ICT Theory

Chapter 1: Types and components

of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
1.1.1 Types of hardware
Hardware: Physical components of a computer system
Can be:
1) Internal
Examples:
1. Processor
2. Motherboard: A printed circuit board that contains the main components
of the computer.
3. Video/graphic card: Generates images to display on the monitor
4. Sound card: This generates output to the speaker and provides the
computer with the ability to produce sounds
5. RAM & ROM

2) External:
Examples:
1. Printer/ Plotter
2. Monitor
3. Mouse
4. Keyboard
5. camera

1.1.2 Types of Software

Software: Programs for controlling the operation of a computer and

processing of electronic data

There are two types of software:

 Applications software: Programs that allow the user to carry out and solve
specific tasks
Examples:
1. word processor
2. spreadsheet
3. Database management
4. Control and measurement
5. Audio, video, and graphics editor
6. Computer-aided design (CAD)
7. Apps and applets
  System software: Programs that control and manage the computer’s hardware, it
runs the applications software and is an interface between the computer
hardware and the user applications
Examples:
1. Compiler
2. Linker
3. Device driver
4. operating system
5. utilities

1.1.3 Analogue and digital data

Analogue Digital
Variable, continuous and not discrete Binary format; the data is discrete
(infinite number of values) (specific values) i.e., 0s and 1s
can only be read by a sensor/motor/etc. Can only be read by a computer
the output from a sensor The output of a computer
If it needs to be sent to a computer, then If computer is controlling a device (e.g., a
it must be converted into digital form as it motor) then the digital output must be
can’t be read by a computer converted into analogue form

To convert analogue data into digital form an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) is

used
To convert digital data into analogue form a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) is used

1.2 Main components of computer systems

1.2.1Central processing unit
Central processing unit (CPU): An item of hardware that interprets and carries out
the instructions/commands of a computer system. It is made up of the arithmetic logic
unit (ALU) which performs basic arithmetic calculations and logical operations and the
control unit (CU) which performs the input and output operations of the computer. It
also contains the internal storage (small memory locations called registers)
Functions of the CPU:
 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

1.2.2Internal memory and backing storage

Random access memory (RAM): an internal memory chip where data is stored
temporarily that can be written to and read from. It is a volatile memory as data is lost
when the computer is switched off. It stores the current data/instruction (work that is
being currently done by the user and the software that is being currently used by the
user)
RAM can be increased in size to improve the computers performance

Read only memory (ROM): an internal memory chip where data is stored
permanently that can only be read from (data cannot be altered). It is nonvolatile so
data is not lost when the computer is switched off. It stores the instructions to boot
up/start up the computer known as the basic input-output system (BIOS) as they must
remain unchanged.
When the computer is switched on, the BIOS runs a hardware check to ensure all
devices are present and functional then load the operating system onto the RAM.

1.2.3Input and output devices

Input devices Output devices
A hardware device that allows a user to A hardware device that allows the results
enter data into a computer either of a computers processing to be
manually or automatically shown/viewed in a human-readable form
or uses it to control another device
Can send data to another device but can’t Can receive data from another device but
receive data from another device cannot send data to another device
Under the control of the user or can be Under the control of the computer
direct data entry
More complex as they must ensure the Less complex as they only must turn
user can interact with it correctly computer signals into an output

1.2.4Backing storage
Backing storage: usually hard disk drives (HDD) or solid-state drives (SSD), are used
to store data permanently, but it can be altered (changed added to or removed by the
computer or user). It is non-volatile so data will not be lost even if the computer is
switched off
Backing storage can be either internal or external to the computer and can be
removable
Backing storage is not directly accessible by the CPU so it must first be loaded into the
RAM before it can be used by the computer
Internal memory VS Backing storage
Internal Memory Backing storage
Chip based; RAM and ROM can be solid state, optical or magnetic
RAM holds contents temporarily and loses Backing storage holds contents
contents when computer is switched off permanently (non-volatile)
(volatile), ROM holds contents
permanently (non-volatile)
RAM is read-write, ROM is read-only Content can be altered
RAM contains current instruction, ROM files, programs, and data for long-term
contains instructions to boot up the storage
computer (BIOS)
Faster data access speeds slower data access speeds
Smaller memories so smaller capacity More storage in backing storage so larger
capacity
Directly accessible by the CPU Not directly accessible by the CPU; must
first be loaded onto the RAM
More expensive per byte Less expensive per byte
Fixed inside the computer Can be fixed or removable

Why both Internal memory and backing storage are needed:

 Backing storage:
1 If computer is switched off, work in RAM is lost but backing storage stores
data permanently for future use so users can have a permanent copy of the
work they are doing even when the computer is switched off
2 It is more likely that data is accidentally deleted in RAM
3 RAM is more expensive and bulkier (has less memory) than backing storage
per unit of memory
4 Software package may be so large that it is physically impossible for RAM to
store it.
5 Operating system may be so large that it is physically impossible for ROM to
store it.
6 Data may need to be transferred from one computer to another and cannot
do that with RAM
 Internal Memory:
1 Memory is needed which cannot be changed and is Non-volatile – ROM
2 Memory is needed which can be changed – RAM
3 Instructions that need to be unchanged must be stored such as BIOS - ROM
4 There needs to be memory that holds the work that is being currently done
by the user and the software that is being currently used by the user allowing
them to make changes -RAM
5 IM provides faster access than backing storage so as there must be backing
storage the computer also needs IM to speed up operations
1.3 Operating systems
An operating system is a type of software that enables a computer system to function
and allows the user to communicate with the computer by:
1 controlling input/output and backing storage devices
2 supervising the loading, running and storage of applications
3 dealing with errors as they occur and displaying an error message when the
user has to intervene
4 maintaining security
5 maintaining a computer log
6 allowing communication between the user and computer system, and
between an application program and the computer hardware

1.3.1 User interfaces

Command line interface (CLI):
 user types in several instructions/commands each time they want to open/launch
an application, choose options from menus, and carry out basic operations.
 user is in direct communication with the computer system
 this type of interface is used by e.g., a programmer, analyst or Technician who
maintains a computer system as they require access to whole system, need to
have direct communication with the computer to develop new software, locate
and remove errors, initiate memory dumps and so on
Advantages of using CLI:
1. The user is not restricted to the predetermined options
2. the user has more control over the computer settings, so it is possible to alter
computer configuration settings
3. Requires less processing power for the interface so more processing power is
made available for the task
4. CLI is a lot smaller program, so it uses less memory
5. The user is in direct communication with the computer
6. CLI is less likely to change over time meaning less need to learn how to use a
new system

Disadvantages of using CLI:

1. CLI only allows you to type in commands
2. The commands used must be learnt, remembered, and typed in using the correct
format and spelling (precise)
3. Must remember the exact path/correct name of application
4. Since all commands must be typed in, it is more error prone and time consuming
5. The operator must have specialist knowledge of the system, so it is not user-
friendly
6. Help facilities are basic
7. Commands difficult to edit once entered
8. Mistakes in the syntax can have major consequences
 9. With a CLI it is more difficult to view different items on one screen when
multitasking

Graphical user interface (GUI):

 Allows the user to interact with the computer by clicking/selecting an icon to
carry out function instead of typing in commands
 This type of user interface is used by the end user who does not need great
computer knowledge
 Features of GUI:
o Window – an area on the screen that displays information for a specific
program.
o Icon represents a folder or a program – can be seen within a window or
freestanding on screen
o Menus – contains lists of options for a certain program/software
o Pointing device/Pointer – used to select menu options/icons/close/open
windows

Advantages of using GUI:

1. easy, quick, and simpler to select options using a mouse/finger
2. don’t have to learn commands
3. don’t have to type in commands so it is quicker and less error prone
4. it is intuitive so more user-friendly
5. Post GUI allows the use of pinching, scrolling, and expanding on a touch screen
6. can be used on many devices e.g., a smartphone
7. Can exchange data between different applications
8. Better help facilities
9. Presence of windows enable the user to multitask

Disadvantages of using GUI:

1. The user is limited to predetermined options
2. uses more processing power
3. uses more memory, this loss of memory slows down the operations of the
computer
4. Can be slower for experienced programmers to use.
5. Can be slower to run as graphics have to be loaded and it is a larger program
6. User is not in direct contact with the computer

Dialogue-based interface (DBI):

 Software that uses the human voice to give commands to a computer system to
carry out actions
Advantages of using DBI:
1. Users with physical disabilities may find dialogue interfaces easier to use
2. Users with physical disabilities in their limbs may not be able to use a keyboard
or a mouse but could still speak into a microphone to control a device
3. Dialogue interface allows hands free control, ensuring safety when driving
 4. Dialogue interface does not require the user to be sat in front of computer/device
so they can operate computer/device, this allows the user to multitask
5. Can be used a security feature as voice recognition can be used to identify
someone
Disadvantages of using DBI:
1. may not operate reliably if there is background noise as commands might be
misinterpreted/misheard
2. Some background conversation may result in a reaction from the device
3. Users who have a speech impediment may find a dialogue interface too difficult
to use
4. may not operate reliably if user has a strong dialect/accent
5. often requires a training session with user as they need to know which
commands can be used
6. can be more complex and expensive to develop and set up compared with other
interfaces

Gesture-based interface (GBI)

 Relies on human interaction by movement of the hands, fingers, head, or feet to
give command without using a pointing device
Advantages of using GBI:
1. Gestures may be a quicker way of initiating a response from a device
2. Does not require a training session with the user as gestures can be taught
through manuals
3. People who have speech impediment can find a gesture-based interface useful
4. For reasons of hygiene doctors/health workers/restaurant chefs may not be
allowed to touch a display or device so appropriate gestures are a more hygienic
way to control the device as no physical contact is needed
5. gestures will still be reliable if there is background noise or user has a strong
dialect/accent
6. it replaces mechanical input devices
7. very natural interface for a human operator
8. Users with physical handicaps may find it easier to make gestures rather than
gripping a mouse
Disadvantages of using a GBI:
1. Users with physical disabilities may not be able to make gestures
2. Certain gestures may not be socially acceptable
3. Some gestures may be unintentional but still initiate a reaction from the device
4. Gesture based is less effective when several users or background movement
involved
5. Gesture based interface requires line of sight and only works near to the camera
or sensor
6. Not as safe to use when driving as at least one hand will have to leave the
steering wheel
7. May only accept a limited number of movements so have to learn them
accurately and remember them otherwise they won’t be identified
8. Fatigue/gorilla arm
1.4 Types of computers
1.4.1 Desktop computers
Desktop computer: a general-purpose computer made up of separate
components/units, only used in one place, and must always be connected to an external
power source to work (is not powered by batteries)

Advantages of desktop computers over other types of computers:

1. When accessing the internet, more websites will work with the desktop and a
larger keyboard and screen mean that you will be able to type in the web
address more accurately and see the whole webpage
2. Larger screen and keyboard are easier to use
3. More stable and reliable internet connections as it can connect to the internet via
an ethernet cable
4. have a better heat dispersion rate as they have a larger casing
5. less likely to be damaged or stolen as they are not portable.
6. As the elements of a desktop computer are separate, they are easier and less
expensive to upgrade
7. have less chance of running out of power (power consumption is not critical) as
they are plugged into a wall socket
8. it is more powerful
9. spare parts and connections tend to be standardized resulting in lower costs
10. has a better specification for a given price
Disadvantages of desktop computers over other types of computers:
1. since it is made up several units, it has a larger footprint, and it is not portable so
can only be used in one place
2. since it is powered by being plugged into a wall socket, it needs a constant power
supply and therefore can’t be used away from a power supply
3. need surfaces to work on
4. requires extra hardware and software
5. more complicated as components to be hooked up by wiring which also clutters
up desk space
6. due to its lack of portability, files need to be copied onto e.g., a memory stick to
be used elsewhere

1.4.2 Mobile computers

Laptop:
Laptop: is a type of computer where all elements are in one unit
Advantages of using a laptop computer compared to other computers:
1. All elements are together in one unit therefore there are less items to lose, it has
no trailing wires, takes up less space and has a smaller footprint
1. They are portable and so can be used in more places than a desktop
 2. Lower power consumption than a desktop
3. Uses battery power so can be used in more places
4. Larger screen and keyboard than e.g., a smartphone
5. can use external devices to store data
6. more memory
7. has a more powerful processor than a smartphone
8. The software in a laptop tends to be more compatible with a PC therefore easier
to transfer files
9. Its portability allows it to take full advantage of Wi-Fi features and link into any
multimedia system
10. Lightweight
Disadvantages of using a laptop compared to other computers:
1. Since they are portable, they are more likely to be stolen, lost or damaged
2. Limited battery life so more likely to run out of power
3. Pointing devices and in-built webcams can be more difficult to use
4. If one piece of hardware breaks it can be more difficult to replace
5. Slower switch on than a smartphone or tablet as the operating system needs to
load
6. If screen is a touch screen, it will be harder to use it as the keyboard is in the way
7. susceptible to viruses
8. harder to use on the move as it needs to be on a flat surface
9. not always upgradable

Smartphones:
Advantages of using smartphones compared to other computers:
1. Lightweight and small in size therefore can fit in in your pocket making it more
portable so it can be used in more places
2. More likely to always have the smartphone with you
3. Easier to receive and make phone calls on the move with more of a chance of
retaining the signal
4. Less power consumption
5. have integral (built in) devices, so you don’t need a separate
camera/keyboard/etc.
6. can use 3G/4G/5G communications link and connect to the internet on the move
7. battery powered and has a longer battery life
8. The position of the built in camera is better than the webcam on a laptop
9. Can easily be used as a Dictaphone/microphone
Disadvantages of using smartphones compared to other computers:
1. have more chance of being damaged/stolen as they are portable
2. screen is smaller making it difficult to read
3. difficult and slower to type using a small, virtual keyboard leading to more errors
in typing
4. Data cannot be saved to an external device therefore needs connectivity to Wi-Fi
or data network
 5. Not all software and website features are compatible with a smartphones
operating system
6. Less memory compared to a laptop/desktop

Tablets:
Advantages of using tablets compared to other computers:
1. Lighter and smaller so it is portable so can be used in more places and internet
connection may be better
2. Faster switch on compared to a laptop or desktop as the operating system does
not need to load
3. Does not generate as much heat
4. Battery life tends to last longer
5. Touch screen makes it simple to use
6. Remains connected to the internet when switched off so alerts can still be heard
when a message/email/etc... is received
Disadvantages of using tablets compared to other computers:
1. Can be more expensive to purchase and expensive to run if the internet is
accessed by mobile data networks
2. screen is smaller making it difficult to read
3. difficult and slower to type using a small, virtual keyboard leading to more errors
in typing
4. Not all software and website features are compatible with a tablets operating
system
5. Portable so are easier to steal, lose, or be damaged
6. Less standard ports/sockets compared to desktop
7. Limited memory

Phablet:
Advantages
1. A phablet has a larger screen size, so it is easier to read the text/navigate/click
on icons/type/edit text and more people can view at the same time
2. Better control over the layout of the screen
3. The onscreen keyboard is larger making it easier to enter the data
4. Easier to connect devices onto a phablet
Disadvantages
1. Less portable than a smartphone
2. More difficult to record audio messages due to its size
3. If cameras are to be used, then it is easier to use a camera with a smartphone
4. people are more likely to have smartphones with them

Smartwatch:
A smartwatch is a wearable computer
Advantages of using a smartwatch compared to other computers:
1. More accessible/portable as it is on the wrist
2. Less chance of being lost/stolen/forgotten
3. Less chance of it being dropped as it is fastened to the wrist
 4. Can access simple apps easier for example heart rate/timer
5. More discreet than a phone for checking email / notifications
6. Can monitor fitness and health easily
Disadvantages of using a smartwatch compared to other computers:
1. Smaller screen size therefore difficult to see
2. More difficult to enter the data
3. More difficult to access detailed apps for example, email
4. Sunlight can make the device unreadable
5. Problems with battery failure / empty battery
6. large and bulky which can make them uncomfortable to wear and unattractive in
design

Uses:
Desktop and laptop computers:
1. office and business work
2. educational use
3. gaming device
4. general entertainment
5. control and monitoring
Smartphones, Tablets, and phablets:
1. search the internet 9. Remotely control devices
2. GPS 10. VOIP
3. Telephone/internet banking 11. Social networking
4. Make/receive phone calls 12. Calendar functions
5. Text/Instant messaging (SMS) 13. Bluetooth to share files
6. Streaming of music and videos 14. Gaming
7. Taking photos and videos 15. Office and business management
8. Sending and receiving emails 16. Education

Characteristics:
Smartphone:
1. Connectivity – can connect using Wi-Fi/3G/4G/5G/Bluetooth/NFC
2. Touch screen technology
3. Front- and back -facing Camera Technology
4. Responds to physical world using sensors
5. GPS/Sat nav
6. Audio technology
7. Messaging technology
8. High-definition, anti-glare displays
9. Lightweight with longer battery life
Tablet:
1. Screens tend to be anti-glare
2. Uses touch screen
 3. Front and back facing cameras
4. Has a built in battery
5. Lightweight
6. Uses Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/3G/4G/5G
7. Uses solid state memory
8. Uses an onscreen, virtual keyboard
9. Portable
10. Small footprint

Laptop:
1. Lightweight
2. Low power consumption
3. Low heat output
Phablet:
1. Smartphone and tablet hybrid
2. A tablet that functions as a smartphone
3. It is a device that has the features/properties of a smartphone/tablet computer
4. The device size is in between a smartphone and a tablet

1.5 Emerging technologies

1.5.1 Impact of emerging technologies
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Positive impacts of AI:
1. Improvements in safety 4. Autonomous vehicles
2. Improvements in quality 5. Faster development of products
3. Improvements in technology
Negative impacts of AI:
1. Can lead to job losses and unemployment
2. Can lead to deskilling
3. dependency on technology and suspicion that machines are taking over

Extended reality (XR)

Extended reality: Mixture of Virtual reality and Augmented reality which combines and
allows seamless interaction between the real/physical world with digital world

Augmented reality (AR):

 It is a computer-generated addition/supplement to the real world in real time
where reality is modified by being overlaid with digital details/elements
(virtual/artificial information) such as images, text, and animation
 The user is not isolated from the real world and is still able to interact with and
see what is going on in front of them
  The user can experience AR through special goggles or via
smartphone/phablet/tablet screens

Uses of AR:
1 Gathering information
- about a building / painting / products/etc.…

2 As a direction finder
- By giving information about the area you are moving in
- By helping you find your way in an airport / railway station / shopping mall
etc.

3 Visualize what something will look like in real life

- used by archeologists, architects, and interior designers
- shopping and retail to try on makeup and clothes

4 Facial recognition
- Used by the police to recognize suspects

5 Safety and rescue operations

- by firefighters to train as they can experience a range of scenarios for training
and interact with others doing the same training
- by a rescue team to try out rescue procedures before doing the real thing

6 Healthcare
- project remote surgeons’ hands into real operation
- to show nurses/doctors where arteries and veins are in body
- to allow users/students to manipulate a skeletal model

Virtual Reality (VR)

 It is Three-dimensional, computer generated, replicated environment that can be
explored and interacted with by a person in a real or physical way where they
can manipulate objects or perform a series of actions
 Makes use of the sensory experience as the equipment is fitted with sensors
 The user is completely isolated from the real world and is fully immersed in the
simulated world
 It can be experienced by:
- head mounted displays
- VR headset/goggles
 Additional devices that can be used:
 - Steering wheel - microphone
- Large - Pressure mats
monitor/screen/projector - Data/tactile gloves
- Speakers/headphones - Pedals/paddles
- joystick - Cameras
- Tracking balls - Motion sensors
- Treadmill

Uses of VR:
1 Military applications
- Battlefield/combat simulation
2 Education
- Virtual tours of e.g., an ancient building
3 Healthcare
- Medical training
4 Entertainment
- Virtual theme parks
- Gaming
5 Fashion
- Design of sports clothing
6 Heritage
- Virtual museums
7 Business
- Walkthroughs and training courses
8 Engineering
- Bridge designs
9 Sport
- Training for improvement
10 Media
- Interactive special effects
11 Scientific visualization
- Part of a molecular structure in chemistry or cell in biology
12 training
- flight simulations
- driving simulations
Chapter 2: Input and output devices
2.1 Input devices and their uses
2.1.1 Keyboards
Uses:
1. entering data manually
2. typing in commands to a computer
Advantages:
1. it is a quick, easy, and well-known method of entering data into a computer
2. easier to carry out verification checks on data entered
3. can be replaced easily if damaged
4. less error prone as it is fairly large
Disadvantages:
1. difficult to use for people with certain physical disabilities
2. slower method than direct data entry
3. large, so takes up desk space (has a large footprint)
4. can lead ailments such as RSI

2.1.2 Numeric Keypads

Used for inputting numeric data into:
1. ATMs
2. POS terminals
3. Chip and PIN devices
4. Mobile phones
Advantages:
1. Faster input method
2. Easy to use as there are fewer keys
3. Easy to carry around as most are small
Disadvantages:
1. Keys can be small making input difficult and error-prone
2. Order of numbers is not aways intuitive
2.1.3 Pointing devices
Mouse:
Used to control the position of an on-screen pointer to do almost anything,
including:
1. Opening closing and minimizing software and files
2. Selecting from a menu
3. Clicking icons
Advantages:
1. Easier and faster method of choosing options and navigating through
applications
2. Needs only a small amount of desk space (small footprint)
Disadvantages:
1. Difficult to use by people with certain physical disabilities
2. Can lead to injuries such as RSI
3. Easy to damage
4. Some surfaces don’t work well and it needs a flat surface

Touchpad:
Sames uses as those of a mouse
Advantages:
1. Since it is integrated into the laptop you do not need to carry around a mouse
with you
2. Same as those of a mouse
Disadvantages:
1. Can be difficult to use for people with certain physical disabilities
2. Can be more difficult to control the pointer compared to a normal mouse making
certain operations such as drag and drop difficult to do

Trackerball:
Uses:
1. Used in control rooms where desk space is needed and where it is faster and has
more accurate control than a mouse
2. As an alternative for people with RSI
3. In luxury cars to select functions
Advantages:
1. Easier to use
2. More accurate positioning of the pointer
3. More robust than a mouse
4. Doesn’t need a special surface
 5. Needs less desk space
6. Less prone at causing RSI
Disadvantages:
1. More expensive
2. User may need training as it is a less well-known pointing device

2.1.4 Remote control

Used to control:
1. TV Channels and Menu options
2. Multimedia Systems
3. Industrial applications
Advantages:
1. Easy to use
2. Can operate from a reasonable distance
Disadvantages:
1. Signal could be blocked by obstacle or walls
2. Easy to lose
3. Batteries need replacing on a regular basis
4. Difficult to use if the operator has limited hand/wrist movement

2.1.5 Joysticks and driving wheels

Uses:
1. Video/computer games
2. Simulators
Advantages:
1. Easier and more accurate than a keyboard or a mouse to navigate the screen
2. Control is more realistic than a mouse in games and simulations
Disadvantages:
1. More difficult to control the on-screen pointer than a mouse as the movements
can be too sensitive
2. Doesn’t allow any feedback during a simulation
3. Can be more expensive

2.1.6 Touch screens

Uses:
1. ATMs
2. POS terminals
3. Public information systems
4. Mobile phones and tablets
5. Interactive whiteboards
6. Computer based training
Advantages:
1. Faster, easier, and more user-friendly method of data entry
 2. Can expand the size of the screen by zooming and pinching
3. Improved hand eye coordination
4. Easier to clean and keep clean as the screen is glass

Disadvantages:
1. Limited number of options available
2. Can get dirty quickly if not cleaned on a regular basis
3. Large fingers could mis-key data therefore more errors on data entry
4. If the screen is damaged or scratched, you can no longer enter data as it can
malfunction

2.1.7 Scanners
Uses:
1. Scanning in paper documents and photos to be saved in electronic format
2. Archiving of old manuscripts
3. Scan barcodes at a POS
Advantages:
1. Captures image in more detail
2. Can recover damaged documents and photos b making a copy after scanning
3. Images for editing later
4. When used with OCR it is much faster and more accurate than typing in
5. When text is converted into electronic format it can be manipulated
6. When used to read barcodes it becomes a DDE device
Disadvantages:
1. Quality depends on the resolution of the scanner
2. Scanning is a slow process
3. If barcode being scanned is damaged then the scanner can read it and a backup
input method is needed

2.1.8 Digital cameras

Uses:
1. Taking photographs or videos
2. A data capture device
3. In dentistry to photograph teeth for later dental work
4. Creation of virtual tours around buildings, industrial plants and so on
Advantages:
1. Can take many high-quality photos
2. Easy and fast to store photos on another device or in the cloud
3. No need to develop photos
4. Portable
5. Fast data capture
Disadvantages:
1. Need to be computer literate to use digital cameras effectively
 2. Some artistry is lost as brightness, sharpness, exposure, etc... can all be altered
by software later on
3. Compression of images when being stored can lead to loss of quality
4. Keystone effect

2.1.9 Microphones
Uses:
1. Input speech and sound into various applications
2. As sensor to pickup sounds
3. In videoconferencing
4. Input device to be used with dialogue-based interface and voice recognition
software for people with disabilities
Advantages:
1. A fast input method and useful for people with disabilities
2. Possible to manipulate sounds in real time
3. Can be used in voice activation systems to improve safety
Disadvantages:
1. Sound files can take up a lot of space unless they are compressed
2. In voice recognition software, verbal input can be inaccurate
3. In voice activation you must learn the exact key words to make sure function of
the system do not activate by accident

2.1.10 Sensors
Uses:
1. Measure physical data from the environment and send it back to a computer
using a wide range of different sensors:
- Temperature - Humidity
- Pressure - Ph
- Light - Sound

Advantages:
1. Readings are more accurate than manual methods
2. Readings are taken continuously at consistent time intervals
3. Safer in places hazardous to humans or in severe weather conditions
4. Data gathering is automatic so it can be sent to a computer automatically where
it reads the data more accurately
5. Won’t forget to take a reading and readings can be taken more frequently
6. Multiple variables can be monitored simultaneously
Disadvantages:
1. If the sensors malfunction, incorrect readings can lead to false results which can
be dangerous
2. They can be stolen
3. Most sensors are analogue, so they require an ADC for conversion
2.1.11 Light pens
Uses:
1. Selecting objects on a CRT screen
2. Used with CAD/CAM software on a CRT screen
Advantages:
1. Greater accuracy than touch screens
2. Small
3. Easy to use
Disadvantages:
1. Problems with lag when drawing on screen
2. Only works with CRT monitors
3. Dated technology
4. Not that accurate when drawing

2.2 Direct data entry (DDE) devices

DDE devices are used to input data without the need for much, if any, human
interaction. The data collection and transfer to a computer is done automatically

2.2.1 Card readers

Magnetic stripe readers
It reads information on magnetic stripes found on, for example, the back of credit or
debit cards and is in direct contact with the card
Uses:
1. On credit/debit cards to use at ATMS or POS terminals
2. Security devices to allow entry to buildings, hotel rooms, etc.…
3. Arcade cards
4. Gift cards
Advantages:
1. Faster data entry than using a keyboard or keypad
2. Error-free (no typing)
3. Secure (data isn’t in a human readable format)
4. Is not affected by oil, water, moisture, etc...
5. No moving part so physically robust
6. Prevents access to secure/restricted areas
7. Easily updated
Disadvantages:
1. If magnetic strip gets damaged, data is lost, and information can’t be read
2. Does not work at a distance
3. As data is not human readable this can be a disadvantage in some applications
 4. can cause wear and tear on the cards
5. can be used by anyone as no PIN is needed

Chip and PIN readers

1. The credit/debit card is first inserted into the device and the embedded chip is
read
2. A PIN is then entered that should match the PIN stored on the chip
Uses:
1. To make payments
Advantages:
1. More secure than contactless payments
2. More robust system than magnetic stripe cards
3. The limit on spending is much higher
4. Chip is less likely to be damaged compared to a magnetic stripe
Disadvantages:
1 Fraud – pin could be read by someone watching (shoulder surfing) or fraudulent
machines could copy card details
2 Lack of an upper limit can cause problems if the card is stolen

2.2.2 Radio frequency (RFID) readers

RFID can be either passive or active:
Passive: RFID tags do not have a power supply. They get their power from the
electromagnetic energy transmitted by the RFID reader
Active: RFID tags have their power source, which is usually a battery. This allows them
to broadcast a signal to the reader actively, making them more powerful and capable of
being read from a greater distance
How does RFID technology work:
Passive:
The reader sends out radio signals in a relatively short-range providing a means of
communication with the RFID chip so that it can extract data from the chip. Signals are
sent to the antenna of the tag and then move to the chip providing it with energy so
that it can broadcast information to the reader. A signal is generated and sent back
through the antenna to the reader which interprets the data
Active:
The chip broadcast information to the reader. In the chip, a signal is generated and sent
to the RFID reader through the antennae. The RFID reader receives the signal and
interprets the data. (The tags don't require the reader's signal to activate them, unlike
passive tags)
Uses:
1. Livestock tracking
2. Retail
3. Admission passes
4. Libraries
 5. Security

Advantages of RFID:
1. Faster and more accurate (as it is less likely to be misread) than other methods
such as barcodes
2. Does not need a line of sight and can be read from a distance (further away)
3. Can read multiple RFID at the same time (bulk detection)
4. Greater security as it uses encryption and data cannot be read by eye so more
secure
5. Can store more data
6. Tags can be rewritten so can be reused
7. Tags are more robust
8. Does not need live connection to a database
9. Bidirectional data transfer (allows read and write operations to take place)
10. RFID is contactless therefore has less wear and tear
11. Difficult to copy or alter the data stored
Disadvantages of RFID:
1. Signals may affect other electronic equipment
2. Cost of fitting/maintaining to all items
3. Tag collision
4. Radio waves are easy to jam and interrupt which means the data can’t be read
5. Easy to hack into the data/signals transmitted by the tag and read or change it
6. More expensive and complex
7. Can be easily damaged

2.2.3 Optical mark recognition (OMR)

How does OMR technology work:
A template of the sheet is loaded into the computer and OMR software is used to map
out the X Y coordinates of each lozenge and a value is assigned to each lozenge
OMR sheets are scanned using an optical mark reader: the dedicated scanner device
shines a beam of light onto the form, light is reflected back to sensors, the marks reflect
less light, so sensors identify position (X Y coordinates) of the marks.
Computer compares these with the template and if more than lozenge is filled it
discards the results.
Uses:
1. School registers
2. Lottery
3. Multiple choice examination papers
4. Questionnaires
5. Voting papers

Advantages:
1 Quick and more accurate method of entering data compared to a keyboard and
OCR
 2 Easy for people to complete
Disadvantages:
1 Since it only involves shading in lozenges, information obtained is limited to the
choices given in each question
2 Preprinted, carefully designed, complex forms are required for OMR which can be
expensive
3 Specialized, expensive equipment is required for OMR
4 Has limited uses since it is only suitable for recording one out of a selection of
answers, not suitable for text input
5 If the marks don't fill the space completely or overfill the space/get smudged,
they may not be read correctly
6 If the marks are not in a dark enough pencil they may not be read correctly
7 If more than one lozenge shaded in result is invalidated
8 Examinations could consist of mainly multiple-choice questions changing the
nature of what is being tested

2.2.4 Optical character recognition

How does OCR technology work:
Text will be read by a scanner, then the image will be compared to characters stored on
the computer. Then, it will be converted to text to use with other software
Uses:
1. Utility bills
2. Word processors
3. ANPR
4. identity cards
5. mail
6. passports
Advantages:
1. OCR can be used to make entered text editable
2. OCR is much faster and more accurate than someone manually entering large
amounts of text
3. OCR is cheaper than paying someone to manually enter large amounts of text
4. OCR will read documents consistently whereas humans become tired over time
and mistakes increase
5. Can expand answers in questionaries
Disadvantages:
1. Initial cost of buying a fast-reading optical character reader is expensive
2. With OCR all documents need to be checked over carefully and then manually
corrected
3. OCR has difficulty distinguishing between 1 and I, O and 0 whereas humans can
interpret these from the context, this makes it more prone to errors (not 100%
accurate)
4. OCR can have greater difficulty reading handwriting whereas humans are used to
reading handwriting
5. Needs a complex, specialized equipment
2.2.5 Barcode readers
Uses:
1. POS terminals on products/goods in shops
2. Libraries to keep track of books on loan
3. Safety records of equipment
Advantages:
1. Faster and less error prone than manually typing inn data
2. Allow for automatic stock control
3. Trusted technology
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive
2. Not totally fool proof as they can be altered or swapped
3. More easily damaged, and if damaged, can no longer be successfully scanned

2.2.6 QR code readers

Uses:
1. Advertising
2. Weblinks
3. WIFI authentication
4. Augmented reality
5. Virtual online stores
6. to track stock
Advantages:
1. Can store more data than barcodes
2. Less error prone
3. Easier to read and don’t need special equipment (can be read by a smartphone
camera)
4. Can be encrypted so more secure
5. They can be read from many angles
6. The physical size of the QR can be small therefore takes up less space
7. Can contain information about products links to more information about products
Disadvantages:
1. There is more than one QR code format
2. Can be used to store malicious codes (attagging)

2.3 Output devices and their uses

2.3.1 Monitors
CRT monitors
Used in specialist areas such as CAD where a light pen is used
Advantages:
1. Larger viewing angles
2. Allows the use of light pens
3. Cheaper than other monitors
4. Good resolution
Disadvantages:
1. Heavy and big, so require more desk space
2. Run very hot posing as a fire risk
3. Consume more power
4. Can flicker causing eye problems and headaches

LCD screens
Uses:
1. Main output device for all types of computers
2. Where touch screen is used
Advantages:
1. Very efficient, low power consumption
2. Very lightweight (thin screen) and smaller so less desk space required
3. Don’t suffer from image burn in
4. Don’t suffer from flickering image
5. Sharp image resolution
6. Don’t generate as much heat as CRT monitors
Disadvantages:
1. Inconsistent color and contrast form various viewing angles
2. Can suffer from motion blur
3. Not as good resolution as CRT monitors

LED monitors
Uses:
1. Large outdoor displays
Advantages:
1. No motion lag
2. Energy efficient and low power consumption
3. Have a long life so more reliable
4. Screens can be any size
5. Good color definition and Colors are vivid
6. Screen can be thin
Disadvantages:
1. Contrast ratios are not consistent
2. More expensive
3. Can suffer from color shift due to age and temperature
2.3.2 Touchscreens
Uses:
1. Smartphones and tablets
2. ATMs
3. Ticket collection
4. Information kiosks
Advantages:
1. Faster, easier and less error prone
2. Easy to keep screen clean
3. Allow multitouch functions
4. More creative/intuitive and user-friendly
5. Can expand the size of the display
6. No need for additional buttons and input devices
Disadvantages:
1. Screen can be damaged and dirtied easily
2. Difficult to know if a user’s action has registered
3. Not very good if large amounts of data need to be output

2.3.3 Multimedia projectors

Uses:
1. Training presentations
2. Classrooms
3. Offices
4. Hiem cinema systems
5. Advertising
Advantages:
1. Enables many people to see a presentation
2. Avoids the need for many networked computers as user can gather around only
one screen (one focal point)
3. Space saving
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive to buy and maintain and difficult to set up
2. Images can be fuzzy and resolution not as good quality as other devices
3. A darkened room is needed
4. Need a separate audio system (more costs)
5. Obstacles can affect and block the presentation

2.3.4 Printers
 Impact printers create pictures and figures by hitting a device such as a wheel or
a print hammer against an inked ribbon.
  Non-impact printers create figures and pictures without any connection between
the printing device and the paper.

Laser Printers
It is a type of page printer
Uses:
1. Where high output volumes are needed (school/offices)
2. Where low noise is required
3. Where fast, high quality, high resolution printing is required
4. To print out invoices/letters etc.
Advantages:
1. Fast, high-quality output/printing
2. Relatively quiet
3. Toner lasts for longer time making it cheaper in the long run
4. Can easily handle large print jobs
5. Paper trays have much greater capacity
6. Cheaper to buy than dot matrix
Disadvantages:
1. More expensive to buy and run especially if it’s a color printer
2. Produce harmful ozone gas
3. Larger and heavier than inkjet
4. Only really fast if several copies are being made
5. has limited sizes of paper available
6. is susceptible to break down in oily/dirty conditions
7. needs regularly refilling with paper

Inkjet printers
Uses:
1. Where low output volumes are required (home)
2. Where high quality color printing is required
3. Useful when using an unusual printing medium e.g. cloth
Advantages:
1. Faster and higher quality output than dot matrix printer
2. Relatively quiet compared with dot matrix printer
3. Cheap to buy and start up
4. Smaller in size so takes up less desk space and lighter
 5. Can handle many different types and sizes of paper and other materials
6. Doesn’t produce ozone gas
Disadvantages:
1. Inkjet ink is expensive
2. Ink needs changing regularly on long print runs as it runs out quickly (expensive)
3. Small paper trays
4. Slower printing than laser
5. is susceptible to break down in oily/dirty conditions
6. needs regularly refilling with paper
7. not as durable as laser

Dot matrix printers

Uses:
1. where atmosphere is damp or dirty and their noise is not an issue (e.g. a factory)
2. if the print needs multipart stationery or continuous stationery
3. shop receipts
4. airline tickets
5. wage slips
Advantages:
1. can be used is harsh conditions so it can work in industrial environment without
losing performance
2. uses a ribbon and ink which is far safer than toner which gives off ozone
3. uses multipart stationery therefore carbon copies can be made as it prints
4. Can use continuous stationery therefore less chance of the paper running out
during a print job
5. produces instantaneous copies
6. The ink ribbon lasts longer and is cheaper to buy than an inkjet cartridge, saving
costs
7. When the ink runs out on an inkjet printout is less legible, whereas with a dot
matrix printer the print gets fainter but is still legible
8. Cheap to run and maintain
9. Can produce carbon copies
Disadvantages:
1. Very slow, poor-quality printing
2. Noisy
3. has a more limited character set
4. The cost of a dot matrix printer to buy is far more expensive than a typical inkjet

2.3.5 (Graph) plotters

Uses:
1. Producing architectural drawing and product blueprints
2. Producing engineering drawings
3. Drawing animation characters
4. Print out car designs
Advantages:
1. High quality output
2. Capable of very large printouts
3. Can print on a variety of materials
4. Not expensive to run
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive to buy initially
2. Slow
3. Need a very large physical footprint

2.3.6 3D Printers
How a 3D printer works:
1. A 3D digital copy is made of object and loaded into the software
2. Software slices the model into hundreds of layers
3. 3D printer creates the object layer by layer using plastic/resin
4. The printer binds the layers together
5. Re-printed if necessary
6. The 3D printer prints the final version
Uses:
1. Medicine
2. Fashion and art
3. Construction
4. Making parts for items no longer in production
5. Manufacturing parts
Advantages:
1. Products can be customized easily on request
2. Speed of producing the product is faster than making it by hand and quality is
more consistent
3. Cheaper than making it by hand due to labor costs
4. Parts of equipment that are no longer made can be printed without having to
manufacture them
5. Many copies of the original can be made
6. Printing can be done remotely which saves the original from damage in transit
7. Prototyping can be amended without the need for expensive machine redesign
8. Cost effective for small run/low volume production
9. It reduces the need to store components as they can be ‘printed’ as required/on
demand (save warehouse costs and minimizes waste)

Disadvantages:
1. Limited size of product that can be printed
2. Limited range of raw materials that can be used so materials may not be suitable
for product’s eventual use
3. Copyright issues arise as easier for anyone to print the product if the
designs/blueprints/printing instructions are stolen
 4. Difficult to distinguish between real and fake items as blueprints/instructions and
raw materials are the same
5. Loss of manufacturing/production skills.
6. Printing is a slow process
7. Potential job losses
8. Dangerous items can be more easily created e.g. Knives/guns
9. Useless items produced and thrown away can have an environmental impact
10. Materials and printer are expensive

2.3.7 Speakers
Uses:
1. Video conferencing
2. Computers
3. Playback of music files
Advantages:
1. Can be used wirelessly using Bluetooth technology
2. Sounds can be amplified
3. Useful for people with disabilities
4. Can make a multimedia presentation more interesting
5. Simple and trusted technology
Disadvantages:
1. Can be disturbing in e.g. an office environment
2. For high quality sounds, required speakers are expensive
3. Take up a lot of desk space

2.3.8 Actuators
Uses:
1. To control motors, pumps, switches, buzzers, etc...
2. Allow the computer to control physical devi es that normally require analogue
inputs
Advantages:
1. Allow remote operation of many devices
2. Relatively cheap
Disadvantages:
1. Need DAC if digital devices are sending signals to the actuator
2. An additional device in the system that could go wrong

Chapter 3: Storage devices and

media
Secondary storage
Secondary storage: all nonvolatile devices apart from primary memory that
allow data to be stored permanently to be used again at a later date

Storage medium/media: the hardware on which the data is stored

- storage medium/media can be fixed or removable
Storage device: the hardware used to read from or write to the media

Data transfer rate: rate at which data can be sent from a storage device ⇌ computer
Data access time: time it takes to locate specific data stored on the storage media. i.e.
time it takes to find data

Serial access: data can be only read in the order it was written and you must search
through the files stored one by one until you get to the one you want

e.g. Magnetic tapes

Direct access: files can instantly be accessed without having to search through the files
one by one to get to the one you want

Hard Magneti
CD DVD Blu-Ray
drive c tape

Increase in storage
capacity

3.1 Magnetic media and magnetic storage devices

 This includes:
1. Fixed, portable and removable hard disks
 2. magnetic tape
 Magnetic data is stored using magnetic fields (and so is affected by them)
 Tends to store more data than optical media

3.1.1 Magnetic tape drives

Uses:
1. backup where vast amounts of data is stored
2. batch processing
3. Backups for long-term archiving/storage of data
Advantages:
1. Less expensive per GB of memory
2. Not easily lost, as large in size, and very robust
3. more compact than a portable hard disk for the same memory
4. less prone to data loss and mechanical failure
5. can store very large amounts of data
6. has very fast data transfer rate
7. can be stored well away from the server so in the event of fire it will be secure
Disadvantages:
1. Data access time is slow
2. Affected by magnetic fields
3. has moving parts therefore less robust
4. Read and write is more noisy
5. Less compact than, e.g., a flash memory
6. Harder to transfer to other devices
7. Requires a special reader as it may not work on all computers
8. When updating, another tape is needed to store the final updated version

3.1.2 Hard disk drives (HDD) (magnetic disk)

 are read from and written to using read/write heads
 use direct access
Uses:
1. Storing operating system (as it is too large and would occupy too much ROM),
system software, and working data and files, e.g., videos and music
2. Storing applications software (as it can store large files)
3. Real-time systems
4. File servers for computer networks

Advantages:
1. Store more data than optical media
2. Faster data access time than magnetic tapes
3. Fast data transfer rate
4. Tried and trusted so suitable for websites and cloud servers
5. Less likely to break compared to portable hard disk drives as fixed
 6. make it quicker to restore the system
Disadvantages:
1. likely to spike/Easily damaged
2. Many moving parts so less robust and more likely to fail leading to data loss
3. Read-write operation quite noisy compared to SSD
4. suffer from latency so slower data access time
5. affected by magnetic fields

3.1.3 Portable hard disk drives

Uses:
1. backing up data
2. transferring files between computers
Advantages:
1. can be stored well away from the server so in the event of fire it will be secure
2. Store more data than optical media
3. Faster data access time than magnetic tapes
4. Fast data transfer rate
5. Tried and trusted so suitable for websites and cloud servers
6. make it quicker to restore the system
7. portable
Disadvantages:
3. Easily damaged and more easily than fixed hard disk drives especially if
incorrectly ejected from computer
4. Many moving parts so less robust and more likely to fail leading to data loss
5. Read-write operation quite noisy compared to SSD
6. likely to spike
7. suffer from latency so slower data access time
8. affected by magnetic fields

3.2 Optical media and optical storage devices

store videos, music, files, images, data

Why they are used:

 Companies selling their software/games
 Cheap method of production and quick to access data
  Making personal backups and transferring data from one computer to another
 Cheap to buy, quicker to retrieve data

 Downloading/Copying media such as films/music

 Faster and Easier to access individual scenes/tracks and it is better/higher
quality

3.2.1 CD/DVD optical disks

 Optical data is stored using a red laser light in pits and lands on a spiral track
(written and read using a laser)
 Advantage for all is that they’re Portable however making them easy to lose
 DVDs can store much more data than CDs.
 Can be:
- R: write once only
- RW: written to and read from many times
- ROM: read only

CD-R and DVD-R:

Uses:
CD-R DVD-R
Music/audio (low quality) films
Transferring data from one computer to another
Backup and storing data for later use (save user data)
applications which require a single ‘burning’ of data
Useful for situations where accidental deletion of data is out of question

Advantages:
CD-R DVD-R
Cheaper than RW discs
Once burned, become ROMs making it physically impossible to accidentally delete
important information stored on them

Disadvantages:
CD-R DVD-R
Since it can only be recorded once, if an error is made, the disk has to be
discarded
Not all CD/DVD players can read CD-R and DVD-R formats

CD-RW and DVD-RW:

Uses:
CD-RW DVD-RW
for applications which require the updating of information/record over old data
useful for keeping generations of files
Recording television programs
 CCTV
Backup
Advantages:
CD-RW DVD-RW
Can be reused many times with different file formats
Not as wasteful as R formats as files can be added at a later date
Disadvantages:
CD-RW DVD-RW
Can be expensive
More prone to being overwritten
CD-ROM and DVD-ROM:
Uses:
CD-ROM DVD-ROM
Music/audio (low quality) Movies
Device drivers by film/movie distributors
Computer games
Software applications
Backup in applications which require the prevention of deletion of data
by software companies for distributing software programs and data
Advantages:
CD-ROM DVD-ROM
Less expensive than HDD systems and USBs
Hold more data than CD-ROM so can
store larger applications and videos can
be of higher resolution
Data is permanently stored, an advantage, as it stops data from being overwritten
(Overwriting is a process where new data is written over the existing data in the
same physical space, making the original data inaccessible.)
Disadvantages:
CD-ROM DVD-ROM
Slow data transfer rate and data access time than HDD or SSD
Not robust as they can be easily scratched and damaged
Not possible to change data which isn’t suitable in certain situations

CD-RAM and DVD-RAM:

 Used in computers, camcorders, and other recording equipment
 Same properties as -RW but it has faster data access time and typically last
longer as more durable (however making it more expensive)
 It can be overwritten more easily

3.2.2 Blu-ray discs

 Optical data is stored using a blue laser light in pits and lands on a spiral track
(written and read using a laser)
Uses:
1. To enable large, high definition/quality video files to be recorded
2. Backing up
3. In some camcorders
Advantages:
1. Larger data storage capacity as blue laser light has a shorter wavelength (the
shorter the wavelength, the larger the storage capacity)
2. Come with built-in secure encryption systems
3. Fast data transfer rate and data access time
4. Data cannot be erased/edited
5. As it is on an external device it does not take up internal storage
6. You can have large number of Blu-ray discs therefore more storage
Disadvantages:
1. More expensive than DVD formats
2. Separate player is required so more expensive
3. Not all movie titles available on Blu-ray

3.3 Solid-state media and solid-state storage

devices
 are read from and written to using semiconductor chips
 use direct access
 do not suffer from latency
 nonvolatile, rewritable storage media

3.3.1 Solid-state drives (SSD)

Uses:
1. backing storge in laptops and other devices where their size makes
2. store videos, music, files, images, data
3. storing operating system as it will run faster

Advantages:
1. do not have to get up to speed before they work so startup is faster
2. SSDs consume less power than HDD so conserves battery power (more efficient)
3. Reduces the weight of devices as SSD is lighter
4. Makes devices more compact as they’re thin (due to having no moving parts)
5. very fast data access time and data transfer rate (the fastest)
6. generate less heat (run cooler)
7. more reliable and robust as no moving parts
8. The user retains control over the data stored
9. Greater security as data is always with you
 10. After the initial cost of the laptop there is nothing else to pay for storage (unlike
with cloud)
Disadvantages:
1. They tend to have a more limited number of read and writes
2. More expensive per Gb than HDD
3. Data can only be accessed on the laptop if laptop breaks there is no access

3.3.2 Pen drives/memory sticks

Uses:
1. So that users can transfer data from one computer to another
2. to backup
3. security dongle
Advantages:
1. more robust as no moving parts
2. small so more portable and can be more easily carried
3. Use less power
4. Have faster data access and data transfer times
5. stores a lot of data (large capacity)
6. work on most computer systems as most have a USB port and there is no need
for additional software
7. Finding/restoring data from a pen drive is easy
Disadvantages:
1. small and can easily be lost
2. can be overwritten/edited/data erased as you cant protect files by making it
‘read only’
3. can be damaged if removed incorrectly

3.3.4 Memory cards

 of 3 different types:
- XD card: removable memory card that can be written to and read from,
designed for use in digital cameras
- SD cards: a very small card with a very high-capacity memory used in
portable devices
- Cfast cards: cards that allow solid state technology to be used in a very
small portable device. It has no moving parts and uses as a removable
memory for higher end digital photo and video cameras
Uses:
1. To store files on digital cameras, mobile phones, and mp3 players
2. Backing store
Advantages:
1. Very small and compact so easy to remove and place in other devices/
transferring files
2. Robust
3. Hold large amount of data
4. And be written to and read from digital devices
Disadvantages:
1. expensive per GB compared to HDD and have lower storage capacity
2. Very small so easy to be lost/stolen/damaged
3. Not all computers have memory card readers built in
4. Limited number of read/write operations

Backup
 Backing up means making one or more copies of your data in a different storage
medium
 Backup: It is a copy of data, leaving the original intact, that is stored away from
the original in a different storage medium

Why is backup done:

Data on the original medium can be accidentally or maliciously corrupted, edited,
overwritten or deleted

How are backups created:

Personal Backups:
 Burning files to a CD-R
 Copying files to an external hard drive
 Copying files to a USB
 Copying files to another computer on a network

Business Backups:
 Making copies of data very regularly (daily)
 Using large capacity media such as magnetic tape
 Keeping old copies of backups just in case
 Automating the system so that no one forgets to backup
 Keeping backup media off-site in case if fire or theft

Chapter 4: Networks and the effects
of using them
4.1 Networks
4.1.1 Common network devices and terms
 A network connects computers and digital devices together and allows them to
share data and resources.
 It also allows:
- Computer to computer communication
- Computers communicating with devices
- Mobile phone networks
- Smart televisions
- Downloading videos and music

Network types:
Local area network (LAN):
 A type of cabled network used to connect computers together in a small area
(covers a small area)
 e.g. a school network in a building
Advantages:
1. it allows resources such as files, printers, games, and other software application
to be shared by the computers in the network
2. allows easy communication between users of the LAN
3. network administrator ensures security, and monitors the LAN
Disadvantages:
1. easier spread of viruses
2. queues can form for shared resources
3. slower access to external networks such as the internet
4. if the main server breaks down, network won’t work properly

Wireless local area network (WLAN):

 a type of wireless network that connects computers together and uses wireless
technology to transmit data using radio signals by using Wireless Access Points
(WAPs) connected to a wired network
 computers communicate via WIFI

Advantages:
1. WLAN is wireless so relatively easy to connect to portable devices and
add/change devices
 2. Reduced cost of cabling
3. Safer – won’t trip over wires
4. Makes the computer portable as long as it’s within range of the wireless access
point

Disadvantages:
1. WLAN has a limited range as signal strength can diminish the further away from
the access point so limited transmission distance
2. more prone to hacking than cabled systems so less security
3. susceptible to interference from another radio signals
4. signals are affected by walls/obstacles
5. Slower transfer rates

Wide area network (WAN):

 A type of network that tends to use satellite technology to connect LANS
together. It consists of connected LANs to cover a large geographical
area/worldwide
 The Internet is a WAN

Network devices
Network interface card (NIC):
 An NIC is needed to allow a device to connect to a network
 Each NIC is given a unique hardwired media access control (MAC) address which
uniquely identifies it

Media access control (MAC) address:

A hexadecimal number that uniquely identifies a device (AKA physical address)

Internet protocol (IP) address:

Internet Protocol address is an address assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) to
a device when it connects to a network that uniquely identifies it and can determine the
electronic and physical location of the device. each device connected to a network uses
a different IP address

Internet service provider (ISP):

The internet service provider is a company that provides internet access, usually
broadband, and can also provide:
1. web space to create own website
2. email address
3. Router to connect to the internet
4. Domain name to have own website
5. Storage space to save data in the cloud
6. DNS service to convert URLs to IP addresses
7. Firewall to block unauthorized traffic

Data packets:
 Data sent is split up into data packets which will be transmitted separately and
joined up in the end, so the message is complete
  A packet consists of 3 parts:
- Header: contains the IP addresses of the source/sender and
destination/receiver, the position of the packet in the complete message,
the size of the packet and how many make up the whole message
- Body: contains part of the complete message
- Footer: informs the receiver that it has reached the end of the packet and
for error checking to make sure the packet was delivered intact

Hubs:
 A Hub connects devices to form a LAN and broadcasts data packets received to
all computers in a LAN
 How it works:
All computers on the network are plugged into a port on the hub using a cable.
Hubs are ‘dumb and can’t learn the addresses of the different devices and so
when a message is received through the cables from one of the computers, it
transmits it to all other computers not only the one its intended for, making it
less secure and creating network traffic resulting in slower data transmission
speed
 They only allow one device at a time to transmit messages

Switch:
 A switch connects devices to form a LAN and directs data packets received to
specific computers
 How it works:
All computers on the network are plugged into a port on the switch using a cable.
Switches are ‘smart’ so when a data packet is received it directs it only to the
intended computers by reading the destination addresses. They can do this
because they can build up a table called a lookup table of all the MAC addresses
on the network. This makes it more secure and has less network traffic so faster
data transmission speed.
 Switches can send and receive data at the same time so are faster than hubs

Bridges:
 A bridge connects two LANs that use the same protocol together to function as a
larger, single LAN and directs data packets to specific networks
 Has only two ports

 A bridge can’t communicate with external networks, like the internet

 Hubs and switches are used to exchange data within their LANs and are unable to
exchange data with external networks, like the internet, because in order to do this,
the device has to be able to read the IP address, which a router can do.

4.1.2 Routers:
 A router connects networks with different protocols and has more than one port
Functions:
1. Connecting networks and devices to the internet:
 - Connects a LAN to a WAN (the internet)

2. Storing computer addresses in a router

- Using a routing table which is stored on the routers RAM and used to
determine where data packets will be directed as it stores IP addresses
(stores route information)

3. Routing data packets

- The router receives the data packet which contains the destination/IP address.
The router looks at the destination/IP address in the packet and uses its routing
table to compare the destination address in the packet with the addresses in its
routing table. It will determine the best/quickest route and the data packet is
sent to the appropriate/next switch/router

4.1.3 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

 Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use wireless communications and radio waves of different
frequencies for communication to allow several devices to be connected
 Both use security when sending data

Wi-Fi: