Introduction to basic concepts of computing.
What is a computer?
An expanded model of a computer.
The role of software.
Types of computers.
ICT systems.
Glossary.
2. CONTENTS
What is a computer?
An expanded model of a computer
The role of software
Types of computers
ICT systems
Glossary
2
3. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
• all the parts of a
computer that
you can
physically touch
Hardware
• the programs –
sets of
instructions – that
tell the computer
what to do
Software
3
Main components or parts of a computer
4. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
IPO model
4
The basic model of a computer
5. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is a multi-purpose electronic tool
that can receive data (input),can process the
data, can produce results and can output
them.
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A definition of a computer
Input
data
Process
Produce
results/
Output
6. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
DATA INFORMATION
raw, unprocessed facts.
CAT123NW
is the result of the
processing of data and
should be useful and
meaningful.
registration number of a car
from the North West
province.
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CAT123NW
7. AN EXPANDED MODEL OF A COMPUTER
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get data into
computer
executes the
instructions, processes
the data and manages
and controls all the other
parts of the computer
keep instructions and data
that it is not currently working
on
get feedback from the
computer
allow computers to
communicate with
each other
8. AN EXPANDED MODEL OF A COMPUTER
Programs have to be ‘loaded’ before they
can be used.
Data must also be in memory if the computer
is to work with it.
The contents of memory only become
‘permanent’ when you ‘Save’ them.
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Note the following:
9. THE ROLE OF SOFTWARE
System
Software
Application
Software
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Software categories according to function
13. THE ROLE OF SOFTWARE
Open source
software (OSS)
• Advantages :No cost / low cost; Access to source code;
Freedom to adapt and change; Access to a community of
users / support.
• Disadvantages: No one to hold responsible; Risk of poor
support; Higher skills needed; Various ‘varieties’.
Proprietary
software
• Shrinkwrap; Shareware; Freeware
• Proprietary software is owned by a company – you never
get the source code – in fact you only ever ‘license’ the
software, you do not ‘own’ the software.
13
Software categories according to distribution
model
15. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
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Servers
-used in
network
environment
s to help
‘run’ a
network of
linked
computers
16. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
These are small
portable devices
They are designed
to be controlled
through touch
screen interfaces
Consumer tablets
usually have WiFi,
Bluetooth and 3G
communication built
in
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Consumer Tablets & Tablet PCs
17. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
Server
• Providing services to users in a network.
Desktop, laptop, notebook, netbook, Tablet PC
• Productive work and the use of applications that allow one to be
creative.
Consumer tablet
• Use digital content, access the web and e-mail, create documents,
play games, etc.
Smartphone
• Mobile access to connectivity and services.
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Uses
19. ICT SYSTEMS
Information
is power
and creates
the potential
for wealth.
Newspapers
sell
information
about their
subscribers
Google and
Facebook
advertising
using information to
streamline their
stock control and
ordering processes
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The ability to analyse and interpret data in order to arrive at valid
conclusions and to form accurate predictions (information) can spell
the difference between success and failure.
20. ICT SYSTEMS
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Information Communication Technology
Manipulated
or processed
data
The process
of transferring
data/
information
from one place
to another
• Systems
technologies
(hardware and
software)
• Communications
technologies
(networks and
communication
devices)
21. ICT SYSTEMS
Data warehousing:
securely store, manage and retrieve large
amounts of data.
Data mining:
process and analyse data looking for valuable
information that you did not even know was
there.
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Data storage by businesses
22. ICT SYSTEMS
Supermarket chain
Modern POS systems use
barcodes and scanning
Scanning is also more
accurate
Items scanned removed
from a computerised
database of what is in
stock – enabling you to
better manage your
inventory.
Data sent to the head
office - stock ordering and
management decisions.
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Examples of ICT systems in everyday life
An ICT system enables
them to
Order only the right
amount of stock when
needed
See which items are not
selling well
track sales
23. ICT SYSTEMS
Cellphone company
contracts
adequate supplies & stock of
cellphones
generating finance for
expansion and maintenance
tracking of call durations,
SMSs, data transfers, free
talk time, carry-over of free
minutes/seconds, and expiry
of the same
service and repairs of
cellphones and other
infrastructure
monitoring the network
status
maintaining staff records 23
Examples of ICT systems in everyday life
An ICT system enables them
to
List how many calls you
have made, to which
numbers and how long each
call was
Total the number of minutes
used and bill you for them
Total the amount of data you
have transferred (usually in
megabytes) and then bill you
for that.
They are excellent media consumption devices, and allow easy browsing on the Internet and e-mail communication on-the-go. They also do well as portable gaming devices, e-book readers, GPS devices and even productivity devices. They have productivity apps such as word processing, presentation, spreadsheets, photo and video editing, etc - just not as powerful as desktop versions of the same software....