Computer Systems

  My first ICT topic in this new school year is about computer systems. So far, I have learnt how to assemble a computer, install an operating system, and the basics on how a network works. These topics have taught me how the things we use everyday work.

Four Layer Model

      Before starting our topic we first had to learn about the four layer model. The outer layer is people because we are the ones that use computers. The next layer is network, because we use the internet almost everyday. This includes the internet, local network, domain name, IP address, and ping. The next layer is software, which is the operating system in a computer. This includes BIOS, operating system, and applications on a computer. The last layer is hardware. This is the parts inside a computer or laptop that keeps it running. Some examples include the CPU, motherboard, RAM, HDD, power supply, and the case.

The 6 Main Components of a Computer

This first picture shows the case. It is what keeps all the components together, and it also keeps away dirt from the inside parts.

The picture on the left shows the mother board. This is what keeps all of the computer's parts together (e.g. the CPU, RAM, etc.).

This picture shows the CPU(central processing unit). This is where all the date is processed. The speed of the computer depends on how fast the CPU runs. It pretty much is the computer.

This image shows the HDD(hard disk drive). It stores data. For example, if you save a document in a certain folder in your computer, it is stored in this harddrive.

This is the flash memory, commonly known as the RAM. Data is temporary stored in this memory for faster access. The bigger the size, the faster the computer runs.

This is the power supply. Power supply gets power from the wall socket and converts it to different voltage levels as required by different peripherals of the computer. 

Installing an Operating System

The logo on the right is the Ubuntu logo. This is a Linux based desktop operating system. An operating system is what runs your computer. Each group was given a CD and we had to install this software into a desktop computer to learn how to install an operating system.

Networking

    We first had to connect to a router using a RJ45 cable. A router is a distributor. It has the ability to connect several devices to a network. A RJ45 cable is a connecter used to connect a modem to a telephone network.
    We also learnt how to ping other computers. Ping is a utility which is used to question other computers in order to determine whether there is a connection. On a macbook, there is an application called terminal, which allows you to type commands to a computer. What you do to ping another computer is type ping and then the other computer's IP address. You can also ping websites. For example, if you want to ping google.com, you have to type ping and then google.com.

Personal Reflection

    I think that this ICT topic is very interesting. I get to learn that what I use every day is not as easy as it seems, but very complicated like when I open a new application on my computer, or when I type something in a Word document. I do get confused at some points, but I think I now have learnt most of it. So far, I have enjoyed my ICT lessons.