# ICT Basic

## Components of a Computer

1. **CPU**: Central Processing Unit - The "brain" of the computer that performs calculations and logic operations.
2. **RAM**: Random Access Memory - Temporary data storage that is faster to read and write compared to hard drives.
3. **Hard Drive**: Long-term data storage, can be HDD or SSD.
4. **Motherboard**: The main circuit board connecting all components.
5. **Power Supply**: Converts electrical power to a format suitable for the computer.
6. **GPU**: Graphics Processing Unit - Handles rendering images and videos.
7. **Input Devices**: Devices like keyboards, mice, and scanners for user input.
8. **Output Devices**: Devices like monitors, printers, and speakers for displaying output.
9. **Cooling System**: Fans or liquid cooling to maintain optimal temperature.
10. **Case**: Houses and protects the components.

## Input and Output Devices

### Input Devices
Input devices provide data and control signals to a computer. Examples include keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, joysticks, and microphones.

#### Types of Input Devices
- **Keyboards**: Text input
- **Mouse/Touchpad/Trackpoint**: Pointer navigation
- **Scanners**: Image input
- **Webcam/Cameras**: Video input
- **Microphone**: Audio input
- **Joystick**: Game control

### Output Devices
Output devices display or output data from a computer. Examples include monitors, printers, and speakers.

#### Types of Output Devices
- **Monitor**: Visual display
- **Speakers/Headphones**: Audio output
- **Printers**: Printed output

## Storage

### Units of Storage and Speed
- Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte
- RPM, Read/Write Speed

### Types of Storage
- **Magnetic Storage**: HDD
- **Optical**: CD, DVD
- **Solid State**: SSD

## Machine Language
- **Binary**: The basic language of computers, consisting of 0s and 1s.

## Networking

### Explain Protocols
- Rules governing data transfer

#### Types of Protocols
- **TCP**: Reliable data transfer
- **UDP**: Faster but less reliable
- **MAC Address**: Hardware identification
- **IP/DNS**: Internet addressing
- **Network Ports**: Data pathways
- **Subnetting**: Network segmentation
- **Firewall Usage**: Security measure
- **Other Protocols**: HTTP, FTP, SSH, TELNET
- **OSI Model**: 7-layer model for networking
- **VPNs**: Virtual Private Networks for secure communication

## Operating System
- **BIOS**: Basic Input/Output System, the firmware for initializing hardware.
- **File System**: Manages how files are stored and retrieved.
- **Kernel**: Core part of OS, manages system resources.
- **Drivers**: Software to interface with hardware.
- **Examples of Operating Systems**: Windows, macOS, Linux

## Troubleshooting 
 Read more on [troubleshoot.md](troubleshoot.md)