ICT= Information & Communications Technology
The word technology refers to devices that have a variety of uses. One of the most important pieces if technology today is the computer.
A computer is a device that accepts an input, processes it as per a set of instructions, the displays the end result(output).
A computer is a device that accepts an input, processes it as per a set of instructions, the displays the end result(output).
Hardware
This refers to the actual physical parts of a computer e.g. a keyboard.
Software
This refers to the instructions, usually programs, used to process inputs e.g. a word processor. These are stored electronically on the computer.
The CPU
The CPU (central processing unit) is the Brain of the computer. It processes inputs and displays the outputs on an output device. Its speed is measured in Megahertz(MHz) and Gigahertz(GHz).
Input Devices
Keyboards
Used to input letters, numbers, symbols and commands.
Pointing devices
(mice, joysticks, trackballs etc.) used to indicate spatial data e.g. manoeuvring to a document, file etc.
Memory Cards/USB Flash Drives
External storage devices that are connected via the USB(Universal Serial Bus) port. USB connections are also used to connect printers, mp3 players etc.
Output Devices
Monitors
Also known as "Screens" or "VDU's"(visual display units).
Printers
The printed information from a computer is called a hard copy.
Speakers
These output sound from music, videos, games, etc.
Modems
A modem is used to turn digital data into analog waves and vice versa. Modems can only transfer analog waves, which is why this conversion is necessary.
The CPU EXPOSED!
The CPU (AGAIN)
The CPU is made up of three units:
1. The Control: This controls the entire computes so that it will produce desired results from the inputs.
2. Arithmetic Unit: This does all of the computer's calculations in order to obtain the desired results.
3. The Memory Unit: This stores data onto the computer. Memory is measured in bytes.
1. The Control: This controls the entire computes so that it will produce desired results from the inputs.
2. Arithmetic Unit: This does all of the computer's calculations in order to obtain the desired results.
3. The Memory Unit: This stores data onto the computer. Memory is measured in bytes.
The Memory Chart
Byte= A single unit of storage and contains a single character.
1024 bytes = 1 Kilobyte (KB)
1024 KB = 1 Megabyte (MB)
1024 MB = 1 Gigabyte (GB)
1024 GB = 1 Terabyte (TB)
1024 bytes = 1 Kilobyte (KB)
1024 KB = 1 Megabyte (MB)
1024 MB = 1 Gigabyte (GB)
1024 GB = 1 Terabyte (TB)
The Memory EXPOSED!
ROM: Read-only-memory. This memory is permanent and stays even after the
computer has been shut down.
RAM: Random-access-memory. Ram is stored temporarily and is lost upon the deactivation of the computer.
computer has been shut down.
RAM: Random-access-memory. Ram is stored temporarily and is lost upon the deactivation of the computer.
Keyboarding Skills
Keyboarding skills relate to how well you can use your keyboard to issue commands e.g. using the F1-F8 keys, shortcut keys, copy and paste etc
Commonly Used Software
Word Processors
These enable you to create various text-based documents & have many customisable features e.g. Auto-Correct. Previously made documents can be used as templates for new ones. An example of a Word Processor is Microsoft Word.
Spreadsheets
These enable you to perform various mathematical exercises using a variety of formulae. The results can be displayed in differing ways e.g. line graphs, pie charts, bar charts etc. Spreadsheets are regularly used by businesses to calculate monthly repayments and money borrowed from various sources. Small firms use spreadsheets to do their own accounts instead of purchasing full fledged accounting programs.
Databases
A database is an organised filing system that enables a business to retrieve data on its customers in a variety of ways. The information on the database is stored by a firm in such a way that the firm can instantly access customer info on a particular region or even on one particular customer. The database can be used alongside a word processor to send the same documents to a variety of people at once. This function is called a "Mail Merge",.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
CAD is a computerised way of producing designs and layouts for creation purposes e.g. House/factory plans, clothing patterns, concepts for engineering etc.
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
CAM uses a computer program to operate and move a machine to perform particular tasks.
The Internet
A Computer Network
A computer network allows multiple computers to connect to each other. This network allows them to share information which is provided by a server. The server manages the network and provides information and software for all of the other computers on the network.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A LAN is a computer that is covering a small geographical area e.g. a home. A number of LAN's may be connected to form a WAN. (Wide Area Network).
The Internet is an interconnection of an enormous amount of computers and is referred to as the worldwide web (www).
All computers that wish to access the internet need to have an IP (internet protocol) address. This numeric address is assigned to a computer at the time of it's manufacture and is what identifies it on the internet.
To access The Internet, your computer must be connected to and ISP (Internet Service Provider) e.g. UPC. Via the use of a search engine or web browser e.g. Google, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, you can access information on the worldwide web from other computer networks.
An ISP usually offers you an email address in order to allow you to send e-mail (electronic mail) to others over The Internet.
The Internet is an interconnection of an enormous amount of computers and is referred to as the worldwide web (www).
All computers that wish to access the internet need to have an IP (internet protocol) address. This numeric address is assigned to a computer at the time of it's manufacture and is what identifies it on the internet.
To access The Internet, your computer must be connected to and ISP (Internet Service Provider) e.g. UPC. Via the use of a search engine or web browser e.g. Google, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, you can access information on the worldwide web from other computer networks.
An ISP usually offers you an email address in order to allow you to send e-mail (electronic mail) to others over The Internet.
Broadband, WI-FI and Webcams
Broadband refers to a high speed and high capacity internet connection. You would need a high-speed modem and a high-speed cable feeding into the modem to achieve broadband status. 'Dial-Up' connections can only transfer 56 kilobits per second, however, broadband can transfer a minimum of 256 kilobits per second.
WI-FI (Wireless Internet) allows a computer to wirelessly send and receive signals to and from a modem. The signal is sent through the air and gives the computer the freedom to move about freely. All modern computers have the ability to do this. Wireless connections are available for other devices also e.g. printers, mobile phones, keyboards, mice etc.
WI-FI (Wireless Internet) allows a computer to wirelessly send and receive signals to and from a modem. The signal is sent through the air and gives the computer the freedom to move about freely. All modern computers have the ability to do this. Wireless connections are available for other devices also e.g. printers, mobile phones, keyboards, mice etc.
Webcams
A webcam is a video camera that is either built into or can be connected to your computer. it allows you to send and receive video messages over the Internet. They are also used for video conferencing and in VOIP (voice over internet protocol) networks e.g. Skype.
Computer Uses
Homes
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Banks
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Businesses
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Websites
A website is literally a site on the Internet. People, companies and organisations alike can have their own websites with their own web addresses. The purposes of websites include: creating publicity, selling products, providing a service/information, etc.
Buying A Computer
1. Follow the guidelines found in the "Consumer" part of this e-book.
2.Know exactly what specifications you need because these will be essential to the overall running of your computer e.g. RAM, hard-drive capacity, processor speed etc.
3.Know what programmes you can and cannot use on your computer.
4. Buy the latest technology that your budget permits so that your computer can keep up to date for longer considering that technology changes so fast.
5. Purchase a good anti-virus software as a lot of malicious software can be found on the internet and the anti-virus software can detect the malicious software and remove it. Also, set up a firewall, which will prevent unauthorised access to your computer network
2.Know exactly what specifications you need because these will be essential to the overall running of your computer e.g. RAM, hard-drive capacity, processor speed etc.
3.Know what programmes you can and cannot use on your computer.
4. Buy the latest technology that your budget permits so that your computer can keep up to date for longer considering that technology changes so fast.
5. Purchase a good anti-virus software as a lot of malicious software can be found on the internet and the anti-virus software can detect the malicious software and remove it. Also, set up a firewall, which will prevent unauthorised access to your computer network
*A computer is an asset in a business.
Question Time!
1. What is technology?
a) Very Boring
b) Devices that have a variety of uses
c) Devices made by smart people in lab coats, for smart people in lab coats
2. What is a computer?
a) A device that accepts inputs, processes them and displays outputs
b) Another way of saying cpu
c) The Internet
a) Very Boring
b) Devices that have a variety of uses
c) Devices made by smart people in lab coats, for smart people in lab coats
2. What is a computer?
a) A device that accepts inputs, processes them and displays outputs
b) Another way of saying cpu
c) The Internet