1. https://sites.google.com/site/computerskillsfirst/home/lecturesBy
Miss :Jeeman A Khorsheed

2. ICDL Syllabus Version 5.0 Module 1
Concepts of Information Technology

3. 1.1 General Concepts

4. 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

5. What is a Computer?
Input
Processing
Output

6. 1.1.1 Hardware/Software Information Technology

7. 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

8. Information Technology
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"

9. 1.1.2 Types of Computer

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 1.1.3 Main Parts of a Personal Computer

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 1.1.4 Computer Performance

22. 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

23. 1.2 Hardware

24. 1.2.1 Central Processing Unit

25. The CPU is the brains within your computer
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)

26. 1.2.2 Memory

27. 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)

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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 characters – say, 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

32. 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

33. 1.2.3 Input Devices

34. 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

35. 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

36. 1.2.3.1 Devices for Inputting Data
Digital camera
This produces a digital picture file that can be printed, sent via 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

37. 1.2.4 Output Devices

38. 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

39. 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

40. Try the exercise on input and output devices!
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!

41. 1.2.6 Storage Devices

42. 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.

43. 1.2.6.1 Compare Memory Storage Devices
Diskette (Floppy Disk)
Speed:
Very slow!
Capacity:
Normally 1.44 Mbytes
Cost:
Very cheap

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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.

47. 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

48. 1.3 Software

49. 1.3.1 Types of Software

50. Operating systems software
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

51. 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

52. 1.3.2 Operating System Software

53. 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!

54. 1.3.2.1 Name Some Common Operating Systems
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows ME
Windows XP
Linux
Unix

55. 1.3.3 Applications Software

56. Word processing applications
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

57. Multimedia applications
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