Theory Notes

The difference between RAM and ROM

RAM ROM
• It stands for random access memory • It stands for read only memory
• RAM is volatile, the memory is • ROM is non-volatile, the memory is
temporary permanent
• It can be changed, upgraded or • It cannot be changed by users.
expanded by the user

The CPU
It is the central processing unit; it is used to process the information or instructions given to the
computer. The speed of CPU is measured in gigahertz.

SOFTWARE
Refers to applications and programs that run on a device.

Software installation

Portable storage media- software can be installed from a portable storage media such as a CD
Internet download- software can be downloaded to a device from the internet.

File management
Files can be saved in the computer according to their types. Different programs have different icons
and extensions, used to easily identify what type of file it is.

Properties
File properties such as size, date and type can be checked by right clicking on a file and choosing file
properties.

File attributes
Read only files- these files cannot be edited; you can only read them. Only the creator can edit the
files.
Hidden files- these are files that have been hidden. Only the creator can edit the files, these are
files that have been hidden from other people, only the person who created the file can access it.

Import- refers to taking/importing a file from a different application in to another application, e.g.
importing from excel to access.

Export- refers to taking/ exporting/saving a file in an application to/using another application, e.g.
exporting access document to a word document.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
These are software’s that the computer cannot function without, such as the operating system.

Using system utilities, we can install and uninstall software, we can back up our files and protect
our data.

Disk scanner- a software that thoroughly checks storage devices for possible issues and helps users
fix such issues or at least backup their data before it’s too late.

Defragmentation- also known as defrag, is the process of rearranging the data on a storage
medium, such as a hard disk drive. Defragging a hard drive can improve a computer’s performance
and speed.

THE OPERATING SYSTEM

This is a software that manages the computer hardware and software resources, e.g. IOS, Windows,
Android.

The functions of the operating system

• It provides a user interface
• Manages security with the use of passwords and usernames
• It manages all the hardware and software on the computer.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Refers to programs that performs a specific task for us as users, e.g. Ms Word

Compatibility issues
• Application software is designed to work on specific operating systems.
• Application software also needs specific hardware to work.

If specific hardware or software is not present, the application will not function.

Communication software
A program designed to pass information from one system to another, e.g. E-mail

Multimedia software
Refers to programs that allow users to handle different types of media content, e.g. VLC
Versions, patches and service packs
• Problems in applications are called software bugs.
• Small updates published to fix software bugs are called patches.
• Service packs include all patches and updates released up to a point.
• When applications are updated and new features are added the new release is called a new
version.

Updating software
• Can be updated using an online update and an offline update.
• On-line updates are done from the Internet.
• Off-line updates are downloaded or received on a storage medium and installed.

Online applications
• Applications hosted on websites are called online applications.
• No application install is needed.
• e.g. google docs

Software for physically challenged users

Software that is used to aid accessibility using specific software, e.g. text recognition

EXPLORING WEB APPLICATIONS:

BLOGS

• A blog is a web log.

• It can be in the form of a personal online diary.
• New posts are made and published in chronological order.

Uses
Blogs can be used as a personal diary, advertising new products, special interests, such as a chess
club.

Advantages and disadvantages of blogs:

• Everybody can offer their opinion.
• Wide variety of readers around the world.
• Some blogs are vague and difficult to read.
• Not everyone can write good enough to be interesting.

Good practices:
• Readers must be interested and come back to read more.
• Blogs must be updated regularly.
• Post must be kept short.
Types of digital communication
Digital communication is the way computing devices talk to each other and relies on sets of rules
called protocols.

Voice over Internet Protocol

Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) uses software to convert a voice signal into a digital signal and
transmit it over an IP network. The software can be downloaded from the Internet free. VoIP means
a long-distance phone call does not have to cost money.

File transfer protocol (FTP)

FTP stands for file transfer protocol. FTP is a standard protocol used to transfer files from one host to
another over the Internet. FTP is built into most web browsers. A download from the Internet is
generally controlled by FTP.

Video conferencing
A video conference allows people in two or more locations to interact via video and audio
transmissions. It is useful when it is not possible to have face-to-face meetings with people and
phone calls or e-mail are inadequate.

Chat rooms
A chat room is a form of conferencing in which people chat to each other in a virtual room. A chat
room can be text-based or it can be a multimedia environment with graphics and sound.

RSS aggregator
An RSS aggregator is a software application that keeps track of changes made to websites by
checking RSS feeds. An RSS feed is a service designed to deliver regularly updated web content to
subscribers. To use it, you must subscribe to the service and have the RSS aggregator software.

Overview of online services

Online stores
Just about anything can be bought online, from books and groceries to motor cars and holidays.
Payment methods will depend on what the seller will accept.

Online banking or e-banking

All the major banks offer online banking. Registration is quick and may be possible online, depending
on the bank.

Bookings and reservations

Reservations and bookings for hotel rooms, car hire, theatre tickets, movie and airline tickets, can all
be done online.
E-commerce or online transactions
Online shopping is also called e-commerce and online banking is called e-banking. The e stands for
electronic.

Social websites
A social website is a website that allows users to establish social relations with people who share
interests and activities.

Advantages and disadvantages social websites

• scams and harassment, such as online stalking
• the amount of time spent online reading all the posts and news.

Good practices for social networking

It is good practice to be careful about what personal information you give to people you meet
online.

Overview of mobile Internet access

Mobile Internet access is already in great demand and the demand is growing. This demand has seen
new ICT standards being set and new hardware and software being released. At the same time,
faster speeds and more stable wireless connectivity are becoming available.

Portable and mobile – 3G

3G refers to the third generation of mobile phone communication standards.

Important services standardised in 3G include:

• mobile Internet access

• mobile video calls
• mobile television.

Wi-Fi hotspots, WiMAX, Bluetooth

• They are all wireless communication standards. All of them are proprietary, meaning that
they are privately owned trademarks.
• A wireless access point is called a hotspot. A Wi-Fi hotspot has an operative range of about
20 metres indoors, but a greater range outdoors. Hotspots may be found in coffee shops and
other public areas, such as airports and some hotels.

WiMAX
• is the first of the 4G wireless technologies. WiMAX is based on microwave access.
• 4G is the fourth generation of standards for wireless connections. 4G is faster than 3G, has a
greater operating distance and guarantees your connection once it is made.
• As such, it has the potential to replace Wi-Fi as the preferred choice for high-speed wireless
Internet access.
Advantages and disadvantages of WiMAX
Advantages Disadvantages
Speed is 10 times faster than Wi-Fi Expensive to install and operate
Range is between 10 and 100 times WiMAX is competing against an established
further than Wi-Fi technology

Bluetooth
• commonly used for exchanging data over short distances using short wavelength radio
transmissions.
• Bluetooth works from both fixed and mobile devices and can create a personal area network
(PAN) with high levels of security.
• When two Bluetooth enabled devices connect to each other, it is called pairing.

Limitations of fixed Internet access

The main limitation of fixed Internet access is that it is not mobile.

Although this does not suit people who want Internet access on the move, fixed Internet access
offers better connectivity and greater speed. Speeds for fixed Internet access are 10 times faster
than speeds for mobile Internet access.

Table Head Wireless and cable connections compared

Connection Speed Range Comments and uses

Bluetooth 1 Mbps 10 metres Up to 100 metres for industrial use

Wi-Fi – 3G 10 Mbps 20 metres indoors 3G commonly used in mobile devices

WiMAX – 4G 100 Mbps 6 km to 12 km 1 Gbps for walking or stationary users

Cable 10 Gbps As far as the cable In late 2011, two 100 Gbps fibre optic
runs, including networks were launched in the USA
undersea cables

Cellular data service

• A cellular data service is the ability to send and receive data over a cellular telephone
network. This is an important part of filling the demand for mobile Internet access.

Cell phone as a modem

• Mobile phones can be used as modems to provide a wireless connection to a network. The
mobile phone provides a link between the cellular service provider’s data network and the
computer.

Browser and e-mail software

• A mobile browser is a web browser designed for use on a mobile device, such as a cell
phone.
 • Modern cell phones and smart phones usually come with web browser and e-mail software
as part of the operating system.

4IR
• Fourth industrial revolution describes rapid technological advancement in the 21st century,
in which disruptive technologies and trends such as the internet of things, virtual reality are
changing the way modern people live and work.

5IR
• The 5IR is all about humans and machines working together. 5IR uses advanced technologies
like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and the internet of things (IOT) to boost what humans
can do and create a more personalised and friendly work environment.