European Computer Driving
Licence
Module 1 – Concepts of IT
Chapter 1.1 – General Concepts
General Concepts
Z Information Technology
,
,
General term used to
describe the use of
computers to process and
transfer information
Can also refer to other office
equipment (such as faxes
and telephones) which
contain tiny computers
Hardware and Software
Z Hardware
,
Refers to the physical parts of a
computer – those parts which
you can see or touch
Z Software
,
Primarily a list of instructions
coded in a special way that
computers can understand
• Operating system software –
eg Windows which works in the
background and controls your
software and hardware devices
• Applications software – eg
Microsoft Word – software
used to perform tasks
Different Types Of Computer
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Mainframe computers
Networked Computers
Personal Computers
Laptop/Notebook Computers
Personal Digital Assistants/Handheld Computers
Mainframe Computers
Z Large, fast and expensive
Z Used by large
organisations such as
utility companies, banks or
multinational companies
Z Connect hundreds or
thousands of users
Dublin
Z Users connect via
terminals which are
located in different cities or
even abroad
London
Mainframe
Paris
,
,
New York
Dumb terminals – these types of
terminals cannot be used unless
they are connected to the
mainframe
Intelligent terminals – e.g. a
personal computer connected to a
mainframe, can also be used when
not connected to the mainframe
Networked Computers
Z
Z Personal computers
connected to a server via
network cards and cables
Z
Z The software and data is
stored on the central
server rather than installed
individually on each PC
Z The network also enables
a fast Internet connection,
printers and scanners to
be shared
Server
Users access allocated
resources via a user name
and password
Very popular with small-tomedium-sized businesses,
schools and colleges/adult
education centres
Personal Computers
Z An indispensable tool for
managers, humble office
workers and home users
Z Two main types:
,
,
Desktop model – the system
unit sits horizontally on a desk
and the monitor is placed on top
Tower model – the system unit
is vertical so can be placed on
the floor to save desk space
Z Hardware devices (screen,
keyboard and mouse) attached
to the system unit (by a cable)
are called peripheral devices
Notebook/Laptop Computers
Z Similar in specification to a
personal computer
Z Monitor and keyboard are
integrated into a single unit
Z Can be used from the mains or
with a built-in rechargeable
battery
Z More expensive than personal
computers due to
miniaturisation of computer
components
Z Ideal computer for business
people and ICT trainers who are
constantly on the move
PDAs/Handheld Computers
Z Handheld computers
which have superseded
electronic organisers
Z Some use a stylus which
you use to write or draw on
the screen
Z Run very basic cut-down
software such as
calculator, address book
and notepad functions
Z Can be connected to a PC
to synchronise data
Z PDAs can also be used as
mobile phones and can
access the Web to send
and receive emails