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Multimedia applications are commonly used for training / education. Compared to learning
from a textbook, multimedia applications allow students to see animations, videos, etc. This can
bring a subject to life and make it much easier to learn.
PROCESS
The processing unit controls all activities within the system. For every instruction, the
control unit repeats a set of four basic operations called the machine cycle:
Fetching
the process of obtaining a program instructions or
data item from memory.
Decoding
the process of translating a program instruction into
signals that the computer can execute.
Executing
the process of implementing the instructions in a
program.
Storing
the process of writing the result to the storage or
memory.
The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer. It is the device that carries out software instructions.
Pentium 3, Pentium 4, AMD Athlon, AMD Turon, AMD Phenom, Intel Core i7 and Intel Atom
are examples of a CPU.
CPUs usually plug into a large socket on the main circuit board (the motherboard) of a
computer. They get very hot when they are operating so usually have a large fan attached to
their top to keep them cool.
STORAGE
Storage is a location which data, instruction and information are held for future use. Every
computer uses storage to hold system software and application software. When we issue a
command to start the application software, the operating system locates the program in
storage and loads it into memory.
A storage medium, also called secondary storage is the physical material in the computer
that keeps data, instruction and information. A storage device is the computer hardware
that records or retrieves items to and from storage media. There are two types of storage
which are primary storage and secondary storage.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
A hard drive, a CD-ROM, a floppy disc and a USB memory stick are all examples of
secondary storage devices. Secondary storage is non-volatile, so data that is stored on
these devices remains there safely.
INPUT
Input is any data or instructions that we enter into the computer system for processing.
There are some common ways of feeding input data into the system, which are:
typing on a keyboard
pointing with a mouse
CPU accepts instruction from the user and translates the instruction into readable
information (decode).
OUTPUT
Output is data that has been processed into a useful form, called information. There are four
types of output, which are texts, graphics, audio and video. The text consists of characters
that are used to create texts, sentences and paragraphs. Graphics are digital representations
of non text information such as drawings, charts and photographs. Audio is music, speech or
any other sound. Video consists of images that provide the appearance of full motion.
b. Application Software
Software that is used to help a user perform a task and solve a problem.
An operating system is a special piece of software that manages the general operation of a
computer system:
It manages applications that are running on the computer, starting them when the user
requests, and stopping them when they are no longer needed
It manages files, helping us save our work, organise our files, find files that we have saved
and load files
It manages the computers memory, deciding what should be loaded into memory and what
should be removed
It manages the computers input and output hardware such as printers, etc.
Without an operating system, a computer is of little use. But, just having an operating system
running alone on a computer is also not very useful - we need to have application software
(such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Sony Vegas, Macromedia dreamweaver and etc.) so
that we can actually do useful tasks with the computer.
A utility program which is also called a utility is a type of system software that allows a user to
perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its
programs. Types of utility program are antivirus, screen saver, file manager, file compression,
diagnostic utility and disc defragmenter.
Examples of utility program are Winzip, Winrar, Flashplayer, Adobe Reader, CCleaner, iTunes,
VLC Player, Shockwave etc.
Useless!
On its own, the hardware of a computer is a fairly useless lump of plastic and
metal!
It Works!
(But it's not very useful)
Add in an operating system and you have a computer that actually works.
Useful!
To do any useful work you will also have to add application software.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
+ +
For a computer system to be useful it has to consist of both hardware and software.
Software :
Freeware is software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee,but usually
with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial
software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or
commercial purpose in the aim to expand the marketshare of a "premium" product.
Shareware (also termed trialware or demoware) is proprietary software that is provided
to users without payment on a trial basis and is often limited by any combination of
functionality, availability (it may be functional for a limited time period only), or
convenience (the software may present a dialog at startup or during usage, reminding
the user to purchase it ).
A software suite is a collection of individual programs sold as a single package. The
software suite is designed to enhance the performance of our work. It typically includes
word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and e-mail. Currently, Microsoft Office is a
very popular example of software suite being used. Another examples areMicrosoft
Office, Appleworks, Corel WordPerfect Office, Office.Org, Lotus Smart Suite.
Groupware refers to programs that help people work together collectively while located
remotely from each other. Programs that enable real time collaboration are
called synchronous groupware. Groupware services can include the sharing of calendars,
collective writing, e-mail handling, shared database access, electronic meetings with
each person able to see and display information to others, and other activities.
b. Spreadsheet
A program that processes information in the form of tables. Tables cells can hold values or
mathematical formula. A spreadsheet is a program that processes information in the form of
grid of columns and rows. It is also called a table. Table cells can hold values or
mathematical formulas. Spreadsheets are indispensable tools for anyone who works with
numbers.
Some features of spreadsheet include:
creating, editing and formatting worksheet in rows and columns
containing formulas which can perform calculations on the data in the worksheet
making charts, which depicts the data graphically such as column charts or pie charts
what-if analysis, the ability of recalculating the rest of the worksheet when data in a
worksheet changes.
Examples : Corel Quattro Pro, Microsoft Excel, Sun StarOffice Calc
c. Presentation
An application software that allows a user to create visual aid for presentation to
communicate ideas, messages and other information to a group. A presentation software
enables users to create transparencies, slides and handouts for presentation. It allows a user
to create visual aids for presentation to communicate ideas, messages and other
information to a group.
Some features of presentation software include:
providing a variety of predefined presentation formats that define the
complementary colours for backgrounds, text and graphical accents on the slides
providing a variety of layouts for each individual slide such as a title slide, a two-
column slide and a slide with clip art, a picture, a chart, a table or animation
enhancing text, charts and graphical images on a slide with 3-D and other special
effects such as shading, shadows and textures
setting the slide timing so that the presentation automatically displays the next slide
after a preset delay
applying special effects to the transition between each slide
inserting images, video and audio clips
Examples : Microsoft PowerPoint, Sun StarOffice Impress, Corel Presentations
d. Graphics Editing
Program that can edit digital representation or non-text information such as drawing, charts
and photograph. Some features of graphics software include:
drawing pictures, shapes and other graphical images with various on-screen tools
such as a pen, brush, eyedropper and paint bucket
modifying the contrast and brightness of an image
cropping unwanted objects
removing red eye
adding special effects such as shadows and glows
Examples : Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Paint, Macromedia Freehand, Corel Draw
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
For example a network allows computers to share files, users to message each other, a whole
room of computers to share a single printer, etc.
Network connections between computers are typically created using cables (wires). However,
connections can be created using radio signals (wireless / wi-fi), telephone lines (and modems)
or even, for very long distances, via satellite links.
Because WANs are often geographically spread over large areas and links between
computers are over long distances, they often use quite exotic
connections technologies: optical fibre (glass) cables, satellite
radio links, microwave radio links, etc.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
Network Topology
i. Bus Topology
In this type of network, a long, central cable, the
bus is used to connect all of the computers
together. Each computer has a short cable linking
it to the bus. Bus topology :
a. CLIENT/SERVER NETWORK
A client/server network is a network in which
the shared files and applications are stored in
the server but network users (clients) can still
store files on their individual PCs. A server is a computer that shares information and
resources with other computers on a network. These services might include:
b. PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK
Peer-to-peer or P2P network is a network with all the nodes acting as both servers and
clients. A PC can access files located on another PC and can also provide files to other PCs.
All computers in the peer-to-peer network has equal responsibilities and capabilities to use
the resources available on the network. With peer-to-peer network, no server is needed;
each computer in the network is called a peer.
Protocols
Protocols provide the rules on how computers communicate. They define how devices
intercommunicate in a network environment. Some protocols :
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) This protocol is used to access, send and receive
Hypertext Markup Language files (HTML) files on the Internet.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) This protocol is used for transferring e-mail
between computers.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) FTP is responsible for allowing files to be copied between
devices.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) is the internet communication
protocol. It is a standard that sets the rules computers must follow in communicating with
each other on a network. Some refer TCP/IP as the Internet Protocol Suite.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard list of file name
extensions.
It identifies the nature and purpose of the transmitted data.
b) Intranet
An Intranet (intra means within) is an internal network that uses Internet technologies and it
is a small version of the Internet that exists within an organisation. An intranet is a private
computer network that uses Internet protocols, network connectivity and possibly the public
telecommunication system to securely share part of an organisations information or
operation with its employees. Intranet generally make company information accessible to
employees and facilitate working in groups.
Simple intranet applications include electronic publishing of organisational materials such as
telephone directories, event calendars and job postings.
c) Extranet
An extranet is a private network that uses Internet protocols, network connectivity, and
possibly the public telecommunication system to securely share part of a businesss
information or operations with suppliers, vendors, partners, customers or other businesses.
Package shipping companies, for example, allow customers to access their network to print
air bills, schedule pickups, and even track shipped packages as the packages travel to their
destinations.
Twisted-Pair Cable - Two insulated copper wires that are twisted around each other. Each
connection on twisted-pair requires both wires.
Coaxial Cable - A cable consisting of a conducting outer metal tube that encloses and is
insulated from a central conducting core, used primarily for the transmission of high-
frequency signals.
Fibre Optic Cable - Glass fibre used for laser transmission of video, audio and/or data.
Infrared - Infrared is used in devices such as the mouse, wireless keyboard and printers.
Some manufacturers provide a special port called the IrDA port that allows a wireless
keyboard to communicate with a PC. Infrared signals have frequencies between 300 GHz to
400 THz. They are used for short-range communication.
Bluetooth Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology designed for very short-range
connections (typically just a few metres). The idea of Bluetooth is to get rid of the need for
all of those cables (e.g. USB cables) that connect our computer to peripheral devices such as
printers, mice, keyboards, etc. Bluetooth devices contain small, low-power radio
transmitters and receivers. When devices are in range of other Bluetooth devices, they
detect each other and can be 'paired' (connected)
Communication devices
A. Network Interface Card (NIC)
Any computer that is to be connected to a network, needs to
have a network interface card (NIC).
Most modern computers have these devices built into the
motherboard, but in some computers you have to add an
extra expansion card (small circuitboard)
Some computers, such as laptops, have two NICs: one for
wired connections, and one for wireless connections (which
uses radio signals instead of wires)
B. Hub
A hub is a device that connects a
number of computers together
to make a LAN. The typical use of a hub is at the
centre of a star network (or as part of a hybrid
network) - the hub has cables plugged into it from each
computer.
A hub is a dumb device: if it receives a message, it
sends it to every computer on the network. This
means that hub-based networks are not very secure -
everyone can listen in to communications.
Hubs are pretty much obsolete now (you can't buy them
any more), having been superseded by cheap switches.
C. Switch
A switch, like a hub, is a device that connects a number of
computers together to make a LAN.
that specific computer. Because of this, networks that use switches are more secure than those
that use hubs, but also a little more expensive.
D. Router
A router is a network device that connects together two or more networks. A common use of a
router is to join a home or business network (LAN) to the Internet (WAN). The router will
typically have the Internet cable plugged into it, as well as a cable, or cables to computers on the
LAN.
Alternatively, the LAN connection might be wireless (WiFi), making the device a wireless router.
(A wireless router is actually a router and wireless switch combined)
Routers are the devices that join
together the various different
networks that together make up the
Internet.
F. Firewall
A firewall is a device, or a piece of
software that is placed between your
computer and the rest of the network
(where the hackers are!)
A firewall blocks unauthorised connections being made to your computer or LAN. Normal data
is allowed through the firewall (e.g. e-mails or web pages) but all other data is blocked.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
In addition to physical devices, firewalls can also be software. In fact most computer operating
systems have a software firewall built in (e.g. Windows, Linux and Mac OS)
G. Modem
Before the days of broadband Internet
connections, most computers connected to
the Internet via telephone lines (dial-up
connections).
The reason telephone lines were used is that almost every building in the world is already joined
to every other via the telephone system. Using the telephone system for connecting computers
meant that people didnt have to install new wires to their houses and offices just for computer
use. In the last few years however, this is exactly what people have done. Special cables have
been installed just for Internet access. These special cables are designed to carry digital data, so
no modem is required.
The word modem is an abbreviation of MOdulator DEModulator.
So, simply put, a modem is required because computers are digital devices and the
telephone system is analogue. The modem converts from digital to analogue and from
analogue to digital.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
We have to be aware that information found on The Internet is not always accurate or
reliable
Machine Code
The first generation of codes used to program a computer, was called machine language or
machine code, it is the only language a computer really understands, a sequence of 0s and 1s
that the computer's controls interprets as instructions, electrically.
Assembly Language
The second generation of code was called assembly language, assembly language turns the
sequences of 0s and 1s into human words like 'add'. Assembly language is always translated back
into machine code by programs called assemblers.
programming errors. Java was developed specifically as a network-oriented language, for writing
programs that can be safely downloaded through the Internet and immediately run without fear
of computer viruses. Using small Java programs called applets, World Wide Web pages can be
developed that include a full range of multimedia functions.
Fourth-generation languages are nonproceduralthey specify what is to be accomplished
without describing how. The first one, FORTH, developed in 1970 by American astronomer
Charles Moore, is used in scientific and industrial control applications. Most fourth-generation
languages are written for specific purposes. Fifth-generation languages, which are still in their
infancy, are an outgrowth of artificial intelligence research. PROLOG [PROgramming LOGic],
developed by French computer scientist Alain Colmerauer and logician Philippe Roussel in the
early 1970s, is useful for programming logical processes and making deductions automatically.
There are also procedural languages that operate solely within a larger program to customize it
to a user's particular needs. These include the programming languages of several database and
statistical programs, the scripting languages of communications programs, and the macro
languages of word-processing programs.
Mark-up Language
Mark-up language is a language that annotates text so that the computer can manipulate the
text. Most markup languages are human readable because the annotations are written in a way
to distinguish them from the text. For example, with Hypertext Markup Language(HTML),
Extensible Markup Language(XML), and Extensible Hypertext Markup Language(XHTML), the
markup tags(embeds processing instructions) are < and >.
HTML
o Basics of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML):
o HTML is a markup language.
o It uses tags to perform functions such as formatting text and embedding media.
o HTML tags are enclosed by angular brackets.
o The tags can be written either in upper case or in lower case. They can be
bounding or stand-alone tags.
o HTML provides tags for inserting media into HTML documents. These are:
The <IMG> tag for inserting inline images.
The <EMBED> and <OBJECT> tags for embedding compound documents.
The <APPLET> tags for code.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
Scripting Language
Authoring Tools
Authoring tools (authorware) refers to a program that helps to write hypertext or multimedia
applications, it helps to link the objects together such as paragraph of text, illustration or a
song. Authors (Authoring Tools User) can produce attractive and useful graphic by define the
objects relationship to each other and sequence them in an appropriate (suitable and fitting)
order. Besides that, it supports scripting language for more sophisticated (ahead in
development) application.
Authoring tools are exclusively for applications that present a mixture of textual, graphical, and
audio data. Types of authoring tools have card-based, icon-based, timebased, and object-based.
Examples for authoring tools are Adobe Authorware, Comil Zamrud and Adobe Flash, Adobe
Director.
The Internet is a world-wide network that has grown and evolved from an experimental
network (ARPANet) created by the US military back in the 1960s. Over the years, as more and
more computers and networks have connected to this network, it has grown into the Internet
that we know today.
The Internet connects millions of people, and thousands of businesses, governments, schools,
universities and other organizations.
The Internet provides the network connections that links computers together. There are many
ways that we can use these connections:
Sharing files
The small, hand-drawn map above show the plan for the
first connections between four computers on the
ARPANet. It was drawn by one of the engineers who
created the network back in 1969.
INTERNET SERVICES
Internet users can access services like:
Email
E-mail is a system that allows messages to be sent and received by computers. E-
mail is the most common form of electronic communication. E-mail messages are
text-based, but other types of file can also be sent as attachments. E-mails that
are received wait in a user's inbox until the user is ready to read them. (Unlike a
telephone call, the user is free to ignore e-mails until they have time to deal with
them.)
WWW
The World Wide Web or the Web consists of a worldwide collection of electronic
documents.
Each electronic document on the Web is called a web page which can contain text,
graphics, audio and video.These pages are written in Hypertext Markup Language
(HTML). Every website has an address or Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The URL is
formed by the protocol, domain, directory and the document name.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
VoIP
Internet telephony, or 'VOIP', is becoming very popular both for personal use, and
within the workplace. Instead of using the normal telephone network (designed to
carry voices using analogue signals), VOIP systems send voices through the Internet
as digital data, just like any other Internet data (e.g. e-mails, files, webpages, etc.
VOIP systems use your Internet
connection to send and receive phone
calls.
VOIP systems can work in several ways:
Not as reliable as normal phones, so cannot be relied upon for emergency calls
(911, or 999)
Newsgroup
A newsgroup is a discussion about a particular subject consisting of notes written to
a central Internet site and redistributed through Usenet, a worldwide network of
news discussion groups.
Blogging
A blog (web log or weblog) is one of the popular activities on the Internet. Most of
these blogs are publicly shared and the authors frequently update the content on a
regular basis. A blog is usually referred to the text produced by the author about his
or her thoughts, experiences or interests. A blog is usually referred to the text
produced by the author about his or her thoughts, experiences or interests.
Mailing lists
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
Instant messaging
Instant messaging (IM) is a form of communication over the Internet, that offers
quick transmission of text-based messages from sender to receiver.
Video Conferencing
Video-conferencing is a system that allows people to have conversations and
meetings with other people in different locations, but without leaving their office.
Note: The camera is usually TV quality - much better than a standard webcam.
The system uses the following hardware:
Video camera
Monitor
Microphone
Loudspeakers
No travel costs
12. Describe the evolution of ICT convergence : information ( content ), computer and
communication
Definition Of Computer
An electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to
instructions given to it in a variable program.
Computer category
Computers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You are all familiar desktop PCs and laptops, but
did you know that computers can be as small as your mobile phone (in fact your phone is a
computer!) and as large as a room?!
a. Mainframe Computer
A mainframe computer is a large computer, often used by large businesses, in
government offices, or by universities.
Multi-user - they allow several users (sometimes hundreds) to use the computer
at the same time, connected via remote terminals (screens and keyboards)
The circuit-boards of these computers were attached to large, metal racks or frames.
This gave them the nickname 'mainframe' computers.
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
b. Supercomputer
Some of the most powerful mainframe computers can process so much data in such a
sort time, that they are referred to as 'supercomputers'
c. Personal Computer (PC)
The early 1980s saw a revolution in computing: The
creation of computers that were small enough to fit
on a desk, and cheap enough that everyone could
have their own, personal computer, instead of
having to share access to a mainframe. These
computers came to be known as desktop computers,
or personal computers (PCs).
d. Laptop Computer
A 'laptop' computer is a light, compact and portable PC.
Laptops contain a rechargeable battery so that they can
be used even when not plugged in to a mains power
supply. They also have a built-in LCD monitor. To make
them as portable as possible,
most laptops try to avoid any
sort of cable or wire. Instead of a mouse, a trackpad is used.
Instead of a wired connection to a network or printer,
'wireless' radio connections are used.
Early portable computers were far from being 'laptops' - you
would have crushed your legs if you'd tried to put these beasts
on your lap!
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
e. Palmtop Computer
A palmtop computer is similar to a laptop computer, but smaller.
It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand (hence the name!)
Palmtops are usually not very powerful since fast CPUs require a
large battery and get hot - both problems in a small device.
Early PDAs, like early palmtops, were pretty basic. But they were a
revolutionary way to take digital data with you on the move.
In the 1990s every business person either had, or wanted one of these!
PDAs are often called Pocket-PCs (for obvious reasons!)
Real-Time Processing
Sometime we need to process data immediately - we cannot wait and process it later (e.g. using
batch processing). For example, if we want to book a seat on a flight, the booking must be
processed immediately. We can't put it in a pile and do it later, because other people might be
trying to book the same seat!
If an item of input data must be processed immediately, and the result is ready before the next
input data is accepted, this is known as a real-time system. Typical application where real-time
processing must be used:
Any type of computer control system (e.g an automatic production line, an aircraft auto-
pilot, the system controlling a nuclear power station, etc.)
TOPIC 1 : ICT & MULTIMEDIA FUNDAMENTAL
All booking systems (e.g. flight booking, cinema seat booking, etc.)
Batch Processing
Sometimes we have a lot of data to process and it is all of a similar form (e.g. we might have to
calculate the pay for 10,000 employees - the calculations we have to do for each employee are
very similar)
In cases like this, we can prepare the data into a set or 'batch' and hand it over to the computer
to be processed in one go. Once we have prepared the batch of data, no user input is required -
the computer works its way through the data automatically.
This type of data processing is known as batch processing. An advantage of this type of system is
that the processing can occur when the computer is not being used for anything else (e.g. at
night). The job is setup, people go home, and when they return the next morning the work has
been done.
On-Line Processing
An on-line system is one where the user is directly interacting with the computer - the user is
'on-line' with the computer.
So, any system where the user is entering data directly into the computer must be an on-line
system. If data is being entered and then processed, it's an on-line processing system.
References :
http://www.igcseict.info/theory/4/hware/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shareware
http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/a/software.htm
http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/sci/A0840227.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeware