Midterm Pointers PDF

CHAPTER 1 Role of ICT in Daily Lives Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in various aspects of our daily lives. Communication Information Access...

CHAPTER 1 Role of ICT in Daily Lives Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in various aspects of our daily lives. Communication Information Access Education Work and Business Healthcare Entertainment Transportation Banking and Finance Social Networking Personal Productivity Smart Homes Government Services Research and Innovation Computer Capabilities ✓ It can perform mathematical and logical operations. ✓ It can process data at a very fast speed with almost perfect accuracy ✓ It can store a great amount and variety of information ✓ It can handle volumes of repetitive tasks accurately over long periods of time ✓ It can communicate with its operators and other machines Computer Limitations o It can only carry out those operations that a person has programmed or instructed it to perform. o It can detect, but generally cannot correct, a wrong instruction by itself. o It is subject to occasional breakdown or malfunction. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- CHAPTER 2 Charles Babbage British mathematician and engineer which mechanically calculated mathematical tables. He is called the father of today’s computer. Generation of Computers o ZEROTH GENERATION (Early History) o FIRST GENERATION: Vacuum Tubes o SECOND GENERATION: Transistors o THIRD GENERATION: Integrated Circuits o FOURTH GENERATION: Microprocessors o FIFTH GENERATION (Present and Beyond): Artificial Intelligence Computers are classified according to: Operation (Type of Data Handled) Application Purpose/Design Size According to Size Supercomputers – high capacity, largest size Mainframes – large size Minicomputers – medium size Microcomputers – small size 1  Supercomputers - fastest and most powerful and most expensive and capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second. Applications requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations use supercomputers. - Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a great amount of computation. Mainframes - are more expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously. - It can store huge amounts of data, instructions and information and a standard choice for large organization. - Used as High- end servers or enterprise class servers. Minicomputers - These are also a general purpose computer, smaller than mainframe computer. - Medium sized computer, occupying approximately 10 sq ft of area. Microcomputers - A microcomputer is the smallest, least expensive of all the computers. - Microcomputers have smallest memory and less power. - Microcomputers are also called personal computers. - The most common type of microcomputer is a desktop computer, which is a nonportable personal computer Variety of Personal Computers DESKTOP PC’s it is a complete computer system (system unit, keyboard, monitor, and mouse) fits on or next to a desk. PORTABLE PC’s Example: Notebook & handheld computers MOBILE DEVICES (also known as a portable computer) is a computer that is small enough to be held in one's hand and operated PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER are mobile device on which you can store, organize and play digital media. Example: Listen to music, watch videos, movies, and television shows, view photos. Usually include a set of ear buds. WEARABLE COMPUTER, also known as a wearable or body-borne computer, is a computing device worn on the body. Wearable computers have been used for General purpose computing (e.g. smartphones and smartwatches), sensory integration, e.g. to help people see better or understand the world better (whether in task-specific applications like camera-based welding helmets] or for everyday use like Google Glass, behavioral modeling, health care monitoring systems, service management, electronic textiles and fashion design. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- CHAPTER 3 HARDWARE HARDWARE refers to the physical components of the computer system, consist of the devices within the case of the computer itself, and any peripheral devices that are connected to the computer Input Devices - An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer. Examples: o Computer keyboard contains keys you press to enter data into the computer. o Mouse is a small handheld device. With the mouse, you control movement of a small symbol on the screen, called the pointer, and you make selections from the screen. o Microphone allows a user to speak into the computer. o Scanner converts printed material (such as text and pictures) into a form the computer can use. o Web cam is a digital video camera that allows users to create movies or take pictures and store them on the computer instead of on tape or film. Processing Devices - the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system 2  Examples: o Processor - Processor alternatively referred to as the brain of the computer, processor, central processor, or microprocessor. - It is the electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. - The computer CPU is responsible for handling all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer. o GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) - GPU stands for “Graphics Processing Unit” that is a computer integrated chip that helps to render the graphics and images with using of performing rapid mathematical calculation. o Sound Card - Sound card is a hardware component of computer that is installed on the motherboard, and it delivers the audio input and output capabilities. o Video Card - It is used to display the images on the monitor because without it, user would not able to see any pictures. o Network Card Network card - is a hardware component of computer that allows to make communication in between multiple computers through local area network (LAN) Output Devices - Output Device produce or give the result base on what data being inputted using input devices. Examples: display devices, projectors, printers, speaker, headphones, earphones Storage Devices - Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use. o Primary or Main Storage (RAM) Primary memory usually refers to Random Access Memory (RAM) which is volatile. Primary memory also includes registers, cache, and video memories. o Secondary or Peripheral Storage (ROM) It holds data permanently and it is non-volatile. Secondary storage refers to devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives, removable “USB” drives, CDs, and DVDs. Non-volatile. This means that when power is shut off in the storage device, the data stored on that device’s storage medium will still be there when you turn the device back on. Example: Secondary storage like Hard disk drive. Volatile, programs and documents held are erased once they are no longer needed or the power to the computer is turned off. SOFTWARE Softwares are the programs that are needed to accomplish the input, processing, output, storage, and control activities of information systems. The Two Categories of Software: System Software Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. System software serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware. Example: Operating System and Utility programs Application Software Consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks, it designs to perform a specific job. Also called as end- user programs. Operating System - is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices - provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software - Example: Windows, MacOS, Linux 3 Utility Program - also known as service program, service routine, tool, or utility routine - the utility programs typically perform support functions for the operating system, such as allowing you to manage files, perform on your computer, check your PC for viruses, or uninstall a program you no longer want on your PC - Example: Antivirus, Disk Checkers, Backup Software, etc. PEOPLEWARE/ HUMANWARE It refers to anything that has to do with the role of people in the development or use of computer software and hardware systems, including such issues as developer productivity, teamwork, group dynamics, the psychology of programming, project management, organizational factors, human interface design, and human-machine-interaction Roles played by people Users & Customers – establish needs and ultimately use the results delivered by computers. System Development Specialist (SDS) – people who specializes in working with the users to develop systems that will do the job and produce the results required. Programmers – people who write the instructions that process data Computer Operations Personnel o Encoder – responsible for data entry o Console Operators – responsible for controlling, scheduling, and monitoring the running of jobs on the computer o Peripheral Operators – responsible for operating the input, output, storage and other hardware devices within the computer system o Data Librarian – responsible for maintaining the inventory of programs, operating manuals, and data storage media to make sure that all these resources are accounted for and available when needed Technical Support Personnel o System Programmers – maintain the operating system and other system software to ensure that the computer is providing the needed services to the system development specialists, programmers, operators, and users o Hardware Specialists – ensures that the specification for the needed hardware is met ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- CHAPTER 4 System Unit - The system unit is the central part of a desktop computer, commonly referred to as the computer case or chassis. - It houses all the key components that make a computer function. Key Components of the System Unit Motherboard - The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer that connects and allows communication between all the critical components of the system. - It is often referred to as the "backbone" of the computer. Power Supply (PSU) - The Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts the alternating current (AC) from the power outlet into direct current (DC) that the internal components of the computer can use. Raiser Cards - Raiser cards are specialized circuit boards that allow for additional expansion slots in systems where the motherboard's space is limited, such as in compact desktops or server cases. Expansion Slot - Expansion slots are interfaces on the motherboard that allow additional cards to be connected to increase the computer’s capabilities. The most common types of expansion slots include: PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), PCIe (PCI Express), AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 4  Common Ports and Connectors Common ports and connectors include: USB (Universal Serial Bus): The most widely used port for connecting devices like keyboards, mice, flash drives, and printers. It comes in different versions (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C). HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): Used for transmitting high-definition video and audio between the computer and a monitor or television. Ethernet (RJ-45): Allows for wired networking and internet connectivity. Audio Jacks: Used for input (microphone) and output (speakers or headphones) of audio signals. Power Connectors: Used to connect the PSU to the motherboard, CPU, and storage devices. - PS/2 connector is developed by IBM for connecting mouse and keyboard Parallel Port - is an interface between computer and peripheral devices like printers with parallel communication Audio Ports are used to connect speakers or other audio output devices with the computer. Video Port - (Video Graphics Array(VGA) Port) is found in many computers, projectors, video cards and High Definition TVs. Video Port - (High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) Port) is found in many computers, projectors, video cards and High Definition TVs. Video Port - (Digital Video Interface (DVI) Port) is found in many computers, projectors, video cards and High Definition TVs. Video Port - (Display Port) is found in many computers, projectors, video cards and High Definition TVs. Universal Serial Bus (USB) replaced serial ports, parallel ports, PS/2 connectors, game ports and power chargers for portable devices. USB port can be used to transfer data, act as an interface for peripherals and even act as power supply for devices connected to it. Ethernet port is used in networking to connect your computer to Internet and communicate with other computers or networking devices. e-SATA is an external Serial AT Attachment connector that is used as an interface for connecting external mass storage devices. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- CHAPTER 5 Uses of Computer Networks ✓ Helps you to share resource such as printers ✓ Allows you to share expensive software’s and database among network participants ✓ Provides fast and effective communication from one computer to another computer ✓ Helps you to exchange data and information among users via a network. 5  Computer Network Components Switches - work as a controller which connects computers, printers, and other hardware devices to a network in a campus or a building. Routers – This networking component acts as a dispatcher, which allows you to analyze data sent across a network. It automatically selects the best route for data to travel and send it on its way. Servers - are computers that hold shared programs, files, and the network operating system. Servers allow access to network resources to all the users of the network. Clients - are computer devices which access and uses the network as well as shares network resources. They are also users of the network, as they can send and receive requests from the server. Transmission Media - is a carrier used to interconnect computers in a network, such as coaxial cable, twisted-pair wire, and optical fiber cable. It is also known as links, channels, or lines. Access points - allow devices to connect to the wireless network without cables. Shared Data - are data which is shared between the clients such as data files, printer access programs, and email. Protocol - is the set of defined rules that allows two entities to communicate across the network. Hub - a device that splits network connection into multiple computers. Computer Network Types ❖ PAN (Personal Area Network) – is a type of network used personally and usually serves one person. ❖ LAN (Local Area Network) - is a group of devices connecting the computers and other devices such as switches, servers, printers, etc., over a short distance such as office, home. ❖ WLAN (Wireless local area network) - is similar to LAN with the difference that it uses wireless communication between devices instead of wired connections. ❖ CAN (Campus Area Network) - network that may contain a private or public part. CANs are widely used colleges, academies, and corporate sites. ❖ MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) - is typically a more extensive network when compared to LANs but is smaller than WANs. ❖ WAN (Wide Area Network) - is the most significant network type connecting computers over a wide geographical area, such as a country, continent Web Browsers A web browser is the tool that you use to access the World Wide Web. The browser's main job is to display web pages Examples of Web Browsers Web Servers A web server is software and hardware that uses HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and other protocols to respond to client requests made over the World Wide Web. Webpage vs Website 6 Web Address (URL) A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a unique identifier used to locate a resource on the Internet. It is also referred to as a web address. Search Engine A search engine is a software system designed to help users find information on the internet by indexing websites and allowing users to enter search queries. Google, Yahoo, Bing, Baidu, and DuckDuckGo are popular search engines. 7