ICT Fundamentals: Hardware and Software Guide PDF

# Notes on Information Technology Fundamentals: Hardware and Software ## Introduction to Computers - **Definition**: A computer is a general-purpose device programmable to execute a finite set of arithmetic and logical operations. - **Components**: - **Hardware**: The tangible, physical part of...

# Notes on Information Technology Fundamentals: Hardware and Software ## Introduction to Computers - **Definition**: A computer is a general-purpose device programmable to execute a finite set of arithmetic and logical operations. - **Components**: - **Hardware**: The tangible, physical part of a computer. - **Software**: Instructions or programs that guide hardware actions. - **Computer System**: Comprised of hardware, software, and users. ## History of Computers - **Precomputers (Before 1945)**: - Examples: Abacus, Slide Rule, Mechanical Calculator, Hollerith's Punch Card Tabulating Machine. - **Generations of Computers**: - **First Generation (1940-1956)**: Used vacuum tubes. Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC. - **Second Generation (1950-1963)**: Utilized transistors, larger mainframe computers. - **Third Generation (1964-1970)**: Implemented integrated circuits, reduced energy consumption. - **Fourth Generation (1971-1984)**: Integrated microprocessors, personal computers became popular, reliability increased. - **Fifth Generation (1983-1990)**: Introduced ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration), enhanced Al, parallel processing, and voice recognition. - **Sixth Generation (1990-present)**: Features massive parallel architectures, advancements in networking technologies. ## Hardware Components of Computers - **Processor/CPU**: Executes program instructions, coordinates hardware. - **Speed**: Measured in MHz (millions of cycles/second) and GHz (billions of cycles/second). - **Memory**: - **RAM (Random Access Memory)**: Volatile, fast, used by CPU for temporary data storage. - **ROM (Read-Only Memory)**: Non-volatile, stores permanent data like BIOS. - **Storage Devices**: - **HDD (Hard Disk Drive)**: Mechanical, susceptible to damage. - **SSD (Solid State Drive)**: No moving parts, faster, more reliable. - **Input Devices**: Facilitate user input. Examples include Mouse, Keyboard, Touchscreen. - **Output Devices**: Deliver output to users. Examples include Monitor, Printer. - **Communication Devices**: Enable networking. Examples include Routers, Switches. ## System Unit Components - **Motherboard**: Main circuit board connecting all components. - **Ports and Connectors**: Interfaces for external devices. Examples include USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi. ## Software - **System Software**: Manages system resources (e.g., operating systems). - Functions include user interfaces, program management, device drivers, utilities. - **Application Software**: Assists user productivity and task execution. - Types include Packaged, Custom, Open Source, and Shareware software. - **Operating Systems**: - Examples: DOS, Windows, macOS, Unix/Linux. - **Functions**: - User Interfaces: CLI and GUI. - Management: Multitasking, memory & user management. - Device Drivers: Operates hardware-specific functions. - Utilities: System-related tasks like file management. ## Additional Hardware Components - Adapter Cards: Enhance functionalities (e.g., GPU, NPU). - Power Supply: Provides necessary power to the system. ## Specialized Processing Units - GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Accelerates graphics rendering. - NPU (Neural Processing Unit): Optimized for Al and machine learning tasks. This comprehensive guide covers key aspects of computer fundamentals, focusing on hardware and software essentials, and provides historical context and detailed exposition on modern computing components.