Compiled by: Fatima Rizwan

Chapter 1(Hardware and Software)

Hardware: These are the physical components that make up a

computer system. They can be internal or external.
External:
• Monitor
• Printer
• Mouse
• Keyboard

Internal:
• RAM (Random access memory)
• ROM (Read only memory)
• Motherboard
• Video Card
• Sound Card
• Internal storage devices: SSD (solid state drive), HDD (hard
disk drive)
• Network interface card
Software: These are the programs that control computer
system. Set of instructions that make the computer system do
something. There are 2 types of software:
• Application Software: Programs that allow the user to do
specific tasks.

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• System Software: Programs that allow the hardware to

run properly and the user to communicate with the
computer.

Note: Graphics card/video card

Central Processing Unit (CPU): It is the part of the computer
that interprets and executes the commands from the computer
hardware or software. It is normally the part of computer
motherboard. It is also known as Microprocessor.
It consists of:
• Control Unit: it controls input and output devices

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• ALU (arithmetic and logic unit) : It carries out calculations

and makes logical decisions
• RAM
There are 2 types of Processors:
❖ Pinned processor
❖ Pin less processor
Make sure to place the processor carefully to avoid
destroying its pins.
ROM contains some coding known as boot file.
Boot file: This code tells the computer what to do when it
first starts up, it is often referred as BIOS (basic input/
output system). It checks if all devices are present and are
functional. Then it loads the operating system into the RAM.
BIOS stores date, time and system configuration in a non-
volatile chip called CMOS ( complementary metal oxide
semiconductor)
Internal Computer Hardware:
1- Motherboard: It is the circuit board which is connected to
the main components of the computer system. It allows
the processor and the other computer hardware to
function and communicate with each other.
2- Video Card( connected to motherboard) : They allow the
computer to send graphical information to a video display

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device such as monitor, television or projector etc. It

consists of:
• Processing unit
• Cooling mechanism
• Memory unit(RAM)
• Connections to display unit such as projector

3- Sound card: It is connected to the motherboard and allows

the computer to input, process and deliver sound.
4- HDD OR SSD: It is the computers main internal storage
where application software, operating system and files like
photos/Music etc are stored.
5- RAM: It is a volatile memory which could store data as
long as the power is supplied.
6- ROM: It is a non-volatile memory which could retain data
even if the power is switched off.
7-Network interface card (NIC): A network interface card
(NIC) is a component that allows a computer or any other
device (for example, a printer) to be connected to a network
(for example, the internet); it can be wired or wireless
Differences in RAM and ROM(Main/primary/memory /
storage):
RAM:
✓ Data stored in RAM can be altered
✓ Computer performs faster with RAM

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✓ It stands for Random Access Memory

ROM:
✓ Data stored in Ram can only be read
✓ It stores instructions which tells the computer how to
start up
✓ It stands for Read Only Memory
Advantages of SSD over HDD:
✓ SSD is lighter than HDD so laptop can be lighter as well as
easily portable
✓ SSD has more speed of data transfer
✓ SSD uses less energy
✓ The speed of access of SSD is more
✓ SSD has less chance of impact damage

➢ Integrated for example sound card means that they are

attached with the motherboard.
➢ PCIe slots are present in the motherboard so that if any
integrated ports are damaged then they can be put in the
PCIe slots like soundcards.
Peripheral Devices: These are the devices that our externally
connected with the computer.
Examples of Application Software:
1. Word Processor: It is a software used to make reports,
school essays etc.

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• Page Layout
• Copy/ Pasting
• Inserting images
• Cropping etc
2. Spreadsheets: It is used to create, organize and
manipulate numeric data.
• Creating graphs
• Formatting to cells
• Different calculations like countif, averageif if, sumif,
vlookup etc
3. Database: It is used to create, organize, and manipulate
data using fields and records. Row is called RECORD and
column is called FIELD.
• Creating Table
• Running queries
• Creating reports
4. Photo-Editing: It allows to edit digital photographs.
• Contrast/ Brightness
• Brush tools
• Filter tools
5. Video-Editing: It is used to format and edit videos using
different tools.
• Inserting audios
• Trimming videos
• Transition between the clips

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6. Graphics manipulation software: It is used to create and

edit vector and bitmap images.
• Pixels in bitmap images can be changed to
produce a different image.
• Vector images use: 1- Lines 2-Curves 3- Text

7. Control and Measuring Software: It is responsible for

changing physical conditions in the environment.
✓ Measuring:
• Sensor is used to take reading which is processed by the
computer or microprocessor.
✓ Control Software:
• It is used to compare the sensor reading with the pre-set
value and then decide the output for ex to increase or
decrease heat in greenhouse gas.

8. Apps: Apps are the software which runs on mobile

phones. They usually come with the phone or can be
downloaded and updated.
• Games (Angry Birds)
• Video/Music Streaming (YouTube)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Communication (Whats App, Viber)
• Camera (Editing images)
• GPS (Satellite navigation
• Health/ Fitness

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9- Applets are small applications that perform a single task

on a device (they are usually embedded in an HTML page on
a website and can be executed from within a browser)
10- Computer-aided design (CAD) software: This is software
used to help in the creation, manipulation, modification and
analysis of a drawing/design. It can be used to produce 2D or
3D diagrams which:
• can be rotated to view the drawing from any angle
• can produce full dimensions

System Software:
1- Compiler: It is a computer program that translates High
level Language (HLL) into a machine code that is
understood by the computer to perform the required task.
The original program is the source code and the code after
compilation is the object code. Once the program is
compiled, machine code can be used again and again to
perform the same task without recompilation. Examples
include Java, Python, C++.
2- Linker: It combines the object files produced by the
compiler into a single program.
ADV: It simplifies the programming task by allowing the
program to be broken into small and more manageable
tasks.

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3- Device Driver: It allows the hardware devices to run on

computer like printer, network cards etc. Al hardware
devices connected to a computer have associated drivers.
As soon as a device is plugged into the USB port of
computer, the operating system looks for appropriate
driver. An error message will be produced if it cant be
found. Examples of drivers include printers, memory
sticks, mouse, CD drivers etc.

4- Utilities: These are the programs that manage, maintain

and control computer resources. Like:
• Antivirus
• Anti-software
• Security
• Disk defragmenter
5- Operating System: A software which enables the
computer system to function and allow the user to
communicate with the computer system.
• Control input/output operations
• Allows error handling to take place
• Maintains the security ( like log on passwords)
• Allows the user to communicate with the computer
• The loading and running of programs to occur
CLI:

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It requires to type in instructions in order to choose options from the

menus or open software’s etc. It is usually used by programmers,
analyst or technicians who wants direct communication with a
computer or to develop a new software.
Icon: These are Pictures/images that are used to launch
software’s/ applications.
Advantages:
1- The user is not restricted to a number of predetermined options.
2- It is possible to alter computer configuration settings.
3- The user is in direct communication with the computer.

Disadvantages:
1- The user needs to learn a number of commands.
2- All the instructions need to be typed in which is error prone and
time taking
3- It is difficult to alter once the commands are entered.

GUI:

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It allows the user to interact with the computer using pictures or icons
(symbols). It uses the technology WIMP (window icon menu and
pointing device) in which a mouse control the curser and is used for
selecting icons.
Advantages:
1- The user doesn’t need to learn a number of commands.
2- It is more user- friendly; icons are used for representing
applications.
3- Pointing device such as mouse is used to click on an icon to launch
the application_ this is simpler than typing in commands.

Disadvantages:
1- The user is restricted to a number of predetermined options.
2- It uses up more computers memory.
3- It needs an operating system like windows which uses up more
memory.

3 features of GUI:
It uses the technology of WIMP ( Window Icon and Menu Pointing
device)
• It can open multiple windows together like excel, word etc.
• Many icons which are used to launch applications/softwares

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• Different menus can be found for example in file explorer such as

downloads, documents etc
• Different Pointing devices such as Mouse is used to control the
cursor on the screen

Similarities of GUI and CLI

1- They both are operating systems
2- They both control hardware and software
3- They both carry out file management

PC (personel computers)/ Desktop Comptures

It is a general purpose computer made up of separate monitor, mouse,
keyboard and processing unit.
Advantages:
1- Better specification for a given price like fast processor.
2- Spare parts are standardized and have lower cost.
3- Power consumption isn’t critical as they are plugged straight into
the wall socket.
4- They are fixed in one location therefore less chance of being
damaged.
5- They are fixed in one location therefore the internet is more
stable.

Disadvantages:
1- It is not portable
2- As it isn’t portable different files or documents have to be copied
for ex in a USB but with a laptop we can simply carry it.
3- It is more complicated as there is separate keyboard, mouse, etc
which also takes up more desk space.

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Laptop Computers:
It is a type of computer in which keyboard, monitor, mouse and
processor are all in one single unit.
Features:
1- Portable
2- Low weight
3- Processor doesn’t generate too much heat
4- Power consumption isn’t critical

Advantages:
1- They are portable
2- There are no trailing wires
3- Take full advantage of wifi as they are portable
4- Can link into any multimedia system

Disadvantages:
1- They are easy to steal
2- Heat dissipation is difficult
3- They have limited battery
4- Keyboard and pointing device can be sometimes awkward to use

Tablets:
These are internet enables portable computers.
Advantages:
1- High definition, anti-glare display
2- Touch screen technology
3- More battery life as compared to mobile phones
4- Wireless, 3G and 4G, Bluetooth connections.

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5- Portable
6- Fast to switch on
7- When the power button is pressed, the tablets goes to stand by
but remains connected with the internet thus receiving for ex
messages.

Disadvantages:
1- Limited battery life as compared with the computers.
2- Not all files are compatible with tablets
3- Limited memory as compared with computers
4- 3G and 4G is expensive to use.

Sensors used in these tablets:

1- Proximity sensor: to detect if the device is close to for example
ear ( which allows it to block unintended touches)
2- Accelerometer: It detects the movement and the orientation of
the device ( for ex moving the display from portrait to landscape)
3- Sophisticated speech recognition system: such as SIRI to enable
the device to look for something for example YouTube.

Phablets:

It is a hybrid between the computer and a mobile phone.

Advantages:

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1- Allow multiple windows to be opened at the same time

2- They have good size of memory
3- Portable
4- Big screen

Disadvantages:
1- Bulky
2- Weird to use like calling someone
3- Slower typing and more prone to errors

Smart watches:( Use OLED Technology)

Features:
1- GPS
2- Monitoring health and fitness
3- Calling
4- Messaging

Advantages:
1- Used for monitoring health and fitness conditions
2- It is more convenient than smartphones as it delivers the message
straight into the users wrist

Disadvantages:
1- They tend to be unattractive in design, more better technology
needs to be adopted
2- They are large and bulky making it difficult for the user to wear

Mainframe Computers:
It is a large, powerful computer system.

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Features:
1- They have several CPUs
2- They have fast processor speeds
3- They have huge storage memory
4- They have huge internal memory( for ex, hundreds of gigabytes of
RAM)
5- They operate using batch processing or time sharing

Advantages:

1- Huge storage capacity.

2- High security
3- Long lasting performance
Disadvantages:
1- Huge amount of space is required
2- High cost
3- Technical staff is needed for its maintenance
Smartphones:
Features:
1- Messages
2- Calling
3- GPS
4- Gaming
5- Surfing net
Advantages:
1- Since they are small and lightweight therefore they are portable
2- They have hundreds of apps like GPS, different games, camera etc
3- Can have internet connections even when in move like 4G

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4- They have better battery life as compared to laptops

Disadvantages:
1- Since they are very small it is therefore easier to loose a
smartphone
2- Not all website features are compatible in the smartphones
operating system
3- Web browsing and photography can drain the battery very quickly
4- Since they are very small, it is difficult to read pages and type
Advantages of LIFI over WIFI:
1- Communication using LIFI is much faster as it has high data
transfer rate
2- Using LIFI is more secure as it prevents Piggybacking (
unauthorized use of the internet connection).
3- LIFI can even be used in flights as it doesn’t use radio waves.
Backing storage and Internal memory:
Internal Memory Backing storage
Ram contents are lost when computer is Backing storage devices hold their contents permanently even
powered down when they are powered down
RAM and ROM are much smaller memories Have considerably larger capacity to store data than RAM or
than backing storage ROM
Backing storage can be either fixed (internal or external) or
RAM and ROM are fixed inside the computer removable
More expensive than backing storage Less expensive than internal memory

Dialogue-based Interface:
Dialogue-based user interfaces use the human voice to give commands
to a computer system. An example of its use is in some luxury cars like
commanding to switch off the AC by speaking.
Gesture—Based Interface:

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Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction by the moving of

hands, head or even the feet. This type of interface uses techniques
known as computer vision and image processing. For example, using
our car example again, the following gestures can be used to carry out
certain functions:
• rotating a finger clockwise near the radio will increase the sound
volume (rotating the finger anti-clockwise will reduce the sound
volume)
• moving a hand near a window switch automatically opens a
window.
It eliminates the need for an array of buttons and dials on the
dashboard.
Interface Advantages Disadvantages
1-No need for a driver to take their 1-It is quite complex to set up
hands off the stearing wheel 2-User needs to remember the
Dialogue-based 2-Extremely beneficial for disable commands that can be used
Interface people as tasks will be carried out with 3-Not very reliable as sometimes
spoken words only due to background noise commands
3-Can be used as a security device like may not be recognized
to identify any inkown person

1-Unnintentional movement can be

1-Replaces mechanical input devices picked up
Gesture-based 2-No physical contact is needed 2-It doesn’t work at large distances
Interface 3-Natural interface from camera or sensor
4-There is no need to be trained in 3-It can take quite sometime to
order to interface with the computer recognize the finger movements

Analogue and Digital Data:

Analogue data: It is the physical data that changes smoothly from one
value to the next.
Digital data: It is the data in binary format which is understood by the
computer.

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Emerging technologies:
• Artificial Intelligence
• Extended Reality
Extended reality
Extended reality (XR) refers to real and virtual combined realities.
3 Examples:
• augmented reality (AR)
• virtual reality (VR)
• mixed reality (MR)
Augmented reality
The features of augmented reality include:
➢ allow the user to experience the relationship between digital
(virtual) and physical (real) worlds
➢ virtual information and objects are overlaid onto real-world
situations
➢ the real world is enhanced with digital details, such as images,
text and animation
➢ the user can experience the AR world through special goggles or
via smartphone/phablet screens
➢ the user is not isolated from the real world and is still able to
interact and see what is going on in front of them
➢ examples include the Pokemon GO game which overlays digital
creatures onto real-world situations.
Use of argumentative reality in future:
1-Healthcare (doctors can make use of AR to have a better
understanding of a patient's body; different software’s, enables doctors

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to use CT scans from patients to build up a 3D image of their body to

help with surgery and diagnosis.
2-safety and rescue operations (for example, it is possible to provide
3D images of an area where a rescue mission is to take place, giving the
team the opportunity to try out rescue procedures before doing the
real thing)
3-entertainment (for example, AR takes users into a virtual
environment where it is possible to interact with the characters like of
film
4-shopping and retail (for example, using your smartphone camera you
can try out make-up and see how it looks on you before buying it, or
you can experience a virtual tour of a new car where you can 'sit' in the
interior and try out the driving experience before buying the car)
Virtual Reality:
Input devices:
‒ Data googles
‒ Steering wheel
Output devices:
‒ Headset
‒ Speaker/microphone
The ability to take the user out of the real-world environment into a
virtual (unreal) digital environment
• In contrast to AR, the user is fully immersed in a simulated digital
world
• Users must wear a VR headset or a head-mounted display which
allows a 360° view of the virtual world.

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Advantages or Features:
• Military applications (for example, training to operate a new tank)
• Education (for example, looking inside an ancient building as part
of a history lesson)
• Healthcare (for example, as a diagnostic tool to recommend
treatment)
• Entertainment (for example, games where gloves, goggles or
helmets are worn to fully immerse players and make it seem very
real)
• Fashion (for example, to do fashion shows before doing the real
thing – see the clothes on people, check out the venue and so on).
Artificial Intelligence
AI is a machine or application which carries out a task that requires
some degree of intelligence.
For example:
• The use of language
• Recognizing a person’s face
• The ability to operate machinery, such as a car, aeroplane, train,
and so on
• Analyzing data to predict the outcome of a future event, for
example weather forecasting.
• An autonomous (driverless) vehicle – we already have driverless
trains and autopilots on aeroplanes, but future developments
include driverless cars.
• Robots are used to help people carry out dangerous or unpleasant
tasks – for example, bomb disposal, welding of car bodies.
Disadvantages

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• Job losses such as bus, taxi, lorry and train drivers

• Dependency on technology and the inability to carry out tasks
done by robots, for example, could be an issue in the future
• Loss of skills

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