IGCSE 26 (Grade 9) ICT(0417) Chapter -1

1.1 Hardware and software

Hardware

 Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system

 These components can be internal or external

Internal Components

 Central Processing Unit (CPU): the computer's "brain" that performs calculations, processes instructions, and
controls other components

 Processor: a chip inside the CPU that carries out instructions from a program

 Motherboard: the main circuit board that connects all internal components

Internal Memory

 Random Access Memory (RAM): temporary storage for running programs and data; it is volatile, meaning data
is lost when the computer is turned off

 Read-Only Memory (ROM): permanent storage for essential data, like the computer's BIOS; it is non-volatile,
meaning data is retained even when the computer is turned off

Hardware Components

 Graphics card: processes images and videos for display on a monitor

 Sound card: processes audio for output through speakers or headphones

 Network Interface Card (NIC): enables connection to a network, such as the internet

 Camera: captures images or video for input into the computer

 Internal/external storage devices: stores data permanently, such as hard drives or USB flash drives

 Input devices: allow users to enter data, like keyboards and mice

 Output devices: display or produce results, like monitors and printers

Software

 Software refers to programs that control the operation of a computer or the processing of electronic data

Application Software

 Application software provides the services that users require to solve a task

 E.g.:

o Word processing: creating and editing text documents

o Spreadsheet: organising and analysing data in a grid format

o Database management systems: storing, retrieving and managing data in databases

o Control/measurement: uses sensors to measure and control a system

o Applets and apps: specialised software for specific tasks

o Video editing: creating and modifying video files

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o Graphics editing: creating and modifying images

o Audio editing: creating and modifying sound files

o Computer Aided Design (CAD): designing and modelling objects in 2D or 3D

System Software

 System software provides the services that the computer requires to operate e.g.

o Compilers: translating high-level programming languages into machine code

o Linkers: combining object files into a single executable program

o Device drivers: controlling hardware components and peripherals

o Operating systems: managing the computer's resources and providing a user interface

o Utilities: tools for maintaining and optimising the computer's performance

Analogue & Digital Data

 Analogue data is continuous and varies smoothly over time

 Digital data is discrete and represented in binary form (0s and 1s)

Differences between Analogue & Digital Data

 Analogue data can have any value within a range, while digital data has a limited set of values

 Digital data is less prone to noise and distortion compared to analogue data

 Digital data can be easily manipulated, stored, and transmitted by computers

Converting Analogue to Digital Data

 Analogue data must be converted to digital data so it can be processed by a computer

 This process is called analogue-to-digital conversion (ADC) and is performed by an analogue-to-digital

converter

Converting Digital to Analogue Data

 Digital data must be converted to analogue data so it can be used to control devices

 This process is called digital-to-analogue conversion (DAC) and is performed by a digital-to-analogue converter

1.2 The main components of computer systems

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain" responsible for processing instructions entered into
the computer

 The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce an output

CPU Functions

 Fetches instructions from memory

 Decodes the instructions to determine the required operation

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 Executes the operation

 Stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device

CPU Components

 The CPU is made up of 3 main components:

o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

o Control Unit (CU)

o Registers

Memory
Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process
Characteristics of ROM and RAM

ROM RAM

Non-volatile (retains data when powered

Volatility Volatile (loses data when powered off)
off)

Access Read-only (data cannot be modified) Read-write (data can be modified)

Stores data and instructions in use by

Main Purpose Stores essential instructions (e.g. BIOS)
CPU

Differences between ROM and RAM

 ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile
 ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
 ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions currently in use
Input Devices
Characteristics of Input Devices
 Input devices: allow users to enter data or instructions into a computer system e.g.:
o Keyboard
o Mouse
o Scanner
o Microphone
o Touch screen
Differences between Input & Output Devices
 Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data from
the computer
 Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing

Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Keyboard & Fast and accurate input The steeper learning curve,
Entering text and numbers
Numeric Keypad for experienced users repetitive strain injury
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Navigate and interact with Intuitive and precise Requires flat surface, the
Pointing Devices
computer interfaces control strain on the wrist
Convenient, no direct
Control devices from a distance, Limited range, may require
Remote Control physical contact is
e.g., TVs and media players line-of-sight
needed
Enhances gameplay
Joystick/Driving Expensive, limited use
Simulation and driving games experience, realistic
Wheel outside of gaming, bulky
control
Direct interaction with the screen Intuitive, no need for a The screen may get dirty,
Touch Screen
using fingers or a stylus separate pointing device less precise than a mouse
Quality depends on
Scanners and Capture images and convert them Accurate reproduction,
resolution, which can be
Cameras into digital format easy to share and store
expensive
Hands-free input can be
Capture a sound for recording or May pick up background
Microphone used for voice
communication purposes noise, the quality varies
recognition
Sensors detect changes in the Can automate tasks,
Sensors and Light May require calibration,
environment; light pen interacts provides real-time
Pen affected by the environment
with screens information
Output Devices
Characteristics of Output Devices

 Output devices: display or produce the results of data processing from a computer system
e.g.:
o Monitor
o Printer
o Speakers
o Projector

Differences between Input & Output Devices

 Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data from
the computer
 Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing

Output
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Device

Displaying computer-generated Real-time display, Power consumption, potential

Monitor
visual information on a screen adjustable settings glare
Touch Displaying visual information and
Susceptible to smudges, potential
Screen allowing user interaction with the Intuitive, space-saving
calibration issues
(Output) screen
Projecting computer-generated
Multimedia Large display, good for Requires darkened room,
images and videos onto a larger
Projector presentations expensive bulbs
surface

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Laser Printing high-quality text and Fast, high-quality prints, Expensive initial cost, limited to
Printer graphics quickly lower cost per page flat surfaces
Inkjet Printing text and graphics using Lower initial cost, high- Slower, higher cost per page, ink
Printer liquid ink quality prints may smudge
Printing text and simple graphics
Dot Matrix Low cost, can print
using a print head that strikes an Noisy, low print quality
Printer multi-part forms
ink-soaked ribbon
Creating large-format graphics, such
High accuracy, can print
Plotter as architectural plans and Slow, expensive, large size
on various materials
engineering designs
Creating three-dimensional objects Customisable designs,
3D Printer Limited materials, slow process
by adding material layer by layer rapid prototyping
Range of sizes and
Converting digital audio signals into Can be power-hungry, the sound
Speaker power outputs,
sound quality varies
immersive audio
Converting electrical signals into
Precise movement, Requires power, potential
Actuator physical movement, e.g., motors
programmable mechanical wear
and valves in robotics

Holographic imaging

 Holographic imaging is a technique that creates three-dimensional images by recording and

reconstructing light waves
 These images provide a realistic and immersive visual experience
 This could be used in medicine to create:
o MRI scan images

o Ultrasound images
o 3D views of our internal organs

Characteristics of Backing Storage

 Backing storage: long-term storage used to store data, files, and programs when not in use e.g.:
 Backing storage is typically slower than internal memory but has a larger capacity.
 It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data when the computer is powered off.

1.3 Operating systems

Refer your text book for: Operating systems

o Characteristics of operating systems including: Command Line Interface (CLI), Graphical User Interface
(GUI), dialogue based and gesture-based interface
o Differences between types of operating systems
o Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of operating systems

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1.4 Types of computer

Desktop Computers  Laptop Computers:

Characteristics of a Desktop Computer o Portable with integrated display,

keyboard, and touchpad
 Designed to be used on a desk or table
o Battery powered
 Comprised of separate components (monitor,
keyboard, mouse, tower) o Less powerful and less expandable than
desktops
 More powerful than laptops and tablets
 Smartphones:
 Easier to upgrade and customise
o Portable and lightweight
 Typically less portable than other computer types
o Touchscreen interface
Uses of a Desktop Computer o Multifunctional (phone, internet access,
 Office and business management: camera)

o Word processing o Anti-glare screen

o Front and rear facing camera
o Spreadsheet creation and management
o Battery powered
o Email communication
o Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
o Data storage and backup
o Has an on screen keyboard
 Education:
 Tablet Computers:
o Access to educational resources
o Larger touchscreen than smartphones
o Creating and editing multimedia content
o Ideal for media consumption and web
o Conducting research browsing
o Distance learning and virtual classrooms o Limited expandability

 Gaming and entertainment: o Anti-glare screen

o High-performance gaming o Front and rear facing camera

o Streaming movies and TV shows o Battery powered

o Social media browsing o Portable and lightweight

o Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
o Creating and editing video and audio
content o Has an on screen keyboard
Mobile Computers  Phablet Computers:

Portable computing devices, such as laptops, o Combine features of smartphones and

smartphones, tablets, and phablets, that allow users to tablets
access and use computer applications and resources on o Larger screen than smartphones
the go
o Can be used for phone calls
Characteristics of Mobile Computers
Uses of Mobile Computers
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 Office and business management:  Remotely controlled devices:
o Remote access to office applications o Controlling smart home devices
o Email and communication on the go o Remote access to surveillance systems
o Mobile payment processing o Controlling drones and other devices
o Calendar  Communication:
 Education: o Video calling
o E-books and digital textbooks o Text messaging
o Educational apps and tools  Other:
o Note-taking and research o Sat Nav
 Gaming and entertainment: o Online banking
o Mobile gaming apps o Searching the Internet
o Streaming movies and music o Taking photos
o Social media o Language translation
Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to carry and use on the go (Portability) Limited expandability (Difficult to upgrade hardware)

Access to internet and resources from anywhere Less powerful (Lower performance compared to desktop
(Flexibility) computers)

Can be used for various tasks and activities (Multi-

Shorter battery life (Needs frequent charging)
functionality)

1.5 Emerging technologies

Artificial Intelligence

 This is the development of computer systems that can perform tasks usually requiring human intelligence,
such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 Enhances productivity by automating repetitive tasks

 Improves decision-making through data analysis and pattern recognition

 Can be used in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and transportation

 Raises ethical concerns, including job displacement and privacy issues

VR & AR

 Virtual Reality (VR):

o A computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional replicated environment

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o It can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way

o Can manipulate objects or perform a series of actions

o Makes use of the sensory experience

o Uses a virtual reality headset with built in speakers

o Can be used with gloves / controllers / driving wheel

 Augmented Reality (AR): A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image or information

onto a user's view of the real world, providing a composite view

Impact of Extended Reality (VR and AR)

 Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in a simulated environment, while Augmented Reality (AR) overlays
digital information onto the real world

 Used in gaming, education, and training for a more engaging experience

 Can be applied in fields like architecture, medicine, and retail for improved visualisation and interaction

 Potential issues with addiction and excessive screen time.

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