IT summary notes
IT summary notes
Processing
🔹 Computer Fundamentals
✅ What is Information Technology (IT)?
● IT involves using computers and software to store, retrieve, transmit, and
manipulate data.
● It includes hardware, software, networks, and databases.
● IT supports education, business, healthcare, entertainment, and more.
🖥️ Types of Computers
1. Supercomputers – Very fast, used for scientific simulations.
2. Mainframes – Handle thousands of users at once (e.g., banks).
3. Desktops – Common personal computers.
4. Mobile Devices – Laptops, smartphones, tablets.
5. Embedded Systems – Built into other machines (e.g., ATM, microwave).
🌀 IPOS Cycle
● Stands for Input → Process → Output → Storage.
● It explains how data moves through a computer system.
💾 Cloud vs Local Storage
Feature Cloud Storage Local Storage
💻 Software Categories
1. System Software – Controls hardware and runs the system:
○ Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, Linux)
○ Utility Programs (e.g., Antivirus, Disk Cleanup)
2. Application Software – Helps users complete tasks:
○ Word Processors (e.g., MS Word), Spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
○ Specialized: Payroll systems, Hotel reservations
3. Sources of Software:
○ General: Ready-made for general use.( used by everyone)
○ Custom-written: Designed for a specific client.
○ Customized: General software that has been altered to suit the needs of the
user.
🔹 Information Processing
📊 Data vs Information
Term Meaning Example
📄 Document Types
● Turnaround Document: It is a document created by a computer that is printed out
and then filled out by the user and processed by the computer again.(e.g., electricity
bill).
● Human-readable: Can be read by people (e.g., printed reports).
● Machine-readable: Read by devices (e.g., barcodes).
● Hard Copy: Printed version.
● Soft Copy: Digital version (e.g., PDF on screen).
✔️ Validation vs Verification
Term Purpose Examples
Validation Check if data is in the correct E.g., age must be a number between
format 1–100
🔎 Validation Techniques
● Range Check – e.g., Exam score must be between 0 and 100.
● Data Type Check – Ensure input is the correct type (e.g., number, text).
● Presence Check – Ensure data is entered (not left blank).
● Format Check – e.g., Date entered as DD/MM/YYYY.
● Length Check – e.g., Password must be 8 characters.
✅ Verification Techniques
● Double Entry – Enter data twice and compare.
● Proofreading – Manually check data.