Basic concepts of computing

Full notes coming soon — here's what the syllabus covers for now:

• What are Information and Communication T echnologies (ICT s)?
• Define Information T echnology
• Explain what a computer is: Overview of a general model of a computer in terms of input, storage, processing, output and communication
• Overview and concepts of the main components of a computer system: should be presented in an integrated manner. Integrating the topics in the lesson presentation should flow naturally
• Hardware vs software
• Common/generic physical components of a home computer system: input (keyboard, mouse), storage (hard drive), processing (CPU and RAM), output (monitor, printer) and communication (modem/router)
• Common/generic non-physical components of a home computer system: system software (operating system) and application software
• Generic/common examples and uses due to the nature, links and ‘overlap’ of the content. Some content from one sub-topic may strengthen and underpin
• What are shareware, freeware, free open source software (FOSS), proprietary software?
• Concept of interdependency of hardware and software
• Types of computers: desktop, notebooks, netbooks, tablets, smart phones, server, embedded computers (microcontrollers): purpose and uses
• Differentiate between the types of computers in terms of primary uses, processing power and size
• Categorise computers/classification of computers in terms of portability/mobility, processing power and usage
• Advantages and disadvantages of using computers the content of another. This approach should be applied throughout the three-year curriculum. It is important that the specific technologies in the teaching plans are revised at regular intervals to phase out old technologies and to include new technologies. As the length of terms varies from one year to another, the teaching plan/work schedules should be adapted accordingly on a year-to-year basis.
• Explanation of and differentiation between data and information:
• Information processing cycle: input, processing, output, storage, communication
• Transition from raw data to processed/organised information
• Overview of uses and examples of information within an organisation
• Why is information useful?
• What is an ICT system?
• Overview of a general model of an ICT system: convey, manipulate and store data
• Example of an ICT system (familiar context, e.g. point-of-sales system, cell phones)