to a store medium and communicates via network.

Components for Function

• Input
• Storage
• Processing
• Output
• Proper function requires both hardware and software.
• Hardware (physical components) is useless without software (instructions), and vice versa.

Examples of Hardware Devices

• Input: keyboard, mouse
• Output: monitors, printers, speakers
• Storage: hard drives, flash disks
• Communication: routers

Two Main Computer Categories

• Multi-purpose: run many applications simultaneously (e.g., servers, laptops, smartphones)
• Dedicated devices: run a single task (e.g., ATMs, embedded processors)

Multi-Purpose Devices

• Supercomputer: fastest and most powerful used for complex calculations like weather prediction and oil deposit location
• Mainframe: high processing power, used by large organizations for bulk data processing and storing vast data like census data
• Server: computers that provide information to other computers, used in offices and schools for sharing data or printers
• Workstation: high-resolution graphics screen, used for special tasks like CAD, 3D graphics, and software development in engineering or medicine research
• Desktop: separate components, for research , entertainment and communication via internet connection
• Laptop: portable PC with display, keyboard, processor, etc., powered by a battery for administration tasks
• Tablet: ultra-portable, virtual keyboards or digital pen used as laptop replacement for study material Smartphone - handheld size with flash memory instead of hard drive for browsing internet, listening to music, to take photos, to navigate and communication.

Dedicated (Embedded) Devices

• Designed for a single purpose such as MP3 players, DVD players, ATMs, drones, anti-lock braking systems, airbag control systems, digital watches.

Economic Benefits of Computers

• Saving paper: reduces paper usage by 10-30% through electronic documents
• Saving labor: businesses can perform repetitive functions automatically
• Communication speed and costs: reduces telephone and postage costs with faster information transfer through emails and smartphones
• Efficiency: simplifies document storage and retrieval
• Accuracy: produces accurate results, can detect errors
• Reliability: performs programmed tasks reliably with proper maintenance

Typing Skills and Posture

• Touch typing enables speeds of 75-80 words per minute, and reduces time to complete documents.
• Touch typing reduces fatigue, strain on eyes/neck/spine, while also improving health.
• Good posture involves a straight back, feet flat on the floor/foot rest, and knees/hips at a 90° angle.
• Arms should be horizontal at a 90° angle, wrists neutral, and fingers on the home row.
• Your eyes should focus on the screen slightly below eye level.

Potential Health Problems from Poor Posture

• Posture-related injuries: includes back and neck pain, headaches, and shoulder and arm pain and blood clots and varicose veins
• Computer-related overuse injuries: Muscles and tendons in the elbows, wrists and hands can become painful with repetitive movement and bad posture with pain, swelling, stiffness of the joints, weakness and numbness.
• Eye strain: can also occur from screen being too close
• Laptop-related injuries: can cause eye strain and bad posture.

Ergonomics for Computer Use

• Ergonomics aims to maximize productivity/comfort/safety.
• Back perpendicular to the ground
• Forearms at the same height as keyboard/mouse
• Feet firmly on the ground or on a foot rest
• Adjust chair back/height/armrests
• Position monitor at eye level and 50 cm away
• Tilt monitor upwards to reduce glare
• Stand up and take breaks