https://sites.google.com/site/computerskillsfirst/home/lectures By Miss :Jeeman A Khorsheed

ICDL Syllabus Version 5.0 Module 1 Concepts of Information Technology

1.1 General Concepts

What is a Computer? General-purpose Programmable Calculates Stores results A computer is a general-purpose, programmable device that is capable of calculating and storing results

What is a Computer? Input Processing Output

1.1.1 Hardware/Software Information Technology

1.1.1.1 Understand the Basic Concepts of Hardware, Software and Information Technology (IT). The term hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer such as the system unit, mouse, keyboard, monitor etc Software The software is the set of instructions that make the computer behave in a given way Software is held either on your computer’s hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD or on a diskette (floppy disk) and is loaded (i.e. copied) from the disk into the computers RAM (Random Access Memory), as and when required

Information Technology 1.1.1.1 Understand the Basic Concepts of Hardware, Software and Information Technology (IT). Information Technology encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange, and use information in its various forms (business data, voice conversations, still images, motion pictures, multimedia presentations, and other forms, including those not yet conceived) It's a convenient term for including both telephony and computer technology in the same word. It is the technology that is driving what has often been called "the information revolution"

1.1.2 Types of Computer

1.1.2.1 Distinguish Between Main-frame Computer, Network Computer, PC, Laptop and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Make sure you understand the following terms: Mainframe computer Network computer Personal computer Laptop computer Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

1.1.2.1 Distinguish Between Computers in Terms of Capacity, Speed, Cost, and Typical Users. Mainframe Computers Very powerful, used by large organisations such an banks to control the entire business operation. Very expensive! Personal Computers Cheap and easy to use. Often used as stand-alone computers or in a network. May be connected to large mainframe computers within big companies

1.1.2.1 Distinguish Between Computers in Terms of Capacity, Speed, Cost, and Typical Users. Laptop Computer is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices and at meetings A laptop typically weighs less than 2½kg and is 6cm or less in thickness

1.1.2.1 Distinguish Between Computers in Terms of Capacity, Speed, Cost, and Typical Users. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a small mobile hand-held device that provides computing and information storage and retrieval for personal or business use Most PDAs have a small keyboard Some PDAs have an electronically sensitive pad on which handwriting can be received Typical uses include schedule and address book storage and retrieval and note-entering Increasingly, PDAs are combined with telephones and paging systems

1.1.2.1 Distinguish Between Computers in Terms of Capacity, Speed, Cost, and Typical Users. Suggested Task Draw up a simple table to make a comparison between the main types of computer Mainframe Computer Network Computer Personal Computer Laptop PDA Capacity Speed Cost Typical Users

1.1.3 Main Parts of a Personal Computer

1.1.3.1 Know the Main Parts of a Personal Computer: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is normally an Intel Pentium (or equivalent) and it is one of the most important components within your computer It determines how fast your computer will run and is measured by its GHz or MHz speed For example, a 2.4 GHz Pentium is much faster than a 400 MHz Pentium CPU It is the CPU that performs all the calculations within the computer

1.1.3.1 Know the Main Parts of a Personal Computer: The Hard Disk Hard disks are the main, large data storage area within your computer They are used to store your operating system, your application programs (i.e. your word processor, games etc) and your data They are much faster than CD-ROMs and floppy disks and can also hold much more data

1.1.3.1 Know the Main Parts of a Personal Computer: Common Input/output Devices Input devices Keyboard Mouse Scanner Digital camera Output Devices Monitor (VDU) Printer Speakers

1.1.3.1 Know the Main Parts of a Personal Computer: Types of Memory RAM The RAM (Random Access Memory) is where the operating system is loaded and also where your applications are copied to when you load an application, such as a word processor or database program. ROM The ROM-BIOS (Read Only Memory - Basic Input Output System) chip is a special chip held on your computer's system (mother) board. It contains software that is required to make your computer work with your operating system

1.1.3.1 Know the Main Parts of a Personal Computer: Understand the Term ‘Peripheral Device’ A peripheral device is any device that you can attach to your computer You can attach a scanner, printer, data projector, speakers etc. to your system unit

1.1.4 Computer Performance

1.1.4.1 Know Some of the Factors That Impact on a Computer's Performance CPU speed RAM size Hard disk speed and capacity Number of applications running

1.2 Hardware

1.2.1 Central Processing Unit

The CPU is the brains within your computer 1.2.1.1 Understand the Term Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Know What the CPU Does The CPU is the brains within your computer It is responsible for logic control and carries out most of the calculations within the computer It ensures the smooth running of the operating system (e.g. Windows) as well as applications, such as word-processors, spreadsheets and databases The CPU speed largely determines the speed of the computer and is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz)

1.2.2 Memory

1.2.2.1 Understand Different Types of Computer Memory RAM - Random Access Memory The main 'working' memory used by the computer When the operating system loads from disk when you first switch on the computer, it is copied into RAM As a rough rule, a Microsoft Windows based computer will operate faster if you install more RAM. Data and programs stored in RAM are volatile (i.e. the information is lost when you switch off the computer)

1.2.2.1 Understand Different Types of Computer Memory ROM – Read Only Memory Read Only Memory (ROM) as the name suggests is a special type of memory chip that holds software that can be read but not written to A good example is the ROM-BIOS chip, which contains read-only software Often network cards and video cards also contain ROM chips

1.2.2.2 Know How Computer Memory Is Measured Bit All computers work on a binary numbering system, i.e. they process data in ones or zeros. This 1 or 0 level of storage is called a bit Byte A byte consists of eight bits

1.2.2.2 Know How Computer Memory Is Measured Byte A byte consists of eight bits Kilobyte A kilobyte (KB) consists of 1024 bytes Megabyte A megabyte (MB) consists of 1024 kilobytes Gigabyte A gigabyte (GB) consists of 1024 megabytes Terabyte A terabyte (TB) consists of 1024 gigabytes

1.2.2.2 Relate computer memory measurements to characters, files and directories/folders File size Each byte represents a different character such as letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks and blank space A document such as a letter containing 250 of the above characters would have a file size of 250 bytes A floppy disk of capacity 1.4MB could hold 1 400 000 characters – say, 200 000 words – a whole book! The size of a directory (or folder ) would be found by adding up the sizes of the files contained within it Sizes of files and folders are easily found in Windows by using a right mouse click on the icon and examining Properties

1.2.2.2 Relate computer memory measurements to characters, files and directories/folders Byte A byte consists of eight bits Each bit can be ‘on’ or ‘off’ (1 or 0) This gives rise to a total of 256 possible combinations ( 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 256 ) Each byte represents a different character such as letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks and blank space These make up the Character Set A selection of the 256 characters in the set is displayed on the keyboard, depending on the particular language being used

1.2.3 Input Devices

1.2.3.1 Devices for Inputting Data The Mouse Used to ‘drive’ Windows The Keyboard The keyboard is still the commonest way of entering information into a computer Trackball an alternative to the traditional mouse and often used by graphic designers

1.2.3.1 Devices for Inputting Data Scanner A scanner allows you to scan printed material and convert it into a file format that may be used within the PC Touchpad A device that lays on the desktop and responds to pressure Light Pen Used to allow users to point to areas on a screen Joystick Many games require a joystick for the proper playing of the game

1.2.3.1 Devices for Inputting Data Digital camera This produces a digital picture file that can be printed, sent via e-mail or posted to a web page A webcam enables moving images to be viewed in real time via the internet Microphone A device that allows sound signals to be converted into digital files that may be stored on the computer It enables voice-recognition software to be used It also allows telephony via the internet

1.2.4 Output Devices

1.2.4.1 Common Output Devices Monitor (VDU) Printers The computer screen is used for outputting information in an understandable format for humans Flat-screen LCD monitors are rapidly becoming commonplace Printers There are many different types of printers In large organizations laser printers are most commonly used due to the fact that they can print very fast and give a very high quality output

1.2.4.1 Common Output Devices Plotters Speakers Speech synthesisers A plotter is an output device similar to a printer, but normally allows you to print larger images Speakers Enhances the value of educational and presentation products Speech synthesisers Gives you the ability to not only to display text on a monitor but also to read the text to you

Try the exercise on input and output devices! 1.2.5.1 Input/Output Devices Touchscreens These are both input and output devices Contact with the screen by means of a digit provides the input by making a selection The result is then displayed on the screen in the form of information or gives a menu from which further choices may be made Touchscreens are commonly used in interactive kiosks Try the exercise on input and output devices!

1.2.6 Storage Devices

1.2.6.1 Compare Memory Storage Devices Hard Disk Speed: Very fast! The speed of a hard disk is often quoted as "average access time" speed, measured in milliseconds. The smaller this number the faster the disk. Capacity: Enormous! Often in excess of 80 Gigabytes. A Gigabyte is equivalent to 1024 Megabytes. Cost: Hard disks costs are falling rapidly and normally represent the cheapest way of storing data.

1.2.6.1 Compare Memory Storage Devices Diskette (Floppy Disk) Speed: Very slow! Capacity: Normally 1.44 Mbytes Cost: Very cheap

1.2.6.1 Compare Memory Storage Devices CD-ROM Speed: Much slower than hard disks. The original CD-ROM specification is now given a value of 1x speed, and later, faster CD-ROMs are quoted as a multiple of this value Capacity: Around 650 Mbytes Cost: Below 50p each CD-R disks can be written to only once CD-RW disks can be written to more than once

1.2.6.1 Compare Memory Storage Devices DVD Drives Speed: Much faster than CD-ROM drives but not as fast as hard disks Capacity: Up to 17 GB Cost: Slightly higher than CD-ROM drives

1.2.6.1 Compare Memory Storage Devices Zip Disk Speed: Slower than normal hard disks but ideal for backups. Capacity: 100 or 250 Megabytes. Cost: You have to consider both the cost of the drive, plus the cost of each disk that you wish to use in the drive. Often suppliers will sell the drive plus a pack of 5 disks at a bundled discount price.

1.2.6.2 Understand the Purpose of Formatting a Disk When Windows formats a diskette it: Erases all previous data Sets up a system for recording what is stored where on the disk Checks the disk for physical and magnetic errors Makes the disk compatible with any computer running Windows

1.3 Software

1.3.1 Types of Software

Operating systems software 1.3.1.1 Distinguish between Operating Systems Software & Applications Software Operating systems software The operating system is a special type of program that loads automatically when you start your computer The operating system allows you to use the advanced features of a modern computer without having to learn all the details of how the hardware works Applications software An application program is the type of program that you use once the operating system has been loaded Examples include word-processing programs, spreadsheets and databases

1.3.1.1 Understand the Reasons for Software Versions New versions of software may: Fix ‘bugs that were present in the previous version Address and fix security issues from an earlier version Introduce enhanced or additional features Take advantage of advances in software and computer technology Provide updated compatibility with new peripheral devices e.g. new models of digital cameras

1.3.2 Operating System Software

1.3.2.1 Describe the Main Functions of an Operating System The link between the hardware and you, the user Makes the computer easy to use without having to understand bits and bytes!

1.3.2.1 Name Some Common Operating Systems Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows ME Windows XP Linux Unix

1.3.3 Applications Software

Word processing applications 1.3.3.1 List Some Common Software Applications Together With Their Uses. Word processing applications Microsoft Word Lotus Word Pro WordPerfect Spreadsheets Microsoft Excel Lotus 123 Database Microsoft Access Lotus Approach

Multimedia applications 1.3.3.1 List Some Common Software Applications Together With Their Uses. Payroll Sage software Presentation tools Microsoft PowerPoint Lotus Freelance Desktop publishing Microsoft Publisher Adobe Photoshop Multimedia applications Microsoft's Encarta CD-ROM based encyclopaedias