ICT Mid Notes PDF

# Week 1: Basic Definitions and Concepts - **Computer:** An electronic machine that takes input as data, processes it, and provides output as a result. - **Components:** - **Central Processing Unit (CPU)** - **Display Screen** - **Input Devices** (such as mouse, keyboard etc.) - **O...

# Week 1: Basic Definitions and Concepts - **Computer:** An electronic machine that takes input as data, processes it, and provides output as a result. - **Components:** - **Central Processing Unit (CPU)** - **Display Screen** - **Input Devices** (such as mouse, keyboard etc.) - **Output Devices** (such as speaker, printer etc.) - **Types of Computers:** - **Super Computer** - **Personal Computer** - **Palm Computer** - **Embedded System** - **Role of Computers in society and daily life:** From personal tasks to global industries, computers have become indispensable tools in modern society. - **Education** - **Communication** - **Finance** - **Entertainment** - **Healthcare** - **E-Commerce** # Introduction to Number System - **Number system:** A system to represent or express numbers. - **Number systems are foundation of all digital computation, forming bedrock of computer science.** - **Types of Number System:** - **Binary Number System** - **Decimal Number System** - **Hexadecimal Number System** - **Octal Number System** # Data - **It refers to raw facts, figures and information** # Types of Data - **Numeric Data** - **Structured Data** - **Text Data** - **MetaData** - **Boolean Data** - **Geospatial Data** # Data vs. Information - **Data:** Raw facts, figures, or symbols. It is unprocessed, lacks context. It is discrete, objective, and neutral. - **Information:** Processed, organized, and meaningful data. It is processed and meaningful with context. It is subjective, contextual, and relevant. # Information Processing Cycle - **Information processing cycle is a continuous loop, as data is constantly being input, processed, and output by computer systems to support various tasks and applications.** - **It consists of four stages.** - **Input** - **Process** - **Output** - **Storage** # Advantages of Computers - **Efficiency** - **Accuracy** - **Storage and Retrieval** - **Automation** - **Connectivity** # Disadvantages of Computers - **Health Concerns** - **Dependence** - **Security Risks** - **Environmental Impact** - **Social Isolation** # Basic Computer Shortcut Keys ## Control Keys: | Shortcut | Function | |---|---| | Ctrl + A | Select All | | Ctrl + B | Bold | | Ctrl + C | Copy | | Ctrl + D | Duplicate | | Ctrl + E | Center Alignment | | Ctrl + F | Find | | Ctrl + G | Go to | | Ctrl + H | Replace | | Ctrl + I | Italic | | Ctrl + J | Justify Alignment | | Ctrl + K | Insert Hyperlink | | Ctrl + L | Left Alignment | | Ctrl + M | Increase Indent | | Ctrl + N | New Document | | Ctrl + O | Open | | Ctrl + P | Print | | Ctrl + Q | Remove paragraph formatting | | Ctrl + R | Right Alignment | | Ctrl + S | Save | | Ctrl + T | Create new tab | | Ctrl + U | Underline | | Ctrl + V | Paste | | Ctrl + W | Close document | | Ctrl + X | Cut | | Ctrl + Y | Redo | | Ctrl + Z | Undo | ## Shift Keys: - **Shift + alphabets (A-Z):** Shift key in combination with alphabets is used to capitalize them in uppercase letters. ## Control + Shift Key Shortcuts: | Shortcut | Function | |---|---| | Ctrl + Shift + C | Copy formats | | Ctrl + Shift + D | Double underline text | | Ctrl + Shift + E | Track changes | | Ctrl + Shift + F | Change the font | | Ctrl + Shift + H | Apply hidden text formatting | | Ctrl + Shift + K | Format letters as small capitals | | Ctrl + Shift + L | Apply the list style | | Ctrl + Shift + M | Remove a paragraph indent from left | | Ctrl + Shift + N | Apply normal style | | Ctrl + Shift + P | Change font size | | Ctrl + Shift + Q | Change selection to symbol font | | Ctrl + Shift + S | Apply a style | | Ctrl + Shift + T | Reduce a hanging indent | | Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste formats | | Ctrl + Shift + W | Underline words but not spaces | ## Alt Shortcut Keys: | Shortcut | Function | |---|---| | Alt + A | Used for accessing application "action" menu | | Alt + B | Access "bookmarks" or "view" menu | | Alt + C | Used for "file" or "character" menu | | Alt + D | Used to select address bar in web browser| | Alt + E | Edit menu in apps | | Alt + F | Opens file menu | | Alt + G | Various functions depending on software | | Alt + H | Opens help menu | | Alt + I | Access insert menu | | Alt + J | Vary by software | | Alt + K | Access keys in browser | | Alt + L | Access "layout" or "list" menu | | Alt + M | Access "mail" menu | | Alt + N | Vary by software | | Alt + O | Access "option" menu | | Alt + P | Access "print" menu | | Alt + Q | Quitting/exitting app | | Alt + R | Access "review" or "run" menu | | Alt + S | Vary by software | | Alt + T | Access "tools" menu | | Alt + U | Access "utilities" menu | | Alt + V | Access "view" menu| | Alt + W | Access "windows" or "workspace" menu | | Alt + X | Vary by software | | Alt + Y | Vary by software | | Alt + Z | Access "zoom" menu | ## F1-F12 Shortcut Keys: | Shortcut | Function | |---|---| | F1 | Opens help screen | | F2 | Allows to rename a file or folder | | F3 | Opens search feature | | F4 | Alt+F4 closes window | | F5 | Allows to refresh or reload page or window | | F6 | Move cursor to address bar in browser | | F7 | Spell check and grammar check in MS word | | F8 | Access boot menu | | F9 | Refreshes document in MS word | | F10 | Activates menu bar, shift F10 = right click | | F11 | Enters and exits fullscreen mode | | F12 | Opens "save as dialog box" in MS word | # Topic: "Types of keys in Keyboard" - There are 5 different types of keys: - Alphabet keys - Functional keys - Special keys - Symbol keys - Numerical keys ## Alphabet Keys: - There are standard alphabetical keys A to Z in a sequence on keyboard. ## Numerical Keys: - A separate set of number keys, typically on the right side of the keyboard, for numerical input. ## Functional Keys: - There are special keys labelled as F1 to F12, typically used for various functions in software and operating system. ## Symbol Keys: - Key symbols are simply one or two symbols that can be used with or without text to convey a piece of information. ## Special Keys: ### Control Keys: - Keys like Ctrl, Shift, Alt and Shift that modify the functions of other keys pressed in combination. ### Navigation Keys: - Keys like arrows, home, end, page up and page down used for navigation within documents or interface. ### Enter/Return Key: - It is used to confirm a command or input. ### Spacebar: - It is used to create space between words or characters. ### Caps Lock: - It is used to toggle between uppercase and lowercase letters. ### Tab Key: - It is used for identifying text or moving between field or form. ### Escape Key: - Often keys to used to cancel or close dialogue box or exit full-screen modes. ### Window Key: - It's used to access operating system's features. ### Print Key: - It's used to capture screenshots on window systems. ### Delete Key: - It removes characters to the left of the cursor. ### Backspace Key: - It removes characters to the left of the cursor. ### Media Keys: - These control media playback, volume and other functions. ### Toggle Keys: - Keys like nums lock, Scroll lock, caps lock, which toggle specific keyboard behavior. # Week #2 ## "Operations and Components of Computer Systems" - **Components of Computer System:** - **Hardwares:** - Includes all the physical components of a computer, such as the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and input/output devices. - **Softwares:** - Refers to the programs and instructions that run on the hardware, including: the operating system, applications, and firmware. - **Categories of Computer** - **Personal Computer (PC):** - General purpose computers for personal use. - **Example:** Desktops and All-in-one PCs. - **Laptops:** - Portable computers with built-in screen and keyboard. - Very ideal for mobile computing. - **Tablets (Tabs):** - Touchscreen devices that are often used for media consumption and little productivity. - **Smartphones:** - Mobile phones with advanced computing capabilities. - Offer a wide range of applications and connectivity. - **Smartwatches:** - Wearable devices with limited computing capabilities. - Designed for notifications, health tracking, etc. - **Super computers:** - Extremely powerful machines for complex scientific and engineering tasks. - Have high processing speeds and large data and handling capabilities. - **Servers:** - High performance Computers that provide services to networks. - Used for data storage, web hosting, and more. # Week #3 ## "System Software and Operating System" - **System Software:** - A program designed to run a computer's hardware and applications and manage its resources, such as its memory, processors, and devices. - **Types of System Software:** - **Operating system** - **Middleware** - **Device drivers** - **Utilities** - **Programming language interpreters** - **Operating System:** - A software package that runs applications and serves as a communication link (interface) between the computer hardware and the user. - **Types of Operating System** - **Single-User, Single-tasking OS:** - Designed for individual use and can handle one task at a time. - **Example:** Microsoft Disk Operating System. - **Single-user, Multi-tasking OS:** - Allows one user to run multiple programs simultaneously. - **Example:** Microsoft Windows, Mac OS - **Multi-user OS:** - Supports multiple users concurrently, each with their own sessions and tasks. - **Example:** Unix, Linux. - **Real-time OS:** - Designated for systems requiring immediate and predictable responses to events. - **Example:** Vx Works, QNX - **Multiprocessor OS:** - Manages multiple processors for enhanced performance. - **Example:** Windows NT, Linux. - **Distributed OS:** - Spreads tasks across multiple interconnected computers. - **Example:** Amoeba, Google's Chrome OS. - **Embedded OS:** - Tailored for specific embedded systems like smartphones and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. - **Example:** Android, iOS - **Network OS:** - Focuses on managing network resources and provides network services. - **Example:** Novell Netware. - **Device Drivers:** - Software programs that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. - **Types of Device Drivers** - **Kernel Device Drivers** - **User-mode Device Drivers** - **Character Drivers** - **Block Drivers** - **Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) drivers** - **Virtual Device Drivers** - **BIOS (basic input output system)** - **Motherboard Drivers** - **Open-source drivers.** # Week #5-6 ## "Application Software" - **Application Software:** - A set of programs designed to perform specific tasks or functions for end-users. - **Types of Application Software:** - **Word Processors:** - Used for creating, editing, and formatting text documents. - **E.g:** MS Word and Google Docs. - **Spreadsheets:** - Enables users to organize, analyze, and manipulate numerical data. - **E.g:** MS Excel and Google Sheets. - **Presentation Softwares:** - Allows users to create slideshows for presentations. - **E-g:** MS PowerPoint and Google Slides. - **Graphics Software:** - Used for creating and editing visual content. - **E.g:** Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. - **Web Browsers:** - Enables users to access and navigate the internet. - **E.g:** Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari etc. - **Mail Softwares:** - Manage and send emails - **E.g:** Gmail. - **Antivirus Softwares:** - Protects the computer from malicious softwares and security threats. - **Installation Process of Application Software:** - Download or obtain installation files - Check system requirements - Close other programs to avoid conflicts - Run Installer - Follow installation wizard guide - Accept license agreement - Wait for installation - Create shortcuts (optional) - Finish Installation - Check for updates for the latest features - **Softonic:** - A software and app discovery platform that provides reviews, information and downloads for various software applications. - **Google Play Store:** - The official digital distribution platform for Android devices and serves as a primary source for Android apps. - **Microsoft App Store:** - Formerly known as Windows Store. - Provides a centralized location for users to discover, download, and install apps for Windows devices. - **MS Office:** - A suite of productivity software applications developed by Microsoft. - It includes MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Outlook and more. - **InPage:** - A word processing software specifically designed for languages using Arabic script. - It is widely used for publishing and designing documents in languages like Urdu, Arabic, Persian and others. # Week #7-8 ## "Computer Hardwares" - **Input Devices:** - An equipment used to provide data and control signals to information processing system i.e computer. - **Examples:** Keyboards, mouse, scanners, cameras etc. **Keyboard:** - A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter characters and functions into computer systems by pressing buttons or keys. - It is the primary device used to enter text. - It typically contains keys for individual letters, numbers, special characters, and function keys. **Mouse:** - A small device that a computer user pushes across a desk surface in order to point to a place on a display screen and to select one or more actions to take from that position. **Touchpad:** - A pointing device. - It has a tactile sensor that detects motion and position of users’ fingers and translates it to position on a screen to control a pointer in a graphical user interface. **Scanner:** - A device that optically scans images, text, handwriting, or an object and converts it to a digital image. - **Output Devices:** - A device that converts information into human-perceptible form or, historically, into physical machine-readable form. - It can be text, graphics, audio or video. **Liquid-crystal display:** - A flat-panel display or other electronically modulated optical device that uses the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals combined with polarizers. **Printers:** - A device which serves the purpose of creating a permanent representation of text or graphics, usually on paper. - **Parts of Central Processing Unit (CPU):** - The major three components of CPU are: - **Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU):** - A part of the CPU that carries out arithmetic and logic operations, which is further divided into two units: - **AU:** Arithmetic unit - **LU:** Logic unit - **Control Unit (CU):** - A part of the CPU that directs the operation of processors. - **Memory or Storage Unit:** - This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. - It supplies information to other units of the computer when needed. - **USB Port:** - Universal Serial Bus is a hardware that can attach peripheral devices to a computer, including keyboards, mice, printers, flash drives, and external storage. - **HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface):** - It simultaneously transmits digital video and audio from a source, such as computer or TV cable box, to a monitor, TV or projector.