1. European Computer Driving Licence Module 1 – Concepts of IT Section 1: General Concepts This presentation is an open source material on web, some modification made by: Sumayah Abu-Dawood The original source found on: http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/FEAndVocational/ITAndOfficeTechnology/ECDL/PGECDL/FreeResources://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/FEAndVocational/ITAndOfficeTechnology/ECDL/PGECDL/FreeResources 1

2. General Concepts ZInformation Technology (IT), General term used to describe the use of computers to process and transfer information., Can also refer to other office equipment (such as faxes and telephones) which contain tiny computers 2

3. Hardware and Software ZHardware (HW), Refers to the physical parts of a computer – those parts which you can see or touch. ZSoftware (SW), Primarily a list of instructions coded in a special way that computers can understand. Operating system software – e.g. Windows which works in the background and controls your software and hardware devices Applications software – e.g. Microsoft Word – software used to perform tasks 3

4. 4 main parts of computer system ZMonitor (VDU) visual Display Unit: to display results of processing. ZSystem Unit : this contains all the basic computer components that do all the hard work ZKeyboard: to enable text and commands to be input into the computer ZMouse: to enable the user to point and click at pictures and menus

5. Different Types Of Computer ZPersonal Computers (PC). ZLaptop/Notebook Computers. ZMainframe Computers. ZNetworked Computers. ZPersonal Digital Assistants (PDA )/ Handheld Computers. 5

6. Personal Computers (PC) ZAn essential tool for managers, humble office workers and home users ZTwo main types:, Desktop model – the system unit sits horizontally on a desk and the monitor is placed on top, Tower model – the system unit is vertical so can be placed on the floor to save desk space ZHardware devices (screen, keyboard and mouse) attached to the system unit (by a cable) are called peripheral devices 6

7. Notebook/Laptop Computers ZSimilar in specification to a personal computer ZMonitor and keyboard are integrated into a single unit ZCan be used from the mains or with a built-in rechargeable battery ZMore expensive than personal computers due to miniaturisation of computer components ZIdeal computer for business people and ICT trainers who are constantly on the move 7

8. Mainframe Computers ZLarge, fast and expensive ZUsed by large organisations such as utility companies, banks or multinational companies. ZConnect hundreds or thousands of users. ZUsers connect via terminals which are located in different cities or even abroad., Dumb terminals – these types of terminals cannot be used unless they are connected to the mainframe, Intelligent terminals – e.g. a personal computer connected to a mainframe, can also be used when not connected to the mainframe 8

9. Mainframe Computers 9

10. Networked Computers ZPersonal computers can operate as stand alone computers or they can be connected together as networked computer. ZMany networks use a server, which is a computer that controls access to HW, SW and other resources on a network. 10 ZPersonal computers connected to a server via network cards and cables ZThe software and data is stored on the central server rather than installed individually on each PC

11. Networked Computers 11 ZThe network also enables a fast Internet connection, printers and scanners to be shared. ZUsers access allocated resources via a user name and password. ZVery popular with small-to- medium-sized businesses, schools and colleges/adult education centres.

12. PDAs/Handheld Computers ZHandheld computer is a computer small enough to fit in one hand. ZSome use a stylus which you use to write or draw on the screen. ZRun very basic cut-down software such as calculator, address book and notepad functions ZCan be connected to a PC to synchronise data. ZPDAs can also be used as mobile phones and can access the Web to send and receive emails. 12 stylus

13. Computer Components Computer Hardware Any physical part that you can see and touch. Software Programs that allow you to use computer but you can not see or touch. Pass ECDL413

14. Hardware Components Computer Hardware CPU Memory Storage Devices Input UnitOutput Unit Software Operating System Application Pass ECDL414

15. 15 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ZThe main brain of the computer that performs the work and controls the transfer of information. ZThe speed at which CPU can process information is known as clock speed. ZSpeed is measured in Megahertz or Gigahertz., Megahertz (MHz)= 10 6 (1 million cycle per second)., Gigahertz (GHz): 10 9 (1 billion cycle per second). ZWhen CPU is on one chip, this is a microprocessor. ZExamples: Intel, AMD.

16. Computer Memory ZRAM (Random Access Memory):, Store information temporary., CPU transfers information from the hard disk drive to RAM., The more you have installed, the faster your computer will work., When the computer is switched off, anything stored in RAM is lost, Volatile memory ZROM (Read Only Memory):, Store information permanently., Used to store important information that the CPU needs to keep the PC running., ROM can only be accessed by the CPU and cannot be changed., The information doesn't lose its content when power is switched off., Information stored in ROM can be used repeatedly, Nonvolatile memory. 16 Memory is a chip that holds data waiting to be processed & instruction waiting to be executed. There are two kinds of memory:

17. Computer Memory 17 RAM Main memory Volatile memory ROM Secondary memory nonVolatile memory

18. 18 How RAM is work??? ZSwitch on the computer, The processor transfers operating system software from the hard disk drive to RAM., The Windows desktop appears. ZDouble-click on the Word icon., The processor transfers the software from the hard disk drive to RAM. ZOpen a Word document, The processor transfers the file information into RAM so you can see it and make changes to it. ZIf you don’t SAVE the document, the changes will be lost when you switch off the computer!

19. 19 How ROM is work??? ZSwitch on your computer. Z(POST) and boot-up are carried out to make sure your CPU, memory chips and other components are working:, If they are, then information is transferred to RAM to start up your operating software., If not, then an error message will appear on screen. ZThe PC start-up software is stored in ROM so it can be used time and time again.

20. 20 How memory is measured ZRAM is divided into millions of units called Bytes. ZEach byte contains 8 bits, which represent s one character (A,@,6,....). ZMemory sizes :It’s the number of bytes the chip or devices has available for storage Z1 kilobyte (KB) =1024 bytes Z1 megabyte (MB) =1024 KB Z1 gigabyte (GB) =1024 MB Z1 terabyte (TB) =1024 GB 00110100 E :::::: One BYTE RAM 8 bits represent (4) byte

21. 21 File Sizes ZA simple Word document will measure approx 20Kb ZA 12 page report with pictures will take up much more space – maybe 300Kb ZA 100 page user manual with photos and screenshots could be at least 2Mb in size ZMicrosoft Excel, for example, takes up approx. 6Mb of hard disk space

22. 22 Input devices ZThese are devices used to put data into the computer KeyboardLight pen MouseScanner(OCR) TrackballJoystick Microphone (Voice Recognition) Digital camera

23. 23 Output Devices Monitors (VDU) ZCome in 15”, 17”, 19”, 21” screen sizes., Picture is made up of millions of dots called pixels, Picture quality depends on number of pixels going across and down the screen ZResolutions, Resolution is the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device., 800 x 600 is typical of a 15” screen, 1600 x 1200 is typical of larger screens ZTwo different types, CRT monitors – similar to a TV screen, TFT monitors – much more slim line

24. Monitors 24

25. Monitors 25

26. 26 Output Devices - Printers ZInkjet printers, Mainly used by home users, Black and white or colour printing, Medium in quality and cost. ZLaser printers, Used in most offices., Black and white or colour print, High price but suitable for large number of prints.

27. 27 Output Devices - Printers ZDot matrix printers, Very noisy and low print quality., Low cost, use to print invoice, schedule, appointments. ZPlotter, Used mainly by architects to produce high quality prints such as: building plans, posters.

28. 28 Output Devices ZSpeakers:, Connect to a soundcard supplied with multimedia PCs that acts as (stereo)., Speech synthesiser: program is able to transfer written text into audible speech.

29. 29 Input/Output Devices ZTouch screen, Allows the user to touch an area of the screen rather than typing from a keyboard, Used mainly in tourist offices, bus information kiosks and Job Centres ZModem, Use to transfer telephone signal to digital or vs..

30. Storage Devices ZIs the physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions and information. ZThere are 2 types of devices storage : - Magnetic Disks : Use magnetic particles to store items on a disk’s surface. Three type of magnetic disks are Hard disks,Floppy disks and Zip disks -Optical Disks -Optical discs store items by using microscopic pits ( indentations) and lands (flat areas) that are in the middle layer of the disc. 30

31. 31 Storage Devices ZHard disk drive HDD– this stores all your programs and data. ZHDD stores huge amount of data, the capacity is measured by GB, the speed of HDD is called access time. Access time is the time required by HDD to search and retrieve data. Access time is measured by millisecond (msec)

32. Other Storage Devices ZFloppy disk drive – this stores smaller files. ZZip Drive, Uses zip disks which can store either 100Mb or 250Mb of data, Can be internal or can plug into a PC’s USB port ZFlash Drives, Plug into a USB port, Typical storage – 28Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb,1GB-32GB. 32

33. Note ZData is saved as magnetized dots on Magnetic storage medium. ZStorage surfaces is divided into : Track an Sector. ZFormatting: the process of preparing storage disk for use, it creates Tracks and Sectors. ZWhen you format your disk, all data is erased and the disk will be as “ anew” one. Pass ECDL433 Track Sector

34. Storage Devices ZThere are many different formats of optical discs exist today. CDs and DVDs ZDVDs having a much greater storage capacity than CDs. 34

35. 35 Storage Devices, CD –ROM : software and games are normally supplied on CD ROM disks. Information is read-only and cannot be changed. capacity : 650MB (75 min of music)., CR-R (Recordable): user can store data once., CD-RW (Re-Writable): allow user to save data many times., DVD ROM drive – these can be used to watch films etc., DVD-R (Recordable): used to save data once. capacity: 4.7GB (120 min video).

36. 36 The System Unit ZSystem Unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer ZIt can be a tower case or desktop case.  The main circuit board of the system unit is the motherboard. Zmotherboard contains complex electronic circuits and silicon chips. ZAll the computer components plug into the motherboard either directly into slots or by cables.

37. 37 The System Unit CD-ROM Drive: Read information and write on CD, read from DVD. Floppy disk drive: Read and write information From floppy disk. Floppy disk drive: Read and write information From floppy disk. On/ Off switch

38. The System Unit 38

39. 39 Removable Storage Comparison DeviceCapacity Floppy disk1.44Mb Zip250Mb Flash drives256Mb CD650Mb DVD4.7Gb

40. 40 Computer Performance, The clock speed of the CPU (measured in MHz, GHz)., The capacity of RAM installed (measured in MB, GB)., The capacity and speed of HDD (Hard Disk Drive)., The number of application running. Performance Four main factors will determine the Performance of computer:

41. Software Components Computer Hardware CPUMemory Storage Devices Input UnitOutput Unit Software Operating System Application Pass ECDL441

42. Pass ECDL442 Operating System (OS) ZOS: A special computer programs that organise and control a computer., Provides an interface so that the user can communicate with the computer., Communicates between software and hardware devices., Organises the storage and retrieval of information., Manages the smooth running of programs running in RAM by allocating the required resources.

43. Pass ECDL443 The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) ZThe most basic software within the PC. ZStored in ROM. ZEnsures the hardware operates properly. ZRecords basic information about the PC. ZUsually configured by the manufacturer. ZNo user intervention is usually required.

44. Pass ECDL444 Example of Operating Systems ZMicrosoft Windows: Windows95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows Vista. ZMS-DOS created by Windows but text-based ZMacintosh (MacOS) was created by Apple. ZLinux is a popular alternative open-source OS. ZUnix is another OS used in companies or universities.

45. User interface ZYou interact with software through its user interface. ZThe user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen. Z2 types of user interfaces are, Command-line interfaces.,Graphical user interfaces 45

46. Command-line interfaces ZUser types commands or presses special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instruction. ZIts difficult to use because they require exact spelling, grammar and punctuation 46

47. Pass ECDL447 Graphical User Interface (GUI) ZEnables users to click and point at icons and menus on screen, instead of typing in computer commands

48. Keeping Up to date Service packs: ZA collection of updates, fixed for your operating system. ZIt contains new drivers for many computer components. ZCould be supplied on a CD or downloadable from the internet. Pass ECDL448

49. What happens when computer boots up?? ZWhen computer is switched on, BIOS carries out (POST) – Power On Self Test and do boot-up operation. ZBoot-up operation has 2 main functions:, Ensure that all hardware is running,CPU and memory are functioning correctly., Load the operating system (OS) from HDD to RAM. Pass ECDL449

50. Application Software ZApplication software: is a computer programs designed for a specific purpose. ZApplication software is separate from the operating system but must be compatible with it in order to be able to operate. ZEach application software is suited for special purpose…. See following example. Pass ECDL450

51. Examples of Application Software 51

52. Pass ECDL452

53. Problem Solving Pass ECDL453

54. Common error indicators ZNo display on the screen. ZError messages on screen. ZFlashing lights on printer. ZNo printer output. ZNo mouse cursor. ZBleeping sounds from system unit. Pass ECDL454

55. Resolving problems ZBasic checks:, Power supplies, External connections, Supplies of consumables ZManufacturer support ZManuals ZWindows Help and Support Centre Pass ECDL455

56. Pass ECDL456 Other considerations ZError reporting ZAutomatic System Updates ZDevice drivers ZBackups

57. System Development Analysis Perform by “system analysts”. Meet Project members, set objectives, write specifications. Programming Perform by “programmers”. Write the program using programming language. Testing Perform though development to correct system “bugs” and faults. Next test performs by users who can use the system (Beta testing). Documentation Written the finished system. 2 levels: technical operation for future development, user guides. Pass ECDL457 System development cycle is a set of activities used to build an information system.