IT is a system that processes, stores and transfers infomration. Different types stored as 1s and 0s. When infomration is stored it is known as data.
ITC: Information and Communications Technology.
We are in an Information Age. Computer allow use to process data much more quickly than we ourselves could. IT is very flexible and can perform many tasks. IT networks such as the Internet alow use to share information quickly.
Computer: Manipulates data according to a set of instructions.
Devices and components that make up a system. Peripheral Devices: Outside of the case. Most allow information entered(input) or retrieved(output).
Instructions a computer follows. OS: establish a basic software enivornment. Applications: Can be installed and extend the range of things a computer can do. Different applications means hardware can be put to a variety of uses.
Software provides the interface to control a computer system. The user creates data files by inputting information and selecting command from the interface.
Think of things are interfaces
I/O such as mouse and monitor provide a interface between the user and computer.
OS provided interface between hardware and software applications.
When a user selects a command (perphas a mouse click on the application toolbar) the software application recieves the command and using the functions of the OS, it is converted into a series of instructions which are stored in system memory Aka RAM. When a user types a command or scans a picture, the input is converted to digital data.
The CPU: Central Processing Unit retrieves each insturction or data data from memory and processes it.
The CPU then writes back memory result to memory and directs other components to perform actions. It may
Binary Data: 1 and 0s as on and off states of transistors. A CPU can process billions of binary instructions per second.
Simple and not documented here.
Networks: Allow computers to exchange knowledge. It is a special class of I/O.
MainFrame Computers created in the 1960s and 1970s.
PC: Versions of the 1981 IDBM PC. Based on a CPU designed by Intel. Called x86. Very different that mainframe as was operated directly by the user.
PC performance has changed, Workstation and laptops the design is still based on the IBM PC design and x86 platform. PC has become associiated with the use of Microsoft’s Windows OS. PC harware and softwareis often but not exclusively designed for Windows in mind.
PCs have become smaller and more portable such as tablets and smartphones. There use different hardware platforms and OSs. This has been coupled with growth of the Internet. Many “ordinary” things now are being designed with processing and communication technology called (IoT): Infomation of Things.
Workstation is a PC housed in a case under a desk. Sometime referd to a desktop or Desktop PC. Desktops can be used by a single user to run powerful software applications with many functions. It can also be used as network client to access shared resources.
Computer Hardware: within the case Input Components: Keyboard, Mouse … Output Components: Display, Speakers, Printers.
Sometimes PC, Desktop and Workstation are used interchaneably. However workstation is a powerful type of Desktop.
PC components are attached to the motherboard that is within the computer case. Desktops require peripheral devices that are connectged the motherboard via ports aligned holes in the case. Some components such as keyboard for input and monitor for output are essential. Others are optional.
Desktops can be modified with higher or lower specification components such as.
Will cost more but are more able to process data faster.
Storage type and speed has a major impact on system speed.
All in One: Everything but keyboard and mouse are contained within the monitor case.
Provides services to other computers. The implies supports simultaneously by a computer network. Most servers use the same components as a Desktop. The main difference is that they are more powerful and more reliable but also more expensive.
A desktop down many impact a user. A server down can impact many users. Therefore servers must be reliable. This is achieved by high quality components and extra copies of components for redundancy. This makes the system fault tolerante
Servers are also, usually designed to be easy to expand and upgrade with additional or improved components. Servers also very often are put in a special kind of case designed to fit into a steel rack shelving system.
Server can mean either hardware or software. Hardware server may run many software servers and different types of software servers. Such as
A computer that intergrates the
within a portable case or chassis.
| Type of Laptop | Description |
|---|---|
| Netbook | Small |
| Subnotebooks | Small |
| Desktop Replacements | Large |
| UltraBook | Intel Specifications for perfomance, size/weight, battery life |
| Hybrid | Used as a tablet or a traditional laptop |
OEM: Orginal Equipment Manufactures. They do not make all of the components in a laptop. They source them and put them together as a branded PC.
Apple sells different hardware adnd Operating system than the IBM PC-compatible vendors.
Chrome books are made to run Chrome OS primarily with Google Web Applicatons
Smartphone: Personal Computer made to be held in one hand. PDA was before with clumsy user interface. Modern smartphones have touch screem displays that are easy to operate. Most smartphones are between 4.5" and 5.7"
Prior to Apple Ipad, tablets were usually laptops with touchscren. IPAD defined a new form factor with no keyboard. Tablets are generally between 7" and 10".
Phablets: Phones between 5" and 7"
Two in One: Laptop/Tablet. Ex Microsoft Surface Pro.
Consumer devices that are now connected. Many items have networking and processing power.
Many items can be controlled over the Internet, if the applicance is Smart. Automation Hub: Generally voice controlled that allow control of automation systems.
A critical point of smart or digital office solution is networking or communications standards are supported by hubs and applicances.
Networking Standards
Thermostats Heating, vent, AC Security Systems alarms, locks, lighting, videophone entry. IP Cameras Security, direct upload and sync to remote storage. Home appliances: Check contents of refrigerator, start washing machine. Streaming Media: Play content stored on any device though a smart speaker or TV connected to the network.
Modern cars use a substainal amount of electronics. Embedded in Engines and brakes. In vehicle naviages, navigation(sat-nav) using GPS. Some cars have a black box or event data recorder that can log the vehicles telemertry(acceleration, braking and position).
Car System
Unmaned Aerial Vehicles Some are small and some are full sized aircraft.
Uses to remotely monitor and configure applications. Not confined to clinics and hospitals but to portable devices such as.
This allows care givers such as doctors and nurses to
Without having to visit the care provider.
Have * Powerful CPUS * Powerful Graphic Processors * Ethernet * Wifi
May Have * Web Cameras * Microphones
The main difference is * Operated by a gaming pad and not a keyboard mouse. * Keyboards and mice may be an option.
Generally uses a HD TV for a display.
Main Consoles * Sony Playstation * Microsoft Xbox * Nintendo Wii and Switch
Handheld Gaming Consoles * Sony Vita * Nintendo 3Ds and Switch