BASIC CONCEPTS OF COMPUTING

What is a computer? An expanded model of a

computer The role of software Types of computers ICT systems Glossary

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Main components or parts of a computer

IPO model

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The basic model of a computer

A computer is a multi‑purpose electronic tool that can receive data (input),can process the data, can produce results and can output them.

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A definition of a computer

DATA INFORMATION raw, unprocessed facts.

CAT123NW

is the result of the processing of data and should be useful and meaningful.

registration number of a car from the North West province.

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CAT123NW

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get data into computer

executes the instructions,

processes the data and manages and

controls all the other parts of the computer

keep instructions and data that it is not

currently working on

get feedback from the computer

allow computers to communicate with

each other

Programs have to be ‘loaded’ before they can be used.

Data must also be in memory if the computer is to work with it.

The contents of memory only become ‘permanent’ when you ‘Save’ them.

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Note the following:

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Software categories according to function

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Software categories according to distribution model

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Size and processing power

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Servers

-used in network environments to help ‘run’ a network of linked computers

These are small portable devices

They are designed to be controlled through touch screen interfaces

Consumer tablets usually have WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G communication built in 18

Consumer Tablets & Tablet PCs

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Uses

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Advantages and disadvantages of using computers

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The ability to analyse and interpret data in order to arrive at valid conclusions and to form accurate predictions (information) can spell the difference between success and failure.

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Information Communication Technology

Manipulated or processed

data

The process of transferring

data/information

from one place to another

• Systems technologies (hardware and software)

• Communications technologies (networks and communication devices)

Data warehousing: securely store, manage and retrieve large

amounts of data. Data mining:

process and analyse data looking for valuable information that you did not even know was there.

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Data storage by businesses

Supermarket chain Modern POS systems

use barcodes and scanning

Scanning is also more accurate

Items scanned removed from a computerised database of what is in stock – enabling you to better manage your inventory.

Data sent to the head office - stock ordering and management decisions. 25

Examples of ICT systems in everyday life

An ICT system enables them to Order only the right

amount of stock when needed

See which items are not selling well

track sales

Cellphone company contracts adequate supplies & stock

of cellphones generating finance for

expansion and maintenance tracking of call durations,

SMSs, data transfers, free talk time, carry-over of free minutes/seconds, and expiry of the same

service and repairs of cellphones and other infrastructure

monitoring the network status

maintaining staff records 26

Examples of ICT systems in everyday life

An ICT system enables them to

List how many calls you have made, to which numbers and how long each call was

Total the number of minutes used and bill you for them

Total the amount of data you have transferred (usually in megabytes) and then bill you for that.

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