ICT – Mr.

Tawuya

ICT
Computer Concepts
Computer: It is an electronic device that can input, process data and produce (output)
information. It works under the control of stored programmes.

Block diagram of a computer system

Main Memory

Input device Output device

CPU

Backing storage

Input Device – It is a component of the computer which is used for feeding data into the
computer system. – Keyboard, Mouse, Light-pen, Joystick, Scanner, Magnetic Ink Character
Reader OCR, OMR.

CPU – It is for processing/manipulating data. It is made up of two elements, the ALU and the
CU. (Arithmetic Logic Unit, mainly used for calculations & Control Unit, coordinating all the
elements of the computer).
Main Memory – Stores data and programmes that are currently running.
Backing Storage – It is an outside permanent storage of data e.g. CD, DVD, flash stick
Output device – Components of the computer used for producing information from the
computer system, e.g. printer, screen/monitor.

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Differences between data and information

Data Information
Unprocessed information Processed data
Meaningless Meaningful
Basic facts Processed basic facts

Hardware – these are the physical components of the computer, e.g. keyboard, mouse, screen,
etc.
Software – these are the programmes that put a computer into operation.
Peripheral – it is the component of the computer which is attached and controlled by the
processor.
Icon – it is a small picture that can represent a programme/piece of software, command, or
storage medium.

Differences between RAM & ROM

RAM – Random Access Memory ROM – Read Only Memory
It is volatile (unstable) It is non–volatile
Usually larger than ROM Usually smaller than RAM
Stores data/programmes that are currently Stores part of the operating system for
running booting up the computer. (Bootstrap loader)

Differences between GUI & CLI

GUI – Graphical User Interface
It is easy to use (you are just clicking on
icons)
Mainly used by inexperienced users i.e.
students
CLI – Command Line Interface
It is difficult to use (you have to type the
exact command)
Mainly used by the computer technicians
(so they can have access to the whole
system)

GUI
WIMP – Windows Icons Mouse Pointer
How does it work?
It is whereby the user can move the mouse on the mousepad which is controlling the pointer
on the screen and clicking on icons as well as open windows.

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Spreadsheet Processing

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