Transcript I - O

BTT 1O1
Information and
Communication Technology
Unit 1 - Notes on ICT
and Computer Components
What is Information and
Communication Technology (ICT)?
For each of the following letters you are to fill in a word, term
or expression that you believe is related to, or connected in
some manner with the term, information technology:
INFORMATION-
COMMUNICATION-
TECHNOLOGY-
What is Information and
Communication Technology?
• Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) refers to refers to the electronic
accessing, processing, managing, and
communicating of information.
So what is a Computer?
• Computer - A programmable machine
that has two principal characteristics:
1. It responds to a specific set of
instructions in a well-defined manner.
2. It can execute a prerecorded list of
instructions (a program).
• Note: The actual machinery of a
computer (e.g. Processor, Monitor,
Keyboard, wires, etc.) is called
hardware and the instructions and data
are called software
Components of a Computer
All general-purpose computers require the following hardware
components:
memory : Enables a computer to store, at least temporarily,
data and programs.
mass storage device : Allows a computer to permanently
retain large amounts of data. Common mass storage devices
include disk drives and tape drives.
input device : Usually a keyboard and mouse, the input
device is the conduit through which data and instructions
enter a computer.
output device : A display screen, printer, or other device that
lets you see what the computer has accomplished.
central processing unit (CPU): The heart of the
computer, this is the component that actually executes
instructions.
Computer Hardware - any part of
the computer you can touch.
 Processor
 Memory
 Wires
 Transistors
 Input/Output Devices
 Storage Devices
 Etc.
Software - electronic instructions
to the computer. Also referred to
as a “program.”
Two types:
 System Software
 Application Software
System Software:
Operating Systems
 Windows XP / Windows Vista
 Linux
 Mac OS
 Etc.
Application Software:
•
Word Processing – MS Word, WordPerfect ..
•
Spreadsheets – MS Excel, Quattro Pro, ..
•
Databases – Ms Access, MS Works Database,..
•
Publishing/Graphic Design – MS Publisher,
Corel Paint, ..
•
Presentation – MS PowerPoint, WP
Presentations, ..
•
Digital Applications – Adobe, Corel PhotoPaint,..
Types of Computers:
Computers can be generally classified by
size and power as follows, though there is
considerable overlap:
Supercomputer
• The fastest type of computer.
• Supercomputers are very expensive
and are employed for specialized
applications that require immense
amounts of mathematical calculations.
• For example, weather forecasting
requires a supercomputer.
• Other uses of supercomputers include
animated graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research,
and petroleum exploration.
Mainframe
 A very large and expensive
computer capable of supporting
hundreds, or even thousands, of
users simultaneously.
In some ways, mainframes are more
powerful than supercomputers
because they support more
simultaneous programs.
Note: The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that
a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast
as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently.
Minicomputer
A midsized computer.
In size and power, minicomputers
lie between workstations and
mainframes.
In general, a minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of
supporting from 4 to about 200
users simultaneously.
Microcomputers (Personal Computers)
 A small, relatively inexpensive computer
designed for an individual user.
 In price, personal computers range
anywhere from a few hundred dollars to
thousands of dollars.
 Businesses use personal computers for
word processing, accounting, desktop
publishing, and for running spreadsheet
and database management applications.
 At home, the most popular use for
personal computers is for playing games.
Types of Microcomputers:
 Desktop - often called
a PC
 Laptop - also called a
Notebook
 Palmtops - Personal
Digital Assistants (PDA)
Review/Discussion Questions:
1. What are the four most common types of
computers available today and describe what kind
of job each does best.
2. List the components of a computer.
3. Identify any 2 types of computer hardware.
4. What are the two major categories of software
and explain the purpose of each.
5. For each of the following, provide an example of a
common software program. (spreadsheet, word
processor, presentation software.
Seatwork/Homework/Discussion
Write a 750 word essay on the following topic:
•
Imagine that it is now the year 2028, describe
the world in terms of advancements in
Information and Communication Technology.
Be sure to discuss various areas such as:
 The Computer itself and technology in our homes,
appliances, cars, the Internet, etc…
Note: Your Essay must be typewritten, Double-spaced, font size
10 or 12 only please!
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=MS+Surface&emb=0#
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=skateboard+car&emb=0#