Introduction to Information and Communication - Cost and Maintenance

Technology (ICT) - Increased Competition.

Lesson 1.1: History of ICT: Importance of Information Technology:

encompasses devices, networking components, - Key Driver of Innovation: Information technology is a

applications, and systems that facilitate digital crucial driver of progress, facilitating innovation and
interactions between individuals and organizations. enabling new ways of living and working.
- ICT supports various industries, providing the tools and
- ICT infrastructure needed for effective information
Humans have continuously sought faster and more management.
efficient communication methods, leading to the
development of ICT.
Chapter 2: Evolution of Computing
Lesson 1.2: Uses of ICT in Daily Lives:
Lesson 2.1: History of Computers:
ICT has revolutionized communication, enabling easier
and faster communication than traditional methods like 1. Early Computing Methods:
letter writing.
- Human Computers: Calculations were initially
- Communication Revolution: performed manually by human computers, requiring
extensive mathematical training.
ICT enhances learning experiences through online
resources, distance learning, and interactive tools. - The Abacus: Invented in ancient Babylon, the abacus
- Education used beads on rods for basic addition and subtraction.

ICT skills are increasingly vital in the workforce, enabling - Napier's Logs and Bones: John Napier's invention
organizations to operate more efficiently and creating simplified multiplication and division using logarithms
new job roles. and numbering rods.
- Job Opportunities
- Slide Rule: Based on Napier's logs, the slide rule was
widely used in engineering and science until the 1960s.
Social media has transformed how we build
relationships, consume information, and participate in 2. Mechanical Calculators:
social and political movements.
- Pascal's Adding Machine: Blaise Pascal's invention,
- Socializing
created in 1642, used gears for basic addition and
subtraction.
Lesson 1.3: Impact of ICT in Society:
- Leibniz's Calculator: Gottfried Leibniz improved upon
Positive Impacts:
Pascal's design, adding multiplication and division
- Access to Information
capabilities.
- Education
- New Tools and Opportunities 3. Programmable Computers:
- Communication Efficiency
- Information Management - Jacquard's Loom: The first machine to use punched
- Security cards for programming, allowing intricate pattern
weaving in textiles. Joseph Marie Jacquard.

Negative Impacts: - Babbage's Difference Engine: Designed in 1822, it was

- Job Loss intended to calculate logarithmic tables with precision.
- Reduced Personal Interaction
- Reduced Physical Activity - Babbage's Analytical Engine: Charles Babbage
Considered the "father of the computer," this - Second Generation (1956-1963): Transistors: Smaller,
mechanical general-purpose computer, developed faster, more energy-efficient computers using transistors
in 1873, featured a processing unit and memory, laying for circuitry and magnetic cores for memory.
the groundwork for modern computing.
- Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated Circuits
4. Early Electronic Computers: (ICs): Computers using integrated circuits, leading to
increased speed and efficiency, and the development of
- Hollerith's Machine: Herman Hollerith used electric operating systems.
motors in the late 19th century to create a machine for
counting and sorting data, which led to the formation of - Fourth Generation (1972-2010): Microprocessors:
IBM. Computers utilizing microprocessors, allowing for
networking, GUI interfaces, and handheld devices.
- Z3: Designed by Konrad Zuse in 1941, it was the
world's first programmable, automatic digital computer, - Fifth Generation (2010-Present): Artificial Intelligence
using binary code and punched film for program control. (AI): Focus on AI, natural language processing, and the
development of human-like computer behavior.
- Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC): Developed in
the 1930s, the ABC used vacuum tubes and capacitors Lesson 2.3: Types of Computers:
for data processing and storage.
- General Purpose Computers: Machines capable of
- Mark I: A room-sized relay-based calculator, developed processing various tasks under program control.
by Howard Aiken and IBM in 1944.
- Special Purpose Computers: Designed for specific
- Colossus: A set of computers built by British tasks or problem domains.
codebreakers during World War II to decrypt German
messages. Data Handling:

5. Programmable Electronic Computers: - Analog Computers: Process data as continuous

measurements of physical properties.
- ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Calculator): The first programmable, electronic, - Digital Computers: Process data in discrete digital
general-purpose computer completed in 1945, using signals representing high or low voltage states.
vacuum tubes for processing and weighing 30 tons.
- Hybrid Computers: Process both analog and digital
- EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic data.
Computer): An early electronic computer that utilized
binary code and stored programs in memory. Computer Categories:

- EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator): 1. Mobile Devices:

The second electronic digital stored-program computer - Smartphones/Mobile Phones: Combine phone and
to enter regular service, using mercury delay lines for computer functionality.
memory.
- PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants): Handheld
- UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer): The first computers for personal information management.
general-purpose electronic computer designed for
business applications. - Tablet PCs: Notebook computers with touchscreen
displays.
Lesson 2.2: Generations of Computers:
- Portable Media Players: Devices for storing and playing
- First Generation (1940-1956): Vacuum Tubes: Large, digital media.
expensive, and heat-generating computers relying on
machine language and magnetic drums for memory. - Digital Cameras: Cameras that capture images
digitally.
 2. Computer System Components
- Wearable Computers: Computing devices worn on the
body. - The chapter introduces the three main components of
a computer system:
2. Personal Computers (PCs):
- Desktop PCs: Complete computer systems designed - Hardware: The physical devices that make up a
for use at a desk. computer system, including peripherals like keyboards,
mice, and printers, and internal components like the
- Portable PCs: Designed for easy portability. hard drive and processor.

- Notebook Computers (Laptops): Clamshell design with - Software: The set of instructions that tell the hardware
keyboard and touchpad. how to function, encompassing both system software
(operating systems, utilities) and application software
- Netbooks: Smaller, lighter, and less powerful notebook (programs for specific tasks).
computers.
- Peopleware: The human element, including
- Tablet PCs: Notebook computers with touchscreens. developers, end users, and anyone interacting with the
computer system.
- Handheld Computers: Pocket-sized computers with
keyboards or thumb pads. 3. What is a Computer?

3. Midrange Servers: Computers used to host programs - A computer is defined as an electronic device that
and data for small networks. processes data according to stored instructions. It can
accept data, perform operations based on specific rules,
4. Mainframes: Powerful computers designed to handle produce results, and store those results for future use.
hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously, used by
large organizations. 4. Hardware Overview

5. Supercomputers: The fastest and most powerful - Hardware refers to the physical components of a
computers, used for complex scientific and engineering computer system.
calculations.
- The chapter highlights the different types of hardware,
6. Embedded Computers: Computers designed for including input devices, processing devices, output
specific functions within larger systems, often found in devices, and storage devices.
everyday devices like appliances and automobiles.
- It underscores the interdependence of hardware and
software, where hardware requires software to function
correctly, and software relies on hardware for execution.

Chapter 3: Computer System Components (Hardware) 5. Types of Hardware

- The chapter categorizes hardware into four main

1. Introduction types:

- The chapter emphasizes the ubiquitous nature of - Input Devices: Hardware that allows users to provide
computers, their role in communication, and their data or control signals to the computer, such as
importance in various settings like workplaces, schools, keyboards, mice, touchpads, touchscreens, scanners,
and homes. microphones, webcams, joysticks/gamepads, and
biometric devices.
- It stresses the need to understand the inner workings
of computers, particularly the hardware and software - Processing Device: The central processing unit (CPU),
components that contribute to their functionality. responsible for interpreting and executing instructions.
- Output Devices: Hardware that presents processed
information to the user, including display devices - Scanner: Converts physical documents or images into
(monitors), printers, and audio output devices. digital format.

- Storage Devices: Components that store data and - Microphone: Captures audio input for recording, voice
instructions for future use, including primary storage commands, and communication.
(RAM) and secondary storage (hard drives, SSDs,
external drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards). - Web Camera: Captures video for conferencing, online
meetings, and streaming.
6. Information Processing Cycle
- Joystick/Gamepad: Used for controlling game
- The cycle involves four key stages: characters or elements.

- Input: Data is gathered from various sources. - Biometric Devices: Authenticate users based on unique
biological traits.
- Processing: The CPU manipulates data according to
instructions. 9. Processing Device

- Storage: Data and instructions are stored for future - Processing device refers to the hardware that carries
use. out instructions, performing arithmetic, logical, and
input/output operations.
- Output: Processed information is presented to the
user. - The chapter focuses on the system unit, which houses
the electronic components responsible for processing
7. Data and Information data.

- The chapter defines data as a collection of - The chapter introduces the motherboard, a circuit
unprocessed items, including text, numbers, images, board that connects and supports other components.
audio, and video.
10. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- Information, on the other hand, is processed data that
conveys meaning and is useful to people. - The CPU is the "brain" of the computer, responsible for
interpreting and executing instructions.
8. Input Devices
- The chapter explores the key components of the CPU:
- Input devices are hardware components that facilitate
user interaction with a computer by providing data and - Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and
control signals. logical operations.

- The chapter delves into the functions and applications - Control Unit (CU): Extracts instructions, decodes them,
of various input devices, including: and executes them, coordinating with the ALU.

- Keyboard: Provides alphanumeric characters and - It emphasizes that the CPU handles instructions from
commands. both hardware and software.

- Mouse: A pointing device used to interact with 11. Memory

graphical user interfaces.
- The chapter discusses memory as a component that
- Touchpad: A touch-sensitive surface used for cursor stores instructions waiting to be executed and data
movement. needed by those instructions.

- Touchscreen: A display screen that responds to touch - It distinguishes between temporary memory (RAM)
input. and long-term memory (hard drives, SSDs).
 essential devices for processing data and generating
12. Output Devices results.

- Output Devices present processed information to the - It underscores the importance of understanding the
user in a human-understandable format. various components within the system unit, including
the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage devices, and
- The chapter covers various output devices: power supply.

- Display Devices: Provide visual output on a screen - The chapter also delves into the significance of ports as
(monitors). connections between the computer and the external
world.
- The chapter highlights the evolution of display
technologies, including: 2. The System Unit

- CRT (Cathode Ray Tube): Older technology using an - The system unit is the central component of a
electron gun. computer, housing the primary devices responsible for
executing operations and generating results.
- Flat Panel Display: Includes LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), and Plasma Display, - Key components within the system unit include:
which are more energy-efficient and compact.

- Printers: Produce hard copies of information. - Motherboard: The main circuit board, providing
connections for other components and channeling
- The chapter distinguishes between impact and non- power to critical devices.
impact printers, providing examples like dot-matrix
printers, laser printers, and ink-jet printers. - CPU (Central Processing Unit): The "brain" of the
computer, responsible for processing instructions and
- Audio Output: Provides sound output, usually through data.
speakers or headsets.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage
13. Storage Devices for data being actively processed, crucial for system
performance and multitasking.
- The chapter briefly discusses storage devices, which
store data and instructions for future use. - Storage Devices: Permanent storage for data and
applications, including hard drives and SSDs.
- It mentions two categories:
- Power Supply: Provides power to the entire system,
- Primary Storage (RAM): Temporary memory that is converting AC to DC power.
erased when the computer is turned off.
3. Key Components of the System Unit
- Secondary Storage: Long-term storage, including hard
drives, SSDs, external drives, USB flash drives, and - Motherboard:
memory cards. - The foundation of the computer, connecting and
coordinating all other components.
- Houses essential slots for expanding the system.
- Supports specific types of processors.
Chapter 4: The System Unit, Ports and Slots
- CPU (Central Processing Unit):
- Performs calculations, interprets instructions, and
1. Introduction controls the flow of data.
- Processor manufacturers (Intel and AMD) constantly
- The chapter emphasizes the crucial role of the system release new, faster variants.
unit as the "nerve center" of a computer, housing - Requires cooling mechanisms like heat sinks and fans
to prevent overheating. between software programs and the computer.

- Hard Drive / Hard Disk: - Specialized Functionality: Each port type has a unique
- Provides permanent storage for data and operating function (e.g., USB for versatile connectivity, HDMI for
systems. audio/video).
- Vulnerable to virus attacks.
- Scalability: Computers often have multiple ports for
- Power Supply: connecting multiple devices.
- Converts AC power from the wall outlet to DC power
for the computer.
- Typically located in the upper corner of the system
unit. Types of Ports:

- CD-ROM:
- A type of optical disc that can only be read, not written - Serial Port: Used for connecting serial devices,
to. transmitting one bit at a time.
- Stores data like text, images, and audio.
- Parallel Port: Used for connecting printers,
- Fan: transmitting multiple bits simultaneously.
- Responsible for active cooling within the system unit.
- Draws cooler air in and expels warm air. - PS/2 Port: Used for connecting keyboards and mice.

- RAM (Random Access Memory): - USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port: Versatile port for
- Acts as temporary storage for data actively being connecting a wide range of devices.
processed.
- Provides faster access than the hard drive. - Video Ports: Used for connecting display devices like
monitors and TVs:
- Important for system performance and multitasking
capabilities. - VGA (Video Graphics Array)

- DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

- ROM (Read Only Memory):
- Contains essential instructions for booting the - HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
computer.
- Permanent storage that cannot be written to. - Power Port: Provides power from a wall outlet.

4. Computer Ports - FireWire Port: A high-speed connection for devices

like digital video cameras and external hard drives.
- Ports serve as connection points for external devices,
allowing data transfer and communication between the - Ethernet Port: Used for connecting to a network.
computer and peripherals.
- Audio Ports: For connecting speakers, microphones,
Characteristics of Ports: and other audio devices.
- Physical Connectivity: Provide tangible docking points
for devices to be connected. 5. Computer Slots

- Versatility: Different types of ports exist for specific - Slots are connection points on the motherboard that
purposes, such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet. allow for the addition of expansion cards.

- Bidirectional Communication: Enable data - Purpose of Expansion Slots:

transmission in both directions. - To enhance or add functionality to the computer that
was not included originally.
- Programmatic Interface: Facilitate communication - A method of upgrading the system.
Types of Expansion Slots: - Interface Cards: Add more ports to the computer.

- PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): An older

type of slot for connecting various peripherals.

- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): A

newer, faster type of slot for high-performance devices
like graphics cards.

- AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port): Specifically designed

for graphics cards, offering faster data transfer rates
than standard PCI slots.

- AMR (Audio Modem Riser): Supports specialized

sound cards and modems.

- CNR (Communication and Network Riser): Supports

Audio, Modem, USB, and LAN interfaces.

- ISA (Industry Standard Architecture): An older type of

slot, no longer commonly used.

- CPU Sockets/Slots:
- Connect the CPU to the motherboard.
- Allow for easy replacement of the CPU.

- Memory Slots:
- House memory modules (DIMM or SO-DIMM).
- Allow for expanding the computer's RAM capacity.

6. Expansion Cards

- Expansion cards are printed circuit boards that plug

into expansion slots to add functionality.

Types of Expansion Cards:

- Graphics Card: Generates images for display devices.

- Network Interface Card (NIC): Connects the computer

to a network.

- Sound Card: Provides audio input and output.

- TV Tuner Card: Allows reception of TV signals.

- Modem Card: Facilitates communication through

telephone or cable lines.

- Capture Device: Converts video signals from cameras

to a digital format.