Theory Overview

Information Technology: Theory

The 4 parts of a computer system

Hover over pictures for details

Software

Hardware

Hardware and Software

Info

Info

2 Main Types of Software

Output Devices: transfer data or information from a computer to the user

• Printer, Monitor, Speakers & Headphones

Input Devices: transfer data/information into a computer from a user

• Keyboards, Mouse,

Input and Output Devices

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• Bit (x 8)

• Byte (x 1,024)

• Kilobyte(Kb) (x 1,024)

• Megabyte (Mb) (x 1,024)

• Gigabyte(Gb) (x 1,024)

• Terabyte (Tb)

Units of Digital Data

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) versus Solid State Drive (SSD)

A hard drive is a storage media that store information on a computer. It’s responsible for keeping your documents, music, videos, pictures, and even your operating system files. When the hard drive fails to work or gets damaged, you can lose all your precious data - so other storage back ups are a good idea!

• Cloud Storage

• DVD – R/RW

• USB Flash Drive

• SD Card

Storage Devices & Capacity

• ROM (Read Only Memory)

• Stores information that can only be read and never changed.

• Information like date/time, how to start up the computer etc. - loads the operating system and BIOS

• Much smaller than RAM.

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Main working storage area while a computer is working on a task.

• Only used while the computer is powered on. Erased when the computer is off.

• The average size nowadays is 8Gb of RAM on PC/laptops.

Memory- is

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A Folder is an electronic container in which related files and programs are stored on a computer. It can also hold other folders.

A File is the common storage unit in a computer. All data are "written" into a file and "read" from a file. – text, numbers, images or other objects

Files/Folders

• Microprocessor/ Microchip

• Located on the motherboard.

• Controls the main functions of the computer. The computer’s ‘brain’.

CPU

LAN Local Area Network

• Connects computers in a small area

e.g. home or small office WAN Wide Area Network

• Connects computers over a wider area

– even across the world.

A Network

• Where two or more computers are connected together

• Provide users with services such as printer-sharing, file-sharing and e-mail.

• Can be connected with cables or wirelessly

Computer Networks

It can be said that the internet is the world’s largest WAN because it’s the largest and most diverse form of a computer network in the world.

INTERNET

• Irish Data Protection Laws are in place to protects individuals personal information
• It helps to protect peoples privacy, especially now that technology has led to peoples information being widely available and shared

Irish Data Protection ActsWhat is it?

Info

GDPR- General Data Protection Regulation

• The most recent update to the law was GDPR, which came in to force in 2018, replacing the Data Protection Act from 1988

• GDPR applies to all of the EU and gives more rights to individuals and more responsibility to companies
• Under GDPR, companies can be fined large sums of money

• GDPR makes countries set up a Data Protection Commission to investigate breaches in the law

Read more

GDPR in Ireland

• Everyone has the right to know what data is being collected and for how long

• Everybody has the right to their data being kept confidentially

• Everybody has the right to access, correct or erase personal data held by an organisation about them

Data Protection ActRights of Data Subjects

• The company should have adequate security to protect the data held

• Only data that is relevant is to be stored

• Data that is lost and stolen must be reported to the Data Protection Commisioner

Data Protection ActResponsibilities of Data Controllers

5. ShoppingIn the past, people... Now... Example...

THEMS the answers

1. Travel
2. Health
3. Entertainment/Education
4. Money
5. Shopping

5 ways that information technology changed our lives