The Role of ICT in Daily Life - Lecture Notes

1  Muhammad Akmal (Doctorate Research Scholar) Riphah International University Islamabad  MAKEUP POLICY No makeup for assignment, projects or exam. – No exceptions. Surprise Quizzes Home Assignments No Best of Quizzes/Assignments...

1  Muhammad Akmal (Doctorate Research Scholar) Riphah International University Islamabad  MAKEUP POLICY No makeup for assignment, projects or exam. – No exceptions. Surprise Quizzes Home Assignments No Best of Quizzes/Assignments 3  Assessment Instruments with Weights (Homework, quizzes, midterms, final, programming assignments, lab work, etc.) Quizzes---------------------10 Assignments--------------10 Midterm Exam -----------10 Lab---------------------------20 Class Participation(behavior + discipline + attendance) ------- 10 Project ----------------------20 Final Exam -----------------20 *Tentative distribution and it can be changed  MOELLIM AND WHATSAPP You are expected to regularly check Moellim for Supporting Material (ppts, reference videos etc) o Resources o Announcements o WhatsApp Group 5  ZERO TOLERANCE OF CHEATING Cheating is unethical and not acceptable. Plagiarism is using information or original wording in a paper without giving credit to the source of that information or wording. Do not submit work under your name that you did not do yourself. Any form of cheating will earn you (-5) Marks. This policy will be applied to all students involved in the incidence Including copied from the internet 6 The Role of ICT in Daily Life Lecture 01 Topics Covered Components of Computer System Hardware Software Types of Computer Systems Impact of emerging Technologies Hardware Hardware is the general term for the physical components that make up a typical computer system. For example: keyboa motherboard rd central processing unit mouse (CPU)/processor camera random access memory (RAM) monito read-only memory (ROM) r graphics card printer sound card plotter network interface card (NIC) internal storage devices INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Motherboa rd INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Motherboard The motherboard is a printed circuit board found in all computers. It allows the processor and other computer hardware to function and communicate with each other. One of the major functions of a typical motherboard is to act as a kind of 'hub' which other computer devices connect to. A typical motherboard consists of a sheet of non-conductive material, such as hard plastic. Thin layers of copper or aluminum are printed onto this sheet. These form the circuits between the various components. In addition to circuits, a motherboard contains several sockets and slots to connect the other components. INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Random access memory (RAM) Random access memory (RAM) is an internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running applications. This memory can be written to and read from. Since its contents are lost when power to the computer is turned off, it is often referred to as a volatile or temporary memory. RAM stores the data, files or part of the operating system currently in use INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Read-only memory (ROM) Read-only memory (ROM) is a memory used to store information that needs to be permanent. It is often used to contain, for example, configuration data for a computer system. These chips cannot be altered easily and can only be read from. One of the main advantages is that the information stored on the ROM chip is not lost even when power is turned off to the computer. They are often referred to as non-volatile memories. INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Central processing unit (CPU)/processor A central processing unit (CPU) or processor is an electronic circuit board in a computer that can execute instructions from a computer program. INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Network interface card (NIC) A network interface card (NIC) is a component that allows a computer to be connected to a network (for example, the internet) it can be wired or wireless. Each NIC is hard-coded with a unique MAC (media access control) address code INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Graphics card A graphics card allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as a monitor, television, or projector. Graphics cards are usually made up of: a processing unit memory unit (usually RAM) a cooling mechanism (often in the form of a heat sink since these cards generate a lot of heat) connections to a display unit (monitor, TV or projector). INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Sound card A sound card is an integrated circuit board that provides a computer with the ability to produce sounds. These sounds can be heard by the user either through speakers or headphones. Sound cards also allow a user to record sound input from a microphone connected to the computer, and manipulate sound stored on a disk INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Internal hard disk drive/solid- state drive (HDD/SSD) Basically, hard disk drives (HDDs) are magnetic in nature and are one of the main methods for storing data, files (text, photos and music) and most of the system and applications software. More modern computers (and all tablets) use the newer storage systems which make use of solid- state (SSD) technology and are replacing HDDs in many cases. Their function is the same as an HDD. Softwa re Software is the general term used for the programs that control the computer system and process data. The software falls into two categories: applications and system. Softwa re Applications software provides the services that the user requires to solve a given task. For example: word processing spreadsheet database (management system) control and measurement software apps and applets video editing graphics editing audio editing computer-aided design (CAD). Softwa re System software is the software designed to provide a platform on which all other software can run. For example: compilers linkers device drivers operating systems utilities. Applications software Word processing Word processing software is used to manipulate a text document, such as an essay or a report. Text is entered using a keyboard and the software provides tools for copying, deleting and various types of formatting. Some of the functions of word processing software include: creating, editing, saving and manipulating text copy and paste functions spell checkers and thesaurus import photos/images into a structured page format translation into foreign language. Applications software Spreadsheet Spreadsheet software is used to organize and manipulate numerical data (in the form of integer, real, date, and so on). Numbers are organised on a grid of lettered columns and numbered rows. The grid itself is made up of cells, and each cell is identified using a unique combination of columns and rows; for example: B6. Some of the functions of spreadsheets include: use of formulae to carry out calculations ability to produce graphs ability to do modelling and 'what if‘ calculations. Applications software Database (management system) Database software is used to organize, manipulate and analyze data. A typical database is made up of one or more tables. Tables consist of rows and columns. Each row is called a 'record‘ and each column is called a 'field.' This provides the basic structure for the organization of the data within the database. Some of the functions include: ability to carry out queries on database data and produce a report (DBMS) add, delete and modify data in a table Applications software Control and measurement software Control and measuring software is designed to allow a computer or microprocessor to interface with sensors so that it is possible to: measure physical quantities in the real world (such as temperatures) control applications (such as a chemical process) by comparing sensor data with stored data and sending out signals to alter process parameters (for example, open a valve to add acid and change the pH). Applications software Apps and applets Applets are small applications that perform a single task on a device (they are usually embedded in an HTML page on a website and can be executed from within a browser). Apps refer to software which can perform a fairly substantial task (such as, video and music streaming, banking application or social media). The term originally referred to software that ran on a smartphone and could be downloaded from an ‘app store’. Applications software Computer-aided design (CAD) software This is software used to help in the creation, manipulation, modification and analysis of a drawing/design. It can be used to produce 2D or 3D diagrams which: can be rotated to view the drawing from any angle can be used to estimate manufacturing costs of the final product predict any structural problems Applications software Audio editing software Audio editing software allows a user to edit, manipulate and generate audio data on a computer. It allows the user to alter: length of track start/stop time of track conversion between audio file formats volume of track fading in/out combine multiple sound tracks noise reduction to create another version of the sound track (for example, a continuous loop or phone ring tone). Applications software Video editing software Video editing software allows a user the ability to manipulate videos to produce a new video. It enables the addition of titles, colour correction and altering/adding sound to the original video. Essentially it includes: rearranging, adding and/or removing sections of video clips and/or audio clips applying colour correction, filters and other video enhancements creating transitions between clips in the video footage. Applications software Graphics editing software Graphics editing software allows bitmap and vector images to be changed. Bitmap images are made up of pixels which contain information about image brightness and colour. Bitmap graphics editors can change the pixels to produce a different image. Vector graphic editors operate in a different way and do not use pixels. This type of software manipulates lines, curves and text to alter the stored image as required. Both types of editing software are chosen depending on the format of the original image. Softwa re SYSTEM SOFTWARE Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to communicate with the computer System Software Compiler A compiler is a computer program that translates a program written in a high-level language (HLL) into machine code (code that is understood by the computer) so that it can be directly used by a computer to perform a required task. The original program is called the source code and the code after compilation is called the object code. Once a program is compiled, the machine code can be used again and again to perform the same task without recompilation. Examples of high- level languages include Java, Python, Visual Basic, Fortran, C++ and Algol. System Software Linkers A linker (or link editor) is a computer program that takes one or more object files produced by a compiler and combines them into a single program that can be run on a computer. For example, many programming languages allow programmers to write different pieces of code, called modules, separately. This simplifies the programming task since it allows the program to be broken up into small, more manageable sub-tasks. However, at some point, it will be necessary to put all the modules together to form the final program. This is the job of the linker. System Software Device driver A device driver is the name given to software that enables one or more hardware devices to communicate with the computer’s operating system. Without drivers, a hardware device (for example, a printer) would be unable to work with the computer. All hardware devices connected to a computer have associated drivers. As soon as a device is plugged into the USB port of a computer, the operating system looks for the appropriate driver. An error message will be produced if it cannot be found. Examples of hardware devices that require drivers include printers, memory sticks, mouse, CD drivers, System Software Operating systems (OS) The operating system (OS) is essentially software running in the background of a computer system. It manages many of the basic functions. Without the OS, most computers would be very user-unfriendly and the majority of users would find it almost impossible to work with computers on a day-to-day basis. Operating systems allow: input/output operations users to communicate with the computer (for example, Windows) error handling to take place the loading and running of programs to occur managing of security (for example, user accounts, log on passwords). System Software Utilities Utility programs are software that has been designed to carry out specific tasks on a computer. Essentially, they are programs that help to manage, maintain and control computer resources. Examples include: antivirus backup of files disk repair screensavers disk defragmenter. User interfaces Operating systems offer various types of user interface. We will consider four different types: command line interface (CLI) graphical user interface (GUI) dialogue-based user interface gesture-based user interface.  User interfaces Command line interface (CLI) A command line interface (CLI) requires a user to type in instructions to choose options from menus, open software, etc. There are often a number of commands that need to be typed in, for example, to save or load a file. The user has to learn a number of commands just to carry out basic operations. It is also slow, having to key in these commands every time an operation has to be carried out. However, the advantage of a CLI is that the user is in User interfaces Graphical user interface (GUI) A graphical user interface (GUI) allows the user to interact with a computer using pictures or symbols (icons) rather than having to type in a number of commands. In recent years, devices such as touch screen smartphones and tablets use post-WIMP interaction, where fingers are in contact with the screen allowing actions such as pinching and rotating, which would be difficult to do using a single pointer and device such as a mouse. User interfaces Dialogue-based user interfaces Dialogue-based user interfaces use the human voice to give commands to a computer system. An example of its use is in some luxury modern cars, where voice activation is used to control devices such as the in- car entertainment system or satellite navigation system. By speaking certain commends, such as ‘Hey BMW, drive me to the nearest airport’, the system allows natural speech to enable the driver to intuitively interact with the car. The satellite navigation system will automatically direct the driver to their chosen destination (in this case, the nearest airport). This type of interface could also be used in the home; by using voice commands, it is possible to switch on/off lights, operate electronic equipment and so on. In recent years, devices such as Amazon Alexa, Google Now, Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana have all been User interfaces Gesture-based interfaces Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even the feet. Gesture recognition allows humans to interface with a computer in a more natural fashion without the need for any mechanical devices. This type of interface uses techniques known as computer vision and image processing. For example, using car example, the following gestures can be used to carry out certain functions: rotating a finger clockwise near the radio will increase the sound volume (rotating the finger anti-clockwise will reduce the sound volume) Types of computer Desktop computers General-purpose computer that is made up of separate monitor, keyboard, mouse and processor unit. Which makes them not very portable. Because laptop and desktop computers tend to be used for very similar purposes, it is worth making a comparison between the two types of computer. Types of computer Desktop computers The advantages of desktop computers over laptop computers are: Spare parts and connections tend to be standardised, which usually results in lower costs. Desktop computers are easier, and less expensive, to upgrade or expand. The desktop tends to have a better specification (for example, faster processor) for a given price (often due to size and construction constraints in laptops). Power consumption is not critical because they usually plug straight into a wall socket, and the larger casings allow a better dissipation of any heat build-up. Because they are usually fixed in one location, there is less likelihood of them being damaged or stolen. Internet access can be more stable because a desktop computer is more likely to have a wired internet connection (the user will always have the same data transfer rate); however, due to their portability, laptop computers usually use wireless internet connectivity where the signal can be very variable (giving Types of computer Desktop computers They do have disadvantages when compared to laptop computers: The most obvious is that they are not particularly portable because they are made up of separate components. They tend to be more complicated because all the components need to be hooked up by wiring, which also clutters up the desk space. Because they are not particularly portable, it is necessary to copy files on, for example, a memory stick, when you want to do some work elsewhere (for example, doing office work at home); although cloud storage has diminished this disadvantage recently, it still may not be possible to save Types of computer Desktop computers The main uses of desktop computers include: Office and business work Educational use Use as a gaming device General entertainment Types of computer Mobile computers Mobile computers, by their very name, suggest a group of computers which are considerably more portable than desktop computers. Such computers fall into four categories: Laptop computers Smartphones Tablets Phablets Types of computer Laptop (or notebook) Refers to a type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are all together in one single unit. This makes them extremely portable. Key features you would expect to find in a laptop: Lightweight (to aid portability) Low power consumption (and also long battery life) Low heat output (cooling is very important). Types of computer Laptop computers do have advantages when compared to desktop computers: Portability Because everything is in one single unit, there are no trailing wires (only one single cord is used). They take up much less room on a desk, so they can be used anywhere (for example, in a café). Their portability allows them to take full advantage of Wi-Fi features. Because they are portable, they can link into any multimedia system. Types of computer Laptop computers also have disadvantages when compared to desktop computers: Because they are easily portable, they are also easier to steal! They have limited battery life so the user may need to carry a heavy power adaptor. The keyboards and pointing devices can sometimes be more awkward to use. It is not always possible to upgrade them, for instance by adding more RAM. Types of computer The main uses of laptop computers include: Office and business work Educational use Used as a gaming device General entertainment (for example, live or ‘catch-up’ streaming of television programs) Used in control and monitoring (because they can be operated anywhere using their internal battery, it is possible to use laptops to gather data directly from the environment – for example, they can be plugged into a gas boiler during maintenance to monitor its performance). Types of computer Smartphones Smartphones allow normal phone calls to be made, but also have an operating system (such as iOS, Android or Windows) allowing them to run a number of computer applications (known as apps or applets). They allow users to send/receive emails, use a number of apps, use a camera feature (to take photos or videos), MP3/4 players (for music and videos), and so on. Smartphones communicate with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by using 3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks. Types of computer Some of the typical features of smartphones include: High-definition, anti-glare displays Front- and back-facing cameras Lower weight and longer battery life than laptops Use Bluetooth for connection to printers and other devices Make use of flash (solid state) memory and cloud storage facilities to back up and synchronize (often just referred to as ‘sync’) data sources They use a number of sensors to carry out the following functions: Proximity sensors to detect if the device is close to, for example the ear, which allows it to block unintended ‘touches’ Accelerometers, which detect movement and orientation of the device (for example, move the display from portrait to Types of computer The new generation of smartphones are becoming even thinner and lighter, because they make use of OLED (organic light emitting diode) touch screens. Future smartphones will also use OLED touch screens that are coated with a crystalline layer that allows the phones to be partially solar powered; this allows them to use Li-Fi (similar to Wi-Fi, except communication uses visible light rather than radio waves). Communication using Li-Fi is considerably faster than with Wi- Fi (much higher data transfer rate). The Li-Fi system can also be used during aero plane flights because it does not use radio waves and therefore does not interfere with flight control systems. Types of computer Advantages of smartphones: They are very small in size and lightweight – therefore they are very easy to carry and have on your person at all times (this is more difficult with laptops because they are much bulkier and much heavier). You can use them to make phone calls, but also connect to the internet while on the move. Because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone networks they can be used almost anywhere (this is not the case with laptops or desktops; although tablets also use the same technology). They have apps which make use of sensor data provided by the smartphone, for instance location data for maps – this can provide services that are not available on desktops or laptops. Types of computer Disadvantages of smartphones: The small screens and keyboards make pages difficult to read. It is more difficult and slower when typing things in (laptops and desktops have much bigger screens and much larger keyboards). Web browsing and photography can quickly drain the battery. Memory size in most phones is not very large when compared to laptops and desktops – although it is comparable with tablets (however, the latest generation smartphones come with 1 TiB memories). Not all website features are compatible with smartphone operating systems. Because of their small size, it is much easier to lose a smartphone or for it to be stolen compared to laptops or desktops. Types of computer Tablets Tablets are becoming an increasingly used type of mobile computer. They work in a similar way to a smartphone. Tablets use touch screen technology and do not have a conventional keyboard. The keyboard is virtual; that is, it is part of the touch screen and keys are activated by simply touching them with a finger or a stylus. However, it is possible to buy tablet cases which contain a normal-sized keyboard. Internet access is usually through Wi-Fi or 3G/4G/5G (mobile phone) connectivity. Like smartphones, tablets are equipped with a series of sensors which include camera, microphone, accelerometer and touch screen. The typical features of tablets are identical to those of Types of computer Advantages of tablets compared to laptops: Very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting for the operating system to load up) Fully portable – they are so lightweight that they can be carried anywhere Touch screen technology means they are simple to use and do not need any other input devices Can use several apps as standard (such as built-in camera, MP3/4 players and so on) Not much heat – they use solid-state technology Battery life of a tablet is a lot longer When the power button is pressed, it goes into standby, but remains connected to the internet so the user still hears alerts when emails or other ‘events’ are received. Types of computer Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops: Tend to be rather expensive when compared to laptops They often have limited memory or storage when compared to a laptop Typing on a touch screen can be slow and error-prone compared to a standard keyboard Laptops tend to support more types of file format than tablets and are also better equipped to run different types of software. THANKS! 