EXPLORING IT: GRADE 10
NOTES
THEORY
0
,Table of Contents
HARDWARE ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
HARDWARE CONTINUED .................................................................................................................................. 6
SYSTEM SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................................................ 10
NETWORKS ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
INTERNET + WWW ......................................................................................................................................... 20
SOCIAL + ETHICAL ISSUES ............................................................................................................................... 24
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
1
,HARDWARE
OVERVIEW OF A COMPUTER:
HARDWARE = collection of physical components attached to/forming part of computer
system (see + touch).
SOFTWARE = collection of non-physical parts of system (operating system, application
programs, data).
Interact together (can’t exist on own) to input data, process data, store data +
output/communication information.
GENERAL PROCESSING CYCLE:
• Computer = device performs tasks at high speed.
• CPU (central processing unit) = component/processors that performs these tasks =
loaded to RAM (can’t be executed in secondary storage).
• Processor fed instructions 1 at time = systematically processed/stored in RAM (random
access memory – must be stored to be processed).
• RAM receives data from input devices (keyboard) or secondary storage (hard drive).
• Not stored permanently = copied to secondary storage/sent to output device
(screen/printer).
INFORMATION + COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT):
Advent of communicating (networking) computers ‘talk’ to each other + exchange data.
ADVANTAGES + DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS:
AREA ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
PROFESSIONAL • Fast access to data. • Electrical failures = loss productivity.
• Time critical transactions • Unauthorized access to data is
= high speed. possible.
PERSONAL • Online shopping/banking. • Injury related poor working
• Mail services. condition.
• Scams + online fraud.
ENVIRONMENTAL • Less use of paper. • Toxic waste generated by dumping
• Less travelling = less old equipment.
pollution (work from • Greater energy = more electrical
home). requirements.
UPGRADING • Well-informed of rapid • Software versions constantly change
changing technology = = updated.
updated. • Hardware outdated quickly.
• Internet = efficient at • Software develops = hardware
updating software. obsolete.
1
,DATA: raw unorganized facts need to be processed = useful + meaningful.
INFORMATION: = processed data (organized, structured, presented in given context).
PROCESSING POWER: combination of speed, number of cores (processors) + number
instructions processed.
OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS):
• Installed + running on every computer = varies depending on device type.
• Collection of many programs that manage hardware + allow user to run software
applications (word processors/internet browsers).
• Kernel = smallest part stored in memory = loaded when computer switched on.
DESKTOP OS • Support hardware functions (IPO).
• Interface between application programs + computer hardware.
• Use: Mac OS, Windows, or versions of Linux (e.g. Ubuntu).
MOBILE OS • Run on mobile devices (handheld device – smartphone, tablet).
• Designed to use limited resources for mobile device efficiency.
• Use: Android or iOS OS.
EMBEDDED OS • Part of another machine – exists for robots, cars, ATMs.
• Specialized OS used in computers built into larger systems (more
compact than desktop OS).
• Real-time operations = data processed immediately without delays.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE:
Carries out tasks for computer users (create documents/play games/update database).
Possible to run computer without it.
STAND • Runs without need to interact with any other software (uses
ALONE/DESKTOP hardware/operating system to perform functions).
APPLICATIONS • E.g. Microsoft Word OS = loaded a copy placed in RAM =
processed by CPU + document permanently stored in
secondary storage.
NETWORK • Run on multiple computers connected via network (internet).
APPLICATIONS • Client server network = server provides service client computer.
• Server = remote computer = local network/linked via internet.
• Storage of data = remote server not on the local computer.
DATA TRANSFER + SYNCHRONISING DEVICES:
• Synchronisation = process where data on desktop/mobile device is consistent (both
see latest versions of data – contacts, calendars).
2
,• Mobile devices’ operating system provides communication software to perform tasks
(updates).
• Communication = via USB port (cable/docking unit) or wireless connection
(internet/Bluetooth).
• Backup data from mobile device to computer = synchronize + transfer data (two-way
process).
• Synchronization management application = determine if data varies from devices
(overwrite to latest).
3
,NAME OF COMPUTER SYSTEM PRIMARY USE PROCESSING SIZE
TYPE POWER
DESCRIPTION PORTABILITY
DESKTOP Running applications 3-4 Large – occupies
- Personal Computer. need lot of memory, entire desktop.
- Most common type in use. speed, + graphics Not portable
- Processor circuitry is contained capabilities. at all.
1 chip = microprocessor (CPU).
LAPTOP Similar to desktop 3-4 Much smaller
- Notebooks = similar desktops = but high graphics than desktop.
more mobile. capabilities = limited Very Essential
- Price/performance = because of screen portable. peripherals
comparable to desktops with size. integrated in
introduction of casing.
microprocessors for mobile
computers.
TABLET Good for 1-2 Can occupy same
- Light weight, low powered, demonstration area as laptop =
laptop-shaped + touch/graphics applications + those Very thinner (no
tablet screen. where stylus /digital portable. keyboard or
- Write directly on screen pen used for mouse).
converts to digital text. emphasis/
- Keyboard/mouse can be explanation.
attached (isn’t needed).
SMARTPHONE Allow for 1-2 Same as regular
- Mobile phone = more advanced connectivity, mail phone, some
computing ability/connectivity access, running Very slightly wider =
than conventional phone. applications (GPS/ portable. offer bigger
- Allows user to install/run telephony). screen area.
advanced applications.
SMART WEAR Information (fitness 1 Very small – size
- Wearable device (watch) = statistics/direction). of wristwatch.
simpler smartphone operating Pairing smartphone Very
system. allows smartphone portable.
- Capable of connectivity + smart apps/hardware used
apps. on device (camera).
SERVER Centralized 5-8 Similar to
processing/specific desktop. Can
4
, - Powerful computers = large management Dual/quad contain multiple
storage capacity = other capabilities (e.g. core hard disks =
computer in network connect application, web, processor slightly larger.
(use server resources). antivirus, mail, data) work
- Provide services to machines in together/
network. independentl
- Types include file, print, web y
servers. ˄ efficiency/
performance.
Not portable
at all.
EMBEDDED COMPUTER Not used typical N/A N/A
- Computer system designed computer – provides
perform 1+ dedicated limited/specific N/A
functions. processing
- Embedded as part of device capabilities to
(includes hardware + appliances/electronic
mechanical parts). equipment.
- Control many devices in
common use. E.g. computer
systems in car/household
appliances.
SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER Mainly used code in 1 Extremely small
- E.g. Raspberry Pi + Arduino. Scratch/Python used – size of credit
- Small motherboard with create smart devices. Very card.
processor + storage. Arduino = good portable.
- Includes ports for input/output writing code control
devices. robotic devices.
SUPERCOMPUTER Most use Linux as 10 Extremely large
- Largest type of computer. operating system = (take up multiple
- Used in computational science, manipulates large Not portable floors of office
quantum mechanics, weather databases. at all. buildings).
forecasting, host of high-level
computing environments.
5
NOTES
THEORY
0
,Table of Contents
HARDWARE ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
HARDWARE CONTINUED .................................................................................................................................. 6
SYSTEM SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................................................ 10
NETWORKS ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
INTERNET + WWW ......................................................................................................................................... 20
SOCIAL + ETHICAL ISSUES ............................................................................................................................... 24
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
1
,HARDWARE
OVERVIEW OF A COMPUTER:
HARDWARE = collection of physical components attached to/forming part of computer
system (see + touch).
SOFTWARE = collection of non-physical parts of system (operating system, application
programs, data).
Interact together (can’t exist on own) to input data, process data, store data +
output/communication information.
GENERAL PROCESSING CYCLE:
• Computer = device performs tasks at high speed.
• CPU (central processing unit) = component/processors that performs these tasks =
loaded to RAM (can’t be executed in secondary storage).
• Processor fed instructions 1 at time = systematically processed/stored in RAM (random
access memory – must be stored to be processed).
• RAM receives data from input devices (keyboard) or secondary storage (hard drive).
• Not stored permanently = copied to secondary storage/sent to output device
(screen/printer).
INFORMATION + COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT):
Advent of communicating (networking) computers ‘talk’ to each other + exchange data.
ADVANTAGES + DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS:
AREA ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
PROFESSIONAL • Fast access to data. • Electrical failures = loss productivity.
• Time critical transactions • Unauthorized access to data is
= high speed. possible.
PERSONAL • Online shopping/banking. • Injury related poor working
• Mail services. condition.
• Scams + online fraud.
ENVIRONMENTAL • Less use of paper. • Toxic waste generated by dumping
• Less travelling = less old equipment.
pollution (work from • Greater energy = more electrical
home). requirements.
UPGRADING • Well-informed of rapid • Software versions constantly change
changing technology = = updated.
updated. • Hardware outdated quickly.
• Internet = efficient at • Software develops = hardware
updating software. obsolete.
1
,DATA: raw unorganized facts need to be processed = useful + meaningful.
INFORMATION: = processed data (organized, structured, presented in given context).
PROCESSING POWER: combination of speed, number of cores (processors) + number
instructions processed.
OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS):
• Installed + running on every computer = varies depending on device type.
• Collection of many programs that manage hardware + allow user to run software
applications (word processors/internet browsers).
• Kernel = smallest part stored in memory = loaded when computer switched on.
DESKTOP OS • Support hardware functions (IPO).
• Interface between application programs + computer hardware.
• Use: Mac OS, Windows, or versions of Linux (e.g. Ubuntu).
MOBILE OS • Run on mobile devices (handheld device – smartphone, tablet).
• Designed to use limited resources for mobile device efficiency.
• Use: Android or iOS OS.
EMBEDDED OS • Part of another machine – exists for robots, cars, ATMs.
• Specialized OS used in computers built into larger systems (more
compact than desktop OS).
• Real-time operations = data processed immediately without delays.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE:
Carries out tasks for computer users (create documents/play games/update database).
Possible to run computer without it.
STAND • Runs without need to interact with any other software (uses
ALONE/DESKTOP hardware/operating system to perform functions).
APPLICATIONS • E.g. Microsoft Word OS = loaded a copy placed in RAM =
processed by CPU + document permanently stored in
secondary storage.
NETWORK • Run on multiple computers connected via network (internet).
APPLICATIONS • Client server network = server provides service client computer.
• Server = remote computer = local network/linked via internet.
• Storage of data = remote server not on the local computer.
DATA TRANSFER + SYNCHRONISING DEVICES:
• Synchronisation = process where data on desktop/mobile device is consistent (both
see latest versions of data – contacts, calendars).
2
,• Mobile devices’ operating system provides communication software to perform tasks
(updates).
• Communication = via USB port (cable/docking unit) or wireless connection
(internet/Bluetooth).
• Backup data from mobile device to computer = synchronize + transfer data (two-way
process).
• Synchronization management application = determine if data varies from devices
(overwrite to latest).
3
,NAME OF COMPUTER SYSTEM PRIMARY USE PROCESSING SIZE
TYPE POWER
DESCRIPTION PORTABILITY
DESKTOP Running applications 3-4 Large – occupies
- Personal Computer. need lot of memory, entire desktop.
- Most common type in use. speed, + graphics Not portable
- Processor circuitry is contained capabilities. at all.
1 chip = microprocessor (CPU).
LAPTOP Similar to desktop 3-4 Much smaller
- Notebooks = similar desktops = but high graphics than desktop.
more mobile. capabilities = limited Very Essential
- Price/performance = because of screen portable. peripherals
comparable to desktops with size. integrated in
introduction of casing.
microprocessors for mobile
computers.
TABLET Good for 1-2 Can occupy same
- Light weight, low powered, demonstration area as laptop =
laptop-shaped + touch/graphics applications + those Very thinner (no
tablet screen. where stylus /digital portable. keyboard or
- Write directly on screen pen used for mouse).
converts to digital text. emphasis/
- Keyboard/mouse can be explanation.
attached (isn’t needed).
SMARTPHONE Allow for 1-2 Same as regular
- Mobile phone = more advanced connectivity, mail phone, some
computing ability/connectivity access, running Very slightly wider =
than conventional phone. applications (GPS/ portable. offer bigger
- Allows user to install/run telephony). screen area.
advanced applications.
SMART WEAR Information (fitness 1 Very small – size
- Wearable device (watch) = statistics/direction). of wristwatch.
simpler smartphone operating Pairing smartphone Very
system. allows smartphone portable.
- Capable of connectivity + smart apps/hardware used
apps. on device (camera).
SERVER Centralized 5-8 Similar to
processing/specific desktop. Can
4
, - Powerful computers = large management Dual/quad contain multiple
storage capacity = other capabilities (e.g. core hard disks =
computer in network connect application, web, processor slightly larger.
(use server resources). antivirus, mail, data) work
- Provide services to machines in together/
network. independentl
- Types include file, print, web y
servers. ˄ efficiency/
performance.
Not portable
at all.
EMBEDDED COMPUTER Not used typical N/A N/A
- Computer system designed computer – provides
perform 1+ dedicated limited/specific N/A
functions. processing
- Embedded as part of device capabilities to
(includes hardware + appliances/electronic
mechanical parts). equipment.
- Control many devices in
common use. E.g. computer
systems in car/household
appliances.
SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER Mainly used code in 1 Extremely small
- E.g. Raspberry Pi + Arduino. Scratch/Python used – size of credit
- Small motherboard with create smart devices. Very card.
processor + storage. Arduino = good portable.
- Includes ports for input/output writing code control
devices. robotic devices.
SUPERCOMPUTER Most use Linux as 10 Extremely large
- Largest type of computer. operating system = (take up multiple
- Used in computational science, manipulates large Not portable floors of office
quantum mechanics, weather databases. at all. buildings).
forecasting, host of high-level
computing environments.
5
