Form 3 ICT Notes
1. HARDWARE
ICT NOTES - HARDWARE (Form 3)
Definition:
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch. Without hardware, software cannot run.
Types of Hardware:
1. Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone, Webcam
2. Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Projector
3. Storage Devices: Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), USB Flash Drive, Memory Card, CD/DVD
4. Processing Device: Central Processing Unit (CPU)
System Unit Components:
- Motherboard: Main circuit board
- RAM (Memory): Temporary working memory
- Power Supply Unit: Provides electrical power
- Cooling Fan: Prevents overheating
Memory vs Storage:
Memory (RAM/ROM) is temporary and fast. Storage (HDD/SSD) is permanent.
RAM: Volatile, fast, holds running programs
ROM: Non-volatile, contains startup instructions
Storage: Holds data long-term
Binary & Storage Capacity:
Computers use the binary system (0 and 1).
- 1 Byte = 8 Bits
- 1 KB = 1024 Bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, etc.
Files like text use less space, while videos use more.
ASCII: Letters and characters are represented in binary (e.g., A = 01000001).
Evolution of Computers (Generations):
1st Gen: Vacuum tubes, 1940-1956
2nd Gen: Transistors, 1956-1963
3rd Gen: Integrated circuits, 1964-1971
4th Gen: Microprocessors, 1971-present
5th Gen: AI and modern devices
Categories of Computers:
- Supercomputers: Most powerful (e.g. scientific research)
- Mainframes: Used in banks and large companies
- Minicomputers: Mid-range (less used today)
- Microcomputers: PCs, laptops, tablets
- Embedded: Built into other devices (cars, ATMs)
Form 3 ICT Notes
2. SOFTWARE
ICT NOTES - SOFTWARE (Form 3)
Definition:
Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do. It is the non-physical part of a computer.
Types of Software:
1. System Software:
- Operating System (Windows, Linux)
- Utility Programs (Antivirus, Disk Cleaner)
- Device Drivers
2. Application Software:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Web Browsers (Chrome, Firefox)
- Media Players (VLC)
- Games
Difference between Hardware and Software:
Hardware: Physical, touchable, needs software
Software: Logical, not touchable, needs hardware
Importance of Software:
- Runs the computer and applications
- Allows user interaction
- Manages resources and devices
3. NETWORKS
ICT NOTES - NETWORKS (Form 3)
Definition:
A network is a group of connected computers that share information, files, and resources.
Types of Networks:
- PAN: Personal Area Network (e.g. Bluetooth)
- LAN: Local Area Network (e.g. school lab)
- MAN: Metropolitan Area Network (e.g. city-wide university)
- WAN: Wide Area Network (e.g. the Internet)
Network Devices:
- Router: Connects network to Internet
- Switch: Connects devices in LAN
- Modem: Connects to ISP
- Network Cables, Wi-Fi Adapters
Form 3 ICT Notes
Wired vs Wireless Networks:
Wired: Uses cables, stable
Wireless: Uses Wi-Fi, flexible
Advantages:
- Easy communication and sharing
- Centralized control
Disadvantages:
- Security risks
- Technical setup needed
Network Topologies:
- Bus: One main cable; cheap but risky
- Star: Central device; easy to manage
- Ring: Circle connection; one break affects all
- Mesh: Fully connected; reliable but expensive
The Internet:
A global network connecting millions of devices. Used for browsing, communication, downloads, etc.
Intranet:
Private network used by an organization (e.g. school system)
Extranet:
Private network with limited access for outsiders (e.g. partners or suppliers)
Internet vs Intranet vs Extranet Table:
Internet - Public access
Intranet - Private (inside only)
Extranet - Shared private (external partners)
