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Hardware
The physical components of a computer system.
Internal Hardware Devices
Processor (CPU)
Motherboard
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Video and Sound Card
Internal Hard Disk Drive
Motherboard
Central component of any computer system through which every other component communicates. Components are plugged into it directly or indirectly.
Processor (CPU)
The brain of the computer. It controls everything that the computer does and processes the data, moving it in and out of the memory.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
It stores the information currently in use, which is constantly changing.
A fast, volatile memory since when the computer is turned off the data is lost. The more RAM you have the faster your computer works.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Used to store instructions for the computer to work. The information cant be changed and when the computer is turned off, it wont be lost. The data can be accessed very fast.
Video Card
Allows images to be displayed on the monitor. Along with its installation, software is installed so it tells the computer how to use it.
Sound Card
Allows the computer to produce and input sounds to and from the computer by turning analogue data into digital and vice versa.
Internal Hard Disk Drive
Stores data that is not instantly needed for an indefinite time. It also stores programmes and is used commonly to back up data.
External Hardware
Inputs
Outputs
Peripherals
Input Devices
Used to get data into the computer system. They are manual or automatic.
Output Devices
Used to transfer data out of the computer system. They are temporary or permanent.
Peripheral Devices
Non-essential hardware that connect to the computer externally.
Software
Programmes used for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data, applications and systems.
Applications Software
Software used in particular situations, which can be used either in general purpose or in one particular situation.
i.e. Word processing, spreadsheet, data manipulation...
Systems Software
Files and programmes that make up a computer.
i.e. Compilers, linkers, device drivers...
Secondary/Backing Storage
Storage devices and media that are not constantly accessible by a computer system.
Operating System
Software program that manages computer resources. They allow components to communicate with each other and enable the computer to run software applications.
They are CLI and GUI.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
The user types in instructions and commands. It is fast but complicated to use. It uses very little RAM. Used in batch processing.
Advantages of CLI
1. User communicates directly with the computer.
2. There's a wide range of commands.
3. Needs very little computer power.
Disadvantages of CLI
1. User must remember complex commands.
2. Lots of typing involved.
3. High chance of errors.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The user points at and clicks objects on a screen with a mouse. It is easy to use but needs a large amount of RAM and disk space. It uses Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointers (WIMP)
Advantages of GUI
1. Quick and easy to enter commands.
2. Less chance of errors.
Disadvantages of GUI
1. Smaller range of commands can be used.
2. Uses more computer power.
Types of Computers
1. Personal Computers
2. Laptops
3. Tablet Computer
4. Smart Phones
Personal Computers
Found in schools, at home or offices. They are made of input, output and storage devices grouped in a base unit.
Standalone PC
They are used by one at a time and can function without being connected to other PCs.
Networked PC
They are connected to other computers in a network in order to share resources and data.
Laptops
Portable computers with LCD screens that are small enough to sit on your lap.
Advantages of PCs compared to a laptop
1. Better components for the same price.
2. Cheaper because components are easier to make.
3. Larger keyboard, easy to use.
4. Design allows heat to escape.
Disadvantages of PCs compared to a laptop
1. Large and bulky, not portable.
2. Need a constant power supply.
3. You cant work with them in different locations and need to copy files to work somewhere else.
Advantages of Laptops over PCs
1. Smaller and lighter, portable.
2. Components use low battery.
3. Rechargeable battery.
4. Usually have built in WiFi to access the internet.
5. No need to transfer files to work with them somewhere el
Disadvantages of laptops to PCs
1. Limited battery life
2. Small keyboard
3. Prone to theft
4. Don’t have a design for heat to escape.
Tablet Computers
Hand held mobile computers that have a touch screen and a few physical buttons. They may come with a SIM card slot to make phone calls and send texts. Normally they have built in sensors like cameras and microphone, and built in WiFi. They are used to access the internet, view multimedia and use apps.
Advantages of Tablets over laptops
1. Smaller and lighter
2. Touchscreen can be used to draw with a stylus.
3. Has built in camera(s)
4. Has longer battery life.
Disadvantages of Tablets compared to Laptops
1. Less storage
2. Not as powerful and slower performance.
3. Keyboard is harder to use because it is smaller.
4. Touch screen is hard to use for detailed tasks.
Smart Phones
They are mobile phones that are able to perform other tasks apart from making phone calls and texting. They have touchscreens or physical built in keyboards and usually have a digital camera, GPS and wireless WiFi and Bluetooth connection.
Advantages of Smart Phones over tablets
1. Smallest of computers, very portable.
2. Some have physical integrated keyboards.
3. Generally cheaper.
4. Practical for making phone calls and texting.
Disadvantages of Smart Phones compared to tablets
1. Very small screen
2. Not as powerful
3. Lower battery life
4. Very small and easy to be misplaced or stolen.
Emerging Technologies
Those currently under development or that will be in 5 to 10 years, which will alter the business and social environment.
1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Biometrics
3. Vision Enhancement
4. Quantum Cryptography
5. Computer-assisted Translation
6. 3D and Holographic Imaging
7. Virtual Reality
8. Robotics.
Artificial Intelligence
Computer science focused on simulating human intelligence with computer systems. Currently used in games, expert systems, languages and robotics.
Impacts of AI on everyday life
1. Accurate prediction of the weather.
2. Increased leisure time.
3. Safer transport due to self parking and autopilot vehicles.
4. Increased personal safety due to alarms.
5. Increased medical care due to robotic surgery assistants.
Biometrics
When unique parts of the body are used as an identification form. They cant be lost, forgotten or stolen; unlike passwords.
Impacts of Biometrics
1. Better airport security with facial recognition and fingerprint scans.
2. Increased security in buildings.
3. Better car security with fingerprint scans to open doors or turn on engines.
4. Better phone security.
Vision Enhancement
Uses video technology projected through the lens of goggles to bring distant objects closer and into focus. It amplifies infrared light so that the image can be seen clearly even in darkness.
Impacts of Vision Enhancement
Militaries worldwide use it to complete missions and carry out surveillance at night.
Robotics
Robots are used to perform physical tasks that could be dangerous to human beings or that are repetitive.
Types of Robots
Manufacturing Robots
Carrier Robots
Domestic Robots
Exploration Robots
Manufacturing Robots
Perform Manufacturing repetitive tasks more efficiently and rapidly than humans.
Carrier Robots
Carry heavy loads and objects around.
Domestic Robots
Perform domestic chores such as vacuuming.
Exploration Robots
They perform exploration jobs of dangerous or extreme places like Mars.
Impacts of Robotics
1. Increased personal time as robots can do things like your chores for you.
2. More efficient manufacture, as robots work faster and are cheaper than humans.
3. Loss of jobs since many manufacture jobs are replaced by robots.
4. Safer working environment as robots can carry out tasks that are too dangerous for humans.
Quantum Cryptography
Technology that allows messages and data to be sent with complete privacy by encrypting the data using quantum physics methods instead of mathematical. This makes the codes impossible to break through.
Impacts of Quantum Cryptography
1. Completely secure voting that gets rid of the risk of your vote being changed.
2. Completely secure information so your texts cant be read or calls heard.
3. Completely secure bank transfers and personal information.
Computer Assisted Translation
Where a human translator uses computer software to help in the translation process. They are spell checkers, translation memory software and language search engines.
Translation Memory Software
Databases that store translated text in order to be reused in the future.
Language Search Engine
Compilation of translation memory databases in which a user types in a word and the software searches through the database to find a translated match.
Impacts of Computer Assisted Translation
1. Documents are more accurate
2. More multilingual society
3. Quicker and more efficient translations
3D and Holographic Imaging
Techniques where images are made to appear three dimensional and have actual depth by taking two dimensional images of the same objects taken from two different angles and putting them together one on top of the other.
Impacts of 3D imaging
1. Improved security preventing forged duplicates.
2. Better movie experiences that are more immersive for the user.
3. Greater data storage due to the holographic layers.
Virtual Reality
Where computers are used to create an artificial environment where the user can interact with as if it were real. The user experiences things in a similar way to the real world.
Equipment used in VR
1. Eye goggles to produce the images.
2. Special gloves with sensors to detect you hand movements.
3. Headphones to control what you hear.
4. Powerful computer to create the virtual environment.
Impacts of VR
1. Improved medical surgeons who can train without risk of actually damaging a real patient.
2. Larger and stronger buildings as architects can walk through a virtual reality of the building, detecting any flaws.
3. Effective treatment against phobias and anxieties.
4. Training in dangerous situations where it is impossible to practice the real thing.
5. More realistic and interactive education for students.
