Knowt
lite prelims
software and its types
software - code, coding in order for gadgets to work
refers to set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform a specific task
intangible, works in coordination of hardware
allows users to interact with computer systems
major types:
system software- manages hardware and system processes
controls and manages computer hardware
operating systems, utility programs, device drivers
application software- designed for specific user task
designed for end users to perform tasks
word processors, browsers, media players
importance of system and application
system - acts as an interface between user and hardware
manages system resources efficiently
application- helps users perform specific task like editing, browsing, gaming
enhances productivity and user experience
functions of an operating system
memory management- allocates memory to programs and processes
process management- handles execution of processes
device management - controls peripheral devices
file management- organizes and stores data
security and access control - protects system data
user interface (ui) management- provides interaction between user and computer
common operating systems
for computers/laptop:
microsoft windows
macOS
linux (ventura, monterey)
for mobile:
android
iOS
harmonyOS (huawei)
categories of application software
productivity software - ms office, google, docs
multimedia software - adobe photoshop, vlc, media player
communication software - zoom, skype, whatsapp
security software - antivirus, firewalls
educational software - khan academy, duolingo
examples of application software
word processing: microsoft word, google docs
web browsing: google, chrome, firefox
graphic design: adobe
communication: zoom, microsoft
media players: vlc, windows
importance of operating system
ensures efficient hardware and software communication
provides security and user authentication
facilitates resource management
enhances user experience and functionality
supports multitasking and system stability
feb 20 - act
Feb 24
Computer hardwares and peripherals
Hardware - tangible. Physical components of a computer system that you can see and touch
Includes
Types of computer hardware
Input devices - used to enter data into the computer, external components but the use can be seen inside the system. Ex. keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchpad, controllers
Output devices - display or produce results from the computer. Ex. monitor, speaker
Storage devices - used to store data and programs, ex. Hard drives, ram
Processing devices - the brain of the computer that processes instructions
Networking devices - facilitate communication between computers. Ex. internet modem
Power supply and cooling systems - provide power and maintain temperature to prevent overheating. External parts like fan sa loob
Peripherals
External devices connected to a computer to enhance functionality
Wired connections: USB, HDMI, VGA,ethernet
Wireless connections: bluetooth, wifi, npc
Common peripherals
Input: keyboard, mouse, barcode scanner
Output: printer, speaker, external monitor
Storage: external HDD, USB Flash Drive
Wireless connection technologies
Bluetooth: short range wireless communication (headphones, speakers)
Wifi: wireless networking for internet access
Near field communication (nfc): used in mobile payments (apple pay, google pay)
5g connectivity: faster internet speeds
Wireless charging: used for smartphones, smart watch
Latest updates in computer hardware
AI-powered Processors - Advanced CPUs with built-in AI capabilities (intel core ultra, amd ai chips)
Quantum computing - future of high-speed computations (google’s sycamore, IBM Q)
Foldable displays - laptops and smartphones with flexible screens
Solid-state drive (SSD) innovations - faster NVMe SSDs replace HDDs
AR and VR integration - enhanced gaming and simulation experiences
Eco-friendly computing - energy-efficient processors and biodegradable components
File Management: Understanding files, folders, and storage
File - collection of data stored on a computer with a specific format (ex. Documents, images, videos, applications
Folder - virtual container used to organize files and other folders (a.k.a. directory)
Difference: file store data while folder store idk
Characteristics of computer files
File name - identifies the file (ex. Report, docx, photo, jpg)
File extension - defines the file type (ex. Txt for text files, mp4 for video files)
File size - the amount of storage space occupied by the file
File location - where the file is stored (internal, external storage, cloud) \
File permissions - determines who can read, write, execute a file
Mass storage media
Primary storage (Volatile)
RAM (random access memory) - temporary memory used by active programs
Secondary storage (non-volatile)
Hard disk drive (HDD) - Large storage capacity, mechanical parts
Solid state disks (SSD) - faster, more reliable than HDD
Optical Discs (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) - used for media storage, software distribution
Flash Drive (USB, Memory Cards) - portable and removable storage
Cloud storage (Google Drive, Onedrive, dropbox) - internet based storage accessible anywhere
Feature | Computer files | Mass storage media |
purpose | Stores data and information | Stores and retrieves multiple files |
format | Specific extensions | Physical storage devices |
accessibility | Requires software to open | Requires a connection (internal or external) |
modification | Editable by software | hardware-dependent |
Common file operations
Creating - making a new file (ex. Document in ms word)
Opening - accessing a file using an appropriate program.
Saving - storing changes made to a file
Renaming - changing the file’s name for better organization
Copying - duplicating a file to another location
Moving - transferring a file from one location to another
Deleting - removing a file permanently or sending it to the recycling bin
File organization and access methods
Sequential access - reads and writes data in order (ex. Magnetic tape storage)
Direct (random access) - accesses data instantly without going through a sequence (ex. Hard drives, SSDs)
Indexed access - uses an index to locate specific records quickly (ex. Databases)
Understanding folders and directories
Folder structure - hierarchical system where folders contain files and subfolders
Directory path - the complete location of file (ex. users\documents\report\docx)
Root directory - the highest level in a file system (ex. windows\linux)
Using a file explorer (windows)
Navigation pane - browse folders and drives
Search bar and filtering - organize files by name, size, type, date modified
Quick access - pin frequently used folders
File properties - view file details (size, type, last modified date)
Backup and restore files
Backup methods
Manual backup: copying files to an external drive
Cloud backup: automatic backup to online services (google drive, dropbox)
System backup: creating restore points in windows or time machine for mac
Restoring files
Recovering lost files from a backup or recycle bin
Using file history in windows to retrieve previous versions
Cloud Computing: concept, services
Cloud computing - refers to the delivery of computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and more over the internet (the cloud) rather than a local server or personal computer
Key characteristics:
On demand access to computing resources
Scalable and flexible infrastructure
Pay-as-you-go pricing model
Access from anywhere with an internet connection
Benefits of cloud:
Cost savings
Scalability
Accessibility
Security
Automatic updates
Applications of cloud computing
Business - cloud-based collaboration tools (google workspace, ms365)
Education - online learning platforms and virtual classrooms
Entertainment - streaming services (netflix, spotify)
Healthcare - cloud-based patient records and telemedicine
E-commerce - online stores using cloud hosting and payment processing \
Four cloud categories
Public cloud
Hosted by third party providers (AWS, Microsoft azure, google cloud)
Accessible to multiple users over the internet
Cost-effective and scalable
Private cloud
Used exclusively by a single organization
Offers more control and security
Suitable for business with strict regulatory requirements
Hybrid cloud
Combination of public and private cloud
Allows data to be shared between both environments
Community cloud
Shared infrastructure between organizations with common concerns (ex. Government, research)
Cost-effective compared to private cloud
Challenges in cloud computing
Security risks - data breaches and unauthorised access
Downtime - service outages can affect business operations
Compliance issues - meeting regulatory requirements can be complex
Limited control -organizations rely on cloud providers for infrastructure management
Ethical considerations - data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the impact of automation on jobs. Balancing technological advancement with ethical principles is essentials for creating a more equitable and inclusive society
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses and individuals access technology.
