ICT chapter 1

ICT Systems:

• computer = programmable machine that follows set of instructions
• modern computers electronic, can follow prewritten programm
• personal computers often connected together in network/internet
  • include netbooks, laptops, notebook computers, palmtops, desktop computers, table computers, PDAs, handhelds
  • often in businesses

Other Types of Computer Systems:

• supercomputer = fastest computer, often in research departments, for very fast/complex calculations, only one purpose
• mainframe = computer for processing lots of info in bulk
• embedded comptuer = computer system in another device
  • e.g. watches, calculator, microwave

Hardware and Software:

• hardware = physical components
• software = instructions that run computer
• hardware:
  • all computers have same basic structure
  • inputs - components for entering data
  • processor - components for interpreting instructions/what to do
  • output - components for showing results from the processing
  • internal/main memory - components to store data or instructions
  • backing storage - components to store data and instructions when computer is off
  • more components, e.g. 
    • network interface card (NIC, provides electronic circuitry to communicate w/ network)
    • router (connect diff. networks, control where data is sent)
    • hub (connects diff. network sections)
    • modem (encodes digintal info to analogue signal, for sending data along telephone lines)
• CPU (central processing unit) executes all programmes. instructions stored in main memory.
• main internal memory - holds data currently in use
• backing storage - holds data for long-term storage

Computer…