CAT THEORY NOTES:
Computers in our everyday life:
Why we use computers:
Efficiency, Accuracy, and Reliability
Efficiency:
Computers save:
Time
Labour
Resources
Accuracy:
Quality
Essential in mass assembly lines
Reliability:
Consistency (no complaints, no tiring)
Communication:
Efficiency, accuracy and reliability of computers are combined with the ability to communicate.
This enables us to:
Eliminate time and distance as constraints.
Communicate and share information globally.
Save on communication costs.
Interact socially on a bigger scale.
Types of computer systems:
When comparing computer systems:
Power
Purpose
Size
Software
Non-Portable Computers:
Consist of:
System unit
Monitor
Mouse
Keyboard
They are often LARGE and Not Portable
,Types:
Desktop computer
Server
Workstations
Portable Computers:
Consist of:
All-in-one design
Fold up = less space + easy to carry
Recently outsold desktops.
Types:
Laptop/Notebook/Tablet PC
Screen size larger than 12" or 13"
Tablet PC: reversible screen, touch/pen sensitive
Ultrabook
Ultra slim + light
Use SSD
Netbook
More popular as lightweight computer
Low powered CPU
No optical drives
Mobile Computing Devices:
Designed to:
Maximise battery life and always connected.
OS use less power.
Touch screen Interfaces
Categories of Users:
Casual or Personal User:
Limited office tasks
Internet banking
E-mail and browsing the web.
Social networking
Skyping
Viewing and sharing photos
Entertainment
, SOHO User:
Computer dependent on type of business
EG: Admin:
Accounting/billing
Databases
Document archiving (electronic)
Planning and scheduling
Power Users:
Need top of range Hardware + Software:
Hardcore Gamers
Scientists
Architects
Engineers
Video Editing Professionals
Scientists
Mobile users:
Use smartphones/tablets:
Browsing e-mail
Playing games
Reading books
GPS
Note taking.
Photos and videos
Convergence:
Definition:
Separate technologies and functions that required different devices in the past are combined into
one single device.
Hardware:
, Information Processing cycle (IPC):
Input:
Identifying data needed
deciding how to capture data
planning and creating data capture forms and instructions
Process:
Only takes place if software and data is loaded into RAM.
Uses algorithms.
Usually involves: Communication:
Searching Allows for different aspects of IPC to
Sorting connect and talk to each other.
Mathematical calculations
Storage:
Use appropriate media storage.
Security
Good backup policies
Output:
Directly sent to storage
Directly communicated to other computers
Used as input.
Input Devices:
Allows ICT device to receive Data and instructions and is the FIRST STEP in IPC
Keyboard:
Uses:
Typing
Giving commands
Advantages:
Fast
Easy to learn + use.
Disadvantages:
Not designed to be used with GUI.
Takes up desk space.
Need skills.
Buying Factors:
Ergonomics
Wireless VS Cables
Problem Solving:
Sticky keys clean with damp cloth
Wireless keyboard not responding batteries
Computers in our everyday life:
Why we use computers:
Efficiency, Accuracy, and Reliability
Efficiency:
Computers save:
Time
Labour
Resources
Accuracy:
Quality
Essential in mass assembly lines
Reliability:
Consistency (no complaints, no tiring)
Communication:
Efficiency, accuracy and reliability of computers are combined with the ability to communicate.
This enables us to:
Eliminate time and distance as constraints.
Communicate and share information globally.
Save on communication costs.
Interact socially on a bigger scale.
Types of computer systems:
When comparing computer systems:
Power
Purpose
Size
Software
Non-Portable Computers:
Consist of:
System unit
Monitor
Mouse
Keyboard
They are often LARGE and Not Portable
,Types:
Desktop computer
Server
Workstations
Portable Computers:
Consist of:
All-in-one design
Fold up = less space + easy to carry
Recently outsold desktops.
Types:
Laptop/Notebook/Tablet PC
Screen size larger than 12" or 13"
Tablet PC: reversible screen, touch/pen sensitive
Ultrabook
Ultra slim + light
Use SSD
Netbook
More popular as lightweight computer
Low powered CPU
No optical drives
Mobile Computing Devices:
Designed to:
Maximise battery life and always connected.
OS use less power.
Touch screen Interfaces
Categories of Users:
Casual or Personal User:
Limited office tasks
Internet banking
E-mail and browsing the web.
Social networking
Skyping
Viewing and sharing photos
Entertainment
, SOHO User:
Computer dependent on type of business
EG: Admin:
Accounting/billing
Databases
Document archiving (electronic)
Planning and scheduling
Power Users:
Need top of range Hardware + Software:
Hardcore Gamers
Scientists
Architects
Engineers
Video Editing Professionals
Scientists
Mobile users:
Use smartphones/tablets:
Browsing e-mail
Playing games
Reading books
GPS
Note taking.
Photos and videos
Convergence:
Definition:
Separate technologies and functions that required different devices in the past are combined into
one single device.
Hardware:
, Information Processing cycle (IPC):
Input:
Identifying data needed
deciding how to capture data
planning and creating data capture forms and instructions
Process:
Only takes place if software and data is loaded into RAM.
Uses algorithms.
Usually involves: Communication:
Searching Allows for different aspects of IPC to
Sorting connect and talk to each other.
Mathematical calculations
Storage:
Use appropriate media storage.
Security
Good backup policies
Output:
Directly sent to storage
Directly communicated to other computers
Used as input.
Input Devices:
Allows ICT device to receive Data and instructions and is the FIRST STEP in IPC
Keyboard:
Uses:
Typing
Giving commands
Advantages:
Fast
Easy to learn + use.
Disadvantages:
Not designed to be used with GUI.
Takes up desk space.
Need skills.
Buying Factors:
Ergonomics
Wireless VS Cables
Problem Solving:
Sticky keys clean with damp cloth
Wireless keyboard not responding batteries
