SUBJECT: ICT CLASS: YEAR 10 INTEGRATED

SCHEME OF WORK

WEEKS TOPICS
1 Types and Components of a computer system
2 Types and components of computer
3 Input and output devices
4 Input and output devices

5 Storage devices and storage media

6 Mid-Term exam

7 Mid-Term Break

8 Storage devices and storage media

9 Document Production I

10 Document Production II

11 Revision

12 Examination

13 Examination
SUBJECT: ICT 0417 CLASS: YEAR 10 INTEGRATED DATE: 16/9/2024

DESCRIPTION
TERM: FIRST TERM
WEEK: 1-2
TOPIC: TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
LESSON OBJECTIVES: At the end of the study, students will be able to;
● Identify the main components of a general-purpose computer: central processing
unit, main/internal memory (including ROM and RAM), input devices, output
devices and secondary/backing storage
● Identify operating systems, including those which contain a graphical user
interface, a command line interface

CONTENT

Types and Components of a computer system Hardware

● Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system
● These components can be internal or external

Internal Components
● Central Processing Unit (CPU): the computer's "brain" that performs calculations,
processes instructions, and controls other components
● Processor: a chip inside the CPU that carries out instructions from a program
● Motherboard: the main circuit board that connects all internal components

Internal Memory
● Random Access Memory (RAM): temporary storage for running programs and data; it is
volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer is turned off
● Read-Only Memory (ROM): permanent storage for essential data, like the computer's
BIOS; it is non-volatile, meaning data is retained even when the computer is turned off

Hardware Components
● Graphics card: processes images and videos for display on a monitor
● Sound card: processes audio for output through speakers or headphones
● Network Interface Card (NIC): enables connection to a network, such as the internet
 ● Camera: captures images or video for input into the computer
● Internal/external storage devices: stores data permanently, such as hard drives or USB
flash drives
● Input devices: allow users to enter data, like keyboards and mice
● Output devices: display or produce results, like monitors and printers

Software
● Software refers to programs that control the operation of a computer or the processing of
electronic data

Application Software
● Application software provides the services that users require to solve a task
E.g.:
○ Word processing: creating and editing text documents
○ Spreadsheet: organising and analysing data in a grid format
○ Database management systems: storing, retrieving and managing data in
databases
○ Control/measurement: uses sensors to measure and control a system
○ Applets and apps: specialised software for specific tasks
○ Video editing: creating and modifying video files
○ Graphics editing: creating and modifying images
○ Audio editing: creating and modifying sound files
○ Computer Aided Design (CAD): designing and modelling objects in 2D or 3D

System Software
● System software provides the services that the computer requires to operate e.g.
○ Compilers: translating high-level programming languages into machine code
○ Linkers: combining object files into a single executable program
○ Device drivers: controlling hardware components and peripherals
○ Operating systems: managing the computer's resources and providing a user
interface
○ Utilities: tools for maintaining and optimising the computer's performance

Analogue & Digital Data

● Analogue data is continuous and varies smoothly over time
● Digital data is discrete and represented in binary form (0s and 1s)

Differences between Analogue & Digital Data

● Analogue data can have any value within a range, while digital data has a limited set of
values
● Digital data is less prone to noise and distortion compared to analogue data
 ● Digital data can be easily manipulated, stored, and transmitted by computers

Converting Analogue to Digital Data

● Analogue data must be converted to digital data so it can be processed by a computer
● This process is called analogue-to-digital conversion (ADC) and is performed by an
analogue-to-digital converter

Converting Digital to Analogue Data

● Digital data must be converted to analogue data so it can be used to control devices
● This process is called digital-to-analogue conversion (DAC) and is performed by a
digital-to-analogue converter

Main components of the computer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
● The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain" responsible for processing
instructions entered into the computer
● The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce an output

CPU Functions
● Fetches instructions from memory
● Decodes the instructions to determine the required operation
● Executes the operation
● Stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device

CPU Components
● The CPU is made up of 3 main components:
○ Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
○ Control Unit (CU)
○ Registers
Memory

Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process

Characteristics of ROM and RAM

ROM RAM
 Volatility Non-volatile (retains data when Volatile (loses data when powered
powered off) off)

Access Read-only (data cannot be modified) Read-write (data can be modified)

Main Purpose Stores essential instructions (e.g. Stores data and instructions in
BIOS) use by CPU

Differences between ROM and RAM

● ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile
● ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
● ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions currently in
use

Input and output devices

Input devices are hardware that allows data to be entered into a computer (these are covered in
detail in Chapter 2). They use either manual entry (such as a keyboard or a mouse) or direct data
entry (such as sensors or optical character readers). Essentially, these devices turn input into a
form the computer can understand – for example, a mouse turns hand movements into cursor
movements on the screen.

An output device shows the computer’s output in a form that is understood by a human – for
example, as text on a printer or moving images on a monitor.

Differences between input and output devices

Input devices Output devices

An input device is any hardware device that An output device is any hardware device that
allows a user to enter data or instructions into takes the output data from a computer and
a computer directly. puts it into a human-readable format or uses it
to control another device.

An input device can send data to another An output device is capable of receiving data
device, but it cannot receive data from from another device in order to generate an
another device. output, but it cannot send data to another
device.
 Input devices are necessary for a computer to Output devices are needed by a computer so it
receive commands from its users and data to can share the results of its processing with a
process; the devices are under the control of human; output devices are under the control
the user or can be direct data entry. of the computer.

Input devices can be fairly complicated Output devices are less complex than input
because they have to ensure that the user can devices because they only have to turn
interact with the computer correctly. computer signals into an output.

Backing storage

The main memories in a computer are RAM and ROM. However, to permanently store large
amounts of data it is necessary to use backing storage. This normally takes the form of the
internal hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). This is the computer’s main internal
storage where the applications software, disk operating system and files (for example, text, photo
or music) are stored. A key feature of a backing store is that it must store data permanently – that
is, it must be non-volatile. Moreover it cannot be directly addressable (it cannot be read directly)
by the CPU.

Comparison of internal memories and backing storage

Internal memory Backing storage

RAM contents are lost when computer is Backing storage devices hold their contents
powered down; ROM contents are readable permanently, even when powered down.
only.

RAM and ROM are much smaller memories Have considerably larger capacity to store
than backing storage. data than RAM or ROM.

Data access time on RAM and ROM is Has much slower data access time than RAM
extremely fast. and ROM.

Much more expensive per byte than backing Is much cheaper per byte than RAM or ROM.
storage devices.

RAM and ROM are fixed inside the computer Backing storage can either be fixed (external
(internal memories). or internal) or it can be removable.

RAM and ROM can be read directly by the Before data on a backing storage device can
CPU. be read by the CPU, it must first be moved
into RAM; this means backing storage is not
directly addressable by the CPU.
Operating system

To enable computer systems to function and to allow users to communicate with computer
systems, special software, known as operating systems (OS), have been developed. The general
tasks for a typical operating system include: » control of the operation of the input, output and
backing storage devices » supervising the loading, running and storage of applications programs
» dealing with errors that occur in application programs » maintaining security of the whole
computer system » maintaining a computer log (which details computer usage) » allowing
communication between user and the computer system (user interface).

User interfaces Operating systems offer various types of user interface. We will consider four
different types:

 command line interface (CLI)

 graphical user interface (GUI)
 dialogue-based user interface
 gesture-based user interface

Command Line Interface (CLI)

Command line interface (CLI)

A command line interface (CLI) requires a user to type in instructions to choose options from
menus, open software, etc. There are often a number of commands that need to be typed in,
for example, to save or load a file. The user has to learn a number of commands just to carry
out basic operations. It is also slow, having to key in these commands every time an
operation has to be carried out. The following command opens the desktop folder in
Windows Explorer: %windir%\explorer.exe C:\Users\YourName\Desktop

Graphical user interface (GUI)

A graphical user interface (GUI) allows the user to interact with a computer (or MP3 player,
gaming device, mobile phone, etc.) using pictures or symbols (icons) rather than having to type
in a number of commands. GUIs use various technologies and devices to provide the user
interface. One of the most common is WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing device) which
was developed for use on personal computers (PC). Here, a mouse is used to control a cursor and
icons are selected to open/run windows.

A window manager looks after the interaction between windows, the applications and window
system (which handles the pointing devices and the cursor’s position).

Advantages and disadvantages of CLI and GUI interfaces

Who would use each type of interface?

Command Line Interface Graphical User Interface

a programmer, analyst or technician; the end-user who does not have to (or does
basically, somebody who needs to have direct not need to) have any great knowledge of
communication with a computer to develop how the computer works; a person who uses
new software, locate errors and remove them, the computer to run software, play games or
initiate memory dumps (contents of the store/manipulate photographs, for example.
computer memory at some moment in time),
 and so on.

Dialogue-based Interface

Dialogue-based user interfaces use the human voice to give commands to a computer system. An
example of its use is in some luxury modern cars, where voice activation is used to control
devices such as the in-car entertainment system or satellite navigation system. By speaking
certain commends, such as ‘Hey BMW, drive me to the nearest airport’, the system allows
natural speech to enable the driver to intuitively interact with the car.

Gesture-based interfaces Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction by the moving of

hands, head or even the feet. Gesture recognition allows humans to interface with a computer in
a more natural fashion without the need for any mechanical devices. This type of interface uses
techniques known as computer vision and image processing. For example, using our car example
again, the following gestures can be used to carry out certain functions:

 rotating a finger clockwise near the radio will increase the sound volume (rotating the
finger anti-clockwise will reduce the sound volume)
 opening the thumb and next finger will change the track being listened to (for example, in
a playlist)
 moving the foot under the rear bumper of the car automatically opens the boot lid
 moving a hand near a window switch automatically opens a window.

6 Advantages and disadvantages of dialogue-based and gesture-based interfaces

Types of Computer

Desktop computers

Desktop usually refers to a general-purpose computer that is made up of separate monitor,

keyboard, mouse and processor unit. It is distinguished from, for example, a laptop computer by
the fact that it is made up of a number of separate components, which makes them not very
portable.

The advantages of desktop computers over laptop computers are:

 Spare parts and connections tend to be standardised, which usually results in lower costs.
 Desktop computers are easier, and less expensive, to upgrade or expand.
 The desktop tends to have a better specification (for example, faster processor) for a
given price (often due to size and construction constraints in laptops).

They do have disadvantages when compared to laptop computers:

 The most obvious is that they are not particularly portable because they are made up of
separate components.
 They tend to be more complicated because all the components need to be hooked up by
wiring, which also clutters up the desk space.

The main uses of desktop computers include:

  office and business work (word processing, spreadsheets, finance software and databases
being the main use)
 educational use (using interactive software to teach or learn from)
 use as a gaming device (for example, games such as chess, crossword puzzles, fantasy
games, and so on)

Mobile computers

Mobile computers, by their very name, suggest a group of computers which are considerably
more portable than desktop computers. Such computers fall into four categories:

 laptop computers
 smartphones
 tablets
 phablets.

Laptop (or notebook)

Laptop (or notebook) refers to a type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device
and processor are all together in one single unit. This makes them extremely portable. Key
features you would expect to find in a laptop:

 lightweight (to aid portability)

 low power consumption (and also long battery life)
 low heat output (cooling is very important)

Advantages of laptop over desktop computers

 They are portable, meaning they can be easily move around

 No trailing of wire is involve since it contains all its part joined together
 They can be used anywhere.

Disadvantages of laptop compared to desktop computer

 They are easily stolen due to their portability

 Limited battery line, user needs carry heavy power adaptor
 Not always possible to upgrade

Evaluation

1. Computer is made up of hardware and software. Explain the hardware and

software
2. Describe the four main components of computer (hardware)
3. Operating system enables user to communicate with the computer. Describe other
uses of operating system.
 4. Explain the four types of operating system based on interface
5. State four differences between RAM and ROM
6. Explain the types of computer you know

Assignment

1. Explain mobile and desktop computers

2. Describe the following mobile phones: tablet, smart phones, phablet
3. Explain these emerging technologies: virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed
reality
4. Compare and contrast mobile computers
SUBJECT: ICT 0417 CLASS: YEAR 10 INTEGRATED DATE: 30/9/2024
DESCRIPTION
TERM: FIRST TERM
WEEK: 3-4
TOPIC: INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
LESSON OBJECTIVES: At the end of the study, students will be able to;

 Know the purpose of and be able to identify different direct data entry input devices
 Understand the uses of each direct input devices
 Be able to discuss advantages and disadvantages of each direct input devices
 Know the purpose of and be able to identify different output devices
 Understand the uses of each output device
 Be able to discuss advantages and disadvantages of each output device

CONTENT

Input Devices

Characteristics of Input Devices

● Input devices: allow users to enter data or instructions into a computer system e.g.:
○ Keyboard
○ Mouse
○ Scanner
○ Microphone
○ Touch screen

Differences between Input & Output Devices

● Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data
from the computer
● Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing

Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

 Keyboard & Entering text and Fast and accurate The steeper learning
Numeric Keypad numbers input for experienced curve,
users
repetitive strain injury

Pointing Devices Navigate and interact Intuitive and precise Requires flat surface,
with computer interfaces control the strain on the wrist

Remote Control Control devices from a Convenient, no Limited range, may

distance, e.g., TVs and direct physical require line-of-sight
media players contact is needed

Joystick/Driving Simulation and driving Enhances gameplay Expensive, limited use

Wheel games experience, realistic outside of gaming,
control bulky

Touch Screen Direct interaction with Intuitive, no need for The screen may get
the screen using fingers a separate pointing dirty, less precise than a
or a stylus device mouse

Scanners and Capture images and Accurate Quality depends on

Cameras convert them into digital reproduction, resolution, which can
format easy to share and be expensive
store

Microphone Capture a sound for Hands-free input May pick up

recording or can be used for background noise, the
quality varies
communication purposes voice recognition
 Sensors and Sensors detect changes in Can automate tasks, May require
Light Pen the provides real-time calibration, affected by
information the environment
environment; light
pen interacts with screens

Exam Tip
● Note that a mouse isn't built into a laptop - instead, it would be another pointing device
e.g. trackpad
● All the devices listed here are input devices. Some people think microphones and
webcams are output devices
Direct Data Entry
Direct Data Use Advantages Disadvantages
Entry Device

Magnetic Reading information Fast, simple to use, Data can be easily

Stripe Reader stored on magnetic reliable erased, and limited
stripes, e.g., credit cards, storage capacity
ID cards

Chip and PIN Processing debit and Secure, quick

Reader Requires PIN input,
credit card transactions transaction, reduced
potential for skimming
in stores fraud risk

RFID Reader Reading information from No line-of-sight is The expensive system,

RFID tags, e.g., needed, multiple tags and potential privacy
are read concerns
inventory tracking, access
simultaneously
control

OMR (Optical Reading marked areas on Fast processing, Limited to specific

Mark forms, e.g., reduced human forms, cannot read
Recognition) handwriting
multiple-choice exams error
 OCR (Optical Converting printed text The fast and accurate, Can struggle with
Character into digital text, e.g., searchable digital complex layouts, font
Recognition) digitising books text dependent

Barcode Scanning barcodes to Fast and accurate, low Requires

Reader retrieve product cost line-of-sight, limited
information and prices data storage

QR Scanner Scanning QR codes for Can store more data, Requires a smartphone
information retrieval or versatile uses or
linking to websites
specific scanner,
quality dependent

Output Devices

Characteristics of Output Devices

● Output devices: display or produce the results of data processing from a computer system
e.g.:
○ Monitor
○ Printer
○ Speakers
○ Projector

Differences between Input & Output Devices

● Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data
from the computer
● Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing

Output Use Advantages Disadvantages

Device

Monitor Displaying computer-generated Real-time display, Power consumption,

visual information on a screen adjustable settings potential glare
 Touch Displaying visual information Intuitive, Susceptible to
Screen and allowing user interaction space-saving smudges, potential
(Output) with the screen calibration issues

Multimedi Projecting Large display, good Requires darkened

a computer-generated images for presentations room, expensive bulbs
Projector and videos onto a larger
surface

Laser Printing high-quality text and Fast, high-quality Expensive initial cost,
Printer graphics quickly prints, lower cost per limited to flat surfaces
page

Inkjet Printing text and graphics using Lower initial cost, Slower, higher cost
Printer liquid ink high-quality prints per page, ink may
smudge

Dot Matrix Printing text and simple Low cost, can print Noisy, low print
Printer graphics using a print head multi-part forms quality
that strikes an ink-soaked
ribbon

Plotter Creating large-format graphics, High accuracy, can Slow, expensive, large
such as print on various size
materials
architectural plans and
engineering designs

3D Printer Creating three-dimensional Customisable Limited materials,

objects by adding material layer designs, rapid slow process
by layer prototyping

Speaker Converting digital audio signals Range of sizes and Can be

into sound power outputs, power-hungry, the
immersive audio sound quality varies
 Actuator Converting electrical signals Precise movement, Requires power,
into physical movement, e.g., programmable potential
motors and valves in robotics mechanical wear

Differences between Input & Output Devices What is

direct data entry?
SUBJECT: ICT 0417 CLASS: YEAR 10 INTEGRATED DATE: 14/10/2024

DESCRIPTION
TERM: FIRST TERM
WEEK: 5-8
TOPIC: STORAGE DEVICES AND MEDIA
LESSON OBJECTIVES: At the end of the study, students will be able to;
 Know what data storage mean
 Understand the difference between temporary storage and permanent storage
 Be able to discuss why it is important to back up data

CONTENT

Storage

Characteristics of Backing Storage

● Backing storage: long-term storage used to store data, files, and programs when not in
use e.g.:
○ hard disk drives (HDD)
○ solid-state drives (SSD)
○ USB flash drives
○ optical discs (CDs, DVDs)
● Backing storage is typically slower than internal memory but has a larger capacity
● It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data when the computer is powered off

Differences between Backing Storage & Internal Memory

Backing Storage Internal Memory

Function Long-term storage of files, Temporary storage of data and essential

programs, and data instructions while the computer is running
 Examples HDD, SSD, USB flash RAM, ROM
drives, optical discs (CDs,
DVDs)

Access Slower Faster

Speed

Capacity Larger Smaller

Volatility Non-volatile (retains data when RAM: volatile, ROM: non-volatile

powered off)

Storage Media

Storage Examples Use Advantages Disadvantages

Media

Magneti Hard disks, Long-term data High Slower access time,

c Drives Magnetic tape storage, backup, and capacity, low moving parts,
archiving cost per GB
susceptible to magnets

Optical CD, DVD, Data storage, audio, Portable, Limited capacity,

Discs Blu-ray video, and software durable, low susceptible to scratches
cost
distribution

Solid-St Memory cards Fast data storage for Fast access More expensive,
ate (SD, xD, portable devices and time, no limited write cycles
Media modern computers moving parts
CFast), USB
Drives, Solid
State Drives
SUBJECT: ICT 0417 CLASS: YEAR 10 INTEGRATED DATE: 14/10/2024
FIRST TERM
WEEK: 9-10
TOPIC: DOCUMENT PRODUCTION
LESSON OBJECTIVES: At the end of the study, students will be able to;
Organize page layout
Set the page size and orientation

You may be presented with documents with different page layouts and given instructions to
reformat them. Do not assume that a document is already set as specified. If it is in text (.txt)
format, it will use the default settings of your word processor. If it is opened in rich text format
(.rtf) or was saved as a Word document, it will keep the settings used to save the file.

Set the page size

Select the Layout tab and in the Page Setup section click the left mouse button on the icon at the
bottom right corner of the box, to open the Page Setup window. This window can be used to
change the page size, orientation (to make the page tall or wide) and the page margins.

To change the paper size, click on the Paper tab. Find the Paper size: section and select A5 from
the drop-down list.

Set the page orientation

To change the page orientation, remain in the Page Setup window and select the Margins tab.
Find the Orientation section of the window. Click the left mouse button on the Landscape icon to
change from portrait to landscape.
Set the page margins

Remain in the Page Setup window and in the Margins tab. To set the top and bottom margins to
3 cm, select the Margins section. Either highlight the text within the Top: and Bottom: boxes and
type in the new values or use the scroll handles to change the values in each of the boxes.
Change the left and right margins to 3.5 cm using a similar method in the Left: and Right: boxes.
Click on OK.

The purpose of setting gutter margins

If the document is to be part of a bound book or booklet, a gutter will be needed. This is an area
outside the margins that is used to bind (glue or fasten) the book together. The gutter can be
placed to the left or top of the page, depending upon the type of binding to be used.

Set the gutter

Remain in the Page Setup window and in the Margins tab. The gutter is set in the same way, in
the Margins section of the window. In this case change the Gutter: size to 2 cm and the Gutter
Position: to Top. This is where the printed publication will be bound.

Edit headers and footers

Check the alignment of your headers and footers to the new page margins. You will notice that
changing the margins does not change the header and footer positions. The left margins are still
aligned as we would expect, but the centre tab stops and right tab stops are now in the wrong
position.
Because the width within the margins is now 14 cm, move the centre tab in the header to 7 cm
and the right tab stop to 14 cm. Use the methods learned in Section 13.3 to change the tab stops
in both the header and footer so that all text aligns to the page margins.

After doing this you can see a problem with the header and one with the footer. The header text
is in the gutter (where the pages would be glued or bound). To change the vertical alignment of
this header text, use the methods described above to open the Page Setup window and select the
Layout tab. In the From edge: section, Word has set the distance from the Header text to the top
of the page at 1.25 cm.

This is the default value on my computer, but the value shown on yours may differ. Take this
value and add the 2 cm depth of the gutter to it, so on my computer it will become 1.25 + 2 =
3.25. Enter the new value, either by typing it or using the small arrows at the side. The window
will change to look like this.

Click on OK. You will see the text in the header move down, out of the gutter area.

The text on the right in the footer is too long to fit into the space provided by the word processor,
so it has wrapped onto the next line. This is because a file name and file path are both required
and now that the page is A5 (which is half the size of A4) it does not fit. There are two ways to
solve this problem.

Change the font style

You can choose a narrower font face like Arial Narrow rather than Arial for sans-serif, or Bodini
MT Poster Compressed rather than Times New Roman for serif. Make this change to all the serif
or sans-serif style definitions so that it happens automatically. Although this may help, it may
also make the text very difficult to read, especially in a serif font.

Change the file name or path

Word has already attempted to split this onto a second line. It will only split filenames and paths
that contain spaces. Remove all the spaces from the filename and path to change it from this to
this. Changing the file name or path to make them shorter (but still meaningful) is the best
solution. Save the document. The finished footer may look like this.

The purpose of setting page, section and column breaks

As you have already studied widows and orphans in Chapter 15, they should always be avoided
when producing a document. Although (depending upon your word processor’s setup) automatic
widow and orphan control is often running in your word processor, there are times when they
need to be manually removed. They can be manually removed by inserting a page break, section
break or column break.

Page break

This forces the text onto the start of a new page, leaving white space at the end of the previous
page. It is particularly useful for removing widows and orphans from your document, although
Word will often do this for you.

Column break

A column break is used to force the text into the top of the next available column, which may be
on the same page or may be on the next page. This is also useful for removing widows and
orphans.

Section break

A section break is used to split areas of a document with different layouts. There are two types
of section break: one forces a page break as well as the change in layout and the other is a
continuous break, which allows different layouts on the same page.

Open the file saved in Task 17a. Remove the gutter margin by opening the Page Setup window,
in the Margins tab set the Gutter position: to 0. Use the Layout tab to change the header back to
1.25 cm from the page edge. Save the document as task17b. Move the cursor to the place where
the first break needs to be inserted. This will be just before the text ‘On Monday ...’. Because
this break will be the separator between two different types of layout (page 1 being portrait and
page 2 onwards being landscape), you need to insert a section break for a new page rather than
just a page break. To do this, select the Layout tab and click on the small down arrow next to the
Breaks icon. This drop-down list will appear. In Section Breaks, click the left mouse button on
Next Page.