Concepts Of Information And Communication
Technology (ICT):
Theory
After completing this lesson,
students will be able to:
Define the various computer terms.
Explain the different types of computers and it’s
functions.
Understand computer memories and it’s capacity.
Types of Computers
Mainframe Computers
Servers
Personal Computers
Types of Computers:
Mainframe Computers
These type of computers have
become commonly known as
business servers as major
organisations such as banks,
government departments and
supermarket chains use them to
handle large amount of information.
They are room-sized computers that
work at high speed and have very
large storage capacities.
The cost of installing, running and
maintaining mainframe computers
are very high
Types of Computers:
Servers
Servers are a type of
computer that stores and
retrieves large amount of
information. Different types
of servers are used to
handle different types of
information.
Examples (web server, file
server and database servers)
Types of Computers:
Personal Computers
Desktop Computers
Laptops Computers
Tablets PCs
Hand-held devices
Desktop Computers
This is the common type of
personal computer . Is called
desktop because it fits on a
desk and is not portable. PC
are manufactured under
different names throughout the
world but they can run the
same programs and
applications.
Laptop Computers
This kind of computer is
also called notebook.
They are small and
portable computers that
can be carried around
and used. Most modern
laptops can be connected
to a standard monitor and
keyboard
Tablets PCs
Tablets are A4-sized
computers that have no
keyboard and run a
modified vision of full
computer operating
software, often with
extension to enable
handwriting recognition.
The main function of
Tablets PCs is to conduct
light business function,
note –taking, e-books
reading and to provide
wireless internet access.
Hand-held devices
Hand-held are range of
computers that are
portable and can easily
fit in a hand.
They include personal
digital assistants,
mobile phones/
smartphones and
palmtop computers
Memory and storage:
types of memory
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
This is main working
memory of the computer.
RAM is measured in
megabytes, so computer
could be said to have 512
MB of RAM
RAM is empty when the
computer is first switched
on.
RAM is a temporary memory
of the computer because the
information stored in RAM is
lost if the power supply is
turned off.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
ROM is stored on
memory chips.
Data is permanently
burned into these chips.
The information and
instructions held in
ROM are there before
the computer is
switched on and still
there when the power is
off.
How computer storage is
measured
A computer must be able to ‘remember’ the
information it is working with. The information is
‘remembered’ by being stored, either temporarily or
permanently.
The capacity of computer memories and storage devices is indicated in Kilobytes (KB), Megabytes
(MB) or gigabytes (GB)
Number of bytes Storage term
1 kilobyte (KB) 1 024 byte
1 megabyte (MB) 1 024 000 byte
1 gigabytes (GB) 1 024 000 000 byte
1 terabyte (TB) 1 024 000 000 000 byte
The Hard Disk
A hard disk is a
magnetic device that is
used as external
memory (secondary
memory) for magnetic
storage of data. It is
also regarded as a
peripheral hardware.
Types Of Hard Disk
Internal hard disk (fixed)
External hard disk
Internal Hard Disk (Fixed)
This hard disk is sealed
in a sterile unit inside
the system unit and is
non-removable.
Internal hard disk are
generally faster than
external hard disk.
The hard disk provides
a large storage area.
External Hard Disk
External hard disk is
any disk that is not fitted
inside the computer
case and they are
generally connected to
the computer via USB
ports.
They are popular for
making backups as they
can be stored away
from the computer.
Additional Information
Please note that section A of your final exam
question paper covers the theory. As a result, you
are advised to use various papers to prepare for the
final exam.
Visit the college website for previous question
papers.
[Link] (free)
.
THANK YOU