ICT Theory
Chapter one:
Hardware: physical components that make up a computer (internal/external)
- motherboard: circuit board which connects components, allowing computer to run properly
- Sound card: gives ability to produce sound
- video card: sends graphics to display
- HDD/SSD: (H) magnetic, stores date like software and files (S) newer, internal storage
- ROM: stores data permanently (BIOS, configuration data), non-volatile, cannot be altered
- RAM: temporarily storing data until computer is turned off, volatile
Software: programs which control computer which allow it to run effectively
Application: allows user to do specific task
- control/measuring: uses sensors, changes physical conditions
- word processing: manipulate text documents
- database: organise/manipulate data
- spreadsheet: organise/manipulate numerical data
- Apps
- Phot editing: manipulate digital photos
- Video editing: manipulate videos
- Graphics manipulation: bitmap/vector images
System: allow hardware to run properly and user to communicate with computer
- Utilities: carry out specific tasks (manage/maintain) e.g. antivirus and backup
- Operating system: running in background responsible for basic functions, maintain security,
computer log, control input/output decisions, deal with errors, and provides GUI.
- complier: translates HLL to machine code read by computer
- linker: takes files from compiler and combines them into a single program
- device driver: allows one or more devices to communicate with the OS
CPU: microprocessor which interprets and executes commands. Searching, sorting, and decision-making.
BIOS: basic input output system. tells computer what to do when it starts up, carries out hardware checks.
Interface Description Advantage Disadvantages
CLI Command line Not restricted to Learn commands
Used by Programmers interface, Type in options Need to type in (time
instructions. Direct communication and errors)
GUI Graphical User More user friendly Limited options
Everyday users Interface. Uses icons Pointing device Uses more memory
No learning Requires OS
commands
WIMP: Windows Icons Menu Pointing device. Four components of GUI.
Smartwatches are used for health and fitness but look unappealing.
Mainframe computers: several CPUs and OS, Fast processing, storage
Emerging technology
- AI biometrics: Face-ID, fingerprints
- Vision enhancement: night vision and low vision
- Robotics: Drones, medicine, manufacturing, military
- CAT: translation
- Holograms: 3D images using light. Architecture, cinema, engineering
- Virtual reality: artificial environment created by software.
, Type Advantage Disadvantage
Desktop Lower cost Not portable
Faster processor Have to copy files
Stable internet access More complex
Always power supply
Laptop More portable Adaptor carry around
Low power consumption Keyboard is smaller
Less heat Touchpad is difficult
No wires
Tablet High definition Limited memory
Longer battery life Support less file types
Apps Slow typing
Simple
Phone Portable Small screen and keyboard
Calls and WIFI anywhere Not suited for some websites
Apps Lost easy
Reasonable battery life Memory size
Chapter three:
Secondary storage devices ensure data is stored permanently.
kB MG GB TB
Backing up: copying files to another medium in case of problems with main secondary storage device
- to safeguard against loss of data
- safeguard against damage caused by hackers
- in case files are needed somewhere else
Serial Access: go in order to find the information needed. Used in magnetic tape systems.
Master file + Transaction file = New master file
Direct Access: Go straight to where you need. Optical media, Solid state. Much faster.
Magnetic storage Media: store data in the form of magnetised dots which are created, read, and erased by
magnetic fields. Represent 1 or 0.
- Fixed HDD: main method of data storage. Stores DOS, software, and files.
Magnetic tape
(+) Fast transfer and access, large memory
HDD
(-) Easily damaged and moving parts
Blu-ray Storage
- Portable HDD: connected via USB, back-up system to transfer files.
DVD
- Magnetic Tape: back-up media, batch processing, and archiving
CD-ROM
(+) cheaper, robust, large storer, fast transfer rates
Floppy disk
(-) slow data access time, affected by magnetic fields
Optical Storage Media: save data as dot/patterns read by bouncing laser beam off of surface.
- CD/DVD: DVD use dual layering and have a larger storage capacity
- CD-ROM/DVD-ROM: series of pits/lands read by laser from centre outwards, used for music, films.
(+) hold more data than floppy disk, cheaper
(-) slower than HDD
- CD-R/DVD-R: heated/unheated spots, laser recognises difference. Home music and data for later.
(+) cheaper than RW R – Write only once
(-) not all players read R and cannot fix errors
- CD-RW/DVD-RW: Don’t become ROM after being written, CCTV RW - Read/Write
(+) different file formats and written on many times many times
(-) expensive and overwrite data
ROM – only read
Chapter one:
Hardware: physical components that make up a computer (internal/external)
- motherboard: circuit board which connects components, allowing computer to run properly
- Sound card: gives ability to produce sound
- video card: sends graphics to display
- HDD/SSD: (H) magnetic, stores date like software and files (S) newer, internal storage
- ROM: stores data permanently (BIOS, configuration data), non-volatile, cannot be altered
- RAM: temporarily storing data until computer is turned off, volatile
Software: programs which control computer which allow it to run effectively
Application: allows user to do specific task
- control/measuring: uses sensors, changes physical conditions
- word processing: manipulate text documents
- database: organise/manipulate data
- spreadsheet: organise/manipulate numerical data
- Apps
- Phot editing: manipulate digital photos
- Video editing: manipulate videos
- Graphics manipulation: bitmap/vector images
System: allow hardware to run properly and user to communicate with computer
- Utilities: carry out specific tasks (manage/maintain) e.g. antivirus and backup
- Operating system: running in background responsible for basic functions, maintain security,
computer log, control input/output decisions, deal with errors, and provides GUI.
- complier: translates HLL to machine code read by computer
- linker: takes files from compiler and combines them into a single program
- device driver: allows one or more devices to communicate with the OS
CPU: microprocessor which interprets and executes commands. Searching, sorting, and decision-making.
BIOS: basic input output system. tells computer what to do when it starts up, carries out hardware checks.
Interface Description Advantage Disadvantages
CLI Command line Not restricted to Learn commands
Used by Programmers interface, Type in options Need to type in (time
instructions. Direct communication and errors)
GUI Graphical User More user friendly Limited options
Everyday users Interface. Uses icons Pointing device Uses more memory
No learning Requires OS
commands
WIMP: Windows Icons Menu Pointing device. Four components of GUI.
Smartwatches are used for health and fitness but look unappealing.
Mainframe computers: several CPUs and OS, Fast processing, storage
Emerging technology
- AI biometrics: Face-ID, fingerprints
- Vision enhancement: night vision and low vision
- Robotics: Drones, medicine, manufacturing, military
- CAT: translation
- Holograms: 3D images using light. Architecture, cinema, engineering
- Virtual reality: artificial environment created by software.
, Type Advantage Disadvantage
Desktop Lower cost Not portable
Faster processor Have to copy files
Stable internet access More complex
Always power supply
Laptop More portable Adaptor carry around
Low power consumption Keyboard is smaller
Less heat Touchpad is difficult
No wires
Tablet High definition Limited memory
Longer battery life Support less file types
Apps Slow typing
Simple
Phone Portable Small screen and keyboard
Calls and WIFI anywhere Not suited for some websites
Apps Lost easy
Reasonable battery life Memory size
Chapter three:
Secondary storage devices ensure data is stored permanently.
kB MG GB TB
Backing up: copying files to another medium in case of problems with main secondary storage device
- to safeguard against loss of data
- safeguard against damage caused by hackers
- in case files are needed somewhere else
Serial Access: go in order to find the information needed. Used in magnetic tape systems.
Master file + Transaction file = New master file
Direct Access: Go straight to where you need. Optical media, Solid state. Much faster.
Magnetic storage Media: store data in the form of magnetised dots which are created, read, and erased by
magnetic fields. Represent 1 or 0.
- Fixed HDD: main method of data storage. Stores DOS, software, and files.
Magnetic tape
(+) Fast transfer and access, large memory
HDD
(-) Easily damaged and moving parts
Blu-ray Storage
- Portable HDD: connected via USB, back-up system to transfer files.
DVD
- Magnetic Tape: back-up media, batch processing, and archiving
CD-ROM
(+) cheaper, robust, large storer, fast transfer rates
Floppy disk
(-) slow data access time, affected by magnetic fields
Optical Storage Media: save data as dot/patterns read by bouncing laser beam off of surface.
- CD/DVD: DVD use dual layering and have a larger storage capacity
- CD-ROM/DVD-ROM: series of pits/lands read by laser from centre outwards, used for music, films.
(+) hold more data than floppy disk, cheaper
(-) slower than HDD
- CD-R/DVD-R: heated/unheated spots, laser recognises difference. Home music and data for later.
(+) cheaper than RW R – Write only once
(-) not all players read R and cannot fix errors
- CD-RW/DVD-RW: Don’t become ROM after being written, CCTV RW - Read/Write
(+) different file formats and written on many times many times
(-) expensive and overwrite data
ROM – only read
