Hardware

 Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system

 These components can be internal or external

Internal Components

 Central Processing Unit (CPU): the computer's "brain" that performs calculations,
processes instructions, and controls other components
 Processor: a chip inside the CPU that carries out instructions from a program
 Motherboard: the main circuit board that connects all internal components

Internal Memory

 Random Access Memory (RAM): temporary storage for running programs and data; it is
volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer is turned off
 Read-Only Memory (ROM): permanent storage for essential data, like the
computer's BIOS; it is non-volatile, meaning data is retained even when the computer is
turned off

Hardware Components

 Graphics card: processes images and videos for display on a monitor

 Sound card: processes audio for output through speakers or headphones
 Network Interface Card (NIC): enables connection to a network, such as the internet
 Camera: captures images or video for input into the computer
 Internal/external storage devices: stores data permanently, such as hard drives or USB
flash drives
 Input devices: allow users to enter data, like keyboards and mice
 Output devices: display or produce results, like monitors and printers

Software

 Application software: programs that carry out specific functions, need a system software to
work on computer
 System software: operating system and utilities software essential for computer to work
o Compliers: convert program written by human in computer language to coding that
microprocessor can understand
o Linkers: take one or more of the files by complier and combine into program that
microprocessor can execute
o Device drivers: allow processor to communicate with keyboard, mouse, printer…

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain" responsible for processing
instructions entered into the computer
 The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce an output

CPU Functions

 Fetches instructions from memory

 Decodes the instructions to determine the required operation
 Executes the operation
 Stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device
CPU Components

 The CPU is made up of 4 main components:

o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): perform maths and logical operation (addition,
multiplication, comparison)
o Control Unit (CU): Coordinate the actions of computer and manages various
computer components
o Registers: memory storage location in CPU
o Clock: A quartz crystal that send out pulses to control the rate of CPU

Memory
Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process

Characteristics of ROM and RAM

ROM RAM

Non-volatile (retains data when

Volatility Volatile (loses data when powered off)
powered off)

Access Read-only (data cannot be modified) Read-write (data can be modified)

Main Purpose Stores essential instructions (e.g. BIOS) Stores data and instructions in use by CPU

Differences between ROM and RAM

 ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile

 ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
 ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions currently in use

- Virtual reality (VR) immerses the user in a computer-simulated reality. The computer
generates realistic sounds, images and other sensations to create an alternative world for
the user.
- Augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect view of a physical world, overlaid with
computer-generated images, sounds or videos.
- Extended reality (XR) refers to all real and virtual combined environments, and human-
machine interactions.

Operating devices

 Common OS: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Android, MS DOS and Mac OS X

 Set of programs that control how computer interact with users and external
devices
 graphical user interface (GUI) : users can use to interact with software or devices
intuitively, by clicking on icons, zooming, mouse etc
o intuitive because represented by icons
 o don’t have to learn complicated commands
o easy to use
o need a lot of internal memory to run
o large and take up a lot of storage space
 command line interface (CLI): a console or text-based representation of the OS. Users
type in commands to operate the software or devices. The user would have to learn a
whole set of commands to use the computer system.
o very little processing power so it is faster
o advance users can operate it quicker than users who need to move a mouse
o intimidating for new users
o commands need to be learnt
 Dialogue based interface
 Gesture based interface
 Input Devices
Characteristics of Input Devices

 Input devices: allow users to enter data or instructions into a computer system e.g.:
o Keyboard
o Mouse
o Scanner
o Microphone
o Touch screen

Differences between Input & Output Devices

 Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data from the
computer
 Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or produce
the results of data processing

Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Keyboard & Fast and accurate input The steeper learning curve,
Entering text and numbers
Numeric Keypad for experienced users repetitive strain injury
Navigate and interact with Intuitive and precise Requires flat surface, the
Pointing Devices
computer interfaces control strain on the wrist
Convenient, no direct
Control devices from a distance, Limited range, may require
Remote Control physical contact is
e.g., TVs and media players line-of-sight
needed
Enhances gameplay
Joystick/Driving Expensive, limited use
Simulation and driving games experience, realistic
Wheel outside of gaming, bulky
control
Direct interaction with the screen Intuitive, no need for aThe screen may get dirty,
Touch Screen
using fingers or a stylus separate pointing deviceless precise than a mouse
Quality depends on
Scanners and Capture images and convert them Accurate reproduction,
resolution, which can be
Cameras into digital format easy to share and store
expensive
Hands-free input can be
Capture a sound for recording or May pick up background
Microphone used for voice
communication purposes noise, the quality varies
recognition
Sensors detect changes in the Can automate tasks, May require calibration,
Sensors and Light
environment; light pen interacts provides real-time affected by the
Pen
with screens information environment
 Direct Data Entry
(data enter directly without human input)

Direct Data
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Entry Device

Reading information stored

on magnetic stripes, e.g.,
Magnetic Stripe credit cards, ID cards by Fast, simple to use, Data can be easily erased, and
Reader holding the card next to the reliable limited storage capacity
reader, or swiping it through a
slot in the reader
Chip and PIN Processing debit and credit Secure, quick transaction, Requires PIN input, potential
Reader card transactions in stores reduced fraud risk for skimming
makes use of a wireless
system of RFID tags and
readers. The reader emits No line-of-sight is
The expensive system, and
RFID Reader radio waves and receive needed, multiple tags are
potential privacy concerns
signals from the tags e.g., read simultaneously
inventory tracking, access
control
OMR (Optical Reading marked areas on
Fast processing, reduced Limited to specific forms,
Mark forms, e.g., multiple-choice
human error cannot read handwriting
Recognition) exams

OCR (Optical Converting printed text into

The fast and accurate, Can struggle with complex
Character digital text, e.g., digitising
searchable digital text layouts, font dependent
Recognition) books

Scanning barcodes to retrieve

product information and
Fast and accurate, low Requires line-of-sight, limited
Barcode Reader prices converts it to
cost data storage
alphanumeric value based on
the thickness of the bars.
Scanning QR codes for Requires a smartphone or
Can store more data,
QR Scanner information retrieval or specific scanner, quality
versatile uses
linking to websites dependent

Storage devices and media

Magnetic storage data: media that stores data magnetically
Data written in magnetic storage data by changing magnetic polarity to represent either 0 or 1
 Hard disk drive: non volatile memory hardware device-store data on magnetic discs
o Advantage: store a lot of data, access data randomly, low cost
 o Disadvantage: damage by physical knocks, slower to read, noisy
 Fixed/ portable hard drive
o Advantage: small to carry, easily used by multiple computers, quick archiving of data
o Disadvantage: damaged, get lost or stolen
 Serial storage: data stored one piece after the other, need to access data at the front end of the tape
before can access data at the far end of the tape
 Sequential storage: data stored in alphabetical or any other sequence – useful when needed to access
every single data (payroll- so wont miss out anyone)
 Random access: can access any data at any order
 Magnetic tape: data stored in long lines of magnetic tape-read by magnetic drive

Optical storage media and devices: use light from lasers to read and write data
advantage: cheap, easy to transfer files
disadvantage: don’t store as much data as hard disk drive, slow speed, data degrades overtime
 Compact disc (CD)
 Digital versatile disc (DVD)
 Blue ray disc
 Read only memory (ROM): data cannot be written, only read
 Recordable (R): Can only be written once
 Rewritable (RW): can be written multiple times
 CD ROM/ DVD ROM: used when content need to be protected without being corrupted e.g. music,
movies
 CD-R/DVD-R: make copies of files
 CD-RW/DVD-RW: transfer files from one computer to another, can store a lot of data
 Blu-ray: store more data and faster file transfer but more expensive

Solid state storage media: method for storing data electronically, no moving parts, much faster than
fixed hard drives
 Solid state drive (SSD): mass storage device-no moving parts-data stored using flash memory
o Advantage: very fast access speed, small, quiet
o Disadvantage: more expensive, less storage capacity than hard drives
o Example: pen drive/ thumb drive, flash memory card (SD card)

Effects of using ICT

Microprocessor controlled device
 Microprocessor: small programmable processors found inside computer
 Internet of things (IOT): Interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded into
everyday objects, can send and receive data
o programmed to collect and securely transmit data
o Remote monitoring
o Predictive maintenance
o Facilities management
 o Manufacturing efficiency
o Connected products
 Smart devices: electronic gadget that can connect share and interact with user and other smart
devices
o User need hardware to create WiFi network and software apps to control them
o In the home
- Positive: save time and money, improved home security, improve care and protection
for babies or elderly
- Negatives: expensive, depend on the internet which may fail, can be hacked
o Lifestyle and leisure:
- Positive: smart speakers allow voice command, smart thermostat reduce energy used
in homes, more efficient to use voice command, more leisure time and less time
working on task
- Negative: less human contact, leisure time spent indoors
o Physical fitness:
- Positive: monitor heart rate, track physical activity, apps available for smart training
equipment, calculate number of calories burnt
- Negative: people have to walk around less, hence less healthy
o Security of data:
- Smart devices gather personal data to make them more efficient, but the data collected
are available to many people and organisation, whom can used the data for marketing
purposes
- Devices connected to internet so can be targeted by hackers
o Social interaction
- Lesser social interaction because no need to ask another person to do it or no need to
leave house
- People more inclined to use smartphones for communication, no face to face
- But encourages interaction at a distance
o Vehicle safety
- Microprocessor controlled system used in all modern motor vehicle
- Mostly to prevent accidents
- Problems are diagnosed and fine tuned by computer
- More efficient fuel consumption and less pollution
- Example: video camera mounted near car mirror, anti locking break systems, engine
management systems (ECU or electronic control unit), stability control
o Traffic safety
- Intelligent transport system: use computers to collect data from sensors
 Camera to monitor traffic
- Analysed data and maintain optimum traffic flow (by controlling traffic light system,
inform travellers about travel time, accidents…, inform when bus arriving)
- Improve safety and comfort
- But expensive, may malfunction and rely on surveillance of vehicles and people
o Smart city: city that uses Intelligent transport system to coordinate a wide range of services
o autonomous vehicle: can sense the environment around it and operating with little or no
human intervention
Health issues cause by IT
 Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): pain caused by repetitive movement and overuse of computer
equipment. This pain is usually felt in muscles, tendons and nerves.
o Adopt good posture, ergonomically designed keyboard
o Regular breaks
o Use keyboard short cuts