SS 1 ICT 1ST TERM LESSON NOTES FOR WEEK 1 AND WEEK 2
Scheme of work
Week 1: Computer System
Week 2: Overview of Computer System/Data and Information
Week 3: PowerPoint Presentations
Week 4: Storage Devices and Media
Week 5: Computing Devices 1
Week 6: Computing Devices 2
Week 7: Mid-term break
Week 8: File Management and Images
Week 9: Document Production
Week 10: The Effects of using ICT
Week 11: Examination
Week 12: Examination
Week 13: Vacation
Week: 1
Definition of Computer System
Computer System can be defined as an electronic device which manipulates data and produces
output using step-by-step instructions.
Definition of Computer
A computer may be defined as a machine that can solve problems by accepting data,
performing certain operations and presenting the results of those operations under the direction
of detailed step-by-step instructions.
Constituents of a computer
● Hardware
● Software
Hardware
Hardware can be defined as all the parts of the computer that are tangible, i.e. they are the
parts of the computer you can see, touch or handle.
Classification of hardware
● Input unit: Examples are keyboard, lightpen, joystick, mouse
● Input unit: Examples are monitor, projector, printer, etc.
●
●
Processing Unit: Example is the CPU
Memory Unit: Examples are RAM and ROM, flash drive, hard disk, etc.
Note:
System Unit: System unit is that part of the computer that houses electronic components of the
computer used to process data.
Peripherals: A computer peripheral is any external device that provides input and output for the
computer. The term peripherals refer to all hardware devices that are attached to the computer
and are controlled by their computer system.
Peripheral devices are sometimes called input-output devices.
Application Software.
This is software that allows humans (the users) to accomplish one or more specific (noncomputer) tasks.
Examples of Application Software
● Word processing software
● Spreadsheet software
● Presentation software
● Database packages
● Graphics packages
● Gaming software, etc
Characteristics of Computers
● Accuracy
● Speed
● Storage
● Versatility
● Automation
● Interactive
● Electronic in nature
Types of Application Software
● User Application Software: User Application Software is designed to meet the needs
of specific users. This type of software is often referred to as tailor-made/purpose
written.
● Application Packages: These are commercialized software designed to perform
various categories of user functions.
Categories of Application Packages
●
●
Application-Specific Packages: These are programs designed to carry out a
specialized task.
General-Purpose Application Packages are designed to provide users with general
set of facilities to handle a wide variety of problems.
Packages for specialized areas Application-Specific:
● Payroll programs
● Education Management Software
● Accounting Software
● Web Design Software, etc.
General-Purpose:
● Word processing software
● Graphics software
● Games software
● Database software
● Spreadsheet software
Week 2
Data and Information
Data are raw facts. They are figures, words and symbols that have not been processed or put
into meaningful form.
The data about a triangle are: the base length and height.
Information means processed data. For example, the area of a triangle is obtained by
calculating it from the base length and height. Therefore, the area is the information.
Differences between Data and Information