Study Notes for Computing Theory - DICT121

Objectives

• Students are expected to know the following at the end of the lesson:
  • Definition of Hardware and Software
  • Examples of hardware and software
  • Differences between System software and Application software
  • Definition of firmware
  • Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
  • Binary numbers
  • Internet of Things (IoT)

Introduction to Computers

• Hardware: Elements of a computer that can be touched and seen.
  • Example: Intel Core i7.

Software

• Software: The programs that run on a computer, which include:
  • Tools for writing documents.
  • Applications for browsing the internet.
• Functions of Software:
  • A set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
  • The intangible part of the device that enables user interaction with the hardware.
  • Consists of the Operating System (OS) and related utilities, programs that control certain computer functions, and applications that perform operations on user-supplied data.

Hardware and Software

Hardware Components

• Internal Components of a Computer:
  • System Fan
  • Power Supply
  • Motherboard
  • Processors (CPU)
  • Heat Sink
  • Hard Drive
  • Optical Drive
  • RAM Modules

Parts of a Computer

• Components Include:
  • RAM
  • Expansion Cards
  • Motherboard
  • CPU Cooler
  • Solid State Drive (SSD)
  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  • Computer Case
  • Power Supply Unit (PSU)
  • Speakers
  • Monitor
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse

Types of Software

• Numerous software types exist, including:
  • Freeware
  • Spreadsheets
  • Shareware
  • Device Drivers
  • Multimedia Tools
  • Word Processors
  • Operating Systems
  • System Software
  • Web Browsers

System Software vs Application Software

• System Software:

  • Manages the basic functions of a computer.
  • Acts as a platform for application software to run on.
  • Key examples: Operating Systems (OS) and Device Drivers that enable communication between hardware and the operating system.
  • It is essential for a computer to function, as it cannot operate without an OS.

• Application Software:

  • Designed to perform specific tasks for users.
  • Examples of tasks include creating documents, analyzing data, playing media, and communicating online.

Detailed Breakdown of Software Types

1. System Software:

   • Functions: Controls the internal operations of the computer.
   • Examples:
     1. Operating Systems
     2. Device Drivers
     3. System Utilities

2. Application Software:

   • Purpose: Carries out necessary operations for specified applications to function.
   • General Purpose Software Examples:
     1. Word Processor
     2. Presentation Software
     3. Spreadsheet Software
     4. Image Editor
   • Specific Purpose Software Examples:
     1. Reservation Systems
     2. Attendance Systems
     3. Billing Systems
     4. Report Card Generators

Examples of Software

• Android System Software: Provides essential functions and features to Android devices.
• Microsoft Windows 11: An example of System Software.
• WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube: All are examples of Application Software.

Firmware

• Definition: Firmware is a form of microcode or program embedded into hardware devices to assist in their operation.
• Importance: Essential for the functionality of devices such as:
  • Cameras
  • Mobile Phones
  • Network Cards
  • Optical Drives
  • Printers
  • Routers
  • Scanners
  • Television Remotes

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) / Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)

• BIOS/UEFI: A form of firmware responsible for:
  • Checking all devices connected to the computer.
  • Loading the Operating System.

Example of BIOS

• Features include:
  • Main Configuration
  • Date/Time Settings
  • Security Options
  • Startup/Boot Settings
• Options to select boot priority (e.g., USB, Hard Drive, Network).

Binary Numbers

• Definition: The binary system represents data using 0s and 1s.
  • Application: Used by computers to represent all data they work with.

Binary Representation

• Example binary string:
  • 00111111011000000000000000011110000
• Provides multiple binary sequences used for representation.

ASCII Code Representation

• Letter Encoding: Examples of ASCII Codes:
  

• Definition: A network of devices capable of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.
• Examples of IoT Devices:
  • Everyday objects such as cars, vacuums, toothbrushes, alongside more sophisticated industrial tools.

Significance of IoT

• Connecting the World Around Us: The IoT represents a fundamental shift in how devices communicate and are interconnected in everyday life and across industries.