ICT Information and Communications Technology Cambridge IGCSE Lesson 1_Part1 PDF

ICT- Information and Communications Technology Cambridge IGCSE Lesson -1 Types & Components of Computer System 1.1 Hardware & Software 1.2 Main Components of a computer system 1.3 Operating System 1.4 Types of computer 1.5 Impact of emerging Technology WALT Know the diffe...

ICT- Information and Communications Technology Cambridge IGCSE Lesson -1 Types & Components of Computer System 1.1 Hardware & Software 1.2 Main Components of a computer system 1.3 Operating System 1.4 Types of computer 1.5 Impact of emerging Technology WALT Know the difference between hardware and software and be able to identify examples of each. Starter How many of the following Desktop PC components can you recognise already? Give yourself 60 seconds to write down as many as you can! What's you score ? 1. Scanner 2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) 3. RAM Module 4. Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Card 5. Power Supply Unit (PSU) 6. Optical disk drive (CD/DVD/BluRay) 7. Hard Drive 8. Motherboard 9. Speakers 10.Monitor 11.Folder (Software – not hardware!) 12.Game Application (software – not hardware!) 13.Keyboard 14.Mouse 15.Amplifier? Router? Rice Crispie Box? 16.Printer Examples of Hardware What is hardware? Hardware is any part of a computer system that you can physically touch. Hardware includes both the internal components inside a computer, as well as the external peripherals outside of a computer. Computer hardware can be: Internal or External – Internal Hard Drive or external printer Large or Small – Full body scanners or Nano robots. Removable or fixed – Tablet Screen or a USB drive. Hard or Soft – a PC case or a floppy drive. Electrical or non-electrical – motherboard or mouse mat, though when the exam board refer to PC hardware, they are referring specifically to electrical hardware. Internal hardware components Internal components are components that live inside of your computer, tablet or phone. Sometimes these devices are required (such as a CPU) and other times these devices are optional(such as a Blu-ray player). Most internal devices that plug in to a desktop PC are upgradable, which makes desktop PCs easy to repair and great value for money Activity 1 How many internal components can you think of? Write them all down and then compare them to the list below to see how many you got!  Central processing unit Heat-sink & Fan Motherboard Activity 1 RAM How many internal CMOS Chip & Battery components can you Blu-ray / DVD / CD Player think of? Write them Floppy disk drive all down and then LAN Card compare them to Sound Card the list below to see Graphics Card how many you got! USB Ports HDD / Solid State drive Power Supply Base Unit ( PC Case) External hardware components(peripherals) External peripherals are any device that plugs in to the outside of your computer ( or connects wirelessly). Example external peripherals include: Keyboard Mouse Printer Headphones Activity 2 You have 5 minute to see how many external peripherals you can find from the crossword below. Write down as many as you can on a piece of paper. Quiz https://www.purposegames.c om/game/identify-the- computer-components-quiz Internal hardware devices Motherboard central processing unit (CPU)/processor random access memory (RAM) read-only memory (ROM) graphics card sound card network interface card (NIC) internal storage devices (hard disk drive and solid-state drive) 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 aluminium 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 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. 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 and can only be read from (hence their name). 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. Ram vs ROM Task 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. The two main components are: arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) where arithmetic and logical operations are carried out control unit (CU) which takes instructions the decodes and executes the instructions Graphics card A graphics card allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as a monitor, television, or projector. It usually connects to the motherboard 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). 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 hard disk drive/ solid-state drive (HDD/SSD) More modern computers (and Hard disk drives (HDDs) are all tablets) use the newer magnetic in nature and are one storage systems which make of the main methods for storing use of solid-state (SSD) data, files (text, photos and technology and are replacing music) and most of the system HDDs in many cases. Their and applications software. function is the same as an HDD. Network interface card (NIC) A network interface card (NIC) is a component that allows a computer or any other device (for example, a printer) 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  Software is any code that runs on the computer that you use. Software is stored in the computer’s memory and is executed when your runs. There are 2 types of code that run when you start a computer: What is Firmware (BIOS -basic input/output system) Operating systems (Windows, IOS and Android) software? Once your computer has starter up and loaded, there are 2 types of software that you can load on the system: System Software (Disk defragmenters, Memory managers) Application Software (Games, office software, multimedia) Software Software is the general term used for the programs that control the computer system and process data. The two categories: Applications and System. 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). 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 Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks » word processing » spreadsheet » database (management system) » control and measurement software » apps and applets » video editing » graphics editing » audio editing » computer-aided design (CAD). 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 Spreadsheet Spreadsheet software is used to organise 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.  Database software is used to organise, manipulate and analyse data. A typical database is made up of one or more tables. Tables consist of Database rows and columns. Each row is called a 'record' and each column is called a (management 'field.' This provides the basic system) structure for the organisation 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. 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’.  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: Computer- can be rotated to view the drawing from any aided design angle (CAD) can produce full dimensions software can be used to estimate manufacturing costs of the final product predict any structural problems. 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). 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. 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. SYSTEM SOFTWARE Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to communicate with the computer » compilers » linkers » device drivers » operating systems » utilities 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 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. 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, and so on.  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 Operating of users would find it almost impossible to work with computers on a day-to-day basis. Operating systems (OS) 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).  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 anti-spyware Utilities backup of files disk repair file management security screensavers disk defragmenter  Computers can only understand data which is in a binary format (that is, a base 2 number system where only the values 0 and 1 can be used). This is often referred to Analogue and as digital data (because it can only have discrete, discontinuous values). digital data However, data in the real world is actually analogue in nature. Analogue data is physical data that changes smoothly from one value to the next, and not in discrete steps as with digital data. If analogue data is being sent to a computer, it must first be converted into digital data; this is done by hardware known as an analogue to digital converter (ADC). If the computer is controlling a device (such as a motor) then the digital output from the computer needs to be converted into analogue form. This is done by a digital to analogue converter (DAC).  Operating systems offer various types of user interface. User Four different types: interfaces command line interface (CLI) graphical user interface (GUI) dialogue-based user interface gesture-based user interface 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 advantage of a CLI is that the user is in direct communication with the computer and is not restricted to a number of pre- determined options. The disadvantage is 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.  CLI Advantages & Disadvantages The user is in direct The user needs to learn a number communication with the of commands to carry out basic computer. operations. All commands need to be typed in, The user is not restricted to a which takes time and can be error number of pre-determined prone. options. Each command must be typed in It is possible to alter computer using the correct format, spelling, configuration settings. and so on. Graphical user interface (GUI) A graphical user interface (GUI) allows the user to interact with a computer (or MP3 player, gaming device, mobile phone, etc.) using pictures or symbols (icons) rather than having to type in a number of commands. A window manager looks after the interaction between windows, the applications and window system Devices such as touch screen smartphones and tablets use post WIMP(windows icons menu and pointing device) 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.  GUI Advantages & Disadvantages The user does not need to learn This type of interface uses up any commands. considerably more computer It is more user-friendly; icons memory than a CLI interface. are used to represent The user is limited to the icons applications. provided on the screen. A pointing device (such as a Needs a more complex mouse) is used to click on an operating system, such as icon to launch the application – Windows, to operate, which can this is simpler than typing in be slower to execute commands commands. Who would use each type of interface? CLI: a programmer, analyst or GUI: the end-user who does not technician; basically, somebody have to (or does not need to) have who needs to have direct any great knowledge of how the communication with a computer computer works; a person who to develop new software, locate uses the computer to run errors and remove them, initiate software, play games or memory dumps (contents of the store/manipulate photographs, computer memory at some for example moment in time), and so on. Dialogue-based 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. Gesture-based interfaces Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even the feet opening the thumb moving the foot under the rotating a finger clockwise and next finger will moving a hand near a rear bumper of the car near the radio will increase change the track window switch automatically opens the boot the sound volume (rotating being listened to (for automatically opens lid the finger anti-clockwise will example, in a playlist) a window. reduce the sound volume) Impact of emerging technologies Artificial intelligence AI is a machine or application which carries out a task that requires some degree of intelligence. For example: – the use of language – recognising a person’s face – the ability to operate machinery, such as a car, aeroplane, train, and so on – analysing data to predict the outcome of a future event, for example weather forecasting The impact of AI on everyday life Whenever AI is mentioned, people usually think of science fiction fantasies and think of robots. The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov even went as far as producing his three laws of robotics: » robots may not injure a human through action or inaction » robots must obey order given by humans without question » a robot must protect itself unless it conflicts with the two laws above  The drawbacks of the new technology: could lead to many job losses in a number of areas (although it is true to say that new technical jobs would also be created); many jobs could be lost in manufacturing, but other roles are likely to be affected (such as bus, taxi, lorry Negative and train drivers impacts of AI dependency on technology and the inability to carry out tasks done by robots, for example, could be an issue in the future loss of skills – even now, skills from previous generations have been lost as humans have been replaced by machines and software applications. Extended reality Extended reality (XR) refers to real and virtual combined environments, and is a ‘catch all’ term for all immersive technologies. The three most common examples at the moment are: augmented reality (AR) virtual reality (VR) mixed reality (MR). Augmented reality (AR) The features of augmented reality include: allow the user to experience the relationship between digital (virtual) and physical (real) worlds virtual information and objects are overlaid onto real-world situations the real world is enhanced with digital details, such as images, text and animation the user can experience the AR world through special goggles or via smartphone/phablet screens the user is not isolated from the real world and is still able to interact and see what is going on in front of them examples include the Pokémon GO game which overlays digital creatures onto real-world situations.  Augmented reality will have an impact on all the following areas: safety and rescue operations (for example, it is possible to provide 3D images of an area where a rescue mission is to take place, giving the team the opportunity to interact with the environment and try out rescue procedures before doing the real thing) entertainment (for example, AR takes users into a virtual environment where it is possible to interact with the characters; imagine the characters of your favourite film interacting with you at home) shopping and retail (this is one of the big areas – for example, using your smartphone camera you can try out make-up and see how it looks on you before buying it, or you can experience a virtual tour of a new car where you can ‘sit’ in the interior and try out the driving experience before buying the car) healthcare (doctors can make use of AR to have a better understanding of a patient’s body; software, such as Echopixel enables doctors to use CT scans from patients to build up a 3D image of their body to help with surgery and diagnosis) Virtual reality (VR) The features of virtual reality include: the ability to take the user out of the real-world environment into a virtual (unreal) digital environment in contrast to AR, the user is fully immersed in a simulated digital world users must wear a VR headset or a head-mounted display which allows a 360° view of the virtual world (this ‘fools’ the brain into believing they are walking on an ocean bed, walking in an alien world or inside a volcano) this technology can be used to good effect in: medicine (teaching operation procedures), construction, engineering and the military https://youtu.be/7ubckVGybE4 Virtual reality will have an impact on all the following areas: military applications (for example, training to operate a new tank) education (for example, looking inside an ancient building as part of a history lesson) healthcare (for example, as a diagnostic tool to recommend treatment) entertainment (for example, games where gloves, goggles or helmets are worn to fully immerse players and make it seem very real) fashion (for example, to do fashion shows before doing the real thing – see the clothes on people, check out the venue and so on) heritage (for example, allowing users to walk around and close up to monuments like Stonehenge) business (for example, training courses and role-playing scenarios for staff) engineering (for example, seeing how new designs like bridges will look in an existing environment) sport (for example, a golfer trying to improve his swing can use this technology and get feedback to improve his game) media (for example, interactive special effects in movies) scientific visualisation (for example, part of a molecular structure in chemistry, or a cell in biology