Transcript 1. How ICT Works - BCALC

HOW ICT WORKS
Unit 4
Table of Contents
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Anatomy of a Computer
Functions of Computers
Computer Hardware
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Check Your Understanding
Peripheral Devices
Computer Software
Check Your Understanding
Computer Communication
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How CPUs Work?
How Networks are Arranged
Check Your Understanding
Anatomy of a Computer
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What is a Computer?
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A computer can be
defined as a machine for
processing and storing
information electronically
It must have a way for us
to get information into the
machine, and some way to
get it out afterwards so we
can see it.
Anatomy of a Computer
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Computers have evolved from massive ones that used to
occupy a room to ones that fit into a purses.
Anatomy of a Computer
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As advanced as today’s computers are,
they are still only able to complete tasks
assigned to them by users (us).
They work by carrying out four
functions:
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input, storage, processing, and output.
In order for a computer to perform
these functions, it must have hardware
and software.
Video-Lesson 1: History of Computers
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http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInsid
e/ExploreTheCurriculum/EC_IntroductionT
oComputers/ICLesson1/
Functions of Computers
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Video- Lesson 2: Four Components of a Computer
http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreThe
Curriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/ICLesson2/
Activity 1: Which Does What?
http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreThe
Curriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/ICLesson2/IC
L2_Activity1/
Functions of Computers
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Input:
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The computer collects data or instructions from you.
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Getting data into a computer system
Examples of input:
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keying using a keyboard
pointing and clicking a mouse or touchpad
pointing a stylus
touching a screen
speaking into a microphone
Functions of Computers
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Data
NOTE: The difference between data and information
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Data is raw, unprocessed numbers, characters, or symbols that
you enter into the computer.
The computer processes this data. Information is the final
product that you receive from the computer.
Information is data that has been processed so that it can be
understood and used in decision making.
Data
Process
Numbers
Calculate
Paragraph of letters
Edit
Names
Sort
Information
Budget
Essay
Team List
Functions of Computers
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Data Continued
With the person sitting beside you, write down a tasks
that a computer performs to help people at home, school,
or work.
You need to record three pieces of information:
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what data goes into a computer,
state how the data is processed,
and then describe how this information is helpful to you.
Example:
Data
Money you get from
an ATM.You tell
the computer to take
money from your
account.
Process
Calculation
Information
Bank statement or
an update in your
bank book showing
a new balance.
Functions of Computers
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Video-Lesson 3: How Computers Get Input
http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreThe
Curriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/ICLesson3/
Functions of Computers
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Storage:
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The computer saves, or stores, data or instructions in its
memory for use during processing.
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Computers store the information you give them, instructions from
the software you're using, plus the instructions they need to
operate.
To store all this, they use two basic kinds of storage.
 Temporary storage- for information actively being used for
processing (RAM).
 Long-term storage- for information computers use again and
again (ROM, Hard drive).
Functions of Computers
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Temporary storage
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RAM: Random Access Memory, for information being used at the
moment. This information is lost when powering off the computer.
Long-term storage
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ROM: The instructions the computer prepares itself with every time
you turn it on. These instructions are stored in Read Only Memory
(ROM),
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This type of memory does not accept new information.
Hard Drive: Stores information for future retrieval (even when power is
turned off). The hard drive stores large amounts of information (typical
drives today hold in excess of 200 gigabytes).
Functions of Computers
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Storage (continued)
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Other type of drives:
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H: Drive – The hard drive on the Burnhamthorpe Adult
Learning Centre network
C: Drive – The hard drive on the computer you sit in front
DVD/CD Drive (usually identified by another letter)
CD-R (recordable compact disc) and CD-RW (rewritable
compact disc), and DVD+/–R
USB/Jump Drives – Portable storage
External Hard Drives – For extra storage
Functions of Computers
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Video-Lesson 4: How Computers Store Information
http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreThe
Curriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/ICLesson4/
Activity 1: Computers Need to Remember, Too
Activity 2: Different Kinds of Storage Media
http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreThe
Curriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/ICLesson4/IC
L4_Activity1/
Functions of Computers
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Processing:
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The computer interprets (understands) and processes the data
you input.
It adds, multiplies, divides, finds, or manipulates data (numbers,
text, or symbols) to complete a task you have given it.
Takes place in the processor, or Central Processing Unit
(CPU).
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Think of the CPU as the brain of the computer. Without it, the
computer would not function.
Functions of Computers
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Video- Lesson 5: How Computers Process Information
http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreThe
Curriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/ICLesson5/
Functions of Computers
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Output:
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The computer displays or produces information from the data
that it processed.
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The different ways to get data/information out from the computer
The output might be:
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Monitors: something you see on the screen (such as an answer to a
mathematical problem),
Speakers: something you hear (such as a ding when you have made an
error), or
Printers: something you command the printer to print.
Internet connections/modem: both input and output
Functions of Computers
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Video- Lesson 6: How Computers Deliver Information
http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreThe
Curriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/ICLesson6/
Computer Hardware
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What Is Hardware?
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Hardware is any part of a
computer you can touch.
There are two categories of
hardware:
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Internal—the components of
the computer system contained
inside the computer case
External or peripheral
devices—those components
that are attached to the
computer through cables or
wireless technology
Computer Hardware
Computer Hardware
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1st-Power
 The computer needs a power
supply.
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Electricity is brought into the
computer via a power cord.
2nd-Motherboard
 Once inside the computer,
electricity travels through metal
tracks on the motherboard,
which is the main circuit board
of the computer.
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All components inside the
computer are attached to the
motherboard, as are external
devices.
Computer Hardware
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3rd-CPU
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Electricity quickly makes its way to the CPU, which is
attached to the motherboard.
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Transistors then control the flow of electricity.
The CPU (central processing unit), also called the
microprocessor, is the main computer chip that manages
information flow in the computer, as well as processing instructions
and data.
Every time you input data into your computer, the CPU processes
those instructions.
Again, think of the CPU as the brain of the computer. Without it,
the computer would not function.
 AMD and Intel are both makers (manufacturers) of computer
processors
Computer Hardware
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4th-ROM + RAM
 Memory chips are also attached to the motherboard.
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The long-term memory we learned about  ROM (Read Only
Memory).
 ROM is programmed into a computer's chips, so it can't be altered
or lost.
 You use ROM each time you boot up your computer.
 There will be one or more ROM chips.
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And the temporary memory  RAM (Random Access Memory),
also known as user memory.
 RAM is temporary storage, its constantly being erased and
changed.
 The information is stored for the length of time a computer is left
on or a program is left running.The data you see on your monitor
while using your computer is stored in RAM. Once the computer is
turned off or your program crashes, any information in RAM is lost
unless you saved it to another location (e.g., hard drive, USB flash
drive).
 Add more memory by plugging in another module.
Computer Hardware
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Video:
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Computer Hardware Information: What makes a Computer
Work?
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvIZWKh0KbY
Computer Hardware-How CPUs Work?
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Think of the CPU as the brain of the computer. Without it, the
computer would not function.
Every time you input data into your computer, the CPU processes
those instructions using four tasks:
 1. Fetch—The CPU fetches, or gathers, the code for an instruction.
Then, it places the code in the temporary memory where the
instructions are stored, known as the instruction cache.
 2. Decode—The CPU decodes, or interprets, the instruction in an
area of the CPU chip called the decode cache. It determines which
functions are to be performed.
 3. Execute—The CPU processes, or executes, the instructions and
sends the results to their proper destinations.
 4. Store—The CPU sends the results of the instructions to the
proper memory location to be retained, or stored, for further
instructions.
Computer Hardware-How CPUs Work?
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Video:
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Computer Hardware Information: How Do Processors Work?
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mvKz_tmcmU&feature=relmfu
Peripheral Devices
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Peripheral devices can be attached by cable or wireless
technology to the computer to perform specific functions.
Peripherals are plugged into special sockets on your
computer, called ports, using appropriate cables, or they
are connected wirelessly.
Some examples:
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Monitors
Modems
Expansion cards (graphics card or a sound card)
Printers
Pointing devices (mouse)
Peripheral Devices
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Examples (continued)
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Graphic tablets
Gamepads
Keyboards
Speakers
Microphones
Scanners
Webcams
Check Your Understanding
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Computer Hardware Questions:
1. What is input?
2. What is output?
3. What is processing?
4. What is hardware?
5. How are the tasks a CPU performs like those of the
human brain? (review video“Computer Hardware
Information: What makes a Computer Work?”
6. What are peripherals? Give three examples.
Computer Software
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Computers will not serve you if they consist only of
hardware—no matter how efficient, fast, or sophisticated
the hardware is.
To carry out the four functions of the computer,
computers must also include software.
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Without software, you can turn your computer on, but it will
do nothing.
Computer Software
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So if the physical parts of a computer are called hardware
(you can touch)
Software is another word for program. A program is a
list of instructions that tell the computer what to do.
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Examples of some programs are Microsoft PowerPoint,
Internet Explorer, and Netscape.
Organized into sets called programs
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Send e-mail, need an e-mail program
Surf the net: need an internet browser (program)
Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are software we’ve used
Computer Software
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There are two types of software:
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operating-system software, and
application software.
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Operating-system software, (O/S)-controls the overall
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activity of a computer, sometimes called platforms
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This program takes care of the basic computer functions
In our case, Windows XP from Microsoft
Windows 7 is the newer Operating System software from Microsoft
Previous Microsoft Operating Systems:
 Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Microsoft Vista
Computer Software
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Operating-system software (continued)
Example:
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O/S is similar to school office staff .
 The role of the operating system is to recognize data coming in
from a keyboard or mouse
(similar to the school office staff’s role of greeting new
students and finding out where they need to be placed in the
school),
send information to the screen or printer
 (ensure the new students get to their classrooms),
keep track of directories and files on disks
 (monitor where all students are placed), and
control all peripherals.
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Computer Software
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Operating-system software (continued)
The operating system is responsible for running software
and for security.
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It ensures that unauthorized users do not enter the system.
This role makes the operating system the most important
piece of software on a computer.
Computer Software
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Operating-system
software (continued)
Different operating
systems may have
different sets of rules.
 As a result, software
created for one
operating system will
rarely work on another.
 Many different operating
systems exist:
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the five most common
are:
Computer Software
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Application software- designed to allow users to
perform—to apply—a specific task, such as calculate
numbers, enter text, or play a game.
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Also called software, application, or a program.
This type of software is often categorized by its function.
Some common application-software packages:
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Utility software is used to maintain your computer and make sure it
runs efficiently. Examples of utility software are McAfee VirusScan and
Norton Utilities.
Computer Software
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Some common application-software packages:
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Productivity suites are all-in-one business-software packages that usually contain a
word processor, spreadsheet, and database. Some also include presentation software.
Examples of productivity suites are Microsoft Office, Corel WordPerfect Office, Apple
iWork, and OpenOffice.org.
Computer games include Solitaire, Minesweeper, NBA LIVE, FIFA Soccer, Madden
NFL, and The Sims.
Other programs:
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Word-processing software (Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect),
Spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel, IBM Lotus 1-2-3, and Corel Quattro Pro),
Database software (Microsoft Access, FileMaker Pro, and Corel Paradox),
Presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint and Corel Presentations),
Desktop-publishing software (Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign, and QuarkXPress),
Graphics software (Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, and Macromedia Fireworks),
Web-development software (Macromedia Dreamweaver, Adobe GoLive, and Microsoft
FrontPage),
Internet-browser software (Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox), and
Communication software (Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird).
Components of the Computer
Check Your Understanding
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1.
2.
3.
4.
Computer Software Questions:
What is software? What are the two main types of
software? Give one example for each.
In your own words, describe what an operating system
is.
How is operating-system software different from
application software?
Explain why a particular piece of software will not run
on all computers.
Computer Communication
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How Do Computers Communicate with One Another?
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In order for computers to share information directly, they must
be linked (connected) to one another through a network.
When two or more computers are connected by cables
or radio signals, they form a network.
When a computer is not connected to a network, it is
called a stand-alone.
There are two advantages to networking computers:
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access to information, and
access to equipment.
Computer Communication
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Access to Information
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By networking computers, information can be transmitted
(passed on) directly from one computer to another.
Networking allows many people to share files and software in
several ways:
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All users on a network can access software from a central location.
All users on a network can access shared files.
A user can connect to a network from another location, and then
access all of his or her files and shared software.
Computer Communication
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Access to Equipment
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Computers on a network can share hardware.
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For example:
 If one or more printers are added to a network, then all the
computers on that network can share those printers.
 Networks also allow computers to share other hardware, such as
modems and projection devices.
Computer Communication
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There are two main types of networks:
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LAN and WAN
LAN (local area network)
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consists of a group of networked computers that are all
located in one building.
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Example: a school, a classroom, or even your home (two computers
networked in order to share a printer)
Some networks consist of entire office building with hundreds of
computers networked together so that users can share software,
hardware, peripherals, and information.
When a LAN is constructed using wireless technology, it is
called a WLAN, or wireless local area network.
Computer Communication
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WAN (wide area network)
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is a group of networked computers located in a variety of
locations in a large geographic area.
Example: some school boards have all the computers from
each school in an entire city networked together through a
WAN.
WANs can be set up to transmit information between
computers using a variety of media including telephone line,
cable, and satellite.
Computer Communication
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This figure shows two LANs within a WAN.
Computer Communication
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Though there are many advantages of having a network,
there are also some disadvantages:
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Security issues
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Expensive to install
Experience network downtime
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Fileserver may fail causing network to go down
Proper administration time
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System open to hackers
Requires considerable time and expertise
Cables may break
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Connection fails
Computer Communication
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Whether you are setting up a LAN or a WAN, there are
different ways of setting up communication.
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Networks are typically set up in one of two ways:
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client/server network
peer-to-peer network
Computer Communication
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In a client/server network, one (or more) computer
becomes the leader of the other computers in the
network.
The leader is called the server.
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The server is generally bigger, faster, and more powerful than
the other computers.
It can run the network operating-system software.
Computer Communication
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The other computers in the network are called the
clients, or nodes.
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They connect to the server through a switch or hub.
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The switch or hub is a central device that connects several computers
together or several networks together.
 allows the computers to share the server’s processing power and
store information.
Each client must have a NIC (network interface card) to be a part of
the network.
 The NIC is an expansion card that allows the computer to act as a
client or node in the network.
 Usually, any network that has more than a dozen computers uses
this type of arrangement.
Computer Communication
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The peer-to-peer network arrangement allows
computers to share resources and files, as well as access
resources and files.
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The peer-to-peer arrangement requires a hub or switch,
as well as a NIC for each node.
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Means: individual nodes act simultaneously as clients and
servers.
Similar to the client/server arrangement
The major advantage of peer-to-peer networks is that
they are inexpensive to set up; however, they tend to
burden nodes because they have to play the server’s role.
Computer Communication
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This figure
shows how a
client/server
network is set
up.
Computer Communication-How
Networks are Arranged
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How Networks are Arranged Physically
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All networks consist of two or more pieces of hardware
connected together by cables or wireless technology.
The network topology is the physical layout of the cables that
connect the nodes and peripherals of the network.
There are two basic network topologies:
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bus topology and
star topology.
Computer Communication-How
Networks are Arranged
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Bus topology
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all nodes and peripherals are attached to one main cable.
One broken connection will bring down part or all of the
network.
Star topology
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all nodes and peripherals are connected to one hub, or switch,
at the centre of the network with separate cables.
One broken connection will not affect the rest of the network.
Computer Communication
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Cables connect the
nodes and
peripherals of the
network in two
basic arrangements.
Computer Communication
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Video:
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As you watch the following videos, write down one idea that
you learned in the first box of the handout “1.12 Segment 6:
Networking”
Videos:
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What is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) and how
can it help me? - Courtesy of Netgear Media
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xup3_WKTh0
Computer Networking Tutorial
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVvEheZVwdg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyTLPl5t-0Q&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfEDPQAYH4k&feature=relmfu
Computer Communication
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Video Continued:
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Now in groups of four, share what you have learned.
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Make sure to record the information from each member of your
group.
Check Your Understanding
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Computer Communication Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
What are the advantages of networking computers together?
Identify one disadvantage of networking computers together.
What technology allows computer networks without wires?
Describe the difference between a LAN and a WAN.
Name and describe how computers communicate with one
another.
Name and describe the two main network topologies.
Sketch the arrangement of the two network topologies. Explain
how each works.
Which network topology would you choose if you were
responsible for creating your own network? Why?