Module 1: Hardware & System Technologies 🚀
Core Components
ALU – A core internal component inside the CPU that performs basic
arithmetic (addition, subtraction) and logical comparisons.
CPU – The primary microchip that fetches, decodes, and executes
software instructions while managing all other hardware components.
GPU – A dedicated coprocessor that rapidly manipulates visual
memory, accelerating 3D graphics and video output while offloading
work from the CPU.
Motherboard – The main printed circuit board that mounts the CPU,
RAM, and chipsets, providing bus routes to link internal and external
peripherals.
Cache Memory – Extremely fast, small volatile storage located on or
next to the CPU, holding frequently accessed instructions to reduce
wait times.
Input Devices
Barcode Scanner – Optical device that reads printed barcode patterns,
decodes the data string, and transmits it to a POS system or inventory
database.
Biometric Input Device – Captures and analyses unique biological
characteristics (fingerprints, iris, facial geometry) for secure
authentication.
Bluetooth – Short-range wireless standard (< 10 m) for connecting
peripherals such as mice, keyboards, or headsets.
NFC – Ultra-short-range wireless standard (≤ 4 cm) used primarily for
contactless micro-payments.
Touch Pad – Flat tactile area on laptops that tracks finger movement to
control the cursor.
Virtual Keyboard – On-screen software interface that lets users input
characters via touch or pointing tools.
Output & Storage Devices
DisplayPort / HDMI – Digital interfaces that transmit uncompressed
video and multi-channel audio through a single cable.
VGA – Analog visual standard using a 15-pin connector; carries video
signals only.
3D Printer – Layer-by-layer manufacturing device that builds
three-dimensional objects from CAD files.
SSD – High-speed non-volatile storage using flash memory; offers low
latency and shock resistance.
HDD – Magnetic storage with spinning platters and read/write heads.
Optical Disk – Plastic-coated media (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) read/written by
a laser beam.
UPS – Battery unit placed between mains power and a computer to
supply instant power during outages.
Default Printer – The printer automatically selected by the operating
system for all print jobs unless overridden.
Drone – Uncrewed aerial vehicle equipped with sensors or cameras for
remote data collection.
Memory Types
RAM – Volatile working memory that holds active processes, open files,
and immediate application data.
ROM – Non-volatile memory that permanently retains firmware (e.g.,
BIOS/UEFI).
Cache Memory – Fast volatile storage adjacent to the CPU for
frequently used instructions.
SSD – Non-volatile flash storage with no moving parts.
Communication & Networking Hardware
NIC – Network Interface Card providing physical ports or wireless radios
for packet transfers.
Router – Intelligent node that examines packet headers and routes
data between networks (LAN ↔ WAN).
Wi-Fi / WLAN – Wireless technology using high-frequency radio waves
for local network traffic without cables.
WiMAX – Broadband wireless specification for wide-area coverage over
several kilometres.
Bluetooth – Short-range peripheral connectivity.
NFC – Ultra-short-range contactless communication.
Miscellaneous Terms
Dedicated Device – Specialized hardware designed to perform a single
fixed function (e.g., GPS receiver, ATM).
Duty Cycle – Manufacturer rating indicating the maximum number of
printed sheets a printer can handle per month without degradation.
GigaHertz (GHz) / MegaHertz (MHz) – Units measuring CPU clock cycles
per second (1 GHz = 10⁹ cycles).
Multitasking – OS capability to run multiple tasks concurrently by
multiplexing CPU cycles.
Plug and Play – OS subsystem that automatically detects, configures,
and installs newly connected peripherals.
Point of Sale (POS) System – Retail node linking hardware (barcode
readers, cash drawers, printers) to inventory databases.
QR Code – Two-dimensional matrix that can be scanned by a
smartphone camera to open a URL or trigger an action.
RSI – Repetitive Strain Injury caused by prolonged improper posture or
repetitive motions.
Touch Pad – Small flat tactile input area on laptops for cursor control.
Virtual Keyboard – On-screen software interface for character input.
Hardware Comparative Matrices
Feature /
RAM ROM Cache Memory
Criterion
Stores
Holds data, open Stores frequently used
Primary permanent
files, and active data/instructions next
Function firmware
instructions. to CPU.
(BIOS/UEFI).
Non-volatile –
Volatile – lost Volatile – cleared on
Volatility retained without
when power off. power loss.
power.
Read / Usually Managed automatically
Read and write
Write read-only for by CPU; read/write as
dynamically.
Ability user processes. needed.
Feature /
SSD HDD Optical Disks
Criterion
Flash memory Magnetic spinning Polycarbonate disc
Internal
chips, no platters with read/written by a
Mechanism
moving parts. read/write heads. laser.
Extremely fast Slower due to
Performance Very slow compared
access and mechanical
Speed to SSD and HDD.
transfer. latency.
Highly durable; Vulnerable to Susceptible to
Durability &
resistant to mechanical failure, scratches, dust, UV
Risk
shock. head crashes. damage.
Mass storage,
Main system Software
Primary Use backups,
drive for OS and distribution, music,
Case secondary bulk
heavy apps. offline movies.
files.
Module 2: Software & File Management 📂
Key Terms
Activation Code – Unique alphanumeric string required during
installation to verify a legitimate purchase.
Ad Blocker – Utility that suppresses online advertisements, scripts, and
pop-ups.
Application Software – User-facing programs that perform specific
tasks (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets).
CSV – Text file format where individual table values are separated by
commas, enabling cross-application imports.
File Extension – Suffix (e.g., .xlsx, .docx) indicating a file’s format and
the program used to open it.
Office Suite – Bundled set of productivity tools (word processor,
spreadsheet, presentation, database).
Open-Source Software – Software whose source code is publicly
available for free use, modification, and distribution.
Patch – Small update fixing a specific bug or security flaw without
replacing the whole application.
Service Pack – Larger update that aggregates multiple patches, feature
additions, and driver updates.
Site Licence – Legal right for an organization to install software on any
number of computers within a defined location.
System Software – Fundamental software (OS, drivers) that runs
hardware and provides a platform for application software.
Web-based Applications – Programs hosted on remote servers
accessed via a web browser, requiring no local installation.
System Utilities Analysis
Disk Cleanup – Scans storage and removes temporary files,
browser caches, and trash to free space.
Disk Management – Utility for partitioning, formatting, and
creating RAID arrays.
System Restore – Restores the OS to a previous configuration
point, repairing registry or update issues.
Task Manager – Monitors hardware usage and active processes;
allows forced termination of unresponsive programs.
Module 3: Internet & Network Technologies 🌐
Core Concepts
ADSL – Internet technology that transmits data over telephone lines,
offering faster download than upload speeds.
Bandwidth – Maximum data capacity of a network link, expressed in
Mbps or Gbps.
Bookmark – Browser feature that saves a URL for quick future access.
Bcc vs. Cc – Cc sends a copy visible to all recipients; Bcc hides the
additional recipients.
Browser History – Log of visited webpages stored by the browser.
Buffering – Pre-loading sections of audio/video into RAM to ensure
smooth playback during network fluctuations.
Fibre-Optic Network – Uses glass or plastic fibers to transmit
light-modulated data, delivering high bandwidth with immunity to
electrical interference.
Grid Computing – Distributed system linking multiple computers to
combine processing power for complex tasks.
HTTPS – Secure version of HTTP that encrypts data exchanged between
client and server.
IM – Instant Messaging services enabling real-time text and media
exchange.
ISP – Organization that provides internet connectivity to users.
Mbps – Metric for data transfer speed (megabits per second).
Real-time Streaming vs. Vodcast – Live streaming delivers content
concurrently with the event; a vodcast is pre-recorded on-demand
content.
Router – Device that directs data packets between networks based on
header information.
Search Engine Options – Advanced filters (quotes for exact matches,
minus sign to exclude terms).
Wi-Fi / WLAN – Wireless local area networking using radio waves.
WiMAX – Wide-area wireless broadband technology covering multiple
kilometres.
Network Architectural & Management Frameworks
Typical
Network Geographical
Connection DBE Practical Use Case
Type Scale / Range
Media
Pairing headsets or
< 10 m (personal
PAN Bluetooth radio fitness trackers to a
proximity)
smartphone
Connecting lab
Office, school Ethernet cables
LAN computers to a central
campus or Wi-Fi
printer
National banking
Cities, nations, Undersea cables,
WAN network or Internet
global satellite links
backbone
Target
Environment Core Security Main Operational
Audience
Type Parameters Objective
Access Rules
Open to any Public routing,
Global data sharing,
Internet system with consumer
public services
internet access firewalls
Local access
Restricted to Secure internal
Intranet controls,
authorized staff documents and policies
credentials
Trusted
Secure portals, Business-to-business
Extranet external
VPN tunnels transactions
partners
Core Primary ISP
Management Practical Action
Operational Deployment
Mode Example
Mechanism Intent
Keeps critical Throttle
Categorizes
services (e.g., peer-to-peer
Shaping traffic and gives
video calls) torrents while
(Prioritization) priority to
functional during prioritizing video
certain services
congestion conferencing
Reduce a
Enforces fair-use
Applies uniform subscriber’s speed
policies after data
Throttling speed limit to all from 20 Mbps to
caps are
traffic 1 Mbps for the rest
exceeded
of the month
Module 4 & 5: Information Management, Solution Development &
Software Analytics 📊
Data Concepts
Accuracy – Metric indicating that data is precise, valid, and verified
against reliable sources.
Authority – Evaluation of the credentials and expertise of an author to
determine source reliability.
Bias / Objectivity – Objectivity is neutral framing; bias occurs when
information is slanted, affecting research outcomes.
Big Data – Extremely large, complex datasets processed at high
velocity, requiring specialized analytics tools.
Data vs. Information – Data are raw, unorganized facts; information is
processed data that provides context for decision-making.
Focus Question – Targeted research question that defines the scope
and direction of an investigation.
Information Overload – State of mental fatigue caused by excessive
data, impairing judgment.
Plagiarism – Unethical act of presenting another’s work as one’s own
without proper citation.
Task Definition – Document outlining problem scope, audience, and
goals for a project.
AutoCorrect – Feature that automatically fixes spelling errors by
matching typed words to an internal dictionary.
Find and Replace – Utility that searches for a specific text string and
substitutes it globally.
Orphan vs. Widow – Orphan: first line of a paragraph left alone at the
bottom of a page; Widow: last