0417 ICT 2016

Chapter 1

Types of Component of a Computer System

1.1 Application system

These are programs that allows the user to do specific tasks.

1. Word processor:
Used to manipulate text documents. Texts can be entered using keyboard. The
software allows edit, copy, delete, change formatting saving, spell check, import
image and translate to other languages.

2. Spreadsheet:
Used to manipulate numerical data. The data (integer, real, data etc.) are arranged
in grid of cells. The cells (rows and columns) have a unique number to identify. The
software allows calculation using formulas. It can produce graphs, modeling and
can solve ‘what if’ calculations also.

3. Database:
Used to organize, manipulate and analyze data. It consists of one or more tables. A
table is made up of row (record) and column (field). It is used to make queries
reports on database data.

4. Control and measuring software:

Used to control and measure physical qualities such as temperature, light, heat. It
is also used in chemical processes. The sensors sense the physical quantity and
sends to a Microsoft which prepares and compares accordingly.

5. Apps (applications):
These are small software downloaded normally from an app store. They are used
on mobiles and tablets. GPS, phone banking, photo editing apps are some apps.

6. Photo editing software:

It allows users to manipulate digital photographs on a PC. One can change
brightness and contrast, red eye removal, change features of a face, combine
images, add effects, remove unwanted items, change background and more.

7. Video editing software:

It allows manipulating videos, adding tittles, adding sound, rearranging, adding and
deleting section of video or audio. Apply color, filter, transitions, enhance videos.

8. Graphics manipulation software:

It manipulates different types of images. Pixels can be changed to change an
image. Vector graphic editor software manipulates lines, curves and text to edit the
image. Different types of software are available according to requirement.

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SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
These are programs that allow hardware to run properly and allow user interface.

1] Compiler:
It is a computer program that translates a program written in software like visual
Basic, Java, C++ to a machine language which is understood by computer. The
original program is called a source code and after compilation as an object code.
After compilation the machine code can be used again and again without
recompilation

2] Linkers:
It is a computer program that simplifies the programming task by combining
different modules of programs into one single program. It uses programs that have
been compiled by compiler.

3] Device driver:
It is software which enables a hardware device to work with the O.S without a
device driver a device (printer) would be unable to work.

4] Utilities:
Utility programs are designed to carry out specific tasks. They also help to manage,
maintain and control computer resources. Examples are: antivirus, anti-spyware,
security, disk defragmenter.

INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE:

1] Video card:
It is an interface between a computer and monitor, projector or TV. It is connected
to motherboard. It has a processing unit, RAM, heat sink (for cooling)

2] Sound card:

It is an IC (Integrated Circuit) on motherboard. It allows PC to produce sounds

which can be heard by speakers. It also allows to input sound via a microphone
and record. It converts the digital data to analogue data and vice versa.

1.4.3 Tablets

Tablets are similar to smart phones. They are internet enabled portable computers. The
input is normally a touchscreen using a keyboard or stylus. It can support Wi-Fi with
3G\4G\5G connections. They also have different sensors like smartphones;

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Features:

1] High-definition, anti-glare displays

2] Front and back cameras.

3] Less weight

4] Long battery life than laptops

5] Sensors like: proximity, accelerometer. Some latest tablets designed between a tablet
and smartphone are referred to as a phablet.

Advantages

1. Very fast to switch ON

2. Fully portable
3. Touchscreen enabled
4. Don’t generate any heat
5. Battery life is longer

Disadvantages

1. Limited memory or storage than laptop

2. Expensive to run internet 3G/4G/5G
3. Typing on touchscreen can be slow
4. Limited file format supported

1.4.4 Smartphones:

Smartphones allow normal phone calls. It also has an O.S. like iOS, Android or
Windows. This allows to run computer applications. One can send and receive emails. It
can support Wi-Fi with 3GL4GL5G mobile connections.
Features:

1. Send/receive emails
2. GPS
3. VOIP
4. Streaming of Videos/Audios
5. Instant messaging

Advantages
1. Very small in size and light weight
2. Can call or browse net while on the move
3. Reasonable battery life than laptops

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Disadvantages
1. Small screen size can make it difficult to read
2. Small keyboard can make typing difficult
3. Memory is small compared to laptops

1.4.5 Smart watches

It’s like a mini-computer on the wrists. They offer same functions as smartphones. They
use touchscreen and can link to smartphones via Bluetooth.

Functions:

1. Internet ( browsing, email etc)

2. Call and receive phone calls
3. Message text or video
4. GPS
5. Fitness and health monitoring

Advantages
1. Convenient than smart phones, notifications delivered directly to user’s wrist
2. Easy to monitor health

Disadvantages
1. Large and bulky
2. Unattractive in design

1.5 Impact of emerging technologies

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) biometrics

2. Vision enhancement
3. Robotics
4. Quantum cryptography
5. Computer-assisted translation (CAT)
6. 3D and holographic imaging
7. Virtual reality

1.5.1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) biometrics

AI biometric is an advantaged technology in which the system learns and stores on a

database about a person’s fingerprints on everyscan. This means a person doesn’t
have to worry in placing the finger in exactly place on the scanner. The system matches
the fingerprints with the database.
Similar case with facial-recognition if a person has grown hair or now wears glasses or
has aged. New systems use AI and picks up the right face from number of faces

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1.5.2 Vision enhancement

LVES of low vision enhancement system uses video technology.
The system brings s the objects closer inside the headset in front of the eyes.
NVE or Nights vision Enchantment uses infrared light and vision light so one can even
see in darkness. The military use this technology to carry out su4rveillance at night.

1.5.3 Roberts
Roberts are normally used in manufacturing industry.
Apart from this they are used outside as drones.
Drones are unmanned flying devices that are used by both military and civilians.
Civilians use with GPS to check weather hurricans etc.
Roberts are also used I surgery, Roberts equipped with camera arm that like a human
wrists

1.5.4 Quantum Cryptography

It is similar to encryption, to secure a message from hackers.
Quantum cryptography is based on the use of photons (light) and their physical quantum
properties to produce a virtually unbreakable cryptography system.

1.5.5 Computer Assisted Translation (CAT)

Normal translation software can sometime lead to double meanings of words and
phrases CAT can overcome this in some issues.
It does this by two tools
1) Terminology data base
2) Translation memories
This first grows and learns from translations being carried out and second
automatically inserts known translations for certain words, phrases or sentences.

1.5.6 3-D and Holographic Imaging

Holography is a technology that allows 3D images to be produced.
It uses a laser light, interference of light, light diffraction and light intensity recording
technology used in CAD simulations, architecture, cinema, gaming etc.

1.5.7 Virtual reality

Virtual reality is an artificial environment created by software.
The user uses data goggles, sensor suites or helmets to get a feeling of reality.
It can be used to give training in a nuclear reactor in education games etc.
Used in
1) Military
2) Education
3) Entertainment
4) Fashion
5) sport

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