CSEC Information Technology Notes
1. Fundamentals of Hardware and Software
**Basic Computer Components:**
- **CPU (Central Processing Unit):** Brain of the computer; performs calculations and
processes data.
- **Motherboard:** Main circuit board connecting all components.
- **Memory (RAM):** Temporary storage used for active processes.
- **Storage Devices:** Hard drives, SSDs store data permanently.
- **Input/Output Devices:** Input (keyboard, mouse), output (monitor, printer).
**Input Devices and Media:**
- **Input Devices:** Tools to enter data (e.g., scanners, keyboards, microphones).
- **Input Media:** Physical objects like USB drives or SD cards that store data.
**Primary and Secondary Storage:**
- **Primary Storage:** RAM (volatile, temporary), ROM (non-volatile, permanent).
- **Secondary Storage:** Hard drives, SSDs, external storage, cloud storage (non-volatile).
**Application and System Software:**
- **System Software:** Operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS) that manage hardware
and software.
- **Application Software:** Programs for users like word processors, web browsers, games.
2. Information Processing
**Data vs. Information:**
- **Data:** Raw facts and figures (e.g., '25, John').
- **Information:** Processed, meaningful data (e.g., 'John is 25 years old').
**Validation and Verification:**
- **Validation:** Ensures data entered is sensible (e.g., range checks, data type checks).
- **Verification:** Confirms data accuracy, e.g., double-checking entries.
**Types of Computer Systems:**
- **Supercomputers:** Very powerful, used for complex tasks (e.g., weather forecasting).
- **Mainframes:** Large, used by organizations for bulk processing.
- **Personal Computers (PCs):** Commonly used desktops/laptops.
- **Embedded Systems:** Found in appliances like microwaves or cars.
**Common Hardware Problems:**
- **Overheating:** Caused by poor cooling; use fans or cooling pads.
- **Hardware Failure:** Faulty components like hard drives; requires repair or replacement.
3. Computer Networks and Web Technologies
**Computer Networks:**
- **LAN (Local Area Network):** Small area, e.g., a home or office.
- **WAN (Wide Area Network):** Covers large areas, e.g., the Internet.
- **Network Components:** Routers (connects networks), switches (manages data flow).
**Web Technologies:**
- **Internet:** A global network connecting millions of devices.
- **World Wide Web:** A collection of websites accessible via the Internet.
- **HTTP/HTTPS:** Protocols for transferring web pages.
**Cybersecurity in Networking:**
- **Firewalls:** Block unauthorized access to networks.
- **Encryption:** Secures data by converting it into a coded format.
4. Implications of Ethics and Cybersecurity
**Computer Vulnerabilities:**
- **Malware:** Software designed to harm (e.g., viruses, ransomware).
- **Phishing:** Fraudulent emails tricking users to reveal personal information.
**Data Protection Laws:**
- Protects individuals’ private data. Examples include GDPR (Europe) and Data Protection
Acts.
**Ethics in ICT:**
- Use ICT responsibly, avoid piracy, plagiarism, and unethical data collection.
5. Word Processing
**Introduction to Word Processing:**
- Software like MS Word for creating text documents.
- Features include formatting, inserting images, and templates.
**Document Creation and Formatting:**
- **Formatting:** Adjust text alignment, fonts, margins, and spacing.
- **Page Layout:** Customizing headers, footers, and page orientation.
**Tables and Columns:**
- Insert and format tables for structured data.
- Use columns for newspapers or newsletters.
6. Webpage Design
**Introduction to Web Design:**
- Web design involves HTML (structure), CSS (styling), and JavaScript (interactivity).
**Creating a Web Page:**
- Use basic tags like <h1> (heading), <p> (paragraph), <a> (links), <img> (images).
**File Management:**
- Organize files into folders, name files appropriately, and ensure links work.
7. Spreadsheets
**Introduction to Spreadsheets:**
- Software for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data (e.g., Excel).
**Developing a Spreadsheet:**
- Input data into cells, use basic formulas like `=SUM(A1:A5)` or `=AVERAGE(B1:B5)`.
**Charts and Graphs:**
- Create pie charts, bar graphs, or line charts to visualize trends.
8. Databases
**Database Management:**
- A database stores and organizes data. Examples: MS Access, SQL.
**Database Features:**
- **Fields:** Single pieces of data (e.g., Name).
- **Records:** A collection of fields (e.g., one customer).
- **Primary Key:** Unique identifier for records.
**Querying and Sorting Data:**
- Use SQL or database tools to filter and organize data (e.g., `SELECT * FROM Students
WHERE Age > 15`).
**Developing Database Applications:**
- Build simple forms, input data, and create reports for analysis.
9. Problem Solving and Program Design
**Introduction to Problem Solving:**
- Define the problem, break it into smaller parts, and develop solutions.
**Algorithm Design:**
- Use **flowcharts**: Diagrams that outline processes using symbols.
- Write **pseudocode**: Text-based steps to outline a solution, e.g.:
```
START
Input: Number1, Number2
Output: Sum
Sum = Number1 + Number2
PRINT Sum
END
```
