Computer Software
🔹 Definition
Computer Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers
and execute tasks. It is the non-tangible (non-physical) part of a computer.
🔹 Types of Software
1. System Software
o Includes operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux)
o Manages hardware and system resources
2. Application Software
o Designed for end-users
o Examples: Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, games
3. Development Software
o Used by programmers to create software
o Includes compilers, debuggers, IDEs (e.g., Visual Studio)
🔹 Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
1. Planning – Identifying goals and requirements
2. Analysis – Determining system needs
3. Design – Structuring the software
4. Implementation – Writing code
5. Testing – Checking for errors
6. Deployment – Releasing the software
7. Maintenance – Updating and fixing bugs
🔹 Programming Languages
High-Level Languages: Easier to read/write (e.g., Python, Java)
Low-Level Languages: Closer to machine language (e.g., Assembly, C)
🔹 Software Licensing
Open Source: Free to use and modify (e.g., Linux)
Proprietary: Owned with usage restrictions (e.g., Microsoft Office)
🔹 Current Software Trends
AI (Artificial Intelligence) – Smart software that mimics human intelligence
Cloud Computing – Apps and storage hosted online (e.g., Google Drive)
IoT (Internet of Things) – Connects smart physical devices to the internet
🖥️Input and Output Devices
🔹 Input Devices
Keyboard – Inputs text/symbols
Mouse – Selects items on-screen
Scanner – Converts documents to digital
Barcode/QR Reader – Scans codes for info or links
Biometric Scanners – Scans fingerprints, faces, retinas
Microphone – Records sound
Webcam – Captures video
Headphones/Headset – Audio input and output
🔹 Output Devices
Monitor
o Size – Diagonal inches
o Aspect Ratio – Width:Height
o Resolution – Number of pixels (sharper = better)
o Refresh Rate – Frames per second
Touchscreens – Both input and output
Printers
o Speed – Pages per minute (PPM)
o Quality – Dots per inch (DPI)
o Types:
Multifunction Printers (copy, scan, print, fax)
Photo Printers (high-quality image printing)
🟥 Displays (Monitors, TVs, Cameras): Use RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
🖨️Printers: Use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
🌐 Networking Basics (Grade 10)
🔹 What is a Network?
A network is a group of connected computers and devices to share resources and data.
Types of Networks
LAN – Local Area Network (e.g., home, office)
WAN – Wide Area Network (e.g., internet, nationwide)
MAN – Metropolitan Area Network (e.g., city-wide)
🔹 Network Devices
Router – Connects different networks (e.g., to the internet)
Switch – Connects devices within the same network
Hub – Sends data to all devices; less efficient than a switch
Modem – Converts digital signals for transmission
🔹 Network Topologies
Bus – Single communication line
Star – Devices connected to a central hub
Ring – Circular connection
Mesh – Devices interconnected (many paths)
🔹 Networking Protocols
TCP/IP – Core protocol of the internet
HTTP/HTTPS – For web page transfers
FTP – File transfers
SMTP – Sends emails
🔹 IP Addressing
IPv4 – 32-bit, decimal (e.g., [Link])
IPv6 – 128-bit, hexadecimal, more address space
🔹 Network Security
Firewall – Filters traffic
Antivirus – Detects and removes malware
Encryption – Secures data by converting it into code
⚖️Social, Ethical & Legal Issues in ICT
🔹 EULAs (End-User License Agreements)
Legal agreements between user and software provider
You may install on one licensed device and one portable device (usually same user)
Software components cannot be separated and installed individually
🔹 Copyright & Licensing
Copyright: Protects original work (© symbol)
Copyleft: Allows sharing/modifying with some rights reserved
Creative Commons: Allows use/distribution for non-commercial purposes
Definition:
Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate a computer and perform
tasks. It is non-physical, unlike hardware.
Types:
System Software: OS and utilities (e.g. Windows, Linux).
Application Software: End-user programs (e.g. MS Word, Google Chrome).
Development Software: Tools for coding (e.g. IDEs like Visual Studio, compilers).
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC):
1. Planning
2. Analysis
3. Design
4. Implementation (Coding)
5. Testing
6. Deployment
7. Maintenance
Programming Languages:
High-Level: Easy to read (e.g. Python, Java).
Low-Level: Close to machine code (e.g. Assembly, C).
Software Licensing:
Open Source: Code available (e.g. Linux).
Proprietary: Paid, limited use (e.g. Microsoft Office).
GNU/GPL: Open source license.
Creative Commons / Copyleft: Allow sharing with some rules.
🧾 Piracy & Legal Issues
Piracy: Illegal copying or distribution of software/media.
o Examples: Using 1 license on multiple PCs, downloading cracked software.
EULA: End-User License Agreement—legal contract between user and developer.
Copyright: Protects creators' work.
🖥️Input & Output Devices
Input Devices:
Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, QR/Barcode reader
Biometric Scanner (face, retina, fingerprint)
Microphone, Webcam
Headphones/Headsets
Output Devices:
Monitor
o Size (inches), Aspect Ratio, Resolution (pixels), Refresh Rate (Hz)
Touch Screens: Both input/output
Printers:
o MFPs: Copy, scan, fax, print
o Photo Printers: High-quality photos, expensive
Color Systems:
o Screens: RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
o Printers: CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
🌐 Networking Basics
What is a Network?
A group of connected computers that share resources and data.
Types of Networks:
LAN: Local Area (home, office)
MAN: Metropolitan Area (city)
WAN: Wide Area (nation/world)
Network Devices:
Router: Connects networks (e.g. to the Internet)
Switch: Connects devices in a LAN
Hub: Like a switch, but sends data to all devices
Modem: Converts digital to analog signal
Network Topologies:
Bus: One cable
Star: All devices connect to one central point
Ring: Devices form a circle
Mesh: All devices are interconnected
Protocols:
TCP/IP: Basic Internet communication
HTTP/HTTPS: Web access
FTP: File Transfer
SMTP: Email sending
IP Addressing:
IPv4: 32-bit (e.g. [Link])
IPv6: 128-bit (more devices supported)
Network Security:
Firewall, Antivirus, Encryption
🔒 Access Control
Network Security:
Use username and password
Prevent unauthorized access
Strong Password Rules:
At least 8 characters
Mix of upper/lowercase, numbers, symbols
Don’t use easy-to-guess info
Change regularly
🌍 Internet & WWW
Internet:
A global network for communication and sharing of resources.
Needs a unique IP for every device
Connect via:
o Wired: ADSL, Fibre
o Wireless: 3G, 4G, 5G
WWW:
A service that runs on the Internet. Made of interlinked web pages.
Important Terms:
URL: Web address (e.g. [Link]
Protocols:
o HTTP / HTTPS
o SMTP – Emails
o FTP – File transfer
o VoIP – Voice over Internet (e.g. Skype)
🧠 Why Use Computers?
Accurate, fast, cost-effective
Can run 24/7
Better communication
Efficient resource usage
Business automation
🌐 Digital Divide
Gap between people with and without access to technology.
Causes:
Poverty
Age
Education
Disabilities
Competition for resources
🖧 Why Have a Network?
Fast communication
Sharing of hardware/software
Centralized data and backups
Security and access control
File transfers
Disadvantages:
Needs a network admin
Viruses can spread
Server failure = no access for all
High security required
🧩 Components of a Network
Communication Media:
o Wired: UTP, Fibre
o Wireless
Network OS
Communication Media Weaknesses:
Feature UTP Fibre Optic
Attenuation High, limited to 100m Very low, can go kilometers
Eavesdropping Can be tapped Nearly impossible, breaks light flow
EMI Affected by interference Immune to EMI, great for factories
🧑🤝🧑 Client-Server vs Peer-to-Peer Networks
Feature Peer-to-Peer Client-Server
Server Not needed Required
Security Low High
Setup Difficulty Easy Complex
Size Small networks (home) Large networks (schools, companies)
Performance Slower Faster
Maintenance Easier Needs skilled admin
File/Printer Sharing All peers share equally Controlled by server
The World Wide Web (WWW)
The WWW is a service that runs on the Internet.
It consists of millions of interlinked, interactive documents (web pages) stored on
servers worldwide.
You access it using a web browser (e.g. Chrome, Firefox).
Key Terms:
URL (Uniform Resource Locator):
The web address used to access a specific web page (e.g. [Link]
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address):
A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network or the
Internet (e.g. [Link]).
Protocol:
A set of rules for how data is sent and received over a network.
🔐 Network Protocols (Rules for communication)
Protocol Stands For Use
IP Internet Protocol Identifies devices and routes data
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol Transfers web pages
HTTPS Secure HTTP Transfers web pages securely (encrypted)
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Sends emails
FTP File Transfer Protocol Uploads/downloads files from servers
VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol Makes voice calls over the Internet
🔗 Format of a URL
A URL has a standard structure:
pgsql
CopyEdit
protocol://domain-name/path
Example:
arduino
CopyEdit
[Link]
Explanation:
https:// → Protocol (rules for communication)
[Link] → Domain name (name of the website)
/about → Path (specific page or file on the site)