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: 

1. system software- manages hardware and system processes 

• controls and manages computer hardware 

• operating systems, utility programs, device drivers 

2. 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 

1. memory management- allocates memory to programs and processes 

2. process management- handles execution of processes 

3. device management - controls peripheral devices 

4. file management- organizes and stores data 

5. security and access control - protects system data 

6. 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

1. productivity software - ms office, google, docs

2. multimedia software - adobe photoshop, vlc, media player

3. communication software - zoom, skype, whatsapp 

4. security software - antivirus, firewalls

5. educational software - khan academy, duolingo 

examples of application software 

1. word processing: microsoft word, google docs

2. web browsing: google, chrome, firefox

3. graphic design: adobe

4. communication: zoom, microsoft 

5. 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

1. 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

2. Output devices - display or produce results from the computer. Ex. monitor, speaker

3. Storage devices - used to store data and programs, ex. Hard drives, ram

4. Processing devices - the brain of the computer that processes instructions 

5. Networking devices - facilitate communication between computers. Ex. internet modem 

6. 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

1. Bluetooth: short range wireless communication (headphones, speakers) 

2. Wifi: wireless networking for internet access

3. Near field communication (nfc): used in mobile payments (apple pay, google pay) 

4. 5g connectivity: faster internet speeds

5. Wireless charging: used for smartphones, smart watch 

Latest updates in computer hardware

1. AI-powered Processors - Advanced CPUs with built-in AI capabilities (intel core ultra, amd ai chips) 

2. Quantum computing - future of high-speed computations (google’s sycamore, IBM Q) 

3. Foldable displays - laptops and smartphones with flexible screens 

4. Solid-state drive (SSD) innovations - faster NVMe SSDs replace HDDs

5. AR and VR integration - enhanced gaming and simulation experiences 

6. 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 

1. File name - identifies the file (ex. Report, docx, photo, jpg) 

2. File extension - defines the file type (ex. Txt for text files, mp4 for video files) 

3. File size - the amount of storage space occupied by the file 

4. File location - where the file is stored (internal, external storage, cloud) \

5. 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

Common file operations 

1. Creating - making a new file (ex. Document in ms word) 

2. Opening - accessing a file using an appropriate program. 

3. Saving - storing changes made to a file 

4. Renaming - changing the file’s name for better organization

5. Copying - duplicating a file to another location 

6. Moving - transferring a file from one location to another 

7. Deleting - removing a file permanently or sending it to the recycling bin 

File organization and access methods 

1. Sequential access - reads and writes data in order (ex. Magnetic tape storage) 

2. Direct (random access) - accesses data instantly without going through a sequence (ex. Hard drives, SSDs) 

3. Indexed access - uses an index to locate specific records quickly (ex. Databases) 

Understanding folders and directories 

1. Folder structure - hierarchical system where folders contain files and subfolders

2. Directory path - the complete location of file (ex. users\documents\report\docx) 

3. Root directory - the highest level in a file system (ex. windows\linux) 

Using a file explorer (windows) 

1. Navigation pane - browse folders and drives 

2. Search bar and filtering - organize files by name, size, type, date modified

3. Quick access - pin frequently used folders 

4. File properties - view file details (size, type, last modified date) 

Backup and restore files 

1. 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 

2. 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: 

1. Cost savings 

2. Scalability

3. Accessibility 

4. Security 

5. 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 

1. Public cloud

• Hosted by third party providers (AWS, Microsoft azure, google cloud) 

• Accessible to multiple users over the internet 

• Cost-effective and scalable 

2. Private cloud 

• Used exclusively by a single organization 

• Offers more control and security 

• Suitable for business with strict regulatory requirements

3. Hybrid cloud 

• Combination of public and private cloud

• Allows data to be shared between both environments

4. Community cloud 

• Shared infrastructure between organizations with common concerns (ex. Government, research) 

• Cost-effective compared to private cloud 

Challenges in cloud computing 

1. Security risks - data breaches and unauthorised access 

2. Downtime - service outages can affect business operations 

3. Compliance issues - meeting regulatory requirements can be complex 

4. 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.