Why study subsidiary ICT?

• Helping the learner to develop and strengthen knowledge of ICT and be aware of new and emerging/up coming technologies.

• Encouraging the learner to develop as an independent user.

• Encouraging the learner to develop ICT skills to improve work in a variety of subject areas.

• Providing the learner with skills for lifelong learning.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS: DESCRIPTION OF A COMPUTER

• A computer is an electronic device that accepts user input (data) and processes it following instructions into meaningful output.

• A computer is an electronic device that can accept data input, processes it according to some specific instructions, outputs the information and stores the results for future use.

• A computer is an electronic device which is capable of receiving the input (data from the user), storing it, processing it according to a set of instructions and producing the output for the user in a usable and meaning form.

Note the following about computers

• Digital devices perform arithmetic and logical functions that is process data inform of discrete values that is numbers that can be defined like 1,2,3,4.

• Analog devices process data that is in a continuous form and measurable quantities/units like thickness of steel plates.

Parts of a computer

System unit• The system unit is the core

of a computer system.• Usually it's a rectangular

box placed on or underneath your desk.

• Inside this box are many electronic components that process information.

Hard disk drive• Your computer

stores information on a hard disk—a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface.

CD and DVD drives• Nearly all computers today

come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit.

• CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD; many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs.

Power supply unit• The power supply

regulates the amount of power used by the different electronic components inside the computer.

Motherboard • The motherboard

holds many of the important components of the system, while providing connectors for other peripherals.

RAM chips• RAM chips

temporarily hold data ,instructions, programs and commands when the computer is running.

ROM chips• ROM chips contain

programs that are built into the computer at manufacture.

• ROM chips contain special instructions including those that start the computer when you turn it on.

Floppy disk drive• Floppy disk drives store

information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes.

• Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data.

• Floppy disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some computers still include them.

Monitor• A monitor displays

information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen.

• There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and the newer LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors.

Printer• A printer transfers data from a

computer onto paper.

• You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to print e-mails, cards, invitations, announcements, and other material.

• Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.

Speakers• Speakers are used to play

sound.

• Speakers can be built into the system unit or connected with cables.

• Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

Modem • To connect your

computer to the Internet, you need a modem.

• A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable.

Mouse• A mouse is a small device

used to point to and select items on your computer screen.

• Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.

Keyboard• A keyboard is used

mainly for typing text into your computer.

• You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse.

Study questions• Why do you study subsidiary ICT? Give four reasons.

• Define the term computer.

• Suggest any five parts of a computer that you know.

• What is the function of each of the above parts?