Hardware
Hardware is any part of a computer system that you can physically touch.
The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board.
The central processing unit (CPU), also called a processor.
It is sometimes called the brain of the computer.
A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHz).
RAM (random access memory)
RAM is your system's short-term memory.
The hard drive
The hard drive is long-term storage, which means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer or unplug
it.
Power supply unit
The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor.
Most computers have a GPU (graphics processing unit)
The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the
type of power needed by the computer.
Video card
Sound card
The sound card—also called an audio card—is responsible for what you hear in the
speakers or headphones.
Network card
The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network and access the
Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection.
Bluetooth card (or adapter)
Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication
over short distances.
SOFTWARE
Software is defined as the set of instructions that tells hardware what to do or how to do it.
Software can be any program that runs on the computer and helps users or other programs control the different
hardware parts. Instructions that tell the hardware that it needs to save a file, print an image, or display a
document
are part of the software.
There are two main types of software: System software and Application software.
Types of computers
When most people hear the word computer, they think of a
personal computer such as a desktop or laptop.
Some types of computers are:
[Link] Computer
Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a
desk, and they're typically made up of a few different
parts, including the computer
case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
[Link] computer
The second type of computer you may be familiar with
is a laptop computer, commonly called a laptop.
Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more
portable than desktops, allowing you to use them
almost anywhere.
[Link] computer
Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld
computers that are even more portable than laptops.
Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use
a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation.
The iPad is an example of a tablet.
[Link]
A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a
network.
5. Supercomputer:
are the fastest computers on earth. Supercomputers are very expensive
and are used for specialized applications that need huge amounts
of mathematical calculations.
6. Wearables:
Wearable technology is a general term for a group of devices
including fitness trackers and smartwatches
that are designed to be worn throughout the day.
Lesson Summary: Input and Output Devices
Key Concepts Covered:
1. Input Devices:
o Input devices allow computers to receive information from the world around them.
o Common input devices include:
▪ Mouse – moves the cursor.
▪ Keyboard – inputs text and commands.
▪ Touchscreen – responds to touch.
Sensors – detect changes in the environment, like temperature or light.
▪
o Input devices can be connected directly to a computer or used remotely via the internet.
2. Remote Input Devices:
o These are input devices that connect through the internet and can be placed far from the
computer.
o Useful when:
▪ Data needs to be collected over long periods.
▪ Locations are far away or unsafe for humans.
▪ More efficient or automated systems are needed.
3. Real-Life Uses of Remote Input Devices:
o Climate research: Temperature sensors placed around the world.
o Power stations: Sensors monitor heat, energy output, and fuel.
o Space exploration: Sensors on spacecraft like the Mars Rover send data back to Earth.
o Volcano monitoring: Sensors collect data from dangerous locations without risking human
lives.
4. Output Devices:
o Devices that allow a computer to display or carry out an action based on the input it receives.
o Examples: monitors, speakers, and actuators.
o Actuator: A special type of output device that moves or controls a mechanism or system, often
automatically.
5. How Input Controls Output Remotely:
o Data from remote input devices can trigger output devices far away.
o For example, a sensor detecting high temperature might remotely activate a cooling system using
an actuator.
Input–Process–Output Model
All computer systems follow this cycle:
1. Input → data enters the system (keyboard, sensor)
2. Process → computer thinks and decides
3. Output → result (screen, speaker, actuator)
Real-Life Examples
Traffic lights
Input: cars detected
Process: computer decides timing
Output: lights change
Temperature system
Input: temperature sensor
Process: checks if too hot
Output: fan turns on
Humans Use It Too!
Example:
Input: hear fire alarm
Process: brain understands danger
Output: move to exit
Example2:
Input: press print
Process: computer prepares file
Output: printer prints paper
ICT Lesson: Storage Devices & Processing Data
A storage device is something a computer uses to save data (files, photos, videos).
Example: when you save homework, it goes to a storage device.
🔹
2. Types of Storage Devices
Internal Storage (inside the device)
Found inside laptops, tablets, desktops
🔹
Example: hard drive, SSD
Used to store the system and files
External Storage (outside the device)
Can be connected and removed
Examples: USB stick, external hard drive
Used to transfer or back up files
3. Three Main Types of Storage
Magnetic Storage
Uses magnets and spinning disks
✔❌Example: Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Cheap, large storage
Can break easily (moving parts)
Optical Storage
Uses laser and discs
✔❌
Examples: CD, DVD
Portable
Scratches easily, not used much today
Solid State Storage
Uses electronic circuits (no moving parts)
✔❌
Examples: SSD, USB, SD card
Very fast and strong
More expensive
4. How Data is Stored
Computers use binary (0 and 1)
Each number = bit
8 bits = 1 byte
6. Input → Process → Output
Every computer works like this:
Input → data enters (keyboard, mouse, sensor)
Process → computer thinks
Output → result (screen, sound, action)
Lesson Overview: What is Artificial Intelligence?
● Artificial intelligence (AI) is when a computer is programmed to act and think like a
human.
● It helps machines learn from experience, make decisions, and improve over time.
● When computers learn from data, it's called machine learning.
Real-Life AI Examples
You already use AI every day—even if you don’t realize it!
● Your phone suggests the next word when you type: predictive text.
● You can talk into your phone and it types what you say: speech-to-text.
● Apps suggest songs or videos based on what you like.
Can Computers Think Like Humans?
Humans are good at:
● Making choices.
● Learning from mistakes.
● Understanding emotions and situations.
Computers with AI try to do the same, but they still need humans to teach them using code.
Unplugged Activities
● Bus stop dilemma: You’ll work with a partner to decide who should take the last seat on
a bus—and explain your reasoning.
● Think like AI: Discuss how AI might make choices, and what might affect a “fair”
decision.
⚙️ How Does AI Learn?
AI uses input-process-output, just like other computer systems:
1. Input: What you say or do (e.g., typing a word).
2. Process: The computer thinks about what to do.
3. Output: It responds (e.g., suggests the next word).
AI gets smarter by learning from data and past experiences—just like you do!
What are the Risks?
● AI can sometimes make unfair decisions if it learns from biased information.
● If the AI makes a mistake, it can affect real people.
● That’s why it’s important that programmers test AI carefully.
��️Key Words
● Artificial Intelligence (AI) – When computers copy human thinking.
● Machine Learning – When computers learn from data.
● Predictive Text – AI that guesses what you might type next.